Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Sirpa Kurppa
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finland
Keynote: Challenged nutrient recycling in the animal based protein system - applying the nutrient footprint method to the beef production and consumption chain
Time : 09:00-09:30
Biography:
Kurppa Sirpa, PhD, Research Professor in Luke Finland. Research topics and work description: Environmental impacts of food production and services, an integrated food and environmental policy, integrated product policy, environmental awareness and design, circular economy, industrial symbiosis, resilience. Special
competence: agroecology, the ecology of food systems, integrated and sustainable food production, environmental assessment, life cycle assessment (LCA), ecodesign.
At present, a Deputy Director of the ScenoProt-Novel protein sources for food security (2015-Present) and leading research on the sustainability of green growth in Arctic Finland. She has studied and worked in Scotland, California, Canada BC, and New Zealand
Abstract:
The nutrient footprint is an indicator which combines the number of nutrients captured for use in the production chain and the percentage of nutrients used either in the primary product or in the entire system (primary+secondary products). We defined N and P flows associated with the Finnish beef production and consumption chain and tested the nutrient footprint method using data from a Finnish beef Life Cycle Assessment study. Each 1000kg of Finnish beef consumed requires 1700kg N and 189kg P during its life cycle. The percentage of virgin nutrient is more than 50% for N, but only 25% for P. Nutrient use efficiency in the primary product and the entire system is 1% and 47%, respectively, for N and 0.2% and 74%, respectively, for P. The most nutrients were lost during wastewater treatment. Apart from wastewater treatment, NUE (P) was lowest in the food
consumption and processing phases. In the processing, P was lost in the body parts (skull, brain, spinal cord and vertebrae) which are incinerated as class 1 risk materials of TSEs. In the food-processing phase, 28% of animal N and 56% of animal P ends up in the secondary products, especially animal skin (14% of animal N and 1% of animal P). In transition towards a sustainable nutrient performance in protein production and consumption, it is essential to define identify the hot spots of nutrient leakage
in order us to be able to close those and to improve protein economy
Keynote Forum
Mehul Patel
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, India
Keynote: Green approach for recovery & reuse of E-waste by radiation processes
Time : 09:30-10:00
Biography:
Mehul Patel has completed Master’s & PhD in Polymer Engg & Tech from the premier institute in the world for this field, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.
He is working past 3 years as Professor & Scientist at CIPET, Govt. of India. Moreover past 7 years of experience in chemical laboratories & working on 17 different projects for government and public sectors helps me to endeavour to put the wheel into motion he has published four books worldwide. i) Novel green approach for
the recycling of e-waste. ii) The novel foldable mechanism for space application. iii) Blend of HDPE & Reclaimed Rubber. iv) Development of Bio-based Polymers for Industrial coating application. He has gained experience in recovery & reuse rather than doing recycling and matter of fact, he was the only person to develop & use Zeolite ZMG-5 as a catalyst for hydro-cracking in India (2008) & Ionic liquid (EMIM+ BF4-) used to extract e-waste elements
Abstract:
The printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the platform upon which microelectronic components such as, semiconductor chips and capacitors are mounted. Even though its usage and end-of-life cannot be stopped but could be recycled or reused.
The abrupt and non-stop growth in the field of technology, are the reasons for the huge dumping of these e-wastes. For the last few decades, the research on recycling of PCBs had been at hike due to its hazardous compositions. The researchers tried to recycle this e-waste PCBs in different methods like chemical methods, thermal or pyrolysis methods, mechanical methods, etc. In the above methods, the thermal and chemical methods produce a large number of hazardous waste products during the separation process. In mechanical methods the separation and securing the purity of the metals used in the printed circuit board is difficult. The recycling of hazardous e-waste printed circuit board (PCB) in the green route is discussed. The most two critical problems of removing solder and also the thermoset organic materials are solved in this research work in greener route. Electron beam (EB)/Gamma radiation plays a pivotal role to degrade the thermoset to different extents and ease the removal of copper foil, glass fiber and recover & reuse of thermoset resin from the circuit board. The degraded materials were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA & rheometer.
Keynote Forum
Abdeen Omer
Energy Research Institute, UK
Keynote: Biomass and biogas for sustainable energy generation: Recent development and perspectives
Time : 10:00-10:30
Biography:
Abdeen Mustafa Omer (BSc, MSc, PhD) is an Associate Researcher at Energy Research Institute (ERI). He obtained both his PhD degree in the Built Environment and Master of Philosophy degree in Renewable Energy Technologies from the University of Nottingham. He is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with a proven track record within the water industry and renewable energy technologies. He has been graduated from the University of El Menoufia, Egypt, BSc in Mechanical Engineering. His previous experience involved being a member of the research team at the National Council for Research/Energy Research Institute in Sudan and working director of research and development for National Water Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Sudan. He has been listed in the book WHO’S WHO in the World 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. He has published over 300 papers in peer-reviewed journals, 200 review articles, 7 books and 150 chapters in books.
Abstract:
The renewable energy resources are particularly suited for the provision of rural power supplies and a major advantage is that equipment such as biogas, flat plate solar driers, wind machines, etc., can be constructed using local resources and without the high capital cost of more conventional equipment. Currently, the ‘non-commercial’ fuels wood, crop residues, and animal dung are used in large amounts in the rural areas of developing countries, principally for heating and cooking; the method of use is highly inefficient. In addition to the drain on resources, such an increase in consumption consequences, together with the increased hazards of pollution and the safety problems associated with a large nuclear fission programmes makes this type of energy environment unfriendly.
