Iranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101An in-depth review of sustainable technologies for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater: Current approaches and prospective challenges131160310.22104/aet.2025.7579.2127ENShaimaaAlnasrawyDepartment of Environmental Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, University of Technology, P. O. Box: 35010, Baghdad, IraqJournal Article20250611Water sources contamination with heavy metals is a global source of anxiety. Heavy metals poses a real threat to ecosystems and human health. These metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury are recognized as highly toxic and persistent pollutants due to their ability to accumulate in biological systems. This research explores and critically assesses cutting-edge technologies for the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, aiming to reduce their harmful environmental and public health effects. The study first outlines the environmental and health hazards associated with these contaminants, followed by an overview of conventional treatment methods—including chemical precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, and filtration. While these traditional approaches have proven effective, they are often hindered by the need for large quantities of reagents, as well as high operational and waste management costs. To address these limitations, the research shifts focus toward innovative treatment strategies, including nanotechnology, photocatalytic oxidation, advanced membrane technologies, and biological treatments. Recent literature is examined to highlight the performance, advantages, and limitations of these modern techniques. For example, nanomaterials demonstrate exceptional adsorption capabilities due to their high surface area, though challenges such as material recovery and economic viability remain significant. Similarly, membrane-based processes offer high efficiency but are often associated with high operational costs. The study also proposes strategies for overcoming these limitations, such as improving nanomaterial reuse and reducing energy consumption in membrane operations. A comparative analysis of the discussed methods is presented to support practitioners and researchers in selecting appropriate solutions based on factors such as contaminant characteristics, economic constraints, and technological readiness. Ultimately, this work aims to serve as a valuable resource for professionals and scholars engaged in industrial wastewater management, promoting informed choices and sustainable heavy metal remediation.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1603_fdd8131ba198ad9096776030d6169dad.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101Machine learning-driven advances in polymer membrane science: Emerging trends and future directions3262161110.22104/aet.2025.7210.1990ENAnupamaBDepartment of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), P. O. Box: 574110, Karkala, IndiaRoopa BHegdeDepartment of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), P. O. Box: 574110, Karkala, IndiaSnehaNayakDepartment of Biotechnology Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), P. O. Box: 574110, Karkala, IndiaArun MIsloorMembrane and Separation Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, P. O. Box: 575025, Surathkal, Mangalore, IndiaMuttannaVenkteshMembrane and Separation Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, P. O. Box: 575025, Surathkal, Mangalore, IndiaJournal Article20241115Membrane science is gaining importance in the emerging field due to its fewer energy consumption and low maintenance. Many surveys and studies were concentrating on specific membranes for specific applications. Trial-and-error approaches in membrane design result in inefficiencies, including time and material wastage. There is a need for developing a generalized model with minimal parameters and resulting membrane satisfying separation applications. Enhancement of membrane performance is crucial and hence many researchers considered the fabrication and design aspects of membrane parameters as research criteria for different applications. High surface area, ease of maintenance, and low cost make them attractive to different applications including the bio-medical sector, food and beverages, water filtration, gaseous environment, etc. However, membrane design and configuration demand several experiments specific to the applications. Hence it is still considered to be a challenging process thus opening new avenues towards automating the process. This review comprises a summary of state-of-the-art membrane technology and its application in the separation phenomenon providing a machine learning perspective in membrane science and engineering.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1611_9758be3d946ffe1bc90a92525b258806.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101Harnessing the impact of TiO2 nanotubes, TiO2 nanofibers and their incorporation in polysulfone composite membrane for the photocatalytic degradation of reactive black 56375162110.22104/aet.2025.7536.2113ENGlanish JudeMartisDepartment of P. G. Studies in Chemistry, Alva’s College (Autonomous), Moodubidire, P. O. Box: 574 227, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, IndiaArun MIsloorMembrane and Separation Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, P. O. Box: 575 025, Surathkal, Mangalore, IndiaSnehaODepartment of P. G. Studies in Chemistry, Alva’s College (Autonomous), Moodubidire, P. O. Box: 574 227, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, IndiaP.SatishkumarMembrane and Separation Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, P. O. Box: 575 025, Surathkal, Mangalore, IndiaPraveen SMugaliDepartment of P. G. Studies in Chemistry, Alva’s College (Autonomous), Moodubidire, P. O. Box: 574 227, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, IndiaJournal Article20250406Most water resources today are contaminated for various reasons. Examples are dyes that pollute aquatic systems and threaten the environment. To overcome this problem, photocatalytic decomposition is a prominent method for eradicating hazardous dyes from water. The hydrothermal synthesis of TiO<sub>2 </sub>nanotubes and nanofibers and their subsequent utility in degrading Reactive Black (RB) 5 dye is of great interest, and the resulting nanomaterials have been characterized and validated <em>via</em> various techniques: ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive analysis (EDAX). Polysulfone (PSF) composite membranes lodged with synthesized nanomaterials were tested for the degradation of RB 5 dye. As a result, dye degradation of 89.8% and 80.2% was achieved with the TiO<sub>2 </sub>nanofibers and TiO<sub>2 </sub>nanotubes, respectively. When the nanomaterials were allowed to act upon the dye solution alone, the TiO<sub>2 </sub>nanofibers degraded up to 48.7%, whereas the TiO<sub>2 </sub>nanotubes degraded up to 18.6% because the strength of the nanomaterials was not enough for dye decomposition. This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, as well as their combination for an enhanced dye degradation process. https://aet.irost.ir/article_1621_727a1d85bb3634b77592e2b758e58e2b.