World applied sciences journal 

About: World applied sciences journal is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Tourism & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 1818-4952. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1359 publications have been published receiving 14171 citations.

Review of current palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment methods: vermicomposting as a sustainable practice.

Abstract: The total oil palm cover has increased in the last few years, with a consequent boost in palm oil production. As a result, palm oil waste which is a by-product of the milling process will also increase. The palm oil production process in mills consists of several unit operations. The processing of fresh fruit bunches of oil palm results in the generation of different types of residue. Among the waste generated, palm oil mill effluent (POME) is considered the most harmful waste for the environment if discharged untreated. Palm oil mill effluent is a thick brownish liquid that contains high solids, oil and grease, COD and BOD values. Several treatment technologies have been used for POME treatment, since the direct discharge of POME adversely affects the environment. Due to the presence of high total solids in POME, attempts have been made to convert this waste into valuable products such as feed stock and organic fertilizer. Although POME is organic in nature, it is difficult to decompose in natural conditions. Earthworms can digest the POME producing valuable products such as vermicompost. Vermicompost is a useful product rich in nutrients that can be used as fertilizer in oil palm plantations. This review discusses the various ongoing treatment techniques of POME. The effective treatment of POME using vermicomposting technique is suggested as a good alternative sustainable management practice of this waste.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals for population via consumption of vegetables.

Abstract: The heavy metals pollution is one of the problems that arise due to the increased uses of fertilizers and other chemicals to meet the higher demands of food production for human consumption. Health risk assessment for heavy metals of the population is a very good technique because such assessment would be useful to give information about any threat regarding heavy metals contamination in vegetables. For health risk assessment different methods are used by different researchers. In this review paper different methods, for assessment of the heavy metals concentration in the human body contributed by contaminated vegetables, are discussed. These methods include the daily intake of metals (DIM), daily dietary index (DDI), provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI), along with the methods used for the health risk assessment. The health risk assessment methods include hazard quotient (HQ) and health risk index (HRI).

Is Religiosity an Important Factor in Influencing the Intention to Undertake Islamic Home Financing in Klang Valley

Abstract: The paper is intended to determine whether religiosity is an important factor in influencing the intention to undertake Islamic home financing in Malaysia. A consumer survey comprised a sample of 300 Muslim respondents from various range of age and income group resided mainly in Klang Valley areas. A conceptual framework is constructed based on Ajzen's (15) Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and research hypothesis are developed in order to focus attention on sets of factors that influences intention to use Islamic home financing in Malaysia. The findings indicated that religiosity had significant influences on the intention of Islamic home financing among Muslims in Klang Valley. In addition, this study also confirms that the TPB components namely attitude and perceived behavior are significant factors as well.

Adsorption Process of Heavy Metals by Low-Cost Adsorbent: A Review

Abstract: In this article, the potential of various low-cost adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water has been reviewed. Various conventional methods for heavy metal removal such as precipitation, evaporation, electroplating and also ion exchange have been applied since previous years. However, these methods have several disadvantages such as only limited to certain concentrations of metals ions, generation large amount of toxic sludge and the capital costs are much too high to be economical. Hence, adsorption using low-cost adsorbents is found to be more environmentally friendly. Adsorption is the alternative process, for heavy metal removal due to the wide number of natural materials or agricultural wastes gathering in abundance from our environment. High adsorption capacities, cost effectiveness and their abundance in nature are the important parameters which explain why the adsorbent is economical for heavy metal removal. In this review, a list of adsorbent literature has been compiled to provide a summary of available information on a wide range of low cost adsorbents for removing heavy metals from contaminated water. The application of available adsorption models such as the isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics as well as the influence of parameters on metal adsorption by low cost adsorbent shall be reviewed to understand the adsorption mechanism of low-cost adsorbents.

Assessment of Ground Water Quality Status by Using Water Quality Index Method in Orissa, India

Abstract: An attempt has been made to understand the ground water quality by using water quality index (WQI) in Angul-Talcher region of Orissa. WQI, a technique of rating water quality, is an effective tool to assess spatial and temporal changes in ground water quality. Twenty four groundwater samples were collected from open and tube wells during summer and post-monsoon seasons. Water quality index rating was carried out to quantify overall ground water quality status of the area. The values of WQI have been affected mainly by the concentration of dissolved ions (F , NO , Ca and Mg ) in ground water. The values of WQI of the samples - 2+ 2+ 3 were found in the range of 14-57 in summer season while it was 19-67 in post-monsoon season. The higher concentration of dissolved solids during post monsoon samples exhibits poor quality of water as compared to summer season. It may be due to more seepage and movement of ground water during post-monsoon.