Characterisation of Melastoma Malabathricum leaves and cellulose for removal of Methylene Blue in simulated wastewater

Colors are an important class of pollutants, and disposal of colors in precious water resources should be prohibited. The regular commercial adsorbent is expensive, so it leads to researches on alternative low-cost adsorbents (LCAs) for such application. In this study, the usage of Melastoma Malabathricum cellulose as an adsorbent is discussed. The aim of the this work is to extract cellulose from Melastoma Malabathricum (senduduk) leaves by alkali and bleaching treatment, characterising and, testing for colour removal of synthetical Methylene Blue colored wastewater. The characterisation techniques are initiated with chemical composition analysis before and after Melastoma Malabathricum cellulose extraction, results in percentage of cellulose increased to 90 % compared to raw leaves. The morphology of raw leaves and isolated cellulose are analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. A structural analysis was carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis and thermal stability was investigated by Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The results indicated that the hemicelluloses and lignin were removed extensively from extracted cellulose. The thermal stability, purity and crystallinity of the cellulose were improved at various purification stages when compared to raw material. The adsorption method occupies a prominent place in color removal as it is effective and economical to application level. Thus, this technique is used to investigate the suitable condition for extracted cellulose of melastoma malabathricum by three parameters which are adsorbent dosage (g), initial color concentration (mg/L), and pH of Methylene blue colored wastewater used. Sample A is leaves (cellulose) which were soaked for 3 days/nights while Sample B is leaves (cellulose) soaked for 6 days/nights. By analyzing all the parameters, the color removal indicators prove senduduk cellulose B is the outstanding adsorbent to remove methylene blue efficiently compared to raw leaves and cellulose of sample A and B. The optimum pH for methylene removal by senduduk cellulose B is pH 7. About 69.63 mg/g adsorption capacity is achieved at optimum initial methylene blue concentration 20 mg/L, senduduk cellulose B dosage 0.10 g and pH 7. For percentage COD removal, 91 % reported at an optimum initial methylene blue concentration of 20 mg/L, senduduk cellulose B of dosage 0.10 g and pH 7. Therefore, soaked leaves for 6 days before chemical treatment and cellulose extraction results in better performance as adsorbent to remove color

A Review of Scenario Planning for Emissions in Environmental Assessments

Various scenario classifications apply in attempts to make the field of future studies easier to outline. This paper discusses the appropriateness of various creating, coordinating, and consistency procedures for creating specific emission scenarios in environmental assessments. The Intuitive Logics, Story and Simulation (SAS), Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental and Political (STEEP), and La Prospective Models approaches are the five emission scenarios discussed in the paper analytically with their stages, storylines, steps, and building analysis. Every scenario method was examined and sorted into its separate benefits and limitations. Subsequently, the study selected the appropriate technique of emission scenario in environmental assessment with fulfilled scenario planning to deliver constructive scenarios. The study helps the upcoming designers by providing the fundamental direction on the extensive change towards a sustainable environment

Integrating water-energy-nexus in carbon footprint analysis: the case study of water utility company

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the water-energy-nexus within the context of carbon footprint methodology and water utility industry. In particular, the carbon management for water utility industry is crucial in reducing carbon emission within the upstream water distribution system. The concept of water-energy nexus alone however can be misleading due to exclusion of indirect and embodied energy involved in the water production. The study highlights the total energy use within water supply system as well as embedded carbon emission through carbon footprint methodology. The case study approach is used as a research method. The carbon footprint analysis includes data collection from water utility company; and data identification of direct and indirect carbon emission from corporation operation. The result indicates that the indirect and embodied energy may not be significant in certain operation area but the energy use may be ambiguous when these elements are excluded. Integrating carbon footprint methodology within the water supply system can improve the understanding on water-energy-nexus when direct and indirect energy use is included in the analysis. This paper aims to benefit academics, government agencies and particularly water utility companies in integrating carbon footprint analysis in water production