An Ionic Liquid Pretreatment System of \u3ci\u3eDigitaria sanguinalis\u3c/i\u3e

The snowballing demands for cleaner fuel from the transport and industrial sectors has made many believe that biofuel production is the panacea. Is E85 (a laboratory made ethanol based fuel) the cure for the world’s dependence on fossil fuels? A keen look exposes a more critical conundrum; the production of E85 destroys human food. With 1 in 8 people suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2010- 2012, this production is not justifiable. Biofuels are produced through the break down of plants’ cellulosic components (lignocellulose LC) into glucose and then into ethanol. However, two main challenges remain: 1) finding a cheap, reliable and non-food source of LC; i.e. having high cellulose content, and 2; developing a cheap, clean, and reliable conversion/pre-treatment system. Dissolution of cellulosic material in ionic liquids, or ILs (a unique class of solvents) has been reported to make the material susceptible to chemical attack by various reagents/catalysts/acids. Digitaria sanguinalis (hairy crabgrass, a weed) is reported to have high cellulose content. In this research, crabgrass was pre-treated with a series of imidazolium ionic liquids, for 3, 6, and 9 hours followed by acid hydrolysis. The results attained so far, including those of glucose and total reducing sugar quantification work are presented and discussed

Bioethanol Production: Glucose Testing and Quantification Using DNS Analysis and Addition Analytical Methods

The search for alternative ways to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly source of energy, other than fossil fuels, has been ongoing for many years. Particularly, the production of biofuels has become of interest. One effort has been through the creation of first-generation biofuels that curb greenhouse gas emissions, unlike fossil fuels. However, first generation biofuels lead to the increase in food prices which negatively impacts developing countries, as they use food sources to produce biofuel. To mitigate this issue, second generation biofuels are considered as a better alternative. Instead of hindering the food supply, second generation biofuels aim to not affect the food supply, by using non-human food sources. Furthermore, second generation biofuels are relatively inexpensive. The use of rice husks is of interest, as they can satisfy around one fifth of the global biofuel demand for a ten percent gasohol fuel blend.Therefore, glucose quantification is a necessary step in confirming the effectiveness of biofuels derivedfrom rice husks. Two methods that allow for the concentration of glucose to be quantified are dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) analysis and the standard addition method. Through the analysis of each method, it can be determined if DNS analysis and the standard addition method are reliable glucose quantification procedures

154— Alfalfa hay as non-human feedstock for second generation biofuels: Hope or hoax? Part II

The excessive use of fossil fuels has negatively impacted the environment because of greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers are now searching for ways to counterbalance the damage which has been done to the Earth after centuries of greenhouse gas emissions. Potential alternatives to fossil fuels include biofuels, an overlooked and cost-effective source of energy. Many efforts have been focused on the production of first-generation biofuels, fuels attained from human food sources, such as corn. First-generation biofuels have been linked to the increase in food prices, which is a problem because it negatively impacts many developing countries. Our research is geared towards the production of second generation biofuels, which rely on non-human food sources, specifically alfalfa hay. Second generation biomasses, such as alfalfa hay, are ideal as biofuel feedstock, because they are cheap, and have the power to constrain greenhouse gas emissions, while not taking away major human food sources or causing competition for new land. For this research project, the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride was used in the pretreatment of the alfalfa hay, in order to produce glucose. Glucose quantification methods applied include UV spectroscopy and DNS analyses. The results are presented and discussed within

Investigation into Cost Effective Cultivation and Biofuel Production from \u3ci\u3eChlorella\u3c/i\u3e Algal Species

As resources for petroleum-based fuel become increasingly scarce, third generation biofuels, which utilize algae as a renewable feedstock, offer a promising solution. The problem hindering widespread marketability, however, is that current biodiesel production processes are expensive and lipid yields are inconsistent. Our research worked to make algae cultivation more feasible by focusing on both the growth of algae and its conversion to crude biodiesel. To decrease the cost of cultivation, a modified Bold’s Basal medium was created using low cost chemicals. This treatment was compared to commercial Alga-gro© and a water control. Chlorella, a fast growing microalgae with high lipid content, was then introduced to all three conditions and cell growth was monitored for 35 days. After harvesting the cells, the non-polar lipids were extracted using a 2:1 chloroform-methanol ratio, which showed yields (18.01%) consistent with previous work. Samples next underwent a transesterification reaction upon which IR spectroscopy was used to detect the presence of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)

041— Fiber decomposition and pretreatment analysis of \u3ci\u3eCannabis sativa\u3c/i\u3e L.: Hemp

Hemp is a subspecies of Cannabis sativa L. along with marijuana, yet the two differ in chemical constituent levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Hemp contains 0.3% THC, compared to marijuana 17.1%, allowing it to be a safe and compelling biomass for investigation. The refined products of hemp are vast due to its fast-growing properties; therefore various commercial industries have included refined hemp in biofuels, biodegradable plastics, textiles, dietary supplements, paper, clothing, and much more. Construction and manufacturing applications have also been seen to include hemp to strengthen their composite products. The high-yielding, sustainable, and environmentally friendly qualities of hemp have the potential to yield valuable raw materials for a great number of applications. Hence, our research seeks to evaluate the suitability and the potential use of ionic liquid-based pretreatment (1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) for the breakdown of hemp lignocellulosic biomass. Using past collected data from our research, we hope to cross-examine through stereomicroscopic analysis to affirm if a consistent trend is observed across pretreatment stages for our samples. All collected data is presented and discussed in the following sections

