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Showing 127 of 127 peer-reviewed papers with full Graphical Abstracts.

Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604006• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic Regulation by Long- and Short-Chain Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecules Enhances Sulfamethoxazole Metabolism in Electroactive Biofilms within a Microbial Electrolysis Cell Coupled Anaerobic Digestion System

Authors: LONG Xi, ZHANG Baowen, TIAN Jing, XIONG Jianbing, SUN Wenyu, WANG Tao

High-strength sulfamethoxazole (SMX) wastewater severely inhibits anaerobic microorganisms, reducing organic degradation and methane yield. This study investigated the effects of short-chain (C6-HSL) and long-chain (C12-HSL) N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signaling molecules, individually and in combination, on the construction, performance, and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles of anaerobic electroactive biofilms within a microbial electrolysis cell coupled anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD) system. Compared to the control (no AHLs), SMX removal efficiency increased by 9.26%, 7.44%, and 10.67% for C6-HSL (T1), C12-HSL (T2), and combined (T3) treatments, respectively. Methane production rates rose by 20.4%, 16.9%, and 23.1% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. AHLs promoted extracellular polymeric substance secretion, enhancing electroactive microbe attachment to the anode. Microbial community analysis revealed increased diversity and modulated key functional genera. Notably, Georgenia abundance increased by 16.77% (T1) and 36.47% (T3) but decreased by 15.99% (T2). ARG analysis showed that single AHLs elevated intI1, sul1, and sul2 abundances, whereas combined AHLs (T3) exhibited a milder response, with sul2 abundance reduced by 4.92% relative to control. This suggests synergistic AHLs suppress ARG host proliferation. This study first demonstrates that combined short- and long-chain AHLs enhance electroactive biofilm formation, maintain microbial community stability, and modulate ARG dissemination risk, offering a quorum sensing-based strategy for antibiotic wastewater treatment and risk management.

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Synergistic Regulation by Long- and Short-Chain Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecules Enhances Sulfamethoxazole Metabolism in Electroactive Biofilms within a Microbial Electrolysis Cell Coupled Anaerobic Digestion System

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604007• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation of Solid-Phase Carbon Sources with Different Ratios and Their Carbon Release Properties

Authors: ZHU Shenghui, ZHOU Gang, ZHU Ye, MIAO Lingzhan, HOU Jun

Low C/N ratios in wastewater treatment plant effluent necessitate external carbon sources for denitrification, but conventional liquid carbon sources are costly and unstable. This study prepared nine composite solid-phase carbon sources by combining PHBV with natural cellulose materials (straw, sawdust, corncob) at different mass ratios. Dynamic release experiments, DOC analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and EEM fluorescence were employed to characterize carbon release. Results showed that increasing cellulose proportion in corncob-based sources led to release patterns opposite to those of straw- and sawdust-based sources. For straw and sawdust, higher cellulose ratios accelerated release rates, increased total release and duration, reduced aromaticity and molecular weight of released DOM, and promoted protein-like components (tryptophan, tyrosine), indicating enhanced bioavailability. Under identical ratios, corncob-based sources exhibited moderate total release, release durations exceeding 134 h, lower DOM aromaticity and molecular weight, and lower humic substance proportion, indicating superior bioavailability and engineering potential. Among the nine sources, JG5, MX5, and CC4 (PHBV:cellulose mass ratios of 4:5, 4:5, and 1:1, respectively) showed optimal comprehensive performance with low theoretical maximum release, long release periods, and high mass transfer coefficients. EEM-PARAFAC identified three DOM components (protein-like C1, C2; humic-like C3), with protein-like components dominating. This study validates the relationship between cellulose proportion and release kinetics and reveals synergistic regulation of DOM components, offering guidance for designing effective solid-phase carbon sources.

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Preparation of Solid-Phase Carbon Sources with Different Ratios and Their Carbon Release Properties

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604010• Jan 15, 2026

Enhancement of Anaerobic Digestion Operational Efficiency for Guar Gum Production Wastewater Using a Microaerobic-Biochar Coupled System

Authors: DONG Yuanyuan, YU Jianchang, SHAN Yu, XU Tian, BU Jiuhe, WANG Tao

Guar gum production wastewater contains 1,2-propanediol, which in conventional anaerobic treatment causes propionate accumulation and microbial inhibition. Microaerobic conditions foster fermentative bacterial metabolism, enhancing organic substrate conversion, while biochar promotes anaerobic microbial aggregation and oxygen tolerance. This study treated actual guar gum wastewater using three configurations: blank control, anaerobic, and microaerobic-biochar (O2/BC) coupled systems. Under mesophilic conditions (37 °C), with micro-aeration at 0.2 mL/(g VS·d) and biochar dosage of 15 g/L, the O2/BC system achieved a COD removal efficiency of 90%, 10.6 percentage points higher than the anaerobic control. Effluent COD and propionate concentrations dropped to 3800 mg/L and 0.15 g/L, respectively, representing reductions of 49.6% and 98.4% versus the control. Biogas production was 1.64 times that of the control, with a maximum methane concentration of 77.2%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated increased abundance of –OH, –CH2–, and C–O functional groups on sludge surfaces, revealing biochar's adsorption enhancement. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed dense microbial aggregates dominated by long bacilli, distinct from conventional anaerobic sludge. Microbial community analysis revealed increased abundance of Clostridium and Comamonas, modulating the propionate-to-acetate ratio and optimizing acidification efficiency, thereby promoting complex organic degradation. This study provides a novel technical pathway for biological treatment of alcohol-rich organic wastewater.

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Enhancement of Anaerobic Digestion Operational Efficiency for Guar Gum Production Wastewater Using a Microaerobic-Biochar Coupled System

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604001• Jan 15, 2026

Occurrence Characteristics, Source Apportionment, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Pesticides in Plateau Lakes: A Case Study of Dianchi Lake

Authors: WANG Jialin, ZHOU Lü, CHENG Chen, ZHOU Xun, LI Xinhua, LUO Jingyang, LIU Jianchao

This study systematically investigated the occurrence, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of 160 pesticides in Dianchi Lake, a typical plateau lake impacted by agricultural activities. A total of 37 pesticides were detected in the water, with total concentrations ranging from 64.2 to 1132.8 ng/L (average 610.0 ng/L). Fungicides, including boscalid (BOS), fluopicolide (FPC), and dimethomorph (DMM), were dominant, contributing up to 65.0% of the total concentration. Spatially, the southern lake region exhibited significantly higher concentrations (672.5 ng/L) than the north, attributed to intensive facility agriculture. Highly hydrophobic pesticides, such as penconazole (PEN), showed a tendency to enrich in bottom layers. Source apportionment identified inflowing rivers and wastewater treatment plant effluents as primary input sources, with average concentrations 7 and 9 times higher than lake water, respectively. Ecological risk assessment revealed that pesticides posed the highest risk to algae, followed by daphnia and fish. Prometryn (PMT) was identified as a high-risk factor for algae, while profenofos (PFF) and carbendazim (CBD) posed potential threats to higher trophic levels. These findings provide fundamental data and technical support for understanding pesticide pollution in plateau lake ecosystems.

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Occurrence Characteristics, Source Apportionment, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Pesticides in Plateau Lakes: A Case Study of Dianchi Lake

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604009• Jan 15, 2026

Microbiome Mechanisms of Composite Carbon Sources for Enhancing Denitrification and Reducing N2O Emissions

Authors: LIU Yilin, XU Yunrong, LIANG Yunyao, XIE Xiaojing, ZHENG Haixin, YUAN Jing, CHEN Liping, WEI Chaohai, QIU Guanglei

Biological nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is often limited by insufficient influent carbon sources, necessitating external carbon addition to enhance denitrification. Conventional single carbon sources, such as sodium acetate, frequently fail to meet the metabolic demands of complex microbial communities, compromising nitrogen removal efficiency and stability. Composite carbon sources, by providing multiple electron donors, can improve metabolic cooperation among microorganisms, yet their underlying microbial mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. In this study, activated sludge from a municipal WWTP was used to investigate the microbial mechanisms of composite carbon sources during denitrification. Batch denitrification experiments were conducted in combination with metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to systematically characterize microbial community structure and functional gene expression under different carbon source conditions. Results showed that, compared with sodium acetate as the single carbon source, the composite carbon source system (sodium acetate: sodium succinate: ethanol = 2:1:3) increased the denitrification rate from (6.822 ± 0.141) mg/(L·h) to (8.370 ± 0.186) mg/(L·h), representing a 22.7% improvement, while reducing N2O accumulation by approximately 55%. Metagenomic analysis revealed that Ottowia, Rubrivivax, Thauera, and Zoogloea were the dominant denitrifying genera. Metatranscriptomic results further demonstrated that the composite carbon sources significantly upregulated the transcription of key denitrification genes, with nirS, norB, and nosZ increasing by 37.8%, 27.4%, and 48.6%, respectively. In addition, the composite carbon sources promoted complementary carbon metabolic strategies among different microbial communities, enhancing electron donor supply and improving denitrification efficiency. These findings indicate that composite carbon sources synergistically enhance denitrification performance through regulation of functional gene transcription in complex microbial communities, providing a theoretical basis for carbon source optimization in WWTPs.

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Microbiome Mechanisms of Composite Carbon Sources for Enhancing Denitrification and Reducing N2O Emissions

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604004• Jan 15, 2026

Key Environmental Behaviors and Pollution Control Strategies of Tire Wear Particles in Aquatic Environments

Authors: YU Yirui, WEI Jin, WEI Yongping, WEI Zhenlei, LIU Jun, LI Keyan, ZHANG Xianbing

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are emerging pollutants and constitute the dominant type of microplastics (MPs) in urban stormwater runoff, accounting for up to 90% of MPs in some cases. They are characterized by small size, high mobility, complex composition, and significant toxicity. Current research on TWPs remains fragmented, lacking a comprehensive understanding of their environmental behaviors and pollution control in aquatic systems. This review systematically analyzes the enrichment and vectoring roles of TWPs for coexisting pollutants, and their environmental fate, including ecotoxicological impacts, detection methodologies, release of intrinsic additives, and aggregation and sedimentation behaviors. Drawing on insights from other microplastic studies, the paper explores control technologies across the pollution pathway—source, transport, and terminal treatment—and proposes feasible management strategies. Key findings indicate that TWPs can adsorb heavy metals and organic contaminants, with adsorption capacities influenced by aging processes. Their aggregation is governed by solution chemistry, with critical coagulation concentrations varying with ionic strength and pH. The release of additives such as zinc and benzothiazoles is significant, posing ecological risks. Future research should focus on real-water aggregation mechanisms, additive release under natural conditions, long-term performance of treatment facilities like constructed wetlands under TWPs stress, enzymatic degradation pathways, and integration of AI, big data, and IoT for cost-effective detection and risk modeling. This review provides a scientific basis for developing targeted pollution control measures for TWPs in aquatic environments.

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Key Environmental Behaviors and Pollution Control Strategies of Tire Wear Particles in Aquatic Environments

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604011• Jan 15, 2026

Spatial Heterogeneity of Reverse Osmosis Membrane Fouling During Long-Term Reclaimed Water Treatment: A 3.5-Year Field Study

Authors: LIU Jin, LI Yawen, LI Jiayang, ZHOU Yifan, CHEN Chen, MA Liyuan, SHANG Xingying

Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane fouling remains a critical bottleneck in reclaimed water production, yet its spatial heterogeneity over extended operation is poorly understood. This study investigated fouling characteristics and microbial community dynamics on RO membranes after 3.5 years of operation in a full-scale microfiltration-reverse osmosis (MF-RO) system treating reclaimed water. Long-term monitoring showed stable effluent quality (turbidity <0.1 NTU, conductivity <400 μS/cm), but RO inlet pressure exhibited seasonal fluctuations of 15%–22% between summer and winter, attributed to water viscosity changes. Membrane autopsies revealed distinct fouling layers at the inlet (RO1) and outlet (RO2) ends. RO1 featured a dense bio-inorganic composite fouling layer with CaSO4 crystals and rod-shaped microbial aggregates (5–10 μm), dominated by Proteobacteria (77.11%), particularly Alphaproteobacteria (71.49%) and Xanthobacteraceae (35.29%), which secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to form biofilms. In contrast, RO2, exposed to higher salinity, showed reduced microbial abundance (Proteobacteria decreased to 64.79%) and a shift toward halotolerant taxa, including Microbacteriaceae (23.73%) and Actinobacteriota (24.76%), with EPS secretion increased by 42%. Alphaproteobacteria relative abundance dropped by 19.3%, while Gammaproteobacteria rose to 12.54%. These findings elucidate salinity-driven microbial succession and spatial heterogeneity of fouling, providing a basis for targeted antifouling strategies and 'zonal-graded' cleaning protocols in reclaimed water plants.

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Spatial Heterogeneity of Reverse Osmosis Membrane Fouling During Long-Term Reclaimed Water Treatment: A 3.5-Year Field Study

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604003• Jan 15, 2026

Non-targeted Analysis of Emerging Contaminant Characteristics and Distribution Differences in Wastewater from a Metro Maintenance Depot

Authors: PAN Jihao, LIU Zhiying, ZHOU Zailing, WU Rongchu, CHEN Zhenguo, QIU Guanglei

Emerging contaminants (ECs) in wastewater from urban transportation infrastructure remain poorly characterized. This study employed high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based non-target screening to systematically identify the composition and spatial distribution of ECs in wastewater from three functional zones of a metro maintenance depot: storeroom (S1), office/residential area (S2), and final discharge outlet (S3). A total of 417 contaminants were detected, spanning eight categories including industrial materials, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and natural products. Among these, 48 substances were identified with Level 1 confidence via spectral matching. Pesticides exhibited the highest detection frequency and concentration levels, representing the primary contaminant load. Semi-quantitative concentration heatmaps of 24 pesticides revealed significant spatial variation: S2 showed the highest number and concentration of contaminants, reflecting inputs from landscaping and vector control; S1 and S3 showed lower levels, indicating dilution, migration, and attenuation. Representative pesticide bifenox displayed a clear concentration gradient (S2 > S1 > S3), suggesting transport mechanisms such as surface runoff, hydraulic transfer, and sorption. These findings underscore the complexity and diversity of EC sources in metro depot wastewater, highlight the need to prioritize pesticides in regulatory management, and provide fundamental data for understanding EC environmental behavior and informing water environment risk assessment.

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Non-targeted Analysis of Emerging Contaminant Characteristics and Distribution Differences in Wastewater from a Metro Maintenance Depot

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604005• Jan 15, 2026

Effects of Exogenous Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Exposure on Wheat Seedling Growth and Its Root Endophytes and Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities

Authors: ZHANG Chongmiao, SUN Shijing, LI Yongqiang, LIU An

To elucidate the effects of exogenous antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) exposure on wheat growth and associated bacterial community assembly, the inhibitory impacts of exogenous ARB on wheat seedling root and shoot length, shifts in root endophytic and rhizosphere bacterial communities, and the horizontal transfer of exogenous antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to indigenous endophytic bacteria were investigated using plate culture counting and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that exogenous ARB exposure significantly suppressed wheat seedling root and shoot growth, with inhibition rates increasing in an ARB concentration-dependent manner. At an exogenous ARB concentration of 108 CFU/mL, the inhibition rates of seedling root and shoot length reached 68.83% and 36.87%, respectively. During the period of ARB exposure, the relative abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_5 in root endophytic bacteria increased rapidly, becoming the most dominant genus (45.02%) by the end of the exposure period. In contrast, Betaproteobacteriales remained the dominant order in the rhizosphere bacterial community throughout the experiment, with its relative abundance increasing continuously over time. The proportion of ARB-carrying endophytic bacteria initially decreased and then increased during exposure, showing a significant positive correlation with the relative abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_5, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Bacillus, and Paenibacillus (P<0.05). In summary, exogenous ARB exposure significantly inhibits wheat seedling growth and alters the community structure of both root endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria. Sustained ARB exposure leads to the transfer of exogenous ARGs to root endophytes, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto species may act as potential hosts for ARGs in wheat seedling roots.

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Effects of Exogenous Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Exposure on Wheat Seedling Growth and Its Root Endophytes and Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604002• Jan 15, 2026

Determination of 22 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Surface Water by Solid-Phase Extraction with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Authors: TANG Shi, SUN Tao, SUN Pan, CHEN Jie

A robust analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 22 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface water using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). To address the loss of particle-bound PFAS, the method incorporates a methanol extraction step for particulate matter retained on filters, followed by combining the extract with the filtrate. Samples were then concentrated and purified using weak anion exchange (WAX) solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. After nitrogen evaporation, the residue was reconstituted in methanol/water (8:2, v/v) and filtered prior to analysis. Quantification was performed using isotope dilution. The method exhibited excellent linearity (R² > 0.995) over a concentration range of 1–250 µg/L. Method detection limits ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 ng/L, and method quantification limits from 0.8 to 2.4 ng/L. Recoveries in blank water and surface water matrices were 85.3%–139% and 76.4%–127%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSD, n=6) below 15%. Compared to conventional methods without particulate extraction, this approach significantly improved recovery rates in surface water, effectively eliminating negative bias caused by particle adsorption. The method is sensitive, accurate, and reliable, making it suitable for routine monitoring of PFAS in surface water.

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Determination of 22 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Surface Water by Solid-Phase Extraction with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604008• Jan 15, 2026

A Pilot-Scale Study on Iron-Driven Autotrophic Denitrification Enhanced by CF-Fe-CS Cathode for Low C/N Wastewater Treatment

Authors: LÜ Tonghui, AN Facai, SUN Dezhi

Municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent in China typically exhibits a low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, necessitating substantial external carbon addition for conventional heterotrophic denitrification, which incurs high costs and secondary pollution risks. Nitrate-dependent ferrous oxidation (NDFO) offers a promising alternative, yet suffers from unsustainable iron sources and surface passivation. This study constructed a pilot-scale electrochemical-biological coupled system (CF-Fe-CS/NAFO) with an effective volume of 200 L and a treatment capacity of 100 L/d, incorporating a composite cathode (5% apparent filling rate of carbon felt-iron-chitosan, CF-Fe-CS). A constant potential of -1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was applied to the cathode to achieve in-situ electrochemical reduction of Fe(III). During stable operation from day 16 to 60 with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 48 h and synthetic influent containing 15 mg/L NO3-N, effluent NO3-N remained below 6.5 mg/L, achieving total nitrogen (TN) removal of 50-60%, whereas the control reactor (no applied potential) exhibited effluent NO3-N above 12 mg/L and TN removal below 20%. From day 61 to 74, treating real secondary sedimentation tank effluent (influent NO3-N: 15.29 mg/L), the system reduced effluent NO3-N to 6.06 mg/L, maintaining TN removal above 50%. From day 74 to 98, as HRT was sequentially reduced from 48 h to 24, 12, 6, and 3 h, effluent NO3-N increased to 9.5, 11.9, 13.6, and 14.6 mg/L, with TN removal efficiencies of 32.6%, 19.9%, 10.9%, and 5.8%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the CF-Fe-CS/NAFO system achieves long-term, stable, advanced nitrogen removal from WWTP secondary effluent without external organic carbon.

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A Pilot-Scale Study on Iron-Driven Autotrophic Denitrification Enhanced by CF-Fe-CS Cathode for Low C/N Wastewater Treatment

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604012• Jan 15, 2026

Design and Operational Performance of a Modified Bardenpho Process in a Wastewater Treatment Plant

Authors: LIN Lifeng, WANG Long, JIANG Luman

A newly constructed wastewater treatment plant with a design capacity of 100,000 m3/d receives influent containing approximately 15% industrial wastewater, resulting in water quality and quantity fluctuation coefficients of 1.2–1.5, refractory organic matter (as COD) exceeding 35% of total COD, and a total nitrogen (TN) concentration up to 55 mg/L. To ensure stable effluent compliance and enhance shock resistance, a modified Bardenpho process was implemented, integrating multi-point influent distribution, post-anoxic and post-aerobic zones, and supplemented with an equalization basin, high-efficiency sedimentation tank, and denitrifying deep-bed filter. During commissioning and operation, the process achieved average removal efficiencies of 96.10% for COD, 98.24% for NH3-N, 83.89% for TN, and 98.29% for TP. Effluent concentrations stabilized at 15.4 mg/L COD, 0.57 mg/L NH3-N, 7.94 mg/L TN, and 0.12 mg/L TP, consistently meeting the Class 1A standard of GB 18918—2002. The modified Bardenpho process demonstrates strong adaptability and stability for treating wastewater with high nitrogen and refractory organic loads, improving carbon source utilization and reducing energy consumption. Design parameters and operational experience provide valuable references for similar municipal plants, particularly those receiving significant industrial wastewater fractions.

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Design and Operational Performance of a Modified Bardenpho Process in a Wastewater Treatment Plant

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604013• Jan 15, 2026

Enhanced Treatment of Reclaimed Water Using Functional Manganese-Sand Media in Constructed Wetlands

Authors: XU Bin, LIU Xiaoyu, GAO Mengjia, ZHAO Wei, LIU Hao, LIU Li, CHANG Feng, BI Xuejun, CAI Yan'an

Reclaimed water serves as an alternative water source for replenishing natural water bodies, yet residual pollutants pose ecological risks. A pilot-scale hybrid vertical flow constructed wetland filled with manganese ore sand, quartz sand, and cobblestones was operated for approximately 140 days to assess nutrient and organic matter removal, ecotoxicity, and the suitability of manganese sand as a functional medium. Influent concentrations were up to 0.4 mg/L ammonia, 0.2 mg/L phosphate, 8 mg/L nitrate, and 30 mg/L COD. After 2–3 months of operation, ammonia and phosphate removal efficiencies exceeded 90% and 80%, respectively. Average reductions for nitrate and COD were 0.67 mg/L and 4.2 mg/L. Manganese sand enhanced organic decomposition, reducing maximum 3D fluorescence intensity by 26%, humic substances by 48%, UV254 by 38%, and achieving 70.8% removal of four target antibiotics. Purified water exhibited no significant genotoxicity, with micronucleus rates approaching tap water levels, and non-concentrated samples showed no acute biotoxicity. However, concentrated samples displayed acute toxicity, suggesting different causative pollutants for genotoxicity and acute toxicity. The study supports manganese sand as an effective medium for improving reclaimed water quality and controlling ecological risks.

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Enhanced Treatment of Reclaimed Water Using Functional Manganese-Sand Media in Constructed Wetlands

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604014• Jan 15, 2026

CFD-Based Investigation of Ice Slurry Pigging and Optimization of Cleaning Parameters

Authors: LI Ziyi, TAO Hui, ZHU Qixuan, SHEN Zhouwei, TANG Yangyang, LIN Tao

Ice slurry pigging is an emerging technology for cleaning water supply pipelines, yet quantitative understanding of its cleaning mechanisms and optimal operating conditions remains limited. This study developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model integrating the kinetic theory of granular flows (KTGF), the Euler-Euler method, and the shear stress transport (SST) model to simulate ice slurry flow and wall shear stress distribution. The model was validated against experimental data, showing a 6.4% error in particle concentration distribution, a 3.3% average error in solid-phase velocity in the mainstream region, and a pressure drop error within 20%. A total of 125 simulations were performed under varying initial concentrations (20%–60%), particle diameters (0.3–1.0 mm), and flow velocities (0.2–1.0 m/s). Results indicate that higher initial concentrations (60%) achieve effective cleaning of both upper and lower pipe walls, with an effective shear stress ratio of 77.39%. Larger particles exhibit pronounced upward movement, increasing non-uniformity in solid distribution. Flow velocity is the dominant factor affecting wall shear stress; at 1.0 m/s, the effective shear stress ratio reaches 83.16%. The optimal parameters for cumulative shear stress were identified as 50% initial concentration, 0.5 mm particle diameter, and 1.0 m/s flow velocity, yielding an average cumulative shear stress of 11.59 Pa·s. For effective cumulative shear stress, the same parameters produced 9.89 Pa·s, while the highest effective shear stress ratio (88.50%) was achieved with 0.3 mm particles at 1.0 m/s and 50% concentration. This research provides theoretical guidance for ice slurry pigging operations in water supply pipelines.

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CFD-Based Investigation of Ice Slurry Pigging and Optimization of Cleaning Parameters

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604015• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation of Microemulsion and Its In-Situ Oil Removal Performance on Oily Sludge from Shale Gas Drilling Platforms

Authors: HE Linglin, LIAO Song, ZHAO Ziyu, ZHAO Mengting, GAO Wen, WANG Wei, LIU Shengyu

Shale gas extraction generates hazardous oily sludge, necessitating effective in-situ treatment. Microemulsion technology offers low energy consumption, cost efficiency, and high oil removal without heating. This study investigates single-surfactant microemulsions using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS), and composite microemulsions with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). Phase behavior and effects of surfactant, alcohol, and salt concentrations on oil removal were examined. Optimal single formulations achieved removal rates of 86.33% for SDS (SDS:alcohol:NaCl = 2.72%:13.21%:2.17% mass ratio) and 87.45% for AOS (SDS:alcohol:NaCl = 2.72%:15.41%:2.17%). SDS microemulsions showed superior phase stability despite slightly lower removal efficiency. Composite SDS-Na2SiO3 microemulsion achieved 92.47% oil removal, outperforming single systems, and could be recycled five times while meeting national secondary reuse standards. AOS-Na2SiO3 exhibited better salt resistance, whereas SDS-Na2SiO3 showed better alcohol resistance. This work provides a novel approach for in-situ oily sludge treatment.