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101Biogas production from restaurant waste with the addition of co-substrate variation of tofu liquid waste and cow dung7688162410.22104/aet.2025.7483.2085ENAryoSasmitaEnvironmental Engineering Program, Engineering Faculty, Riau University, Pekanbaru, IndonesiaViollaDwivannieEnvironmental Engineering Program, Engineering Faculty, Riau University, Pekanbaru, IndonesiaEttyPratiwiResearch and Development Agency the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Bogor, IndonesiaJournal Article20250311Restaurant waste is a potential biomass to be developed into a renewable energy, especially in biogas production. It is the main substrate for anaerobic process, as it contains many organic materials. Tofu liquid waste and cow dung have the potential to be used as an additional substrate in this process. This research aims to determine the effect of variations in the restaurant waste, tofu liquid, and cow dung composition towards the quality of methane gas in biogas production. It was conducted using a 30 liters reactor with a working volume of 22.5 liters. The substrate variables included 50%, 93.75%, and 100% variations of restaurant waste, 50% tofu liquid, and 6.25% cow dung. The results showed that the variations in the organic waste composition affected methane gas quality in biogas production. The reactor with 100% restaurant waste substrate, obtained the highest yield in each parameter. The anaerobic treatment with 100% restaurant waste substrate in reactor C yielded the highest values for each parameter. Additionally, the largest volume of biogas formed in this reactor was 109 liters, with a methane gas concentration of 51.307 ppm which is followed by reactor B and then reactor A with biogas production of 48 Liters and 45 Liters. The ratio of methane and carbon dioxide levels in the biogas formed was 60% and 40%.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1624_cc5f0f9d6e8e70d412033f436b524424.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101Dispersion modeling of SO2, NO2, and CO emitted from the Sahand thermal power plant using AERMOD software89102164210.22104/aet.2026.7387.2052ENMahdiSaghafiDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, IranAliHajiabdollahi MamaghaniDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, IranJournal Article20250202In this research, the dispersion of gaseous pollutants emitted from the Sahand thermal power plant was simulated using AERMOD software to determine the concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide in the surrounding area. AERMOD was used to analyze the concentration patterns of these pollutants within a 35.9 km2 domain, covering the cities of Bonab, Ajabshir, and Khoshehmehr, along with their nearby villages. For this purpose, two years of meteorological data, along with geographical information and emission source characteristics, were utilized to estimate pollutant concentrations over averaging periods of 1 hour, 3 hours, 24 hours, and annual averages. Comparison of the modeled results with the limits defined in the environmental standards indicates that the maximum concentrations of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide in residential areas are within the permissible limits. However, the highest concentration of sulfur dioxide exceeds the limits in some villages, suggesting a potential health risk for residents.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1642_075305b2cf8063f08b81010d47a1f43f.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101High-performance polysulfone/NH2-MIL-125 membranes for the rejection of toxic metals in aqueous solutions103122165210.22104/aet.2026.7601.2133ENSriramBhatMembrane and Separation Technology Laboratory, Chemistry Department, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore 575 025, IndiaArun MIsloorMembrane and Separation Technology Laboratory, Chemistry Department, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore 575 025, IndiaChivukula SuryanarayanaMurthyDepartment of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore 575 025, India.BalakrishnaPrabhuDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal, 576 104, Karnataka, IndiaJournal Article20251002Water contamination is a significant environmental issue, and it is crucial to develop innovative technologies to address this problem. One such technology is the use of nanomaterials in polymeric membranes, which can help to purify water by eliminating pollutants and heavy metals. These membranes possess exceptional properties, including a large surface area, adjustable pore dimensions, and permeability selectivity, which make them effective in removing various contaminants from water. Nanoscale materials, like metal nanoparticles, nanofibers, graphene, and graphene oxide, and metal organic framework (MOF), are integrated into the membrane, which enhances its mechanical strength, separation efficacy, and adsorption capabilities. In the current investigation, we have successfully synthesized the metal-organic framework NH<sub>2</sub>-MIL-125 and conducted preliminary research on its properties for heavy metal rejection (Pb<sup>2+</sup> and Cd<sup>2+</sup>) after incorporation into a polysulfone membrane. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, an Electrokinetic Analyzer, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the membranes. Additionally, the membrane's water affinity, flow rate, and resistance to fouling were studied. The M-3 membrane with 3.0 % MOF incorporation showed a 99.10 % rejection for cadmium, and the M-3 membrane rejected 75.02% for lead at a feed concentration of 500 ppm.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1652_69d916aa77d7519dc97c3d65c1b46a47.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyAdvances in Environmental Technology2476-667412120260101Synergistic integration of Kayu apu (Pistia stratiotes) and EM4 for sustainable landfill leachate treatment: A green approach to pollutant reduction123137165310.22104/aet.2026.7943.2226ENIndahNurhayatiDepartment of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya. 60234, Jawa Timur, IndonesiaEviAfifahDepartment of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya. 60234, Jawa Timur, IndonesiaMuhammadAl KholifDepartment of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya. 60234, Jawa Timur, Indonesia0000-0001-6757-6598Journal Article20251017This study evaluates the synergistic integration of phytoremediation using <em>Pistia stratiotes</em> (Kayu Apu) and microbial bioaugmentation with Effective Microorganisms 4 (EM4) for treating landfill leachate. A batch system was employed with EM4 concentrations of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% and residence times of 3, 6, and 9 days. The results indicate that the highest pollutant removal efficiency was achieved with 30% EM4 and a 9-day residence time, resulting in 41.5% BOD reduction, 37.3% COD reduction, and 38% TSS reduction. Additionally, DO levels increased significantly by 488.24%, indicating improved aerobic conditions, which are essential for microbial activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating <em>Pistia stratiotes</em> and EM4 as a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to treating landfill leachate. Further research is recommended to optimize operational parameters, scale up the system, and ensure compliance with regulatory discharge standards.https://aet.irost.ir/article_1653_b854c5021faeb04424084d6e78ca1b1e.pdf