Showing papers in "iranica journal of energy and environment in 2011"

Charperformance Analysis of Different Energy Absorbing Plates on Solar Stills

Abstract: (Received: September 21, 2011; Accepted: December 8, 2011) Abstract: Solar distillation mimics nature’s hydrologic water cycle by purify water through evaporation as well as condensation. It is one of the most basic purification systems available today to get high quality of drinking water and can remove non-volatile contamination from almost any water source. Solar still is a one kind of solar distillation system in which brackish or impure water converted into drinkable water. Here, three solar stills have developed by locally available materials. The first one is a conventional type and the second solar still is consists of Aluminum plate while the third one consists of Galvanized iron. Here, experiment performed to get higher distillate output from solar still. Experiments represent that, solar still consists of aluminum plate gives 30 % more output compared with conventional solar still and Galvanized iron plate inside solar still gives 12% more output compared with conventional solar still. Hence, Aluminum plate is the best plate to obtain higher distillate output from solar still.

Anaerobic Biodegradation of Phenol: Comparative Study of Free and Immobilized Growth

Abstract: Biodegradation of phenol using adapted free and immobilized mixed cultures were investigated. The culture was grown under anaerobic condition at room temperature of about 25°C and initial pH of 7.0. The initial concentration of phenol was in the range of 70 to 1000 mg/l. The culture was able to degrade phenol effectively up to 700 mg/l. The immobilized cells were able to remove phenol at concentration of 100 to700 mg/l in a slightly shorter time period. At phenol concentration of 1000 mg/l, the removal efficiency was enhanced from 10 to about 40% in the presence of immobilized cells. The biodegradation rate of phenol improved when immobilized cells were applied. Maximum biodegradation rate happened at phenol concentration of 700 mg/l which was 2.13 and 2.65 mg/l.h for free and immobilized cells, respectively. Monod and Haldane models were used to estimate the growth kinetics. Monod model was unable to predict efficiently the growth kinetics. However, Haldane model was correlated favorably with experimental data; with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.962. Haldane kinetic parameters, µ , K and K were 0.038 h , 18.87 and 339 mg/l, respectively. 21 ms i

The Environmental Effect on Spawning Time, Length at Maturity and Fecundity of Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamensky, 1901) in Southern Part of Caspian Sea, Iran

Abstract: Fish sampling were carried out using beach seines during the fishing season from early October 2006 to mid April 2007. The gonadosomatic indexes (GSI) in range and average for female and male were 0.03 to 40.28 (5.70 ± 6.48) and 0.13 to 16.71 (3.39 ± 2.33), respectively. The GSI indicated that the reproductions of R. f. kutum were occurred during March-April, with the highest average value of 6.52 for males and of 17.00 for females in April. Fifty percent of length maturity (L ) at FL = 37.78 cm was recorded. The absolute fecundity ranged from m50% 15,723 for a three-year old to 130,737 eggs for an eight-year old female, with a mean of 60435 ± 24889. The relationship between fecundity (F) and fork length (cm) was represented by the formula: Fec. = 6616FL+25916. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters was: L =67.5cm, K=0.21 year , t =-0.10 for throw population of kutum. 8 0 1 The maximum spawning migration into the rivers based on GSI occurred significantly in April but it be affected by environment of sea water layers. The results showed that the length at first maturity and fecundity of R. f. kutum reduced in southern part of Caspian Sea.

A Time-Frequency Approach For EEG Spike Detection

Abstract: (Received: October 8, 2011; Accepted: November 29, 2011) Abstract: This paper presents a new method for detecting EEG spikes using the time-frequency distribution of the signal. As spikes are short-time broadband events, their energy patterns are represented as ridges in the time-frequency domain. In this domain, the high instantaneous energy of the spikes makes them more distinguishable from the background. To detect spikes, the time-frequency distribution of the signal of interest is first enhanced to attenuate the noise. Two frequency slices of the enhanced time-frequency distribution are then extracted and subjected to the smoothed nonlinear energy operator (SNEO). Finally, the output of the SNEO is thresholded to localise the position of the spikes in the signal. The SNEO is employed to accentuate the spike signature in the extracted frequency slices. A spike is considered to exist in the time domain signal if the spike signature is detected at the same position in both frequency slices. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated and compared with an existing spike detection method using both synthetic and newborn EEG signals.

