Environmental Engineering
Y. Zehtab Yazdi; N. Mansouri; F. Atabi; H. Aghamohammadi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sand and gravel product plants are among the significant sources of dust pollutants. This study was conducted to estimate dust concentrations released from these plants in a mineral complex in the southwest of Tehran.METHODS: Initially, the amount of silt and moisture content ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sand and gravel product plants are among the significant sources of dust pollutants. This study was conducted to estimate dust concentrations released from these plants in a mineral complex in the southwest of Tehran.METHODS: Initially, the amount of silt and moisture content of the samples taken from these plants were determined according to the American Society for Testing and Materials C136 and D2216 methods, respectively. Accordingly, the rates of particulate matter emissions from these plants were determined by the AP-42 dust emission estimation methods published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Next, a Gaussian model was used to estimate the particulate matter concentrations in the surrounding residential areas. Finally, the simulated concentrations were compared with the United States Environmental Protect Agency and World Health Organization standards.FINDINGS: Results showed that hauling operations, with producing 70%, 86%, and 90% of total PM2.5, PM10 and total suspended particulates, respectively, were the major sources of dust emission in the sand and gravel product plants. The lowest dust emission was related to stockpiling handling, producing 0.24%, 0.33%, and 0.16% of the total PM2.5, PM10 and total suspended particulates. The results of the presented model indicated that 24-hour average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates produced by mining activities were about 36, 183, and 690 µg/m3 in the working zone and less than 30, 100, and 400 µg/m3 beyond the mineral complex boundary, respectively. Thus, annual average dust concentrations were negligible. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 produced by these plants in the mineral complex ambient air were higher than the standard average values recommended by the United States Environmental Protect Agency and World Health Organization. However, the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 from these plants in the residential areas around the complex, were below the standard limits proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.CONCLUSION: Sand and gravel mining activities increased the concentrations of particulate matter in the air of the surrounding areas and, to some extent, farther cities. PM2.5 and PM10 resulting from the sand and gravel mining activities could damage the workers in the mineral complex. They exceeded the 24-hour average permissible limits proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency about 1 and 33 µg/m3, respectively. This study showed the necessity of changing the industrial policies adopted to decrease dust emission rates. The results of this study can help the air pollution experts develop proper strategies for improving the air quality in the vicinity of surface mines.
Environmental Management
J. Nouri
Abstract
Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management (GJESM) is an open access quarterly Publication. The title welcomes original, review, novel and high-impact contributions from the related Environmental science, engineering and management issues. The GJESM Journal ...
Read More
Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management (GJESM) is an open access quarterly Publication. The title welcomes original, review, novel and high-impact contributions from the related Environmental science, engineering and management issues. The GJESM Journal has been indexed in the well-known world databases mainly; Scopus (CiteScore = 3.9), Scimago Journal Rank (Q2), Web of Science (ESCI), JCI = 0.39. The title is also a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All submitted manuscripts are checked for similarity through a trustworthy software named iThenticate to be assured about its originality and then rigorously peer-reviewed by the international reviewers.
Environmental Engineering
D. Fadhiliani; M. Ikhwan; M. Ramli; S. Rizal; M. Syafwan
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hydrodynamic uncertainty of the ocean is the reason for testing marine structures as an initial consideration. This uncertainty has an impact on the natural structure of the topography as well as marine habitats. In the hydrodynamics laboratory, ships and offshore structures ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hydrodynamic uncertainty of the ocean is the reason for testing marine structures as an initial consideration. This uncertainty has an impact on the natural structure of the topography as well as marine habitats. In the hydrodynamics laboratory, ships and offshore structures are tested using mathematical models as input to the wave marker. For large wavenumbers, Benjamin Bona Mahony's equation has a stable direction and position in the wave tank. During their propagation, the generated waves exhibit modulation instability and phase singularity phenomena. These two factors refer to Benjamin Bona Mahony as a promising candidate for generating extreme waves in the laboratory. The aim of this research is to investigate the distribution of energy in each modulation frequency change. The Hamiltonian formula that describes the phenomenon of phase singularity is used to observe energy. This data is critical in determining the parameters used to generate extreme waves.METHODS: The envelope of the Benjamin Bona Mahony wave group can be used to study the Benjamin Bona Mahony wave. The Benjamin Bona Mahony wave group is known to evolve according to the Nonlinear Schrodinger equation. The Hamiltonian governs the dynamics of the phase amplitude and proves the Nonlinear Schrodinger equation's singularity for finite time. The Hamiltonian is derived from the appropriate Lagrangian for Nonlinear Schrodinger and then transformed into the Hamiltonian with the displaced phase-amplitude variable.FINDINGS: Potential energy is related to wave amplitude and kinetic energy is related to wave steepness in the study of surface water waves. When , the maximum wave amplitude and steepness are obtained. When , extreme waves cannot be formed due to steepness. This is due to the possibility of breaking waves into smaller waves on the shore. In terms of position, the energy curve is symmetrical.CONCLUSION: According to Hamiltonian's description of the energy distribution, the smaller the modulation frequency, the greater the potential and kinetic energy involved in wave propagation, and vice versa. While the wave's amplitude and steepness will be greatest for a low modulation frequency, and vice versa. The modulation frequency considered as an extreme wave generator is , because the resulting amplitude is quite high and the energy in the envelope is also quite large.
