Measurement of some Air Pollutantsin Printing Units and Copy Centers Within Baghdad City

إن انبعاث المواد الدقائقية من الأوراق المتناهية الصغر فضلا عن الأحبار والمذيبات العضوية خلال عملية تشغيل ماكينات الطباعة والاستنساخ تشكل خطرا على صحة الإنسان بالأخص بعد التعرض طويل الأمد في بيئات العمل المغلقة . أجريت الدراسة الحالية في بعض دور الطباعة ومراكز الاستنساخ في مدينة بغداد خلال شهري شباط ونيسان، وأثبتت الدراسة حدوث مشكلة تلوث الهواء فيما يتعلق بمحتويات الرصاص والزنك في جميع مواقع الدراسة .تم تحديد تركيز الرصاص والزنك والنحاس من خلال جمع العينات بوساطة جهاز جمع عينات الهواء وبعدها تم ترشيح العينات وهضمها وتحديد نسبة العناصر الثقيلة بوساطة جهاز المطياف الذري اللهبي، أما المواد الدقائقية تم قياسها بوساطة جهاز قياس الدقائق العالقة في الهواء ، واستعمل جهاز قياس الغازات الملوثة للهواء لقياس غاز ثنائي أكسيد لنتروجين وثنائي أكسيد الكبريت وأول أكسيد الكربون والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة . سجل أعلى تركيز للرصاص والزنك في هواء المطابع (2.75 مايكرو غرام/م3 ) و (51.95 مايكرو غرام /م3) على التوالي . بالمقابل سجل أعلى قيمة معنوية نحاس في  هواء مكاتب الاستنساخ (0.65 مايكرو غرام /م3) مقارنة بدور الطباعة . سجل أعلى تركيز للمواد الدقائقية الناعمة (PM2.5) التي يكون قطرها أقل من 2.5 مايكرو متر(44.50 مايكرو غرام /م3) في دور الطباعة يليها أعلى تركيز للمواد الدقائقية الخشنة المستنشقة(PM10)  التي يتراوح قطرها بين 2.5 الى 10 مايكرو متر والدقائق الكلية العالقة (477.66 و667.00 مايكرو غرام /م3) في دور الطباعة على التوالي . أظهرت النتائج أعلى تركيز لغاز أول أكسيد الكربون CO (6.13 جزء في المليون) والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة ((VOCs (21.88 جزء في المليون) في دور الطباعة بينما سجل أعلى تركيز لغاز ثنائي أكسيد النتروجين(NO2)  (1.44 جزء في المليون) في مراكز الاستنساخ . تجاوزت تركيز الرصاص والزنك والنحاس والمواد الدقائقية PM2.5و PM1والدقائق الكلية العالقة المستويات المسموح بها في جميع مواقع الدراسة على عكس مستويات أول أكسيد الكربون وثنائي أكسيد النتروجين وثنائي أكسيد الكبريت والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة التي كانت ضمن محددات جودة الهواء المسموح بها .Emissions of particulate matter from nanopapers as well as inks and organic solvents during the printing operationand copying machines constitute a threat to human health, especially with long time exposure in closed working environments. The present study was conducted in some printing houses and copying centers of Baghdad city during February and April  .The studyproved the occurrence of an air pollution problem concerning lead and zinc contents in all the study sites. The levels of Pb, Zn and Cu were collected by low volume sampler from the air of the study sites then filter papers digested and determined the heavy metals by flame atomic spectrophotometer. Particulate matter was measured by Aerocet, Microtector  meter device was used to measure nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds . The highest concentrations of lead and zinc were recorded in the printing houses air (2.75μg/m3) and (51.95μg/m3) respectively. In contrast,copper concentration in the copying offices air recorded a significantly higher value (0.65μg/m3) (P>0.05) as compared to that in printing houses. Fine particulate matter(PM2.5)(particles diameter < 2.5 μm) hasrecorded the highest concentration (44.50μg/m3) in printing houses, followed by the highest concentrations of inhalable coarse particulate matter (PM10)  (particles with diameter  of 2.5 to 10 μm)  and total suspended particulates (TSP)(the total of solid particles) (477.66 and 667.00μg/m3) respectively in printing houses. The results obviously showed the highest concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) (6.13 ppm) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (21.88 ppm) in  printing houses, while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) recorded its highest concentration (1.44 ppm) in copy centers. Lead, zinc, copper, PM2.5, PM10 and TSP concentrations exceeded the permissble levels in all study sites converselywith the levels of carbon monoxide , nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide(SO2) and volatile organic compounds that were within permissible air quality standards

Check List of the algae in Diyala River, Iraq

A total of 722 algal taxa are recorded in Diyala River by different authors. Most of the identification algae belong to three Divisions: Bacillariophyceae (367, 50.8%), Chlorophyceae (179, 24.8%), and Cyanophyceae (126, 17.5%)

