Long-term organic fertilizer-induced carbonate neoformation increases carbon sequestration in soil

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Soil carbon is major driver of climate in the long term because soil can either decrease global warming by carbon sequestration or increase warming by...     

Impact of mineral deposition on shrimp, Penaeus monodon in a high alkaline water

This study compares water quality parameters, shrimp growth and mortality rates, and biomass at harvest in two ponds of equal size, seeded with the same density (7 m2) of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Monodon Baculo Virus (MBV) negative post-larvae (PL)-20 of shrimp, Penaeus monodon in the Vellar estuary of South India. The primary difference between the ponds was the water source; one was filled from the estuary and the second with water from bore wells with high alkalinity. Temperature in both ponds was similar and reached 320C after 185 days of culture. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were within the acceptable range although levels in the alkaline pond were near the lower limit for the last 90 days before harvest. Salinity levels were similar in both ponds, above optimal levels, and increased over the 185 days. Alkalinity in the estuarine water was typically <50 ppm and again 200-320 ppm in the alkaline pond. In the alkaline pond, beginning on the 75th day mineral deposits was observed covering all parts of the shrimp including the eye and the inner gill chambers, and by harvest, 42% of the shrimp showed this coating. Elemental analysis identified the major constituents as calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Survival rates in the estuarine-water-fed pond was 92% with a total pond biomass at harvest of 1.65 tons ha-1 compared to survival of 79% in the alkaline pond and a biomass at harvest of 1.020 tons ha-1. When well water must be used, its alkalinity should be monitored and diluted with water from other sources.     

Designing new institutions for implementing integrated disaster risk management: key elements and future directions

The goal of integrated disaster risk management is to promote an overall improvement in the quality of safety and security in a region, city or community at disaster risk. This paper presents the case for a thorough overhaul of the institutional component of integrated disaster risk management. A review of disaster management institutions in the United States indicates significant weaknesses in their ability to contribute effectively to the implementation of integrated disaster risk management. Our analysis and findings identify eight key elements for the design of dynamic new disaster management institutions. Six specific approaches are suggested for incorporating the identified key elements in building new institutions that would have significant potential for enhancing the effective implementation of integrated disaster risk management. We have developed a possible blueprint for effective design and construction of efficient, sustainable and functional disaster management institutions.     

Biochemical constituents and bioaccumulation as biomarkers in the green mussel Perna viridis with reference to silver and chromium toxicity

The sublethal effect of silver and chromium on some biochemical constituents was studied in the green mussel Perna viridis. The results revealed an overall reduction in total protein, total DNA, total RNA, glycogen, protein bound sugars and total lipid in the gill, hepatopancreas, and ovary of the mussels exposed to metals individually and in combination when compared with control. It was apparent that mussels exposed to mixtures of metals exhibited highly significant (P?P?P?相似文献   

Carbohydrate Biolubricants from Algae and Cyanobacteria

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Lubricants are used to prevent friction that causes resistance and heating up in oil drilling; ocular and orthopaedic implant materials; with Metal Working...     

Valorization of spent coffee grounds recycling as a potential alternative fuel resource in Turkey: An experimental study

In this study, recycling of spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a potential feedstock for alternative fuel production and compounds of added value in Turkey was assessed. The average oil content was found (≈ 13% w/w). All samples (before and after extraction) were tested for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), calorific value, surface analysis and porosity, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and elemental analysis to assess their potential towards fuel properties. Elemental analysis indicated that carbon represents the highest percentages (49.59% and 46.42%, respectively), followed by nitrogen (16.7% and 15.5%), hydrogen (6.74% and 6.04%), and sulfur (0.851% and 0.561%). These results indicate that SCG can be utilized as compost, as it is rich in nitrogen. Properties of the extracted oil were examined, followed by biodiesel production. The quality of biodiesel was compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 standards, and all the properties complied with standard specifications. The fatty acid compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography. It was observed that coffee waste methyl ester (CWME) is mainly composed of palmitic (35.8%) and arachidic (44.6%) acids, which are saturated fatty acids. The low degree of unsaturation provides an excellent oxidation stability (10.4 hr). CWME has also excellent cetane number, higher heating value, and iodine value with poor cold flow properties. The studies also investigated blending of biodiesel with Euro diesel and butanol. Following this, a remarkable improvement in cloud and pour points of biodiesel was obtained. Spent coffee grounds after oil extraction is an ideal material for garden fertilizer, feedstock for ethanol, biogas production, and as fuel pellets. The outcome of such research work produces valuable insights on the recycling importance of SCG in Turkey.