Environmental Engineering
M.I. Rumaling; F.P. Chee; H.W.J. Chang; C.M. Payus; S.K. Kong; J. Dayou; J. Sentian
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Air quality in some developing countries is dominated by particulate matter, especially those with size 10 micrometers and smaller or PM10. They can be inhaled and sometimes can get deep into lungs; some may even get into bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Therefore, ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Air quality in some developing countries is dominated by particulate matter, especially those with size 10 micrometers and smaller or PM10. They can be inhaled and sometimes can get deep into lungs; some may even get into bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Therefore, future PM10 concentration forecasting is important for early prevention and in urban development planning, which is crucial for developing cities. This paper presents the development of PM10 forecasting model using nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input model.METHODS: To improve performance of nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input model, principal component analysis is used prior to the model for variable selection. The first stage of principal component analysis involves Scree plot, which determines the number of principal components based on explained variance. This is then followed by selecting variables using a rotated component matrix, based on their strength of contribution towards variation of PM10 concentration. To test the model, PM10 data in Kota Kinabalu from 2003 – 2010 was used. Neural network models are developed using this data by varying number of input variables with the inclusion of temporal variables. The developed forecasting models are evaluated using data PM10 in the city from 2011 to 2012. Four performance indicators, namely root mean square error, mean absolute error, index of agreement and fractional bias are reported.FINDINGS: Results from principal component analysis show that five variables including wind direction index, relative humidity, ambient temperature, concentration of nitrogen dioxide and concentration of ozone strongly contribute to the variation of PM10 concentration. By using these variables together with temporal variables as input in the nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input models, the resultant model shows good forecasting performance, with root mean square error of 7.086±0.873 µg/m3. The selection of significant variables helps in reducing input variables inside the forecast model without degrading its forecast performance.CONCLUSION: This model shows very promising performance in forecasting PM10 concentration in Kota Kinabalu as it requires fewer input variables and does not require variable transformation.
Environmental Engineering
N. Wibowo; R. Nurcahyo; D.S. Gabriel
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Electronic equipment production is one of the major industrial sectors in Indonesia, as it also contributes to Indonesia’s export commodities, which increase because of rapid technological developments. Cell phones, which have considerable potential to become electronic ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Electronic equipment production is one of the major industrial sectors in Indonesia, as it also contributes to Indonesia’s export commodities, which increase because of rapid technological developments. Cell phones, which have considerable potential to become electronic waste, recorded the enormous escalation in electronic production. This research aimed to increase community involvement and the collection of used cell phones from households in e-waste management in Indonesia. A survey was conducted to explore a household’s environmental awareness and willingness to recycle based on sociodemographics, environmental hazard awareness, and used cell phone usage in Jabodetabek, Indonesia.METHODS: In this research, a peer questionnaire was used and organized into five sections: The first section contained the sociodemographic details of the respondents. The second section comprised multiple concerns that relate to recycling and environmental awareness. The third section contained the family cell phone information. The fourth section determined the cell phone consumer behavior. The fifth section consisted of willingness to recycle. Statistical correlations between variables were assessed, and the chi-square independence test was used to evaluate the statistical correlations. FINDINGS: Mostly the households will replace their used cell phone if there is damage (66.84%) and keep the used cell phone at home (59.5%), thus becoming an obstacle in applying the appropriate recycling system and a circular economy. The average cell phone ownership in Jabodetabek is 1.28 units, and the average cell phone life span of people in Jabodetabek is 2.6 years. The Environmental Hazard Awareness variable has significant differences with occupation and income level (p-value = 0.028 and 0.046), Used Cellphone Usage variable has significant differences with the income level variable (p-value = 0.024). The others, a statistically significant difference between sociodemographic variable and Willingness to Recycle was observed; p-value = 0.003 for age and p-value = 0.034 for occupation. CONCLUSION: This paper showed that Environmental Hazard Awareness and Willingness to Recycle have an important role in increasing the collection of used cell phones from households. . This study assessed community-based factors located in urban areas. The factors could encourage their participation in collection activities, obtain information on the preferred collection channels of residents, and provide a perspective for managing cell phones through an analysis of the improvements and influences of Indonesia’s current e-waste recycling program. Therefore, to develop a new strategy, the findings of this study can provide insights into the e-waste problem and citizen’s awareness of e-waste management.
Environmental Engineering
S. Nimesha; C. Hewawasam; D. J. Jayasanka; Y. Murakami; N. Araki; N. Maharjan
Abstract
Natural waterways are contaminated due to industrialization, urbanization, population growth etc., degrading their quality. Contaminated waterways cause numerous health and environmental hazards. Therefore, it is imperative to remove contaminants. Coagulation is one of the efficient primary chemical ...
Read More
Natural waterways are contaminated due to industrialization, urbanization, population growth etc., degrading their quality. Contaminated waterways cause numerous health and environmental hazards. Therefore, it is imperative to remove contaminants. Coagulation is one of the efficient primary chemical treatment methods that could be used to treat such contaminants. Natural coagulants have gained popularity in the water and wastewater treatment industry due to their advantage over chemical coagulants. Natural coagulants are derived from either plants, animals, or microorganisms. This study has elaborated on the nature and mechanisms, and types of natural coagulants. In this review work, many studies have proposed several types of natural coagulants. However, plant-based natural coagulants extracted from different plant components have been extensively discussed and compared based on their application and efficiency in water and waste treatment. The primary purpose of this review is to refine the knowledge on the potential use and optimization of the effectiveness of eco-friendly and sustainable natural coagulants. Besides, the development efforts and the barriers reported by recent findings for the commercialization of natural coagulants are also discussed. Further, few modified natural coagulants have also been presented for exploring the other possible approaches to promote their usage in water and wastewater treatment in the future studies.
