Life cycle sustainability assessment of optimized biodiesel production from used rice bran oil employing waste derived-hydroxyapatite supported vanadium catalyst

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present work encompasses the production of biodiesel from an inexpensive waste, viz., used rice bran oil (URBO) through concurrent esterification...     

Soil erosion assessment and its correlation with landslide events using remote sensing data and GIS: a case study at Penang Island,Malaysia

In this paper, an attempt has been made to assess, prognosis and observe dynamism of soil erosion by universal soil loss equation (USLE) method at Penang Island, Malaysia. Multi-source (map-, space- and ground-based) datasets were used to obtain both static and dynamic factors of USLE, and an integrated analysis was carried out in raster format of GIS. A landslide location map was generated on the basis of image elements interpretation from aerial photos, satellite data and field observations and was used to validate soil erosion intensity in the study area. Further, a statistical-based frequency ratio analysis was carried out in the study area for correlation purposes. The results of the statistical correlation showed a satisfactory agreement between the prepared USLE-based soil erosion map and landslide events/locations, and are directly proportional to each other. Prognosis analysis on soil erosion helps the user agencies/decision makers to design proper conservation planning program to reduce soil erosion. Temporal statistics on soil erosion in these dynamic and rapid developments in Penang Island indicate the co-existence and balance of ecosystem.     

Intrafamilial variability in Fraser syndrome

Fraser syndrome (OMIM 219000) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cryptophthalmos, cutanaeous syndactyly, malformations of the larynx and genitourinary tract, craniofacial dysmorphism, orofacial clefting, mental retardation and musculoskeletal anomalies. There is marked interfamilial clinical heterogeneity. However, there is strong phenotypic similarity and concordance of the degree of severity of the disease within a family. We report a family with two cases of Fraser syndrome with marked clinical heterogeneity. One case had lethal phenotype with bilateral renal agenesis, while the other had mild phenotype with normal kidneys. It has not been reported before and highlights the importance of careful screening of pregnancies in families with Fraser syndrome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bioleaching of copper from pre and post thermally activated low grade chalcopyrite contained ball mill spillage

Bioleaching of a low grade chalcopyrite (ball mill spillage material) was tested for copper recovery in shake flasks. The original samples (as received) were thermally activated (600°C, 30 min) to notice the change in physico-chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the host rock and subsequently its effect on copper recovery. A mixed culture of acidophilic chemolithotrophic bacterial consortium predominantly entailing Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain was used for bioleaching studies and optimization of process parameters of both original and thermally activated samples. Mineralogical characterization studies indicated the presence of chalcopyrite, pyrite in the silicate matrix of the granitic rock. Field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis indicated mostly SiO₂. With pH 2, pulp density 10% w/v, inoculum 10% v/v, temperature 30°C, 150 r·min^-1, 49% copper could be recovered in 30 days from the finest particle size (-1+ 0.75 mm) of the original spillage sample. Under similar conditions 95% copper could be recovered from the thermally activated sample with the same size fraction in 10 days. The study revealed that thermal activation leads to volume expansion in the rock with the development of cracks, micro and macro pores on its surface, thereby enabling bacterial solution to penetrate more easily into the body, facilitating enhanced copper dissolution.     

Eco-sanitation and its benefits: an experimental demonstration program to raise awareness in central Nepal

This study focuses on awareness and an experimental demonstration about the use of human urine and wood ash as a fertilizer. This study was conducted in Chanauta, central Nepal, from November 2009 to February 2010. The villagers (N = 27) were asked about their awareness of eco-sanitation and fertilizer value of urine and ash. All the participants agreed that the use of urine and ash was a good idea. In the experimental study, the fertilizer value of urine+ash was compared with animal manure and no-fertilizer in the cultivation of radish, potato, broadleaf mustard, cauliflower, and cabbage. Different plants cultivated plots received 54–81 kgN/ha with urine+ash or manure fertilizer. The urine+ash fertilizer produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher broadleaf mustard biomass than obtained from animal manure and without fertilization. Urine+ash-fertilized plots growing radish, potato, cauliflower, and cabbage produced similar or slightly higher yields biomass compared to those achieved with manure fertilization. This might be because of high P, K as well as greater availability of N in applied urine compared to manure. It is concluded that urine+ash fertilizer can be used instead of animal manure; in this study, a dose of 4 L of urine was equal to 1 kg of dry cattle manure and produced a similar or greater yield of vegetable biomass than manure fertilization. To be able to generalize this conclusion, it is important to conduct these kinds of experiments with different seasonal crops and in other parts of the world.     

