Investigation on the Background Radiation of Abakaliki Rice Mill in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study investigated the background ionizing radiation of Abakaliki rice mills. The requirement to monitor this site is because the prevalent activities in the site suggest that it is a source of ionizing radiation. The activities include fuel stations and excavation sites. Other sources are various chemicals and agrochemicals (like Phosphate, Uranium, Thorium, and Radium) used during the planting of the different rice species. There is, therefore, an urgent need to investigate the radiation level of Abakaliki rice mills in Ebonyi state, Nigeria to ascertain if it has passed the safety standards. The investigation was carried out using the Radalert 100 radiation monitor and a geographical positioning system (Garmin GPSMAP 765). The studied site was split into different points with each representing a mill that houses different grinding plants. This study included all the sections of the mill. The mean background radiation exposure rate ranges from 0.014mRhr-1to 0.0204mRhr-1. The obtained values are higher than the world standard limit of 0.013mRhr-1 recommended by ICRP except point 7 which corresponds to the top of the rice husk dumpsite. The calculated absorbed dose rates for the various sections of the mill ranged from 99.18 nGh-1 to 177.48 nGyh-1. These values of absorbed dose rates were observed to be far higher than the world permissible value of 89 nGyh-1. The annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) for the exposure values ranged from 0.122 mSvy-1 to 0.218 mSvy-1 which are far lower than the ICRP permissible limits of 1.00 mSvlyr for the public and therefore implies absence of any immediate radiological risk. The excess lifetime cancer risk for the mill users were all above the 0.29 × 10-3 world recommended value. This suggests a possibility of the rice mill workers developing radiation-related illnesses over time

Sustainable Non-Motorized Transport for Ga- Rankuwa and Rosslyn Transport Corridor, City of Tshwane, South Africa

A sustainable transportation system is safe, affordable and accessible. It connects different modes of transportation in order to achieve efficient movement. A sustainable transport system is one that is economical and friendly to the environment. All trips in private and public transport begin and end with walking. Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) plays a key role in completion of any journey from origin to destination. However, this mode of transport is not used optimally to enhance sustainable transport, especially where public transport is concerned. The main objective of the research was to evaluate an optimal combination of transport modes for trips made by BMW employees residing in Ga-Rankuwa north of Pretoria, in order to reduce cost of transport. The travel behaviour of BMW employees was investigated by first studying secondary data on the Municipal Household Survey (MHS) and Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) of Tshwane City. The secondary data was supplemented with primary data which was sourced by interviewing the BMW’s human resources department and conducting trip studies between Rosslyn and Ga-Rankuwa. The trip pattern of workers of BMW was evaluated to know the origin-destination, journey period and transportation cost of the trips. The movement patterns of the BMW workers were grouped into four categories. The patterns were subjected to optimization using linear programming which included the subsisting movement pattern. The trip patterns developed were based on relevant literature. The BMW workers’ movement from home to work was optimized. Their movement to work constituted a transportation challenge or problem; and was solved using simplex technique, a linear programming approach. The model was subjected to a sensitivity analysis and the results were analysed. It was found that the most patronized transportation mode for the trips between Rosslyn and Ga-Rankuwa was taxi. It was further discovered that BMW workers expended R18.47 averagely on movement from home to work through taxis. The recognition of cycling, a means of movement within short distances, allows for additional trip patterns as available options for commuters. The integration of cycling as a feeder system to trains resulted in 36% trip cost reduction for the commuters. The research revealed that while less than 45% of the employees may continue to use the present scenario, more than 55% of the employees may use a combination of cycling and trains. The study suggested that similar work should be done to cover other economic and important routes in order to encourage the use of cycling as a link to other transportation modes in other industrial areas of the City of Tshwan

PERVIOUS PAVEMENTS FOR STORM WATER CONTROL

and to recharge underground aquifer. It could also be used to trap solids and keep pollutants from contaminating the water stream. This review of literature examines existing studies methodologies, technologies, advantages and drawbacks on the use of pervious pavement for stormwater control and aquifer recharge. The result of the review revealed that cement content, water-cement ratio and compaction level affect the mechanical strength of pervious concrete in rigid pavement construction. Due to the complex nature pervious properties of this concrete. Pervious concrete requires stricter quality control of the concrete mixture proportioning as compared with the conventional concrete as there are no standard specification for testing. Surface sweeping method of pore-clogging removal was ineffective in the improvement of the hydraulic conductivity of pervious pavements, as it can only help in the removal of surface debris and not sediments removal from deep voids. The development of this pavement is a positive way forward for stormwater management and aquifer recharge. It is a viable technology in the reduction of stormwater runoff and the concentration of pollutants

Assessment of the Engineering Properties of Modified Asphalt Using Aluminium Dross as a Filler.

Aluminum dross waste creates environmental burden for manufacturers and hence the need for its re-use. This experimental research assessed the engineering properties of modified asphalt using aluminium dross as a filer material. The aluminium dross used was obtained from a steel manufacturing industry. Elemental composition of the oxides was done using XRF equipment. Sieve analysis of the aluminium dross and the coarse aggregate was also assessed. Additionally, ductility, penetration, ball and ring and Marshall stability test were used in achieving the aim of this research. The outcome of the research revealed that 10-20% addition of the aluminium dross improved the stability of the modified asphalt. Physical observation revealed that the utilization of the waste stiffened the modified asphalt. The result showed that the addition of aluminium dross reduced the VMA. This will also increase the asphalt mix flushing. Additionally, at higher percentage addition of the waste the stiffness of the asphalt mix increases especially at a higher temperature. The use of this material will help in the reduction of solid waste and reduce the cost of management while reducing the cost of pavement construction in track with the trash to treasure drive