Conversion of waste plastic (low density polyethylene) to alternative resources

Plastic pollution has become one of the top issues at present throughout the world. In Asian continent plastic pollution is found at the highest rate and Bangladesh is ranking as the 10th number of plastic wastes producer. To minimize the plastic pollution its management is necessary. To do that we tried to convert the plastic wastes as alternative resources for example plastic tiles or plastic tobs. The study was conducted at Jashore University of Science and Technology campus where polyethylene plastic wastes are found available. Molten LDPE were mixed with varying proportion of sand to conduct two experiments. First one is the preparation of plastic tiles and the second one is the making of tobs. Both of the two experiments kept in incubation under water for 7 and 14 days and experimental characterization such as water absorption variation, compressive strength, SEM, FTIR and EDX were done using standard procedures. Density and water absorption changes with the increase in plastic percentage in both the two experiments. In the 1st experiment, compressive strength was done and showed that at the increase of plastic % up to 45% tiles could bear maximum load above 3000 psi that match the standard concrete tiles strength. In the case of EDX analysis, C, O and Hg showed at the highest peak than other elements in both the two experiments. In the surface internal structure of the 1st experiment, some structural deformation was noticed but in the 2nd experiments some cracks and cavities formation found on the naked eye. In the chemical structure of the 1st experiment showed C-O stretching, C=C stretching, O=C=O stretching whereas in the 2nd experiment, most of the tob samples showed C-O stretching, O-H stretching, C=C stretching and N-H stretching. The plastic tiles could be used in rare or rural area and plastic tobs could be used as decorative purposes. From the results, we found the satisfactory output of the product and could be used as alternative resources

Why do Companies Fortify? Drivers of Compliance with Edible Oil Fortification in Bangladesh

This study responds to earlier findings of suboptimal compliance with mandatory fortification of edible oil in Bangladesh. We aim to explain the root causes of poor compliance and to provide recommendations to strengthen the national fortification programme in Bangladesh and other similar contexts. We outline the structure, processes, and dynamics of both bulk and bottled edible oil value chains, and we analyse the factors that drive or impede compliance behaviour among edible oil producers. Our research shows that the cost of premix coupled with competition on price negatively affect profit margins for both oil refineries and oil packers. Along with inadequate regulation of the market, this has a negative impact on compliance, particularly in the case of bulk oil. In addition, access to quality vitamin A premix from accredited suppliers is a particular problem for smaller oil packers. On the other hand, producers that are subject to a higher-than-average frequency of inspections exhibit more behaviours associated with compliance. This finding is based on an innovative compliance behaviour score developed for and applied in this study. We conclude with five recommendations to improve fortification outcomes: introduce appropriate labelling to ensure that bulk oil is traceable; implement producer inspections at least quarterly, with greater resources to support this effort; strengthen penalties for non-compliance, along with positive reputational incentives; ensure that suitable premix is available to all producers; and strengthen and improve data-driven monitoring of compliance. Further areas of research should include the development of new and more efficient/effective regulatory measures, such as digital solutions or systematic producer behaviour monitoring

Preparation of environmental friendly plastic brick from high-density polyethylene waste

Plastic wastes are growing fast and affecting the environment negatively. Thus, finding different methods of disposing of is becoming a major concern. This research aimed to minimize the plastic by recycling it into construction materials. For this, grinding high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was mixed with cement at different percentages to produce plastic bricks. The compressive strength, density, and water absorption capacity were investigated. The compressive strength was found within the recommended value (2000 psi) up to 35% mixture of HDPE. The addition of HDPE with cement decreased the density, increased the ductility, and improved the workability which led to producing lightweight materials

Groundwater Quality of Some Parts of Coastal Bhola District, Bangladesh: Exceptional Evidence

The composition of groundwater governs the drinking and irrigation water suitability. A large part of the coastal region of Bangladesh is affected and is responsible for changing the composition of the groundwater. This research attempted to observe the groundwater quality of the Bhola Sadar and Char Fasson upazilas in coastal Bangladesh. Twenty-eight (28) water samples, 27 at depths of 260–430 m (850–1400 ft) and 1 from a crop field, were collected and analyzed. The quality of water samples was determined through the evaluation of odor, color, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) ions. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for heavy metal analysis. The outcomes were compared with the drinking water quality of Bangladesh and the World Health Organization. The results showed that the average values of nearly all of the parameters were underneath or within the standard level, representing that the groundwater was appropriate for drinking purposes. The water quality parameters were also compared with the irrigation water quality of Bangladesh and the Food and Agriculture Organization. It was found that the collected samples were also suitable for irrigation. To do this, the soluble sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, Kelley’s ratio, and total hardness were calculated. The novelty of this research is that, despite being in a coastal district, the deep aquifer water of Bhola was appropriate for drinking and irrigation purposes

Groundwater Quality of Some Parts of Coastal Bhola District, Bangladesh: Exceptional Evidence

Peer reviewed: TrueFunder: authority of Jashore University of Science and TechnologyThe composition of groundwater governs the drinking and irrigation water suitability. A large part of the coastal region of Bangladesh is affected and is responsible for changing the composition of the groundwater. This research attempted to observe the groundwater quality of the Bhola Sadar and Char Fasson upazilas in coastal Bangladesh. Twenty-eight (28) water samples, 27 at depths of 260–430 m (850–1400 ft) and 1 from a crop field, were collected and analyzed. The quality of water samples was determined through the evaluation of odor, color, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) ions. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for heavy metal analysis. The outcomes were compared with the drinking water quality of Bangladesh and the World Health Organization. The results showed that the average values of nearly all of the parameters were underneath or within the standard level, representing that the groundwater was appropriate for drinking purposes. The water quality parameters were also compared with the irrigation water quality of Bangladesh and the Food and Agriculture Organization. It was found that the collected samples were also suitable for irrigation. To do this, the soluble sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, Kelley’s ratio, and total hardness were calculated. The novelty of this research is that, despite being in a coastal district, the deep aquifer water of Bhola was appropriate for drinking and irrigation purposes.</jats:p