006— Pretreatment and fiber content analysis of \u3ci\u3eCannabis sativa\u3c/i\u3e

Cannabis sativa commonly known as hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants whose refined products have immense commercial value. Various products include refined hemp such as: biofuels, biodegradable plastics, textiles, dietary supplements, paper, clothing, and much more. Hemp fibers are also used in construction and manufacturing applications by strengthening their composite products. Hemp is a high yielding, sustainable, and environmentally friendly crop due to its various qualities, and has the potential to yield valuable raw materials for a great number of applications. Our research evaluates the pretreatment of hemp as well as the comparative analysis of the fiber content thereof. Our goal is to determine the suitability and the potential use of ionic liquid-based pretreatment (1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) for the breakdown of hemp lignocellulosic biomass. The collected data is presented and discussed in the following sections

183— \u3ci\u3eCannabis Sativa\u3c/i\u3e: Pretreatment and Fiber Content Analysis

Cannabis Sativa commonly known as hemp, is one of the fastest growing plants whose refined products have immense commercial value. Refined hemp is included in various products: biofuels, biodegradable plastics, textiles, dietary supplements, paper, clothing and much more. Hemp fibers are also used in construction and manufacturing applications as a way to strengthen composite products. These qualities make hemp a high yielding, sustainable, and environmentally friendly crop with the potential to yield valuable raw materials for a large number of applications. Our research evaluates the pretreatment of hemp and the comparative analysis of the fiber content thereof. Our goal is to determine the suitability and the potential use of ionic liquid-based pretreatment (1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) for the breakdown of hemp lignocellulosic biomass. The collected data is presented and discussed

107— Investigating the Promise of Lignocellulosic Biofuels: Rice Husks as Non-Human Feedstocks

The Earth has endured years of damage caused by an overuse of fossil fuels. Many are combating the damage with alternative energy. Biofuels represent an economical and often overlooked alternative to fossil fuels. Efforts have been geared toward the use of human food sources such as sugarcane (first generation biofuel). Although first generation biofuels aid in curbing greenhouse gas emissions, they lead to increasing food prices which negatively impacts developing countries. This research focuses on the production of second generation biofuels which relies on non-human food sources which exceed first generation biofuels in that they do not take away from a food source. This project specifically focuses on the use of rice husks as a biofuel feedstock. Second generation biofuels are also relatively inexpensive. The outermost layer that is separated from the rice grains during the milling process is usually thrown away as a waste product. Rice husks are ideal as a biofuel feedstock, because they cheap if not free, and they have the power to curb greenhouse gas emissions. For this project, an ionic liquid (1- Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) was used for the pretreatment of the rice husks to yield glucose. Glucose quantification methods applied include refractometry, and DNS analyses

385— Optimizing Nitrogen Concentrations to Maximize Lipid Yields for Biodiesel Production

Select subspecies of microalgae are considered to be the most promising candidates for third generation renewable resources of biodiesel. Algae not only ingest excess carbon emissions from the atmosphere, they also convert it into energy-dense lipids which can be harvested, and then transformed into biodiesel. However, before the fuel industry can adopt algae farming as a realistic alternative to fossil fuels, the process of harvesting algal lipids must be optimized further. Our research aims to make algal lipid extraction more realistic by determining the ideal growing conditions of the algae species Chlorella Vulgaris. Our research this semester focused on two objectives: The first objective was to generate a standard plot which relates Absorbances of algae cultures to their cell densities. A standard plot would then replace cell-counting and hemocytometer usage, saving us many hours per semester. The second objective was to determine the highest algae growth rates between three groups: a) incubation with semi-daily agitation, b) fume hood with semi-daily agitation, and c) fume hood with constant agitation. Our resulting standard plot shows a direct linear relationship between absorbance and cell density with a R squared value of 0.8629. Group c had the slowest growth rate, while groups a and b had similar growth rates which were nearly double that of group c. Our data suggests that constant agitation is not an ideal condition for algal growth

Information systems framework for traffic congestion management: case study of Nairobi

A Thesis Submitted in Partial fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Information TechnologyTraffic Management (TM) in the urban centers remains a very contentious issue and particularly in large cities. There are various methods used to manage traffic yet these methods have got their limitations and certain levels of complexities. As time becomes a remedy for success to economic growth, methods of controlling traffic and making traffic efficient to save this vital resource have took center stage in the urban centers. Historically urban centers have been identified with heavy potential of population growth. The population growth has triggered other co related activities such as line service industries which result to increase in urban migration. Most business setups are located in the urban centers and this may be the possibility of population growth. The resultant has been an increase in urban mobility and particularly to people as they get to their various destinations. Different cities have different behavioral activities as urban migration may be as well be influenced by regional cultures. Information technology has been described as immature technology however; use of the same could have resulted to positive effects in creating a standard to be adopted. Urban centers are the most affected areas in terms of vehicle traffic flow management as congestion becomes a challenge on day to day running. Appropriate use of technology in traffic management has given countries a niche in many dimensions be it cost, efficiency or effectiveness. Old technologies may not alleviate recent challenges in congestion handling, load balancing and traffic routing and hence the need to adopt a more comprehensible solution. The thesis therefore proposed a traffic management framework that will be suitable for adoption on Kenya urban centers. The Study looked at possible ways and considerations that was necessary to bring traffic congestion to the minimum. The proposed framework was also a guideline that could otherwise complement the existing guidelines and procedures that were currently in use for alleviating traffic management challenges in the urban centers. Using Nairobi city as case study, the traffic Management framework was developed, tested and observed