Showing papers in "Environmental Engineering and Management Journal in 2008"

Phytoremediation: the application of vermicompost to remove zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel and lead by sunflower plant

Abstract: A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic effect of heavy metals such as Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn on the growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): on the seed germination, root/shoot growth and uptake of metals in soil-vermicompost media. The selected metals were dosed at various concentrations ranging from 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 50 ppm separately in soil vermicompost media (3:1) in pot experiment. The seed germination, root and shoot growth were found significantly affected by these metals at higher concentration of 40 and 50 ppm. However, the lower concentration of heavy metals ranging from 5 to 20 ppm doses were observed to be stimulating the root and shoot length and increase biomass of the sunflower plant. Sunflower was able to germinate and grow efficiently at all Zn concentration evaluated in this study. The research study of the sunflower indicates the heavy metal uptake at the concentrations 5, 10, 20, 40 and 50 ppm. Sunflower is a very fast-growing industrial oil crop with a high biomass producing plant to be used for phytoremediation (uptake) of toxic metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, As, Cd, Ni) from soil in heavily contaminated areas. Vermicompost can be used to remediate metals contaminated sites because it binds metals and increase uptake by providing nutrients such as sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper which can serve as a natural fertilizer giving high yield of biomass and microbial consortium helped the overall growth of the sunflower plant. The use of vermicompost amended soil would be effective to remediate the heavy metals from contaminated environment.

Wastewater characteristics in textile finishing mills

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to accurately analyze the sources of water pollution and loading concentrations in textile finishing mills. A process data collection was performed and integrated with a characterization of the process effluents in terms of treatability and reusability. In order to evaluate properly the wastewater loading, an analysis course was set. The samples have been gathered for two months; instantaneous samples (PI) were drawn from the wastewater, as well as from the painting baths, at the time of the overflow. Based on several daily average values, a general average (PG) has obtained. The experimental data were statistically analyzed and the average values of the investigated parameters for each collecting point corresponding to the sectors of the finishing section were assessed..

Energy from biomass in pulp and paper mills

Abstract: Pulp and paper mills generate various quantities of energy-rich biomass as wastes, depending on technological level, pulp and paper grades and wood quality. These wastes are produced in all stages of the process: wood preparation, pulp and paper manufacture, chemical recovery, recycled paper processing, waste water treatment. Energy recovery from wastes of different origin has become a generally accepted alternative to their disposal. Pulp and paper industry expresses an interest in adapting and integrating advanced biomass energy conversion technologies into its mill operations. Industrial adoption of these new technologies has the potential for higher efficiency, lower capital cost, and safer operation than conventional operations that burn fossil fuels for energy. Incineration with energy recovery has the advantage of hygienic disposal, volume reduction, and the recovery of thermal energy by means of steam or super heated water that can be used for heating and power generation. The paper reviews the current state and tendencies in using as a fuel of solid wastes generated in pulp and paper mills. A description of biomass-derived wastes regarding their opportunity to be used for energy recovery is presented. The heating properties of wood wastes, rejects from recycled paper processing, paper sludge, and low-quality recovered paper grades are discussed. Some aspects of emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) are also presented.

Nanomaterials : an introduction to synthesis, properties and application

Abstract: The book focuses on the special phenomena related to nanomaterials and attempt to provide explanations which avoid as far as possible any highly theoretical and quantum mechanical description. The difficulties with nanomaterials arise from the fact that, in contrast to conventional materials, a profound knowledge of materials science is not sufficient. The book includes 11 chapters and a subject index. The authors give initially two definitions for nanomaterials. The first - and broadest - definition states that nanomaterials are those materials where the size of the individual building blocks are less then 100 nm, at least in one dimension. This definition is well suited for many research proposals, where nanomaterials have a high priority. The second definition is much more restrictive, and states that nanomaterials have properties which depend inherently on the small grain size and, as nanomaterials are usually quite expressive, such a restrictive definition makes more sense. The main difference between nanotechnology and conventional technologies is that the bottom-up approach is preferred in nanotechnology, whereas conventional technologies usually use the top-up approach. The difference between these two approaches can be explained simply by using an example of powder production, where the chemical synthesis represents the bottom-up approach, while the crushing and milling of chunks represents the equivalent top-down process. Chapter 1 is an introductory part, which refers to nanomaterials and nanocomposites, elementary consequences of small particle size, surface of nanoparticles, thermal phenomena, diffusion scaling law. Chapter 2, Surfaces in Nanomaterials presents some general consideration in nanomaterials, ...

