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Effects of TiO2/Bentonite on the Pyrolysis Process of Oily Sludge

Oil sludge is one of the major industrial solid wastes from petroleum production and refining. Implementing the harmless and resource treatment of oily sludge is an urgent problem to be solved. In this paper, TiO2/bentonite was prepared by sol-gel method, which was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and then used in the pyrolysis process of oily sludge. The addition of TiO2/bentonite give the best quality of pyrolysis oil; maximum oil recovery was achieved when setting the pyrolysis condition at 420°C for final pyrolysis temperature, 3 h for reaction time, 10°C/min for heating rate, 100 mL/min for nitrogen flow rate and 1% for catalyst dosage. Compared with the non-catalyst, oil recovery rate can be increased from 76.06% to 84.16%, the oil content of the residue decreased from 2.23% to 1.36%. The pyrolysis recovery oil was analysed by GC-MC, and the fractions of pyrolysis oil C6-C15 were increased by 27.84%. This shows that the addition of TiO2/bentonite decreased the carbon residue, increased oil recovery and improved product quality.

Feifei Wang, Huan Zhang, Mingming Du, Jinling Li, Penghui Yang, Tao Yu, Yijun Wang and Chengtun Qu

Indoor Quality of Residential Homes and Schools of an Industrial Area in Asansol: Characterization, Bioaccessibility and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements

Bioaccessibility of eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs), their human exposure and health risk assessments were determined in the indoor dust of residence and schools from the Asansol Industrial area, India. The PTEs concentrations were maximum during the winter both at houses and schools. The average PTEs concentrations throughout the year in Asansol were 3.16, 120, 156, 41708, 2354, 61.3, 115 and 345 mg.kg-1 for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn respectively. X-ray powder diffraction indicated an abundance of quartz in the indoor dust. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated multiple sources such as traffic, industries, and lithogenic sources for PTEs in indoor dust. Percentage of bioaccessibility was maximum for Cd (55.3% throughout the year). Total PTEs concentration and a bioaccessible fraction of PTEs both were used for health risk assessment, and non-carcinogenic health risk was <1 for total PTEs and the bioaccessible fraction of PTEs. Health risk of total PTEs’ (HItotal) for Mn was high for both children and adult (6.76E-01 and 1.3E-01, respectively). Monte Carlo simulation model indicated that all the cumulative probability of Hazard Quotient (HQ) for collectively eight metals was below 1.

M. Pal, M. Gope, A. Basu, T. Laha, R. E. Masto, R. Labar, T. K. Kundu, R. R. Hoque, P. S. Khillare and S. Balachandran

Spatial Dependence Pattern of Energy-Related Carbon Emissions and Spatial Heterogeneity of Influencing Factors in China: Based on ESDA-GTWR Model

To find out the spatial dependence of carbon emissions and its evolution characteristics is the key to achieving regional differential emission reduction strategy. In this study, 30 provinces with different population sizes and in different stages of development in China, were selected to explore the spatial heterogeneity of carbon emissions by exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), combined with geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR). The findings revealed that (1) energyrelated carbon emissions at the province-level in China increased from 1997 to 2016, with an increment of 8,893 million tons; (2) there is a significant positive spatial correlation between provincial carbon emissions, which showed the characteristics of rising first and then falling; this indicated that provincial carbon emissions have obvious spatial dependent characteristics; (3) the tertiary industry ratio had a restraining effect on carbon emissions, whereas the other three variables, namely GDP, urbanization rate, and energy intensity had a positive effect on carbon emissions of provinces in China; and (4) province-scale spatial differences in and distribution patterns of carbon emissions within the same countrywide, which will help decision making in terms of carbon trading and ecological compensation mechanisms. Therefore, we suggested that in the formulation of reduction policies for carbon emissions, policymakers need to adapt to local conditions which accord to the characteristics of the province.

Kai Su and Chienming Lee

Analysis of Carbon Emissions of Prefabricated Buildings from the Views of Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction

As a pillar industry with high energy consumption and low efficiency, the building industry of China has produced consistently high carbon emission levels in recent years. The important goals in the coordinated development of this industry include the large-scale development of green buildings, the use of energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and an effective reduction of carbon intensity. Prefabricated buildings have become popular in this industry due to their low energy consumption, emission, and pollution and environment-friendly nature. This paper examines those factors that influence the carbon emissions from the construction of prefabricated buildings across three phases, namely, production in plants, logistics transportation, and assembly construction, builds an evaluation index system for studying the carbon emissions in the materialization phase of prefabricated buildings, and employs the hierarchical fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to construct an evaluation model. Results show that the overall energy consumption of prefabricated buildings is lower than that of traditional concrete pouring-type buildings. The hierarchical fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is scientific and reasonable when used to measure the comprehensive benefits of carbon emissions from prefabricated buildings. By taking a project in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province as an example, the comprehensive evaluation results show that the carbon emissions of this project are at moderate levels. The carbon emissions from prefabricated buildings can be reduced by expanding the market scale of the building industry, adjusting its use of building materials, and setting up special funds for these buildings. The findings of this work provide a certain reference value for analysing the differences between prefabricated and traditional buildings in terms of their carbon emissions in the materialization phase, for evaluating how the carbon emissions of the former can be reduced, and for formulating and executing building emission reduction plans.

Weidong Ma, Dacheng Sun, Yongsheng Deng, Xianyun Meng and Mi Li

E-Waste Management in Asia Pacific Region: Review of Issues, Challenges and Solutions

Proper management of used electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), known as e-waste, is causing a significant challenge for many countries around the world. United Nations estimate that the world generated 53 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste in 2019, mostly from the Asian region. Poor handling of e-waste can cause severe environmental and human health issues due to the toxic compounds in e-waste. E-waste also contains valuable metals worth recovering. Environmentally sound management (ESM) of e-waste is either absent or limited in developing countries due to the informal recycling sector’s dominance. Many countries are in the process of developing regulations based on extended producer responsibility (EPR) concepts. This paper aims to review the current status, issues, and challenges faced by Asia Pacific countries and suggest a way forward for the ESM of e-waste.

S. Herat

Performance and Mechanism of Layered Double Hydroxide to Remove Graphene Oxide in Aqueous Solution

Intending to remove toxic graphene oxide (GO) from wastewater, LDH (layered double hydroxide) was employed to recover GO by adsorption method. The adsorption performance and the mechanism of LDH for GO have been systematically studied by diverse characterization technologies and methods. The relevant effects of solution pH (2-9), absorbent dosage (5-25mg) and the concentration of GO (20-160mg/L) were investigated in detail. The main driving force of GO condensation on LDH may be electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, SEM, TEM, AFM, FT-IR and XRD analysis further confirmed this. XPS test shows that the adsorption process is carried out through C?O and O?C=O. We have got a high removal rate of 92% and an adsorption capacity of 1472 mg/g under an optimized conditions (pH = 3.0, equilibrium time = 6.0 h, dosage = 10mg, C0 = 160 mg/L). The analyses implied that LDH will be a very promising candidate for recovery of GO from wastewater.

Haibo Kang, Jiahui Gu, Gang Liu, Ben li and Wei Wang

Accumulation and Translocation of Chromium (Cr) and Lead (Pb) in Chilli Plants (Capsicum annuum L.) Grown on Artificially Contaminated Soil

The current study is an endeavour to measure the bioaccumulation potentials of heavy metals in different parts of chilli plants (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in artificially contaminated soil with various concentrations of Cr and Pb. The concentrations of heavy metals were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) technique. The mean concentration of Cr and Pb accumulated in different parts of plants in high, medium, and low levels of contamination was in the following order: roots > leaves > shoots > fruits. Cr concentration in fruits was lower than that of the WHO standard. However, fruits grown on medium contaminated soil contained 0.695 mg/kg Cr which did not follow the safe guideline by SEPA. A significant amount of Pb was traced in fruits grown in highly contaminated soil that exceeded the standard limit set by FAO/WHO. Accumulation of Pb was higher than Cr at different levels of contamination in every part of the chilli plants. The transfer factor for Cr and Pd was found in the following order, leaves > shoots > fruits> roots and leaves > shoots > roots > fruits, correspondingly at every level of contamination. The bioconcentration factors were higher in Pb than Cr. The daily intake of metals in combination with health and carcinogenic risk indexes indicated that the edible parts of chilli plants are safe to consume as recommended by SEPA/WHO/FAO. The present study can be considered a reference for assessment and monitoring of heavy metals associated with human health risks in chilli plants at different industrially contaminated sites

F. Ahmed, A. N. M. Fakhruddin, Z. Fardous, M. A. Z. Chowdhury, M. M. Rahman and M. M. Kabir

Modelling and Optimization of Energy-Efficient Procedures for Removing Lead from Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Carbons Prepared from Waste Tyres and Bauhinia purpurea Leaves