- Fossil Fuels and Energy | Climate Change | Greenhouse Effect | Atmospheric Chemistry | Ecosystem | Natural Hazards | Deforestation | Pollution | Solid Waste Management | E waste Recycling | Agriculture Waste Recycling | Industrial Waste Recycling | Plastic Recycling | Waste Management & Treatment
Location: Douglas fir Ballroom Foyer
Chair
Sirpa Kurppa
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finland
Co-Chair
Mehul Patel
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, India
Session Introduction
Addisu Gebremedhin Atsibha
Senior Environmentalist and Consultant, Ethiopia
Title: Heavy metal accumulation of vegetables grown in urban agriculture irrigated with waste water in Addis Ababa
Biography:
Addisu Gebremedhin Atsibha is expert in environment and climate change. He has got BSc in Biology and MSc in Environmental Science. He has been working in Environmental Protection Authority and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as a researcher and senior environmentalist. He has practical experience in the area of pollution research, compliance monitoring, climate change, technology transfer and climate change mainstreaming. He has been the focal person to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC) NAMA registry. He has prepared researches on pollution and participated in the revision of environmental policy, preparation of environmental strategy, national adaptation plan, technology need assessment, safeguard framework for climate change projects. Currently, he has been working as a senior environmentalist for the African Development Bank program under the Water Resource Development Fund and is general manager for the Evergreen Environment and Development Consultancy. He has participated in many national and international conferences in Ethiopia and abroad.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Addis Ababa town is the capital of Ethiopia and the seat for the African Union with a total of 4 million populations. 65% of the total industries in Ethiopia are located in Addis Ababa and were established before the issuance of laws on pollution, thus they didn’t establish waste treatment plant and they are located within 10-30 meters from the Akaki river and their wastewater is directly discharged to the river. Bioaccumulation of seven heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium,chromium, iron, lead, mercury and zinc in ten vegetable types: beet root, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, spring onions, potatoes, lettuce, swiss chard, and peppers were determined in nine farms in Addis Ababa both of which are irrigated with the wastewater of Akaki river. 32 wastewater samples, 45 composite soil samples, and 41 vegetable samples were collected from the vegetable farms and were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration. Water analysis result showed that physicochemical parameters: total suspended solids, phosphorus, BOD5, COD, and fecal coliforms and Iron, copper and mercury are found above the recommended maximum limit. It is found that the pH value of soils for 90% of the sites was alkaline. Heavy metal analysis of soils showed that iron exceeds the limit in all the sampling sites, chromium in Asco and lead in Kera site. Vegetable analysis showed that chromium and lead by far exceed the limit in almost all samples. Furthermore mercury and iron exceed the limit in 50% of the vegetable samples. Vegetables have a different capacity of bioaccumulation for heavy metals, attributed to varied physiology and soil pH. Heavy metals are environmentally stable, non-biodegradable, toxic to living beings and tend to accumulate in plants and animals causing chronic adverse effects on human health
Prakash Gyawali
Surybinayak Municipality, Nepal
Title: Solid waste management in response to global warming and climate change in suryabinayak municipality, Bhaktapur district, Nepal
Biography:
Prakash Gyawali has his expertise in Renewable Energy, Waste Management and Disaster Response plan .His dynamic and proactive attitude creates new pathways for improving RE and Waste management. He has 7 years more experience in the local government sector and his proactiveness attitude easy to convince the stakeholder. He has successfully completed the international course “Facilitating Multi-stakeholder processes and social learning: an advanced course in the use of participatory approaches for institutional change held CDI, Wageningen, The Netherland, 3-21 September 2012 and Designing and facilitating multistakeholder partnerships for gender and youth sensitive food security held in Bangalore India,12-25 November 2016
Abstract:
An environment pollution and climate change happened due to greenhouse gases (GHG) emission. As we know most of the anthropogenic emission of GHG results from the combustion of fossil fuels but we should also know that environmental concerns such as waste management also contribute to Global Warming. The solid waste management is based on an understanding of MSWs composition and physiochemical characteristics. The results show that organic matter represents 69% of waste, followed by paper-cardboard 7%, plastic 8%, miscellaneous 13%, metal 1%, and glass 2%. The major source of GHG from landfill sites which produce significant methane and carbon dioxide gas. The main impact of the methane is on a global scale, as a greenhouse gas. Although levels of methane in the environment are relatively low, its high “global warming potential” (21 times that of carbon dioxide) rank it amongst the worst of greenhouse gases. The main cause to increase atmospheric
temperature due to high production of GHG (CH4, CO2 & N2O etc.).GHG mitigation measure in the waste includes source reduction through waste prevention, recycling, composting, waste to energy incineration and methane capture from landfills and wastewater. Specific mitigation option includes the use of 3R principle; waste segregation, reduction at the source; composting anaerobic digestion for biogas; sanitary landfill sites with methane capture; healthcare waste management; proper statutory framework; public participation; private sector partnership; tax waiver for recycling enterprises; and financial management. Regulation is required to ban recyclable waste in the landfill. This paper focuses on waste-to-energy and especially its current status and benefits, with regard to GHG, renewable energy production and slurry management on basis of experience in Nepal
Mohammad Anamul Haque Nayan
Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh
Title: Current scenarios of green house gas emission in Bangladesh
Biography:
Anamul Nayan is an MSc student of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University under Environmental Sciences & Management Program. He has long experiences in environmental management and sustainable business development maintaining low carbon emission. Now he is working on greenhouse gas emission reduction and sustainable industrial growth. Prof MAH Bhuiyan mentor of the first author has huge experiences working on GHG and climate change research. Most recent studies are attached to the references.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Emission of greenhouse gas (GHG) accounts the interplay between the economy and the environment with respect to air emissions for assessing whether current production and consumption activities are on a sustainable path of development. Each greenhouse gas has various capacities that cause global warming, depending on its radiative properties, molecular weight and length of time it remains in the atmosphere.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This study was conducted by secondary data collected from different industries and relevant Government and Non-Government organizations in Bangladesh. Simple statistical methods were applied to analyze the GHG data.
Findings: The most recent year of GHG emissions from various sectors in Bangladesh’s shown that agriculture is the leading contributor, with 39% of total emissions. The energy sector is the second highest emitter with the order of electricity and heat production (46%), other fuel combustion (21%), manufacturing and construction (20%), and transportation (14%). Among the other sectors, land-use change and forestry and solid waste represent the third and fourth highest emitters, accounting for 31% and 18%, respectively. Though the mean annual emission of GHG comparing to the global average is 0.4% which is more than 200 times lower than the developed countries. The results of the study showed that Bangladesh’s emissions grew 59% from 1990 to 2014. The mean annual change during this in industrial processes (IP) (17%).
Conclusion & Significance: Overall Bangladesh’s GDP increased over from 1990 to 2014 at a considerably which is a greater rate than the total GHG emissions, signalling that Bangladesh’s carbon intensity had decreased relative to 1990. Nevertheless, emissions comparing to GDP remains well over double the world average and there remains great potential to further reduce carbon intensity.
