Assessing the Removal of Turbidity and Coliform Transport through Canal-Bed Sediment at Lab-Scale: Column Experiments

This study was conducted at lab scale to determine the performance of the canal-bed for the removal of turbidity and microorganisms TC (Total Coliforms) from surface water. The canal-bed sediments were collected and analyzed for the characteristics of sediments for grain size distribution, hydraulic conductivity and the POM (Particulate Organic Matter) percent. Canal-bed sediments were containing fine particles less than 0.075mm in the range of 40-58%, with hydraulic conductivity averaged 7ft/day, and the POM 2.75%. The water samples collected from the canal-water have shown average POM 3.6%. Theremoval-reduction in turbidity and TC were determined through the column experiments on the canal-bed sediments. Three columns were prepared at lab-scale by using prepared canal-bed sediment as a filter-bed in the columns for the filtration of raw water samples. Fine particles of the canal-bed grain size D10 0.2 and D10 0.1mm were selected for the filter-bed formation. The prepared concentrated and diluted influent water samples containing turbidity and TC were passed through the washed filter-bed into the columns for 8-weeks filter run. The frequency of sampling and analysis were followedafter the interval of one-week run, the influent (raw water) and effluent (filtered) water samples were collected and analyzed for the turbidity and TC concentrations. The performance of the grain size D10 0.1mm have shown 95-99.95% reduction in turbidity and TC compared to the larger grain size having D10 0.2mm particles

Anaerobic Biodegradability and Methane Potential of Crop Residue Co-Digested with Buffalo Dung

ABD (Anaerobic Biodegradability) and BMP (Biochemical Methane Potential) of banana plant waste, canola straw, cotton stalks, rice straw, sugarcane trash and wheat straw co-digested with buffalo dung was evaluated through AMPTS (Automatic Methane Potential Test System). The substrates were analyzed for moisture, TS (Total Solids) and VS (Volatile Solids), ultimate analysis (CHONS), pH and TA (Total Alkalinity). The BMPobserved during incubation of 30 days at the temperature of 37±0.2°C was 322 Nml CH4/g VSadd for wheat straw followed by 260, 170, 149, 142 and 138 Nml CH4/gVSadd for canola straw, rice straw, cotton stalks, banana plant waste and sugarcane trash respectively, whereas the maximum theoretical BMP was 481 Nml CH4/gVSadd for cotton stalks, followed by 473, 473, 446, 432 and 385 Nml CH4/gVSadd for wheat straw, banana plant waste, canola straw, rice straw and sugarcane trash respectively. The percentage ABD values were in the range of 68-30%. In addition to this, the effect of lignin content in the crop residue was evaluated on the ABD. The results of this study indicate that, the co-digestion of the crop residues with buffalo dung is feasible for production of renewable methan

A Comprehensive Literature Review of Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass for Syngas Production and Associated Challenge

The interest in the thermochemical conversion of biomass for producer gas production since last decade has increased because of the growing attention to the application of sustainable energy resources. Application of biomass resources is a valid alternative to fossil fuels as it is a renewable energy source. The valuable gaseous product obtained through thermochemical conversion of organic material is syngas, whereas the solid product obtained is char. This review deals with the state of the art of biomass gasification technologies and the quality of syngas gathered through the application of different gasifiers along with the effect of different operating parameters on the quality of producer gas. Main steps in gasification process including drying, oxidation, pyrolysis and reduction effects on syngas production and quality are presented in this review. An overview of various types of gasifiers used in lignocellulosic biomass gasification processes, fixed bed and fluidized bed and entrained flow gasifiers are discussed. The effects of various process parameters such as particle size, steam and biomass ratio, equivalence ratio, effects of temperature, pressure and gasifying agents are discussed. Depending on the priorities of several researchers, the optimum value of different anticipated productivities in the gasification process comprising better quality syngas production improved lower heating value, higher syngas production, improved cold gas efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency, production of char and tar have been reviewed