The present study provides two naturally available sources for making adsorbents, waste tyres and Bauhinia purpurea leaves, for the removal of lead from effluents. Equilibrium isotherms, kinetic models and thermodynamic studies were applied to observe the suitability of these adsorbents. Response surface methodology was adopted to investigate the influence of different process variables in lead adsorption process using both the adsorbents. For all the process parameters, the square and linear model terms were having significant effect than interactive model terms of lead adsorption process for both the adsorbents. The interaction effects of the process variables of X1X2, X1X3, X2X3 and X2X4 were highly influenced by the percentage removal of lead by using activated carbons prepared from waste tyres. To study the interaction effects of the process variables of X1X2, X2X3 and X2X4 were highly influenced by the adsorption efficiency of lead by using activated carbons prepared from Bauhinia purpurea leaves. All the squared terms, X1, X2, X3 and X4 show a negative influence on the adsorption of lead on the two adsorbents. The interaction effect between process variables of X1X2 (p: 0.000, t: 9.243), X1X3 (p: 0.03, t: 2.36), X2X3 (p: 0.000, t: 4.75) and X2X4 (p: 0.02, t: 2.71), were found to be statistically significant and have positive effect on adsorption efficiency using ACWT as an adsorbent. The interaction effect between process variables of X1X2 (p: 0.000, t: 8.1049), X2X3 (t: 5.9657, p: 0.000) and X2X4 (t: 5.9657, p: 0.000) was found to be statistically significant and positive effect on adsorption efficiency of lead, whereas other interactions were insignificant and did not influence the adsorption efficiency of lead using activated carbons of Bauhinia purpurea leaves adsorbent. Based on the statistical approach, the experimental results were analysed by using ACWT and ACBPL adsorbents for the removal of lead and the optimum process conditions were as follows: pH: 4.98 and 4.77, Ci: 140.01 mg/L and 105.7 mg/L, w: 0.12 g and 0.123 g, T: 314.46 K and 305.31 K and maximum adsorption efficiency of 95.64% and 95.55%, respectively.

H. Joga Rao

Swimming Pool Water in Mafraq City in Northern Jordan: Quality Evaluation

The objective of this study is to examine the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of swimming pool water in Mafraq city, north of Jordan and the overall quality of the used water. Three public swimming pools were selected from Mafraq city [Areef Pool (SW1), Teachers Club Pool (SW2) and Anakeel Pool (SW3)] to analyze the physical, chemical and biological properties of their water as well as determine their compliance with the Jordanian Standards for Swimming Pools Water. Sampling was carried out weekly for eight successive weeks between July and August 2019 before bathing (after disinfection) and after bathing and analysed in Al al-Bayt University and Ministry of Environment laboratories. The parameters used to evaluate the quality of water in swimming pools were temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), residual chlorine (Cl2), total organic carbon (TOC), trihalomethanes (THM), major cations and anions, selected heavy metals, and total coliform bacteria, E. coli and Pseudomonas. Most of the physical and chemical parameters analysed were within the recommended limit except for pH and EC. Residual chlorine exceeded the permissible limits in SW3 before and after bathing, recording mean values of pH, EC (4.3 ± 0.25 - 4.33 ± 0.44), (2314 ± 343 - 2453 ± 460), respectively. The dissolved oxygen was less than the recommended limit. Total coliforms, E. coli and Pseudomonas counts were < 1 before and after bathing in all the samples.

Sura Taha Al-Harahsheh

SEM-EDAX analysis of the Soil Samples of River Yamuna in Delhi Region

A total of 18 samples were collected from two different sites at different depths of Yamuna river bed in Delhi. Nine samples were collected at Site A (Palla Village) from three different locations at different depths of the river bed. A similar set of 9 samples were collected from Site B (Okhla barrage). All samples were analysed for atomic and weight percentage of elements using SEM-EDAX. The major elements found in the study were Si, O, Al and Nb. Si and O are found in a maximum amount in all the samples with a varying range of atomic percentage 25.3-89.27 and 55.09-95.78 respectively. The recorded atomic percentage of Nb was 0.32 while Al was 16.7-25.51. Site A, Palla is least affected by pollution while at Site B the presence of Al revealed contamination from pollutants. The weight percentage of the elements has also been calculated. SEM images of soil samples revealed the platy flakes, irregular and spongy structure of soil particles.