Abebe, Birhanu Ayalew
Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute, Ethiopia
Title: Global warming and pollution control through biodiesel production from consortium of microalgae
Biography:
Birhanu Ayalew has completed his MSc in Environmental Engineering at the age of 30 years from Addis Ababa University Institute of Technology. He has been working for Ethiopian Leather Industry Development Institute for more than four years. Now he is working as a researcher at Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute, a premier Bio-technology research institute. He has published 2 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The aim of the research work is to look for alternative energy source so as to minimize the greenhouse gases emission, which are the main causes for global warming, from non-renewable energy sources and parallelly reduce the water pollution load due to the discharge of nutrient-rich wastewater from industries that lead to eutrophication. It mainly focuses on determining and analyzing the factors that affect the yield of biodiesel production from algal biomass and to optimize the processing conditions. Microalgae oil was extracted from dried and grinded consortium microalgae through the Soxhlet extraction method and the physicochemical properties were determined. Design Expert 7.0.0 software application was used to statistically analyze data obtained from experimental work. The factors that affect the biodiesel yield were investigated. The density, viscosity, acid value, saponification value, and free fatty acids were recorded as 0.94g/ml, 41.85mm2/s, 4.63mgKOH/g of oil, 201.72mg/g of oil, and 2.32% respectively. Alkali catalytic methanol transesterification method was employed to produce biodiesel from the oil and to improve the physicochemical properties of the oil. Temperature is found to be the factor that highly affects the yield of biodiesel. An optimum yield of 89.61% (44.8ml) biodiesel was obtained at reaction temperature of 53.270c, 1.99% catalyst and 6.18 alcohol to oil molar ratio. The physicochemical properties of the optimum obtained biodiesel were determined and the results were compared with the ASTM and EN standards. The physicochemical properties were recorded as density (0.89g/ ml), viscosity (5.5mm2/s), acid value (0.78mgKOH/g of oil), moisture content (0.026%w/w), ash content (0.022%), and free fatty acid (0.39%). The results showed that the fuel properties are within the ASTM and EN standards and it suggests the potential of algal oil as a feedstock for the biodiesel industry which could be exploited as an alternative source of fuel
Sagun Thapa
Nepal Red Cross Society, Nepal
Title: Solid waste management in response to global warming and climate change in suryabinayak municipality, Bhaktapur district, Nepal
Biography:
Abstract:
An environment pollution and climate change happened due to greenhouse gases (GHG) emission. As we know most of the anthropogenic emission of GHG results from the combustion of fossil fuels but we should also know that environmental concerns such as waste management also contribute to Global Warming. The solid waste management is based on an understanding of MSWs composition and physiochemical characteristics. The results show that organic matter represents 69% of waste, followed by paper-cardboard 7%, plastic 8%, miscellaneous 13%, metal 1%, and glass 2%. The major source of GHG from landfill sites which produce significant methane and carbon dioxide gas. The main impact of the methane is on a global scale, as a greenhouse gas. Although levels of methane in the environment are relatively low, its high “global warming potential” (21 times that of carbon dioxide) rank it amongst the worst of greenhouse gases. The main cause to increase atmospheric temperature due to high production of GHG (CH4, CO2 & N2O etc.).GHG mitigation measure in the waste includes source reduction through waste prevention, recycling, composting, waste to energy incineration and methane capture from landfills and wastewater. Specific mitigation option includes the use of 3R principle; waste segregation, reduction at the source; composting anaerobic digestion for biogas; sanitary landfill sites with methane capture; healthcare waste management; proper statutory framework; public participation; private sector partnership; tax waiver for recycling enterprises; and financial management. Regulation is required to ban recyclable waste in the landfill. This paper focuses on waste-to-energy and especially its current status and benefits, with regard to GHG, renewable energy production and slurry management on basis of experience in Nepal
Deepak Aryal
Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Title: Aerosol and cloud-droplet properties over the East China Sea influenced by the Asian pollution
Biography:
Abstract:
Using an aircraft the measurements of aerosol particles and cloud microstructures were made over the ocean around the south of Kyushu Islands of Japan during the Asian Atmospheric Particulate Environmental Change Experiment 3/Asia Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (APEX-E3/ACE-Asia) during the period of 17 March to 13 April 2003. Results demonstrated that polluted air from the Asia continent could penetrate several hundreds of kilometres over the oceans and clouds forming in that air had significantly altered microphysical properties. Based on the number concentration of aerosol particles with diameters between 0.3 and 5μm, two cases were investigated: 22 March 2003 was termed a "clean" case and 12 April 2003 as a "polluted" case. Single particle analysis of particles was also carried out by electron microscopy. The particles in the polluted marine boundary layer were characterized by the presence of sulfate particles with traces of potassium and heavy metals. The cloud droplets in the polluted marine boundary layer exhibited a larger number concentrations than those in the clean boundary layer, along with the decrease in the droplet size. The present study demonstrated that polluted air from the Asia continent could penetrate several hundreds of kilometres over the oceans and clouds forming in that air had significantly altered microphysical properties.
Solomon Fessehaye Woldeyohannes
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Title: Reutilization of tannery waste - chrome buffing dust for road pavement construction
Biography:
Solomon Fessehaye Woldeyohannes is a lead researcher and part-time instructor in several universities across the country. Much of his research on topics ranging from industrial water conservation to waste utilization were published and presented at several conferences. Reduction of water used for leather processing by replacing the same with eco-friendly recoverable solvents was one of his works which enabled processing water reduction of more than 70%. As leather processing industries utilize ample municipal water for processing of leather, this project provided a tangible insight on the applicability aspects. Moreover, solid waste generated was insignificant and can easily be treated. Apart from this, he has and is working on several research works with regards to cleaner production and waste utilization.
