Biofiltration is a process in which an otherwise conventional granular filter is designed to remove not only fine particulates but also dissolved organic compounds through microbial degradation. Biofiltration can reduce the need for chemicals in drinking water treatment and thus improved applications of biofiltration in drinking water treatment can be viewed as green or sustainable engineering technology. Recent trends in biofiltration technology for drinking water treatment have or have attempted to extend the performance of biofilters through gaining a better understanding of operational constraints. This review articles summarizes important operational parameters influencing biofiltration performance such as hydraulic loading, empty bed contact time (EBCT), temperature, media type, and backwashing conditions. In addition, recent advancements in biofiltration operations including, ozonation, ammonia removal and the influence of nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorous) supplementation to facilitate carbon removal are explored.

Improving the physical environment and Indigenous participation in environmental decision-making is inherently related to the improvement of health among Indigenous Peoples. Improving the state of the physical environment necessitates increased involvement by Indigenous communities in decision-making and policy development. This involvement must integrate local traditional knowledge (TK) as an important tool in the decolonization of environmental decision-making, and a necessary step towards the improvement of Indigenous health. With a focus on the physical environment as a social determinant of Indigenous health, this article highlights the need for increased Indigenous participation in the decision-making process on environmental issues and proposes a framework to accomplish this outcome. Indigenous-centred policy frameworks should include the following five key principles: (a) the recognition of Indigenous knowledge, (b) the recognition of the inherent right to self-determination, (c) the use of an inclusive and integrative knowledge system, (d) the use of community-based participatory approaches, and (e) the use of circular and holistic viewpoints.

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