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Preparation of Microemulsion and Its In-Situ Oil Removal Performance on Oily Sludge from Shale Gas Drilling Platforms

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604027• Jan 15, 2026

CO Emission Factors of Typical Magnesia Production Processes

Authors: LÜ Chen, WANG Huili, LU Yong, CAI Bofeng

Magnesia production processes generate carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, yet publicly available measured data on CO emission factors for these processes remain scarce, constraining the accuracy of emission accounting and mitigation assessment in the industry. To address this data gap, this study selected three representative magnesia-producing enterprises in Anshan, Liaoning Province, China, covering three typical technological routes: the two-stage calcination process (light burning-briquetting-shaft kiln dead burning), the suspension calcination-dead burning sintering process, and the electric arc furnace melting process. Under the condition that enterprises were not equipped with online CO monitoring modules, an estimation approach coupling manual measurements with conventional indicators from the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) was developed. By establishing characteristic concentration ratios between CO and nitrogen oxides (NOx) or particulate matter (PM), and combining them with annual CEMS monitoring data, product-level CO emission factors were calculated. The results showed that the CO emission factors for the two-stage calcination process, the suspension calcination–dead burning sintering process, and the electric arc furnace melting process were 5.35, 5.18, and 1.40 kg/t, respectively, among which the emission level of the electric arc furnace melting process was significantly lower than that of sintering-based processes. This study provides enterprise-level measured CO parameters for the magnesia industry, filling the data gap in emission factors for typical technological routes. It also proposes an emission factor estimation method applicable under conditions where online CO monitoring data are unavailable, which can provide methodological support for pollutant emission accounting and emission inventory development in similar data-constrained industries.

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CO Emission Factors of Typical Magnesia Production Processes

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604023• Jan 15, 2026

Synthesis of A- and H-type Zeolites from Fly Ash and Their Adsorption Mechanisms for SO2, CO2, and NO

Authors: DAI Ruijia, ZHAO Yongqi, DOU Jinxiao, YU Jianglong

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, poses severe environmental challenges. This study synthesizes A- and H-type zeolites from fly ash via hydrothermal treatment and evaluates their adsorption performance for low-concentration acidic gases (SO2, CO2, NO) at 1000 mg/m3. The zeolites exhibited pore sizes of 3–5 nm, with specific surface areas of 18.59 m2/g (A-type) and 22.32 m2/g (H-type). At 20 °C, A-type zeolite achieved maximum saturated adsorption capacities of 1.07 mmol/g for SO2, 0.26 mmol/g for CO2, and 0.048 mmol/g for NO; H-type zeolite showed higher capacities: 1.12, 0.29, and 0.053 mmol/g, respectively. In-situ DRIFTS revealed that T–O (T=Si/Al) groups serve as key active sites, with adsorption energies for A-type zeolite calculated as -5.11 kJ/mol (SO2), -4.07 kJ/mol (CO2), and -1.41 kJ/mol (NO). Kinetic analysis indicated conformity to the Arrhenius equation. The results demonstrate that fly ash-based zeolites are promising adsorbents for acidic gas removal, with H-type outperforming A-type due to larger surface area and more silanol sites. This work provides a theoretical basis for utilizing fly ash in gas purification, contributing to the circular economy.

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Synthesis of A- and H-type Zeolites from Fly Ash and Their Adsorption Mechanisms for SO2, CO2, and NO

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604022• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic Benefits of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Mitigation from Converting Food Waste into Carbon Sources for Wastewater Treatment Plants

Authors: SHEN Guiyan, WEI Wei, XIAO Xiong, HUANG Jingjie, JIAO Xudong, DU Huanzheng, ZHANG Li, YUAN Wenyi, WANG Tao

The resource utilization of food waste contributes to reducing environmental pollution, driving nutrient cycling and biomass energy development, and promoting the resource recycling industry, achieving a win-win outcome for environment and economy. This study evaluated the resource recovery performance and environmental impacts of producing carbon sources for wastewater treatment through hydrolysis and acidification of food waste, comparing with two conventional alternatives: anaerobic fermentation and incineration. Results showed that among the three technologies, hydrolysis for carbon source production ranked middle in resource recycling efficiency, but its environmental benefits were superior to incineration and anaerobic fermentation. The hydrolysis process did not produce additional wastewater requiring treatment, and its greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation intensity were relatively low, at -40.7 kg CO2-eq/t and 9.3%, respectively. Carbon sources derived from food waste can replace commercial alternatives, reducing wastewater treatment costs and promoting synergies between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Sensitivity analysis revealed that water content in food waste significantly influences solid impurity generation and energy recovery efficiency of hydrolysis technology. In regions with high food waste generation and carbon source demand, hydrolysis technology is recommended to facilitate large-scale synergistic treatment of wastewater and food waste.

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Synergistic Benefits of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Mitigation from Converting Food Waste into Carbon Sources for Wastewater Treatment Plants

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604024• Jan 15, 2026

Enhanced Sludge Dewatering Efficiency and Mechanism of MnFe2O4/BC-Activated PMS

Authors: YOU Kun, LIU Juntong, WANG Zinan, ZHAO Jingrui

To enhance sludge dewatering efficiency, an MnFe2O4/BC/PMS system was constructed for sludge disintegration. Single-factor and multi-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of MnFe2O4/BC (MFB) dosage, PMS dosage, and reaction time on sludge dewatering performance, establishing the optimal process parameters and the primary-secondary relationships among environmental factors. Active species identification in the MnFe2O4/BC/PMS system revealed the main free radicals responsible for sludge disintegration and the primary pathways of EPS breakdown. Results showed that the influence order of environmental factors on sludge moisture content (Wc) and total organic carbon (TOC) was MFB > PMS > reaction time, while the interaction effects followed MFB-PMS > PMS-reaction time > MFB-reaction time. Optimal dewatering occurred at MFB dosage of 132.99 mg/g DS, PMS dosage of 421.80 mg/g DS, and 18 min reaction time, achieving Wc of 45.8% and TOC of 489.2 mg/L. The ·OH and SO4−· radicals released from MnFe2O4/BC-activated PMS oxidized protein main chains, causing peptide chain breakage. This primarily reduced protein content in sludge from 174.6 mg/L to 75.7 mg/L, with TB-EPS protein content decreasing from 91.8 mg/L to 36.3 mg/L, thereby reducing EPS hydrophilicity and improving sludge dewatering efficiency.

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Enhanced Sludge Dewatering Efficiency and Mechanism of MnFe2O4/BC-Activated PMS

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604016• Jan 15, 2026

River Health Assessment and Control Countermeasures for the Lower Yellow River in Henan

Authors: WANG Wanwan, LIANG Shuai, CAO Yongtao, ZHANG Zhanshuo, TIAN Shimin, LIU Bairan

River and lake health assessment is an important technical means to evaluate the health status of rivers and lakes, scientifically analyze river and lake problems, and strengthen the implementation of the river and lake head system. Based on the Guidelines for River and Lake Health Assessment (Trial) and the characteristics and actual basin conditions of the lower Yellow River in Henan, this study determined the river health evaluation index system for this reach. Through collection of basic data and special investigations and monitoring, the health status in 2020 was evaluated from four criteria layers: 'basin', 'water', biology, and social service function. The overall score was 83.4, corresponding to a 'healthy' grade. The four criteria layer scores were 73.7, 95.0, 62.1, and 95.5, respectively. The evaluation identified main problems including low aquatic biodiversity, suboptimal shoreline conditions, and pressure on water supply security. Corresponding governance and protection measures were proposed, such as strengthening ecological protection, improving river regulation works, enhancing shoreline management, and upgrading water diversion facilities. The results provide scientific basis for river health management and the implementation of the river chief system in the lower Yellow River.

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River Health Assessment and Control Countermeasures for the Lower Yellow River in Henan

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604021• Jan 15, 2026

Numerical Simulation Study of a Novel Pulse-Jet Cleaning Blowpipe for Cartridge Filters

Authors: GU Dongrui, DENG Zhihua

A novel pulse-jet cleaning blowpipe was designed and numerically investigated to enhance the cleaning performance of cartridge filters. The blowpipe has an inner diameter of 40 mm and a total length of 660 mm, with 6 mm diameter orifices spaced at 110 mm intervals along its circumference. These orifices direct high-pressure gas jets directly onto the inner wall of the filter cartridge, achieving cleaning through combined impact force and static pressure. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed under a pulse pressure of 0.3 MPa. Pressure contour maps of longitudinal and cross-sections were analyzed at various time points and blowing distances. Total pressure, dynamic pressure, and static pressure peaks were monitored at four key locations: directly in front of orifices, between front orifices, at side orifices, and between side orifices. Results indicate that the system reaches a stable state at 60 ms, significantly shortening the cleaning cycle. The highest total pressure peak (3939.22 Pa) occurs directly in front of the orifices, while the lowest static pressure peak (-134.23 Pa) is observed at side orifices, where dynamic pressure reaches a maximum, contributing to cleaning effectiveness. The cleaning intensity is superior in the upper part of the filter cartridge compared to the lower part, and side orifices exhibit better uniformity than front orifices. Compared to conventional nozzles and built-in rotators, the novel blowpipe demonstrates improved cleaning performance and uniformity, though challenges remain for complete upper-section cleaning.

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Numerical Simulation Study of a Novel Pulse-Jet Cleaning Blowpipe for Cartridge Filters

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604017• Jan 15, 2026

Multi-Scenario Simulation of Water Yield Services in the Shule River Basin Based on Climate and Land Use Changes

Authors: SHI Peng, JIA Yiyang, ZHOU Dongmei, JIANG Jing, MA Jing, ZHU Xiaoyan, ZHANG Jun

The Shule River Basin, a typical arid inland river basin, faces critical water scarcity that threatens ecological security and sustainable development. This study integrated the FLUS and InVEST models to simulate water yield in 2030 and 2050 under three climate scenarios (SSP119, SSP245, SSP585). Geographic detectors quantified the driving mechanisms of natural and human factors. Results showed: (1) Desert dominates land use (78.6% in 2020). Under SSP119, desert area decreases by 0.69% by 2050, while under SSP585 it expands by 5.7%, with grassland loss of 23.0%, indicating severe ecological degradation. (2) Water yield exhibits a south-high, north-low spatial pattern, with high values in glacier-covered and high-altitude areas. SSP119 yields the most significant increase (147.6×10^8 t by 2050), whereas SSP585 shows minimal increase (43.9×10^8 t) due to extreme climate. (3) Precipitation and DEM are core driving factors; the interaction between land use type and precipitation has the strongest influence, implying that artificial land use changes can significantly regulate water yield. This multi-scenario framework provides decision support for water resource management and ecological governance in arid inland river basins.

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Multi-Scenario Simulation of Water Yield Services in the Shule River Basin Based on Climate and Land Use Changes

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604018• Jan 15, 2026

Analysis of Exhaust Gas Dispersion Patterns and Design of High-Efficiency Gas Collection Systems in Semi-Steel Tire Vulcanization Production Lines

Authors: YAN Zimeng, DANG Xiaoqing, ZHENG Huachun, JI Shuo, QU Jiaxin, HAN Wei, WANG Leifeng, ZHANG Chunhui

To address the issues of high air volume and unorganized emissions of waste gas in semi-steel vulcanization production lines, a combined approach of experimental testing and numerical simulation was employed to study the diffusion characteristics of VOCs-containing waste gas and the air volume of the collection system. The structure of the semi-enclosed hood was optimized, and pipe diameters were adjusted to achieve negative pressure balance, enabling efficient waste gas collection. Results showed that toluene concentration distributions from numerical simulation were largely consistent with experimental measurements, with a maximum average error of -3.9%. Existing hood inlet wind speeds ranged from 0.04 to 0.2 m/s, indicating uneven distribution. Under calm wind conditions, toluene diffusion in enclosed and semi-enclosed hoods was similar, with concentrations of 248 mg/m³ and 115 mg/m³, respectively, and deposition observed in trenches. For a single vulcanizer, at a design air volume of 2700 m³/h, the enclosed hood achieved a toluene concentration of 80 mg/m³ versus 63 mg/m³ for the semi-enclosed hood, demonstrating superior capture of hot fumes. Optimizing the semi-enclosed hood with soft curtains and a height of 1200 mm, at a total design air volume of 1.0×10⁵ m³/h, yielded an average hood inlet velocity of 0.35 m/s but still uneven distribution. Adding 900 mm gradual reducers and adjusting branch pipe diameters resulted in total air volume deviations of -0.44% and 0.38% for branches I and II, respectively, with individual hood deviations below 10%. This achieved negative pressure balance, effective collection, and improved workshop hygiene.

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Analysis of Exhaust Gas Dispersion Patterns and Design of High-Efficiency Gas Collection Systems in Semi-Steel Tire Vulcanization Production Lines

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604025• Jan 15, 2026

A Multi-Pollutant Time-Series Prediction Model Based on Long Short-Term Memory Networks

Authors: ZHOU Yongquan, ZHUANG Jiawei, WANG Chuan, OUYANG Chuang, ZHAO Chunlong, LIN Kunsen, ZHAO Youcai

To meet the minute-level early-warning requirements for odor and multi-pollutant emissions at waste treatment facilities, this study proposed a multivariate short-term time-series prediction framework applicable to multi-tier scenarios covering source and boundary points (i.e., workshops and plant boundaries). Based on continuous online monitoring data with a 5-second resolution, a long short-term memory (LSTM) model using a sliding-window and recursive multi-step prediction strategy was constructed to jointly model odor concentration (OU) and pollutants including VOCs, NH3, H2S, and CH3SH (mg/m³). An evaluation protocol aligned with environmental supervision practice was established, incorporating mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), goodness-of-fit (R²), skill scores (SS) relative to a persistence baseline, and threshold-based error stratification to characterize uncertainty during peak emission periods. The results showed that at workshop monitoring sites with relatively stable operating conditions, VOCs, NH3, H2S, and CH3SH exhibited a high goodness of fit and low prediction errors. In contrast, at boundary sites affected by plume arrival delays and diffusion-dilution non-stationarity, OU and VOCs displayed significantly amplified errors during peak episodes, and the skill score advantage over the baseline became unstable at certain sites. Stratified analysis consistently revealed that non-peak periods outperformed peak periods, indicating that event-driven fluctuations were the main sources of error. Accordingly, this study suggested incorporating exogenous variables such as wind speed and direction, ventilation and gate access control, and operational rhythms, along with peak-sensitive loss functions, into the model to enhance its capacity to characterize and provide early warnings for transient emission pulses. Overall, this study established a reusable methodological baseline and evaluation paradigm for minute-scale multi-pollutant prediction, providing quantitative support for the operational management and source-to-boundary coordinated control of waste treatment facilities.

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A Multi-Pollutant Time-Series Prediction Model Based on Long Short-Term Memory Networks

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604019• Jan 15, 2026

Simultaneous Removal of Fine Particles and VOCs by a Two-Stage Electrostatic Precipitator Based on Sawtooth-Rod Electrode Discharge Charging

Authors: ZHAI Yicong, WANG Hongchang, JIANG Nan, SHENG Zunrong, LI Jie

A two-stage electrostatic precipitator (ESP) integrating a sawtooth-rod electrode precharging unit and a plate-plate collection unit was developed for simultaneous removal of fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from catering fumes. Using KCl particles and toluene as surrogates, the system achieved a fine particle (<0.3 µm) collection efficiency of 91% and a total particle collection efficiency exceeding 98% at applied voltages of +12 kV (sawtooth-rod) and -8.5 kV (plate-plate), with an ozone concentration of 176.9 mg/m³. The presence of particles enhanced toluene degradation, increasing removal efficiency from 29.2% to 53.1%. Positive DC discharge on the sawtooth-rod electrode yielded a higher corona current (800 µA vs. 375 µA for negative) and lower ozone generation (101.4 mg/m³ vs. 176.9 mg/m³), indicating superior suitability for catering fume treatment. The stable discharge characteristics of the sawtooth-rod electrode reduce energy consumption and extend operational cycles, offering a promising technical pathway for efficient, compact, and intelligent ESP systems in catering fume purification.

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Simultaneous Removal of Fine Particles and VOCs by a Two-Stage Electrostatic Precipitator Based on Sawtooth-Rod Electrode Discharge Charging

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604026• Jan 15, 2026

MIL-88A(Fe) Adsorption-Photocatalytic Synergistic Degradation of Phenanthrene-Pyrene Composite Pollutants in Soil

Authors: ZHANG Chengxue, ZHANG Shuai, ZHAO Saisai, WANG Xiaocong, XIA Meng

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants ubiquitously present in soils, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. This study synthesized MIL-88A(Fe) via a hydrothermal solvent method and applied it to the photocatalytic degradation of phenanthrene-pyrene (PHE-PYR) composite contaminants in soil, investigating the adsorption-photocatalytic synergy. Results demonstrated that adsorption of PHE-PYR onto MIL-88A(Fe) was dominated by physical and monolayer surface adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 97.25 mg/kg. This strong adsorption increased pollutant concentration near active sites, accelerating photocatalytic degradation. Under optimal conditions—3% catalyst dosage, 40% soil water content, 60 min visible light irradiation, initial pollutant concentration of 200 mg/kg, and acidic soil—the total degradation efficiency reached 79.20%. Photoelectrochemical characterization revealed significant visible-light response (200–600 nm), a narrow bandgap of 3.04 eV, and favorable band structure facilitating efficient electron-hole separation. Quenching experiments identified superoxide radicals (·O2−) and holes (h+) as primary reactive species. GC-MS analysis of intermediates indicated that PYR undergoes hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring-opening to form PHE, which is further hydroxylated and oxidized, ultimately mineralizing to CO2 and H2O. This work provides an efficient strategy for remediating PAH-contaminated soils.

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MIL-88A(Fe) Adsorption-Photocatalytic Synergistic Degradation of Phenanthrene-Pyrene Composite Pollutants in Soil

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604020• Jan 15, 2026

VOCs Abatement Evaluation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Green Spraying in Industrial Surface Coating

Authors: LI Yawen, DING Shiwen, LI Kaiqi

Source reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial emissions is a core task for air quality improvement during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period. Supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) spraying technology emerges as a cutting-edge VOCs abatement approach, as it reduces both VOCs content in coatings and coating consumption. However, empirical research on coating efficiency enhancement and VOCs emission reduction at demonstration scale remains scarce. This study selected three solvent-based coating systems widely used in Chinese industry: wooden furniture-polyurethane, wooden furniture-acrylic, and metal parts-fluorocarbon. A calculation method for ScCO2 spraying efficiency and VOCs emission reduction rate was established, and emission reduction performance was systematically measured. Results indicated that compared with high-pressure airless spraying, average coating efficiency improvement rates of ScCO2 spraying at spray distances of 60 cm and 40 cm across the three scenarios were (30.62±8.75)% and (31.74±12.83)%, respectively. Correspondingly, average VOCs emission reduction rates were (62.10±1.59)% (60 cm) and (53.73±11.78)% (40 cm). VOCs content reduction rates for the three systems were 46.03%, 23.80%, and 37.60%, respectively. Diluent addition was reduced from 60% to 10%, achieving a substitution rate of 83%. The study confirms that ScCO2 spraying can achieve significant reductions in VOCs and solvent emissions in wooden furniture and metal parts coating processes, providing empirical support for industrial promotion.

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VOCs Abatement Evaluation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Green Spraying in Industrial Surface Coating

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604028• Jan 15, 2026

Spatio-temporal Evolution Patterns of Carbon Budget in the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps

Authors: CHEN Dongqin, CHENG Zhiyun, XIONG Wencheng, LU Xiangjun

Accurate accounting of county-level carbon budgets and their spatio-temporal evolution is essential for formulating low-carbon development strategies tailored to each division and achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals. This study constructed a comprehensive, accurate, and unified model to measure terrestrial ecosystem carbon absorption, anthropogenic carbon emissions, and net carbon budget from 2010 to 2020 across the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and its divisions. Results indicate: (1) Terrestrial ecosystems consistently acted as net carbon sinks, but total carbon absorption declined slowly, with carbon sequestration capacity persistently decreasing. Cultivated land, the sole carbon source, expanded rapidly into forests and grasslands. Anthropogenic carbon emissions rose steadily, with growth rates sharply decelerating after 2015, exhibiting a spatial pattern of "high in the north and east, low in the south and west." (2) Total carbon emissions/absorptions increased rapidly from 2010 to 2015, then slowed from 2015 to 2020. Energy consumption dominated, contributing over 95% of emissions in each division and 99% regionally. High-emission zones expanded eastward from the 8th Division in the Junggar Basin; by 2020, the 8th, 13th, and 6th Divisions, occupying 26.52% of the land area, carried 78.16% of net carbon emissions, marking them as high-density emission zones. (3) Carbon balance zoning in 2020 identified one carbon sink functional zone, nine low-carbon maintenance zones, and three high-carbon optimization zones, the latter concentrated in a strip in the central-eastern region covering 26.52% of the area.

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Spatio-temporal Evolution Patterns of Carbon Budget in the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605001• Jan 15, 2026

Research Advances in Pollution and Carbon Mitigation Technologies for C5 Petroleum Resin Wastewater Treatment in the Yangtze River Basin

Authors: DAI Li, ZENG Lin, ZHOU Penghui, WEI Aosong, TIAN Chengcheng, WANG Hualin

The lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, as a concentrated area of China's C5 petroleum resin industry, face critical bottlenecks in green and low-carbon transformation due to high-pollution, refractory wastewater and high carbon emissions. Traditional petrochemical wastewater treatment technologies suffer from low efficiency, high energy consumption, and insufficient resource utilization. This paper systematically analyzes the sources of wastewater in C5 petroleum resin production from principles and processes, and reviews research progress and carbon reduction potential of current technologies in three aspects: new materials, new equipment, and new processes. Integrated processes centered on efficient pretreatment, biological enhancement, and multi-technology coupling show significant advantages in improving treatment efficiency, reducing energy consumption and cost, and strengthening resource recovery. The study also prospects future research priorities for pollution and carbon mitigation through green technological innovation and intelligent upgrading, providing new solutions for 'near-zero discharge' and resource recycling of C5 petroleum resin wastewater, thereby promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of the petrochemical industry.

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Research Advances in Pollution and Carbon Mitigation Technologies for C5 Petroleum Resin Wastewater Treatment in the Yangtze River Basin

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605007• Jan 15, 2026

Community Characteristics of nosZ-Type Denitrifiers and Their Influencing Factors in Reservoir Sediments of the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Authors: XIA Liang, MAO Xufeng, WEI Xiaoyan, YU Hongyan, ZHANG Lele, DU Kai, YANG Yongxiao, WU Yi

Reservoirs are significant sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. The nosZ-type denitrifying bacteria, which reduce N2O to inert N2, play a critical role in mitigating emissions. This study investigated the community structure, diversity, and abundance of nosZ-type denitrifiers in surface sediments (0-15 cm) from 18 reservoirs in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, including 10 in the Yellow River mainstem and 8 in the Huangshui River basin. Sampling occurred during dry (May 2023) and wet (August 2023) seasons. High-throughput sequencing of the nosZ gene and quantitative PCR were employed. Results showed that Proteobacteria dominated (78.91%). Paracoccus and Halomonas were biomarkers in the Yellow River mainstem. Diversity was significantly higher in the Huangshui basin (P<0.05), with no temporal difference. Gene abundance was higher in the Huangshui basin (165.24×10^5 copies/g) than in the Yellow River mainstem (34.43×10^5 copies/g), and higher in wet season (128.55×10^5 copies/g) than dry season (61.27×10^5 copies/g) (P<0.05). Redundancy analysis and hierarchical partitioning identified sediment temperature, pH, total phosphorus, and water total nitrogen as key drivers, explaining 17.14%, 16.89%, 13.83%, and 11.23% of community variation, respectively. These findings reveal significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity and provide a scientific basis for N2O mitigation in plateau reservoirs.

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Community Characteristics of nosZ-Type Denitrifiers and Their Influencing Factors in Reservoir Sediments of the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605005• Jan 15, 2026

Application of Machine Learning in Water Quality Prediction and Analysis for River Cross-Sections

Authors: ZENG Hongbin, LONG Qi, GAO Jingheng, XU Ketong, WEI Chaohai, QIU Guanglei

Water quality prediction is essential for river basin management, yet existing models often struggle with non-stationary, noisy monitoring data. This study collected water quality data from two city-level control sections in southern China from December 2020 to June 2024, including eight indicators: water temperature, turbidity, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), total phosphorus (TP), and permanganate index (CODMn). To predict four key indicators (DO, NH4+-N, TP, CODMn), we developed hybrid models combining seasonal trend decomposition (STD), Bayesian hyperparameter optimization, and either random forest (RF) or XGBoost. STD smoothed and denoised the data while extracting seasonal factors; Bayesian optimization tuned model hyperparameters. Evaluation showed that the STD-Bayesian-XGBoost model achieved smaller bias errors and higher prediction accuracy than STD-Bayesian-RF. Specifically, XGBoost reduced root mean square error (RMSE) by 15-20% across all four indicators and improved the coefficient of determination (R²) to above 0.90, compared to RF's 0.85-0.88. The models were validated on southern river data, but the methodology is generalizable to other climatic and hydrological settings. This work provides a technical reference for pollution reduction and carbon management in regional watersheds.

