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The Stabilization of Copper and Cadmium in The Hydrated CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 Composites Full text
2024
Prodjosantoso, A. K. | Febriadi, Y. | Utami, A. R. P. | Utomo, M. P.
The stabilization of toxic metals in the stable matrices is quite well-known. Research on copper and cadmium stabilization in the CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 composites was conducted to study the characteristics of CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 composites as well as the Cu and Cd metals stabilization in the hydrated composites. The composites of CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. A stoichiometric amount of CaO, SiO2, Cu(NO3)2, and CdO were calcined at 1050°C for 4 hours. The synthesized compounds were further hydrated in a soaking time of 30, 60, and 90 days. The hydration produced calcium silicate hydrate that can stabilize metals. The Cu and Cd stability in CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2, respectively, were tested using the Toxicity Leaching Procedure (TCLP) method. The hydrated and hydrated composite characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), and Scanning Energy Mocroscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX) and the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) methods. The composites mainly consist of Ca3SiO5, Ca2SiO4, Ca(OH)2, SiO2, and metal oxide of CuO, Cu2O, and CdO. The composites were able to stabilize ~100% of the heavy metals of Cu and Cd.
Show more [+] Less [-]A Comparative Review on Bisphenol A Sources, Environmental Levels, Migration, and Health Impacts in India and Global Context Full text
2024
Datta, Sugata | Chauhan, Abhishek | Ranjan, Anuj | Sardar, Abul Hasan | Tuli, Hardeep Singh | Ramniwas, Seema | Shahwan, Moyad | Sharma, Ujjawal | Jindal, Tanu
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely utilized chemical found in numerous everyday products, including plastic containers, food packaging, and thermal paper. Research has linked BPA exposure to a range of health concerns, encompassing developmental and reproductive issues, cancer, and obesity. Given India's status as one of the world's largest producers and consumers of plastic goods, understanding the potential risks associated with BPA exposure and its health impacts on the Indian population is of paramount importance. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of BPA sources, environmental levels, migration, and health impacts in India in comparison to other countries. By examining data from various nations, we aim to discern overarching trends and patterns in BPA exposure and its associated health effects. This analysis serves as a foundation for the development of policies and regulations designed to safeguard public health. While the Indian government has taken some regulatory steps, such as banning the production, import, and sale of BPA-containing polycarbonate baby bottles, there is a notable absence of specific regulations or bans on BPA in other food-contact materials (FCMs). Studies conducted in India have detected BPA in various food items, underscoring the potential risk of BPA exposure through food consumption. This emphasizes the urgent need for effective monitoring and control of BPA migration in FCMs within India. In conclusion, this comparative review underscores the imperative for ongoing research and rigorous monitoring of BPA exposure and its health impacts in India, as well as in other nations. Safeguarding the health of the general public necessitates a comprehensive understanding of BPA's prevalence, sources, and consequences. By implementing and refining regulations, such as extending bans on BPA in additional FCMs, policymakers can work towards mitigating the risks associated with BPA exposure and ensuring the safety of populations worldwide.
Show more [+] Less [-]Accumulation and Translocation of Heavy Metals in Hibiscus cannabinus Grown in Tannery Sludge Amended Soil Full text
2024
., Anita | Kulsoom, Mahiya | Yadav, Aneet Kumar | Kumar, Monu | Raw, Kamla Pat | Prasad, Satguru | Kumar, Narendra
Digested sludge wasted by tanneries is rich in nutrients and trace elements however, the presence of toxic metals restricts their use in agriculture. The present study explores the possible application of tannery sludge amendment for the cultivation of an energy crop, Hibiscus cannabinus. The toxicity of various sludge amendments (25, 50, 75, and 100%, w/w) was examined during early seedling growth, followed by metal accumulation potential by performing pot experiments. Chemical characterization revealed the presence of Cr (709.6), Cu (366.43), Ni (74.6), Cd (132.71), Pb (454.8) μg.g-1 in tannery sludge beside N (2.1%), P 3.8 & K 316.96 (kg.hec-1.) respectively. Germination of H. cannabinus exposed to sludge extracts ranged between 80 to 95%; Relative seed germination, 81.33 to 84.43%. Relative root growth, 0.9 to 1.16 cm; and germination index, 95 to 110%. It was found that sludge extracts have not caused adverse effects on seed germination and early seedling growth. Heavy metal accumulation was observed as follows: Ni (3.37, 2.38, 1.46 & 0.90 mg.kg-1) > Pb (10.59, 10.15, 5.26, & 2.84 mg.kg-1) > Cu (2.34, 2.24, 0.97 & 0.24 mg.kg-1) > Cd (2.31, 1.19, 1.33 & 1.12 mg.kg-1) > Cr (1458, 1136.12, 601.73 & 211.6 mg.kg-1) in 100, 75, 50, & 25% sludge amended soil, respectively. The bio-concentration pattern of metals was found to be in the order of root > leaf > stem. The findings of the present study give direction for the eco-friendly and cost-effective management of tannery sludge. Further, H. cannabinus can be used for the restoration of metal-contaminated agricultural land, however, results need to be corroborated with field trials.