Abstract:
Tannery waste is considered to be one of the world’s major industrial wastes. Leather production has expanded in economically developing countries despite having declined in the more developed nations in the last few decades. The waste generated from tanneries in most developing countries potentially ends up in improperly planned landfill sites, resulting in dangerous and serious risks to ecological and human health. Significant amounts of solid and liquid wastes are generated from leather tanneries. Solid waste generated accounts for up to 85% of rawhide. These solid wastes are generated throughout the leather processing stages. One consequence of the finishing operation is known as chrome buffing dust (CBD). Based on the extensive chemicals utilized in the skin and hide processing, CBD contains large concentrations of trivalent chromium alongside organic and other inorganic compounds. Nevertheless, CBD may also be a useful resource if it is managed expertly. In the present research work, CBD is subjected to starved air incineration (SAI) at 800°C in a thermal incinerator to convert the organic fraction into char. The residue is solidified/stabilized using Portland cement and sand and allowed to cure for 28 days. The solidified blocks are tested for unconfined compressive strength and heavy metal leaching. This research demonstrated potential recycling of tannery waste as a partial replacement for fine aggregate to produce construction material as road pavement blocks. Value-added product tannery waste for the purposes of environmentally friendly construction is not only economical advantageous; it also provides a sustainable solution that stops tannery waste ending up at the landfill
- Poster Presentations
Location: Foyer
Chair
Brigitte Wabuyabo-Okonga M
KCA University, Kenya
Session Introduction
Yolanda González-GarcÃa
Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
Title: Mango waste as culture medium for bacterial cellulose production by Komagateibacter xylinus in static culture
Biography:
Yolanda Gonzalez-Garcia holds a PhD degree in Biotechnological processes and has her expertise in bacterial biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, exopolymeric substances, and bacterial cellulose. She is a titular researcher at the Department of Wood, Cellulose, and Paper of the University of the University
Guadalajara (Mexico).
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a high added-value biopolymer with important biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Its production cost from conventional culture media is high therefore the use of agro-wastes to cultivate cellulose producing bacteria is very important. Mexico is among the top five mango producing countries, but around 30% of the fruit is wasted. Thus, such waste is highly available, contains significant amounts of sugars, and could be used as a fermentation feedstock. It is known that variations in culture medium composition could affect the amount and properties of the synthesized BC. The objective of this research was to characterize the BC produced from a mango waste-based medium (MWB) and compare it to the synthesized in a conventional medium (Hestrin-Schramm). Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: K. xylinus was cultivated in MWB medium formulated with mango pulp waste (total sugars initial concentration: 50g/L) supplemented with yeast extract (5g/L), in static culture (12 days, 30°C). Conventional HS medium was used as a control. BC membranes produced by the bacteria were purified, dried, and characterized: FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and water holding capacity (WHC).
Findings: BC produced in MWB medium presented a similar FTIR spectrum, morphological characteristics, thermogravimetric curves (degradation, 420°C), and WHC (108.6g·water/g·dry BC) than the BC produced conventionally. On the other hand, BC obtained in HS medium presented higher crystallinity that in MWB medium (77.2 vs 62.7%).
Conclusion & Significance: BC synthesized from MWB medium has similar physical and morphological characteristics that BC produced conventionally; the use of mango pulp waste for media formulation is technically feasible and could have and positive impact in the biopolymer production cost. Valorization of agricultural wastes through biotechnological processes is an important research area for producing high-added value products and could also be a way to minimize environmental pollution problems associated with wastes disposal.
Meron Mengistu Zewdie
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Title: Natural Dyes from Bidens Macroptera (Adey Ababa) flower and Eucalyptus Camaldulensis leaves and their application for leather dyeing
Biography:
Abstract:
Natural dyes have gained importance due to the growing environmental awareness and implementation of stringent regulations in production and use of synthetic dyes. This scenario necessitated the present investigation on bio-dyes.
Therefore, to address some of these issues a study was conducted to produce natural dye and evaluate the efficiency of dying on sheep crust. Flower of B. macroptera and leaves of E. camaldulensis were extracted with n-hexane, n-hexane: chloroform 1:1, methanol: chloroform 1:1 and methanol. The dye produced from B. macroptera and E. camaldulensis were analyzed by TLC, FTIR, Column Chromatography, UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and GC-MS. The color coordinates, (L*a*b* Chroma, and ΔE), as well as wash, light, rub and perspiration fastness values, were determined. The results of the study revealed that methanol extract showed good yields of 34.3% and 32.9% for B. macroptera and E. camaldulensis, respectively. The Rf values for both plant extracts were 54.4 and 52.2 for novocol dye. The FTIR result showed primary amine C-N stretching group in plant extract as well as in synthetic dye. Spectrophotometrically, the extracted dye, and novocol dye showed yellow color with the absorption spectrum of 436nm, 449nm, 450nm for novocol, E. camaldulensis and B. macroptera, respectively. Color bearing compounds such as ellagic acid, quercetin and gallic acid (Benzoic acid, 3.4.5-trihydroxy) obtained from E. camaldulensis and lutein from B. macroptera while 6-Amino.1,4-diazo anthraquinone obtained from the novocol dye. The dyed leather from plant extract were showed better coloring properties with the following fastness ratings (R); for dry rubbing (5R), wet rubbing (4/5R), perspiration on test pieces (4R),washing (4R), and light (5R ) for B. macroptera and (5R), for dry and wet rubbing, (4/5R) perspiration test pieces, (4/5R) for washing and (4/5R) lightness property for E. camaldulensis. The results showed that natural dye from Eucalyptus leaf and B. macroptera flowers extract have potential applications for leather dyeing.
