Iranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Integration of MBBR process with electrocoagulation treatment: An optimization by response surface method246259157010.22104/aet.2025.7549.2117ENAbhilasha GopalDeshmukhPGTD of Electronics and Computer Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, IndiaG. H. Raisoni College of Engineering & Management, Nagpur, IndiaKiran MeghrajTajneGovernment College of Engineering, Sector 27, Mihan Rehabilitation Colony, Khapri Railway, Nagpur. India0009-0001-6621-7160Journal Article20250410The present study investigates the effectiveness of low-cost sewage treatment methodologies, specifically the Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR). To increase its applicability, it is essential to enhance the efficiency of the process. For that, a supplementary treatment known as electrocoagulation is employed. Crucial design parameters of the MBBR, such as Filling Ratio (Volume of Media/Active Volume of Digester) and Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), were examined through a laboratory setup. Additionally, parameters related to the electrocoagulation process, like Voltage, Detention Time, and inter-electrode distance, were also examined An HRT of 12 hours was observed to yield an 88% reduction in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and a 92% reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The efficiency of the process was enhanced when the filling ratio varied in the range of 30 to 70%. Electrocoagulation demonstrates optimal turbidity removal at voltages ranging from 10 to 12 volts, with the most effective inter-electrode distance measured at 3 centimeters. The optimal detention period for the EC process was determined to be 150 minutes. This study provides valuable information regarding the use of a statistical tool called the Central Composite Design (CCD) for investigating the inter-relations between an operating variable and its effect on the responses of the treatment unit. The results show that a statistical technique could be used to improve the overall performance of the treatment unit.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1570_13bfb2da0a737a2cf98f3fa877dda0d3.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries: A holistic approach for addressing environmental challenges and resource recovery357395155210.22104/aet.2025.7133.1962ENAparnaMukherjeeDepartment of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, IndiaSayaliiApteDepartment of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, IndiaSayaliSandbhorDepartment of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, IndiaDaniel DengKiir KuanyIndependent Researcher, Juba, Central Equatorial, South SudanJournal Article20240927The globally projected share of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB) in the market will be around 875 million tons by 2025, leading to the generation of a tremendous amount of spent LIB trash to be dealt with. However, literature shows that only a tiny fraction of spent LIB is recycled currently, while the majority ends up in landfills, leading to environmental degradation. Though there is existing literature discussing the research trend and methods for recycling spent LIBs, very few reviews cover a comprehensive comparison of all the recycling methods along with the pretreatments. The major objective of the paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research landscape regarding LIB recycling, emphasizing the significant advancements in the field and valuable insights into the latest developments in LIB recycling technologies through a critical review of the recent and highly cited literature for spent LIB recycling. The paper focuses on three primary recycling approaches: pyro-metallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and direct recycling. The paper also covers major LIB types, analytical methods, spent LIB disposal challenges, the need for recovery of heavy metals, and pretreatment methods for LIB waste recycling. The paper further discusses the characterization techniques for leachates generated during hydrometallurgical processes, revealing the presence of various metals such as Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, and Ni. The detailed systematic review thus highlights the LIB recycling prospects and obstacles, and further research required to stimulate the creation of inventive and long-lasting solutions for a circular economy leading to sustainable development.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1552_2a9c0c2391909967c9892ce7e93a28fc.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Water’s corrosion and scaling potential prediction using artificial neural networks and gene expression programming in several rural water distribution networks in Kermanshah Province, Iran396413155410.22104/aet.2025.7194.1980ENAkramFatemiDepartment of Soil Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranShabnamVaisiDepartment of Soil Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranRasoolGhobadianDepartment of Water Science and Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranJournal Article20241027Water quality causes severe restrictions on the utilization of water resources. Corrosion and scaling are the most common problems in the operation and maintenance of water facilities. Corrosive indices are an indirect method of detecting and measuring water's tendency to corrosion and scaling. Water corrosion and scaling are complex phenomena that cannot be easily