Growth Kinetics and Demineralization of Shrimp Shell Using Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1058 on Various Carbon Sources

Abstract: The present study has focused on the effect of various carbon sources such as glucose, sucrose and date syrup as natural carbon sources along with Lactobacillus plantarum microorganism on demineralization (DM) of shrimp shell. Logistic and Verhulst Equations were used for the determination of growth kinetic parameters. Maximum demineralization efficiency of 82% was obtained in the media contained date syrup. Data for fermentation with media contained date syrup were suitably fitted with both Verhulst and Logistic Equations. Kinetic data was obtained and Gompertz model for production of lactic acid was used. For the media contained date syrup as carbon source, maximum rate of acid production was obtained.

Nanotechnology as a Novel Tool in Fisheries and Aquaculture Development: A Review

Abstract: Application of nanotechnology has revolutionized many frontier areas; it is paving a way for the researchers for possible application in all sectors. Nanotechnology holds promise for various aspects of fisheries and aquaculture development, like fish health management, fish breeding, aquatic environment management and other areas. Nanotechnological intervention will help to meet the global challenges associated with aquatic organism production, including environmental sustainability, human health, disease control and food security. This aspect of aquaculture and Fisheries is still in infancy and require attention of the scientific fraternity for its widespread use to harness its potential benefit. In the present paper a review on the application of nanotechnology in fisheries and aquaculture is presented.

Solid Waste Management Baling Scheme Economics Methodology

Abstract: A cost structure is proposed for evaluating and improving the ecological-economic efficiency of baling sub-scheme units within solid waste management schemes that end with, for example, incineratio ...

Coastal Waste Transport in Catbalogan City, Philippines and Nearby Towns

Abstract: More than half of Catbalogan barangays (villages) are situated along the Maqueda Bay, the primary source of food for Samarinos (people of Samar). Sixty percent of these coastal barangays have no direct access to waste disposal facilities such as garbage trucks and landfill. Almost 50% of domestic waste from these barangays is thrown directly to the sea, while 22% partly dispose their waste into Maqueda bay or a total of 7201 kg of waste daily. An improvised 3-dimensional micro-model shows how wastes are transported from one barangay to the other. The waste transport goes beyond barangay boundaries for many of waste travel to the coast of other municipalities and probably to other provinces. Approximately about 33% of fresh wastes float and are transported to other places, most of the remaining waste rot onsite making the site dark, dirty and has foul smell. Waste disposal practices of coastal towns/cities affects each other, therefore proper waste disposal practices must be widely practiced.

Phytotoxicity Assay of Crude Oil Using Different Accessions of Sorghum bicolor

Abstract: The toxicity of crude oil on ten accessions of Sorghum bicolor Moench was evaluated in this study. The study used germination, shoot length, root length, chromosomal abnormalities, mitotic indices and EC as bioassay parameters in the evaluation with 0% to 8% of crude oil as treatments. The percentage 50 germination of seeds of the different accessions in the different treatments were significantly different (p<0.05; p<0.01 and p<0.001). Significant differences also existed in the rates at which the different accessions grew in the different treatment (p<0.05; p<0.01 and p<0.001). Chromosomal aberrations ranging from vagrant, bridged anaphase, c-metaphase amongst others were noticed in the cells of the seedlings exposed to the different treatments. The EC of the different accession ranged from 5.5% to 19% for germination, 4.4% to 50 13.8% for root length and 6.3% to 16.7% for shoot length. The mitotic indices of the plants were also affected by the different treatments. The results of the study shows that although the different assay parameters show that crude oil can affect different plants in the different ways, 07/125 is more sensitive to crude oil pollution. Further studies can be carried out on the more resistant accessions to determine their suitability for remediation of crude oil contaminated sites.