Environmental Engineering
M. Hazbehiean; N. Mokhtarian; A. Hallajisani
Abstract
More than 5.5 trillion cigarettes are manufactured, and approximately 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are being scattered across the globe per year. These cigarette butts are considered as one of the most hazardous wastes and environmental threats in the world. Thermochemical techniques can be used to turn ...
Read More
More than 5.5 trillion cigarettes are manufactured, and approximately 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are being scattered across the globe per year. These cigarette butts are considered as one of the most hazardous wastes and environmental threats in the world. Thermochemical techniques can be used to turn biomass and solid wastes into valuable final products. Pyrolysis is a comfortable thermochemical technique for turning biomass into biochars, biofuels, briquette solid fuels, and further valuable products such as activated carbons, carbon black, and printing ink. In this study, it was attempted to review the available researches about pyrolysis of cigarette butts with an emphasis on transforming them into carbonated solid and liquid products. It was found that, in addition to the process variables, the type of cigarette butts treatment has a significant effect on the yield and quality of the finished goods. Further studies on the pyrolysis of cigarette butts, especially microwave-assisted pyrolysis and hybrid waste pyrolysis, seemed to be necessary. Solving the technical issues associated with the pyrolysis of cigarette butts to produce the value-added goods would contribute to their application in waste disposal and recycling of other resources. Future studies should focus on the separation methods with the help of gas products to provide the heat required in the reactor. Moreover, mixing the sewage sludge material, as a feed, with cigarette butts and application of appropriate models and experiments to attain the products with specific properties are recommended. The results of this study can be used to eliminate the hazards of the cigarette butts scattered in the environment and create the added value for the pyrolysis process.
Environmental Engineering
A. Nuryadin; T. Imai
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fixed-bed column has been considered an industrially feasible technique for phosphate removal from water. Besides the adsorption capacity, the effectiveness of an adsorbent is also determined by its reusability efficiency. In this study, phosphate removal by a synthesized amorphous ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fixed-bed column has been considered an industrially feasible technique for phosphate removal from water. Besides the adsorption capacity, the effectiveness of an adsorbent is also determined by its reusability efficiency. In this study, phosphate removal by a synthesized amorphous zirconium (hydr)oxide/MgFe layered double hydroxides composite in a fixed-bed column system was examined. METHODS: The effects of flow rate, bed height, phosphate concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent particle size on the phosphate adsorption ability were examined through a series of continuous adsorption experiments. The appropriate breakthrough curve models, phosphate adsorption from real anaerobic sludge and synthetic seawater, column regeneration and reusability, and adsorption mechanism were also investigated for practical application feasibility. FINDINGS: The results showed that the increased bed height and phosphate concentration, and reduced flow rate, pH, and adsorbent particle size were found to increase the column adsorption capacity. The optimum adsorption capacity of 25.15 mg-P/g was obtained at pH 4. The coexistence of seawater ions had a positive effect on the phosphate adsorption capacity of the composite. Nearly complete phosphate desorption, with a desorption efficiency of 91.7%, could be effectively achieved by 0.1 N NaOH for an hour. Moreover, the initial adsorption capacity was maintained at approximately 83% even after eight adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating that the composite is economically feasible. The high phosphate adsorption capacity of the composite involves three main adsorption mechanisms, which are electrostatic attraction, inner-sphere complexation, and anion exchange, where the amorphous zirconium hydr(oxide) on the surface of the layered double hydroxides likely increased the number of active binding sites and surface area for adsorption. CONCLUSION: The amorphous zirconium (hydr)oxide/MgFe layered double hydroxides composite, with its high adsorption capacity and superior reusability, has the potential to be utilized as an adsorbent for phosphorus removal in practical wastewater treatment. This study provides insights into the design of amorphous zirconium (hydr)oxide/MgFe layered double hydroxides composite for phosphorus removal and recovery in a practical system.
Environmental Engineering
J. O. Castillo-Miranda; F. J. Rodríguez-Gómez; J. Genescá-Llongueras; L. G. Ruiz-Suárez; J. A. García-Reynoso
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atmospheric zinc corrosion in the Mexico City Metropolitan area has long been attributed mainly to the effect of pollutants such as sulfur dipxide. There are changes in the urban atmosphere's chemical composition due to the implementation of air quality policies focused on ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atmospheric zinc corrosion in the Mexico City Metropolitan area has long been attributed mainly to the effect of pollutants such as sulfur dipxide. There are changes in the urban atmosphere's chemical composition due to the implementation of air quality policies focused on reducing the emission of sulfur dipxide and other pollutants. This study's objectives were to estimate and map the contribution of nitric acid on zinc's atmospheric corrosion processMETHODS: The impact of nitric acid on zinc is feasible to estimate using a function for a multi-pollutant situation. This function contemplates the sum of two contributions: one of nitric acid and another that includes sulfuric acid and climatic parameters. The multi-pollutant function is suitable to apply in areas without the strong influence of chlorides and tropical and subtropical climates, comparable to the Mexico City Metropolitan area.FINDINGS: The results showed that spatial and temporal estimation of corrosion rates in grams per square meter of zinc was made for 2015-2019, using data modeling in a geographic information system. The maps of corrosion rates allowed us to visualize that, in general, the "southwest" zone has the most significant effects and that the lowest corrosion rates were presented in 2019 as an outcome of the implementation of air quality programs. Furthermore, a contribution of nitric acid up to 32% to the zinc corrosion rate was estimated.CONCLUSION: The construction of corrosion rate maps provides a spatial and temporal estimate that allows visualizing areas where zinc materials are at risk corrosion due to the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants and climatic parameters. Likewise, it can represent a decision-making tool for the implementation of atmospheric corrosion studies of materials.