Bi2O3/Nylon multilayered nanocomposite membrane for the photocatalytic inactivation of waterborne pathogens and degradation of mixed organic pollutants

Worldwide there is an increasing demand for clean water and sanitation systems and any different solutions are under evaluation, including advanced oxidation processes such as photocatalysis. This work describes the scalable synthesis process of an electrospun composite membrane made of Nylon and embedded α/β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles that can be activated by visible light instead of UV light typically used with other nanomaterials (e.g. TiO2). As a proof of concept, the efficacy of the α/β-Bi2O3 electrospun composite membrane in the visible light inactivation of pollutants and pathogens was demonstrated in a Continuous-flow Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor, highlighting the great potential of this advanced photocatalytic process for clean water and sanitation

Photocatalytic Denitrification of Nitrate Using Fe-TiO2-Coated Clay Filters

In this work, 3D-structured clay filters were prepared and coated with iron-doped tita- nium dioxide (Fe-TiO2) using 3D printing and sol–gel soaking and calcination techniques. Three- dimensional printing was employed to mold and shape the clay filters before annealing. The coated and uncoated filters were characterized for different properties, i.e., morphology, optical properties, and crystalline structure, using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV/Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FESEM images show uniform coatings of round-shaped Fe-TiO2 on the tiny pore of the clay filter. The optical energy band gap of the obtained coating was around 2.8 eV, estimated by Tauc’s plot, compared with 3.2 eV of pristine anatase TiO2. The XRD spectra data processed through XRD software revealed the coatings of TiO2 on the filter surface with the obtained phase of anatase. The photocatalytic performance of bare and coated filters was initially tested for the degradation of indigo carmine (IC) dye and the obtained results suggested the photocatalytic degradation of IC dye by the Fe-TiO2 clay filter compared with the bare filter. Afterward, the deni- trification of nitrate NO3 at various concentrations was performed using Fe-TiO2-coated clay filters and analyzing the total nitrogen (TN) analysis and reduction of NO3 to nitrite (NO2−), nitrogen monoxide (NO), and nitrogen gas (N2). The TN analysis revealed up to 81% denitrification efficiency of the 30 ppm NO3 solution with the photocatalytic response of the Fe-TiO2-coated filter. The results revealed that the Fe-TiO2-coated clay filter has a high potential for denitrification applications under natural sunlight

Health and Safety Assessment in Lakhra Coal Mines and Its Mitigation Measures

oai:ojs.localhost:article/200The coal mine excavation, transportation and coal cutting process are involved in hazards and risks that can result in fatalities, injuries and diseases, if these are not properly managed. This study has been undertaken for assessment of the safety and health issues amongst the mines workers. Convenience sampling technique was exercised upon 97 mine workers and interviewed with the help of set questionnaire. Personnel protection to workplace environment was monitored by using physical observation and scientific analysis. All parameters were measured against national and international protocols pertaining to labor law at coal mines. It has been determined that very high risk was persisting while mine excavation, coal cutting and transportation processes. Previous record of last five years was suggesting that 04 deaths happened due to roof fall, 03 fatalities occurred through suffocation by inhaling toxic gases, one causality happened via rope haulage pulley, and also one death due to stone fall down from mine shaft. 121 workers injured in different kinds of accidents within five years. It has been learnt from in-depth analysis that maximum of health risk and subsequent health damages are triggering due to lack of awareness, non-compliance of labor as well as mines laws. Thus, it is recommended that government should not allow coal mining contractors and companies, those which are failing in compliance with the suggested standards

Higher Education Capacity Building in Water Resources Engineering and Management to Support Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal for Water in Pakistan

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a multi‐pronged approach, with a key element being the development of a trained Community of Practice to sustain the advances in the relevant sectors. The engagement of higher education as a catalyst in the development and capacity building of the next generation of professionals and citizens comprising the Community of Practice is essential to meet the challenges of poverty, climate change, and clean water and to sustain those advances past 2030. This paper describes a capacity building program funded by the United States Agency for International Development to partner the University of Utah, in the United States, with Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, in Pakistan, to create the U.S.‐Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCASW). The USPCASW program includes six core components of Curriculum Reform, Applied Research, Exchanges and Training, Governance, Gender Equity, and Sustainability. This paper describes the project, the activities for each component, and the multi‐level assessment of the program, activities, and impact. The paper also highlights the overarching impact of the program and its alignment with achieving the Sustainable Development Goal for Water. Following the description of the program components and assessment, the paper concludes with a discussion of challenges and lessons learned