Production of Sunflower and Biomass Depending on Available Soil Water and Nitrogen Levels

Abstract: In order to study the effects of nitrogen and available soil water levels on growth and yield components of sunflower (cv. Embrapa 122 / V-2000), an experiment was carried out from November 2009 to October 2010 in the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil. The treatments were arranged as a completely randomized design, in a 4×4 factorial experiment (four nitrogen levels and four available soil water levels), with three replications, totaling 48 experimental units. The nitrogen (N) levels in kg ha were: 0; 60; 80 and 100 added as urea; the available soil 1 water (AW) levels were 55; 70; 85 and 100%. In conclusion, this study showed that the application of nitrogen fertilizer levels and available soil water levels led to significant increase in growth and production traits except for the dry weight of 1000 seeds.

Statistical Analysis and Optimization of an Aerobic SBR Treating an Industrial Estate Wastewater Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Abstract: In this study, the performance of an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) removing carbon and nutrient (N & P) from Faraman's industrial wastewater (FIW) was investigated. This study was performed by varying two significant independent variables viz. aeration time and biomass concentration. The experiments were conducted based on a central composite design (CCD) and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The region of exploration for the process was taken as the area enclosed by aeration time (6-24 h) and mixed liquor volatile suspended solid (MLVSS) concentration (2000-7000 mg/l) boundaries. Seven dependent parameters as the process responses were measured and calculated. Direct and interactive effects of th e variables on the responses were described by the models given by RSM. The results showed that the maximum total COD (TCOD) removal of 73.89% was obtained at the highest value of the factors (24 h and 7000 mg/l). The maximum values of total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency were found to be 36.39%. The low TN removal directed the study to the reduction of oxygen level from 7 to 3 mg/l. The DO reduction with the extended aeration mode resulted in an increase in TN removal while decreased the TCOD, non-biodegradable CO D (nbCOD) and BOD removal efficiencies. The oxygen concentration had diminutive effect on phosphoru s removal.

Applying the Taguchi Method for Optimized Fabrication of a-Lactalbumin Nanoparticles as Carrier in Drug Delivery and Food Science

Abstract: Protein nannoparticles fabrication as well as characterization have been extensively studied in our previous works as suitable carrier for drug delivery and food science, since they are biodegradable, non-toxic and non antigenic. The objective of the present study was to optimize the fabrication of α-lactalbumin nanoparticle by applying the Taguchi robust method which is a statistical approach to overcome the limitation of the factorial and fractional factorial experiments. The process variables were pH, temprature and agitation speed. The optimal levels of the different factors for the nanoparticle production based on coacervation method were pH 2.5, temperature 50°C and 750 rpm for agitation speed. The nanoparticle size at the determined condition was less than 220 nm. The mechanistic of the optimum conditions for preparing α-lactalbumin nanoparticles and their characterization as a drug delivery vehicles are strongly discussed.

Performance of Anaerobic Baffled Reactor for Biodegradation of Phenol

Abstract: (Received: June 5, 2011; Accepted: July 29, 2011) Abstract: Effect of increase in phenol concentration on performance of anaerobic baffled reactor in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD), phenol and COD removal efficiency and biogas productions was investigated. Furthermore, stability of the reactor with respect to the chemical shock load was monitored. The anaerobic baffled reactor was continuously operated with synthetic wastewater. The obtained results showed that adopted sludge improved the reactor performance. The start-up strategy used for this process has achieved to the targeted goals while the active microbial population was retained. For the initial stage of operation, there was no phenol present in the system. Then, the phenol concentrations were gradually and stepwise increased from 10 to 800 mg/L at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6 days. At loading rate of 0.5 g COD/L/day, maximum phenol removal efficiency of 96% was achieved. COD removal efficiency was quite high in the first compartment of baffled reactor, while the efficiency and the COD removal gradually dropped in the second and third compartments. In the bioreactor, low value of pH in the first compartment was due to acid generated by the acidogenic bacteria.

