Papers

Impact of source water quality on total organic carbon and trihalomethane removal efficiency in a water treatment plant: A case study of Upper Awash, Ethiopia

This study examined how source water quality affects the ability of a treatment plant in Ethiopia to remove organic carbon and reduce harmful byproducts called trihalomethanes. The researchers found that higher levels of metals and turbidity in the source water reduced treatment effectiveness. While not directly about microplastics, the findings are relevant because microplastics in source water can also carry organic pollutants and interfere with water treatment processes, compounding the challenge of providing safe drinking water.

Enset starch-based biocomposite film reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay: Improved mechanical and barrier properties

Researchers developed an eco-friendly food packaging film made from enset starch reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay as an alternative to conventional plastics. Adding 5% bentonite clay increased the film's strength by 132% and reduced water permeability by 42%, making it a more practical option for food packaging. The study demonstrates a promising biodegradable material that could help reduce microplastic pollution from traditional plastic packaging.

Microbial cellulase production and its potential application for textile industries

Researchers review how enzymes produced by microorganisms, specifically cellulase, can replace harsh chemicals in textile processing, making the industry more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Microbial cellulase breaks down cellulose fibers without toxic byproducts, offering a safer alternative to conventional chemical dye processes used in fabric manufacturing.

Isolation and screening of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags degrading bacteria from Addis Ababa municipal solid waste disposal site “Koshe”

Researchers isolated bacteria from an Ethiopian municipal waste site that degraded low-density polyethylene bags by up to 43% weight loss, with scanning electron microscopy confirming surface pitting and FTIR analysis showing chemical changes indicative of biodegradation.

Adsorption Phenomenon of Arundinaria alpina Stem-Based Activated Carbon for the Removal of Lead from Aqueous Solution

Researchers found that activated carbon prepared from locally sourced Arundinaria alpina bamboo effectively removed lead from aqueous solution, with removal efficiency influenced by solution pH, initial lead concentration, and adsorbent dose.

Polymer-based nanocomposite adsorbents for resource recovery from wastewater

This review evaluates polymer-based nanocomposite adsorbents for recovering nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater, highlighting their high surface area, multiple functional groups, and biodegradability as advantages over conventional adsorbents, with recovered nutrients applicable as soil amendments.

Occurrence, fate, and toxicity of emerging contaminants in a diverse ecosystem

This review examined the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of emerging contaminants including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors across diverse ecosystems, tracing their pathways from wastewater treatment systems into natural environments.

Microplastics menace: the new emerging lurking environmental issue, a review on sampling and quantification in aquatic environments

Microplastics Sampling and Recovery: Materials, Identification, Characterization Methods and Challenges

Recent endeavors in microbial remediation of micro- and nanoplastics

This review examines recent advances in using microorganisms to break down micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers highlight promising microbial strains and enzymatic pathways that may offer eco-friendly solutions to plastic pollution.