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Application of Machine Learning in Water Quality Prediction and Analysis for River Cross-Sections

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605002• Jan 15, 2026

Pilot-scale study on a sludge-biofilm symbiotic system for enhancing partial nitrification-anammox in nitrogen removal from high-ammonia nitrogen industrial wastewater

Authors: SUN Haofei, LI Jialin, SUN Zhaoqiang, ZHANG Liang

The single-phase partial nitrification and anammox (SPN/A) process has seen limited widespread application due to its slow startup and difficulties in enriching anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). This study utilized high-ammonia nitrogen wastewater to initiate and enhance the SPN/A process in a pilot-scale integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor. By establishing an IFAS-SPN/A coupled system based on the symbiotic relationship between biofilm and sludge, rapid startup and efficient AnAOB enrichment were achieved. An innovative sludge inoculation strategy was employed: first, conventional nitrifying sludge was inoculated to initiate shortcut nitrification and allow ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) to colonize blank carriers; subsequently, anammox sludge was inoculated to promote efficient AnAOB enrichment on the AOB biofilm. The influent was low-temperature shift condensation water from a synthetic ammonia workshop, with an average ammonium nitrogen concentration of 2300 mg/L and COD ranging from 50 to 200 mg/L. The 180-day experiment comprised three stages: shortcut nitrification startup, SPN/A startup, and load intensification. The system successfully started up SPN/A within 120 days, achieving total nitrogen removal efficiency and removal load of (90.21±2.18)% and (0.31±0.07) kg/(m³·d), respectively, through synergistic biofilm and suspended microorganisms. During load intensification, AnAOB relative abundances in biofilm and flocs reached 18.8% and 35.3%, respectively, and removal load increased to (0.64±0.11) kg/(m³·d). Stable influent quality is a prerequisite for efficient and stable nitrogen removal; a surge in influent ammonium concentration caused nitrite accumulation imbalance and deteriorated performance. Adding an equalization tank before the aeration tank mitigates water quality fluctuations, and a 'dilution-reconstruction' strategy for low-ammonia wastewater facilitates rapid recovery after performance deterioration.

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Pilot-scale study on a sludge-biofilm symbiotic system for enhancing partial nitrification-anammox in nitrogen removal from high-ammonia nitrogen industrial wastewater

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605004• Jan 15, 2026

Systematic Governance Framework for Quality and Efficiency Improvement of Sewage Pipeline Networks in Rainy Cities of Southern China

Authors: HAN Yuan, GUO Junting, SONG Shengnan, ZHANG Xianguo, WANG Zhengshu, FU Xitong

To address the decline in operational performance of sewage pipeline networks in rainy cities of southern China caused by structural defects, stormwater-sewage cross-connections, and external water intrusion, a systematic governance framework comprising precise investigation, dynamic regulation, graded rehabilitation, and smart operation and maintenance was established. A zoned priority evaluation model was developed with comprehensive problem severity (P) and governance contribution (B) as core indicators, based on which differentiated governance strategies were formulated. Supported by a digital platform, monitoring, assessment, rectification, and verification data were integrated to develop a digital twin system for the pipeline network, and a correlation-based analysis and closed-loop operation and maintenance mechanism linking rainfall, groundwater level, and network hydraulic load was established. A typical urban area in Jiangxi Province was selected as the case study. After implementation, the mean COD concentration of terminal sewage in the study area increased steadily to above 230 mg/L, the average daily external water volume in the dry season decreased by 27.64%, and the sewage collection rate increased to 76%. The results indicate that the proposed framework can effectively support the quality and efficiency improvement of sewage pipeline networks in rainy cities of southern China, and provide a technical reference for similar cities.

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Systematic Governance Framework for Quality and Efficiency Improvement of Sewage Pipeline Networks in Rainy Cities of Southern China

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605003• Jan 15, 2026

Fe2O3-Based Microbial Hybrids for Enhancing Dark Fermentation Hydrogen Production: Performance and Mechanistic Insights

Authors: GONG Junsha, SONG Jingwen, HOU Yanan, LIU Zhihua, LI Haibo, WU Liping, HUANG Cong

Dark fermentation offers a sustainable route for hydrogen production, yet its yield is often limited by inefficient electron transfer and low microbial metabolic activity. This study engineered a mixed microbial biohybrid system incorporating Fe2O3 nanoparticles to overcome these bottlenecks. At an optimal Fe2O3 concentration of 300 mg/L (S300), the hydrogen yield reached 2.94 mol H2 per mol glucose, equivalent to 73.5% of the theoretical maximum and 1.59 times higher than the control (S0). Mechanistic analyses revealed that Fe2O3 nanoparticles stimulated microbial metabolism, as evidenced by a 4.09-fold increase in ATP content and a 1.30-fold rise in total protein concentration. Hydrogenase and dehydrogenase activities were enhanced by 24.62% and 63.11%, respectively, while electron transfer system activity increased by 3.44-fold, accompanied by a significant reduction in charge transfer resistance. Notably, the gradual release of Fe2+ ions from Fe2O3 reduction by dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria (DIRB) was identified as a key factor in stimulating enzyme activity and electron transfer. Microbial community analysis showed that the relative abundance of Clostridium, a key hydrogen-producing genus, increased by 9.75 percentage points to 42.60% in S300. This study demonstrates that Fe2O3-based biohybrids offer a promising strategy to enhance dark fermentation hydrogen production, providing both performance improvements and mechanistic insights into nanomaterial-microbe synergies.

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Fe2O3-Based Microbial Hybrids for Enhancing Dark Fermentation Hydrogen Production: Performance and Mechanistic Insights

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605011• Jan 15, 2026

Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics of Phytoplankton Communities in Baiyangdian Lake and Their Driving Factors

Authors: DENG Lijiao, ZHANG Yi, LI Hao, ZENG Jun, LAI Junxiang

Phytoplankton are highly sensitive to environmental changes and respond rapidly, making their community dynamics crucial early warning indicators of lake ecosystem health. Previous studies have qualitatively analyzed the combined effects of multiple physicochemical water quality factors on phytoplankton communities, but few have quantitatively distinguished direct from indirect effects. This study employed correlation analysis, redundancy analysis, and structural equation modeling to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of phytoplankton communities in Baiyangdian Lake and their driving factors. A total of 113 species belonging to 57 genera and 7 phyla were recorded. Phytoplankton density exhibited significant seasonal and spatial variability, peaking in summer. Diatoms and green algae dominated in spring, transitioning to cyanobacterial dominance in summer and autumn, and reverting to green algae in winter. Structural equation modeling revealed that water temperature had a total positive effect on phytoplankton biomass (β = 0.96), comprising a direct positive effect (β = 0.94, P < 0.05) and an indirect positive effect via increased abundance (β = 0.02). Total nitrogen (TN) had a negative total effect on biomass (β = -0.98), with a direct negative effect (β = -0.97, P < 0.05) and an indirect negative effect via reduced abundance (β = -0.01). TN also negatively affected abundance (β = -0.15, P < 0.05). These findings provide a scientific basis for ecosystem health assessment, eutrophication control, and biodiversity protection in Baiyangdian Lake.

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Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics of Phytoplankton Communities in Baiyangdian Lake and Their Driving Factors

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605012• Jan 15, 2026

Dynamic Simulation of Water Levels in Large-Scale Infiltration Galleries Using a Surface Water-Groundwater Coupled Model

Authors: YANG Zhouhang, HAO Long, CUI Yong, ZHANG Enze

The extraction process of large-scale infiltration galleries significantly alters surface water-groundwater exchange dynamics. Existing models often simplify the gallery as a boundary condition or adopt loosely coupled schemes, constrained by iterative exchange algorithms, failing to capture dynamic water flux interactions and transient responses. This study focuses on the large riverbed infiltration and purification water supply project in Shijiazhuang, China, establishing an integrated three-domain fully coupled numerical model—encompassing surface water, groundwater, and the infiltration gallery—using the dual-node coupling approach in HydroGeoSphere. The model sets two upstream inflow scenarios (wet and dry seasons) and simulates groundwater level evolution and water exchange processes under two operational modes: single-pump extraction at 1000 m³/h and no pumping. Results show that groundwater levels decline markedly under pumping, with the most pronounced response in the dry season, where maximum drawdown reaches approximately 1.24 m. Monitoring wells near the gallery show an earlier hydraulic response to pumping, reaching peak drawdown rates about 2–3 days sooner than wells farther away. At steady-state balance, surface water contributes more recharge to groundwater during the wet season than in the dry season, and water exchange between the gallery and aquifer is substantially enhanced under pumping. Spatially, water exchange concentrates primarily around transverse and longitudinal gallery sections, consistent with localized permeability enhancement from the perforated structure. These findings reveal groundwater dynamics and multi-domain interaction mechanisms under operational conditions, providing a theoretical basis for planning, design, and management of similar riverbed infiltration projects.

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Dynamic Simulation of Water Levels in Large-Scale Infiltration Galleries Using a Surface Water-Groundwater Coupled Model

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605010• Jan 15, 2026

Colonization Requirements of Submerged Macrophytes Based on Underwater Light Environment

Authors: WU Zijing, QIU Xintian, XU Qiao, YIN Xin'an, ZHANG Yi, SUN Yue, YANG Baiheng, ZHANG Borui, SUN Chuqi

The underwater light environment is a critical limiting factor for the colonization of submerged macrophytes and the ecological restoration of shallow lakes. Previous studies rarely quantified the contribution of aquatic environmental factors to the water quality–underwater light–macrophyte relationship, nor did they comprehensively consider factor correlations or establish thresholds for macrophyte colonization. This study, conducted in a typical national wetland nature reserve (Hongze Lake), measured photosynthetically active radiation, light attenuation coefficient (Kd), euphotic depth (Zeu), water transparency (SD), total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). A simulation model for Kd was developed, spatial distributions of environmental factors were analyzed, and contribution rates to light attenuation were quantified. Results showed that the mean Kd was 10.31±3.76 m⁻¹, and the mean Zeu (0.53±0.24 m) was lower than the mean water depth (0.94±0.29 m), with a spatial pattern of shallower Zeu in the west and deeper in the east. TSS and Chl-a were the primary direct influencing factors, while TN acted mainly indirectly. To achieve effective macrophyte colonization under average water depth conditions, thresholds were determined: Zeu ≥ 0.94 m, SD ≥ 0.41 m, Kd ≤ 4.95 m⁻¹, and Chl-a ≤ 3.8 μg/L. These findings provide quantitative guidance for lake restoration and water quality management.

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Colonization Requirements of Submerged Macrophytes Based on Underwater Light Environment

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605013• Jan 15, 2026

Effects of pH and Initial DOC Concentration on Ferrihydrite-Mediated Adsorption of Algal-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter under Eutrophication

Authors: ZHANG Lirong, LI Jingnan, ZHAO Pan, SONG Na, WANG Qunhui

The escalating eutrophication of aquatic systems has intensified algal blooms, leading to substantial release and accumulation of algal-derived dissolved organic matter (ADOM), which profoundly influences carbon cycling and pollutant transport. Iron minerals, particularly ferrihydrite, are recognized as critical mediators of DOM sequestration, yet the adsorption fractionation of ADOM under varying environmental conditions remains poorly understood. This study systematically investigated the effects of pH (2.0–10.0) and initial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration (2–100 mg C/L) on the adsorption capacity and selectivity of ADOM onto ferrihydrite, employing UV-Vis spectroscopy and excitation-emission matrix fluorescence with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Results demonstrated that adsorption capacity increased with pH from 2.0 to 7.0, reaching a maximum of 21.59 mg C/g at pH 7.0, followed by a decline at pH > 7.0 due to enhanced electrostatic repulsion. Within the environmentally relevant pH range of 3.0–9.0, selective fractionation intensified with increasing pH, favoring highly aromatic, high-molecular-weight chromophoric DOM (CDOM) and protein-like/aromatic amino acid fluorescent DOM (FDOM) with high humification and autochthonous characteristics. With increasing initial DOC concentration, adsorption exhibited non-linear growth, with preferential uptake of low-aromaticity, high-molecular-weight CDOM and protein-like FDOM of lower humification and stronger autochthonous features. These findings elucidate that ferrihydrite can effectively sequester reactive ADOM components via pH- and concentration-dependent selective adsorption, potentially altering DOM composition and reactivity in eutrophic waters, thereby providing fundamental data for understanding iron mineral-mediated internal carbon sequestration.

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Effects of pH and Initial DOC Concentration on Ferrihydrite-Mediated Adsorption of Algal-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter under Eutrophication

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605009• Jan 15, 2026

Carbon Dioxide Emission Forecasting for Medium and Large Reservoirs in China

Authors: ZHANG Yi, XU Qiao, YIN Xin'an, YANG Baiheng, SUN Yue, GUAN Xinran, WU Zijing, SUN Chuqi

Reservoir CO2 emissions are a critical component of the global carbon cycle, yet existing prediction models often neglect reservoir size stratification, mixing data from large, medium, and small reservoirs. This study addresses this gap by constructing a training dataset exclusively for large and medium reservoirs in China and developing a neural network-based CO2 flux prediction model. The model revealed significant latitudinal zonation, with CO2 fluxes in southern low-latitude basins (e.g., Yangtze, Pearl) substantially higher than in northern high-latitude basins (e.g., Yellow, Songliao). Statistical analysis identified total phosphorus (TP) content as the strongest driver, exhibiting a positive exponential correlation with CO2 flux (p < 0.01). Reservoir age and latitude showed significant negative correlations, while physical parameters such as reservoir area, pre-impoundment submersion ratio, and average water depth showed no significant national-scale correlation. The study underscores the heterogeneity of dominant drivers across basins and proposes differentiated carbon mitigation strategies: for southern high-emission basins, controlling phosphorus inputs through wastewater treatment and restricting aquaculture; for northern basins, enhancing soil conservation to reduce carbon-rich sediment influx; and for new reservoirs, implementing vegetation clearance before impoundment and optimizing flood discharge schedules. These findings provide a theoretical basis for carbon emission characterization and support low-carbon management of large and medium reservoirs in China.

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Carbon Dioxide Emission Forecasting for Medium and Large Reservoirs in China

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605006• Jan 15, 2026

Analysis and Research Prospects of Military Ecological and Environmental Problems

Authors: DOU Wenping, HU Zhiyi, LIU Hongrui, ZHOU Lei, WANG Jieliang, YIN Xin'an, GAO Ting, QIU Xintian, LIU Yutong

Military ecological and environmental protection is a critical component of national ecological and environmental protection. Military activities and operations, such as training and drills, weapons and equipment testing, and combat, are prone to triggering a series of ecological and environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions, deterioration of water resources and water quality, vegetation destruction, land degradation, and typical physical and chemical pollution, which have attracted extensive global attention. This study systematically analyzed the eco-environmental impacts of military activities on multiple environmental media (atmosphere, water, and soil) across different periods, and conducted pollution source tracing in multi-media and representative regions. It reviewed the current status of ecological and environmental protection technologies for the three major environmental media, i.e., atmosphere, water, and soil, and summarized the characteristics and constraints of military ecological and environmental research. Finally, it proposed the research trends and key development directions for military ecological and environmental protection from four dimensions: data monitoring and sharing, research and development of in-situ remediation technologies for military-civilian integrated combined pollution, green construction practices for military facilities, and optimization of management systems.

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Analysis and Research Prospects of Military Ecological and Environmental Problems

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605008• Jan 15, 2026

Carbon Footprint and Driving Factors of Vegetable Production in China: A Life Cycle Assessment at Provincial Scale

Authors: GUAN Xinran, XU Qiao, YIN Xin'an, WANG Xiaoqin, ZHANG Borui

Vegetable production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, yet national-scale assessments comparing cultivation modes remain scarce. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) and provincial statistical data from 2018–2022 across 27 provinces, we quantified the carbon footprint (CF) per unit yield for 10 typical vegetables under open-field and facility farming. Results show annual average CFs range from 65.5 to 293.8 g CO2-eq/kg, with open-field radish lowest and open-field green bean highest. Spatial heterogeneity is pronounced, especially for facility eggplant and open-field green bean. CF exhibits distinct clustering: fruit vegetables emit more in central-southern open-field and northern facility systems, while leafy vegetables follow a 'south-high, north-low' pattern. Fertilizer production and field N2O emissions dominate, contributing up to 80.4% of total CF. In facility systems, irrigation electricity and agricultural film inputs become significant, reaching 57.87% contribution. These findings support region- and crop-specific mitigation strategies for China's agricultural dual-carbon goals.

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Carbon Footprint and Driving Factors of Vegetable Production in China: A Life Cycle Assessment at Provincial Scale

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605014• Jan 15, 2026

Pilot-scale Study on Enhanced In-situ Anaerobic Bioremediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Groundwater in a Low-Permeability Bedrock Fracture Zone

Authors: ZHUANG Jianhong, XING Yuquan, LIU Kun, CHEN Lüjun, CHEN Boyang

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) are prevalent groundwater contaminants at industrial sites in China. This pilot-scale study evaluated in-situ anaerobic bioremediation of CAHs-contaminated groundwater in a low-permeability bedrock fracture zone at depths up to 40 m. A self-developed anaerobic dechlorinating culture (BS-1), containing Dehalococcoides, Desulfitobacterium, and Dehalogenimonas, was injected alongside carbon sources (sodium citrate and emulsified vegetable oil) and nutrients. Pressurized nitrogen gas injection enhanced the distribution of amendments, achieving a radius of influence of 5.0 m. Over 399 days of monitoring, the combined use of slow-release and soluble carbon sources maintained anaerobic conditions (ORP < -100 mV) for over one year, providing sustained electron donors. The emulsified vegetable oil reduced injection frequency and operational costs. The BS-1 culture effectively dechlorinated vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and chloroform, achieving removal efficiencies exceeding 95%. At times, groundwater quality met the Class IV standard of GB/T 14848-2017. This study demonstrates a green, economical, and effective solution for CAH-contaminated site remediation, with significant engineering application potential.

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Pilot-scale Study on Enhanced In-situ Anaerobic Bioremediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Groundwater in a Low-Permeability Bedrock Fracture Zone

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605015• Jan 15, 2026

Assessment of Emission Reduction Potential and Economic Feasibility for China's Offshore Wind Power Industry Based on the CCER Mechanism

Authors: LI Yun, SUN Yaqi, LIU Xintong, HAN Yaxuan, XUE Xiaoda

The national greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction trading market was relaunched in 2023, with China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) as the trading unit, serving as a crucial supplement to the national carbon market. The initial phase includes the offshore wind power sector. This study evaluates the CO2 and air pollutant emission reduction effectiveness and economic feasibility of China's offshore wind power industry under the CCER mechanism. Using CCER methodology, baseline scenario analysis, and empirical data from 2020 and projections for 2025, we quantify reductions in CO2 and principal air pollutants (particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) across coastal provinces. Emission inventories are constructed using authoritative grid emission factors. Economic viability is assessed by integrating levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), additional revenues from CCER transactions, and external environmental benefits. Results provide four policy insights: (1) The sector shows a positive trend in emission reduction and economic-environmental contribution, but faces financial deficit risk by 2025 without CCER subsidies; (2) Economically developed coastal provinces exhibit greater development potential; (3) Profitability analysis for 2020 and 2025 indicates sustainable economic returns with appropriate policy support; (4) Among air pollutants, nitrogen oxides reduction is largest, while sulfur dioxide reduction yields the most significant co-benefits. This study offers evidence-based recommendations for strategic planning and policy formulation in China's offshore wind industry.

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Assessment of Emission Reduction Potential and Economic Feasibility for China's Offshore Wind Power Industry Based on the CCER Mechanism

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605016• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation of BiOX Visible-Light Photocatalytic Materials and Optimization of Their NO Degradation Performance

Authors: ZHANG Shirui, LI Xianglei, SONG Huiping, FAN Zhenlian, CHENG Shuyan, JIN Dapeng, ZOU Yan

BiOX (X=Cl, Br, I) photocatalytic materials were synthesized via a chemical precipitation method. Their structures and properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Results showed that BiOBr exhibits a flower-like nanomicrosphere structure composed of nanosheets, providing a more three-dimensional morphology, larger specific surface area, and moderate light absorption range, resulting in superior visible light absorption. Consequently, BiOBr demonstrated the best photocatalytic degradation of NO under xenon lamp irradiation. The study further investigated the effects of light intensity, NO flow rate, and oxygen presence on the NO degradation performance of BiOBr. Optimal NO removal rate of 58% was achieved under conditions of a light source distance of 15 cm, NO flow rate of 15 mL/min, and in the presence of oxygen. The degradation rate constant for BiOBr was 11×10⁻⁴ min⁻¹, significantly higher than that of BiOCl and BiOI. BiOBr also exhibited good reusability and stability. These findings provide an important experimental basis for the application of BiOBr in the photocatalytic degradation of NO.

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Preparation of BiOX Visible-Light Photocatalytic Materials and Optimization of Their NO Degradation Performance

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605018• Jan 15, 2026

Local Adaptation of Hourly Allocation Coefficients for VOCs Emissions from Oil Depots and Calculation of Atmospheric Environmental Protection Distances

Authors: MA Lingyun, TONG Jilong, LIU Yongle, GAO Qingjun, ZHANG Xuezhi

To address the inadequacy of existing temporal emission allocation coefficients for oil storage, transportation, and sales sources in regions with distinct seasonal temperature variations, this study focused on a large oil depot in Northwest China. A method for establishing temperature-dependent hourly allocation coefficients for VOCs emissions was proposed, revealing a positive correlation between ambient temperature and emission coefficients. The coefficient peaked at 0.068 when temperatures exceeded 14 °C and dropped to a minimum of 0.007 below 8.5 °C. Annual VOCs emissions totaled 256.13 t, with summer contributing 108.89 t (42.51% of annual total) and winter only 12.54 t (4.90%), making summer emissions approximately 8.68 times higher than winter. Using CALPUFF dispersion modeling, dynamic source strength scenarios produced a maximum hourly concentration of 2242.7 μg/m³, a 55.12% increase over the constant source strength scenario (1445.8 μg/m³). The area of exceedance increased by 0.03 km², and the atmospheric environmental protection distance extended by 450 m, from 0 m to 450 m. These results demonstrate that conventional constant emission assumptions underestimate peak concentrations and protection distances, posing health risks to nearby residents. The study provides a scientific basis for localized emission regulation and improved environmental protection distance calculations.

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Local Adaptation of Hourly Allocation Coefficients for VOCs Emissions from Oil Depots and Calculation of Atmospheric Environmental Protection Distances

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605019• Jan 15, 2026

Efficacy and Mechanism of Lactic Acid Production from Food Waste Fermentation Regulated by Magnesium Ions

Authors: LI Yue, ZHANG Wenjuan, DU Zonghai, LI Yuan, CHEN Yueji, GUO Yi, XU Xianbao

The utilization of food waste as a fermentation substrate can effectively reduce the substrate cost of lactic acid production industrialization, and synergistic fermentation with leachate could promote lactic acid production. However, the effect of magnesium ions in leachate on lactic acid production, metabolic processes, and key functional bacterial communities remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of adding magnesium ions on lactic acid fermentation using food waste as substrate. Results showed that the optimal magnesium ion dosage was 750 mg/L, achieving a lactic acid yield of (37.4±0.5) g COD/L and L-lactic acid optical activity of (96.3±0.9)%. Mechanistic studies revealed that magnesium ions accelerated substrate dissolution, significantly enhanced the activities of key hydrolytic enzymes (α-glucosidase, amylase, protease) and L-lactic acid producing enzymes, thereby increasing hydrolysis and lactate production rates. Simultaneously, the relative activity of lactate-consuming enzymes decreased, slowing lactate consumption. At 750 mg/L Mg2+, the relative abundances of Enterococcus and Streptococcus were 65.0% (2.2 times the Blank) and 18.7% (37.8% of the Blank), respectively, with a total of 83.7%, enhancing lactic acid yield and L-lactic acid optical activity. Metabolic pathway prediction and functional gene analysis further indicated that magnesium ions increased the relative abundance of carbohydrate metabolism pathways and genes encoding lactate dehydrogenase. This study provides technical support for food waste resource utilization.

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Efficacy and Mechanism of Lactic Acid Production from Food Waste Fermentation Regulated by Magnesium Ions

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605021• Jan 15, 2026

Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from kitchen waste biogas slurry by ZnCl₂-modified biogas residue biochar in FCDI

Authors: SUN Huimin, WU Yubiao, HUANG Shengjie, ZHANG Xuedong

The digestate from anaerobic digestion of food waste is separated into solid residue and liquid filtrate. The filtrate retains high nutrient and carbon content, making it a viable resource for recovery. This study prepared biochar from food waste digestate residue and employed it as an electrode active material in a flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) system, with activated carbon as a control, to assess nitrogen and phosphorus removal from kitchen waste biogas slurry. ZnCl₂ modification significantly enhanced the biochar's specific surface area, adsorption capacity, capacitance, and conductivity. The optimal mass fraction of modified biochar in the electrode liquid was 7.5%. In simulated digestate, the FCDI system achieved removal efficiencies of 47.7% for NH₄⁺-N and 55.2% for reactive phosphorus (RP) over 12 hours. Performance ranking of electrode materials was activated carbon > ZnCl₂-modified biochar > unmodified biochar. In continuous operation with actual anaerobic digestion filtrate, maximum removal efficiencies were 32.2% for NH₄⁺-N and 26.2% for RP. The reduced performance in real digestate is attributed to organic foulants such as peptides and amino acids, which block ion-exchange membrane channels, increase membrane resistance, and impede ion transfer and charge transport, thereby diminishing deionization efficiency.

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Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from kitchen waste biogas slurry by ZnCl₂-modified biogas residue biochar in FCDI

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605022• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress of CO2 Mineralization Using Carbide Slag

Authors: LI Jing, JIA Xiaoxiao, LIU Jiaxin, GUO Hong, LU Su

Carbide slag (CS), an alkaline industrial solid waste from acetylene production in the chlor-alkali industry, poses severe ecological risks due to long-term stockpiling. This review systematically examines CO2 mineralization pathways and applications of CS, leveraging its high reactivity dominated by Ca(OH)2. Direct gas-solid and liquid-solid carbonation mechanisms, alongside indirect ammonium salt cyclic leaching-carbonation, are elaborated. Process optimization via parameter regulation, amino acid modification, and multi-solid waste coordination significantly enhances reaction efficiency and product performance, enabling controlled synthesis of high-value calcium carbonate. Environmental and economic analyses confirm that CS mineralization achieves CO2 fixation with good economic feasibility, simultaneously addressing solid waste resource utilization and carbon emission reduction. Derived lightweight fillers and low-carbon cementitious materials exhibit both environmental and economic potential, providing theoretical and application support for a 'waste-to-waste' carbon reduction technology system.