Alkaline Hydrolysis of Waste Nitrocellulose for Recovery of Pure Cellulose

Abstract: (Received: July 1, 2011; Accepted: August 3, 2011) Abstract: Due to wide usage of nitrocellulose in civilian and non-domestic industries, massive amount of waste residues is generated. The waste has to be treated with an environmental friendly process. Historically, methods for decomposition of waste materials have been open burning or open explosion may not be suitable or safe disposal. Alkaline hydrolysis of nitrocellulose seems to be a simple and inexpensive method for cleavage of its structure to non-energetic materials that can be directly disposed or further biologically deteriorated. Furthermore having a valuable product is desired for making the process to be profitable. In this work, a simple method for alkaline decomposition of waste nitrocellulose to cellulose was used. The effect of sodium hydroxide solution and temperature on decomposition of nitrocellulose was investigated. In such circumstances the optimum conditions that achieved were 1.5 M sodium hydroxide, at 55°C. The identification and characterization of product was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The obtain results showed that hydrolysis occurred and the product was completely denitrified and its characterization compatible and similar to pure cellulose.

Discrimination Between Inrush and Short Circuit Currents in Differential Protection of Power Transformer Based on Correlation Method Using the Wavelet Transform

Abstract: This paper presents a novel technique for transformer differential protection to prevent incorrect operation due to inrush current. The proposed method in this paper is based on time-frequenc y transfor m known as the Wavelet transform. The discrete Wavelet transform is used for analysis the differential current signals in time and frequency domains. The investigation on the energy distribution of the signal on th e discrete Wavelet transform components shows the difference distribution between inrush and internal fault current signals of power transformer. The correlation factor which is a statistical parameter is used here to express the pattern of the energy distribution for different current signals. The proposed algorithm is based on the correlation factors to distinguish between internal fault and inrush currents in the transformer differential protection. The proposed algorithm is tested and simulated for several cases by simulating inrush and internal fault currents. The simulation of inrush and internal fault currents are performed using electromagnetic transient program PSCAD/EMTDC software. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme accurately identifies inrush and fault currents at the distance of the power transformer protection in a time period less than quarter of power frequency cycle. In addition the proposed method has high sensitivity and reliability. The method has low computation work and not requires determining the threshold for each new power system.

Analysis of the Effects of Mixing Height and Other Associated Factors on the Effective Dispersion of Plume

Abstract: The overall focus of the research work was to study the various factors that affect plume dilution and dispersion. Some of the factors that were studied include; the effects of mixing height, the effects of plume rise and the effects of terrain in addition to momentum and buoyancy on the overall dispersion of plume released from a stack of known effective height. Data on temperature versus altitude was collected using an infra - red thermometer at different height of a telecommunication mast under construction. The highest temperature for the month was noted and the validity of the recorded data was done using correlation analysis. Mathematical analysis was then employed to determine the mixing depth which represents the effective height of any stack that must be placed in such location in other to allow for complete dispersion/dilution of any form of pollutant released from any source. Result obtained shows that the effective height of stack that can be erected in such location that will allow for effective dispersion of any pollutants was shown to be 1700m. Any stack below this height will lead to ground level pollution. Also discussed in this research paper is the application of Gaussian Plume model in the evaluation/analysis of the horizontal dispersion of pollutants released from a height (h).