modeled. This study used meta-heuristics methods, such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and gene expression programming (GEP), to predict the water’s corrosion and scaling potential of the distribution network in some rural areas of Kermanshah Province. Equations were extracted to estimate water corrosion and scaling indices using linear regression and GEP. The results showed that ANN could reveal water corrosion and scaling indices with the highest correlation coefficient (0.95, 0.91, 0.96, 0.92, and 0.99) and the lowest percentage errors (0.20, 0.44, 0.40, 0.44, and 0.08) for the Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Puckorius scaling index (PSI), Aggressive index (AI), and Larson–Skold index (L-SI), respectively. Also, the linear and nonlinear relationships obtained by a high-precision GEP model (0.80 to 0.97) can estimate corrosion and scaling indices with lower cost and more accuracy by measuring the most influential physicochemical parameters.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1554_53b427c9a23fba6370b2b9f219754073.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Isolation and characterization of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria at the Ilam gas refinery in Iran414425155310.22104/aet.2025.7467.2081ENTayebehKarimiDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ilam University, P. O. Box: 69315516, Ilam, IranFazelPourahmadDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ilam University, P. O. Box: 69315516, Ilam, IranEhsanNoorollahiHigher Education Institute of Safir Danesh, Ilam, IranJournal Article20250309Natural gas is a critical energy resource, but sour gas, characterized by high hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) content, poses significant environmental and operational challenges, including corrosion, toxicity, and air pollution. Conventional desulfurization methods, such as hydrodesulfurization (HDS), are energy-intensive and environmentally taxing. Biodesulfurization (BDS) using sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) offers a sustainable alternative. This study, the first to characterize SOB from the Ilam Gas Refinery in Iran, aimed to isolate and identify SOB from soil samples to explore their potential for biodesulfurization and bioremediation. Soil samples were collected from various locations within the Ilam Gas Refinery, and 16 bacterial isolates were obtained using media enriched with sulfur compounds and sulfur-enriched media. The isolates were purified and characterized through Gram staining and molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to understand the evolutionary relationships among the isolated bacteria. The isolates were purified, characterized through Gram staining, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Sixteen bacterial isolates were cultivated, with 11 successfully identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The identified species included Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Streptomyces babili, and Priestia megaterium. These species, particularly S. babili and P. megaterium, are less commonly associated with gas refinery environments, highlighting the novelty of this study. Statistical analyses confirmed a significant predominance of Gram-negative bacteria (p < 0.05). The study also identified the potential of these bacteria in the bioremediation process. The inability to amplify the soxB gene suggests alternative sulfur oxidation pathways, warranting further investigation. The findings provide a foundation for developing microbial-based solutions that are efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1553_16996711d77f73edbf07682ce42f9853.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Bacterial-based bioremediation: A sustainable strategy for mitigating copper and lead contamination in aquatic ecosystems426445156510.22104/aet.2025.1565ENEkoPurnomoaBiology Department, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, IndonesiaHermin PancasaktiKusumaningrumBiology Department, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, IndonesiaAnto BudiharjoaBudiharjoaBiology Department, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, IndonesiaArina TriLungganiaBiology Department, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, IndonesiaTri RetnaningsihSoeprobowatiaBiology Department, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, IndonesiaCluster for Paleolimnology (CPalim), Diponegoro University, Semarang, IndonesiaJournal Article20250405The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals, particularly copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), has emerged as a significant environmental concern driven by escalating anthropogenic activities. These metals are persistent, bioaccumulate across trophic levels, and exert toxic effects on aquatic organisms and human health. To address this issue, bacterial-based bioremediation has gained prominence as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. This approach leverages the intrinsic capabilities of specific microorganisms to absorb, sequester, and neutralize heavy metals through mechanisms including bioadsorption, the expression of heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs), and nanoparticle biosynthesis. Notably, species such as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving up to 100% bioremoval of Pb and Cu, respectively. Advances in biotechnology, including omics technologies, genetic engineering, and