Decolorization of structurally different synthetic dyes using cobalt(II)/ascorbic acid/hydrogen peroxide system

The cobalt(II)/ascorbic acid/hydrogen peroxide system was used for decolorization of azo, acridine, anthraquinone, thiazine and triphenylmethane dyes. More than 90% decolorization was obtained with all dyes except Remazol Brilliant Blue R (75%). With other transition metals the system was less efficient. With copper, higher concentration and prolonged incubation time was necessary to obtain the same extent of decolorization. The rate of decolorizaton was not affected by pH in the range of 3-9. The reaction is very fast, with more than 90% decolorization being attained within 15 min. The system produces hydroxyl radicals which are responsible for the decolorization.     

A data-mining approach to predict influent quality

In wastewater treatment plants, predicting influent water quality is important for energy management. The influent water quality is measured by metrics such as carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD), potential of hydrogen, and total suspended solid. In this paper, a data-driven approach for time-ahead prediction of CBOD is presented. Due to limitations in the industrial data acquisition system, CBOD is not recorded at regular time intervals, which causes gaps in the time–series data. Numerous experiments have been performed to approximate the functional relationship between the input and output parameters and thereby fill in the missing CBOD data. Models incorporating seasonality effects are investigated. Four data-mining algorithms—multilayered perceptron, classification and regression tree, multivariate adaptive regression spline, and random forest—are employed to construct prediction models with the maximum prediction horizon of 5 days.     

Optimizing removal of ibuprofen from water by magnetic nanocomposite using Box–Behnken design

Purpose  

The present research aims to optimize the removal of ibuprofen (IBP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic drug from the aqueous solution using a synthesized magnetic carbon–iron nanocomposite, and to investigate the individual and combined effects of the independent process variables.     

Spotting of Automotive Finishes from the Interactions Between Dry Deposition of Crustal Material and Wet Deposition of Sulfate

During the summer of 1988, General Motors Research Laboratories operated a mobile atmospheric research laboratory in Jacksonville, Florida to determine the cause of environmentally- related damage that occurs on automotive finishes In many parts of the U.S. The damage occurs as circular, elliptical, or irregular spots that appear as deposits or precipitates. The results of the present study show that a wetting event (rain or dew) is a prerequisite for damage to occur. Sulfuric acid contained in the rain or dew reacts on surfaces with drydeposited calcium which Is a common constituent of soli. As the droplets evaporate, a calcium sulfate precipitate forms on horizontal surfaces around the perimeter of the droplet. Subsequent washing of the surface may remove the precipitate, but on clearcoats, where the calcium sulfate was present, scars remain.     

Biomedical waste management in nursing homes and smaller hospitals in Delhi

The management of biomedical waste is a crucial issue in health and environmental management. Rules in India were promulgated in 1998, originally with a deadline of December 2000 and extended to December 2002; however, the actual situation remains far from satisfactory. A study conducted in 2001 by CEE, New Delhi; indicated an implementation deficit. To gauge the present situation, a survey was undertaken during 2005-2006. A systematic analysis of current biomedical waste management practices in smaller nursing homes and hospitals in Delhi was carried out. A total of 53 nursing homes, with bed strengths ranging from 20 to over 200, were included. The survey results show that there is a marked improvement in the segregation practices of biomedical waste in small private hospitals and nursing homes. The majority of nursing homes and hospitals were found to be using a service provider for the collection, management, and disposal of healthcare wastes. Data was collected through a questionnaire and field visits. This paper discusses the relevant data indicative of current practices of healthcare waste management in the nursing homes and small healthcare facilities in Delhi.