Application of Life Cycle Assessment Method for Environmental Impact Assessment of Fired Brick Production Plant in Thailand

In many Asian countries, fired bricks are produced by burning raw bricks in a rudimentary clamp kiln without pollution control mechanisms, a practice which contributes to several kinds of environmental impact. This research investigated the inputs and outputs associated with production of fired bricks using the rice husk-fuelled clamp kiln. Data collected included raw material use, energy, products, emissions and kiln temperatures. To quantify environmental impacts, the consequential-focused life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was adopted. The impacts were assessed in terms of fuel substitution as the acquisition of another fuel was required to substitute for electricity. The findings indicated that the clamp kiln technology produced low CO2 emissions per unit of production and per unit of energy input, despite poor specific energy consumption. The LCA analysis indicated that the use of rice husk was the major contributor to environmental impact, and that abiotic depletion of fossil fuels represented the environmental hotspot. To improve combustion efficiency, the clamp kilns should be either insulated or replaced with more efficient kiln technology, in conjunction with the use of rice husk

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Not AvailablePyrus pashia is considered as potential underutilized fruit crop for its taste, nutritive and market value. The study was conducted to find out variation among local genotypes of P. pashia in Khasi and Jaiòtia Hills of Meghalaya. Significant variation of physico-chemical characters of fruits was found among fruits of different genotypes (p d” 0.05). Fruit length ranged from 19.81 mm to 45.02 mm, fruit diameter (22.19-52.89 mm), fruit weight (5.69-71.21 g), pulp weight (3.80-42.96 g) and fruit volume (3.40-66.40 cc). While, irrespective of genotypes, fruit possessed eye basin and gritty pulp texture. Similarly, total soluble solids varies from 6.02 to 11.82%, titratable acidity (0.27-0.40%) and TSS:Titratable acidity (14.94-41.62). Peel a* value ranged from 9.74 to 17.54 in shoulder, 10.24-18.27 in middle and 9.53-17.28 in bottom portion of the fruit and seed weight ranging from 0.34 to 0.57 g. Genotype 3 showed promising for fruit dimension, fruit weight, pulp weight and fruit volume over other genotypes. Genotype–1 was found highest for TSS and minimum titratable acidity. Similarly, Genotype – 3 had appealing appearance as indicating by a* value. Therefore, variation observed might be useful for selection of promising genotypes and for inclusion as parental line in breeding programme.Not Availabl