The performance of modified jatropha-based nanofluid during turning process

The industry's extensive use of petroleum-based metalworking fluid (MWF) harms the environment and humans. The production of bio-based MWF, especially from crude jatropha oil (CJO), has therefore taken numerous initiatives. This aimed to formulate newly modified jatropha oil (MJO) with the addition of 0.05wt.% hBN and 0.05wt.% MoS2 as the nanofluid for MWF. The performance of the nanofluids was determined through the turning process in terms of cutting temperature, workpiece surface roughness, tool life and tool wear of the tool lubricated by the nanofluids. The performance of the nanofluid samples was compared with the synthetic ester (SE). From the results, after conducted 100mm axial cutting length MJO+hBN+MoS2 recorded the lowest in cutting temperature and surface roughness compared to all samples. The result shows that MJO+hBN+MoS2 has longer tool life (6500mm) compared to SE (6000mm). Abrasion and adhesion were observed as the dominant tool wear mechanism. In conclusion, MJO+hBN+MoS2 shows better machining performance and has the potential to be an environmentally friendly metalworking fluid

Response of suction distribution due to variations of permeability in residual soil slope

A landslide in residual soil normally occurs immediately after heavy rainfall. Previous studies have shown that decrease in matric suction during rainfall decreases the shear strength of soil and results in landslides. One of the factors that contribute to infiltration of water into soil is permeability of the soil which varies with depth. The variations of permeability can either prevent or allow water to infiltrate into deeper soil layer. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the suction distribution in a two-layered residual soil system with variable permeability function using laboratory physical slope model. The Ksat for Grade V varies from 5.11 × 10-4 m/s for relict joint of 100 mm spacing to 5.40 × 10-5 m/s for relict joint of 300 mm spacing. Meanwhile the Ksat for Grade VI represent Grade VI without burrow holes, 5.00 × 10-7 m/s and Ksat with burrow holes, 6.98 × 10-4 m/s. The infiltration tests were conducted for 12 series of experimental program. The suction distribution due to variations of permeability and rainfall intensity were determined. The results illustrated that suction distribution responded in various ways depending on permeability of the layered soil and also the rainfall intensity

Environmental Study of Some Water Characteristics at Um-Al-Naaj Marsh, South of Iraq.

Um-Al-Naaj region in Al-Hawiezah Marsh, Southern Iraq was chosen to study the environmental variations of some water characteristics during 2008, seasonally. The results showed clear seasonal changes in values of some environmental variables (temperature, depth, light penetration, turbidity, total suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, reactive phosphate, reactive nitrite, and reactive nitrate), while there were no clear seasonal changes in electrical conductivity and salinity values. In addition, high nutrients concentrations and light penetration were noted. Statistical analysis showed significant positive relationship between air and water temperature; electrical conductivity and salinity. Water turbidity was significantly affected by total suspended solids. On the other hand, some of the studied variables had significant negative effects (relative relationships) to each other, when water pH and dissolved oxygen were affected by temperature; total suspended solids and turbidity affected also light penetration

Developmental research of sustainable technologies to minimise problematic road embankment settlements

Challenging, problematic and non-uniform ground conditions are a night mare to geotechnical engineers tasked with the design and construction of buildings and transport infrastructure. These often suffer undesirable structural settlements. Designing within the current understanding of geotechnics; settlement in peat and organic soils need to be recognised to include the known “primary and secondary consolidation characteristics” and the lesser known “tertiary consolidation phase”. These eventually contribute cumulatively to the consequential uneven and hazardous “bumpy road” surfaces. Undulating flexible road pavements result primarily from the transference of the heavy self-weight of the embankment fill to yielding and non-uniform subgrade. The adoption of conventional design/repair methods such as pile, vertical drain, soil replacement and soil stabilisation are expensive and inappropriate in very soft ground conditions. These then lead to unjustifiably high and repetitive maintenance costs. There being no one quick fix solution for all; pragmatic research must necessarily identify the best/progressively improved practical and sustainable solution. A viable solution is to develop criteria and explore the concept of a “masonry arch bridge structure/lintel-column structure” and adopting sustainable materials through pragmatic searching for appropriate recyclable waste materials. This will lead to the basis for a sustainable, innovative, strong, stiff, permeable composite mat structure that can be used on soft and/or yielding ground conditions. Conceptual lightweight fill technology including the popularly used expanded polystyrene (EPS) and the innovative composite mats recently being developed by the research team are outlined

Temperature and heat flux measurement techniques for aeroengine fire test: a review