Studies on transfer and bioaccumulation of heavy metals from soil into lettuce

Abstract: This paper presents the connection between the heavy metals concentration in soil and their bioaccumulation in lettuce. Lettuce is a very good bioaccumulator of heavy metals and nutrients. In general, plants manifest a certain reaction to increasing the toxic metal concentrations in soil which they are cultivated on. The differences depend on plants sensitivity, and time exposure intensity (concentration of heavy metals, cultivation length, etc.), presence or absence of nutrients and other chemical species in soil. Lead, cadmium, zinc and cooper, in some concentrations are toxic for plants, reducing their development. Through the tests presented in this paper the transfer of heavy metals in plants cultivated on a polluted soil in the presence or absence of N, P, K nutrients, was especially followed.

Overview of ex situ decontamination techniques for soil cleanup

Abstract: The paper is a short review on the soil decontamination applying ex-situ techniques. Some sources and pathways of soil contamination are discussed. It was revealed that available techniques for soil decontamination can be divided in two parts, depending on where the action have place: in-situ or ex-situ. Also, depending on the nature of the process, these techniques can be biological, physical-chemical and thermal. In order to decontaminate soils properly, the primary contaminants (hydrocarbons such as petroleum residues, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, heavy metals, munitions, which result from different industries and agricultural activities) have to be detected and analyzed. The main features of ex-situ soil decontamination are reviewed and also status of each technology, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and contaminants treated, are included.

Surfactant-modified natural zeolites for environmental applications in water purification

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of research related to use of surfactant modified natural zeolites (SMZ) in water and wastewater treatment. The most common natural zeolite, widely used as starting material is clinoptilolite, but other natural zeolites have also been used (chabasite, heulandite, mordenite). In the first part, the preparation methods and the influence of process parameters on the final product properties is reviewed. The discussion is focused on the influence of surfactant concentration in the water phase related to the external cation exchange capacity of the zeolite. The physical-chemical characterization of raw and modified zeolites by using relevant analytical methods (XRD, SEM, thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, DRIFTS) is also presented. Thus, an integrated view of the relation between the structure and the behavior of the modified-zeolites, covering both the compositional and the structural aspects, can be obtained. Following surfactant modification process, the chemistry of zeolite surface is greatly changed, allowing zeolites to sorb not only cations and polar organics but also nonpolar organics and anions, for which untreated zeolites have little or no affinity. Consequently, the area of application of natural zeolites in water and wastewater treatment is greatly extended. The most relevant applications of surfactant-modified zeolites for the removal of anionic (chromate, phosphate, arsenate), cationic (mercury, cadmium), organic pollutants (BTEX, chlorophenol, perchloroethylene, fulvic acids, dyes, pesticides, ionisable organic solutes, PAHs) and microorganisms are reviewed. The data reported in the literature suggest that naturally occurring zeolites modified with cationic surfactants can be considered as potential sorbents for the removal of the most important categories of pollutants from polluted waters.

Impact of dust emission on plant vegetation in the vicinity of cement plant

Abstract: Environment is a major issue which confronts industry and business in today’s world on daily basis. Different industrial activities are degrading various environmental components like water, air, soil and plant vegetation. Cement industry is one of the 17 most polluting industries listed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Jaypee Rewa Cement Cement industry, Rewa, Madhaya Pradesh is located between 24 o 33 ’ North longitude and 81 o 10 ’ east latitude and is situated at Jay Prakash Nagar 20 km from Rewa Town of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Jaypee Rewa Cement industry is the major source of particulate matters, SOx, NOx and CO2, emissions. Cement dust contains heavy metals like nickel, cobalt, lead, chromium, pollutants hazardous to the biotic environment, with impact for vegetation, human and animal health and ecosystems. Present paper attempts to focus on impact of cement emission on plant vegetation.

