Air quality modelling using chemometric techniques

The datasets of air quality parameters for three years (2012-2014) were applied. HACA gave the result of three different groups of similarity based on the characteristics of air quality parameters. DA shows all seven parameters (CO, O3, PM10, SO2, NOx, NO and NO2) gave the most significant variables after stepwise backward mode. PCA identifies the major source of air pollution is due to combustion of fossil fuels in motor vehicles and industrial activities. The ANN model shows a better prediction compared to the MLR model with R2 values equal to 0.819 and 0.773 respectively. This study presents that the chemometric techniques and modelling become an excellent tool in API assessment, air pollution source identification, apportionment and can be setbacks in designing an API monitoring network for effective air pollution resources management

Metal concentration at surface water using multivariate analysis and human health risk assessment

This study defined the concentration of metals in Kerteh and Paka River water and their potential health risk towards human. 54 water samples were collected and analyzed using ICP-OES. Results revealed that most of the stations in Kerteh River gave the higher concentration of Cd, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, As, Cr and Pb compared to Paka River. However As, Cr and Pb have exceeded the permissible limit of Malaysia standard for all stations in both rivers. Cd, Cu, Zn, Co and Ni were below than Malaysian standard permissible levels during the sampling period. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that both geogenic and anthropogenic sources were responsible to possible metals contamination in both rivers. Moreover, risk assessments for all metals were within the safe limits, except for As in the Kerteh River for both adult and child as well as to Paka River for both genders

Catalytic deoxygenation by H2-free single-step conversion of free fatty acid feedstock over a Co-Ag carbon-based catalyst for green diesel production

A family of activated carbon-supported Co-Ag catalysts, synthesised through incipient wetness impregnation, have been evaluated for the deoxygenation of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and inedible feedstocks (jatropha oil and waste cooking oil) to green diesel. High deoxygenation efficiency and conversion of PFAD to hydrocarbon liquid products through decarboxylation/decarbonylation (deCOx) is observed, with Co(10wt.%)-Ag(5− 20wt.%)/AC exhibiting the greatest hydrocarbon (C8–C20) fractions yield of 92 % and 95 % (C15+C17) selectivity after 120 min reaction at 350 ◦C. These results suggested the synergistic effect between the active metals, Co-Ag, and the activated carbon support, creating acid-base Bronsted ¨ sites, which significantly facilitated the selective deCOx pathway of the fatty acid. The catalyst Co(10wt.%)-Ag(10wt.%)/AC was capable of deoxygenation the PFAD over eight cycles. Thus, it can be believed a potentially promising catalyst for the production of green diesel, at the same time providing economic opportunities and added value to the palm oil industry