Environmental Engineering
A. Semenov; T. Sakhno; O. Hordieieva; Y. Sakhno
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aiming to increase crop yield the antimicrobial/bacterial or fungicidal pre-sowing seed treatment received more attention in modern agronomy. Ultraviolet-C irradiation of pre-sowing seeds is an environmentally friendly method that became of great importance in recent years. ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aiming to increase crop yield the antimicrobial/bacterial or fungicidal pre-sowing seed treatment received more attention in modern agronomy. Ultraviolet-C irradiation of pre-sowing seeds is an environmentally friendly method that became of great importance in recent years. It is, hereafter, being shown that, along with known antimicrobial use, there is additional important advantage of Ultraviolet-C irradiation of pre-sowing seeds. It was revealed that Ultraviolet-C radiation on Vetch Hairy seeds stimulates seeds germination and vigour.METHODS: Various doses of Ultraviolet-Cirradiation of seeds were used. The main sowing qualities of seeds were determined: seed vigour and germination, as well as the content of photosynthetic pigments in plant leaves and the main parameters of the kinetic values of hydration – moisture and hydration rate.FINDINGS: It was found that ultraviolet-C radiation has a positive effect on sowing qualities and content of photosynthetic pigments in plant leaves of Vetch vary. The most effective dose of ultraviolet irradiation applied to vetch hairy seeds; vicia villosa was 1000 J/m2. At this dose the seed vigour increases by 23.6%, germination by 15.1%, the mass of germinated seeds by 17.3%, the content of a- and b-chlorophyll by 12.4%, and 17.5%, respectively, the carotenoid content increased by 13.9%. The parameters of seeds hydration kinetics such as moisture content and hydration rate were determined. It was revealed that the hydration rate of seeds increased significantly in the first 100-minute time range. Later in time the hydration rate progressively decreased, achieving a saturated moisture content after 700 minutes. Additionally, it was found that Ultraviolet-C irradiation decreases the imbibition damage.CONCLUSION: The results indicated that ultraviolet-C irradiation has a positive effect on sowing qualities of Vetch Hairy seeds, thus, could be proposed as a promising candidate for application in treatment pre-sowing agriculture seeds.
Environmental Engineering
J. Nesiba; R. Cuhlova
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This paper focuses on the development of Czech laws of water resource protection. The presented research examines the statistical data of the number and type of legislative acts concerning to water protection issued in the Czech Republic during the period 1990-2019. Several ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This paper focuses on the development of Czech laws of water resource protection. The presented research examines the statistical data of the number and type of legislative acts concerning to water protection issued in the Czech Republic during the period 1990-2019. Several types of legislative acts are followed in administrative law and statistically compared by the development in time and its type. The survey focuses on general water protection acts, water sewage management, agriculture sector, hygiene standards, and the protection of the basins of Czech rivers (e.g., blue water and gray water).METHODS: The analysis firstly concerns to the development of the number of legislative acts during 1990-2019 and secondly discusses a diversification of the legislative acts types (laws, decrees, resolutions, regulations, and strategic plans). A total of 12,272 legislative acts is analyzed during three phases of Czech modern history: 1990-1992 (Czechoslovakia), 1993-2003 (Czech Republic before its accession to the European Union), and 2004-2019 (Czech Republic in the European Union).FINDINGS: Statistical elaboration of legislative acts proves that it is possible to determine different types of water management over time. Protection of water resource management in the Czech Republic was forming from crisis management (1990-1992), via operational management (1993-2003) to strategic management (2004-2019). Current trends after 2020 show a new trend towards integral management.CONCLUSION: Findings provide better understanding of changeable importance of water protection and management attitudes in the Czech Republic in reaction to the development of society.
Environmental Engineering
K. Manatura; U. Samaksaman
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The needs of fuel pellets from varied feed stocks have opened up opportunities and challenges for pellets production from non-woody biomass. Wastes of plastic recycling and wood sawing contained a high potential for energy source and suited for pelletizing as a solid fuel. METHODS: ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The needs of fuel pellets from varied feed stocks have opened up opportunities and challenges for pellets production from non-woody biomass. Wastes of plastic recycling and wood sawing contained a high potential for energy source and suited for pelletizing as a solid fuel. METHODS: The characteristics and combustion kinetics of fuel pellets made using a mixture of waste of polyethylene terephthalate and biomass (Tectona grandis Linn.f) with a polyethylene terephthalate to biomass ratio of 9:1. The investigation covered physico-chemical properties and their functional group analysis, heavy metal concentration and ionic leachability testing, and ash analysis. In this context, thermogravimetric analysis was used in an atmosphere of oxygen gas, over a temperature range of 50-800 °C and at different heating rates. The work ends with discussion of the kinetics study via three comparative evaluations and the feasibility of fuel pellets for energy utilization. FINDINGS: Pelletizing with this ratio (9:1) was present the durability of PET/biomass pellets, a uniform dimension, ease handling, storage, and transportation common as woody pellets. Some technical challenges such as low moisture content and high volatile matter content were feedstock dependent. The major characteristics were a combination of those from both the constituent materials. Functional groups of the pellets were contributed by terephthalate and lignocellulose. The addition of a small amount of biomass in pellets could improve their thermal decomposition behavior. The properties of the polyethylene terephthalate/biomass pellets indicated that were fit for combustion with a high heating value equal to 19.20 MJ/kg. Heavy metals and ionic contaminants were below the maximum limits of the standards because of the cleanliness of the raw materials. However, the minor effects of earth materials and a caustic soda detergent were resulted in the alteration of residue chemicals. The pellets had lower ignition, devolatilization, and burnout temperatures than the original polyethylene terephthalate waste; likewise, the peak and burnout temperatures shifted to a lower zone. The activation energy values obtained using the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall, and Starink models were similar and in the range 142–146 kJ/mol. CONCLUSION: These findings may provide crucial information on fuel pellets from blended polyethylene terephthalate/biomass to assist the design and operation of a co-combustion system with traditional solid fuels. Such modifications of fuel pellets suggest the possibility of operating in large-scale furnace applications and can further be upgraded to other fuels production via modern bioenergy conversion processes.