Green supply chain management in the chemical industry: structural framework of drivers

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is to improve the quality of supply chain management strategies and environmental performance. As per current statistics, the chemical industry is growing fast in Bangladesh. In order to compete for global competition, GSCM is essential in this sector. This paper proposes a systematic approach of structural framework whose aim is to enhance the probability of constructive implementation of GSCM in the field chemical industry in Bangladesh. Therefore, this framework evaluates the appropriate interrelationship along with the drivers of GSCM in the chemical industry. In total, eight drivers were finalized from an associated literature review with the help of survey and by taking expert opinions via the Delphi methodology. In addition to MICMAC analysis, the driving and the dependence powers for all the drivers were determined. Moreover, the structural frameworks for the drivers were developed by means of total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) technique. As a result, the findings indicate that the most significant driver was supplier pressure and willingness and the most important barrier was high cost. Finally, the main objective of this research is expected to help industrial managers to evaluate and understand the critical areas where they should emphasize to implement GSCM in the chemical industry.     

Characterization and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India,Bay of Bengal

• MPs in the coastal sediment of south-east coast of India are quantified. • High MPs are recorded near river mouths and nearshore regions. • Polyethylene and polypropylene are the major polymers observed. • MPs contamination is higher than the values reported elsewhere. In view of increasing Microplastics (MPs) contamination in the marine environment and dearth of baseline data, a study was conducted on the abundance, characterization, and seasonal distribution of MPs in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India. Sediment samples (n = 130) were collected at a distance of 1 km and 10 km from the shore region at varying depths (8–45 m) along the Chennai to Puducherry coast (165 km stretch), representing two seasons, i.e., south-west (July 2019 and July 2020) and north-east (January 2020) monsoons. The average abundance of MPs at the 22 offshore sites along the Chennai to Puducherry coast varied from 9±4.3 to 19±12.9 particles/50 g dry weight, in July 2019 and January 2020, respectively. July 2020 had an average abundance of 10±4.5 particles/50 g dry weight. Spatially, high levels of MPs were found at 1km stations and transects in proximity to the river inlets, and temporally, the north-east month recorded the maximum concentration. The dominant morphotype was the filament, and the major polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images revealed the surface irregularity and degradation of MPs due to weathering. The study highlights that high sediment contamination by MPs occurs during heavy rainfall and accumulates closer to river inlets. Eventually, this study suggests that appropriate management of plastic wastes on the landside will reduce MP contamination in the marine environment.     

Entomotoxicity and biosafety assessment of PEGylated acephate nanoparticles: A biologically safe alternative to neurotoxic pesticides

This is a report of an experimental study on a nanoencapsulation of the organophosphate acephate. Acephate was encapsulated in polyethylene glycol, using a simple, easy-to-replicate method that required no special equipment or conditions. The nanoencapsulation (nanoacephate) was characterized and its bioefficacy as compared to the regular commercial acephate was tested. The biosafety of the new compound was also tested on a murine model. Our new nanoencapsulation scored over the regular variety on all counts. It was found to successfully incorporate the active pesticidal component, acephate and this compound retained greater functional integrity over time as a nanoencapsulation. It was significantly more efficacious than the regular variety. It was biosafe when tested on murine model. We have reason to believe that this nanoencapsulation would allow the use of an organophosphate in a more targeted manner, thereby making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to the regular variety in use now.     

Application of remote sensing data and GIS for landslide risk assessment as an environmental threat to Izmir city (west Turkey)

In this study, landslide risk assessment for Izmir city (west Turkey) was carried out, and the environmental effects of landslides on further urban development were evaluated using geographical information systems and remote sensing techniques. For this purpose, two different data groups, namely conditioning and triggering data, were produced. With the help of conditioning data such as lithology, slope gradient, slope aspect, distance from roads, distance from faults and distance from drainage lines, a landslide susceptibility model was constructed by using logistic regression modelling approach. The accuracy assessment of the susceptibility map was carried out by the area under curvature (AUC) approach, and a 0.810 AUC value was obtained. This value shows that the map obtained is successful. Due to the fact that the study area is located in an active seismic region, earthquake data were considered as primary triggering factor contributing to landslide occurrence. In addition to this, precipitation data were also taken into account as a secondary triggering factor. Considering the susceptibility data and triggering factors, a landslide hazard index was obtained. Furthermore, using the Aster data, a land-cover map was produced with an overall kappa value of 0.94. From this map, settlement areas were extracted, and these extracted data were assessed as elements at risk in the study area. Next, a vulnerability index was created by using these data. Finally, the hazard index and the vulnerability index were combined, and a landslide risk map for Izmir city was obtained. Based on this final risk map, it was observed that especially south and north parts of the Izmir Bay, where urbanization is dense, are threatened to future landsliding. This result can be used for preliminary land use planning by local governmental authorities.