Show more [+] Less [-]An Appraisal of the Legal Frameworks and Policy Shift in the Nigerian Energy Sector Full text
2024
Otu, Michael | Anyatang, Brian F. I. | Kooffreh, Bassey | Ugbe, Rose Ohiama
This paper will explore policy shifts in Nigeria’s oil and gas, solar, nuclear, and mineral energy sectors. This policy shift by way of a transition, indigenization, and Nigerianization, has given way to deregulation, decentralization, and de-indigenization of many industries, most notably in the oil and gas sector, through the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 and the Local Content Act of 2010 (LCA). The paper recommends, amongst others, the establishment of a new legal regime that grants resource-based and property rights to resource-bearing communities and incorporates principles of international law, energy diplomacies, International Environmental Law, and international best practices.
Show more [+] Less [-]Heavy Metal Concentration in Fish Species Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) from Anambra River, Nigeria Full text
2024
Ogbuene, E. B. | Oroke, A. M. | Eze, C. T. | Etuk, E. | Aloh, O. G. | Achoru, F. E. | Ogbuka, J. C. | Okolo, O. J. | Ozorme, A. V. | Ibekwe, C. J. | Eze, C. A. | Akatakpo, S.
Studies have emphasized that the presence of heavy metals in freshwater fish represents a global public health issue. Nigeria, being a developing nation with less emphasis on the quality of seafood consumed by the residents, ranks this study very vital. The policy implication of this study is the advancement of a healthy population in contemporary Nigeria. Hence, this study assessed heavy metal concentration in two fish species, Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia), in the Anambra River. The sample included twenty fishes, of which eighteen were collected from the three sampling locations (the fish ports of Anambra River), namely Otu-nsugbe, Otuocha, and Ikemivite) while two control samples were collected from a pond about 200 m away from the river. The levels of heavy metals were determined using Varian AA 240 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium and arsenic) in the sampled fishes from Anambra River exceeded the joint World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO/WHO) standard for fish and fish product consumption, while the concentration of chromium, mercury, and lead are within the permissible limit. The study also showed the distribution of the heavy metals in the fish organ varies among fish species. Heavy metals occur higher in Clarias garepinus than in Oreochromis niloticus, while tissue preference for heavy metal accumulation is in the order of gill > liver > muscle. It was recorded from this study that the heavy metal concentration in the fish from the pond is generally higher than the fish from the river for some metals. The high level of heavy metals in the sampled fish was attributed to heavy metals contamination of the river as a result of various anthropogenic activities such as mining, burning of fossil fuel and emission from the exhaust of boats/vehicles, overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, discharge of effluent, sewage, and hospital waste. This study concluded that long-term consumption of fish from the river may pose health risks to the consumers due to the possible bioaccumulation of heavy metals, especially cadmium and arsenic. It was recommended that continuous monitoring of heavy metal levels in the fish and water, public awareness, and appropriate legislative provisions should be put in place to ensure that harvested fish and fish products may be safe for human consumption.
Show more [+] Less [-]Study of Temporal Dynamics of Urban Heat Island Surface in Padang West Sumatra, Indonesia Full text
2024
Novio, Rery | Mariya, Sri | Prarikeslan, Widya | Ramon, Sophia Aulia
Padang as the capital of the province, is a strategic area and also the center of the economy. Annual population growth affects changes in land use from vegetated land to built-up areas. An increase in barren land will trigger an increase in temperature. SUHI is a temperature phenomenon that occurs on the surface resulting from the increase in temperature. SUHI can be observed through surface temperature data or Land Surface Temperature. This study aims to identify changes in land surface temperature that are affected by changes in land use in the form of building density conditions. In analyzing this using Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery in 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2020. The building density measurement method LST transformations to measure surface temperature and helps the Surface Urban Heat Island phenomenon. The results of the analysis showed that there was an increase in the building density of the city of Padang over a period of 20 years. This phenomenon affects the surface temperature, indicating that the surface temperature has increased by around 0.47°C. The highest temperature from 2001-2020 occurred in 2016, with the highest temperature of 36°C.
Show more [+] Less [-]Navigating Nepal’s Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions: Insights into the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Full text
2024
Adhikari, R. | Niroula, B. | Singh, S. K.