Environmental Engineering
M. Mambwe; K. K. Kalebaila; T. Johnson
Abstract
Crude oil continues to impact many nations as it is among the major sources of fuel. Its role in making life in modern societies comfortable cannot be overemphasized as it is readily available and easy to use. Contamination resulting from its use in industries such as mining, transportation and ...
Read More
Crude oil continues to impact many nations as it is among the major sources of fuel. Its role in making life in modern societies comfortable cannot be overemphasized as it is readily available and easy to use. Contamination resulting from its use in industries such as mining, transportation and petroleum especially soil contamination cannot be overlooked. Soil pollution resulting from oil contamination can be seen as being among the twenty-first-century vulnerabilities because if not well taken care of the consequences can be devastating. Soil contamination is of interest in most societies because it affects both the environment and humans. This review highlights common sources of soil pollution and their effects, oil waste disposal methods, soil remediation techniques that are well established and those still in their infancy. Such techniques include bioremediation such as phytoremediation and landfarming, where percent removal of contaminated soils was reported from 68% to 89 % in 40 days to 1 year, respectively; physical methods such as excavation and incineration (75-86% removal); chemical methods such as oxidation (48 % by Fenton process); and photocatalysis (67% using titanium dioxide). The choice of remediation in mining, transportation and petroleum industries depends on the urgency and hazardous effects of the pollutant. In Zambia, Mopani Copper Mines uses landfarming as a means to mitigate large amounts of soil contaminated with oil wastes, but the process is slow. In the proposed research, photocatalysis coupled with adsorption of oil on clay will be used to assess the effectiveness of this emerging technology to quicken the degradation of oil in soils. Clay will be incorporated with metal ions and with hydrophobic groups to enhance light absorption and oil-clay interaction, respectively. Photochemical remediation techniques for remediation of soils polluted with oil have attracted considerable interest as the processes are reported to enhance the degradation of oils in soil compared to the biological and physical methods. The extent of photo-degradation of oil waste will be evaluated using the Soxhlet technique by determining the percent residual oil. The importance of remediating contaminated soil in any nation cannot be overemphasized as consequences of not remediating this precious resource might be devastating. Since economic development through industrialization will continue, there is need to constantly improve on methods of mitigating the impact of wastes on the environment, especially in developing countries, where engineering of cheap, nontoxic materials for soil remediation is paramount.
Environmental Engineering
D. I. Kusumawati; S. Mangkoedihardjo
Abstract
Disposable diapers have become a complicated matter due to the risk generation to the environment and human health. This study presents a description of disposable diapers characteristics and the success-proven methods used to handle this waste. In many developing countries where an inadequate waste ...
Read More
Disposable diapers have become a complicated matter due to the risk generation to the environment and human health. This study presents a description of disposable diapers characteristics and the success-proven methods used to handle this waste. In many developing countries where an inadequate waste management system occurs, the handling method selection must consider effectivity, the affordable cost, and the end product quality. Despite the diaper composting has successfully conducted in several previous studies, some issues remain for researchers to address. Thus, it requires an improvement so that the system runs effectively and sustainably. This study aimed to determine the possibility of using Cyanobacteria for enhancing the diapers composting. This study gains insights from previous studies using a literature review method, with the year of publication between 2007 to 2020. The focus of the investigation relates to disposable diapers composting and its optimation by cyanobacteria addition. And so as the future prospecting for application and implication to the environment and human life. Cyanobacteria ability to carry out nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, ubiquitous in natural habitat, highly adaptive in a wide range environmental condition, can live in the composting system, perform bioremediation, and its application as quality fertilizer, and potentially degrade plastic polymers, spread the expectation to cyanobacteria which associated with its advantages over other microorganisms to enhance the disposable diapers composting. This study highlights the potential utilization of cyanobacteria as an opportunity for copping disposable diapers pollution. The application of compost resulted expected to provide promising-advantages to the environmental sustainability and agriculture. This paper proposes an overarching review of the feasibility in this regard.
Environmental Engineering
N. Amani; F. Tirgar Fakheri; K. Safarzadeh
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the latest energy balance sheets, the average energy consumption in the residential sector of Iran is about 41% of the total energy consumption in the country. Increasing the energy efficiency of buildings can decrease the annual energy consumption in the residential ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the latest energy balance sheets, the average energy consumption in the residential sector of Iran is about 41% of the total energy consumption in the country. Increasing the energy efficiency of buildings can decrease the annual energy consumption in the residential sector and, thereby, the energy costs of families. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and prioritize the effective factors in reducing the energy consumption in residential buildings in the north of Iran using the climatic conditions analysis.METHODS: In the first step, the amount of energy consumption in the cooling and heating section was estimated in the base conditions, and in the next step, the amount of energy consumption was calculated. The obtained results were compared with each other with the help of optimization strategies for energy consumption using the Design Builder software. Finally, a set of effective factors were determined to be involved in decreasing the energy consumption.FINDING: The results showed that application of the LED lamps instead of the conventional fluorescent lamps could decrease the energy consumption by 980.4 kWh. Moreover, changing the materials of the walls and ceiling, using the polyurethane foam insulation with the thickness of 20 mm, and using the double-glazed UPVC windows reduced the energy consumption by 770 kWh. Energy reduction of about 101.5 kWh was also obtained after external movable awning and internal blind.CONCLUSION: The most commonly used materials were analyzed by the Design Builder software. The analysis was done by integrating building architecture engineering (the best form of orientation and facade) based on the reasonable costs of consuming common materials in the area. The obtained results can be used for both evaluating the energy efficiency in residential buildings and producing a comfortable living environment in a moderate and humid climate.