Wintana Kassahun Engeda
Ethiopia Biotechnology Institute, Ethiopia
Title: Preparation of nano-fat liquor cum retanning agent from fleshing waste: Wealth from waste approach
Biography:
Wintana Kassahun received the BSc Degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, in 2009, and MSc Degree in Chemical engineering (Leather technology) from CLRI (Central leather research institute), Chennai in India and AAiT (Addis Ababa Technology Institute), and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia in 2014. In 2010, she joined Leather Industry Development Institute (LIDI) in the leather technology directorate department, as junior and Assistance Researcher, and in 2016 became a Researcher and then Senior Leather Researcher. At the same time, she was given a Lecturer post at the University of AAiT, AASTU, Ethio- China Institute and training for industrial workers. She have over seven years of experience mainly in the leather technology and a lecturer. She have been trained on different technologies by CLRI expert during benchmarking and had taken different training in India and China on cleaner technology and leather finishing technique. Currently, she is working at Ethiopia Biotechnology institute in Nanotechnology Directorate as an Associative Researcher
Abstract:
Fleshing wastes are generated from tanneries during leather processing. These wastes contain a significant quantity of protein and fat and currently being wasted into dumping sites or in open areas, consequently creating the fleshing waste disposal as a major environmental problem of the tanning industries throughout the world. The objective of this work is to develop fat liquor cum retanning agent from the fleshing waste. The fat extracted from the fleshing was characterized for iodine, saponification and acid value. The fleshing hydrolysate was characterized for the degree of hydrolysis, solid content,molecular weight, particle size, and zeta potential measurement. The leathers were not found to be greasy, indicating that the product penetrated into the leather matrix. The particle size of the prepared product fell down in the range of the commercially available retanning agents. The leather physical characterization with this new product was compared with that of control leather processed with commercial agent almost the same. Organoleptic properties were evaluated by experts and found to be on par with that of the control leathers. This study proves that the protein and fat from fleshing wastes can be utilized to make a beneficial product and also answers the disposal problem associated with the solid waste generated from tanning industries
- Work Shop
Session Introduction
Nader Parvin
Payame Noor University, Iran
Title: The study of topographic changes of the middle levels of the atmosphere and its effect on the heat increase in the Middle East
Biography:
Nader Parvin has obtained his expertise in environmental studies from the Kharazmi National University in Tehran. Their research topics are related to natural disasters, especially droughts, floods, hail, severe storms, wind and solar energy in relation to the western winds of the middle atmosphere and their direct impact on environmental conditions.
Abstract:
The Middle East region is located in the world's dry belt is among the vast and strategic parts of the world, whose water resources, agriculture and vegetation are gradually deteriorating. Since most environmental characteristics are directly or indirectly explained in relation to topographic changes of atmospheric pressure levels (500 HPa), the study of the main causes of climate change in the Middle East region is of particular importance. For this purpose, first, the altitude data of contour 500 HPa of the atmosphere and the temperatures of January and February for the past half-century (1968-2017) for a range of studies with dimensions of 25-77.5 degrees longitude and of 10-45 degrees latitude were taken and summarized from the NCEP/NCAR. Using factor analysis and clustering, homogeneous regions were identified. The temperature trend and the significance test of its changes were performed using the Mann-Kendall statistical and graphics method. Using the correlation and multiple regressions, the equation governing the status of the process of temperature changes in each of the Middle East countries was calculated and analyzed. Eventually, Using GIS, the results of climate change were prepared and analyzed in form of illustrative maps. The results of the study showed that over the past half-century, both the western wind wave has been displaced by 2.5 degrees to higher geographic latitudes, and the frequency and the trough axis of the western winds ridge affecting the Middle East region have changed. Following these changes, isothermal lines of all Middle Eastern countries rose by 1.5 to 2.5 centigrade during the winter rainfall. From south to north-east of the region, the isothermal lines have moved from 250 to 150 kilometers to higher latitudes respectively. The most significant increase in temperature was in February, and in southern Iran, Iraq, and Syria, temperatures have risen more than other regions.
Biography:
Abstract:
The Middle East region is located in the world's dry belt is among the vast and strategic parts of the world, whose water resources, agriculture and vegetation are gradually deteriorating. Since most environmental characteristics are directly or indirectly explained in relation to topographic changes of atmospheric pressure levels (500 HPa), the study of the main causes of climate change in the Middle East region is of particular importance. For this purpose, first, the altitude data of contour 500 HPa of the atmosphere and the temperatures of January and February for the past half-century (1968-2017) for a range of studies with dimensions of 25-77.5 degrees longitude and of 10-45 degrees latitude were taken and summarized from the NCEP/NCAR. Using factor analysis and clustering, homogeneous regions were identified. The temperature trend and the significance test of its changes were performed using the Mann-Kendall statistical and graphics method. Using the correlation and multiple regressions, the equation governing the status of the process of temperature changes in each of the Middle East countries was calculated and analyzed. Eventually, Using GIS, the results of climate change were prepared and analyzed in form of illustrative maps. The results of the study showed that over the past half-century, both the western wind wave has been displaced by 2.5 degrees to higher geographic latitudes, and the frequency and the trough axis of the western winds ridge affecting the Middle East region have changed. Following these changes, isothermal lines of all Middle Eastern countries rose by 1.5 to 2.5 centigrade during the winter rainfall. From south to north-east of the region, the isothermal lines have moved from 250 to 150 kilometers to higher latitudes respectively. The most significant increase in temperature was in February, and in southern Iran, Iraq, and Syria, temperatures have risen more than other regions.
Karim Hassanzeraat
A.S. Tabriz University, Iran
Title: The study of topographic changes of the middle levels of the atmosphere and its effect on the heat increase in the Middle East
Biography:
Abstract:
The Middle East region is located in the world's dry belt is among the vast and strategic parts of the world, whose water resources, agriculture and vegetation are gradually deteriorating. Since most environmental characteristics are directly or indirectly explained in relation to topographic changes of atmospheric pressure levels (500 HPa), the study of the main causes of climate change in the Middle East region is of particular importance. For this purpose, first, the altitude data of contour 500 HPa of the atmosphere and the temperatures of January and February for the past half-century (1968-2017) for a range of studies with dimensions of 25-77.5 degrees longitude and of 10-45 degrees latitude were taken and summarized from the NCEP/NCAR. Using factor analysis and clustering, homogeneous regions were identified. The temperature trend and the significance test of its changes were performed using the Mann-Kendall statistical and graphics method. Using the correlation and multiple regressions, the equation governing the status of the process of temperature changes in each of the Middle East countries was calculated and analyzed. Eventually, Using GIS, the results of climate change were prepared and analyzed in form of illustrative maps. The results of the study showed that over the past half-century, both the western wind wave has been displaced by 2.5 degrees to higher geographic latitudes, and the frequency and the trough axis of the western winds ridge affecting the Middle East region have changed. Following these changes, isothermal lines of all Middle Eastern countries rose by 1.5 to 2.5 centigrade during the winter rainfall. From south to north-east of the region, the isothermal lines have moved from 250 to 150 kilometers to higher latitudes respectively. The most significant increase in temperature was in February, and in southern Iran, Iraq, and Syria, temperatures have risen more than other regions.