This research aims to employ the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method within the insight into the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) to verify whether EKC exists in the Nepalese economy. In this research, variables were used, such as carbon emissions per capita, GDP per capita, energy use per capita, trade volume, and urbanization from 1980 to 2021, and the ARDL method was used. The data has been taken in this research except trade volume from the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, Nepal. The data sets are converted into the natural logarithmic form to minimize the problem of heteroskedasticity. The findings provide compelling evidence for the existence of the EKC in Nepal, that economic growth has an inverted U-shaped impact on carbon emissions. In the early stages of development, economic growth leads to rising carbon emissions, but in the later stages, economic growth becomes associated with declining emissions. Besides economic growth, per capita energy consumption and urbanization emerge as significant drivers of carbon emissions. However, the trade volume is not found to be the driving factor of carbon emissions. The findings of this study have significant policy implications for global climate change issues and Nepal’s transition from an underdeveloped to a developing nation. To achieve harmonious economic growth and emissions reduction, donor countries and agencies to partner with Nepal in its ambitious endeavors. This partnership can take shape through multifaceted support as fueling socio-economic progress that aligns with Nepal’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, ensuring that development and sustainability walk together. This research recommends the government of Nepal electrify the transportation landscape by incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles, paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier planet, empowering Nepal’s natural guardians by strengthening public and private forest programs, safeguarding invaluable ecosystems and biodiversity and curbing the tide of waste mismanagement through strict regulations and robust enforcement, transforming a potential threat into a source of innovation and resourcefulness. These measures, aligned with sustainable employment generation, can pave the way for a brighter and greener future for Nepal.
Show more [+] Less [-]Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies: A Review on Pathway to Sustainable Energy Recovery in a Circular Economy Full text
2024
Achi, C. G. | Snyman, J. | Ndambuki, J. M. | Kupolati, W. K.
In the face of the rapid rise in global waste production and the pressing need to shift towards sustainable energy options, advanced Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies have emerged as a highly promising solution. These innovative technologies effectively utilize waste as a valuable resource, presenting a viable pathway for sustainable energy recovery and making a substantial contribution to the principles of the circular economy paradigm. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced WtE technologies, including thermal, biological, and chemical methods, such as gasification, pyrolysis, plasma arc gasification, anaerobic digestion, fermentation, transesterification, and hydrothermal carbonization. The efficiency of these technologies is evaluated based on their energy recovery potential, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Case studies on successful implementations of advanced WtE technologies are analyzed to highlight their practicality and effectiveness. Finally, the paper addresses technical, regulatory, and policy challenges in this field and provides future perspectives. The objective is to underscore the role of advanced WtE technologies in achieving a sustainable and resource-efficient circular economy.
Show more [+] Less [-]Emerging Issues in Energy Sustainability: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda Full text
2024
Anjum, Aqsa | Chauhan, Jahangir | Enam, Marghoob | Ali, Irfan
This research paper seeks to investigate and categorize previous studies to understand better the role of energy generation technology in promoting sustainable development of a country country. The primary aim of this review is to identify and emphasize key issues related to energy sustainability. The study employs a systematic review approach, drawing on academic publications from the Web of Science and Scopus database. The analysis reveals five key issues: the nexus between energy generation and greenhouse gas emissions, energy generation and employment, the impact of energy generation and land use intensity, the association between energy generation and water footprint, and the nexus between energy generation and human health. This study delves into the theoretical dimensions of research concerning the interplay between energy sustainability and various aspects of energy generation technologies. Furthermore, it contributes to the existing body of knowledge concerning Sustainable Development Goal 7, with the overarching goal of enhancing both human well-being and economic prosperity through advancements in energy generation technologies. The study comprehensively explores the subject matter, offering an in-depth analysis of energy sustainability. Its unique contribution lies in its extensive examination of multiple facets of energy sustainability, making it a significant addition to the field of research.
Show more [+] Less [-]A Review on Bioremediation of Tannery Effluent using Immobilized Bacteria Full text
2024
Jayam, J. Raveena | Chokkalingam, Priya
Tannery effluent is a significant contributor to contaminants such as heavy metals within the ecosystem. Effluents generally contain heavy metals, and they also contain more bacteria that can thrive in such an environment. Bioremediation has ancestrally been performed using bacteria; in recent decades, the implementation of “immobilized” bacteria has acquired recognition as an intriguing technique due to manifold assistance. This review systematizes a humongous amount of extant literature on multifarious toxicants that can be tackled with immobilized bacteria. We further explore assorted deterministic facets using immobilized bacteria for environmental remediation with an emphasis on encapsulation in biomaterials and their role in detoxifying toxic compounds. We explore multiple techniques for immobilizing bacteria in numerous complementary arrays incorporating multiple species of bacteria, factors that influence the remediation process, such as bioreactor layouts used in pilot, lab-scale applications. Exploits and drawbacks of using immobilized bacteria in fermenters to treat tannery effluent are also described. The imperishable future aspects, recovery of significant commodities, in addition to bioremediation, represent an important incentive of the immobilized treatment process that makes more cost-effective, legitimate treatment enforcement that is also congruent with the precepts of the bioeconomy.
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