Vivek Chopra and Jai Gopal Sharma

Analysis of the Genetic Effects to Frogs (Fejervarya limnocharis) After Acute Lead Exposure In Vivo

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and elimination of lead (Pb) in Fejervarya limnocharis frogs as well as to determine the genotoxic effects of direct Pb exposure at different concentrations and lengths of time. Four varying concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg.L-1) of lead acetate (Pb(CH3COO)2) solutions were injected intraperitoneally into F. limnocharis. The concentration of Pb in the water samples used to house the frogs and the concentration of lead in frog muscle tissues were analysed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after injection by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Pb was detected at a level that exceeded the standard (0.03 mg.kg-1) in all samples of frogs injected with Pb. The water samples indicated that the Pb concentrations were significantly different from the control (p < 0.05), except for the 5 and 10 mg.L-1 concentrations after 24 hours groups and 5 mg.L-1 concentration after 48 hours group. Only the concentration of the water in the 20 mg.L-1 for 72 hours group exceeded the standard (0.05 mg.L-1). Genetic differentiation was studied by inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) with dendrogram construction and analysis of genetic similarity (S) for each duration of exposure. A total of 1158, 1205 and 1277 bands were generated by ISSR for the 24, 48 and 72 hours groups, respectively. In each dendrogram, individual injections with the same Pb concentration clustered together, and it appeared that higher concentrations resulted in greater genotoxicity. Genotoxicity was concentration- and time-dependent, with a correlation between the concentration and S-value for the 72 hours group (R2 = 0.77, p < 0.05). In addition, this study could provide a basic application to develop F. limnocharis as a biomarker for Pb contamination by measuring genotoxic consequences.

B. Tengjaroenkul, S. Boonmee and L. Neeratanaphan

Residential, IUCN and WPA Status of the Avian Fauna Observed in Indore city (M.P.), India

The objective of the present study was to prepare a record of the Residential, IUCN and WPA status of the birds recorded in four sites of Indore city. The study was of one-year duration (2018). The results showed that there were five species as winter migrants, one as summer migrant, six as local migrants, and 46 as resident species. Only one species, i.e. Psittacula eupatria was found to be in the near threatened category. According to WPA status, 5 species were Schedule I species, 1 schedule V, and 52 species as schedule IV species. These sites have a potential of augmentation of avian fauna shortly and these spaces abide by many species with a larger diversity than estimated. The present study is the first-ever record of avian species in the three sites of Indore city. The results of this study support the scope of conservation of these spaces for increasing the number of species shortly.

Priya Gaur, Mohnish Pichhode, Jatan Dudwe, C.S. Shrivastava and S. Gaherwal

Physiological Response of Juvenile Schizothorax prenanti under Supersaturated Stress

Supersaturated water can adversely affect many species of fish and can sometimes lead to death. In the present study, we established an experimental platform on the downstream section of the Dagangshan Hydropower Station on the Dadu River. During flood discharge at the Dagangshan Hydropower Station, the river water supersaturation concentration at the experimental site was monitored, and a unique fish in the river section was selected for a cage experiment. Juvenile fish die under the 110% gas supersaturation conditions in the river, accompanied by symptoms of bubble disease. After the end of flood discharge, the remaining experimental fish were placed in clean water for approximately 180 days, and all the fish died. Exposing the experimental fish to a 127% concentration test tank in the laboratory revealed that the onset of death, semi-lethal time and total death time were 6.7 hours, 12 hours, 31.5 hours, respectively. The test fish that were exposed to supersaturated water for 6 hours were placed in clean water and tested every hour, and the change was minimal. Six-hour exposure may cause irreversible damage to the experimental fish.

Quan Yuan, Kefeng Li, Ruifeng Liang, Yuanming Wang, Jingjie Feng, Qianfeng Ji and Yaodan Zhang

Application of Hydrous Bismuth Oxide for Arsenic Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The present study is devoted to arsenic sorption on hydrous bismuth oxide (HBO) through batch and column studies. Advantage of the adsorbent includes arsenic removal in addition to the simultaneous removal of nitrate and fluoride from aqueous solution. Both the forms of arsenic tested by adsorbent in which affinity for arsenic (V) was found better than arsenic (III). Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-secondorder kinetic models were found a fit with the experimental data. Calculation of adsorption energy and increased level of chloride in treated water indicated the possible role of physical adsorption and ion exchange phenomenon in arsenic(V) sorption. A fixed bed column study gave 615 mL of treated water [As (V) < 0.01mg/L] from 0.085 mg/L arsenic (V) spiked influent with a sorption potential of 13.1-19.6 ?g/g. XRD and EDS analyses confirmed the adsorption of arsenic (V) and the presence of chloride in the exhausted bed of adsorbent. The thermodynamic parameter has shown the endothermic and spontaneous process of adsorption.

