Thermoplastic elastomers from waste polyethylene and reclaim rubber blends and their composites with fly ash

Waste polyethylene (WPE) collected from the municipality solid waste (MSW) was melt blended with reclaim rubber (RR) in different proportions and composites with fly ash (FA) were prepared and characterized. Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends and composites were studied in presence as well as in absence of a silane-coupling agent (Si-69). Tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength and hardness properties of the FA composites was found to improve in presence of Si-69. Phase morphology of the blends has been reported.     

Formulation and Evaluation of Matrix Type Transdermal Patch Containing Silver Nanoparticles

This research aimed to prepare the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-loaded antimicrobial wound dressing patch using ethyl cellulose as a matrix membrane and diethyl phthalate as a plasticizer. The polymer suspension was homogeneously mixed with plasticizer, and then added to the colloidal AgNPs suspension. This mixture was poured into Petri dish and subsequently dried in a hot air oven at 80?±?2 °C for 10 h. The minimum inhibition concentration of the colloidal AgNPs suspension was 2.5 µg/ml. The AgNPs-loaded antimicrobial wound dressing patch was evaluated for physical properties by differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and in vitro study. The antimicrobial wound dressing patch did not exhibit any interaction between the matrix membrane and AgNPs. The AgNPs were evenly dispersed in the patch. The patch could control the release of silver at 102.98?±?4.11% over 12 h. Although the AgNPs-loaded antimicrobial wound dressing patches can be easily prepared by the simple method, in future studies antimicrobial wound dressing patch will be developed by employing different types of film forming agents.     

Persistent of Organochlorine Pesticides in the Green Lip Mussel (Perna Viridis) From Marine Estuaries in Thailand

Thailand has benefited from the availability of pest control chemicals for improving agricultural products and in public health like any other developing countries. in order to understand the distribution and contamination in the Gulf of Thailand, a Mussel Watch programme has been set up to monitor trace toxic substances of organochlorine pesticides along the Gulf of Thailand since 1989.

This paper focuses on the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in green lip mussels (Perna viridis) during 1989 to 1996. the mussel samples were used as a biological indicator and analyzed for 23 organochlorine compounds. the highest frequencies of organochlorine pesticide residues in Thailand were found in aldrin, dieldrin and DDTs in all samples and the highest concentration of DDT-isomer were p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT during 1989-1990 and 1991. the p,p'-DDE was only found during 1993-1995.

In 1996 the level of the DDT isomer (o,p-DDE) were found in the range of 11-16ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight), HCH isomer (a-HCH) was found ND -1.6ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight) and cis-chlordane found at ND - 3.4 ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight). Other organoichlorine pesticide compounds such as dieldrin, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin and endosulfan isomers were not detected. the detection limit of all organochlorine compounds were 1.3-8.2ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight). Trends of organochlorine pesticide residue in this area were found differently from the previous data during 1989-1991.     

Estimating the value of improved wastewater treatment: The case of River Ganga,India

In this paper we employ a stated preference environmental valuation technique, namely the choice experiment method, to estimate local public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in the capacity and technology of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Chandernagore municipality, located on the banks of the River Ganga in India. A pilot choice experiment study is administered to 150 randomly selected Chandernagore residents and the data are analysed using the conditional logit model with interactions. The results reveal that residents of this municipality are willing to pay significant amounts in terms of higher monthly municipality taxes to ensure the full capacity of the STP is used for primary treatment and the technology is upgraded to enable secondary treatment. Overall, the results reported in this paper support increased investments to improve the capacity and technology of STPs to reduce water pollution, and hence environmental and health risks that are currently threatening the sustainability of the economic, cultural and religious values this sacred river generates.     

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on small-scale fishers (SSF) engaged in floodplain wetland fisheries: evidences from three states in India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented human health crisis in recent global history with rippling social and economic effects. The outbreak...     

Agriculture,dairy and fishery farming practices and greenhouse gas emission footprint: a strategic appraisal for mitigation

Rising global population would force farmers to amplify food production substantially in upcoming 3–4 decades. The easiest way to increase grain production is through expanding cropping area by clearing uncultivated land. This is attained by permitting deadly loss of carbon (C) stocks, jeopardizing ecosystem biodiversity and deteriorating environmental quality. We aim to propose key agronomical tactics, livestock management strategy and advance approaches for aquaculture to increase productivity and simultaneously reduce the environmental impacts of farming sector. For this, we considered three major sectors of farming, i.e. agriculture, fishery and dairy. We collected literatures stating approaches or technologies that could reduce GHG emission from these sectors. Thereafter, we synthesized strategies or options that are more feasible and accessible for inclusion in farm sector to reduce GHG emission. Having comprehensively reviewed several publications, we propose potential strategies to reduce GHG emission. Agronomic practices like crop diversification, reducing summer fallow, soil organic carbon sequestration, tillage and crop residue management and inclusion of N2-fixing pulses in crop rotations are some of those. Livestock management through changing animals’ diets, optimal use of the gas produced from manures, frequent and complete manure removal from animal housing and aquaculture management strategies to improve fish health and improve feed conversion efficiency could reduce their GHG emission footprint too. Adapting of effective and economic practices GHG emission footprint reduction potential of farming sector could make farming sector a C neutral enterprise. To overcome the ecological, technological and institutional barriers, policy on trade, tax, grazing practice and GHG pricing should be implemented properly.     

Effect of experimental parameters on photocatalytic degradation efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by electrochemical method towards Rhodamine B dye solution under natural sunlight

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In this study,?~?40 nm anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a simple electrochemical method by using succinic...     

Curcumin- A Bio-based Precursor for Smart and Active Food Packaging Systems: A Review

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - The current scenario of global trends impacts the way in which food is consumed and packed, meaning that change is inevitable and just around the horizon...