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Research Progress of CO2 Mineralization Using Carbide Slag

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605017• Jan 15, 2026

Magnetic Field-Enhanced Electrostatic Dust Collector Coupled with Wire Mesh Filtration

Authors: JIA Fan, WANG Jiajun, GUAN Yuhua, MI Junfeng, JIA Linghan, BI Na

In response to the escalating challenge of industrial dust pollution, this study introduces a magnetic field-enhanced electrostatic dust collector integrated with wire mesh filtration. By applying an external magnetic field, the conventional electrostatic precipitation process is physically intensified. Systematic experiments compared discharge characteristics and dust removal efficiency with and without magnetic field intervention. The influence of wire mesh structural parameters was investigated, focusing on pore size (1, 2, 3 mm), number of stacked layers (1, 2, 3), and surface composite filtration materials (polyethylene filter mesh, polyamide mesh). Additionally, the effects of airflow velocity (1–5 m/s), inlet flow direction (forward/reverse), and dust type (fly ash, coal combustion dust, cement ash) on removal efficiency were tested. Results demonstrate that the optimized magnetic field-wire mesh coupling significantly enhances the charging and capture of fine dust. Specifically, smaller mesh apertures improve efficiency, with 1 mm yielding the best performance. Increasing the number of mesh layers effectively enhances efficiency at discharge voltages of 13–17 kV. Coating the mesh with either polyethylene or polyamide further improves efficiency, with negligible difference between the two materials. Reverse airflow direction results in lower effective gas velocity due to opposing gravity and drag forces, yet the combined magnetic and electric fields stabilize particle charging and enhance trajectory deflection, leading to improved overall performance. Dust resistivity is a critical factor: lower resistivity facilitates charging, while higher resistivity induces back corona, reducing efficiency. Magnetic field enhancement mitigates back corona and improves removal, particularly for high-resistivity cement ash. These findings offer a viable technical solution for efficient industrial flue gas dedusting.

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Magnetic Field-Enhanced Electrostatic Dust Collector Coupled with Wire Mesh Filtration

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605023• Jan 15, 2026

Spatiotemporal Heterogeneities of Carbon Emissions and Driving Factors of Railway Sector in China

Authors: LI Min, ZHU Zhiyao, LIU Qin, DU Pengbo, XIONG Xin, SUN Jiazhen, WANG Yinsheng

Identifying the characteristics of carbon emissions and driving forces of the railway sector is essential for formulating effective measures to develop a green and low-carbon railway industry. This study systematically evaluated the direct and indirect carbon emissions from 2016 to 2021 generated by the railway sector of China, and analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamic changes of the carbon emissions. On this basis, by adopting the LMDI model, the key factors affecting the carbon emissions of railway sector were discerned. Moreover, the variations in the dominant factors of the carbon emissions over time, and the spatial heterogeneities in the dominant factors of the carbon emissions of the 18 railway bureaus, were analyzed. The results show that: 1) During the periods from 2016 to 2021, the carbon emissions of China's railway sector showed an overall upward trend, increasing from 57.7486 million tons to 64.2084 million tons, by 11.2%. The Shanghai Bureau, Beijing Bureau, Zhengzhou Bureau, Chengdu Bureau and Guangzhou Bureau substantially contributed to the increases of railway carbon emissions. In spatial, the carbon emissions of the 18 railway bureaus were characterized by lower emissions in the west and higher emissions in the east, mainly due to the regional differences in the socio-economic development, industrial structure and population density; 2) During 2016 to 2021, the decline in energy consumption intensity reduced the carbon emissions of the railway sector by 18.8654 million tons, while the changes in carbon emission intensity, economic benefits of per unit passenger and freight turnover, and operating capacity led to an increase of a sum of 25.3252 million tons of carbon emissions. When decomposing the contributions of each factor by sub-periods, it can be found that the impacts of these factors on the carbon emissions changed over time. Only the factor of carbon emission intensity showed a promoting effect in all sub-periods, the other three factors, as energy consumption intensity, economic benefits of per unit passenger and freight turnover, and operating capacity, had a conversion between promoting and inhibiting effects. 3) The dominant factors of carbon emissions across the 18 railway bureaus exhibited spatial heterogeneity. For instance, operating capacity was the main promoting factor for bureaus like Taiyuan, Beijing, Lanzhou, Nanning, Hohhot, Urumqi, and Qinghai-Tibet, while energy consumption intensity was the main inhibiting factor. For Shanghai, Kunming, Wuhan, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Shenyang, Nanchang, and Guangzhou, economic benefits per unit turnover was the main promoting factor, with energy consumption intensity as the main inhibiting factor. For Harbin, energy consumption intensity was the main promoting factor, while economic benefits per unit turnover was the main inhibiting factor. 4) The railway sector can reduce carbon emissions by optimizing transport organization to reduce empty car rates, optimizing energy structure, and retrofitting infrastructure for energy efficiency, while implementing differentiated emission reduction strategies tailored to each bureau's characteristics.

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Spatiotemporal Heterogeneities of Carbon Emissions and Driving Factors of Railway Sector in China

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605020• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic Effect of Hierarchical Pores and Amine Functionalization on CO2 Adsorption Performance by Distillers' Grains-Derived Biochar Spheres

Authors: ZHOU Rui, CHEN Jing, HE Jinglin, WANG Weihao, SU Hui, WANG Bangda, JIN Ziheng, JIANG Xia

To address the high CO2 emission proportion in the industrial sector, distillers' grain waste was converted into biochar for CO2 adsorption from flue gas. Raw biochar suffers from weak pore adsorption and poor selectivity at elevated temperatures. This study employed ash self-templating and particle self-assembly to create hierarchical pores and simultaneously load amine groups onto distillers' grains-derived biochar, yielding amine-functionalized hierarchical porous carbon spheres. The amine loading significantly increased, providing more CO2 adsorption sites, while retaining macroporosity (total pore volume 0.0030–0.0066 cm3/g after amine loading), which enhanced morphological stability and CO2 mass transfer. The optimal sample, 0.2PW-K-CNF-PEI, exhibited a CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.03 mmol/g at 100 °C, a CO2 diffusion coefficient of 0.0495 min−1, and a selective adsorption capacity of 44 mg/g at 80 °C. This work offers a solution for valorizing distillers' grain by-products and capturing CO2 from low-temperature flue gas.

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Synergistic Effect of Hierarchical Pores and Amine Functionalization on CO2 Adsorption Performance by Distillers' Grains-Derived Biochar Spheres

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605024• Jan 15, 2026

Construction and Empirical Study of a Panoramic Carbon Flow Model for High-Speed Railway Bridge Construction

Authors: LI Min, WANG Yinsheng, SUN Jiazhen, LIU Jie, WANG Minglu, ZHAO Peng, ZHU Li

The refined quantification of carbon footprint in engineering construction projects is critical for formulating targeted carbon reduction strategies during the materialization phase. This study integrates material flow analysis (MFA) with the emission factor method to establish a panoramic carbon flow model for engineering projects. Construction activities are categorized into processing and construction, and office and daily operations, clarifying material and carbon flow relationships within the system boundary and with external systems. Empirical analysis was conducted on the Hejiawan Bridge of Section 11 of the Xiyu High-Speed Railway. Results show that the total carbon flow amounts to 27,482,432.11 kg CO2eq, with direct carbon flow (fuel oil, gasoline) accounting for 7.6% and indirect carbon flow (products, transportation, electricity) accounting for 92.4%. From the material flow perspective, the total carbon flow comprises product carbon flow (72.88%), resource and energy carbon flow (25.73%), transportation carbon flow (1.04%), waste carbon flow (0.35%), and service carbon flow (0.01%). In terms of activity scope, construction-related carbon flow accounts for 99.17%, while office and daily operations account for 0.46%. Two indicators, material consumption carbon flow rate and energy consumption carbon flow rate, are proposed for the first time. Comparative analysis of five girder bridges reveals that the Hejiawan Bridge has a material consumption carbon flow rate of 3.91 kg CO2eq/kg, ranking highest among similar bridges, while its energy consumption carbon flow rate is 13.40 kg CO2eq/kg ec, at a medium level. The assessment indicates relatively high material consumption, suggesting potential for carbon reduction through structural and geological optimization.

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Construction and Empirical Study of a Panoramic Carbon Flow Model for High-Speed Railway Bridge Construction

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606014• Jan 15, 2026

Adsorption Behavior of Microplastics for Typical Psychoactive Drugs

Authors: WANG Ruixue, WANG Yuqi, ZHANG Chenglong, XU Yunyun

Microplastics, as emerging environmental pollutants, can adsorb psychotropic drugs in aquatic environments, facilitating their migration and transformation, ultimately posing ecological risks. This study investigated the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of four common microplastics—polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—each with a particle size of 50 μm, toward three psychoactive drugs: diazepam, fluoxetine, and mianserin. Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and the effects of pH and salinity were examined. Kinetic data fitted well to a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. Isotherm analysis using Langmuir and Freundlich models revealed that PE exhibited the highest affinity for fluoxetine, PP for mianserin, and PVC for diazepam, while PS showed linear adsorption for fluoxetine, suggesting partitioning. The adsorption of diazepam was maximal at pH 6.5–8.5, typical of natural surface waters, and increased with NaCl concentration, indicating that non-electrostatic interactions dominate and that higher ionic strength enhances adsorption. Mechanistic insights suggest that hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions (for PS), and halogen bonding (for fluoxetine) contribute to adsorption. These findings highlight the potential of microplastics to act as vectors for psychoactive drugs, necessitating further research on their environmental fate and ecological implications.

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Adsorption Behavior of Microplastics for Typical Psychoactive Drugs

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606008• Jan 15, 2026

Research Advances in Resin-Enhanced Electrosorption for Water Treatment

Authors: XIONG Qikun, WANG Xinyi, LIU Weirong, TANG Yingcai, MA Lixin, LIU Baozhen, BAO Huanyu

Resin-enhanced electrosorption for water treatment significantly improves ion adsorption efficiency and selectivity through synergistic effects, making it a research hotspot in the water treatment field. This technology provides an innovative solution to the bottlenecks of kinetic lag and insufficient selectivity by modulating electrode-solution interface behavior in multiple dimensions. Current technological advances include the following: a simple integration method enables desalination efficiency to exceed 92.3%; resin-coated composite electrodes eliminate the co-ion effect and achieve a 42% increase in total salt adsorption capacity; resin-derived porous carbon electrodes with tunable pore structures possess three to five times the adsorption capacity of commercially available activated carbon; and by enhancing solution convection and electrophoretic convection, the resin-filling strategy achieves a high desalination rate of (670 ± 20) mg/(L·h). Studies have demonstrated that different material combinations can achieve targeted optimization of adsorption performance based on specific water quality characteristics. Future research directions may focus on: developing intelligent resin materials with electromagnetic responsiveness; constructing a multi-scale structural design theory for resin-electrode systems; and establishing a cross-scale model integrating electrochemistry, fluid dynamics, and interface science for comprehensive analysis. In particular, in-depth studies are needed on the dynamic behavior of resin-based flow electrodes under electric/magnetic field regulation, as well as the precise construction of catalytic sites on the resin surface. This review aims to promote the widespread application and efficient practice of this technology in water treatment, providing a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for the future development of high-efficiency, selective, and stable electrosorption technologies.

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Research Advances in Resin-Enhanced Electrosorption for Water Treatment

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606007• Jan 15, 2026

Performance and Mechanism of Cobalt-Aluminum Spinel Catalyzed Oxidation of Nitric Oxide

Authors: LIU Baiyun, ZHANG Jianning, ZHANG Yihuai, ZHANG Tao

Cobalt-aluminum spinel metal oxides derived from hydrotalcite were synthesized via hydrothermal, coprecipitation, and sol-gel methods, and their catalytic performance for NO oxidation was systematically evaluated. Characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), O2 temperature-programmed desorption (O2-TPD), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the synthesis method significantly influences the surface Co2+/Co3+ ratio, which in turn modulates the formation of surface oxygen vacancies. The hydrothermally synthesized catalyst (CoAlO-H) exhibited the highest density of surface oxygen vacancies, leading to enhanced adsorption and activation of gaseous oxygen and superior NO oxidation activity compared to coprecipitation (CoAlO-C) and sol-gel (CoAlO-S) counterparts. Mechanistic studies using NO-TPD, NO+O2-TPD, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) identified nitrates as key intermediates. Notably, CoAlO-C and CoAlO-S followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanism, whereas CoAlO-H operated via both L-H and Mars-van Krevelen (MvK) mechanisms. The exceptional performance of CoAlO-H is attributed to its abundant surface oxygen vacancies, high surface oxygen mobility, and low decomposition temperature of reaction intermediates. These findings provide a rational basis for designing efficient non-precious metal catalysts for NO oxidation in diesel exhaust aftertreatment.

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Performance and Mechanism of Cobalt-Aluminum Spinel Catalyzed Oxidation of Nitric Oxide

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606013• Jan 15, 2026

Comparative Analysis of CH4 and N2O Generation and Emission Characteristics in A2/O and A2/O-MBR Wastewater Treatment Plants

Authors: SHANG Zhenxin, LIU Jia, GUO Yanli, HUANG Xiangfeng, CAI Chen

The A2/O-MBR process, owing to its superior effluent quality and smaller footprint, is increasingly adopted in newly built and upgraded wastewater treatment plants. However, systematic studies on its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remain scarce, and direct comparisons with the conventional A2/O process are lacking. In this study, two full-scale wastewater treatment plants employing the A2/O and A2/O-MBR processes under identical influent conditions, climate, and discharge standards were investigated. A high-frequency monitoring system covering the entire treatment train was established, and combined with measurements of dissolved CH4 and N2O, water quality parameters, and operational parameters, to elucidate the differences in GHG emission characteristics. Results showed that the daily average CH4 emission intensities were not significantly different between the two plants [(0.67 ± 0.22) and (0.65 ± 0.18) g/m3, respectively]. CH4 emissions mainly originated from sewer-derived anaerobic production and subsequent release in the pretreatment units (accounting for over 70% of the total emissions), with partial in-plant oxidation by methanotrophs. Temperature and aeration-induced stripping were identified as key driving factors, as CH4 emissions were positively correlated with ambient temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO). In contrast, more than 90% of N2O emissions occurred in the biological treatment units. The A2/O-MBR plant exhibited significantly higher daily N2O emission intensity [(0.132 ± 0.055) g/m3] than the A2/O plant [(0.060 ± 0.046) g/m3], largely due to intensive aeration and oxygen-enriched internal/external recirculation in the membrane tank, which enhanced N2O production and stripping. Correlation analysis further revealed that N2O emissions in the A2/O plant were positively related to influent COD and BOD5, indicating dominance of heterotrophic denitrification, whereas in the A2/O-MBR process they were mainly driven by NH3-N loading and DO, reflecting a nitrification-based pathway. Importantly, both processes exhibited CH4 and N2O emission factors that were significantly lower than the reference values recommended by the IPCC and industry guidelines, underscoring the necessity of localizing emission factors for accurate carbon accounting.

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Comparative Analysis of CH4 and N2O Generation and Emission Characteristics in A2/O and A2/O-MBR Wastewater Treatment Plants

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606010• Jan 15, 2026

Oxygen-Loaded Porous Materials Inhibit Phosphorus Release at the Sediment-Water Interface in Eutrophic Waters

Authors: LIU Ming, QIU Zile, LU Yang, WANG Ruxue, BAI Lanfeng, XIONG Shuangshuang, SHI Li, DOU Pengpeng

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a critical factor controlling endogenous phosphorus (P) migration in eutrophic waters. Existing oxygenation technologies suffer from high energy consumption and sediment disturbance, necessitating low-disturbance, pH-stable strategies that avoid additional nitrogen and P loads. This study evaluated an oxygen-loaded porous material (OLPM) for inhibiting sediment P release using laboratory microcosms with natural eutrophic water samples. DO microprofiles across the sediment-water interface (SWI) were measured with microelectrodes; diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) resolved Fe, S, and P distributions; and sequential extraction quantified sediment P fractions. Results showed that OLPM coverage increased surface sediment DO concentration by 6.58-fold and DO penetration depth by 1.33-fold (16.8 mm). Overlying water total phosphorus (TP) decreased by 93.79%, and sediment interstitial phosphate (PO4-P) decreased by up to 45.75%. The SWI TP exchange flux reversed from +0.0068 mg/(m2·d) to -0.014 mg/(m2·d), shifting the system from a P source to a P sink. Sediment P fractionation revealed a 5.22% increase in stable Res-P and a 4.48% decrease in labile NaHCO3-P. Mechanistically, OLPM enhanced iron oxidation (Fe2+ reduced by 59.62%) and suppressed sulfate reduction (S2- homogenized at low levels), promoting P immobilization via Fe-S coupling. The material effectively inhibits endogenous P release through interfacial DO regulation without altering pH, offering a promising approach for eutrophication management.

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Oxygen-Loaded Porous Materials Inhibit Phosphorus Release at the Sediment-Water Interface in Eutrophic Waters

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606011• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation of Dispersed Iron-Sulfur-Based Nanoparticle Slurry and Its Application in Remediating Cr(VI) Contamination

Authors: XING Ningning, ZHANG Hongling, JIANG Hui, XU Hongbin

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination in chromite ore processing residue (COPR) and associated soils poses a persistent environmental challenge. This study developed a dispersedly stabilized iron-sulfur-based slurry (DSS-ISB) modified with an inorganic dispersant to enhance nanoparticle suspension stability and interfacial reactivity. The slurry, with a particle size of approximately 200 nm, efficiently reduced and immobilized Cr(VI) without pH adjustment. Under optimal conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio of 5 mL:10 g, DSS-ISB dosage of 1.8 mg/g, reaction time of 20 h), the removal efficiency exceeded 97%, reducing the leaching concentration from 15.03 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L, well below the GB 5085.3—2007 limit of 5 mg/L. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses revealed a synergistic mechanism of chemical reduction (Fe2+/S2- as dual electron donors) and surface adsorption, converting toxic Cr(VI) to stable Cr(III). Compared with traditional reductants ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and sodium sulfide (Na2S), DSS-ISB increased removal efficiency by 28.24% and 6.23%, respectively, and unit mass removal capacity by 92.43% and 77.08%. The reagent cost per ton of COPR was reduced to RMB 36.40, achieving savings of 33.82% and 26.02% versus FeSO4 (RMB 55.00) and Na2S (RMB 49.20). The process eliminates pH adjustment and subsequent passivation, simplifying remediation. DSS-ISB offers an economical and green solution for Cr(VI) remediation in both industrial residues and contaminated soils.

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Preparation of Dispersed Iron-Sulfur-Based Nanoparticle Slurry and Its Application in Remediating Cr(VI) Contamination

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606001• Jan 15, 2026

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Acidogenic Performance in Anaerobic Fermentation of Chemical-Biological Sewage Sludge

Authors: ZHAO Ke, LI Tianle, LIU Changjie, PING Qian

Municipal sludge anaerobic resource recovery efficiency in China lags behind developed countries. Widespread chemical phosphorus removal increases iron and aluminum salt precipitates in waste activated sludge, forming chemical-biological sludge that reduces acidogenic efficiency. This study identified key factors and developed a high-precision prediction model. Integrating literature and experimental data, acidogenic performance indicators under various conditions were compiled. Five machine learning models—Backpropagation Neural Network, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Random Forest—were systematically compared. Random Forest achieved the best predictive performance with a test set coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9463, significantly outperforming others with minimal overfitting risk, demonstrating strong capability for high-dimensional, nonlinear, multi-factor coupled problems. Feature importance analysis revealed pH and Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) as primary drivers, with aluminum salts exerting greater influence than iron salts. Engineering optimization should follow the pathway: 'adjust pH, stabilize organic matter, control aluminum salts'. This study provides an intelligent predictive tool and clarifies optimization directions, advancing precision and intelligent sludge treatment.

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Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Acidogenic Performance in Anaerobic Fermentation of Chemical-Biological Sewage Sludge

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606006• Jan 15, 2026

Recent Progress in Chitosan-Based Microsphere Composites for Phosphorus Removal from Aqueous Environments

Authors: LIU Shuai, LI Yingjie, HONG Changhong, LIU Da, ZHANG Shenghao

Chitosan-based microsphere composites have attracted considerable attention for phosphorus adsorption due to their facile preparation, low cost, environmental friendliness, and high uptake capacity. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties and preparation methods of chitosan microspheres for phosphate removal, outlines common modification strategies to enhance adsorption capacity, and discusses their applications in aqueous environments. Adsorption mechanisms, regeneration, and resource recovery of spent microspheres are analyzed. Challenges and recommendations are proposed, including streamlined preparation, enhanced phosphorus recovery, removal of multiple phosphorus forms, and practical implementation. The review aims to guide the development of high-performance chitosan-based microspheres for phosphorus removal.

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Recent Progress in Chitosan-Based Microsphere Composites for Phosphorus Removal from Aqueous Environments

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606004• Jan 15, 2026

Environmental Impact and Cost Analysis of Ecological Buffer Zones from an LCA-LCC Perspective

Authors: SHI Wanxian, XIONG Lijun, GUO Fei, LEI Jingcheng, XU Kangning

To identify optimal watershed remediation pathways under environmental and economic dimensions, an integrated environmental-economic impact assessment framework combining life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) based on openLCA was established, using 1 m³ of treated wastewater as the functional unit. This framework comprehensively evaluated the environmental impacts and economic costs of three ecological buffer measures—constructed wetlands, ecological intercepting ditches, and vegetation restoration projects—in non-point source pollution control. The results indicated that constructed wetlands offer the optimal environmental-economic profile, featuring the lowest comprehensive cost (¥1.01 yuan/m³) and the lowest load across most environmental impact categories, with only slightly higher land resource consumption intensity. Ecological intercepting ditches exhibited higher impacts in areas such as metal resource consumption due to the use of rebars and base fertilizer inputs, resulting in a moderate comprehensive cost (¥1.57 yuan/m³). Vegetation restoration projects incurred the highest comprehensive cost (¥61.14 yuan/m³) and produced the most significant environmental impacts, with elevated indicators such as human carcinogenic toxicity. This primarily stemmed from the extensive use of concrete grass pavers and base fertilizer in rural river sections. These findings provide quantitative references for environmental-economic integrated evaluation and decision-making regarding ecological buffer zone engineering schemes in similar watersheds.

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Environmental Impact and Cost Analysis of Ecological Buffer Zones from an LCA-LCC Perspective

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606009• Jan 15, 2026

High-Temperature Dechlorination Performance of Solid Waste-Based Dechlorination Agents

Authors: WANG Xuening, LI Hui, HU Yingying, GOU Yujin, CAO Taiyu, QI Yongle, ZHENG Wukui

The escalating volume of municipal solid waste in China necessitates effective disposal strategies. Industrial kiln co-processing offers a promising route, but high-temperature decomposition of chlorinated components releases HCl and Cl2, causing severe equipment corrosion and operational issues. This study investigates the high-temperature dechlorination performance of fly ash and red mud, two abundant industrial solid wastes, as potential dechlorination agents. Using a high-temperature tube furnace system, dechlorination efficiencies were evaluated across 600–900 °C. At 700 °C, fly ash achieved a peak dechlorination efficiency of 93.33%, while red mud reached 88.61%. However, efficiencies declined with further temperature increase, dropping to 65.6% and 58.27% at 900 °C for fly ash and red mud, respectively. To enhance performance at higher temperatures, fly ash was modified via alkali (NaOH) treatment. The modification increased surface roughness and porosity, disrupted Si-O-Si and Si-O-Al networks, and exposed active sites. Consequently, the alkali-modified fly ash exhibited a peak dechlorination efficiency of 94.98% at 800 °C, a 23.08% improvement over unmodified fly ash (71.9%). These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of utilizing solid wastes as dechlorination agents, offering a dual benefit of waste valorization and cost-effective high-temperature gas purification. The study provides a foundation for scaling up this approach in industrial kiln applications, contributing to sustainable waste management and reduced environmental impact.

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High-Temperature Dechlorination Performance of Solid Waste-Based Dechlorination Agents

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606005• Jan 15, 2026

Establishment of a Carbon Emission Balance Model and Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Pathways for Urban Reclaimed Water Plants

Authors: PANG Hongtao, HOU Feng, ZHU Ke, ZHANG Lujing, LI Peng, JIANG Leyong, SUN Shihao

In the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, urban reclaimed water plants must adopt measures such as energy conservation, consumption reduction, and enhanced resource and energy utilization to achieve carbon neutrality. This study developed a carbon emission balance model and accounting method for such plants, incorporating strategies of carbon emission reduction, carbon substitution, and carbon sink. The optimal pathway towards carbon neutrality was evaluated based on the carbon emission balance ratio. Using a 1×10⁵ m³/d urban reclaimed water plant as a case study, the results showed total carbon emissions of 20,934 t CO2e. The carbon emission reduction from reclaimed water source heat pumps for heating and cooling was 21,701 t CO2e, yielding a carbon emission balance ratio of 103.7%. In contrast, other carbon reduction measures contributed 15,424 t CO2e, with a balance ratio of 73.7%, highlighting the pivotal role of reclaimed water source heat pumps. When the heat pump extracted 27% and 36% of residual thermal energy, coupled with reclaimed water reuse or sludge anaerobic digestion-cogeneration, respectively, both pathways achieved a 100% balance ratio. Assuming year-round extraction, the balance ratio reached 213%. The carbon reduction ratio between utilizing residual thermal energy and chemical energy was 8.76:1. This study demonstrates that urban reclaimed water plants can achieve carbon neutrality through multiple pathways, with residual thermal energy recovery exhibiting significant potential.

