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Study on the Adsorption Properties of Cr(VI) by Biochar with Different Treatments
2023
X. Zhang
The paper investigated the adsorption of Cr(VI) on biochar in simulated wastewater by static adsorption method, Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization analysis. The results show that biochar can effectively remove Cr(VI) in wastewater, and the adsorption equilibrium can be quickly reached within 100 min. The kinetic analysis shows that the quasi-second-order kinetic model can better fit the kinetic process of Cr(VI) adsorption by biochar, which shows that the main mechanism of the adsorption is the chemical bonding cooperation between Cr(VI) and the functional groups on the surface of biochar. Fit analysis of the isotherm at different temperatures shows that temperature increase promotes the adsorption of Cr(VI) on biochar, and thermodynamic analysis reveals that the adsorption of Cr(VI) on biochar is a spontaneous endothermic process. The Freundlich model effectively fits the adsorption isotherm of Cr(VI), indicating that the surface of biochar is uneven and Cr(VI) has undergone multilayer adsorption. The adsorption isotherm of Cr(VI) under the influence of HA and FA can be effectively fitted by the Freundlich model, and the adsorption efficiency is the highest when FA is added. The national analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) further reveals the bond cooperation between Cr(VI) and the surface functional groups of biochar. The results show that biochar has potential application value in treating chrome-containing wastewater.
Show more [+] Less [-]Determination of the Dynamics of Thunderstorms Through the Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate and Environmental Lapse Rate
2023
Shiemaa A. Hashim, Jasim H. Kadhum, Zainab M. Abbood, Osama T. Al-Taai and Wedyan G. Nassif
This research aims to determine the types of thunderstorms formed in the thickness of the cloud (determine the Dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR) and Environmental lapse rate (ELR)) in the case of precipitation during the day. Data were taken by Temperature, Dew point, Atmospheric Pressure, and Height from re-analysis by the (ECMWF) for the heights (0-18000) m, the levels of pressure (1000-100) mbar, low cloud cover data, and the characteristic days ((18, 24, 27) February, 28 April, and 25 November) of the year 2018 for Baghdad station were chosen to obtain the largest possible number of clouds and their diversity to use them in calculating the cloud cover and weather stability in terms of calculating the daily change, temperature, dew point in addition to calculating the low cloud cover with altitude and atmospheric instability. The Sigma Plot program was used in this research to determine the base of clouds and thunderstorms. The change in temperature, Dew point, clouds base, and altitude was determined, then the cloud thickness, types, and classification were calculated. The clouds found are strong thunderstorm clouds characterized by thickness and height, such as the clouds of Nimbostratus (Ns) and Cumulonimbus (Cb).
Show more [+] Less [-]Sustainable Alternative Materials to Concrete Masonry Partition Walls: Light-Weight Wall Panel Using Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and Shredded Waste Metalized Film Packaging
2023
R. C. G. Prado and T. A. Amatosa Jr.
The amount of plastic waste produced yearly is significantly increasing. Approximately 300-400 million metric tons of plastic waste are produced yearly. One of the dominant plastic wastes is a metalized film, a shiny, non-homogeneous polymer used in packaging that is considered the least recycled. Meanwhile, partition walls in buildings are traditionally made of concrete masonry, one of the most utilized materials in the construction industry globally, consumed yearly by about 11 billion metric tons. Because of the excessive use of concrete, the necessary raw materials are undeniably depleting, therefore demanding some alternatives. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is one option that can be utilized as an alternative because of its remarkable characteristics better than that of the traditional. This paper proposed the utilization of PMMA in fabricating the hollow panel filled with shredded waste metalized film packaging resulting in the lightweight wall panel being used as an alternative to concrete masonry for constructing partition walls. After the experiment, PMMA produced compressive strength of 75.30-84.30MPa, a tensile strength of 52.00-59.10MPa, a flexural strength of 102.00-107.00MPa, and water absorption of 0.80-0.90%. Also, shredded waste metalized films add aesthetic to the panel and are complemented by the remarkable transparency of PMMA. In conclusion, using this lightweight wall panel instead of traditional concrete masonry partition walls will reduce plastic waste in landfills and the raw materials necessary to produce concrete.
