Volume 25 - 2023

In the present study, nanocellulose was successfully extracted from durian husk via chemical treatment and then characterized by several analytical techniques, involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nanocellulose was obtained with a crystallinity index of 77% and in the form of cellulose nanofibrils (30 nm in width and micrometers in length). Using nanocellulose as a biosorbent in solid-phase extraction technique, the inorganic arsenic ions were eluted using 0.1 M HNO3 and its content in the eluate solution was quantified by hydride generation-flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-FAAS), in which the recovery of arsenic ions using nanocellulose were assessed via contact time, pH and dosage of sorbent, reaching the equilibrium after 30 minutes. With the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.41 ng mL-1, the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.38 ng mL-1 and the relative standard deviation of repeatability (%RSD) of 3.44% (with ten replicates) for arsenic determination, the present method was practiced with the trace inorganic arsenic quantification in real samples (fish sauce with various protein levels) with reliable spike recoveries.

Chromium (VI), a ubiquitous toxin, has been associated with several human cancer types as well as immunologic, cardiovascular, developmental, neurological, and endocrine disorders. The present study investigated the selective adsorption capacity and chromium (VI) removal ability of jackfruit leaf powder (JLP, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) in landfill leachate collected from eastern region of southern India. The efficiency of prepared JLP in removing chromium (VI) from landfill leachate was examined using a number of variables such as adsorbent dose, pH, and reaction time by employing the batch adsorption process. The maximum chromium removal efficiency was observed by increasing the adsorbent dose, pH, and reaction time, while the optimal dose of JLP, pH, and adsorption reaction time were found to be 0.5 g/L, pH 8, and 120 min, respectively. Batch adsorption process under optimal conditions showed adsorption capacity value of 0.19 mg/g and the chromium (VI) removal efficiency of 95%. The data were examined using kinetic and equilibrium models. The experimental data and the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics models were well-matched. The SEM and FT-IR of fresh and recovered JLP revealed similar surface morphology and functional characteristics, representing the active site present in the adsorbent (JLP) showing no significant change. We performed experiments on chromium (VI) recovery from the adsorbent that resulted in the higher recovery % of chromium (VI) with 0.5 M HCl (90%). The results suggest that JLP may be employed as a cost-effective bio-adsorbent for the removal of chromium (VI) from contaminated soil and water resources.

The use of Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) ash as a supplementary replacement for cement in paver block production presents a promising sustainable solution for the construction industry. PJ is an invasive plant species that poses significant environmental and socio-economic challenges in many regions. This research paper explores the feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating PJ ash as a supplementary cementitious material in paver blocks. The study investigates the mechanical, durability, and environmental aspects of the paver blocks with differing levels of PJ ash content. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of PJ ash in paver blocks not only diminish the environmental impact but also escalate their mechanical and durability properties. This research contributes to sustainable construction practices by promoting the utilization of waste materials and addressing the issues associated with invasive plant species. By weight of cement, PJ ash is utilised in quantities of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%. In this study, Prosopis Juliflora Ash (PJA), which has a specific gravity of 3.00 and a mean particle size of 35 micron, was utilised to partially replace cement. As a result, it can be concluded that the inclusion of PJ ash up to a certain replacement level (15%) can enhance the mechanical properties of the paver blocks. However, beyond this replacement level, a slight reduction in strength was observed. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanical properties of paver blocks incorporating PJ ash and emphasize its potential as a sustainable alternative in the construction industry

The primary aim of this research is to identify the best anaerobic digestion process yield for generating biogas from mixed food waste in the combination of cow manure. For the biogas generation experiment, certain biodegradable domestic organic wastes gathered from restaurants, waste storage facilities, the fruit-and-vegetable market and manure from cows. Organic waste collection; 38g of mixed food waste, cow dung waste and its mixture collected from Yaaballo town. To match the digester's input size and to make digestion easier, all wastes were broken down into little (5 mm) pieces by using a mortar and pestle. Organic materials were kept in plastic bags till anaerobic digestion got started. Because high temperatures stimulated the growth of methanogenic bacteria in the digester, the findings from the research indicated that Mixed Food Waste and Cow Dung Waste produced the most biogas (44ml) at 45⁰C in a short retention period. The temperature, PH, and retention time all significantly (P0.05) affect the production of biogas, according to the ANOVA results. It is possible to combine organic materials with equal amounts of high and low C:N ratios to get the ideal C:N ratios for digester use. The pH stability and increased methanogenic activities achieved by changing the C:N ratio of organic waste to provide the greatest biogas generation in Mixed Food Waste and Cow Dung Waste. For the best yield, the combination of diverse organic waste and the effects of various parameters on biogas production should be thoroughly studied.