nanobiotechnology, have significantly enhanced the capacity of bacteria for effective heavy metal remediation. Future strategies are likely to involve synergistic approaches, such as the coupling of microbial agents with functionalized nanoparticles, real-time monitoring systems powered by Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the reinforcement of industrial waste regulations to optimize overall remediation efficacy. Although challenges persist, particularly concerning the complex interactions between microbes and their environments, the integration of multidisciplinary approaches offers a holistic and environmentally responsible framework for mitigating Cu and Pb pollution. Furthermore, this strategy fosters greater community involvement in sustainability initiatives. Consequently, bacterial-based bioremediation is not only a promising method for restoring aquatic ecosystems but also a critical pillar in the development of future-oriented environmental management strategies.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1565_7c88287e0872f0c55c5a45cd632cfa45.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Integrating biomass into petrochemical processes: A review of feedstock options and conversion routes460475158910.22104/aet.2025.7758.2181ENAlirezaGanjiChemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 1458889694, IranAzadehBabaeeDepartment of Chemistry, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran, 3149968111, IranJalalShayeganChemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 1458889694, IranJournal Article20250721Integrating biomass-derived feedstocks into petrochemical processes in Iran is a potential path toward environmental sustainability, enhancing sustainable energy and material production in the country. Iran possesses extensive fossil reserves. There is a growing demand to develop a diversified energy matrix due to greenhouse gas emissions and worldwide climate concerns. Biomass, a renewable resource, provides a sustainable path for the production of energy as well as chemical feedstocks. This study illustrates the potential of converting available biomass and waste into fuels and petrochemical intermediates, identifying technologies such as gasification, anaerobic digestion, and hydrothermal carbonization. It also examines Iran’s biomass resources, technological options, and strategic opportunities for integrating biomass-derived streams into the petrochemical value chain. The study addresses the challenges related to infrastructure development, feedstock logistics, and process optimization, noting that biomass integration offers significant economic and environmental benefits. Integrating biomass as a renewable energy and chemical feedstock supports Iran’s long-term sustainability goals while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and feedstocks. This approach also promotes rural and industrial development.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1589_dad14b8d505ab8a47b364d8e554146fb.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667411420251001Sustainable plastics from renewable resources: A review on starch-based bioplastics476499159810.22104/aet.2025.7748.2179ENChitra Devi DeviThangaveluDepartment of Biotechnology, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, 641402, Coimbatore, IndiaB.S.HarishDepartment of Biotechnology, Easwari Engineering College, 600089, Chennai, IndiaAbinayaRDepartment of Biotechnology, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, 641402, Coimbatore, IndiaDhanvandhiniSDepartment of Biotechnology, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, 641402, Coimbatore, IndiaSivakumarRDepartment of Biotechnology, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, 641402, Coimbatore, IndiaJournal Article20250718The increasing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has accelerated the search for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from renewable resources. Among various biopolymers, starch-based bioplastics have gained significant attention due to their abundance, low cost, biodegradability, and ease of processing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of starch-based bioplastics, focusing on their sources, extraction methods, structural characteristics, production techniques, additives, and diverse applications. Starch, primarily composed of amylose and amylopectin, can be converted into thermoplastic starch (TPS) through plasticization, enabling melt processing via extrusion, injection molding, or solvent casting. The addition of plasticizers, fillers, acids, and biodegradable polymer blends enhances mechanical strength, flexibility, and water resistance, although challenges remain in achieving optimal thermal stability and moisture tolerance. Characterization studies involving mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses are discussed to elucidate structure–property relationships. The review also highlights emerging applications in packaging, agriculture, medical devices, 3D printing, consumer goods, automotive components, and textiles. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of optimizing formulations, utilizing agricultural residues, and performing life-cycle and biodegradation assessments to ensure sustainability. Overall, starch-based bioplastics represent a promising pathway toward reducing plastic pollution and advancing a circular, bio-based materials economy.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1598_1512f87eac6736b849b51504addfd4f3.pdf