Show more [+] Less [-]Perception Versus Actual Value of Quality of Drinking Water: A Case Study of Iron and Steel Industry in West Bengal, India
2023
Rahul Rajak, Arup Jana, Aparajita Chattopadhyay, Sushmita Singh and Jitender Prasad
The study aims to understand employees’ knowledge, awareness, and overall perception of drinking water quality in the Iron and Steel Industry in Burnpur, India. Further, this study evaluated drinking water’s physicochemical and bacteriological properties collected from different company sites. This study uses a mixed-method approach with individual interviews of selected employees (n=342) and the laboratory test of eight selected drinking water sites. The results show that most employees considered drinking water acceptable to be excellent. However, only 30% of employees in Site 1 (Coke Oven By-Product department) have reported organoleptic properties of water under the excellent category. The result explained that other physicochemical and bacteriological properties are in good status in all sites except for a colony count, expressing their suitability for drinking purposes. In summary, employees’ perception of water quality aligns with their drinking water’s physicochemical and bacteriological properties.
Show more [+] Less [-]Characteristics of Nickel Laterite Mine Waste in Caraga Region, Philippines and Its Potential Utilization
2023
Abigael Balbin, Jobelle Capilitan, Evelyn Taboada and Ian Dominic Tabañag
Nickel laterite mining is one of the sources of nickel-iron material used for producing steel and various materials. This mining activity leaves waste in the mine, including rocks, overburden, silt, and dust. Characterization is an important primary step in understanding waste for proper management, utilization, and disposal. The pH, organic matter, and elemental composition are analyzed in this study. The pH of nickel laterite mine waste is neutral to moderately alkaline, which makes it unlikely to cause acid mine drainage, which is one of the most prevailing environmental problems of mines. The organic matter content also showed favorable results for plant growth. However, the macronutrients necessary for the plant are too high, making it less favorable for agricultural utilization. Elemental composition shows the presence of nickel and other elements lower than the economically acceptable level. However, processing the lower grade can be the best option when all higher-grade resources are exhausted. The nickel laterite mine waste can be reused to further extract the metals when sources of higher grades are depleted, repurposed such as in the production of bricks and ceramics, or mined-out mines can be repurposed for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind farms.
Show more [+] Less [-]Recycling Practices of E-Waste and Associated Challenges: A Research Trends Analysis
2023
Jit Das and Arpita Ghosh
In this fast-moving world, we use many electronic items daily to fulfill our daily work. Also, in the fast-growing economy, electronic items play key roles. India’s e-waste is projected to be around 18 lakh metric tons. According to industry sources, electronic trash will climb to almost 50 lakh metric tons in the next three years. According to government sources, only ten percent of electronic waste is gathered. These electronic items and batteries contain many heavy metals that are hazardous to humanity’s and the environment’s health. These heavy metals should be retrieved from the disposed of e-waste, so the resource can be reused or recycled, rather than continuously extracting heavy metals from the earth’s crust. In 2015, The “Initiative on Environmental Threats of Electronic Waste” was introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This project is part of the Indian government’s ‘Digital India’ strategy. There is an immediate need to implement green supply chain management and resource recovery from electronics waste so that circular material management (SDG 12) & sustainability can be achieved. This article demonstrates the problems and presents E-Waste recycling procedures, Life cycle assessment of E-waste, and EPR practices, along with potential areas for improvement. The bibliometric analysis was performed using R-studio biblioshiny tools for the last 53 years and 1243 published articles to understand the research trends.
Show more [+] Less [-]Spatial Model of Post-Earthquake Spring Performance in the Watershed Areas
2023
Akhbar Akhbar, Naharuddin Naharuddin, Adam Malik, Rahmat Kurniadi Akhbar and Sudirman Daeng Massiri
The 7.4 Mw of tectonic earthquake caused liquefaction in Pasigala on September 28, 2018, happened due to the fault movement of Palu-Koro. It affected the water availability every spring. The research aim is to determine the spatial model of water production every spring after the natural tectonic disaster, especially in Palu and Poboya watersheds-a model built based on the integration between the spatial data overlaying and the statistical regression correlation. The sites are purposively selected at six springs spots and divided into four clusters (Poboya, Uemanje, Ranjuri Beka, Mantikole). The model assessment was generated based on the springs’ performance from x variables (catchment area, land cover, aquifer, free-ground water depth, fault, number of springs users) and the y variable (water discharge). The result shows that Poboya’s performance is bad-disturbed, while Uemanje, Ranjuri, Beka, and the performance of Mantikole are disturbed. The bad performance of springs requires conserving watershed areas through forest and land conservation, tree enrichment planting, wise land management, and good water use.