Determination of major and minor elements in milk through icp-aes

Abstract: Milk products are a very important human nutrient since their consumption has increased in recent years. Good quality measurements are essential to control and maintain milk products and processes quality, both in manufacturing, trade and in research. The presence of toxic elements in powdered and liquid milk may create significant health problems for people. The aim of this paper was to determine the content of major and minor elements in different milk samples, sold in major supermarket chains in Romania. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used for the quantitative determination of elements in this matrix. Analyses were performed after the chemical mineralization of the samples with nitrogen acid. Detection limits ranged from 0.4 to7.03 ng/g.

Wood-based epoxy resins and the ramie fiber reinforced composites

Abstract: Wood-based epoxy resin was synthesized from resorcinol-liquefied wood. First, wood components were depolymerized and liquefied by reaction with resorcinol. The resorcinol-liquefied wood with plenty of hydroxyl groups could be considered as a precursor for synthesizing wood-based epoxy resin. Namely, the phenolic-OH groups of the liquefied wood reacted with epichlorohydrine under alkali condition. By the glycidyl etherification, epoxy functionality was introduced to the liquefied wood. The wood-based epoxy resin was cured with 4, 4’- diamino diphenyl sulphone (DDS) and the thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The flexural modulus and strength of the cured wood-based epoxy resin were comparable to those of the petroleum-based bisphenol-A type epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A: DGEBA). The mechanical and adhesive properties of the wood-based epoxy resins suited well for matrix resins of fiber reinforced composites. Therefore, biomass composites consist of ramie fibers and the wood-based epoxy resin were fabricated. The flexural modulus and strength of the biomass composites were equivalent to those of the same fiber reinforced bisphenol-A type epoxy composites.

Removal of acid red 398 dye from aqueous solutions by coagulation/flocculation process

Abstract: The removal of Acid Red 398 (AR398) dye from dye-containing solution using coagulation/flocculation process with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and Alum was investigated. The effect of different parameters involving pH, dosage of coagulant, initial dye concentration, and bentonite as a natural coagulant aid was examined. According to the obtained results, the optimum pH, at which the maximum removal occurred, was about 4 and 5 for PAC and Alum, respectively. However, PAC performed efficient in a broader pH range. In the case of PAC, the best removal efficiency was about 80% for the dosage of 100-120 mg/l, while, it was about 60% for 140-160 mg/l of Alum. With the increase of initial dye concentration in the range of 25-250 mg/l, the removal efficiency for both coagulants increased at first (from 25-100 mg/L) and then declined. Bentonite, as a coagulant aid, slightly enhanced the removal efficiency. By adding 20 mg/l of bentonite, the efficiency increased by 15% and 9% for Alum and PAC, respectively.

Biomass power for energy and sustainable development

Abstract: The paper discusses some aspects concerning the utilization of biomass as a bioenergy resource worldwide and in Romania, since biomass is considered a sustainable, potentially environmentally sound and a replenishable resource. The biomass categories for bioenergy are analyzed, considering the factors which influence its availability. Biomass energy potential and current use in different regions as well as in Europe is accounted. Also, biomass power as an important alternative for providing energy in rural sector is described and some technologies for biomass conversion are evaluated briefly. Biomass and renewable energy from biomass are considered end products, which involve new and advanced technologies to improve power production efficiency. It is evidenced that biomass provides a clean, renewable energy source, which could improve economic, energetic and environmental sectors. Also, many factors converge in making bioenergy a key issue toward the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals. Contributions of bioenergy to sustainable development of humanity are also discussed, based on some sustainability considerations and indicators. The investments in biomass and bioenergy in Romania are also considered as important, since the production of renewable energy for Romania is an important topic. The future projection on the use of renewable energy resources points toward actions for economic development where renewable energy from biomass will play more and more a growing role, without affecting the community food security.

