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Seasonal Variability of Water Quality for Human Consumption in the Tilacancha Conduction System, Amazonas, Peru Full text
2024
Veneros, Jaris | Ramos, Llandercita Cuchca | Goñas, Malluri | Morales, Eli | Auquiñivín-Silva, Erick | Oliva, Manuel | García, Ligia
This study evaluated the seasonal variability of water quality in the Tilacancha River, the water source that supplies Chachapoyas, and the rural communities of Levanto and San Isidro del Maino of Perú. Eighteen physical, chemical, and microbiological water parameters were evaluated at five sampling points in two seasons (rainy and dry). To determine water quality, the results obtained for the parameters evaluated were compared with the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) established in the Regulation on Water Quality for Human Consumption (DS Nº 031-2010-SA), approved by the Environmental Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health. In addition, a Pearson correlation was performed to estimate the correlation between the variables evaluated. The results showed that microbiological parameters exceeded the MPLs in both periods evaluated, such as the case of total coliforms (44 MPN.100 mL-1), fecal coliforms (25 MPN.100 mL-1), and E. coli (5.45 MPN.100 mL-1), these microbiological parameters reported a positive correlation with turbidity, temperature, total dissolved solids, and flow rate. In addition, aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) exceeded the MPL in the rainy (0.26 mg Al.L-1) and dry (1.41 mg.Mn-1.L-1) seasons, respectively. The results indicated that the water of the Tilacancha River is not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, it must be treated in drinking water treatment plants to be used as drinking water.
Show more [+] Less [-]Assessment of the Swelling Behavior of NaOH-Contaminated Red Earth in the Visakhapatnam Region of India Using X-ray Diffraction Analysis Full text
2024
Darapu, Srikanth Satish Kumar | Vindula, Sai Kumar
Research on the impact of alkali contamination on the swelling behavior of red earth in the Visakhapatnam region has been notably limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of alkali (NaOH) contamination on the swelling characteristics of the region’s red earth. The red earth of this region was found to be a well-graded sandy soil with 81% sand and 18% fines. X-ray diffraction studies showed that this region’s red earth mainly consists of quartz, kaolinite, and hematite. The soil is inherently non-swelling. However, the free swell tests showed considerable swell under contamination of NaOH solutions of various normalities (0.05, 0.1, 1, 2, and 4N). One-dimensional consolidation tests have shown that the swell increased with the concentration of the NaOH solution and with the duration of the interaction. Red earth exhibited 'an equilibrium swelling' of 5.6, 10, 15, 17, and 20% when contaminated with 0.05, 0.1, 1, 2, and 4N NaOH solutions, respectively. XRD studies revealed that the red earth sample contaminated with even 0.05N NaOH solution and cured for 56 days exhibited the formation of zeolites analcime and natrolite. Silicate minerals like paragonite and ussingite were also formed along with the zeolites. N-A-S-H compounds, hydrosodalites, and zeolites like super hydrated natrolite, zeolite SSZ16, and zeolite ZK-14 were formed at higher normalities of NaOH after a curing period of 56 days, which caused increased swell. The research demonstrated that the formation of zeolites resulting from the alkali contamination led to swelling in the red earth.
Show more [+] Less [-]Forensic Identification and Isolation of Pathogenic Bacteria From Raw Vegetables and Fruits Full text
2024
Sharma, Anuradha | Manhas, Sakshi
The consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables is the prime cause of outbreaks of various human diseases. Although fruits and vegetables have high nutritional value, today because of their contamination during handling while performing harvesting and post-harvesting techniques, they are harmful to human health. Most of them are eaten raw without being washed or without providing any treatment. Vegetables and fruits, being rich nutritional sources, can act as carriers or vectors of pathogenic microorganisms, which can create a serious issue for the health of the community targeted. This entire research is based on an emerging field of Forensic Microbiology. Various types of microbial agents can be utilized as bioweapons to conduct the bio crime or bioterrorism through food and water. This research also represents that the identification of microbial agents is very much necessary for the welfare of humans. Identification and isolation of different pathogenic bacteria from raw vegetables and fruits can also shed some light on the terms of the necessity of Forensic Microbiology.
Show more [+] Less [-]Experimental Analysis of Anaerobic Co-digestion: Potential of Fruit Wastes Full text
2024
Sathish, S. | Saravanan, A. | Suresh, R. | Saranya, K. | Sarweswaran, R. | Balaji, G. | Seralathan, S.