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Establishment of a Carbon Emission Balance Model and Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Pathways for Urban Reclaimed Water Plants

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606002• Jan 15, 2026

Whole-Process Management and Intelligent Monitoring System for VOCs Emissions in Rubber Paste Preparation Workshops: Design, Implementation, and Field Validation

Authors: LI Peixian, DANG Xiaoqing, ZHAI Chen, HAN Wei, LAI Zhiqiang, LI Zhaoyang, QU Jiaxin, WANG He, ZHENG Huachun

Industrial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions are a major contributor to regional air pollution, and the rubber paste preparation process is a significant source. This study developed an intelligent monitoring system for whole-process VOCs management in a rubber paste preparation workshop, integrating software engineering and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The system architecture combines a hybrid database (MySQL relational and InfluxDB time-series), MQTT-based low-power wide-area communication, role-based access control, and containerized microservices. Field deployment at a large rubber enterprise enabled real-time monitoring of adsorption/desorption centrifugal fans and data fusion analysis. Under typical operating conditions, the extraction and ventilation systems achieved volume flow rates of 40,000 m³/h and 30,000 m³/h, respectively, maintaining a continuous micro-negative pressure environment that effectively suppressed fugitive emissions. The purification process, comprising zeolite rotor adsorption and regenerative thermal catalytic oxidation, reduced non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) concentrations to below 10 mg/m³, meeting the GB 27632—2011 emission standard. The system's multi-level permission management module precisely allocated operational responsibilities across production, environmental, and management roles, reducing response time to abnormal conditions. An online evaluation model for purification efficiency was constructed based on the actual process. The system demonstrates potential for extension to other high-VOCs industries such as coatings and printing. This research provides theoretical and practical references for applying computer technology to VOCs reduction and whole-process management in typical industries.

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Whole-Process Management and Intelligent Monitoring System for VOCs Emissions in Rubber Paste Preparation Workshops: Design, Implementation, and Field Validation

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606003• Jan 15, 2026

Machine Learning-Driven Development of Membrane Materials for Optimized Lithium Recovery Performance

Authors: WEI Jiaqi, CHEN Hao, ZHANG Jiahui, CHENG Xue, ZHANG Xuehong, LI Haixiang, ZHENG Junjian

Membrane separation technology, offering high separation efficiency, low energy consumption, and operational flexibility, is promising for lithium recovery. However, selective lithium extraction from complex matrices such as salt lake brines and battery leachates remains challenging. Traditional membrane development relies on empirical trial-and-error, suffering from low efficiency and the permeability-selectivity trade-off. This review systematically delineates machine learning (ML)-based frameworks for membrane material development, including high-throughput rational screening, inverse design of synthesis protocols, and high-fidelity performance prediction. We elucidate how advanced ML algorithms decipher structure-activity relationships at the molecular level, enabling breakthroughs in performance ceilings and guiding bottom-up fabrication of next-generation membranes. Critical challenges are assessed: scarcity of high-quality standardized datasets, limited model interpretability, and poor generalizability to industrial scales. Future directions emphasize physics-informed hybrid models, open-source global databases, and full-process system optimization to bridge laboratory innovation and industrial deployment.

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Machine Learning-Driven Development of Membrane Materials for Optimized Lithium Recovery Performance

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606012• Jan 15, 2026

Pollution Status of River and Lake Sediments and Research Progress in In-situ Remediation Technologies

Authors: DONG Yanting, YANG Jie, ZHU Nanwen, WANG Yan

River and lake sediments, as both sources and sinks of water pollutants, significantly impact overlying water quality and aquatic ecosystems. In pollution treatment and ecological restoration, managing contaminated sediments is critical. Remediation technologies are categorized into ex-situ and in-situ methods; in-situ techniques have gained prominence due to lower costs and minimal environmental disturbance. This review summarizes sediment pollution status, comprehensively examines physical, chemical, biological, and combined in-situ remediation technologies, and discusses their mechanisms, applications, and future research needs. It proposes optimization strategies for emerging technologies, material improvements, and pathways for sustainable development, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration to enhance remediation efficacy. Key pollutants include heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Hg), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and emerging contaminants like antibiotics and microplastics. In-situ methods such as capping, chemical oxidation, and bioremediation show promise but face challenges in long-term stability and scalability. The paper underscores the need for sustainable, cost-effective solutions and highlights recent advances in combined technologies, offering a reference for future research and engineering applications.

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Pollution Status of River and Lake Sediments and Research Progress in In-situ Remediation Technologies

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606015• Jan 15, 2026

Resource Recovery of Corn Stover in Water Treatment: Nitrate Removal from Simulated Groundwater

Authors: WANG Lina, CHEN Lirong, MA Kun, JIA Biao, WANG Zhen

This study evaluated the sustainability and tissue-specific mechanisms of corn stover as a solid-phase carbon source for nitrate removal from groundwater. Cyclic heterotrophic denitrification experiments were conducted using leaf, stem pith, stem bark, stem node, husk, and mixed tissues as carbon sources. Denitrification efficiency, sustainability, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release, carbon utilization efficiency, intermediate accumulation, and environmental parameters were systematically assessed. Kinetic modeling, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to elucidate regulatory mechanisms. Results demonstrated that mixed tissues and husk achieved the highest denitrification efficiency, with nitrate removal rates consistently above 98% across four repeated cycles. Total nitrogen removal reached 39.30 mg/g for mixed tissues and 39.95 mg/g for husk, while byproduct concentrations (NO2-N and NH4-N) remained below 2 mg/L. DOC release profiles indicated stable carbon release and high carbon utilization efficiency (203.99 mg TN/g organic carbon for mixed tissues; 182.41 mg/g for husk). Correlation and SEM analyses revealed that carbon source type indirectly governed total nitrogen removal by modulating DOC release, which subsequently influenced pH, electrical conductivity, and nitrogen transformation pathways. Significant differences among tissues were observed in denitrification efficiency, carbon utilization, and micro-environmental regulation. Mixed tissues and husk emerged as superior carbon sources due to their combined efficiency and stability. However, husk released odorous compounds during operation, posing sensory challenges for practical application. The findings support the potential of corn stover tissues as cost-effective carbon sources for in-situ groundwater nitrate remediation, though further optimization is required for field-scale implementation.

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Resource Recovery of Corn Stover in Water Treatment: Nitrate Removal from Simulated Groundwater

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606019• Jan 15, 2026

Characterization of Dust Characteristics from Sludge Co-combustion in Coal-fired Units and Experimental Study on Retrofit of Pneumatically Rapped ESP

Authors: ZHAO Haibao, TANG Zhichang, WANG Shaoquan, XIE Jie, XU Jianli

Sludge co-combustion in coal-fired power plants generates flue gas dust with high viscosity, causing severe dust deposition on downstream environmental protection equipment. This study analyzed the dust deposition mechanism in electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and characterized the dust layer properties. Results indicated that sludge co-combustion increased flue gas moisture content, altered particle morphology, and elevated dust viscosity. To address these issues, an anode pneumatically rapped ESP technology was developed to enhance anode plate cleaning. This technology was retrofitted on a 1000 MW unit at Zhejiang Jiahua Power Plant, and performance tests under sludge co-combustion conditions were completed in February 2025. At a specific dust collection area of 118 m²·s/m³ and a unit load of 987 MW, the ESP outlet dust concentration decreased from 25.32 mg/m³ before retrofit to 7.95 mg/m³ after retrofit. Analysis revealed that sludge co-combustion caused excessive dust deposition on the first electric field anode plates, inducing back corona, high-voltage power supply flashover, and low secondary voltage and current. After retrofit, regions with low rapping acceleration were eliminated, achieving effective dust cleaning. Secondary voltage and current were significantly improved, and overall ESP efficiency was remarkably enhanced. The proposed technology provides a reference for ESP retrofitting of coal-fired units under biomass (sludge) co-combustion and low-load conditions.

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Characterization of Dust Characteristics from Sludge Co-combustion in Coal-fired Units and Experimental Study on Retrofit of Pneumatically Rapped ESP

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606020• Jan 15, 2026

Operational Efficiency and Fouling Mechanism of a Novel Swinging Ultra-Fine Screen

Authors: CHENG Yuantao, ZHANG Zongsheng, ZHANG Jie, WU Zhichao, ZANG Lili

Municipal wastewater treatment plants in China face excessive influent grit loads and carbon source deficiencies, while conventional pretreatment (screening, grit chambers, primary sedimentation) exhibits low fine grit removal and poor carbon retention. A novel swinging ultra-fine screen with a screening precision of 0.1 mm was developed and tested at a pilot scale of 1000 m³/d. Systematic evaluation of screens with apertures from 0.05 to 0.4 mm was conducted, with mechanisms analyzed via particle size distribution, COD fractionation, and fouling layer characterization. The 0.1 mm screen achieved an SS removal efficiency of 89.3%, significantly higher than 57.4% for conventional processes, while COD removal was only 9.5% versus 28.6%, corresponding to a carbon source retention of 93%. The device nearly completely retained particles >0.1 mm and achieved >98% removal for particles in the 0.075–0.1 mm range. Performance remained stable under fluctuating COD and SS conditions. A three-stage fouling theory for micro-screens was proposed. This work represents the first application of 0.1 mm screening precision in pretreatment, markedly improving fine grit retention and carbon source preservation, with strong resilience to water quality variations.

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Operational Efficiency and Fouling Mechanism of a Novel Swinging Ultra-Fine Screen

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606016• Jan 15, 2026

Mechanism of Desulfurization Pretreatment of Barium-Containing Waste Slag by Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Method

Authors: YANG Dan, LI Chen, WU Hanzhang, PENG Jiyi, GONG Zihao, YU Zhiyuan

Barium slag, a solid waste from barium salt production, poses environmental risks due to high sulfur and soluble barium content. This study investigated the desulfurization of barium slag using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as a precipitating agent. The effects of reaction temperature, time, and Na2CO3 concentration on desulfurization efficiency were systematically evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were employed to analyze phase transformations and microstructural evolution. Results showed that desulfurization primarily proceeds via the reaction of ettringite (Ca6(Al(OH)6)2(SO4)3·26H2O) with Na2CO3, forming calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitates. However, the precipitated CaCO3 accumulates on ettringite surfaces, hindering further reaction. Under optimal conditions (60 °C, 5 h, 2 mol/L Na2CO3), the desulfurization efficiency reached 91.21%, reducing sulfur content in the slag to 0.27%, meeting the HJ 662—2013 standard for cement kiln co-processing. This work provides a mechanistic basis for efficient and environmentally sound treatment of barium slag, supporting its resource utilization in cement production.

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Mechanism of Desulfurization Pretreatment of Barium-Containing Waste Slag by Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Method

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606022• Jan 15, 2026

Numerical Simulation of Airflow Distribution and Structural Optimization of a VOCs Catalytic Combustion Reactor

Authors: HOU Yuxin, YI Tianli, XIAO Hailin, OU Yangming, LIU Peng, FU Mingli

This study presents a numerical simulation of the internal flow field in a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) catalytic combustion reactor used in an enameled wire enterprise. Using ANSYS Fluent, the effects of inlet expansion section length, inlet expansion section angle, and catalyst bed spacing on the velocity field were systematically investigated. Additionally, the influence of heating tube configuration on the temperature field was analyzed. The results indicate that an expansion section length of 250 mm is optimal, balancing spatial constraints and the avoidance of recirculation zones. A zero-degree expansion angle yields the most uniform velocity distribution, though practical considerations necessitate case-specific angle selection. A catalyst bed spacing of 0.05 m satisfies the engineering requirement of maintaining pressure drop across a single catalyst layer below 200 Pa while significantly improving gas distribution within the bed. Alternating heating tubes on both sides of the reactor enhance temperature uniformity and elevate the overall catalyst bed temperature, thereby promoting efficient VOCs catalytic combustion. These findings provide quantitative guidance for reactor design optimization, contributing to improved catalytic performance and extended catalyst lifespan.

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Numerical Simulation of Airflow Distribution and Structural Optimization of a VOCs Catalytic Combustion Reactor

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606018• Jan 15, 2026

Comparative Study on Hydrogen Production Characteristics of Pre-treated Swine Wastewater in ASBR Process

Authors: SUN Jian, YANG Zhipeng, ZHANG Dongmei, ZHANG Ling, WANG Haoyu, ZHONG Jiaxing, WANG Xiaoling, DU Juli

Swine wastewater, a high-strength organic effluent, offers a viable substrate for anaerobic biohydrogen production, aligning with clean energy recovery. This study compared hydrogen production in three anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBRs) treating: raw wastewater (R1), supernatant after MAP (magnesium ammonium phosphate) precipitation for nitrogen and phosphorus recovery (R2), and the same supernatant with anaerobic sludge heat-treated at 75°C for 0.5 h (R3). Without pH adjustment, hydrogen production in R1 remained below 0.50 mmol/(kg·d). At an influent COD of 1800 mg/L, R2 and R3 achieved hydrogen production rates of 48.17 and 71.44 mmol/(kg·d), respectively. At COD 2400 mg/L, methane concentrations in R1, R2, and R3 were 10.8%, 14.2%, and 9.1%, respectively, indicating MAP pretreatment enhanced both hydrogen and methane production. As COD increased, R1's methane concentration rose to 14.6%, while average COD removal efficiencies for R1, R2, and R3 were 78.9%, 70.8%, and 52.5%, respectively. Under pH adjustment, all reactors peaked at pH 4.0, with hydrogen production rates of 0.10, 7.74, and 8.83 mol/(kg·d) for R1, R2, and R3, respectively. These findings demonstrate that MAP pretreatment combined with sludge heat treatment significantly enhances biohydrogen production, offering a promising strategy for swine wastewater valorization.

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Comparative Study on Hydrogen Production Characteristics of Pre-treated Swine Wastewater in ASBR Process

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606017• Jan 15, 2026

Interpretation of the Revision to the Regenerated Zinc Raw Material Standard: A Perspective on Resource Circulation and Low-Carbon Development

Authors: ZHANG Kewei, CHENG Yong, FENG Junli, JIANG Linhua, HE Hongping

Against the backdrop of global green transition and tightening resource constraints, China's Dual Carbon Goals and Zero-Waste City initiative have positioned waste valorization as a critical pathway for sustainable development. Zinc, a fundamental metal, faces high external dependence and nearing primary resource limits, making the regenerated zinc industry essential. However, the previous standard YS/T 1093-2015 lagged in classification, technical indicators, and environmental requirements. This paper analyzes the revision to YS/T 1093-2024, which renames the standard to 'Recycled Zinc Raw Materials' and clarifies its role as front-end smelting intermediate feedstock. The new standard establishes a classification system covering six typical zinc-bearing materials, expanding utilization of low-grade complex materials (zinc content 5%-15%). It tightens limits on harmful elements (fluorine, chlorine, lead, arsenic) and introduces moisture control and appearance evaluation indicators, enhancing operability and environmental risk control. Compared with EU standards, it shows systematic improvements in raw material coverage, process adaptability, and environmental risk prevention. The revision is expected to drive the regenerated zinc industry toward intensification, high-value utilization, and clean production, improving resource recycling efficiency and supporting China's zinc resource strategic security and low-carbon development.

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Interpretation of the Revision to the Regenerated Zinc Raw Material Standard: A Perspective on Resource Circulation and Low-Carbon Development

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 6 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606021• Jan 15, 2026

Construction and Application Analysis of Overall Energy System for Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs)

Authors: WEI Ziqiang, LU Zhaoyang, QU Xiaolei, LI Ming, XU Zunzhu, CHEN Hongrui, CHEN Weijie

To provide a theoretical basis for energy-saving combustion of regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), this study analyzes energy nodes during RTO operation, refines heat balance accounting, and establishes an overall energy system. Taking a three-chamber RTO as the research object, the enthalpy of exhaust gas at different stages is calculated, and a whole-process heat balance model is developed to systematically analyze exhaust gas preheating, combustion, heat recovery, and heat loss transfer. An improved energy accounting method is proposed to address dynamic heat exchange inside heat accumulators, coupling of multiple gas streams, and boundary heat loss under complex conditions. The longitudinal temperature distribution function of heat accumulators is introduced to overcome difficulties in heat accounting within the accumulator chamber. A thermodynamic system covering 11 key internal energy nodes is constructed. Combined with design characteristics of RTO operation across industries, the application scope of the overall energy system is analyzed; equilibrium terms can be adjusted according to actual conditions, ensuring wide applicability. Validation via an RTO energy system for a glove manufacturing plant demonstrates that outlet temperature prediction accuracy improves from 14.3% to 2.8%, providing a theoretical foundation for future intelligent energy-saving combustion research.

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Construction and Application Analysis of Overall Energy System for Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs)

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607001• Jan 15, 2026

Pollutant Generation Characteristics and Environmental Impact Analysis during Co-combustion of Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge

Authors: ZHANG Wei, SUN Yunan, CHEN Guandong, CUI Zhuo, WU Shuang, MA Jiaomei, CHEN Guanyi

Co-combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) and sewage sludge (SS) offers a promising route for synergistic waste management, yet pollutant release dynamics and environmental trade-offs remain inadequately characterized. This study systematically investigated the combustion behavior, pollutant emissions, and environmental impacts of MSW-SS blends at 850, 950, and 1050 °C with varying SS mass fractions (0–100%). Machine learning models, particularly artificial neural networks (ANN), were optimized to predict pollutant generation, and SHAP analysis identified key influencing factors. Results demonstrated that combustion temperature and blending ratio significantly affected burnout efficiency, with temperature exerting a more pronounced effect. An SS proportion of 20% yielded favorable combustion performance. Among pollutants, N2O and C2H4 emissions were significantly influenced by temperature, blending ratio, and their interaction, indicating high sensitivity to operating conditions. CO and C6H6 were primarily affected by blending ratio, while C7H8 responded to both temperature and blending ratio. N2O and CH4 were predominantly released during the initial combustion stage; elevated temperatures markedly suppressed N2O formation, and co-combustion generally reduced CH4 emissions. A 20% SS blend effectively reduced SO2 emissions, and NO synergistic reduction was optimal at 950 °C. Emissions of CO, C2H4, C6H6, and C7H8 exhibited antagonistic behavior under co-combustion. The ANN model accurately predicted pollutant concentrations, with combustion temperature, volatile matter, and fixed carbon content identified as critical factors. Environmental impact assessment revealed that higher temperatures reduced global warming potential (GWP) and photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), while lower MSW proportions decreased POCP but increased GWP and acidification potential (AP). Integrating combustion performance, pollutant release, and environmental impacts, an SS proportion of 20% is recommended for optimized co-combustion.

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Pollutant Generation Characteristics and Environmental Impact Analysis during Co-combustion of Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607003• Jan 15, 2026

Effect of Co-firing Rate on Dewatered Sludge and Municipal Solid Waste Incineration: Pollutants Emissions, Operational Performance and Byproducts

Authors: WANG Hao, ZHONG Yang, XIAO Sihua, YUAN Weifang, SONG Xiaowei

Co-firing municipal sludge with municipal solid waste (MSW) provides a viable solution for sludge disposal. This study evaluated the effect of sludge co-firing rate (0%, 5%, and 10%) on flue gas pollutant emissions, operational performance, and incineration byproduct characteristics in a waste-to-energy plant. The results showed that under all co-firing rates, the concentrations of SO2, NOx, CO, HCl, particulate matter, and dioxins complied with the limits specified in the Standard for Pollution Control on Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (GB 18485—2014). As the co-firing rate increased from 5% to 10%, concentrations of all flue gas pollutants except NOx and HCl exhibited an upward trend. The optimal operational performance under the test conditions was achieved at a 5% co-firing rate, when the flue gas volume, fan volume, and ammonia and lime consumption were minimized. Compared to the 5% rate, increasing the co-firing rate to 10% resulted in elevated flue gas volume, fan volume, and reagent consumption. Steam production decreased from 2.778 t/t (0% co-firing rate) to 2.358 t/t (5% co-firing rate) and 2.117 t/t (10% co-firing rate), indicating a reduction in power generation efficiency with increasing sludge co-firing rates. Leaching toxicity analysis of fly ash revealed significant reductions in the leached concentrations of Zn and Pb, while those of Hg, As, Ba, and Se showed slight increases, all remaining well below regulatory limits. This study confirms the technical feasibility of directly co-firing mechanically dewatered sludge (with a moisture content of 50% to 60%) without thermal drying. A 5% co-firing rate is identified as the optimal balance between operational economy and system efficiency.

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Effect of Co-firing Rate on Dewatered Sludge and Municipal Solid Waste Incineration: Pollutants Emissions, Operational Performance and Byproducts

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607004• Jan 15, 2026

Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Multi-Source Biomass/Coal Gasification Fine Slag Composite Pelletized Fuels at High Heating Rates

Authors: GUO Shengjun, LEI Mengying, LIN Hao, YAO Hao, LI Rui, SHI Zhaochen, LI Zhan, ZHANG Xiaopan, PU Jing, DENG Shuanghui, WANG Xuebin

Pelletizing technology is widely applied in biomass and coal fuel processing, offering advantages in transport, storage, and energy density. Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS), a carbon-rich coal-based solid waste, holds potential as a fuel. This study prepared centimeter-scale composite pellets by blending CGFS with various biomass types under 6 MPa at room temperature for 2 minutes. Combustion and emission characteristics were investigated using a self-developed flat-flame macro-thermogravimetric reactor simulating high heating rate conditions. Results showed that biomass type significantly influenced combustion due to chemical composition differences. Introducing biomass altered fuel particle composition, enhancing combustion rates of single-component fuels by 3–5 times during volatile combustion. Co-combustion reduced NOx and CO emissions by over 50% compared to pure CGFS. Higher biomass ratios accelerated volatile release and shortened burnout time but increased NO emissions due to higher volatile nitrogen content. Conversely, CO emissions decreased due to improved char combustion conditions. These findings provide critical experimental support for optimizing clean and efficient solid fuel production from CGFS and biomass.

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Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Multi-Source Biomass/Coal Gasification Fine Slag Composite Pelletized Fuels at High Heating Rates

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607002• Jan 15, 2026

Development of a Fully Coupled Bed Combustion Simulation Method for Grate-Fired Furnaces Using Fluent UDF

Authors: CHEN Wenjun, LUO Yanzhen, ZHANG Zhi, ZHANG Hanwei

In municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration simulation, the traditional FLIC-Fluent coupling method suffers from long iteration cycles across multiple operating conditions and significant errors due to data mapping at the coupling interface. This study developed a fully coupled bed combustion simulation program based on Fluent User-Defined Functions (UDF). By integrating four modules—dynamic regulation of particle emissivity, zonal motion control of the grate, bed drag shielding, and wall collision-induced fragmentation—the program achieved fully coupled calculation of solid waste particle movement, bed combustion, and furnace flow fields within a single Fluent platform, completely replacing the bed calculation functions of FLIC software. A 750 t/d reverse-inclined forward-feeding grate furnace in a Chinese waste-to-energy plant was selected for engineering validation. The model was calibrated using continuous operational data from 12 on-site measurement points. Results showed that the computational time per operating condition was reduced by 71.4% compared to the traditional FLIC-Fluent coupling method. The relative error between simulated furnace temperatures and on-site measurements was ≤4.10%, significantly outperforming the 9.68% maximum relative error of the traditional method. The proposed method provides a reliable engineering simulation solution for optimizing operating conditions and screening blending schemes in co-incineration of multi-source solid waste.

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Development of a Fully Coupled Bed Combustion Simulation Method for Grate-Fired Furnaces Using Fluent UDF

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607005• Jan 15, 2026

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Municipal Sludge Combustion Characteristics

Authors: LI Tenghao, WANG Yin, LIU Bo, ZHANG Shan, BAI Xue

To optimize municipal sludge incineration and enhance disposal efficiency, sludge from the First Sewage Treatment Plant in Chengdu was analyzed via synchronous thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DSC) in air at 20 K/min. The combustion process comprised four stages: moisture evaporation (35–150 °C), volatile combustion (150–400 °C), fixed carbon combustion (400–600 °C), and burnout (600–1000 °C). Ignition and burnout temperatures were 220.7 °C and 605.9 °C, respectively, with a comprehensive combustion characteristic index of 6.32×10⁻⁸ %²/(min²·K³), indicating good stability. Kinetic analysis using Coats-Redfern (CR) integral and Achar-Brindley-Sharp (ABS) differential methods showed deviations below 15%, confirming CR reliability. Moisture evaporation and volatile combustion followed first-order models (F1) with activation energies of 52.24 and 48.81 kJ/mol, while fixed carbon combustion and burnout followed second-order models (F2) with activation energies of 192.38 and 102.27 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH: 49.06, 43.59, 185.94, 95.00 kJ/mol; ΔS: -148.36, -211.63, -30.74, -201.38 J/mol·K; ΔG: 105.76, 176.52, 209.74, 271.04 kJ/mol) revealed negative entropy and positive Gibbs free energy across all stages, indicating external energy dependence, with the highest demand in the burnout stage. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing incineration process parameters and energy recovery.

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Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Municipal Sludge Combustion Characteristics

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607007• Jan 15, 2026

Sintered Ceramsites from Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil and Printing and Dyeing Sludge Fly Ash: Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Stabilization and Optimization of Sintering Conditions

Authors: LI Zhiyao, SHEN Kai, XIE Wengang, HU Junsong, YANG Yu, LUO Wenxuan, XU Kang, ZHANG Yaping

Printing and dyeing sludge (PDS) fly ash is often classified as hazardous waste due to its high content and diversity of heavy metals (HMs). This study co-disposed PDS fly ash and heavy metal-contaminated soil to produce sintered ceramsites, investigating the effects of sintering conditions on physical properties and HM migration/transformation, and elucidating the immobilization mechanisms. The optimal sintering process was identified as preheating at 400 °C for 10 min, followed by sintering at 1150 °C for 10 min. The resulting ceramsites exhibited a 1-h water absorption of 2.7%, a bulk density of 830 kg/m³, HM volatilization rates below 15%, and a residual fraction (F4) proportion exceeding 86%. Characterization revealed that during sintering, HMs were encapsulated by the glassy phase and reacted with amorphous silica-alumina to form stable silico-aluminates, synergistically reducing HM mobility. However, sintering temperatures ≥1200 °C destabilized the ceramsite structure, causing secondary HM release. This research provides an efficient and simple route for the resource utilization of dyeing sludge fly ash and contaminated soil.