Macrozoobenthic Taxocoenosis in a Cultivators' Rice Field of North West Kashmir, (J and K) India

Abstract: This paper presents the attempt to investigate the community composition and density of macrozoobenthos in a cultivator’s field. The study carried out in the rice fields of north-western district Kupwara (34°02’N; 74°16E’) of Kashmir province revealed the presence of 7 taxa of macrozoobenthos belonging to Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca. Phylum Annelida formed the most dominant group represented by 5 taxa. Diversity calculated by employing Simpsons’ Index (D), Simpsons’ Index of Diversity (1-D), Simpsons’ Reciprocal Index (1/D), Shannon-Weiner Index (H’), Margalef Richness Index (d) Evenness Index (e) indicated low but significant assemblage of zoobenthos. Agronomic practices seemed to influence the occurrence and distribution of various benthic organisms to a greater degree. The results pressed the need for recognizing and preserving rice fields as potential habitats for organisms that have successfully adapted to the highly manipulated and eutrophic conditions of rice paddies

In-Situ Continuous Production of Hydrogen Gas from Molasses Using Mutated Enterobacter aerogenes ADH43 for Fuel Cell Application

Abstract: The performance of the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the in-situ production of hydrogen gas (H ) integrated with a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was investigated. Facultative 2 anaerobe fermentation of Enterobacter aerogenes ADH-43 was conducted into CSTR 50 rpm of agitation speed, 37°C of temperature, 6.3 of pH and 0.15; 0.3; 0.45; 0.60 h of dilution rate. Bio-H produced was assessed after 1 2 inserting it into a fuel cell to generate electricity and measuring voltages. The system was integrated with a ceramic membrane having 0.2 µm pore size for recycling the retentive cell into reactor and separating the permeate supernatant during the fermentation. The obtained H was purified from CO by absorption in Ca(OH) 2 2 2 solution prior to feed to PEMFC. The CSTR was initially operated on batch basis to increase the bacterial cell density to ensure the production of sufficient H and develop a feeding culture strategy for continues operation 2 mode. The result showed that the highest H production achieved at continuous system resulted in 0.30 h 2 1

Turbulent Flow Measurement in Vortex Settling Basin

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of an experimental study on the three-dimensional turbulent flow field in vortex settling basin. An ADV (Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter) were used to catch 3D velocity components inside the basin. Detailed measurements of time-averaged velocity components, turbulent intensity components and turbulent kinetic energy were determined at different radial sections of chamber. Also the normalized time averaged absolute velocity of 3D components in contour type exhibition were conducted and it was found that the absolute velocity generally is influenced by u component of flow. It trends from high magnitude in basin center to the constant magnitude in basin side wall. The normalized turbulent intensity of three components was investigated individually. It was found that intensity of 3D components in vicinity of central air core is higher than other regions, decreasing by moving towards basin sidewall except for the sections that influenced directly by entrance flow jet and sidewall exiting overflow. The results of turbulence kinetic energy also had the same interpretation like turbulence intensity and affected by the same boundary conditions which cover turbulence intensity of 3 velocity components overly.

Effects of Different Soil Management Systems in the Chemical Properties in the Coastal Plains of State Paraiba

Abstract: This study evaluated the chemical characteristics of soils under different management systems, i.e., the culture of sugar cane with and without vinasse compared to forest area in the Coastal Plains of State Paraiba. For each management system were opened five profiles occurring in the same soil class, dystrophic Ultisol grayish. In each profile, the soil samples were collected at 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm depths. These samples, after being air dried and passed through a sieve of 2 mm, were characterized chemically. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and Tukey test at 5% probability. The pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity and phosphorus results, in relation to soi l management, were significantly affected; in relation to depth, there was a significant effect on the pH results and on the electrical conductivity, calcium, sodium, potassium, potential acidity and P results. However, for area x depths there was a significant difference only for aluminum, potential acidity and phosphorus contents. The results of this study show that treatment with vinasse application promotes improvements in soil chemical properties such as pH increases and the availability of K and P in the surface layers of soil.