- Solid Waste Management | E waste Recycling | Agriculture Waste Recycling | Industrial Waste Recycling | Plastic Recycling | Waste Management & Treatment | Fossil Fuels and Energy | Climate Change | Greenhouse Effect | Atmospheric Chemistry | Ecosystem, Natural Hazards | Deforestation, Pollution
Location: Douglas Fir Ballroom B
Chair
Brigitte Wabuyabo-Okonga M
KCA University, Kenya
Co-Chair
Mehul Patel
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, India
Session Introduction
Nader Parvin
Payame Noor University, Iran
Title: The study of topographic changes of the middle levels of the atmosphere and its effect on the heat increase in the Middle East
Biography:
Nader Parvin has obtained his expertise in environmental studies from the Kharazmi National University in Tehran. Their research topics are related to natural disasters, especially droughts, floods, hail, severe storms, wind and solar energy in relation to the western winds of the middle atmosphere and their direct impact on environmental conditions.
Abstract:
The Middle East region is located in the world's dry belt is among the vast and strategic parts of the world, whose water resources, agriculture and vegetation are gradually deteriorating. Since most environmental characteristics are directly or indirectly explained in relation to topographic changes of atmospheric pressure levels (500 HPa), the study of the main causes of climate change in the Middle East region is of particular importance. For this purpose, first, the altitude data of contour 500 HPa of the atmosphere and the temperatures of January and February for the past half-century (1968-2017) for a range of studies with dimensions of 25-77.5 degrees longitude and of 10-45 degrees latitude were taken and summarized from the NCEP/ NCAR. Using factor analysis and clustering, homogeneous regions were identified. The temperature trend and the significance test of its changes were performed using the Mann-Kendall statistical and graphics method. Using the correlation and multiple regressions, the equation governing the status of the process of temperature changes in each of the Middle East countries was calculated and analyzed. Eventually, Using GIS, the results of climate change were prepared and analyzed in form of illustrative maps. The results of the study showed that over the past half-century, both the western wind wave has been displaced by 2.5 degrees to higher geographic latitudes, and the frequency and the trough axis of the western winds ridge affecting the Middle East region have changed. Following these changes, isothermal lines of all Middle Eastern countries rose by 1.5 to 2.5 centigrade during the winter rainfall. From south to north-east of the region, the isothermal lines have moved from 250 to 150 kilometers to higher latitudes respectively. The most significant increase in temperature was in February, and in southern Iran, Iraq, and Syria, temperatures have risen more than other regions.
Biography:
Anahita Rabii is a 4th year PhD candidate in civil engineering at Ryerson University. She has her expertise in water and wastewater treatment technologies, pollution monitoring and control, and resource recovery through working in both industry and academia. She is currently conducting her research on developing a
model for anaerobic digestion of multi feedstocks. Various waste materials can be utilized as feedstocks for digesters. Anaerobic digestion is able to produce biogas
comprised mostly of methane which provides a renewable energy source.
Abstract:
Waste generation and energy crisis are among the most important global issues. Municipalities are facing increasing challenges regarding management and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) which includes a range of organic and inorganic materials. Source Separated Organic Waste (SSO) refers to the combination of the MSW organic fraction from residences, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sector. According to Environment Canada, almost 40% of residential waste consists of organic waste. Municipalities are not able to achieve diversion targets above 50% without establishing residential organics collection program. On the other side, sludge handling is responsible for the major fraction of the operating costs of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been in consideration as a sustainable option for waste management and for being a renewable energy source. AD technologies have shown adaptability to a range of different feedstocks. Various sources of waste such as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, agricultural waste, animal wastes, and sewage sludge can be utilized as feedstocks to digesters. Anaerobic co-digestion, which entails the simultaneous digestion of two or more feedstocks has shown to be beneficial for its economic viability, increasing methane yields, and its capability to alleviate some of the problems emerging in mono-digestion. This research was aimed to investigate biomethane production from anaerobic co-digestion of SSO and Thickened Waste Activated Sludge (TWAS) via BMP assay. Co-digestion of TWAS and SSO was conducted at different mixture ratios in mesophilic condition. The results indicated that co-digestion of TWAS/ SSO at the mixture ratio of 1:9 resulted in 70% and 38% cumulative methane increase compared to conventional digestion of TWAS and SSO alone respectively. The maximum methane yield of 216mL CH4/gTCOD added was obtained by TWAS/SSO co-digestion at the mixture ratio of 1/9.
Nasrin Sultana
Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh
Title: Plastic recycling in Bangladesh
Biography:
Nasrin Sultana, System Analyst of Bangladesh Water Development Board, Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of Bangladesh, has her expertise in ICT, human resource management, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Gender Equity issues. She has to maintain personnel Management and Information Service, Recruitment and Promotion of officers and employees. She maintains Personal Data of 7558 male and female employees of BWDB. She also maintains necessary databases of flood control, river erosion, losses of properties due to the flood, adverse effects and flood and other natural disaster-related databases. She is also discharging the environment pollution and climate change issues, especially the environment pollution due to old and useless plastic materials. She is monitoring gender-related activities. Also, supervise the Gender Equity Committee since 2014. She has to organize training for female WMG members. Focal Point of e-filing of Bangladesh Water Development Board. Former resource person of ‘Gender Equity Strategy Action Plan’ of ADP Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Plastic recycling is a livelihood for the marginalized society in Bangladesh. Plastics are cheap, durable and lightweight materials. It meets the domestic demand in Bangladesh as well as some products are exported. The plastic industry has emerged as an important industrial sector in Bangladesh during the last three decades. At present, there are 5000 plastic manufacturing units, 95% of which belong to the Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Domestic market size is Tk 10,300 crore (US$ 1425 million). Per capita consumption of plastics in Bangladesh is 5kg per year. The Plastic sector constitutes 1.0 of GDP and provides employment for half a million people. Total export earnings for both direct and deem (RMG accessories) export is about the US $ 537 million. The availability of cheap labor and the fast developing plastic waste recycling industry, provide Bangladesh potential advantage of competitiveness in the global market. It is observed that a major portion of plastic produced each year is used to make disposable items of packaging and other short-lived products that are discarded within a year of manufacture. So our current use of plastic is not sustainable. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce these impacts and represents one of the most dynamic areas in the plastics industry today. Recycling provides opportunities to reduce oil usage, carbon-dioxide emissions and the quantities of waste requiring disposal. Recycling of packaging materials has seen rapid expansion over the last decades in a number of countries. Advances in technologies and systems for the collection, sorting and reprocessing of recyclable plastics are creating new opportunities for recycling and with the concerted efforts of the people, industry, and government. A thorough analysis of the relevant issues using Triple Triangle Framework (TTF) model helps to understand the competitive dynamics of the Bangladesh SME Plastic industry.