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Sintered Ceramsites from Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil and Printing and Dyeing Sludge Fly Ash: Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Stabilization and Optimization of Sintering Conditions

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607006• Jan 15, 2026

Global Warming Potential Analysis of Air Pollution Control Processes in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration under Ultra-Low Emission Standards

Authors: WEI Junxiao, WEI Zeng, ZHANG Jiangwei, ZHANG Lei, LIU Jianguo, LI Huan

This study evaluates the global warming potential (GWP) of three typical air pollution control device (APCD) configurations in municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration under ultra-low emission standards. The configurations are APCD1 (SNCR+SDS+DS+ACI+FF), APCD2 (SNCR+SDS+DS+ACI+FF+SCR+WS), and APCD3 (SNCR+SDS+DS+ACI+FF+WS+SCR). Life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to quantify GWP. Results indicate that APCD3 exhibits the highest GWP due to increased electricity consumption, yet it achieves the lowest pollutant emissions among the three. APCD1 shows the highest NOx emissions, contributing significantly to GWP, and requires technological upgrades. APCD2 consumes more resources but does not proportionally reduce emissions, suggesting inefficiencies. Electricity consumption is the dominant factor influencing GWP across all processes; reducing electricity use and improving energy efficiency are critical for mitigating environmental impact. The study recommends further research on CO2 reduction strategies and adoption of more efficient DeNOx technologies to align MSW incineration with ultra-low emission and low-carbon goals.

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Global Warming Potential Analysis of Air Pollution Control Processes in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration under Ultra-Low Emission Standards

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607018• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation of Red Mud-Modified Sludge-Based Biochar and Its Phosphorus Adsorption Efficiency and Mechanism

Authors: ZHANG Chao, XIONG Renjiu, CAI Meiqiang, DONG Chunying

To address the dual challenges of phosphorus resource scarcity and eutrophication control, this study proposed a sustainable waste-treats-waste strategy by preparing red-mud-modified sludge-based biochar (RMSBC) via co-pyrolysis of red mud and sewage sludge. The optimal material (RMSBC800), produced at 800 °C with a red mud-to-sludge mass ratio of 3:1, achieved a maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity of 28.57 mg/g, a 350% enhancement over unmodified biochar (SBC). Characterization (SEM, XRD, EDS, FT-IR, XPS) revealed that red mud modification increased the average pore size from 7.91 nm to 20.33 nm, reduced electronegativity, and raised the pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) from 2.01 to 3.37. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and isotherms fitted the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer chemisorption. The Freundlich parameter 1/n was 0.34, suggesting favorable adsorption. Mechanistic studies identified electrostatic attraction and surface precipitation as dominant, with molecular dynamics simulations confirming the critical role of Fe3O4 over Fe2O3 in adsorbing HPO4^2- due to stronger electrostatic interactions. The material retained 61% of its initial capacity after five regeneration cycles and achieved 83% phosphorus removal from real wastewater. This work demonstrates synergistic valorization of industrial wastes, offering an economically viable solution for phosphorus pollution control and resource recovery.

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Preparation of Red Mud-Modified Sludge-Based Biochar and Its Phosphorus Adsorption Efficiency and Mechanism

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607011• Jan 15, 2026

Acid-Modified Red Mud Enhances Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste via Synergistic Adsorption and Electron Transfer: Performance and Mechanism

Authors: LIU Liang, KANG Xiangjing, QING Mengxia, ZHANG Xinrui

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a viable route for energy recovery from food waste (FW), yet it often suffers from process instability due to volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation and subsequent pH drop. This study modified red mud (RM) with hydrochloric acid to produce acid-modified red mud (AMRM), aiming to optimize its alkalinity and physicochemical properties. The efficacy of AMRM as an additive in FW anaerobic digestion was systematically evaluated. Results demonstrated that adding 3% AMRM significantly enhanced the buffering capacity and controlled VFAs accumulation, particularly propionic acid. This was attributed to the developed pore structure of AMRM, whose specific surface area increased by 347% compared to raw RM, facilitating rapid VFAs adsorption. Furthermore, AMRM enriched hematite (Fe2O3), which elevated electron transport system (ETS) activity and coenzyme F420 content, suggesting its role as an electron carrier promoting direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between syntrophic bacteria and methanogens. Consequently, the cumulative methane yield reached 633.9 mL/g VS, which was 175.1% and 55.2% higher than the control and raw RM groups, respectively. The VS removal efficiency was 75.1%. This study provides a dual-pathway mechanism—adsorption and electron transfer—for enhancing AD performance, offering a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for FW treatment and RM valorization.

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Acid-Modified Red Mud Enhances Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste via Synergistic Adsorption and Electron Transfer: Performance and Mechanism

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607015• Jan 15, 2026

Release and Vertical Migration Behavior of Typical Microplastics from Sewage Sludge Organic Fertilizer Applied in Public Green Spaces

Authors: WU Bi, WU Zheng, HUANG Tao

Microplastic pollution poses a severe threat to terrestrial ecosystems, with soil acting as a major sink. The application of sewage sludge organic fertilizer in public green spaces introduces microplastics (MPs) into the soil, yet their release and vertical migration dynamics remain poorly understood. This study investigated the release and transport of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) MPs, the most prevalent types in sludge organic fertilizer, under simulated rainfall conditions representative of Chengdu. Over a six-month simulated rainfall period, the release rate of PE (26.1±1.8%) at 0.2% abundance (weight ratio) and 20–40 μm size was significantly higher than that of PP (16.4±1.3%). The highest release was observed for 40–60 μm particles, while excessive abundance induced aggregation, inhibiting release. A 24-month simulated transport experiment revealed that PE exhibited higher mobility than PP, with peak migration occurring between 14 and 18 months, and 40–60 μm particles showing the greatest transport capacity. Environmental factors critically modulated migration: increasing pH enhanced mobility, but the promoting effect of sludge leachate diminished under alkaline conditions; higher electrolyte concentrations reduced mobility, with sludge leachate exerting stronger inhibition at high EC; organic matter exhibited a non-linear effect, promoting transport at low concentrations and inhibiting at high concentrations. These findings provide essential data for mitigating microplastic contamination in public green spaces.

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Release and Vertical Migration Behavior of Typical Microplastics from Sewage Sludge Organic Fertilizer Applied in Public Green Spaces

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607008• Jan 15, 2026

Multi-scale reaction kinetic characteristics of waste tire pyrolysis

Authors: WU Rui, LUO Guanqun, MA Ruoyu, TAO Xuan

Waste tire pyrolysis has emerged as a leading treatment technology due to its broad applicability, high resource recovery efficiency, and low environmental pollution. This study employs thermogravimetric analysis to investigate the influence of heating rate on pyrolysis characteristics and systematically analyzes reaction kinetics across three scales: overall reaction, weight-loss stages, and Fraser-Suzuki deconvolution. The Fraser-Suzuki function, with its asymmetric peak-fitting capability, outperforms conventional methods in describing the complex continuous reaction, achieving superior fit accuracy (R²=0.998). Deconvolution resolves the pyrolysis into four pseudo-components: additives, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and high-temperature residual reactants, with average activation energies of 118.21, 202.60, 231.98, and 251.97 kJ/mol, respectively. The study provides critical theoretical support for temperature-zone control and reactor design optimization in waste tire pyrolysis technologies.

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Multi-scale reaction kinetic characteristics of waste tire pyrolysis

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607012• Jan 15, 2026

Effects of Lychee Wood Biochar and Lignin-Degrading Bacteria on Performance of Aerobic Composting Coupled with Vermicomposting for Cow Dung and Rice Husk

Authors: TAN Yonghao, LIU Jie, LUO Mengqin, SU Tianwei, GONG Xiaoqiang

This study investigated the effects of lychee wood biochar and lignin-degrading bacteria on compost maturity, substance transformation, and bacterial communities during the coupled process of aerobic composting and vermicomposting of cow dung and rice husk. Four treatments were established: no addition (CK), 5% (w/w) lychee wood biochar addition (T1), 0.5% (w/w) lignin-degrading bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger) addition (T2), and combined addition of 5% biochar and 0.5% bacteria (T3). Results showed that biochar and/or bacteria addition accelerated temperature rise, extended high-temperature duration to 13 days, and increased maximum temperature. Compared to CK, T1–T3 increased organic matter degradation by 3.97%–9.56%, humic acid content by 12.30%–24.09%, available phosphorus and potassium by 14.48%–32.50% and 6.97%–18.85%, respectively. NH3 emissions were reduced by 25.86%–34.26%, while nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen increased by 12.83%–43.34% and 5.73%–13.18%, respectively. Seed germination index improved by 11.62%–29.20%. T3 exhibited the best overall performance. During aerobic composting, biochar and/or bacteria significantly increased relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Planctomycetota, and Acidobacteriota, but effects were not significant during vermicomposting. Functional genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Chryseolinea were enriched in both stages. The study concludes that adding 5% lychee wood biochar and/or 0.5% lignin-degrading bacteria to cow dung and rice husk in coupled composting-vermicomposting improves bacterial community structure, promotes organic matter degradation, enhances humification, reduces nitrogen loss, and accelerates compost maturity, with combined addition being most effective.

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Effects of Lychee Wood Biochar and Lignin-Degrading Bacteria on Performance of Aerobic Composting Coupled with Vermicomposting for Cow Dung and Rice Husk

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607016• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation of Biochar from Co-pyrolysis of Napier Grass and Food Waste Digestate for Pb²⁺ Removal from Wastewater

Authors: YANG Gaixiu, MEI Wenjie, AI Hongdou, CHEN Jiamin, CHAI Jianfei, SONG Liang, WU Bin, ZHENG Zhiyong, LIU Runyu

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses severe risks to environmental and human health, particularly affecting children's neurological development. This study investigates the adsorption performance and mechanisms of biochars derived from pyrolysis of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), food waste digestate, and their mixtures for Pb²⁺ removal from aqueous solutions. Biochars were prepared at different mass ratios, and the optimal material (HP3SD1-B, Napier grass:digestate = 3:1) exhibited a maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 306.45 mg/g and a theoretical Langmuir maximum capacity of 447.62 mg/g, significantly outperforming pure digestate biochar and lower-ratio blends. Adsorption kinetics followed a three-stage profile: rapid liquid-film diffusion (0–180 min), intraparticle diffusion (180–360 min), and equilibrium at 360 min. The adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R² > 0.99) and the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer chemisorption. Characterization via FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDS, and Zeta potential revealed that Pb²⁺ immobilization occurs primarily through surface precipitation (Pb₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ and PbO), complexation with hydroxyl, ether, and aromatic C=C groups, and auxiliary mechanisms including electrostatic attraction and K⁺/Mg²⁺ ion exchange. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 6, correlating with the point of zero charge (PZC ≈ 2). This study demonstrates that co-pyrolysis of agricultural and organic solid wastes offers a cost-effective, high-performance biochar for heavy metal remediation, aligning with circular economy principles.

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Preparation of Biochar from Co-pyrolysis of Napier Grass and Food Waste Digestate for Pb²⁺ Removal from Wastewater

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607009• Jan 15, 2026

Current Status of Food Waste Anaerobic Digestion and Challenges in Carbon Source Production in China

Authors: ZHAO Zhenzhen, QIU Junjie, YI Yangmin, HUANG Huimin, JIANG Guihong, YANG Hujun, ZHANG Hongliang, HE Pinjing

Resource utilization of food waste is a key measure for implementing waste classification and constructing zero-waste cities in China. However, the technical route based on anaerobic digestion currently faces developmental bottlenecks. In this study, engineering-scale facilities located in Northeast, North, Northwest, and Southeast China were selected, and material flow analysis was employed to comprehensively assess the current status of anaerobic digestion of food waste. The results indicated that, during the pretreatment stage, both leachate and organic slurry from all surveyed regions exhibited high COD/TN ratios, and the leachate contained high concentrations of lipids. Following three-phase (oil-water-solid) separation, the oil recovery rate could reach over 98%. Anaerobic digestion of each ton of food waste from the four regions generated approximately 70 to 80 Nm³ of biogas, while simultaneously producing liquid digestate accounting for 69% to 80% of the total mass and solid digestate accounting for 2.7% to 3.6%. However, the annual continuous production of digestate was not aligned with the seasonal demand for land use, thereby restricting the pathway for resource utilization. Converting food waste into an external carbon source can significantly enhance its resource utilization efficiency, with the economic benefits increasing by more than 203% compared to the methanogenesis pathway. The selection of the carbon source production technology route should be comprehensively determined by taking into account factors such as the specific nitrogen removal requirements of the target wastewater treatment process, the quality requirements for the carbon source products, and the substitution rate of commercial carbon sources.

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Current Status of Food Waste Anaerobic Digestion and Challenges in Carbon Source Production in China

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607010• Jan 15, 2026

Effects of Low-Concentration Perfluorooctane Sulfonate on Anaerobic Fermentation of Activated Sludge

Authors: LENG Sixian, CHENG Shang, ZHAO Hongliang, WEI Yiyuan, QIAN Qingyu, PAN Weiliang

The impact of low concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) remains poorly understood. This study applied three PFOS levels (0.5, 1.0, and 4.5 μg/g TSS) to systematically evaluate effects on organic matter solubilization and nitrogen/phosphorus transformations. Monitoring of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), soluble protein, polysaccharides, NH4+-N, PO43--P, and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence revealed that PFOS significantly enhanced release of SCOD, protein, and polysaccharides. At 45 °C after 14 days with 4.5 μg/g TSS, SCOD peaked approximately 28% higher than control, indicating increased biodegradable organic matter accumulation. NH4+-N concentrations rose overall with fluctuations, while PO43--P release was inhibited, suggesting interference with nutrient transformation pathways. 3D-EEM analysis showed strengthened signals of aromatic proteins and microbial by-products, confirming matrix solubilization. These findings demonstrate a dual effect of low-level PFOS: initial promotion of organic matter release followed by potential inhibition of nutrient transformation. This study provides data support for understanding PFOS environmental behavior in anaerobic digestion and informs sludge resource utilization and risk assessment of emerging contaminants.

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Effects of Low-Concentration Perfluorooctane Sulfonate on Anaerobic Fermentation of Activated Sludge

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607017• Jan 15, 2026

Carbon Emissions Accounting and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Biochar and Organic Fertilizer Production from Distillers' Grains

Authors: HAO Jinyu, PENG Xin, WANG Chun, XU Ke, YAO Xiaolong, SUN Yingxue

Distillers' grains, the largest organic solid waste stream in the brewing industry, require efficient low-carbon valorization to support China's Dual Carbon Goals. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify CO2 emissions and carbon reduction benefits of two mainstream routes: pyrolysis to biochar and fermentation to organic fertilizer. Based on public process data, the total life-cycle CO2 emission for biochar production from 1 t of distillers' grains is 250.02 kg, with a carbon sequestration reduction of 120.29 kg, demonstrating superior long-term carbon fixation. In contrast, organic fertilizer production emits 536.14 kg CO2 per ton, achieving a carbon reduction of only 86.22 kg, indicating inferior mitigation performance. Techno-economic analysis reveals net profits of 471.97 CNY/t for biochar and 822.27 CNY/t for organic fertilizer, showing that the organic fertilizer route offers higher profitability. Both pathways effectively reduce CO2 emissions, with biochar prioritizing environmental sustainability and organic fertilizer excelling economically. This study provides data-driven insights for selecting organic solid waste recycling strategies, promoting low-carbon technologies, and establishing circular economy models in the brewing industry.

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Carbon Emissions Accounting and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Biochar and Organic Fertilizer Production from Distillers' Grains

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607013• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic Effects of Earthworm Mucus and Different Biochars on Heavy Metal Bioavailability in Sludge Composting

Authors: WANG Xingming, LU Haopeng, SHEN Lu, CHU Zhaoxia

This study investigated the synergistic effects of earthworm mucus and two biochar types (rice husk biochar and straw biochar) on heavy metal bioavailability during sludge composting. Sludge was amended with earthworm mucus alone or combined with biochars at varying proportions, and the impacts on physicochemical properties, total heavy metal concentrations, bioavailable fractions, and chemical speciation were analyzed. Results showed that mucus addition increased sludge pH and electrical conductivity (EC) but decreased total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents. Synergistic mucus-biochar composting further elevated pH and EC while reducing TN, with the optimal treatment being mucus plus 10% rice husk biochar. Mucus-only composting reduced total concentrations and bioavailability of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb. Adding biochars significantly enhanced these reductions. Specifically, mucus with rice husk biochar achieved the best Cd removal, with total and bioavailable Cd decreasing by 27.03%–55.68% and 9.52%–28.57% (P<0.05), respectively, compared to controls. Mucus with straw biochar was most effective for Ni, Zn, and Pb, reducing total contents by 3.81%–5.72%, 7.93%–34.62%, and 42.61%–79.46%, and bioavailable fractions by 2.90%–26.31%, 15.58%–24.14%, and 32.30%–36.88% (P<0.05), respectively. Speciation analysis revealed that Cd, Ni, and Pb carbonate-bound fractions transformed into residual forms, and exchangeable fractions shifted to Fe-Mn oxide-bound forms. Straw biochar addition resulted in the highest residual fractions for Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb, increasing by 0.35%–7.02%, 8.61%–12.90%, 16.62%–23.02%, 17.33%–26.10%, and 16.12%–27.20% (P<0.05), respectively. These findings demonstrate that earthworm mucus combined with rice husk or straw biochar effectively reduces heavy metal concentrations and bioavailability in sludge, offering a promising strategy for sludge composting.

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Synergistic Effects of Earthworm Mucus and Different Biochars on Heavy Metal Bioavailability in Sludge Composting

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607020• Jan 15, 2026

Biochar-Enhanced Anaerobic Co-digestion of Kitchen Waste and Excess Sludge: Performance, Stability, and Microbial Community Dynamics

Authors: WU Bowen, ZHENG Yijiang, ZHANG Tong, FENG Li, ZHANG Liqiu

Kitchen waste (KW) and excess sludge (ES) are urban biowastes with resource recovery potential, commonly treated via anaerobic digestion (AD) for methane production. However, KW mono-digestion suffers from acidification, while ES yields low methane. This study employed semi-continuous reactors to simulate practical AD, co-digesting KW and ES at a 4:1 volatile solids ratio with biochar addition (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/L). The optimal biochar dosage was 2.5 g/L, achieving cumulative biogas and methane volumes of 17.53 L and 11.63 L, respectively, representing 42.10% and 39.47% increases over the biochar-free control, and 34.45% and 43.30% enhancements relative to thermally hydrolyzed sludge. The methanogenic lag phase decreased from (5.65±0.11) d to (4.33±0.12) d. Process stability improved, with average volatile fatty acids (VFAs) during stable operation dropping from 1708 mg/L to 1033 mg/L. Microbial analysis revealed enhanced diversity and enrichment of Synergistetes and Syntrophomonas, indicating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) promotion. Biochar at low concentrations enhances AD by immobilizing microbes and facilitating electron transfer, while high concentrations (10 g/L) may inhibit methanogenesis due to fatty acid degradation blockage, yet total methane production remained above control. These findings demonstrate that biochar addition at 2.5 g/L effectively enhances methane production and process stability in KW-ES co-digestion.

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Biochar-Enhanced Anaerobic Co-digestion of Kitchen Waste and Excess Sludge: Performance, Stability, and Microbial Community Dynamics

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607019• Jan 15, 2026

Mechanism of Biochar for Enhancing Volatile Fatty Acids Production during Anaerobic Fermentation of Food Waste

Authors: SHI Fangying, CHEN Jingting, YANG Wanli, XU Qiyong, WANG Ning

This study investigated the effects of biochar on volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production, biogas composition, physicochemical properties of the fermentation broth, and microbial community structure through batch anaerobic fermentation experiments using food waste as the substrate. The results demonstrated that the addition of biochar (1 g/L) significantly enhanced VFAs production, with the total VFAs concentration reaching 2150 mg/L in the biochar group, which was 30.2% higher than that of the control group (1651 mg/L). Acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were identified as the primary VFAs components. In the fermentation system, biochar exhibited a notable pH-buffering effect, stabilizing the fermentation environment. Additionally, its porous structure adsorbed ions during the fermentation process, resulting in a slightly lower electrical conductivity compared to the control group. Microbial community analysis revealed that biochar addition enriched key acidogenic bacteria, such as Defluviitoga and norank_f__Family_XI, optimizing the microbial community structure, and thereby facilitating organic acid production. In summary, biochar effectively promoted the efficient accumulation of VFAs during anaerobic fermentation of food waste by improving the fermentation microenvironment, enhancing system buffering capacity, and regulating microbial community composition. These findings provide theoretical support for sustainable enhancement of resource utilization of food waste.

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Mechanism of Biochar for Enhancing Volatile Fatty Acids Production during Anaerobic Fermentation of Food Waste

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607014• Jan 15, 2026

Effects of Nitrogen-Rich Wastewater Reuse on Aerobic Fermentation Performance of Substrates with Different Carbon-Nitrogen Ratios

Authors: ZHANG Jingmin, XIE Dong, TANG Shizhao, MA Ruichuan, GAO Ming, WU Chuanfu

Reducing ammonia emissions and recovering lost nitrogen are critical for enhancing nitrogen content in compost. Biological trickling filters, as end-of-pipe odor control, retain ammonia nitrogen in effluent, offering a reuse pathway. However, the impact of nitrogen-rich wastewater reuse within the optimal C/N range (20.0:1–30.0:1) remains unclear. This study composted biogas residue, sawdust, food waste, and mushroom residue, setting initial C/N as the control variable. Four groups were established: low C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater (LRN), low C/N with deionized water (LRW), high C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater (HRN), and high C/N with deionized water (HRW). Simulated wastewater (2000 mg/L NH4+-N and 2000 mg/L NO2−-N) was recycled. Results showed no inhibition of final maturity; pH (8.17–8.48) and seed germination index (GI) (90.85%–122.96%) met organic fertilizer standards. HRN reduced cumulative total greenhouse gases, N2O, and NH3 by 20.32%–30.35%, 0.67%–53.38%, and 52.14%–62.15% compared to LRN and LRW. Although HRN emissions were slightly higher than HRW (total GHGs +4.56%, NH3 +4.99%), HRN final nitrogen content (4691.27 mg/kg) exceeded HRW (4514.96 mg/kg), attributed to sufficient carbon enhancing microbial assimilation. Conversely, low C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater increased NH3 and N2O emissions (LRN vs LRW: +26.43% and +112.99%) due to carbon limitation. Thus, high initial C/N with nitrogen-rich wastewater reuse effectively reduces gaseous nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining compost maturity.

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Effects of Nitrogen-Rich Wastewater Reuse on Aerobic Fermentation Performance of Substrates with Different Carbon-Nitrogen Ratios

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607021• Jan 15, 2026

Application and Research Progress of Machine Learning in Typical Sludge Treatment Technologies

Authors: CAO Yihang, SONG Xin, ZHANG Chi, LUO Jingyang

The continuous expansion of urban sewage treatment capacity has led to a sustained increase in sludge generation, making efficient treatment, disposal, and resource recovery critical in environmental engineering. Machine learning (ML) offers substantial potential for prediction and optimization in sludge treatment by extracting non-linear features from complex operational data. This review systematically examines the application of ML across typical sludge treatment processes, including dewatering, resource recovery (anaerobic digestion), and terminal disposal (incineration and landfill). The general modeling workflow is summarized across three dimensions: dataset preparation, algorithm selection, and model evaluation. A comparative analysis evaluates the applicability and limitations of support vector machines (SVM), random forests (RF), artificial neural networks (ANN), and other deep learning models. SVMs demonstrate greater stability with small-to-medium sample sizes and high-dimensional data, while RFs exhibit strong generalization and provide variable importance insights. ANNs and deep learning models excel in large-scale data and time-series or image tasks but require high data quality. Key findings from the literature include ANN achieving R²=0.99 and RMSE=0.02 in dewatering prediction, and R²=0.86 with NRMSE=0.31 in anaerobic digestion, while gradient boosting reached R²=0.90 and RMSE=0.33. Future directions emphasize multi-source data fusion, model interpretability (e.g., SHAP), and coupling ML with mechanistic models to enhance predictive accuracy and generalization, supporting intelligent and refined sludge treatment management.

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Application and Research Progress of Machine Learning in Typical Sludge Treatment Technologies

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607022• Jan 15, 2026

Main Applications of Machine Learning in Sludge Anaerobic Digestion: From Process Optimization to Intelligent Decision-Making

Authors: SONG Xin, CAO Yihang, ZHANG Chi, LUO Jingyang

Anaerobic sludge digestion is the core process for achieving energy recovery and sludge reduction in wastewater treatment plants. However, its complex biological reaction mechanisms and multivariable coupling characteristics pose persistent challenges to process optimization and stable control. Traditional mechanistic models, while theoretically clear, suffer from parameter calibration difficulties and insufficient adaptability under dynamic and nonlinear conditions. Machine learning (ML) has gained attention for its powerful data modeling capabilities. This review systematically examines ML applications in sludge anaerobic digestion, focusing on biogas production prediction, process monitoring and early warning, and process parameter optimization. For gas production, hybrid models and deep learning achieve high-precision methane yield predictions. Soft-sensing models using easy-to-measure parameters enable real-time estimation of volatile fatty acids and total ammonia nitrogen. At the optimization level, coupling surrogate models with optimization algorithms provides dynamic regulation strategies for co-digestion ratios and pretreatment conditions. Interpretable methods address the 'black-box' issue, enhancing engineering acceptability. Deep integration of these methods with dynamic optimization supports an intelligent decision-making framework. However, translation from laboratory to engineering faces constraints including data quality, model generalization, and implementation. This paper provides an analytical framework combining predictive capability with engineering reliability for sludge treatment optimization.