Show more [+] Less [-]Assessment of Noise Pollution and Health Impacts of the Exposed Population in an Urban Area of Chhattisgarh, India
2023
Vishal Kumar, Ajay Vikram Ahirwar and A. D. Prasad
The present study aimed to evaluate the possible impact of noise pollution. This study was conducted in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh state, India, to analyze the relationship between noise pollution and health complaints. A total of 18 locations were selected for monitoring noise pollution levels in the morning (9:00-10:30 AM) and evening (7:00-8:30 PM). Noise maps were prepared for both the time interval, and it was found that the highest equivalent noise level (Leq)of 81.31 dBA was observed at location L3 whereas the lowest Leq of 63.25 dBA was observed at L16 in the morning and in the evening 77.33 dBA at L3 and 60.14 dBA at L16 were observed. A questionnaire survey was performed on the population (n = 400) exposed to noise and analyzed through a variance-based partial least square (PLS) structural equation model (SEM). From the survey, it was found that most of the respondents are exposed to higher noise levels and are facing health issues of “pain in the ear,” “rise in blood pressure,” “loss of sleep,” “whistling and buzzing” in their ear, “headache,” “heaviness” and “efficiency problem.” A total of 109 hypotheses were proposed and analyzed through bootstrapping with a subsample size of 5000 in SmartPLS software. 18 hypotheses were found to be significant in the proposed model. SEM analysis revealed an interrelation between noise pollution and health effects. It is recommended that strict regulation in nearby sensitive areas must be imposed and an awareness drive on a large scale shall be conducted to enlighten the city’s population regarding noise effects as well as various measures for controlling.
Show more [+] Less [-]Effect of Elevated Ozone on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Cultivar: Role of Orange Juice and Synthetic Ascorbic Acid
2023
Indra Jeet Chaudhary, Bhavna Nigam and Dheeraj Rathore
Ozone is a hazardous gas for the environment and negatively affects plant and human health. These days, phytoextracts are commonly used as a source of bioactive compounds for reducing the detrimental environmental effects on plants. In the presented study, soybean cultivar JS-335 was used to assess the protective role of synthetic ascorbic acid (SAA) and orange juice (25% orange juice, enriched ascorbic acid) under ozone stress conditions. The results showed that under ozone stress, soybean cultivar JS-335 reduced growth and biomass and negatively affected the biochemical properties of plants due to these changes, finally causing yield losses. Foliar-applied OJ >and SAA improved plant growth and development and increased crop yield. It was discovered that a 25% OJ coupled with ascorbic acid and other essential nutrients and biomolecules was almost as effective as a 100 ppm SAA in reducing the harmful effects of ozone stress on soybean plants. As a result, it was determined that OJ, a less expensive source of ascorbic acid, can improve ozone resistance in plants in ozone-prone areas.
Show more [+] Less [-]Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Dynamics by CA-ANN and CA-Markov Model Approaches: A Case Study of Ranipet Town, India
2023
Malathy Jayabaskaran and Bhaskar Das
The present study analyzed the spatio-temporal variations in the Land Use Land Cover types within Ranipet Municipal town in Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu State, India, using two different platforms (QGIS and IDRISI Selva v.17.0). The possible parameters driven the net changes in the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) types were also incorporated for the analysis. Results revealed the positive net changes in the built-up area are about 26.8%, and combined other classes like vegetation, barren land, and water bodies have net negative changes during 1997-2019. Particularly barren land was found to have a reduction of 17.4% due to the massive industrialization in the study area. Further, the LULC maps were used for future prediction (2029) using the dynamic models of CA-ANN (Cellular Automata and Artificial Neural Network) and CA-Markov. Predicted maps yielded a kappa index of 81.6% and 82.6% for CA-ANN and CA-Markov, representing their respective accuracy levels. The CA-Markov model is extended for determining the probable long-term changes for 2080 in LULC with a kappa index of 76.2%. Compared to the CA-ANN model using the QGIS platform, CA-Markov provided better analysis, particularly from one cell to the other. According to the survey and the ground truth in the locality, industrialization and occupational shift were the most influential drivers of LULC dynamics. Moreover, the results of this study assist the stakeholders in the decision-making process for future sustainable land use management.
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