Ikenna Eric Onuegbu
Green World Trade, Namibia
Title: Challenges of sustainable solid waste management in developing countries (Case Study: Windhoek, Namibia)
Biography:
Eric Ikenna Onuegbu is a solid waste consultant and a profound business tycoon that deals with tire importation and tire recycling. He has done a series of research and consultancy on solid waste management. He has Masters of Philosophy in Geography where did his thesis on “Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries: Lessons learned from Malaysia and Nigeria” and have several papers on waste management that has presented in many international conferences. He is currently doing research on “Challenges of Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries: Case study-Windhoek, Namibia)”. His approach is that the Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) should be adopted in developing countries to combat waste management menace.
Abstract:
The handling of wastes is an eternal problem; all societies are confronted with this issue. Their origins are very diverse, they could come from industrial activities, power production, shops, retail or household for instance including medical institutions. While in developed countries the collection is generally efficient and the disposal is safe, but the situation in developing countries is different. The municipal budget does not allow the construction of advanced and expensive methods of disposal and the collection suffer from the age of vehicles. This generalization is nevertheless not totally true as the situation extremely depends on the country but also of the city considered. Each city will need to adapt its waste management according to its size, climate, wealth, culture, development, industrialization etc. This report will focus on the capital city of Namibia called Windhoek City. The aim is to be able to draw a clear picture of the waste management currently achieved. When the situation is well known, new directions to make Windhoek refuse management more sustainable can be decided. Implementing progressively an integrated waste management system (IWMS) is a solution to the waste problem as it is considering economic, social and environmental impacts. A waste characterization was done in order to know the exact amount and composition of the waste generated in Windhoek to implement afterwards the most suitable solution. The refuse of Windhoek is surprisingly very similar to a high-income country. Moreover, the stakeholders involved in recycling were investigated. A small informal sector is already making a living by recycling a few materials as hospital waste and some medical materials like medicinal bottles, glass bottle, and cans. There is also a possibility to include extra stakeholder in the recycling process in Windhoek. Recycling companies, recycling organization or investors are also important stakeholders who can be included in Windhoek recycling plan. Developing recycling in Windhoek is facing some challenges but it is also full of opportunities. The main issue when it comes to recycling in Namibia is the long transportation distances what makes it expensive. Furthermore, most of the recovered materials have to be sent to South Africa because Namibia does not possess the necessary industries to recycle hospital, medical materials, paper and glass for instance. On another hand the presence in Windhoek of a small informal sector already working with waste is promising. The workers could be more organized and the municipality can also help them with logistic and storage to improve the recycling done. The dump site will also be closed within the next years and a new sanitary landfill will be open. It will be a great opportunity to implement a recycling facility on site. Informal workers working on the landfill will be more controlled, to avoid for instance children labor. Some stricter health and safety measure can be decided, to give better working condition to the informal manpower. The development of recycling activities in Tsumeb will be highly beneficial to the community. It will create jobs for the poorest part of the population, decrease the cost of waste management, reduce pollution and stimulate the local economy
Mohamed Aboughaly
University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada
Title: Technological aspects for thermal plasma treatment of municipal solid waste using pyrolysis and gasification
Biography:
Mohamed Aboughaly graduated from University Technology Petronas with first class honors in 2012 followed by 3 years industrial experience at mega-projects as a process engineer including petrochemical 400 KTA LLDPE/HDPE chemical plant, 100 tpd LDAN (Low-density ammonium nitrate) chemical plant and 100 tpd MIDOR oil refinery chemical plant followed by MASc Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in 2017 and working as a quality control engineer at Haremar Plastics Manufacturing, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Municipal solid waste has various chemical compositions which vary from region to region whereas developed countries with wealthier population show higher inorganic material content such as plastic wastes, paper, electronic wastes and metals (B Ruj 2014). Thermal plasma pyrolysis and gasification have been in active development due to high volume reduction capabilities, increase in reactivity and temperature control. RF thermal plasma specifically has major advantages such as large plasma volume, higher thermal plasma purity and efficient delivery of heat energy which enhances chemical and physical changes in solid waste (H Huang 2007). Conventional MSW pyrolysis and gasification have some process limitations which are enhanced by thermal plasma such as syngas purity, energy efficiency, product yield and temperature control (F Fabry 2013). Added to that, thermal plasma accelerates reaction kinetics for both pyrolysis and gasification and thermally crack impurities at high temperatures. On the thermal aspect, thermal plasma provides an advantage of temperature control over current which makes the process independent of the oxidizing ratio and the nature of the plasma medium (F Fabry 2013). Gasification reactions are heterogeneous equilibrium reactions carried in updraft/downdraft or fluidized bed reactors in limited oxygen supply at 1100°C to 1300°C. Therefore, plasma pyrolysis and gasification are acknowledged as a novel technology with the potential to improve chemical recycling through faster heating rates of reaction particles, rapid heat and mass exchange as well as eliminate landfilling and incineration (L Tang 2013). Incineration has very low thermal efficiency up to 40% and highest CO2 and NO2 emissions as well as high cost of emission control (VV Sergeev 2016). On the contrary, pyrolysis has the highest thermal efficiency of 90% followed by plasma gasification which can reach up to 85%.
Mei Liu
Tohoku University, Japan
Title: Recycling of mine waste sludge to produce multifunctional ceramic
Biography:
Mei Liu is currently a third-year PhD student in Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University. She received her MS degree on Environmental Science and Engineering from School of Environment, Tsinghua University in 2006. Then she worked as a teacher in the School of Material Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. She was promoted to a Lecturer in 2008, and Director of Teaching and Research Section of Environmental Engineering in 2013. Her research interests focus on the preparation, characterization, and application of functional materials for environmental pollution control and recycling of solid waste in the production of functional ceramics.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Mine waste sludge is usually generated from a lime neutralization process of acid mine drainage, which formed both at active and abandoned mines. At present, a few investigations on reusability of mine waste sludge have been reported. The environmental and economic problems of sludge disposal at mine sites lead to the need of new technologies for the sludge recycling.