Environmental Engineering
C. Y. Feijoo; E. De la Torre; R. Narvaez
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyanide is a commonly-used substance in the gold recovery processes due to its high affinity for forming complexes with the precious metal, but inadequate handling and its final arrangement can lead to severe environmental contamination. In this context, this research focuses ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyanide is a commonly-used substance in the gold recovery processes due to its high affinity for forming complexes with the precious metal, but inadequate handling and its final arrangement can lead to severe environmental contamination. In this context, this research focuses on the preparation of nickel ferrite-activated carbon catalysts for catalytic oxidation of cyanide ion in the presence of air. METHODS: Hydrated salts of nickel (Ni(NO3)2·6H2O) and iron (Fe(NO3)3·9H2O) were used as precursors. The preparation pathways of ferrite and of ferrite-activated carbon composites were hydro-chemical with oxalic acid (C2H2O4) and co-precipitation with sodium hydroxide. The parameters evaluated for catalyst preparation were Ni/Fe molar ratios (1/1.5 and 1/2), calcination times and temperatures (2-4 h/600-900°C), and ferrite-activated carbon mass ratios in the case of composites (1/1, 1/2 and 1/3). FINDINGS: Oxidation results showed that the ideal Ni/Fe molar ratio was 1/2, and the calcination time was 4 h at 600 and 900ᵒC for co-precipitation and hydro-chemical pathways of nickel ferrites, respectively. The catalyst that showed the greatest capacity for cyanide transformation was that obtained by the hydro-chemical pathway with oxalic acid, achieving efficiencies of 96.3% oxidation of cyanide ion. It was also determined that the largest impregnation of ferrite on the carbonaceous surface was 52.6% through the treatment with oxalic acid, with which the composite was obtained with the best catalytic properties of cyanide ion. CONCLUSION: Nickel ferrite is able to oxidize cyanide ion to cyanate ion; being the ferrite-activated carbon combination, with which composite materials with catalytic properties of cyanide ion are obtained. Because of this, the materials studied could be applied in the detoxification of cyanurate solutions from metallurgical processes.
Environmental Engineering
G.R. Puno; R.A. Marin; R.C.C. Puno; A.G. Toledo-Bruno
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study explored the capability of the geographic information system interface for the water erosion prediction project, a process-based model, to predict and visualize the specific location of soil erosion and sediment yield from the agricultural watershed of Taganibong.METHODS: ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study explored the capability of the geographic information system interface for the water erosion prediction project, a process-based model, to predict and visualize the specific location of soil erosion and sediment yield from the agricultural watershed of Taganibong.METHODS: The method involved the preparation of the four input files corresponding to climate, slope, land management, and soil properties. Climate file processing was through the use of a breakpoint climate data generator. The team had calibrated and validated the model using the observed data from the three monitoring sites.FINDINGS: Model evaluation showed a statistically acceptable performance with coefficient of determination values of 0.64 (probability value = 0.042), 0.85 (probability value = 0.000), and 0.69 (probability value = 0.001) at 95% level, for monitoring sites 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A further test revealed a statistically satisfactory model performance with root mean square error-observations standard deviation ratio, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, and percent bias of 0.62, 0.61, and 44.30, respectively, for monitoring site 1; 0.65, 0.56, and 25.60, respectively, for monitoring site 2; and 0.60, 0.65, and 27.90, respectively, for monitoring site 3. At a watershed scale, the model predicted the erosion and sediment yield at 89 tons per hectare per year and 22 tons per hectare per year, respectively, which are far beyond the erosion tolerance of 10 tons per hectare per year. The sediment delivery ratio of 0.20 accounts for a total of 126,390 tons of sediments that accumulated downstream in a year.CONCLUSION: The model generated maps that visualize a site-specific hillslope, which is the source of erosion and sedimentation. The study enables the researchers to provide information helpful in the formulation of a sound policy statement for sustainable soil management in the agricultural watershed of Taganibong.
Environmental Engineering
H. Herdiansyah; E. Frimawaty
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: From August to October 2019, several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan had faced severe forest fires, causing thousands of citizens to suffer respiratory disorders. This study aims to assess waste handling in palm oil plantation manage by smallholders and the correlation ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: From August to October 2019, several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan had faced severe forest fires, causing thousands of citizens to suffer respiratory disorders. This study aims to assess waste handling in palm oil plantation manage by smallholders and the correlation palm oil plantation waste handling with the fireland in Sumatera, especially on Jambi province.METHODS: Primary data collection was conducted in September 2019, and a purposive random sampling method was used to select respondents. Primary data collection was applied for four hundred smallholders in five districts in Jambi using a mixed method. FINDINGS: Out of 400 correspondents that handle their waste, 50% of respondents handle the residues by stacking the waste on their field, 25% of correspondents stack the waste between trees, 17.25% of correspondents stack the waste on piles, 5% of them bury the posts, and 2.75% incinerate the waste. The average distance from home to the field for 200 correspondents is 8.825 kilometres, and they have the highest harvest quantity with a mean of 1.0940 tons. Most of them are common smallholders and self-subsistent smallholders. The 298 correspondents join a farming association. About 50% of smallholders in Jambi handle the residues by stacking the wastes on their field instead of incinerating the waste. CONCLUSION: Out of the overall samples collected in this study, only 2.75% smallholders in Jambi incinerate their residues. Hence, the fire breakouts happened on several provinces in Sumatera and Kalimantan in late 2019 did not happen due to crude palm oil waste-handling activities.