Energy Resource Allocation for Sustainable Development: A Case Study

Abstract: The focus of present research paper was to investigate the energy availability from agricultural crop residue, animal waste and present energy consumption patterns of three villages (Thudoor, Yedehalli and Bilaki) of Shivamogga District, Karnataka state The integrated energy plan for selected villages is prepared covering geographic and demographic characteristics and present energy consumption pattern The results indicate that, the electricity generated from crop residue using gasifier technology and fluidized bed gasification can meet about 256, 3849 and 52% of the total electrical energy demand of Thudoor, Yedehalli and Bilaki villages respectively Results of mean volume of biogas yield from the use of animal waste (cow dung) were 7488 m , 3

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment of Babol, Iran

Abstract: This paper presents a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment of Babol, one of big cities in north of Iran. Many destructive earthquakes happened in Iran in the last centuries. It comes from historical references that at least many times; Babol has been destroyed by catastrophic earthquakes. In this paper, the peak horizontal ground acceleration over the bedrock (PGA) is calculated by a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). For this reason, at first, a collected catalogue, containing both historical and instrumental events that occurred in a radius of 200 km of Babol city and covering the period from 874 to 2004 have been gathered. Then, seismic sources are modeled and recurrence relationship is established. After elimination of the aftershocks and foreshocks, the main earthquakes were taken into consideration to calculate the seismic parameters (SP) by Kijko method. The calculations were performed using the logic tree method and four weighted attenuation relationships Ghodrati, 0.35, Khademi, 0.25, Ambraseys and Simpson, 0.2 and Sarma and Srbulov, 0.2. Seismic hazard assessment is then carried out for 8 horizontal by 7 vertical lines grid points using SEISRISK III. Finally, two seismic hazard maps of the studied area based on Peak Horizontal Ground Acceleration (PGA) over bedrock for 2 and 10% probability of exceedance in one life cycles of 50 year are presented. These calculations have been performed by the Poisson distribution of two hazard levels. The results showed that the PGA ranges from 0.32 to 0.33 g for a return period of 475 years and from 0.507 to 0.527 g for a return period of 2475 years. Since population is very dense in Babol and vulnerability of buildings is high, the risk of future earthquakes will be very significant.

Investigation of Temperature and Influent Load on Nitrifying Treatment of Using Wastewater CFD

Abstract: The paper describes the effect of temperature, ammonia concentration and feed flow rate on nitrifying treatment of wastewater usage Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for two phase bubbly flow in a split cylindrical airlift reactor with a 0.085 m initiator diameter and 0.505 m height. Superficial gas velocity was used as the operational parameter, air was used as the dispersed phase, and wastewater containing ammonia was used as continuous phase. Temperature enhancement in a constant O and NH concentrations, resulted the 2 4 + Modeling results are compared with the experimental data. The CFD modeling results show suitable agreement with the experimental data.

Geotechnical Properties of Soils as Influenced by Land Use in a Humid Environment

Abstract: We investigated some geotechnical properties of soils of Port Harcourt in 2009 under three land use types, namely mechanically cleared land, on-going building constructions and fallow land. A combination of target and random soil survey techniques guided field studies. Five soil samples were collected in each land use, giving a total of 15 soil samples which were air-dried and sieved. These soil samples were subjected to routine laboratory analysis and resulting data were analyzed statistically using means and correlation analysis. Soils were sandy, of slight to neutral acidity (pH = 5.9-7.6). Disturbed soils were older (silt-clay ratio= 0.13- water 0.50) when compared with fallow having a mean value of 2.1. Plasticity index values were low (< 35%) and differed due to the land use: 11.63% (building site), 12.29% (mechanically cleared land) and 14.57% (fallow). There was low colloidal activity: 0.36 (building site), 0.40 (fallow) and 0.41 (mechanically cleared land). Highest recorded maximum dry density was found in building site (2.03 Mg m ), while 24.87% optimum moisture 3 content was obtained in fallow soils. Plasticity index showed good relationships with moisture, clay and colloidal activity in the study sites.