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Main Applications of Machine Learning in Sludge Anaerobic Digestion: From Process Optimization to Intelligent Decision-Making

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607025• Jan 15, 2026

Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Typical Contaminants in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills under Water-Soil Interactions in Alluvial-Diluvial Strata

Authors: LI Weiqiang, ZHAO Ziliang, ZHU Hao, XU Yunsong, HAN Zhiyong

The Holocene alluvial-diluvial stratum of the Quaternary is characterized by high soil hydraulic conductivity and intense surface water-groundwater interaction, which leads to rapid and extensive migration of contaminants from landfills. To investigate the contaminant characteristics of a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill in such strata, a case study was conducted at a landfill in southwestern China. Methods including the Nemerow pollution index and the potential ecological risk index were employed to systematically analyze the contamination of groundwater and soil, as well as the spatial distribution of organic matter and heavy metals. The results showed that the groundwater was severely contaminated (PI > 3). The maximum exceedance multiples for total bacterial count, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total coliforms relative to the standard limits were 36, 9.5, and 8, respectively. The composition of the contaminants in groundwater was highly consistent with the characteristics of landfill leachate. For the soil, the concentrations of six heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg, and As) were all below the Class II screening values of the standard GB 36600—2018. Both the Nemerow pollution index (PI < 0.7) and the potential ecological risk index (RI < 150) indicated that the soil environment was safe. Regarding soil dissolved organic matter (DOM), humic-like substances (22.9% to 34.9%) and fulvic-like substances (22.4% to 27.5%) were the dominant components, and their fluorescence intensities exhibited an exponential decay trend with increasing soil depth. The speciation of Cu, Pb, As, Hg, and Ni was dominated by the residual fraction (52.33% to 90.32%). However, over 70% of Cd existed in active forms (exchangeable + Fe/Mn oxide-bound), suggesting a high migration risk. The horizontal distribution of heavy metals showed regional specificity, with high-value areas mainly concentrated in the screening waste and soil stacking areas. Vertically, Cu and Cd exhibited surface enrichment, while As, Hg, Pb, and Ni were enriched in the groundwater fluctuation zone. These findings indicate that groundwater in alluvial-diluvial strata is highly susceptible to leachate contamination, while soil heavy metal contamination is not significant, with low levels in the aquifer but a tendency to accumulate at the water-soil interface. It is recommended that during landfill remediation, attention be paid to anti-seepage measures in waste excavation and stacking areas, as well as the interception and remediation of the groundwater fluctuation zone, to prevent secondary contamination of soil and groundwater.

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Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Typical Contaminants in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills under Water-Soil Interactions in Alluvial-Diluvial Strata

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607024• Jan 15, 2026

Enhancing Sludge Dewatering and Filtrate Carbon Source Recovery via Typical Bioenzymatic Conditioning

Authors: CHU Zhaorui, ZUO Jianing, XU Kaicheng, GUO Qingsong, HE Junguo

This study systematically investigated the effects of single and composite conditioning with lysozyme, amylase, and protease on sludge dewatering performance and carbon source recovery in filtrate from residual sludge of a water treatment plant in Foshan City. Results indicated that lysozyme significantly improved sludge dewatering by reducing specific resistance of filtration (SRF), capillary suction time (CST), and water content of the filtered sludge cake (Wc). While amylase and protease decreased Wc, they elevated SRF and CST, deteriorating sludge filtration properties. Among combined enzyme treatments, lysozyme and protease exhibited synergistic effects. The asynchronous addition strategy (protease/amylase followed by lysozyme) demonstrated the best performance in reducing Wc, while simultaneous addition was more effective in improving SRF and CST. Mechanistic analysis revealed that all three enzymes reduced sludge particle size. Lysozyme primarily targeted cell lysis and wall disruption, releasing intracellular substances, reducing viscosity, and enhancing sludge hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, amylase and protease mainly disrupted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to release of proteins and polysaccharides into slime EPS, increasing viscosity and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, all three enzymes effectively promoted carbon source release, increased soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of filtrate, and transformed recalcitrant humic acid-like organic matters into readily bioavailable tryptophan-like and tyrosine-like substances. These findings provide a basis for optimizing enzyme-based sludge conditioning to achieve simultaneous dewatering enhancement and carbon source recovery.

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Enhancing Sludge Dewatering and Filtrate Carbon Source Recovery via Typical Bioenzymatic Conditioning

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 7 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607023• Jan 15, 2026

Effects of Municipal Sludge Application on Composition and Microbial Communities of Mine Waste Rock Soil

Authors: ZHANG Bo, WANG Jiawei, YANG Chaofeng, LU Jiafei, LI Li, HU Xiaomin

The rapid population growth and accelerating urban development have made the comprehensive utilization of municipal sludge (MS) an urgent challenge. MS contains substantial organic matter and essential nutrients for crop growth, making it a promising soil amendment for the ecological restoration of mine waste rock. However, research evaluating the impact of MS application on soil health and ecological safety from a soil microbiology perspective remains understudied. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of MS and composted municipal sludge (CMS) on the ecological restoration of mine waste rock soil through pot experiments. High-throughput sequencing technology was employed to analyze changes in soil microbial community structure and diversity. Finally, network analysis and correlation heatmaps were utilized to elucidate the microbial driving mechanisms. The results indicated that after MS and CMS application, organic matter content increased from 20.38 g/kg (Level 3) to 38.52 g/kg (Level 2). The levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium rose from Level 4, 6, 2, to Level 1, 4, 1, respectively. Fresh weight, aboveground height, root length, and stem diameter of ryegrass all increased significantly. Venn diagram and heatmap analyses indicated that lower application rates (<1.5 kg/m²) enhanced microbial community richness and diversity. This study confirms municipal sludge as an effective amendment for mine waste rock soil. It is recommended to limit application rates below 1.5 kg/m² in practical mine ecological restoration projects, with particular attention to long-term dynamics of heavy metals and salinity to ensure safe and sustainable land reuse.

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Effects of Municipal Sludge Application on Composition and Microbial Communities of Mine Waste Rock Soil

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608007• Jan 15, 2026

Antibiotic Pollution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment in the Tidal Reach of the Minjiang River During Low-Water Periods Under Policy Intervention

Authors: FU Junjie, MA Xiaodan, YE Zengjie, XIE Rongrong, CHEN Xi, YAN Zhenhua, ZHAO Xuan, LI Jiabing, HU Wei, JIANG Caiping, WANG Jiangfei, CHEN Wei, YUAN Yulan

The Minjiang River Basin, subjected to combined pollution from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sources, has become a typical sensitive area for studying the environmental behavior of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics. This study conducted a cross-year comparative analysis of the composition and concentrations of antibiotics in water samples from nine sampling sites during the dry season in November 2022 and 2024. The findings revealed: 1) After the implementation of the "National Action Plan for Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Livestock", the detection concentrations of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) decreased (e.g., doxycycline concentrations dropped from 7.75 ng/L to undetectable levels), and the mixed risk quotient (MRQ) across the entire basin transitioned from medium to low risk. However, lincomycin (up to 4.6 ng/L), clarithromycin (1.3 ng/L), and florfenicol (0.6 ng/L) have emerged, indicating an increasing hidden ecological risk from substitution. 2) High-concentration antibiotic zones transferred from urban residential areas in 2022 to intensive aquaculture zones and upstream reservoir areas in 2024. The reduction in dry-season water flow intensified pollutant accumulation, synergistically enhancing the effects of tidal drag. Additionally, the conversion of agricultural land to aquaculture ponds led to increased use of alternative drugs (e.g., sulfamethazine), while policy interventions mitigated the exacerbation of urban antibiotic pollution by construction land. This study elucidates the migration patterns of antibiotic pollution under the synergistic effects of policy regulation and natural processes, emphasizing the need to address hidden risks of substitute drugs and the driving role of land-use changes, providing scientific basis for watershed-scale risk assessment and precise management of emerging pollutants.

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Antibiotic Pollution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment in the Tidal Reach of the Minjiang River During Low-Water Periods Under Policy Intervention

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608009• Jan 15, 2026

Numerical Simulation and Application of Natural Draft Direct Air-Cooling Tower for Large Coal-Fired Power Units

Authors: YANG Qian, SUN Zhenguo, SUN Xinfeng, NING Wengang, ZHANG Xiaobing, WANG Haijun, GU Hongfang, XU Kuan, DENG Shuanghui, WANG Xuebin

To investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of natural draft direct air-cooling towers (NDC) for large coal-fired power generating units, a three-dimensional CFD numerical model covering major plant buildings, air-cooled radiators, and ambient wind fields was established based on the NDC systems of a 2×660 MW unit of a power plant. The influences of meteorological factors, including ambient wind speed, ambient temperature, and ambient wind direction, as well as regulation measures such as rolling shutters, louvers, and bypass windows on the heat dissipation performance of NDC towers were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrate that ambient wind speed acts as the dominant factor governing the performance of the NDC system. As wind speed rose, the uneven distribution of air intake volume and heat dissipation among each cooling delta increased remarkably, which elevated the unit back pressure, and the upstream tower suffered more severe impacts than the downstream one. Ambient temperature exerted a slight effect on circumferential flow distribution, yet substantially changed the overall back pressure of the system. In terms of regulation strategies, closing rolling shutters in the windward zone and reducing the opening of partial louvers can improve air flow redistribution to a certain extent, but will reduce the total air flow rate and total heat dissipation of the entire tower. By contrast, bottom bypass windows can effectively optimize the air intake on the leeward side and boost heat dissipation under high-wind operating conditions, whereas top bypass windows deliver only limited improvement effects. This research can provide fundamental data and technical references for the optimal design, operational regulation, and energy-saving retrofitting of large NDC units.

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Numerical Simulation and Application of Natural Draft Direct Air-Cooling Tower for Large Coal-Fired Power Units

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608003• Jan 15, 2026

Community Succession and Carbon Footprint Accounting of a Pilot-Scale Anaerobic Filter During Recovery After Long-Term Shutdown Under Low-Temperature Stress

Authors: ZHANG Shiyong, LIU Xiuhong, CHENG Rong, YANG Qing

The transition of municipal wastewater treatment from energy-intensive aerobic processes to energy-recovering anaerobic technologies is critical for achieving carbon neutrality. However, anaerobic treatment of low-strength wastewater faces operational challenges, especially after prolonged shutdowns and under low-temperature stress. This study investigated the recovery and performance of a pilot-scale anaerobic filter (AF) packed with volcanic rock media (effective volume 240 L) treating actual municipal wastewater. After a 234-day starvation period, the AF recovered within 63 days by extending hydraulic retention time from 8 to 12 hours, achieving total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) removal amounts of 58.6 mg/L and 21.5 mg/L, respectively. Following 100 days of low-temperature operation (influent temperature dropped to 11.7 °C), TCOD and SCOD removal amounts remained at 54.6 mg/L and 28.6 mg/L, respectively. Although methane production volume decreased, the specific methane yield was not significantly affected (0.276 L CH4/g TCODre during recovery vs. 0.244 L CH4/g TCODre under low temperature). Mechanistic analysis revealed that increased protein secretion in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was crucial for resistance to low-temperature stress, with protein content negatively correlated with temperature. Microbial community analysis showed that functional populations recovered in the order of hydrolytic acidogens, hydrogen-producing acetogens, and methanogens. Methanobacterium dominated after starvation, while Methanosaeta became dominant after low-temperature exposure due to its high affinity for acetate. Carbon footprint accounting indicated that recovering dissolved methane and coupling with nitrate-dependent methane oxidation is the optimal strategy for carbon reduction.

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Community Succession and Carbon Footprint Accounting of a Pilot-Scale Anaerobic Filter During Recovery After Long-Term Shutdown Under Low-Temperature Stress

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608008• Jan 15, 2026

Circular-Economy-Oriented Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Production from Organic Wastes via Chain Elongation: Artificial Regulation and Resource-Loop Pathways

Authors: WU Xuejiao, MA Haoyi, YANG Ying, ZHENG Ran, DONG Jian, CUI Han, ZHANG Yafei, ZHOU Dandan

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), including caproate and caprylate, are promising biobased products with high energy density, hydrophobicity, and chemical conversion value, serving as key intermediates linking organic waste valorization to circular economy development. Compared to conventional anaerobic digestion for methane, chain elongation (CE) via reverse β-oxidation (RBO) converts short-chain intermediates (e.g., acetate, lactate, ethanol) into higher-value carboxylic acids, offering a novel route for resource recovery from sewage sludge, food waste, agricultural residues, livestock manure, and high-strength organic wastewater. However, natural mixed-culture CE systems face constraints from substrate composition fluctuations, electron donor competition, methanogenic carbon diversion, insufficient product selectivity, product toxicity, and high separation costs, hindering stable, efficient, and targeted MCFA production. This review systematically summarizes the metabolic mechanisms, artificial regulation strategies, and engineering bottlenecks in CE-based MCFA production, emphasizing directed recovery of carbon and electron resources from organic wastes. Future directions include stable continuous-flow operation, product separation and recovery, techno-economic assessment, and life cycle evaluation. The review aims to provide insights for high-value organic waste utilization and synergistic optimization of carbon and energy recovery.

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Circular-Economy-Oriented Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Production from Organic Wastes via Chain Elongation: Artificial Regulation and Resource-Loop Pathways

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608001• Jan 15, 2026

Resource Recovery Efficiency and Microbial Community Response in Anaerobic Chain Elongation of Discharging Wastewater from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

Authors: HUA Feng, SUN Dezhi, XU Weichao, CAO Hongbin

The discharging wastewater from spent lithium-ion batteries is characterized by complex composition, high salinity, and substantial organic load, making its efficient treatment and resource recovery a critical challenge in the lithium battery recycling chain. This study investigated the feasibility of applying anaerobic chain elongation technology for resource recovery from such wastewater. The results showed that the reactor could tolerate up to 40% discharge wastewater in the feed, with caproate production reaching 6.38 g/L. However, when the wastewater proportion increased to 60%, system performance declined sharply, and the synthesis of butyrate and caproate ceased. Batch screening experiments ruled out the influence of high salinity (TDS ≈ 12 g/L) and metal ions such as Li+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Mn2+, identifying fluoride (F-) as the dominant inhibitory factor leading to functional failure. Concentration gradient experiments further quantified the inhibitory effect of F-. At concentrations below 600 mg/L, butyrate production remained largely unaffected; at 900 mg/L, substrate metabolism was severely inhibited, with only slight recovery observed at the final stage; and at 1200 mg/L, chain elongation metabolism was completely blocked. Microbial community analysis revealed that the chain elongation function was undertaken by different taxonomic groups at different stages. Initially, Clostridium kluyveri dominated, followed by a shift to Caproicibacterium and Thermocaproicibacter during the mid-phase. In the recovery phase, a synergistic consortium of Oscillibacter valericigenes and Caproicibacterium sp. emerged. Furthermore, after introducing actual discharging wastewater, microbial groups such as Brevundimonas diminuta and Clostridium ljungdahlii, which are likely involved in degrading complex organics, gradually became enriched, providing the substrate foundation for chain elongation. This study offers a feasible strategy and mechanistic insights for the high-value bioconversion of wastewater from lithium battery recycling.

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Resource Recovery Efficiency and Microbial Community Response in Anaerobic Chain Elongation of Discharging Wastewater from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608004• Jan 15, 2026

Design and Implementation of an Energy-Saving Onsite Thermal Treatment System for Hazardous Medical Organic Waste Liquid

Authors: XU Kepei, ZHUO Yuqun

This paper presents the design and implementation of an energy-saving onsite thermal treatment system for hazardous medical organic waste liquid. The system integrates automatic control with energy-efficient and eco-friendly operation, enabling immediate treatment at the source and reducing storage and transportation volumes by over 95%. It comprises four modules: waste liquid identification, graded thermal treatment, heat recovery, and tail gas purification. The graded thermal treatment technology effectively processes waste liquids with varying compositions and calorific values. On-site experiments were conducted on four typical medical organic waste liquids over one year. Results demonstrated effective treatment meeting safety and environmental requirements, with dioxin concentrations below 0.1 ng-TEQ/m³ and CO, NOx, and SOx emissions within permissible limits. The system offers economic benefits by eliminating long-distance transport and centralized treatment costs. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional long-chain, manual-intensive disposal methods, which pose significant safety and environmental risks.

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Design and Implementation of an Energy-Saving Onsite Thermal Treatment System for Hazardous Medical Organic Waste Liquid

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608006• Jan 15, 2026

Prediction of Available Phosphorus Formation and Analysis of Key Influencing Factors during Organic Waste Composting Using Stacking Ensemble Learning

Authors: DAI Xu, YANG Xiaofan, QU Jing, ZHANG Meng, GAO Xiaozhong, CHENG Xiang, YANG Tianxue, SUN Dezhi

Organic waste is a potential phosphorus reservoir, and understanding the dynamics of available phosphorus (AP) during its resource utilization is critical for efficient phosphorus recovery. Composting, a key route for organic waste valorization, involves complex transformations of phosphorus alongside organic matter degradation and humification. However, the long duration and high cost of composting experiments, coupled with multifactorial influences, hinder efficient elucidation of AP dynamics via conventional methods. This study compiled data from 33 publications, constructing a dataset of 647 samples. Data preprocessing included iterative imputation, one-hot encoding, and standardization. A stacking ensemble learning model was developed to predict AP generation during composting. The optimal ensemble comprised XGBoost and SVR as base learners and ElasticNet as the meta-learner, achieving R² values of 0.954 and 0.928 on training and test sets, respectively, with low overall error. SHAP analysis revealed that key factors influencing AP content, in descending order of importance, were feedstock type, bulking agent type, turning interval, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and C/N ratio. Notably, livestock manure as feedstock and straw-based bulking agents contributed positively to AP predictions. Partial dependence plots indicated that lower pH and C/N ratios generally favored AP accumulation throughout composting. During the initial stage, higher moisture content and lower EC enhanced AP; in the thermophilic phase, higher temperatures corresponded to higher AP; and during cooling and maturation, maintaining moisture below 48% and C/N below 14, while extending composting beyond 43 days, promoted AP accumulation. This study demonstrates accurate AP prediction via stacking ensemble learning and identifies critical factors, offering support for optimizing phosphorus management in composting engineering.

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Prediction of Available Phosphorus Formation and Analysis of Key Influencing Factors during Organic Waste Composting Using Stacking Ensemble Learning

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608002• Jan 15, 2026

Integration of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage with Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage and Microalgal Carbon Fixation for Circular Development in the Thermal Power Sector

Authors: GU Xuedian, DENG Jiakang, CHANG Haixing, Shih-Hsin HO, REN Nanqi

Under the synergistic policy framework of carbon peaking, carbon neutrality, and the circular economy, existing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects in coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) face significant challenges, including high regeneration energy demand, reliance on turbine steam extraction, limited carbon utilization pathways, poor economic viability, and difficulties in by-product management. This study proposes an integrated low-carbon retrofitting strategy that couples molten salt thermal energy storage (TES) and microalgal carbon fixation systems with existing CCUS facilities under minimal plant modification. A closed-loop carbon and energy utilization framework is established, integrating waste heat recovery, primary CO2 capture, secondary biological carbon fixation, and biomass fuel recycling. The system operates through a gradient synergistic mechanism: (i) recovered waste heat is stored in a molten-salt TES unit to provide regeneration energy, replacing conventional steam extraction; (ii) CO2 is initially captured by the CCUS process; (iii) residual CO2 is further utilized by microalgae for deep carbon fixation; and (iv) harvested algal sludge is converted into biomass fuel for co-firing within the power plant, completing the carbon recycling loop. The technical architecture, coupling mechanisms, scenario-specific implementation pathways, and operational risk control strategies are systematically evaluated. Results indicate that the integrated system can reduce energy consumption by approximately 30%–40% per unit of CO2 captured, increase overall carbon fixation efficiency by 15%–20%, and shorten the investment payback period to less than five years. The framework enables transformation of conventional coal-fired power plants from single-purpose energy producers into multifunctional circular systems integrating energy generation, carbon cycling, and resource recovery. Owing to technological maturity, adaptability to different plant capacities and geographical conditions, and a clear deployment roadmap, this solution provides a practical, replicable, and scalable pathway for low-carbon and circular transition.

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Integration of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage with Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage and Microalgal Carbon Fixation for Circular Development in the Thermal Power Sector

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608005• Jan 15, 2026

Recovery of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer via Superheated Steam Pyrolysis: Mechanisms, Properties, and Prospects

Authors: GUO Xiang, ZHANG Meng, LI Tian, XU Guodong, LI Yang, CHEN Da

The escalating volume of end-of-life carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the high energy consumption and emissions of virgin fiber production necessitate low-carbon recycling technologies. Superheated steam pyrolysis, an emerging method, is systematically reviewed. At 450–500 °C, the synergistic 'hydrothermal-weak oxidation' mechanism enables controlled resin cracking and simultaneous char removal. Key parameters—temperature, oxygen concentration, residence time, and CO2/steam two-step coupling—affect the mechanical, surface, and electrical properties of recycled carbon fiber (rCF). A 'low-temperature, short-duration, micro-oxygen' process retains over 90% tensile strength. Comparison of laboratory, pilot, and industrial setups highlights challenges in exhaust gas treatment, multi-component waste adaptability, and energy integration. Life cycle assessment (LCA) confirms this route reduces energy consumption by ~25% and carbon emissions by ~30% versus landfilling/incineration, offering environmental and economic advantages. Future research should focus on product databases, distributed recycling networks, and unified LCA frameworks to support CFRP closed-loop recycling.

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Recovery of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer via Superheated Steam Pyrolysis: Mechanisms, Properties, and Prospects

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608010• Jan 15, 2026

Construction and Adsorption Performance of Coal Fly Ash-Based Hierarchical Porous Zeolite A

Authors: REN Xiaoyu, LI Mengya, MA Faxue, JIANG Aiyun

Under the synergistic advancement of the Dual Carbon Strategy and circular economy, high-value utilization of coal fly ash and multiscale pollutant remediation are critical. Direct synthesis of hierarchical porous zeolite A from coal fly ash, integrating microporous framework and mesoporous channels, faces challenges due to complex impurities and difficulty in controlling crystal growth and pore architecture. To overcome bottlenecks of conventional microporous zeolite A—narrow pores, mass-transfer limitations, and inefficiency in removing larger pollutants—this study used acid-treated coal fly ash as silica-alumina source and a soft-template-assisted alkali fusion-hydrothermal method to synthesize hierarchical porous zeolite A with three-dimensionally interconnected mesoporous network. Effects of template type and dosage on crystalline phase, morphology, and pore structure were systematically investigated. With 3% dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride (TPOAC) as template, the zeolite exhibited step-like rough cubic morphology formed by self-assembly of nanocrystals. Its specific surface area and total pore volume reached 57.0 m²/g and 0.1351 cm³/g, respectively, approximately three- and four-fold increases over conventional microporous zeolite A. Using aqueous ammonia nitrogen and gaseous acetone as probe pollutants, differential responses were revealed: for ammonia nitrogen (ion-exchange mechanism), hierarchical pores mainly improved mass transfer, yielding adsorption capacity comparable to microporous zeolite A; for acetone (molecular sieving effect), hierarchical zeolite leveraged developed mesoporosity to overcome steric hindrance and induce capillary condensation, increasing adsorption capacity from 12 mg/g (microporous) to 59 mg/g—a 3.9-fold enhancement. This study elucidates structure-activity relationships and provides theoretical and technical support for large-scale fly ash utilization and design of materials for complex pollutant remediation.

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Construction and Adsorption Performance of Coal Fly Ash-Based Hierarchical Porous Zeolite A

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608025• Jan 15, 2026

Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Hongjiannao Lake Based on the APCS-MLR Model

Authors: ZHANG Yaning, PENG Yan, WU Xijun, DONG Ying, HE Xinlin, LIU Jing, LI Bingbing

To evaluate heavy metal contamination and human health risks in desert lakes, this study analyzed concentrations of seven heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, As) in Hongjiannao Lake, Northern Shaanxi, from 2013 to 2024. The absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model quantitatively apportioned pollution sources, and a health risk assessment model evaluated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Results showed average concentrations of the seven metals did not exceed background values, but 28.57% of sampling points exceeded background for As, with a maximum exceedance factor of 1.92. Total average concentration decreased from 112.51 μg/L (2013–2016) to 58.80 μg/L (2017–2024), attributed to the 2016 closure of small coal mines and ecological restoration around the 4A scenic area. Source apportionment identified four sources: industrial (35.44%), agricultural (24.67%), natural (23.65%), and traffic (16.23%), indicating industrial dominance. Non-carcinogenic risks were negligible, but carcinogenic risks exceeded the alert value (1×10⁻⁴), with adults at higher risk than children. Oral ingestion was the primary exposure pathway. As and Cd were key control elements, with exceedance rates of 100% and 16.67%, respectively. These findings provide a theoretical basis for health risk prevention and environmental management.