Environmental Engineering
N. Amani; A.A. Reza Soroush
Abstract
Building information modeling can help in predicting the energy efficiency in future based on dynamic patterns obtained by visualization of data. The aim of this study was to investigate the effective parameters of energy consumption using BIM technology which can evaluate the buildings energy performance. ...
Read More
Building information modeling can help in predicting the energy efficiency in future based on dynamic patterns obtained by visualization of data. The aim of this study was to investigate the effective parameters of energy consumption using BIM technology which can evaluate the buildings energy performance. First, three forms of general states in the building were modeled to evaluate the proposed designs in Autodesk Revit Software. Then, the main building form for energy modeling and analysis was selected. Autodesk Revit 2020 software was also used to obtain the results of climate data analysis and building energy consumption index. Finally, the most optimal mode was selected by examining different energy consumption modes. The results showed that the use of building information modeling technology in adjusting the parameters affecting energy consumption can save energy cost up to 58.23% in block D. Energy cost savings for block C and the western lobby were obtained as 51.03% and 43.05%, respectively. Based on energy use intensity, energy cost savings for blocks C, D, and the western lobby were estimated as 16.67%, 16.30%, and 11%, respectively. The results of parametric studies on alternative schemes of energy use intensity optimization showed that 16.30% savings could be achieved by the base building model in a 30-year time horizon. Therefore, it was concluded that optimization of energy consumption would reduce the environmental pollutants emission and contribute to preservation and sustainability of the environment.
Environmental Engineering
P. Saxena; S. Sonwani
Abstract
The indoor air quality is much more matter of concern as relative to ambient or outdoor air quality, especially in the context of human health. However, very few studies have been reported for remediation of indoor ozone by plant species. The main objective of this study is to evaluate ozone deposition ...
Read More
The indoor air quality is much more matter of concern as relative to ambient or outdoor air quality, especially in the context of human health. However, very few studies have been reported for remediation of indoor ozone by plant species. The main objective of this study is to evaluate ozone deposition velocities and ozone removal effectiveness of three indoor ornamental plant species (Dracaena deremensis, Tagetes erecta and Lilium candidum) that can be used in the remediation of indoor ozone. Ozone deposition velocity was estimated through measurement of leaf surface areas of selected plant species and exposing them to 3-regular daytime cycles where ozone concentrations under controlled conditions first increased from 8 h followed by 16 h in the absence of ozone. Values of ozone deposition velocity after the completion of first exposure were found maximum (7.7 m/h) in case of Dracaena deremensis and minimum (0.5 m/h) after the completion third exposure in Lilium candidum. The ozone removal effectiveness found in the range of 0.7 to 13% for leaf surface area to room volume ratio of 0.06/m with reference to an air exchange system and background loss present in an indoor environment. Among the selected plant species, Dracaena deremensis has got the highest ozone deposition velocity as well as ozone removal effectiveness and Lilium candidum has got the lowest values. Hence, this study concludes with the sustainable use of ornamental plant species in the remediation of the indoor ozone pollution, which can further help in improving the health condition of the residents.
Environmental Engineering
P. Gholamiderami; P. Lahooti; H. Darbam
Abstract
The aim of this study was to produce mulch by combining natural mineral and organic substances in order to reach soil stabilization and improve soil physical and mechanical properties in Koopal area. The effects of organic mulch (at 3 levels of O1: combination of 1% sugarcane bagasse biochar+0.5% gum ...
Read More
The aim of this study was to produce mulch by combining natural mineral and organic substances in order to reach soil stabilization and improve soil physical and mechanical properties in Koopal area. The effects of organic mulch (at 3 levels of O1: combination of 1% sugarcane bagasse biochar+0.5% gum Arabic+0.5% gelatin; O2: combination of 3% sugarcane bagasse biochar+1% gum Arabic+1% gelatin; and O3: combination of 5% sugarcane bagasse biochar+1.5% gum Arabic+ 1.5% gelatin) and MNF organomineral mulch (at 3 levels of MNF1: 1%; MNF2: 3%; and MNF3: 5%) on soil were investigated. The soil samples were incubated for 2 and 4 months and finally placed in a wind tunnel. Some physical and chemical properties of soil were obtained as pH=7.42, O.M%=0.223, and soil texture of silty loam. The obtained results showed that compared to control, application of the mulches increased soil organic carbon percentage (1.1%), mean weight diameter (2.47 mm), geometric mean diameter (1.27 mm), penetration resistance (370), shear strength (27.38) and tensile strength (0.8) significantly and decreased soil loss (0.10 g/m2/s), fracture index, soil texture index (62.16), and crust index (1.18) significantly (p <0.01) in both incubation periods. Effects of the mulches on soil organic carbon were reduced after 4 months. In mulch treatments, soil loss rate, mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter and tensile strength were increased significantly. In general, the organic mulch could stabilize the soil and improve the physical and mechanical properties of the soil.