This study focuses on converting fruit waste into usable clean energy by an innovative, cost-effective anaerobic biodigester. The biodigester is designed to anaerobically digest various fruit wastes and starter inoculums of cow dung that are locally obtained. A batch vertical digester of 1000 liters capacity built of fiber with a phonematic agitator positioned in the center is used to improve mixing. The retention time is 30 days with a substrate of banana peels co-digested with mango and papaya peels individually in the ratio of 50:50. The combined wastes generated the biogas and the total quantity of biogas generated for all combined wastes over 21 days varies between 530L/day and 480L/day respectively. In this work, banana and mango peel (waste/water) split 50:50 gives a peak yield of 530L/day. The average ambient temperatures are kept in the range of 25°C to 35°C (i.e., mesophilic range). The pH range of 6.4 to 7.8 is consistently maintained and seems to be stable. Therefore, this proposed anaerobic digester would reduce the disposal of solid waste, and it is cost-effective. After cleaning, it is observed that the combined peels of bananas and papaya contained 91.95% of the estimated biogas and methane, which can be used to solve energy issues such as electricity production and cooking purposes.
Show more [+] Less [-]Towards a Greener Tomorrow: Exploring the Potential of AI, Blockchain, and IoT in Sustainable Development Full text
2024
Chauhan, Megha | Sahoo, Deepali Rani
This article examines the potential for artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to advance sustainability. Through a literature review and critical analysis, the study evaluates the possible advantages, difficulties, and opportunities of utilizing these technologies to support a sustainable future. The research study emphasizes how effective AI is at streamlining resource management, increasing system efficiency, and optimizing energy use. It focuses on the potential of blockchain to improve supply chain accountability and transparency, and it also discusses the game-changing potential of IoT to improve resource management. However, some issues must be resolved, including excessive costs, technological difficulties, data privacy concerns, and social repercussions. The essay advocates creating multidisciplinary research programs, funding R&D, and supporting collaborative relationships. It also suggests creating sustainable implementation plans, prioritizing ethical issues and data governance, and encouraging information exchange and awareness. By accepting these proposals, stakeholders may leverage the promise of green technology and innovation to build a sustainable future. It is also clear that the Internet of Things (IoT) can potentially optimize resource management. Real-time data on a variety of topics, including traffic conditions, air and water quality, and water management, can be provided through IoT-enabled sensors. Cities may reduce traffic, increase energy efficiency, enhance environmental conditions, and encourage sustainable water management techniques by utilizing this data to inform their decisions. However, serious consideration must be given to data privacy, security, scalability, and interoperability issues to ensure IoT solutions’ ethical and efficient adoption. Despite their enormous potential, the paper acknowledges the difficulties and constraints in implementing these technologies. Significant obstacles include high implementation costs, complex technical requirements, and the requirement for adequate data privacy and security safeguards. A sustainable and inclusive future also requires resolving ethical issues, including algorithmic prejudice, social fairness, and equitable access to technology. The report recommends encouraging cooperative relationships between academia, business, government, and communities to address these issues. Research and development investments are required to evaluate these technologies’ practical use, scalability, and economic viability. In addition, multidisciplinary research initiatives can comprehensively comprehend green technology and innovation’s social, economic, and environmental effects. It has been concluded that there is great potential for future technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, to advance sustainability. Stakeholders can use these technologies’ revolutionary potential to build a sustainable future by resolving obstacles, promoting collaboration, and doing additional research. To ensure the ethical and successful application of green technology and innovation for the benefit of the environment and future generations, it is essential to prioritize ethical considerations, establish sustainable implementation strategies, and foster information exchange and awareness.
Show more [+] Less [-]Optimization of Aviation Biofuel Development as Sustainable Energy Through Simulation of System Dynamics Modeling Full text
2024
Nuryadin, Didi | Nurcholis, Mohammad | Rahmanda, Gita Astyka | Pratama, Indra Wahyu
This study aims to optimize the development of aviation biofuel as a sustainable energy source by simulating system dynamics modeling. This study is based on the System Dynamics modeling approach, which is a set of conceptual tools designed to understand the structure and dynamics of complex systems. This study used the system dynamics method specifically designed to analyze complex systems. It has been applied to various sustainability-related issues, including urban area sustainable development modeling, sustainability of water resources, environmental management, and sustainable urbanization. The result obtained using the quantitative modeling showed that the contribution of aviation biofuel to flight intensity in Indonesia is still insignificant. The practical implications of this study are that palm oil has the potential to be a viable raw material for aviation biofuel production in Indonesia, and implementing policies to mitigate negative consequences and optimize land use for aviation biofuel fuel production can contribute to sustainable urban development. The originality of this study lies in its use of System Dynamics modeling to analyze the potential of palm oil as a raw material for aviation biofuel production and identify the various social, economic, environmental, and technological factors that impact it.