This review is made of studies whereby some types of fire test measuring instrument were compared based on their mode of operation, sensing ability, temperature resistance and their calibration mode used for aero-engine applications. The study discusses issues affecting temperature and heat flux measurement, methods of measurement, calibration and uncertainties that occur in the fire test. It is found that the temperature and heat flux measurements of the flame from the standard burner need to be corrected and taken into account for radiation heat loss. Methods for temperature and heat flux measurements, as well as uncertainties analysis, were also discussed

Decolorization of reactive red-120 by using macrofungus and microfungus

The objectives of the study are to investigate the growth of Aspergillus sp. and Pleurotus sp. and decolorization of Reactive Red – 120 in Minimal Salt Solution (MSS). The growths of fungi were measured every 3 days by using spectrophotometer at 540 nm. For decolorization, the fungi were cultured in 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L of dye concentration. Furthermore, pH of 5, 7 and 9 were used to determine the optimum pH for dye decolorization. The 10 mg/L concentration and pH 5 were chosen as optimum conditions with the maximum performance of reactive dye decolorization ranging of 60%-70%. The Aspergillus sp. was more efficient todecolourize synthetic dye Reactive Red – 120 when compared to Pleurotus sp. This study contributes to the knowledge of mycoremediation and product of mycoremediation kit that could be developed and applied in industry.Keywords: aspergillus sp.; dye decolorization; mycoremediation; pleurotus sp.; reactive red – 120; synthetic dye

Preparation and Characterization of Isosorbide Mononitrate Hydrogels Obtained by Free-Radical Polymerization for Site-Specific Delivery

Purpose: To prepare and characterize acrylic acid and ethyl cellulose hydrogels of isosorbide mononitrate for site-specific delivery.Methods: Free radical polymerization method was employed using benzoyl peroxide as initiator and N, N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) crosslinked copolymer of ethyl cellulose and acrylic acid. Benzyl peroxide and N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide in varying amounts were dissolved in acrylic acid. The two solutions were mixed together to a final weight of 100 g. Hydrogels were evaluated for sol-gel characteristics, diffusion coefficient, and porosity. Hydrogel formation was examined by FTIR while drug loading efficiency study was carried out using 1 % (w/v) drug solution.Results: Swelling and drug release decreased with increasing acrylic acid and MBA concentrations due to high degree of crosslinking. Increasing acrylic acid content of hydrogel produced a decrease in drug release from 29.89 to 25.79 %, 75.37 to 67.87 % and 84.91 to 75.85 % at pH 1.2, 6.5 and 7.5, respectively. Remarkably, high swelling was observed at higher pH. Gel fraction and porosity results showed that acrylic acid and crosslinker raised gel fraction but reduced porosity, while ethyl cellulose exhibited a reverse effect. FTIR confirmed graft copolymer formation.Conclusion: Isosorbide mononitrate hydrogels prepared with crosslinked copolymer of ethyl cellulose and acrylic acid can be suitably formulated for targeted delivery of the drug to the small intestine.Keywords: N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide, Ethyl cellulose, Acrylic acid, Isosorbide mononitrate, Free radical polymerization, Graft copolymer, Site-specific delivery, Hydrogel, pH-sensitiv

The Distribution and Zonation of Barnacles Around Intertidal Shores of Penang Island

The intertidal shores around Penang Island were surveyed for the distribution of barnacles from 14th November 2011 to 31st January 2012. The sampling was done by using 20 cm x 20 cm transect to count the barnacles. Three replicates were taken for each zonation available of the intertidal areas; i.e. upper, middle, and lower zonations, at every sampling site. From the result, three species were identified, including Euraphia withersi and Chthamalus malayensis from Family Chthamalidae, and Balanus amphitrite amphitrite from Family Balanidae. Chthamalus malayensis was found to be most abundant among the three species with 44.24% of total population; and Tg. Tokong recorded the highest abundance of this species (28.22%). This was followed by Euraphia withersi with 38.77%; which was found to be densely populated at Gelugor (21.92%). Balanus amphitrite amphitritewas least abundant with only 16.99% and mostly found at Gurney Drive (26.24%).The distribution of the three species of barnacles also varied among the sampling locations. Gertak Sanggul recorded the highest relative abundance of all three species of barnacles at 18.01%; while the location with the least relative abundance of barnacles is Queensbay with 0.33%.Based on ‘Non-Supervised Artificial Neural Network' (ANN), distinct zonation was observed where Chthamalus malayensis was more dominant on the upper zonation; Euraphia withersi on the middle zonation; and Balanus amphitrite amphitrite on the lower zonation. The interaction betweenbarnacles with other barnacles leads to competitive exclusion and niche partitioning which created zonations among the species. Interspecies interaction that brought by predation also played a part in the distribution of barnacles. Apart from that, the distribution was affected by the sampling sites and humanactivities; such as embankment, land reclamation, and residential development