Microbial cellulose as support material for the immobilization of denitrifying bacteria

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immobilization of denitrifying bacteria on microbial cellulose (MC) for biological denitrification. A novel denitrifying bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri, was immobilized in microbial cellulose and introduced into an up flow packed bed reactor in order to remove nitrate from synthetic influent. The MC presented the high biomass concentration throughout the experiment, achieving 3.4 mg biomass/g support. The efficiency of the system for denitrification was tested under different running conditions. Complete biological denitrification of the synthetic effluent was achieved at low hydraulic residence times, less than 4 h, and high nitrate concentration (200 mg NO3-N/L). The immobilization of the bacterium in MC increased the adsorption capacity, decreased the cell leakage from the beads, resulted in higher activity of the immobilized cells, and allowed better operational control.

EQUILIBRIUM STUDY OF Pb(II) AND Hg(II) SORPTION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY MOSS PEAT

Abstract: The sorption of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous solutions by moss peat (from Poiana Stampei, Romania) was studied in a batch system The data obtained from experiments of a single-component sorption were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models The Langmuir equation describe sorption isotherm of Pb(II) and Hg(II) with high correlation coefficients, and better than Freundlich model According to the Langmuir model, the maximum uptake capacities of moss peat for Pb(II) and Hg(II) were obtained as 11758 mg/g and 8197 mg/g, respectively The effect of temperature on the Pb(II) and Hg(II) sorption process onto moss peat was also investigated, and various thermodynamic parameters, such as ∆G, ∆H, ∆S and Ea have been calculated

Biomass - an important renewable source of energy in romania

Abstract: At the beginning of 3 rd century the humankind finds at a crossroads. Daily, people assist at miracles, live in a time of change, both in economical and rational areas. Energy demand is expected to increase steadily over the next couple of decades, as income levels and economic output expand, especially in the new democratic states after ’90 th . Renewable energy resources represent a new opportunity in Romania, with less participation in the market than those forums outside of the country borders, but with developing perspectives in the future. In present in Romania it doesn’t exist a very well established renewable resources industry, but only small scale projects or developing pilot projects of some developing institutes or small companies could be mentioned. Energy renewable resources capitalization could contribute to achieve some strategic objectives regarding increasing security of energy supplying by diversifying energy resources and reducing of imports, and for a sustainable developing of energetic sector and environment protection. Renewable energy resources from biomass could be o good solution for heating in rural zones. Biomass potential in Romania is expecting to increase in 2005-2010 trough reforestations with various trees species and short term re-afforestation. In this paper the advantages of using biomass for energetical purposes and the technological level achieved by conversion processes of biomass in energetical products are presented.

Biomass - a source of chemicals and energy for sustainable development.

Abstract: Nowadays, energetic utilization of biomass, biotechnology attracts a big attention not only from the environmental point of view but also have a social, political and economical impact. According to the Directive 2003/30/EC of the European Parliament and the European Council the emission of greenhouse gases can be reduced by 49% using bioethanol produced by a manufacturing process based on corn, instead of crude oil based fuels. Moreover in Hungary from 1st of July 2007 only gasoline with at least 4.4% bioethanol content is commercialized. In this article, some concrete examples of successful developments and/or implementation of biomass projects in Hungary are given such as: production friendly raw synthetic material at “Nitrokémia” chemical plant, manufacture of bioethanol by “Hungrana” and “Győr Distillery” companies, bio-ethyl-tert-buthyl-ether production by MOL Pls. Danube Refinery, research on new generation of biofuels. The main advantages and disadvantages as well motivations for further research and development of Hungarian bio-industrial and bio-consumer sectors are discussed.

Effect of methanogenic inhibitors, inocula type, and temperature on biohydrogen production from food components

Abstract: Dark fermentation hydrogen production from a mixture of food components using two different methods of methanogenic inhibition (autoclaving and BES) and three different temperatures (37, 60, and 70 oC) was examined in batch assays for two different mixed anaerobic cultures - one suspended sludge (S) obtained from an anaerobic digester and one granular sludge (G) obtained from a brewery wastewater treatment plant. In general, BES-inhibition of sludge was more robust when compared against heat-treated inoculum. Also, hydrogen, VFA, and sCOD production were affected by increases in temperature although the effects were less severe for G than for S. In addition, differences in individual VFAs were observed between the two inocula. S produced more acetate as a percentage of VFATOTAL compared to G. Conversely, G produced more butyrate compared to S. Differences in the microbial communities were likely responsible for the diverse behaviour of the two inocula.