Implications: Coffee is a huge industry, and coffee has been widely used due to its refreshing properties. This industry generates large quantities of waste. Therefore, recycling of spent coffee grounds for producing alternative fuels and compounds of added value is crucial. Elemental analysis indicated that coffee waste can be utilized as compost, as it is rich in nitrogen. Coffee waste after oil extraction is an ideal feedstock for ethanol and biogas production, garden fertilizer, and as fuel pellets. The low degree of unsaturation provides excellent oxidation stability. Its biodiesel has also excellent cetane number, higher heating value, and lower iodine value.     

Comparison of heavy metal toxicity in life stages (spermiotoxicity, egg toxicity, embryotoxicity and larval toxicity) of Hydroides elegans

A toxicity test was developed to examine the effects of heavy metal contaminants on the early life stages of the marine polychaete. We have studied the effects of metals on fertilization and early development of marine polychaete Hydroides elegans. These heavy metals have often been found in polluted ground and water near industrial discharges, and have therefore been detected from time to time in the food chain. They have been reported to alter various reproduction functions in various animals including marine populations. The toxic effect of mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel and zinc on sperm viability, fertilization, embryogenesis and larvae of H. elegans was examined. We observed that the rate of fertilization decreased when the sperm was incubated with heavy metals. Treatment of eggs with each metal did not prevent fertilization, but delayed or blocked the first mitotic divisions, and altered early embryonic development. All these effects were observed at relatively high concentrations. However, bio-accumulation in sediments and aquatic organisms have been reported. Polychaete eggs may then be in contact with very high concentrations of these heavy metals in areas where these metals are not handled or stocked properly, and then develop into abnormal embryos. In addition to bivalves and sea-urchins, polychaete embryos can provide biological criteria for seawater quality standards taking into account the sensitivity of the invertebrates and their contribution in detection of harmful chemicals with no marked effect on the species. Our results indicate that the early development of H. elegans is highly sensitive to heavy metals and this polychaete can be routinely employed as a test organism for ecotoxicity bioassays in tropical and subtropical regions.     

Mixed culture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella</Emphasis> sp. and wastewater wild algae for enhanced biomass and lipid accumulation in artificial wastewater medium

The purpose of this work is to study the co-cultivation of Chlorella sp. and wastewater wild algae under different cultivation conditions (i.e. CO₂, light intensity, cultivation time, and inoculation ratio) for enhanced algal biomass and lipid productivity in wastewater medium using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results show that mixed cultures of Chlorella sp. and wastewater wild algae increase biomass and lipid yield. Additionally, findings indicate that CO₂, light intensity and cultivation time significantly affect algal productivity. Furthermore, CO₂ concentration and light intensity, and CO₂ concentration and algal composition, have an interactive effect on biomass productivity. Under different cultivation conditions, the response of algal biomass, cell count, and lipid productivity ranges from 2.5 to 10.2 mg/mL, 1.1 × 10⁶ to 8.2 × 10⁸ cells/mL, and 1.1 × 10¹² to 6.8 × 10¹² total fluorescent units/mL, respectively. The optimum conditions for simultaneous biomass and lipid accumulation are 3.6% of CO₂ (v/v), 160 µmol/m²/s of light intensity, 1.6/2.4 of inoculation ratio (wastewater-algae/Chlorella), and 8.3 days of cultivation time. The optimal productivity is 9.8 (g/L) for dry biomass, 8.6 E + 08 (cells/mL) for cell count, and 6.8 E + 12 (Total FL units per mL) for lipid yield, achieving up to four times, eight times, and seven times higher productivity compared to nonoptimized conditions. Provided is a supportive methodology to improve mixed algal culture for bioenergy feedstock generation and to optimize cultivation conditions in complex wastewater environments. This work is an important step forward in the development of sustainable large-scale algae cultivation for cost-efficient generation of biofuel.

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ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: INDIA1

ABSTRACT India's multidimensional water development programs have contributed significantly to the promotion of the country's economic growth. Rapid growth of irrigation has substantially increased agricultural production. Hydro power generation has doubled during the last two decades, and this has accelerated industrialization and extended rural electrification. Minor irrigation has taken on a new importance in the Fourth Five Year Plan, signifying a departure from the earlier Plans. “Green Revolution” owes a large measure of its success to the availability of assured water supplies. Water development projects have also generated tremendous employment opportunities. Despite its pronounced impact on the economy, India's water planning strategy has some glaring weaknesses: the failure to incorporate “indirect benefits” in cost-benefit calculations; the under-utilization of water potential; and, the progressive increase in the cost of irrigating an acre of land. The prevailing institutional structure in India constitutes a major deterrent to the diffusion of the benefits of water development. There are stubborn psychological factors which render the adoption of innovative irrigation practices difficult. There is thus an overwhelming need to revamp India's institutional framework. On balance, however, water development in India has made its impact felt on India's myriads of villages. And from the arid “dust bowls” of India new life has emerged.