Show more [+] Less [-]Evaluation of Grid-Based Aridity Indices in Classifying Aridity Zones in Iraq Full text
2024
Alawadi, Wisam | Hassan, Ayman Alak | Dakhil, Ammar
In this study, the aridity index (AI) based on gridded climate data was validated for defining aridity and classifying aridity zones in Iraq through comparison with the results obtained by the station-based aridity index. Gauge-based gridded climate data taken from Climatic Research Unit Timeseries (CRU TS) were used to determine the annual value of four aridity indices (Lang, De Martonne, Ernic and UNEP AI) over the period 1998-2011. The results showed that the aridity distribution maps derived using grid-based aridity indices were reasonably close to those found using station-based ones. The four aridity indices properly identified similar aridity (dryness) classifications in both the station-based and grid-based aridity maps. The area percentage of each aridity class predicted by grid-based AIs was also compared with that obtained by the station-based AIs. The results showed that the variances between the area percentages predicted by grid-based AIs and those estimated using station-based AIs are fairly slight. The Lang AI exhibited the least variance (0.4%) while the De Martonne AI had the biggest variance (-4.8%). Despite these minor variances, it is however possible to conclude that the grid-based aridity index classified the aridity zones of Iraq as properly as the station-based aridity index did.
Show more [+] Less [-]Role of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Bioremediation of Cadmium Pollution Full text
2024
Kumar, A. | Mukherjee, G. | Gupta, S.
Cadmium (Cd) is ubiquitous and an unessential trace element existing in the environment. Anthropogenic activities and applications of synthetic phosphate fertilizers greatly enhance the concentration of Cadmium in the environment, which proves to be carcinogenic. The long-term effects of heavy metals contamination on plants and animals have recently become a major public health concern. Thanks to the application of science and technology, new environmental initiatives can have a lower environmental impact significantly. The role of microbes is very well known and must be considered as potential pollutant removers. Microbial flora can remove heavy metals and oil from contaminated soil and water. In comparison to conventional techniques, bioremediation itself proved to be a more potent technique because the established mechanisms render it ineffective. Biotechnological advancements are inherently harmful to the environment because they have the potential to reduce metal pollution. Pollutants in the environment can be effectively removed using bioremediation. Both native and introduced species can thrive in a microorganism-friendly environment.
Show more [+] Less [-]Application of Membrane Separation Technology in Electroplating Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery: A Review Full text
2024
Zhang, Le | Chen, Ying | Zhang, Huan | Jin, Yabin | Shen, Zhe | Duan, Gending
The rapid development of industry has led to the generation of a large amount of electroplating wastewater. The direct discharge of untreated electroplating wastewater may lead to the formation of toxic metal-organic complexes, which is a challenging problem for human health and the living environment of organisms. Due to the high solubility of heavy metals in aquatic environments and their easy absorption by organisms, effective treatment of electroplating wastewater is of great significance. The ultimate goal of electroplating wastewater treatment should be to recover metals and water from electroplating wastewater. In indoor experiments, pilot tests, and industrial applications of electroplating wastewater treatment, membrane treatment technology commonly used in wastewater terminal treatment has attracted great attention. Membrane treatment technology seems to be the most promising method for removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from electroplating wastewater. This article reviews the membrane treatment technologies for electroplating wastewater, introduces the advantages and disadvantages of various membranes in the treatment of electroplating wastewater, the removal efficiency of pollutant types, and their comparison. The focus is on the treatment effects of nano-filtration membrane, ultra-filtration membrane, micro-filtration membrane, reverse osmosis membrane, ceramic membrane, biofilm, etc., on electroplating wastewater. Compared with a single treatment method, the combination of different processes shows higher efficiency in removing various pollutants.
Show more [+] Less [-]Total Soluble Protein Mediated Morphological Traits in Mustard Treated with Thiourea and Salicylic Acid Full text
2024
Dey, Shipa Rani | Kumar, Prasann | Singh, Joginder
The total soluble protein-mediated morphological traits in mustard treated with Thiourea and Salicylic acid were investigated. In addition, it tested the hypothesis that the growth regulator salicylic acid protects the photosynthetic apparatus by up-regulating morphological traits. Under natural environmental conditions, seeds were sown in the field, and seed emergence was recorded. For three days after the 15-day stage, plants in the area were treated with thiourea and salicylic acid and allowed to grow for 90 days. Plants were harvested to assess various morphological traits. A follow-up application of SA and Thiourea plants improved plant height, leaf area, internodal length, leaf number, and accelerated plant activity. The up-regulation of morphological traits may have occurred in SA and Thiourea-mediated plants. After treatments, the level of total soluble protein was estimated in the leaves at proposed day intervals.
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