INVESTIGATIONS ON THE POSSIBILITY OF NATURAL HEMP FIBERS USE FOR Zn(II) IONS REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATERS

Abstract: Natural hemp fibers have been evaluated for Zn (II) ions sorption from diluted aqueous solutions. In order to establish the optimum conditions, the effect of initial pH of solution, hemp dose, Zn (II) concentration, temperature and contact time of phases on the Zn (II) sorption by natural hemp has been studied. To model the Zn (II) sorption at three different temperatures the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms have been used. The Langmuir maximum sorption capacities were determined as being of 0.2545, 0.3238 and 0.3754 mmol/g at 5 0 C, 20 0 C and 50 0 C, respectively. In order to evaluate the thermodynamic feasibility of the Zn (II) sorption process, free energy change (∆G), enthalpy change (∆H) and entropy change (∆S) have been calculated on the basis of Langmuir constants. The constants of the pseudo first sorption rate, k’, determined by means of Lagergren equation is 6.678x10 -3 min -1 . The results of this study suggest that the natural hemp can be efficiently used in the removal of Zn (II) ions from wastewaters with low content of the tested cation.

Determination of organic compounds from different types of coffee by hplc and gc-ecd analysis

Abstract: A study was conducted to investigate the organic compounds residues in different types of coffee from market in Romania. High pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC), respectively gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) was used for the determination of 7 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 9 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in coffee samples. It was found that concentrations of PAHs in coffee samples varied from 0.001 µg/Kg to 90.732 µg/Kg. B[a]P was absent in the green coffee samples. The detection limits ranged from 0.02 ng/kg to 0.04 ng/kg and quantification limits were 0.2 ng/kg. Calibration and recovery studies gave satisfactory results. Concentrations of OCPs in coffee samples varied from 0.001 mg/Kg to 0.007 mg/Kg. The methods provide a rapid and accurate determination of these organic compounds in coffee samples.

Composite membranes with Cross-Linked Matrimid Selective Layer for Gas Separation

Abstract: In the present work, composite membranes were developed for separation of hydrogen from its mixtures with other gases. The composite membranes were characterized by single gas permeation and scanning electron microscopy. Gas transport properties have been determined for four gases (H2, CH4, N2, CO2). The influence of cross-linking on transport was measured. H2/CH4 selectivity values up to 115 were obtained. The resulting membranes have a selectivity of H2/CH4 close to intrinsic selectivity of Matrimid 5218.

Migration and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the atmosphere - a modelling approach

Abstract: Considering that the fate and behaviour of contaminants within the environment is an extremely complex issue, this paper analyzes the development of predictive models which can contribute to the understanding of the release of a contaminant. Different types of models concerning the atmospheric transport of POPs are examined, taking into consideration that these models can be used to simulate the behaviour of contaminants. A successful simulation, in which there is satisfactory agreement between observations and results derived from the models, suggests that a solid theoretical understanding of how chemicals move, react, and distribute among media is sufficient to explain their behaviour in real-world situations.

An Integrated Assessment Of The Suitability Of Domestic Solar Still As A Viable Safe Water Technology For India

Abstract: Improving access to safe drinking water can result in multi-dimensional impacts on people's livelihood. This has been aptly reflected in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) as one of the major objectives. Despite the availability of diverse and complex set of technologies for water purification, pragmatic and cost-effective use of the same is impeding the use of available sources of water. Hence, in country like India simple low-energy technologies such as solar still are likely to succeed. Solar stills would suffice the basic minimum drinking water requirements of man. Solar stills use sunlight, to kill or inactivate many, if not all, of the pathogens found in water. This paper provides an integrated assessment of the suitability of domestic solar still as a viable safe water technology for India. Also an attempt has been made to critically assess the operational feasibility and costs incurred for using this technology in rural India.