Assessment of a Peer Mentoring Program to Build Capacity for Course Development and Delivery

Building capacity in higher education in under-developed countries is critical for meeting many of the local development objectives. There have been numerous approaches to improve the abilities of professors to develop and deliver courses. Structured independent learning using published resources (e.g., books, online), workshops, seminars, and mentoring are among the most common. This paper describes a peer mentoring program to build capacity of professors in Pakistan teaching water resources and environmental engineering courses. The program is delivered remotely using an online learning management system, Canvas. The peer mentoring is conducted at weekly intervals with the structured learning facilitated through Canvas. Structured instruments guide mentor review and feedback on the creation of syllabus, lesson plans, learning activities, and assessments. The program has been delivered each semester since Fall 2015. This paper will present an assessment of the impact of the program on course development and delivery. Student evaluations, mentor reflections, and instructor reflections from 2.5 years of the program are analyzed to identify effective and ineffective program elements. Ideas for evolving the program to an autonomous course development and delivery mentoring available online were compiled and used to transition the program to one being made available through the Internet

Biohydrogen Production from Co-Digestion of High Carbohydrate Containing Food Waste and Combined Primary and Secondary Sewage Sludge

In this paper, FW (Food Waste) and SS (Sewage Sludge) were co-digested for biohydrogen production. After characterization both FW and SS were found as better option forbiohydrogen production. FW was rich in carbohydrate containing specially rice, which was added as more than 50% and easily hydrolyzable waste. FW is considered as an auxiliary substrate for biohydrogen production and high availability of carbohydrate in FW makes it an important substrate for the production of biohydrogen. On the contrary, SS was rich in protein and has a high pH buffering capacity, which makes it appropriate for codigestion. Adequate supplementation of inorganic salts, the addition of hydrogen producing inoculums, protein enrichment and pH buffering capacity of SS and carbohydrate content in FW increases the hydrogen production potential. Various experiments were performed by considering different mixing ratios like 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 of FW and SS. The 50:50 and 90:10 mixing ratio of FW and SS were found as best among all other co-digested ratios. The maximum specific hydrogenyield 106.7 mL/gVS added was obtained at a waste composition of 50:50 followed by 92.35 mL/gVSadded from 90:10 of FW to SS. The optimum pH and temperature for operating this process werein the range of 5.5-6.5 and 35°C. The production of clean energy and waste utilization in anaerobic co-digestion process makes biohydrogen generation a promising and novel approach to fulfilling the increasing energy needs as a substitute for fossil fuels

Preliminary Study of Greywater Treatment through Rotating Biological Contactor

The characteristics of the greywater vary from country to country and it depends upon the cultural and social behavior of the respective country. There was a considerable need to characterize and recycle the greywater. In this regard greywater was separated from the black water and analyzed for various physiochemical parameters. Among various greywater recycling treatment technologies, RBC (Rotating Biological Contactor) is more effective treatment technique in reducing COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and organic matters from the greywater. But this technology was not applied and tested in Pakistan. There was extensive need to investigate the RBC technology for greywater recycling at small scale before applying at mass scale. To treat the greywater, a single-stage RBC simulator was designed and developed at laboratory scale. An electric motor equipped with gear box to control the rotations of the disks was mounted on the tank. The simulator was run at the rate of 1.7 rpm. The disc area of the RBC was immersed about 40% in the greywater. Water samples were collected at each HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time) and analyzed for the parameters such as pH, conductivity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), salinity, BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD and suspended solids by using standard methods. The results are encouraging with percentage removal of BOD5 and COD being 53 and 60% respectively