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Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Hongjiannao Lake Based on the APCS-MLR Model

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608017• Jan 15, 2026

CO Emission Factors from High-Carbon Ferrochrome Production in Submerged Arc Furnaces: A Field Study in Inner Mongolia, China

Authors: LÜ Chen, LIU Ying, LU Yong, CAI Bofeng

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a significant gaseous pollutant emitted during high-carbon ferrochrome (HCFeCr) production, yet measured emission factors for different furnace types remain scarce, hindering accurate emission inventories and pollution control assessments. This study addresses this gap by investigating four typical HCFeCr production facilities in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, China, comprising two semi-closed submerged arc furnaces (SAFs) and two closed SAFs. A hybrid methodology combining manual stack sampling and continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) data was employed. A characteristic CO-to-NOx concentration ratio was established from manual measurements, which was then applied to continuous NOx data to estimate CO emissions and product-based emission factors. Results revealed substantial process-dependent variability: semi-closed SAFs (Facilities A and B) exhibited CO emission factors of 7.06 kg/t and 3.66 kg/t, respectively, whereas closed SAFs (Facilities C and D) with associated pelletizing processes showed notably lower factors of 1.41 kg/t and 0.51 kg/t. On average, semi-closed furnaces emitted approximately six times more CO per tonne of product than closed furnaces. Furnace sealing degree and raw material ratios were identified as key determinants. These findings underscore the inadequacy of using a single average emission factor for HCFeCr production and advocate for furnace-type-specific factors to improve emission accounting accuracy. This study provides essential measured data for developing refined CO emission inventories and supporting pollution reduction policies in the ferroalloy industry.

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CO Emission Factors from High-Carbon Ferrochrome Production in Submerged Arc Furnaces: A Field Study in Inner Mongolia, China

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608015• Jan 15, 2026

Water Quality Assessment of Inter-basin Water Transfer in Water Supply Areas Based on Coupled EFDC-SWAT Model

Authors: LI Haixiang, XU Yueping, JIANG Yanming, WANG Xiuling, YANG Le, KONG Linlin, QIU Jiong, JIA Xiaofang

Inter-basin water diversion projects can profoundly alter the water quality dynamics of receiving basins. Taking the Qincun Reservoir and its downstream reaches in the Huangze River Basin as a case study, this research quantitatively evaluates water-quality responses under multiple coordinated management measures. An integrated Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code-Soil and Water Assessment Tool (EFDC-SWAT) modeling framework was established, coupling a two-dimensional hydrodynamic-water-quality model for the reservoir with a hydrology-water-quality model for the downstream reaches. Seven management scenarios were designed to reflect various combinations of point- and non-point-source pollution control strategies. Simulations focused on spatiotemporal variations in key indicators—total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and permanganate index (CODMn)—and assessed pollution-load reduction effectiveness. Comparative analysis using the comprehensive water quality identification index (CWQII) revealed that under Scenario 3 (highest pollution-control standards with lowest diversion volume), TN and TP concentrations in the reservoir decreased by 80% and 50%, respectively, achieving Class II water-quality standards. Downstream TN and TP levels declined by 36% and 33%, and the CWQII improved from 4.211 to 3.410. Land consolidation contributed 77% and 45% to TN and TP load reductions in the reservoir, respectively, while a 20% reduction in diversion volume was most effective in improving downstream TN (>50%). These results demonstrate that the coupled EFDC-SWAT model effectively elucidates mechanisms through which inter-basin water diversion influences water quality in supply areas. Moreover, synergistic point- and non-point-source controls exhibit a nonlinear enhancement effect on overall water-quality improvement.

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Water Quality Assessment of Inter-basin Water Transfer in Water Supply Areas Based on Coupled EFDC-SWAT Model

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608016• Jan 15, 2026

Migration Mechanisms and Pump-and-Treat Remediation Simulation for Benzene and Halogenated Hydrocarbons in Groundwater at a Pesticide-Contaminated Site

Authors: WANG Hongquan

Legacy contaminated sites from relocated chemical plants pose severe risks to groundwater and human health. This study investigated a pesticide-contaminated site using the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) to construct three-dimensional geological, flow, and solute transport models, simulating migration of benzene, chloroform, and vinyl chloride and evaluating pump-and-treat remediation. Results showed initial uniform spread within 100 days, evolving to elliptical diffusion along southeast-northwest flow by 500–2000 days. Maximum migration distances reached 154.5 m (benzene), 130.5 m (chloroform), and 165.2 m (vinyl chloride), with diffusion areas of 18117.4, 13928.5, and 25043.2 m², respectively. Peak concentrations decreased over time: benzene from 53.3 to 13.0 mg/L (75.6% reduction), chloroform from 112.0 to 20.0 mg/L (82.1%), and vinyl chloride from 128.0 to 24.0 mg/L (81.3%). Dynamic pumping simulations reduced plume areas by 85.8%, 78.0%, and 85.9% at 400 days, with peak concentration reductions of 90.2%, 82.1%, and 93.8%. Within 500 days, all concentrations fell below targets, with total pumping volumes of 94500, 60000, and 72000 m³. Fenton reagent (3% dosage) effectively treated extracted groundwater. Numerical simulation optimizes contamination delineation and pumping strategies, offering a cost-efficient pathway for similar sites.

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Migration Mechanisms and Pump-and-Treat Remediation Simulation for Benzene and Halogenated Hydrocarbons in Groundwater at a Pesticide-Contaminated Site

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608012• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress on Side-Stream Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal Process for Achieving Efficient Phosphorus Removal

Authors: LI Yan, PI Yongrui, ZHANG Congcong

The challenge of limited phosphorus removal efficiency in low-carbon municipal wastewater is addressed by the innovative side-stream enhanced biological phosphorus removal (S2EBPR) process, which has garnered significant attention. Recent research highlights the core mechanism rooted in the metabolic traits of phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs), pivotal for effective phosphorus removal. However, conventional enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) processes face constraints under low C/P conditions, where the scarcity of carbon source weakens PAOs’ competitive edge, directly impeding phosphorus removal efficiency. Consequently, S2EBPR establishes a side-stream sludge fermentation unit, through which anaerobic fermentation conditions are precisely regulated and PAOs’ dominant position in carbon source competition is strengthened, thereby enhancing the enrichment of PAOs and the optimization of their metabolism. This breakthrough not only overcomes the low C/P limitation but also underscores the fundamental advantage of S2EBPR. Furthermore, the discussion delves into the critical operational and environmental parameters influencing its efficacy, offering a foundation for precise process management. Looking ahead, the synergistic development of S2EBPR alongside emerging water treatment technologies holds promise for simultaneously efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment, thereby furnishing technical insights for fostering sustainable resource recycling practices.

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Research Progress on Side-Stream Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal Process for Achieving Efficient Phosphorus Removal

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608019• Jan 15, 2026

Numerical Simulation of a Circulating Fluidized Bed Desulfurization Reactor with Bypass

Authors: ZHU Shengjun, LIANG Baorui, SU Wei

The semi-dry desulfurization process in circulating fluidized beds (CFB) is sensitive to reactor flow field, which directly impacts desulfurization efficiency. To accommodate variable flue gas loads while maintaining constant Venturi tube velocity, a bypass structure crossing the Venturi section was introduced between the reactor inlet and diffusion section. Numerical simulations using ANSYS Fluent were conducted to evaluate the effects of bypass valve opening and number of bypass pipes on flow field uniformity and pressure loss. Results indicate that for flue gas load variations, bypass valve openings must exceed 50% and at least two bypass pipes are required to ensure uniform flow distribution. At 100% flue gas load, the empty reactor pressure loss was 911 Pa, decreasing to approximately 500 Pa at lower loads. The optimized bypass configuration enables stable and uniform flow fields with reduced pressure loss across a wide load range of 50%–100%, offering an effective solution for enhancing desulfurization efficiency and operational adaptability in industrial applications.

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Numerical Simulation of a Circulating Fluidized Bed Desulfurization Reactor with Bypass

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608022• Jan 15, 2026

Energy Balance and Economic Analysis of Multi-Source Sewage Sludge Drying and Incineration

Authors: XU Peng, LU Yicheng

Since the first domestic sludge incineration project was commissioned at Shanghai's Shidongkou Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2004, sludge mono-incineration has been progressively adopted in economically developed Chinese cities. However, decentralized planning of wastewater treatment facilities and variable sludge characteristics complicate the centralized design and operation of incineration plants. This study, based on the planning and engineering design of a sludge incineration plant in Qingdao, analyzes sludge from major municipal wastewater treatment plants, which differ significantly in moisture and organic content due to varying influent characteristics and treatment processes. An energy balance model was constructed using data on sludge moisture and organic content, leading to a sludge allocation scheme and a simplified cost calculation method for heterogeneous sludge. This supports differentiated pricing and rational distribution in drying and incineration projects. Additionally, comparing conventional dewatering (to 76% moisture) and deep dewatering (to 65% moisture) from a "wastewater treatment plant + incineration" perspective, the study evaluates full-process costs and carbon emissions. Results show that deep dewatering increases dewatering costs and emissions but reduces transport and incineration costs and emissions, yielding lower total costs and emissions. The findings provide a basis for optimizing municipal sludge treatment planning and process selection.

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Energy Balance and Economic Analysis of Multi-Source Sewage Sludge Drying and Incineration

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608011• Jan 15, 2026

Progress and Prospects in Fenton-like Methods for Tetracycline-Containing Wastewater Treatment

Authors: BAN Fuchen, ZHAO Jianghao

Tetracycline, a poorly biodegradable organic pollutant, poses a serious threat to aquatic environments. Fenton-like methods have attracted attention for their high efficiency in treating tetracycline-containing wastewater by generating hydroxyl radicals (·OH) via H2O2 activation, thereby improving wastewater biodegradability. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in improved Fenton methods (electro-, photo-, and sono-Fenton) and heterogeneous Fenton systems, detailing reaction mechanisms, treatment efficiencies, and technical features. Under optimized conditions, tetracycline removal rates exceed 90% for various methods. Heterogeneous Fenton methods demonstrate superior applicability over a wider pH range, reduced iron sludge production, and excellent catalyst recyclability, representing the most promising strategy for practical implementation. Future perspectives emphasize developing novel catalysts, optimizing reactor design, controlling toxic by-products, and integrating hybrid technologies to facilitate practical application.

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Progress and Prospects in Fenton-like Methods for Tetracycline-Containing Wastewater Treatment

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608018• Jan 15, 2026

Research progress on Ru-based catalysts for catalytic oxidation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds

Authors: ZHU Xinbao, YANG Wenhao, ZHAO Dongyue, SONG Haitao

Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are volatile, difficult to degrade, and highly toxic, posing serious threats to the atmospheric environment and human health. Catalytic oxidation is currently one of the mainstream methods for CVOCs abatement, owing to its high efficiency, safety, and economic feasibility, and its key aspect lies in the design and development of high-performance catalysts. In the catalytic oxidation of CVOCs, the poisoning effect of chlorine species on catalysts severely restricts catalytic performance. Ru-based catalysts, which exhibit excellent catalytic oxidation activity toward CVOCs and favorable chlorine-resistant performance, have been widely studied in recent years. This paper reviews the latest research progress on Ru-based catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of CVOCs. The mechanism of catalytic oxidation of CVOCs by Ru-based catalysts is elucidated through a systematic analysis of the relevant literature. Furthermore, the strategies for the design and structural regulation of Ru-based catalysts are outlined from the perspectives of active components, supports, and surface modification. Finally, novel preparation methods for Ru-based catalysts and the influence of reaction components on catalytic performance are summarized. Future research directions in this field are also prospected, aiming to provide a reference for the subsequent design and development of high-performance Ru-based catalysts suitable for complex operating conditions.

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Research progress on Ru-based catalysts for catalytic oxidation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608013• Jan 15, 2026

Combined Application of Compound Algicide and Submerged Plants for Algal Bloom Control and Eutrophic Water Remediation

Authors: LI Xiaozhen, LI Wei, HUO Bintang, SHENG Weijing, DAI Taotao, ZHONG Jiayou, DAI Guofei, CHEN Yuwei

Eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms threaten aquatic ecosystems and drinking water safety globally. This study evaluated the efficacy of a compound algicide (PQGA-126, PAC, and red soil) combined with submerged plants (Vallisneria natans and Hydrilla verticillata) for suppressing blooms and restoring eutrophic water. Indoor static experiments used algae-laden water from Nanhu Lake, Gongqingcheng, Jiangxi. Six treatments were established: control, V. natans alone, H. verticillata alone, algicide alone, algicide + V. natans, and algicide + H. verticillata. Results demonstrated that combined treatments significantly reduced total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and turbidity, markedly lowering eutrophication within a short period. The combined approach outperformed single-plant treatments, with algicide + V. natans achieving the greatest reduction in the comprehensive trophic state index. Additionally, the algicide significantly enhanced V. natans growth rate and H. verticillata catalase (CAT) activity, indicating species-specific physiological responses. These findings suggest that integrating compound algicide with submerged plants, particularly V. natans, offers a promising strategy for rapid and effective eutrophic water remediation.

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Combined Application of Compound Algicide and Submerged Plants for Algal Bloom Control and Eutrophic Water Remediation

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608020• Jan 15, 2026

Progress, Challenges, and Policy Insights for Collaborative Innovation Pilots on Pollution and Carbon Emission Reduction

Authors: WANG Min, YANG Qianxun, LI Liping, YANG Rupu, PEI Lizhen

This paper systematically reviews the progress and achievements of China's collaborative innovation pilots for pollution and carbon emission reduction, identifies existing problems, and proposes targeted recommendations. As of the first batch, 64 pilot units (21 cities and 43 industrial parks) have issued implementation plans, with overall smooth progress and notable phased outcomes. Most pilots have actively promoted institutional and mechanism innovations, achieving substantial advancements in key sectors and critical areas, and yielding replicable practices. However, challenges persist, including fragmented interdepartmental collaboration, insufficient alignment of management systems, funding shortages for synergistic projects, and inadequate technological support. Recommendations include intensifying awareness campaigns, establishing coordinated promotion mechanisms, accelerating management system implementation, advancing core technology R&D, conducting progress evaluations, and amplifying publicity. For the second batch, suggestions focus on expansion strategies, pilot types, and selection methods, emphasizing incremental tasks, diverse pilot subjects (from provincial to enterprise levels), and clear articulation of expected outcomes and demonstration targets. The paper underscores the need to transform local experiences into institutionalized frameworks, fostering a four-dimensional synergy of carbon reduction, pollution control, green expansion, and economic growth, thereby contributing to China's ecological civilization and global climate governance.

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Progress, Challenges, and Policy Insights for Collaborative Innovation Pilots on Pollution and Carbon Emission Reduction

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608023• Jan 15, 2026

Water Leaching Dechlorination of Zinc-Containing Steel Dust Sludge

Authors: LIAO Shushu, ZHAO Hongyuan, WANG Jing, YOU Yanyan, PENG Cheng, LIU Changzheng, XUE Kai, SHU Jiancheng, CHEN Mengjun

Zinc-containing steel dust sludge, a by-product of steelmaking, contains high levels of chlorine (Cl) along with valuable metals such as Fe, Zn, K, and Na. When recycled into the steel production process, Cl accumulates, causing sintering instability and severe corrosion of blast furnace linings. This study investigated water leaching for Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge. Under optimal conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio 5 mL/g, temperature 70 °C, time 60 min, rotation speed 160 r/min), the Cl leaching rate reached 87%. Furthermore, a three-stage countercurrent water washing process at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 6 mL/g and room temperature for 45 min achieved a Cl leaching rate exceeding 90%. The water washing also reduced the leaching toxicity of metals in the sludge to a certain extent. Characterization via XRD, SEM, FT-IR, and XPS revealed that water washing primarily dissolved soluble chlorides (NaCl, KCl, etc.), increasing the specific surface area from 2.71 to 10.11 m²/g and average pore size from 12.83 to 16.29 nm. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for efficient Cl removal from zinc-containing steel dust sludge, facilitating its safe resource utilization.

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Water Leaching Dechlorination of Zinc-Containing Steel Dust Sludge

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608014• Jan 15, 2026

Selection of Water Supply Schemes for Groundwater Defluorination by Electroflocculation in Dispersed Residential Areas

Authors: FENG Jianheng, CHEN Mingru, GUO Xu, YU Zhancheng, ZHOU Binlong, ZHOU Lü

Fluoride pollution poses a serious threat to public health worldwide, particularly in dispersed residential areas where high-fluoride groundwater is the primary drinking water source. Electroflocculation-based defluorination is a preferable treatment option, but its environmental and economic impacts vary with the water supply scheme. This study established three schemes: centralized undifferentiated (S1), centralized differentiated (S2), and distributed differentiated (S3). Life cycle environmental impact and life cycle cost assessments were conducted. Results show that S1 has the largest negative environmental impact, with indicators ranging from 1.4 to 6.7 times those of S2 or S3, primarily due to electrode consumption and electricity usage. S3 exhibits the lowest water supply cost, achieving a 62% cost reduction compared to S1. The distributed differentiated scheme (S3) offers both lower life cycle environmental impact and the lowest life cycle cost, making it the most advantageous option for dispersed residential areas. This study provides a systematic basis for selecting optimal water supply schemes, promoting the practical application of electroflocculation defluorination in such regions.

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Selection of Water Supply Schemes for Groundwater Defluorination by Electroflocculation in Dispersed Residential Areas

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608021• Jan 15, 2026

Evaluation on Impact of Spring Festival Fireworks and Firecrackers Setting-off on Yancheng City Based on a Bayesian-Optimized XGBoost Model

Authors: YI Zhaojun, WANG Shuai, WANG Yuehua, ZHAO Youzheng, XIAN Yue, WEI Ting, ZHU Wenda

To address the significant increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical component concentrations caused by the concentrated setting-off of fireworks and firecrackers during the Spring Festival in Yancheng City, this study introduced the Bayesian-optimized XGBoost model (BO-XGBoost) based on PM2.5, particulate component, and meteorological observation data. The model simulated non-setting-off baseline concentrations using meteorological factors as independent variables, enabling quantitative assessment of setting-off contributions. Results showed that the concentrated setting-off exerted significantly differentiated effects on various pollutants. Among water-soluble ions, K+ and Mg2+ were core characteristic tracers, with concentrations reaching 15.89 and 20.08 times baseline levels on Lunar New Year's Eve, directly reflecting high-intensity emissions. Secondary conversion ions such as SO4^2- and NO3^- showed sustained high contributions on both Lunar New Year's Eve and the fifth day of the first lunar month, reflecting cumulative effects of atmospheric chemical transformation. Among inorganic elements, K, Ba, and Sr were core characteristic tracers, with concentrations showing explosive growth on Lunar New Year's Eve, serving as direct fingerprints of fireworks. Elements such as Pb and Mn were also significantly affected, reflecting direct heavy metal emissions. Temporal comparisons indicated that emission intensity on Lunar New Year's Eve was significantly higher than on the fifth day, with increased proportional contribution of secondary conversion processes on the fifth day. The study achieved accurate quantification of setting-off contributions through a data-driven model, clarifying pollution fingerprint characteristics and temporal differentiation patterns, providing scientific basis for air quality management and policy optimization during the Spring Festival.

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Evaluation on Impact of Spring Festival Fireworks and Firecrackers Setting-off on Yancheng City Based on a Bayesian-Optimized XGBoost Model

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608024• Jan 15, 2026

Microbial Remediation Technology for Chromium Pollution in Groundwater: Research Hotspots, Mechanisms, and Environmental Factor Analysis

Authors: YANG Yanmei, HE Wanzhuang, LIU Quanli, DANG Qiuling, SU Jing, LIU Yue

Microbial remediation is a widely used technology for treating chromium pollution in groundwater. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 441 papers from the Web of Science Core Collection (2010–2024) using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Pajek. The publication trend increased over the period, with three developmental stages identified: early (2010–2016) focusing on basic treatment methods, intermediate (2017–2019) on intrinsic mechanisms, and recent (2020–2024) on process optimization. Biological adsorption and reduction were identified as the primary mechanisms. Correlation and principal component analyses of environmental factors (temperature, pH, initial Cr concentration, reaction time) revealed temperature as the key factor affecting remediation efficiency. The removal efficiencies and mechanisms of various dominant bacterial strains were summarized to guide strain selection. Future research should focus on microbial community synergy, nanomaterial integration, and environmental optimization to enhance remediation efficiency.

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Microbial Remediation Technology for Chromium Pollution in Groundwater: Research Hotspots, Mechanisms, and Environmental Factor Analysis

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608027• Jan 15, 2026

Source-Sink Spatial Mismatch Characteristics and Health Risks of Soil BTEX in a Decommissioned Industrial Site on a Coastal Plain

Authors: WANG Lei, XIE Li, SUN Rui, TAN Xuejun, ZHANG Xiang, JIANG Wenchen

The relocation of numerous industrial enterprises in China has left behind soil contamination, particularly by volatile organic compounds such as BTEX, whose migration and health risks are of great concern. Coastal plains, characterized by high groundwater tables and interbedded sedimentary strata, exhibit contaminant distribution and migration patterns distinct from inland regions. This study investigated a decommissioned resin plant site in the Yangtze River Delta coastal plain, systematically analyzing the spatial distribution, migration, and health risks of soil BTEX. Seven BTEX compounds were detected with detection rates ranging from 24.3% to 47.1%. Maximum concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, and m/p-xylene exceeded China's Class I construction land screening values. The contaminant plume was predominantly located in the southern product warehouse area, while the potential source was traced to the upstream wastewater treatment unit, indicating a 'source-sink' spatial mismatch. Vertically, contaminants exhibited a 'shallow-layer volatilization, middle-layer enrichment, and deep-layer retardation' pattern, with significant enrichment in silty clay at 3–6 m depth and sharp concentration declines in mucky clay. Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) multi-parameter detection revealed that benzene and toluene migrated as a whole, whereas chlorobenzene lagged due to strong adsorption. Benzene posed the most significant health risk, with carcinogenic risk up to 7.42×10⁻⁴ and non-carcinogenic hazard quotient up to 38.24, both exceeding acceptable levels. Inhalation of indoor air contaminated by vapor intrusion from underlying soil contributed over 87% of benzene's total risk, dominating the exposure pathway. This study elucidates the unique migration and risk formation mechanisms under high water table and interbedded strata, providing a scientific basis for precise investigation, risk assessment, and remediation of similar contaminated sites.

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Source-Sink Spatial Mismatch Characteristics and Health Risks of Soil BTEX in a Decommissioned Industrial Site on a Coastal Plain

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608026• Jan 15, 2026

Nitrogen Mineralization Effects of Bacillus subtilis Combined with Straw Biochar in Dryland Soil

Authors: ZHENG Tao, CHEN Yuqing, HUANG Xianhuai, YU Xiongsheng, ZHOU Xiaoyu, LIU Yingchao, ZHUANG Xingmei, FANG Zijun, QIAN Jing

Biochar and microbial inoculants are widely used for agricultural soil amendment. To investigate the effects of different straw biochars and Bacillus subtilis inoculant, applied individually or combined, on nitrogen transformation in dryland soil, a 60-day laboratory incubation experiment was conducted with six treatments: control (CK), 4% rice straw biochar (S), 4% rapeseed straw biochar (Y), 4% rice straw biochar plus 5 mg/kg inoculant (SJ), 4% rapeseed straw biochar plus 5 mg/kg inoculant (YJ), and inoculant alone (J). Results showed that rice straw biochar significantly increased soil nitrate nitrogen content by 148.74%–152.68% compared to CK, enhancing nitrification. Combined application with inoculant further increased average net nitrogen mineralization rate by 77.28%–99.38%. Conversely, rapeseed straw biochar decreased nitrate nitrogen by 51.66%–57.61%, and combined application reduced net nitrogen mineralization rate by 82.07%–84.73%. Treatments S, Y, SJ, and YJ promoted microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) synthesis, with S and Y increasing MBN by 2.02- and 2.20-fold over CK, respectively. Combined treatments further increased MBN by 103.26%–149.44% relative to single biochar treatments. These findings indicate that biochar type governs nitrification and net nitrogen mineralization, while combined application exerts synergistic effects on MBN. For comprehensive dryland soil improvement, YJ treatment is optimal, reducing inorganic nitrogen loss risk and enhancing microbial nitrogen activity.

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Nitrogen Mineralization Effects of Bacillus subtilis Combined with Straw Biochar in Dryland Soil

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Original ResearchVol. 44, Issue 8 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608028• Jan 15, 2026

Adsorption of VOCs by Molecular Sieves in Shipboard Operations: Water Competition Effect and Pore Size Matching Mechanism

Authors: SHOU Youping, QIAO Jianzhe, ZHAO Junjie, YI Zhongxian, WANG Jian

Ship loading operations emit multi-component volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with complex composition, including methanol, dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, p-xylene, acrylonitrile, benzene, and acetonitrile. Under high-humidity marine conditions, treatment is challenging. This study systematically screened three molecular sieves with distinct pore sizes—ZSM-5, β-type, and HY—for selective adsorption of these seven VOCs at moisture contents of 0%, 2.5%, and 5%. Competitive adsorption in acrylonitrile/p-xylene mixtures was examined on ZSM-5-all-silica and HY-100. Results showed: (1) saturated adsorption capacity decreased with increasing moisture content, confirming water-VOC competition; higher Si/Al ratios enhanced hydrophobicity, with all-silica ZSM-5 exhibiting superior water resistance. (2) Selective adsorption followed pore size matching: ZSM-5 (0.54–0.56 nm) suited C1–C3 small molecules (10–50 mg/g); β-type (1.1–1.2 nm) showed best universality for C3–C6; HY (2.16–2.76 nm) favored C8 molecules like p-xylene (100–120 mg/g). (3) Optimizing molecular sieve proportion and layered arrangement balanced adsorption capacities across components, significantly prolonging breakthrough time. The optimal configuration placed ZSM-5 in the upper layer and HY in the lower layer. Molecular sieves also exhibited good thermal stability and regenerability. This study provides technical support for efficient treatment of multi-component VOCs from ship loading operations.

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Adsorption of VOCs by Molecular Sieves in Shipboard Operations: Water Competition Effect and Pore Size Matching Mechanism

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