Opportunities and barriers for development of biogas technologies in romania

Abstract: The development of technologies for waste treatment, simultaneously with minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, has become a matter of great concern at global level. Biogas systems can help in the fight against global warming by avoiding to escape methane from organic waste, into the atmosphere. Biogas technology is of great benefit to the end-users and the environment by energy, compost and nutrient recovery. Romania is a country with a huge biomass potential. Implementing of biogas technology could be a proper solution for waste treatment and producing of electricity from renewable energy sources, as stipulated in EU and national legislation. This paper presents an overview on the progress of biogas technologies in Romania since 1980s and the main obstacles that have slow down the development of this technology in the context of the major political and economical changes registered in Romanian industry after 1990. There are mentioned the main benefits which biogas plants could bring to the environment and also some common problems with biogas plants which have been noticed in the developed countries in this field.

Remediation techniques for contaminated soils

Abstract: Soil pollution causes significant damage to the environment and human health as a result of their mobilities and solubilities. Significant progress has been made in regulating soil pollution, with a parallel development of methodologies for soil assessment and remediation. The selection of the most appropriate soil and sediment remediation method depend on site characteristics, concentration, type of pollutants to be removed, and the end use of the contaminated medium. The approach includes isolation, immobilization, toxicity reduction, physical separation and extraction. This paper provides the developing technologies of soil remediation and review of available remediation options include physical, chemical, and biological treatments and these options offer potential technical solution to most soil pollution.

Sustainable combined utilization of renewable forest resources and coal in romania

Abstract: As answer to European Community politics, in Romania the researches for waste reworking and ecological treatment are developing. The researches are focusing on wood wastes for its recovery in energy purposes. The purpose is the enlargement of superior coal utilization area obtained from Jiu Valley coal field, for increasing the efficiency of heating installations for domestic consumption, concordantly to European and Romanian pollutions regulations. Combined utilization of the fuel composed from wood biomass and Jiu Valley hard coal is in concordance with Kyoto Protocol regulations, regarding the CO2 emissions reduction. For establishing the processing technology eco-briquetting first the set up of operation parameters for obtaining market competitive ecologic fuels is necessary. The trend of briquettes production, by mixing fuel waste with coal, imposes the determination of physical-chemical characteristics of each compound. In this way, through pre-treatment a minimum environment impact of the combustion is ensured. Used as energy raw material, the biomass is considered to be neutral from CO2 emission point of view. In this way the energy briquetting will be compatible to environment self cleaning capacity.

Utilization of coal fly ash from power plants - i. ash characterization

Abstract: A comprehensive characterization of fly ash from Iasi, Romania has been carried out in order to set up the utilization potential of fly ash resulting in appreciable amounts from thermal power plants as a waste, which leads to soil and groundwater contamination, as well as atmospheric pollution. This fly ash can be classified on the base chemical and technological properties in F class. Having in mind the assignment of the processing conditions, the fly ash can be used as sorbent for polluting gas (with sulfur dioxide especially), for industrial wastewaters with a high content of Ni, Cu, Cd, Zn, Hg, As, Cr ions, to obtain new building materials, having a reduced specific weight and reduced costs.

Integration of biorefinery clusters towards zero emissions.

Abstract: Depletion of world recourses, increasing pollution, and climate change make us shift from linear economy to system economy an economy of technologies integrated to reach a non-polluting zero emissions production system. Transition to renewable resources requires replacement the present crude oil refinery by biomass refinery. Along with conventional biomass refinery technologies bioengineering and nano-technologies become significant players of systems in the design of clusters of integrated biorefinery technologies. The authors consider a number of case-studies of biomass conversion into value-added chemicals and sources of energy, the steam explosion autohydrolysis (SEA) in particular. Modelling of the SEA processes is represented by a preliminary analysis of energy flows. The eMergy (energy memory) approach is applied to assess environmental impacts and sustainability.