Spectroscopy is the study of matter interacting with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light). The electromagnetic spectrum in Figure 1 illustrates the many different types of electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays (γ-rays), X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, infrared (IR) radiation, microwaves, and radio waves. The frequency (ν) and wavelength (λ) ranges associated with each form of radiant energy are also indicated in Figure 1.

Introduction to Spectroscopy

An overview of the composition and application of biomass ash.

An overview of the behaviour of biomass during combustion: Part I. Phase-mineral transformations of organic and inorganic matter

State-of-the-art applications of fly ash from coal and biomass: A focus on zeolite synthesis processes and issues

Biomass is currently seen as a promising renewable energy source, which can be sustainably utilized in the production of fuels and electric energy adding no carbon dioxide to the environment. Co-gasification has unveiled its potential amongst thermal techniques, as a result of the valuable products obtained, strengthening a solid position in the conversion of residues. Thus, the prevention of a complete depletion of non-renewable sources is supported and the effects of their utilization alleviated. Extensive literature review was conducted and, few reports on co-gasification of biomass and wastes were found. In this context, this review addresses their thermal conversion, highlighting issues related to the equipment, operating conditions and physicochemical phenomena involved in such a complex process. Among other conclusions, the most important finding of this work was the synergy often encountered between the two feedstocks, proving co-gasification can overcome several of the individual gasification issues enhancing products quality and yields over biomass or wastes alone, and attesting its environmental-friendly character, with lower greenhouse gas emissions. It was also possible to depict some trends on the effect of biomass and waste blending ratios, as well as elucidating some of the mechanisms involved in their interaction. These are majorly explained by the response of molecules during pyrolysis and by hydrogen transfer from waste polymers to biomass derivatives. Experimental conditions were also assessed, fluidized beds being reported as the most suitable reactors for biomass and wastes, under several different possible combinations of operational parameters. A critical discussion is presented, aiming to contribute to a more profound understanding of this matter, its key points and noteworthy potential.

Co-gasification and recent developments on waste-to-energy conversion: A review

In present work acid resistant calcium silicate has been synthesized from silica of rice husk and calcium oxide of analytical grade. The silica from rice husk was extracted at 550oC in amorphous form and then allowed to react with calcium oxide in the presence of excess water by Sol-Gel technique to obtain calcium silicate hydrate gels. The molar ratios of Si/Ca were adjusted each time to obtain silica rich calcium silicate hydrates. The gels were dried in oven and calcined in muffle furnace at various temperatures to obtain acid resistant calcium silicate. The products were tested by analytical technique and by FTIR and XRD machines. Studies show that at higher molar ratio of Si/Ca, the heat treatment improves the acid resistivity of calcium silicate whereas at lower molar ratios the heat treatment does not make it acid resistant.

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Study of Rice Husk Ash as Potential Source of Acid Resistance Calcium Silicate

Wheat husk an abundantly available agriculture waste in wheat growing areas, having an average of 9 per cent of silica that can be retrieved as “Amorphous Silica” under controlled burning conditions. Extracting amorphous silica from wheat husk in commercial incinerators is difficult because of improper burning conditions and incomplete burning of inside heaps of husk, where availability of required oxygen can not be ensured. Potassium permanganate upon heating liberates oxygen and may provide the required oxygen to the husk during oxidation process. In present study the effect of potassium permanganate has been studied for extracting amorphous silica under controlled burning conditions. Wheat husk was treated with various dosages of potassium permanganate before subjecting to the tube furnace. The treated wheat husks were then heated at various temperatures. The ashes obtained were analyzed analytically and by XRD and FTIR. I t has been observed from XRD patterns that KMnO 4 has helped in formation of amorphous silica where as FTIR spectra showed no carbon formation in treated samples where as analytical analyses confirmed better formation of amorphous silica.

Extraction of Amorphous Silica from Wheat Husk by Using KMnO4

Kinetic models of natural gas combustion in an internal combustion engine

A number of species (organic and inorganic) in airborne particulates cause the toxicity to living being. The potential of in vitro test methods were explored for toxicity assessment of trace toxic elements (inorganic species) present in ambient air on human being (lungs). A year long sampling of airborne particles (PM2.5) was carried (April 2008 to March 2009) in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of thirty nine samples were collected on 47 mm Zefluor Teflon filter membranes and each was analysed to characterize for the elements: Sb, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, Mn, Hg using ICP-MS in water extract and total acid digestate. The samples cytotoxicity was also established using lung derived cells and MTS colorimetric assays. This generated dose response curves and IC50 values for the elemental mixtures identified on the Teflon filter membrane. The results indicated that even at low concentrations airborne elemental mixtures displayed an additive toxic effect.

M. Mansha

Papers

Study of Rice Husk Ash as Potential Source of Acid Resistance Calcium Silicate

Extraction of Amorphous Silica from Wheat Husk by Using KMnO4

Kinetic models of natural gas combustion in an internal combustion engine

Characterization of cytotoxicity of airborne particulates from urban areas of Lahore.

Prediction and measurement of pollutant emissions in CNG fired internal combustion engine