Methodology: In this study, we recycled mine waste sludge, which was sampled from two abandoned Japanese mines, to produce multifunctional M-type hexagonal ferrite ceramic by a solid-state reaction with the addition of a small amount of barium carbonate.
Findings: The result of X-ray diffraction shows M-type hexagonal ferrite can be obtained when the addition of mine waste sludge is up to 90% (mass%). Impurities in the sludge result in second phases such as crystalline aluminosilicates and amorphous phases in calcined products. An increase in formation temperature of M-type hexagonal ferrite is observed in the case of addition of sludge with higher sulfur content. Furthermore, we think the impurities are responsible for a decrease in melting point, which lead to different microstructure between products from sludge and those from pure chemicals.
Conclusion & Significance: The mine waste sludge can be recycled to produce value-added M-type hexagonal ferrite ceramics which have an abroad range of applications. In addition, our study provides a fundamental understanding of how mine waste sludge works in M-type hexagonal ferrites production
Saida Tayibi
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
Title: Production of activated biochar from Moroccan macro-algae residues
Biography:
Saida Tayibi obtained her Master's degree in physic-chemistry of materials. Now, she is a PhD student at SupAgro Montpellier-France. Her thesis subject represents
a part of project ATLASS in collaboration with SupAgro & INRA-Montpellier, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University-Benguerir, and APESA-Pau.
Abstract:
Sustainable conversion methods of organic industrial residues for producing new low cost activated/unactivated biochar,which have received more attention in recent years. Those processes and conversion methods were not only used for producing biochars but also, due to their huge positive benefits on environment protection and remediation, could contribute to minimize the number of industrial residues. Slow pyrolysis, which is one of the most conventional types of pyrolysis that has been used for thousands of years primarily for the biochar production, represents an efficient solution to convert these residues to valued bio-products. In the remediation field, activated biochars produced from organic waste have proved the ability to remove many kinds of micropollutants and they showed good results by comparing to commercial activated charcoal. In this study, the production of activated biochars was carried out using a one-pot activation/pyrolysis method with different type of chemical agents and pyrolyzed at 2 different temperatures. The solutions of chemical agents were proceeded on raw macroalgae residue using a simple spry system, unlike activation baths that require large volumes of chemical solutions. All the unactivated/ activated biochars were analyzed and characterized by different methods and analysis technics (CHNS, HPLC, FTIR, SEM, EDS, zeta potential After that adsorption experiments using methylene blue as micropollutants in aqueous medium were realized to evaluate the removal efficiencies of produced biochars. The results showed that biochars activated by alkaline agents gave high removal efficiencies: they range between 87 to 91.47% compared to 97.78% with commercial activated charcoal
Mbah Robert Achu
Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Cameroon
Title: Challenges and problems of plastic waste management in the city of Douala, Cameroon
Biography:
Mbah Robert Achu completed his MSc in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Buea in 2010 with 02 papers co-published. Inspector in the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Cameroon since 2011
Abstract:
A large amount of municipal solid waste that is being generated within the City of Douala from sources such as markets, households, provision stores, supermarkets, drinking spots etc. is left generally unmanaged. The waste collection and disposal company, Société Hygiene et Salubrité du Cameroun (HYSACAM), does not contend with the amount of waste generated per day, as a result, garbage is scattered. These areas produce not only a large quantity of solid waste but also generate different types of waste. Thus requiring different strategies in their proper management, in order to avoid the detrimental effects, it could have on human health and safety and the environment as a whole. This paper presents the challenges and problems associated with managing plastic waste generated by the City of Douala. Several methods were used to conduct this study including questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations. The results of the study shows 1,409,404 tons of municipal waste was collected by HYSACAM in 2017, with 422,821 tons as plastic waste. The study also revealed several shortcomings in connection with the plastic waste management in the City including low-level awareness in waste management processes, poor collection and transportation facilities, open dump site, insufficient collection frequency of solid waste, insufficient plastic waste recycling companies, lack of ready markets for recycled materials and lack of incentives. This study proposes several methods to improve solid waste management starting with the provision of adequate dustbins, facilitate sorting at the source, and also including an increase of collection frequency, increasing public awareness, the involvement of private sector. The logical conclusion is that all the solid waste collected be valorized.
P V V Prasada Rao
Andhra University, India
Title: Maize corn cob as an adsorbent for the removal of Cd (II) from aqueous solutions
Biography:
P V V Prasada Rao worked on Pollution Analysis, Remediation of wastes, Microbial ecology, Vegetation studies and also on Environmental Impact Assessment. At present, he is involved in the Apportioning of Particulate Matter in ambient air of Visakhapatnam, an important city in Southern India. He developed low-cost methodologies for the removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents. He also worked on biodegradation of plastics, bio removal of fluoride in groundwater and climate change studies. At present, he is working on the development of silver nanoparticles for addressing pollutants in aqueous solutions. A good number of students are benefitted by the research studies. He had published more than 60 scientific papers in both national and international journals. He is at present working as a senior professor in the Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India.
Abstract:
Biomaterials are gaining importance as inexpensive adsorbents for removing pollutants, especially heavy metals, from aqueous solutions. Cadmium has been one of the major pollutants in the waters of small foundries and is often released before effective treatment. This paper proposes an inexpensive adsorption based removal of Cd (II) for these foundries using Maize Corn Cob (MCC) as an adsorbent. MCC is an abundant agricultural waste in most parts of India and easily available at very low prices. The dried raw MCC was pulverized and was investigated for its adsorption properties and tested for the removal of Cd (II) from aqueous solutions using different sets of experimental variables. Adsorption of Cd (II) on MCC was found to be dependent on contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration of metal ion (adsorbate). Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 6.0. Among the different sets of experimentation, maximum adsorption was found with an adsorbent particle
size of 0.21mm and the pH of the aqueous solution at 6.0 with Cd (II) concentration of 200mg/l. 200mg of Maize corn cob has the potential to reduce Cd (II) concentration to 1mg from 50ml aqueous solution containing 10mg of Cd (II) with a contact time of 70 minutes. The results of the study reveal that Maize Corn Cob (MCC) can be effectively used for Cd (II) removal in the foundry effluent waters, by optimizing the technique in the field trials.