Adsorption of Ammonia Nitrogen by using Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seeds: Batch and Fixed-bed Column Studies

The performance of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed adsorbent for ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) removal from aqueous solution was examined through batch and continuous bed column experiments. The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and lignin concentration on the adsorption process were evaluated. The results revealed that the adsorption performance gradually decreased from 26% upon addition of NaCl and lignin in the solution. Fixed bed column experiments showed that maximum removal of ammonia nitrogen was obtained at an influent concentration of 100 mg/L, bed height of 10 cm and lowest inlet flow rate of 17 mL/min. Meanwhile, desorption studies were carried out at different pH and highest desorption capacity of jackfruit seed adsorbent was 0.42 mg/g. This study suggests that jackfruit seed is a promising adsorbent for the recovery process of ammonia nitrogen

Investigating barriers that prevent students attaining their full potential during their degree

Social and economic barriers that students face during their studies can impact severely on their attainment and can be due to many factors. This study investigated how different socio-economic factors, with a focus on digital poverty and workspace availability may have affected students' attainment (during October 2021 - March 2022) at university post-COVID-19. Quantitative data collected during the first teaching block of the 2021-2022 academic year using specific questions in a paper-based questionnaire indicated that a good proportion of life science students did not have access to a home internet source (35%) or proper workspace facilities (34%) and had the requirement to work alongside their degree in order to fund their studies. In contrast to the lack of internet students experienced, many of the surveyed students did have access to a personal computer within their household. Possible reasons for some of the findings, and the implications of the findings, are discussed here

Fruit waste adsorbent for ammonia nitrogen removal from synthetic solution: isotherms and kinetics

In this study, four types of watermelon rind (WR) adsorbents; fresh WR, modified WR with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4) were used as a potential low-cost adsorbent to remove NH3-N from solution. The adsorption data were fitted with the adsorption isotherm and kinetic models to predict the mechanisms and kinetic characteristics of the adsorption process. The equilibrium data agreed well with Langmuir isotherm model with highest correlation (R2=1.00). As for kinetic modelling, the adsorption process follows pseudo-second order for all four types of adsorbents which has R2 value of 1.0 and calculated adsorption capacity, Qe of 1.2148mg/g. The calculated Qe for pseudo-second order has the smallest difference with the experimental Qe and thus suggest that this adsorption process is mainly governed by chemical process involving cations sharing or exchange between WR adsorbent and NH3-N in the solution

Staff and student perspectives of online teaching and learning : implications for belonging and engagement at university : a qualitative exploration

A sense of belonging within higher education (HE) enhances educational engagement and attainment. The rapid shift to online provision has implications for reducing students’ sense of belonging at university. We have previously shown that students consider belonging in HE to be important and that their personal sense of belonging was high. We also found that sense of belonging had elements of people and place: relationships with peers and staff were influential and the physical campus facilitated social relationships. In the first lockdown, we showed that sense of belonging in both staff and students at our large widening-participation London university was reduced. In this paper, we report on a continuing project to explore the impact of sustained provision of learning online, focusing on qualitative interviews carried out with forty-three students and twenty-three staff. Both groups identified advantages and disadvantages of online provision. Advantages included flexibility and accessibility, with savings – financial and time – owing to reduced commuting. However, both groups identified a negative impact on social relationships, student motivation and engagement. Future development of blended learning should be planned, supported and structured to optimise the benefits

Adsorption of ammonia nitrogen by jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seeds: Isotherms and kinetic modeling studies

Ammonia nitrogen (NH3 - N) is one of the common and toxic species of nitrogen and excess of it in waterway causes eutrophication, decreased in dissolved oxygen and toxic to aquatic organisms. This study aims to investigate the isotherm and kinetic modeling of adsorption of ammonia nitrogen from aqueous solution by using jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed. Batch equilibrium experiments were carried out at 60 minute of contact time with initial pH value of 7. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well with Langmuir model with correlation (R2) of 0.9809 and maximum monolayer adsorption capacitiy (Qe) of 3.94 mg/g. Meanwhile, the adsorption of NH3 - N follows pseudo second order with correlation (R2) values ranges from 0.62 to 0.96 for various concentrations. Besides, the adsorption capacity obtained from experiment also has the smallest difference with calculated adsorption capacity. This suggest that the adsorption is mainly governed by chemical process involving cations sharing or exchange between the adsorbent and NH3 - N in the solution. In conclusion, jackfruit seed can be used as adsorbent materials for ammonia nitrogen removal from aqueous solution

Adsorption of ammonia nitrogen by jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seeds: Isotherms and kinetic modeling studies

Ammonia nitrogen (NH3 - N) is one of the common and toxic species of nitrogen and excess of it in waterway causes eutrophication, decreased in dissolved oxygen and toxic to aquatic organisms. This study aims to investigate the isotherm and kinetic modeling of adsorption of ammonia nitrogen from aqueous solution by using jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed. Batch equilibrium experiments were carried out at 60 minute of contact time with initial pH value of 7. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well with Langmuir model with correlation (R2) of 0.9809 and maximum monolayer adsorption capacitiy (Qe) of 3.94 mg/g. Meanwhile, the adsorption of NH3 - N follows pseudo second order with correlation (R2) values ranges from 0.62 to 0.96 for various concentrations. Besides, the adsorption capacity obtained from experiment also has the smallest difference with calculated adsorption capacity. This suggest that the adsorption is mainly governed by chemical process involving cations sharing or exchange between the adsorbent and NH3 - N in the solution. In conclusion, jackfruit seed can be used as adsorbent materials for ammonia nitrogen removal from aqueous solution