Environmental Engineering
S. Gautam; G. Saini
Abstract
Industrial effluents are a menace to the environment and the fact that their characteristics vary from industry-to-industry only adds to the complex challenge they offer to the engineers and scientists. Resource-efficient and environment-friendly solutions to this hazard are a call of the hour. Coagulation, ...
Read More
Industrial effluents are a menace to the environment and the fact that their characteristics vary from industry-to-industry only adds to the complex challenge they offer to the engineers and scientists. Resource-efficient and environment-friendly solutions to this hazard are a call of the hour. Coagulation, by synthetic chemicals, has been used as a cost-effective and efficient method for managing the effluents generated by a large number of industries. However, the synthetic chemicals themselves are a cause of concern due to their non-native nature, non-degradability, and health conditions associated with their left-over residues. Natural coagulants offer a cost-effective, environment-friendly, and sustainable alternative to the application of synthetic chemicals. Such natural coagulants, despite their demonstrated effectiveness in treating the industrial wastewaters, have their own limitations and are yet to be investigated for large-scale applications. The current work presents a state-of-the-art review of the natural coagulants' application in treating industrial wastewaters and their relative advantages and disadvantages as compared to the chemical coagulants. Future research areas have also been identified that may ultimately lead to the large-scale commercial application of natural coagulants and will result in an environment-friendly and sustainable solution to the problems created by industrial effluents and synthetic chemical coagulants.
Environmental Engineering
A. Włodarczyk
Abstract
The tightening of the European Union climate and energy policy, directed to raising the resilience and effectiveness of the European Union Emissions Trading System, may influence on companies' economic performance. Polish energy companies, which mainly use coal in the energy production process, are particularly ...
Read More
The tightening of the European Union climate and energy policy, directed to raising the resilience and effectiveness of the European Union Emissions Trading System, may influence on companies' economic performance. Polish energy companies, which mainly use coal in the energy production process, are particularly worried about the potential negative consequences associated with the implementation of new CO2 emission reduction targets and their participation in the European Union Emissions Trading System. This paper analyzes the link between economic performance and environmental performance of Polish energy companies, covered by the European Union Emissions Trading System in the years 2013-2017. This analysis may focus the attention of the European Union’s and Polish institutions responsible for developing the climate and energy policies on positive and negative consequences concerning the low-carbon transformation of the Polish energy sector. Two indicators of environmental performance: carbon intensity and the ratio of carbon dioxide emissions over the allowances, as well as chosen financial ratios: return on assets, return on investment, return on sales, asset turnover ratio are calculated for these companies. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient is used in order to analyze the relationship between these environmental and financial variables. Presented empirical results highlight that the situation of Polish enterprises worsened in the 3rd trading period, as the number of allocated allowances in case of all energy companies was insufficient to cover their own CO2 emission. A negative direction of the correlation dependency can be observed in the years 2013-2017 only between asset turnover ratio and return on assets, and the CO2 emission intensity.
Environmental Engineering
O.А. Mykoliuk; V.М. Bobrovnyk
Abstract
The study highlights the importance to develop the national economy through assuring energy security. The study aims to analyze how to develop renewable energy sources, determine the main priorities of Ukraine’s national security policy and discover novel ways of assuring energy security due to ...
Read More
The study highlights the importance to develop the national economy through assuring energy security. The study aims to analyze how to develop renewable energy sources, determine the main priorities of Ukraine’s national security policy and discover novel ways of assuring energy security due to developing the industry of renewable energy in the light of environmental safety, energy conservation, and efficiency. The following scientific methods were employed: synthesis and analysis – to determine the essence and significance of RES in order to assure energy security; theoretical generalization – to single out the main stages of renewable energy development; classification – to classify the main advantages of introduction of RES, as well as the obstacles to their implementation; logical generalization – to justify the relevance, aim and objectives of the study; the method of rising from the abstract to the concrete – to develop and justify the ways of assuring energy security provided that renewable production is developed. The following results are obtained: the main conditions for developing RE are determined; some relevant issues of energy efficiency and assurance of Ukraine’s energy security are justified; significant potential of Ukraine’s renewable energy industry is discovered and analyzed; target values Ukraine seeks to achieve with the help of the energy generated from RES in final energy consumption are analyzed; the main criteria for developing Ukraine’s fuel and energy complex are revealed and the key branch ratio values of the state’s energy balance are determined.
Environmental Engineering
V. Babenko; V. Sidorov; Y. Koniaieva; L. Kysliuk
Abstract
This article discusses the prospects for the development of the implementation of scientific and technical cooperation. On the example of international cooperation between Ukraine and Chile, there are approaches to improving the procedure for developing cooperation priorities. The current state of these ...
Read More
This article discusses the prospects for the development of the implementation of scientific and technical cooperation. On the example of international cooperation between Ukraine and Chile, there are approaches to improving the procedure for developing cooperation priorities. The current state of these relations does not reflect real trends in the development of international economic relations in the vector of strengthening the scientific and technical component. Based on the analysis of analytical materials, one of the priority areas of the joint development of scientific and technical issues may be the use of non-traditional renewable energy technologies. Both in Ukraine and in Chile there are objective factors (natural, resource, socio-economic, environmental-technological) for their development. For Ukraine, it is interesting the experience of the scientific and production implementation of these technologies and the organizational and economic support of these priorities in the context of state and regional policy. All these aspects, including through the exchange of intellectual products, will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of support policies, the innovative susceptibility of subjects of production and business activities of Ukraine and the corresponding development of producers and consumers' motivation to non-conventional renewable energy technology.