Manish Ranjan, Prabhat Kumar Singh and Arun Lal Srivastav

Carbon Emission Estimation of Prefabricated Buildings Based on Life Cycle Assessment Model

As a typical secondary industry in China, the building industry promotes China’s construction and development significantly. The urban construction scale is expanding continuously with the increase of the urbanization rate. However, resources needed for construction and influences of construction on the ecological environment are enormous, which further cause resource consumption and environmental destructions. Therefore, changing the traditional mode of construction and promoting the development of prefabricated buildings vigorously are conducive to realize the goal of environmental protection and resource conservation. In this study, a life cycle assessment model for prefabricated buildings was constructed based on the basic data of resource and energy consumption in the production stage, transportation stage, and field installation stage. The total carbon emission of a prefabricated building in Wuhan City was estimated, and specific energy conservation and emission reduction measures were proposed. Results show that prefabricated buildings have become a major manifestation of the industrialization of construction, represented by America, Germany, and Japan. In the case study, the total carbon emission of prefabricated components in the project is 3277.66 t, in which the carbon emissions in the production stage, transportation stage, and field installation stage account for 86.58%, 12.37%, and 1.05%, respectively. Based on the above research results, the further decrease in carbon emissions of prefabricated buildings by promoting the development of building energy efficiency and prefabricated buildings, accelerating R&D and innovation of prefabricated building technologies, and strengthening training to designers related with installation of prefabricated buildings is suggested. Research conclusions have important significance in various aspects, such as providing case-based references and guidance to the carbon emission reduction of prefabricated buildings and supply basic data to decrease carbon emission caused by the production of building materials, developing new environmentally friendly materials to relieve the impact of carbon emissions from the building industry on the environment, realizing energy conservation and emission in the field of construction, and promoting the sustainable development of prefabricated buildings.

Wenfang Zhou

Fish Community Structure and Ecological Health Assessment of the Shuaishui River Basin, China

The Shuaishui River originates from the southern mountainous area of Anhui Province and is an important water source for local residents. The ecological environment of this basin has been seriously damaged because of the effects of human disturbance. In August 2016, a field study of five units of the Shuaishui River Basin was conducted to understand the fish community structure and assess the ecological health status. A total of 43 fish species were collected from the entire river basin, and they belonged to 4 Orders, 10 Families, and 31 Genera. The maximum number of species belonged to the family Cyprinidae, and the main trophic guild was omnivorous fish. Among the five units, species number was the highest in unit 2 (27 species) and the lowest in unit 3 (12 species). The dominant species in the five units were mainly typical mountain-stream fish, such as Zacco platypus, Acrossocheilus fasciatus, and Vanmanenia stenosoma. In some areas, Varicorhinus barbatulus or Rhinogobius cliffordpopei also showed great dominance because of the impacts of the local habitat conditions. Redundancy analysis showed that altitude, water velocity, stream order, and water surface width were the main factors that influenced the distribution and species composition of the fish. Eigenvalues of the first two axes were 0.183 and 0.082 and explained 40.9% and 18.3% of the species-environment relationship variables, respectively. The ecological health of the five units and the entire basin was assessed based on the arithmetic mean of three indicators, namely, number of classification units, Shannon-Wiener index, and Berger-Parker dominance index. The results indicated that the ecological health status was relatively poor in unit 3, general in units 1 and 5, and good in units of 2 and 4. The status of the entire basin was general. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive assessment of the ecological health of the Shuaishui River Basin, and it has great significance for the ecological management and protection of this basin.

Y. X. Fang, G. J. Liu and R. J. Liu

Heavy Metals in Soils and Vegetation from Wastewater Irrigated Croplands Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Risk to Human Health

Heavy metal accumulation in soils, and subsequently, in vegetation by long-term wastewater irrigation has a potentially detrimental effect on humans via their transfer along the food chain. In this reconnaissance study the effects of wastewater irrigation on the accumulation of heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in soils and vegetables from croplands along some ~60 km stretches of Sabarmati River, near Ahmedabad city were assessed. Geochemical factors associated with metals in the soil-water environment seem to regulate more the metal transfer (soil-to-vegetable) than the physiological factors associated with the vegetable’s types. The risk associated with the dietary intake of metal contaminated vegetables was quantified by Hazard Quotient (HQ). HQ was found to be very less sensitive on to the dietary intake pattern (e.g., leafy versus non-leafy vegetables) of the consumers. In contrast to low risk associated with Co, Cu, Ni and Zn with very low HQ values, high risk was found for Pb (HQ of ~6.1±0.6) followed by both Mn and Cr (HQ of ~1.0 ± 0.1). Based on the results on wastewater irrigation in the studied region, we suggest more efficient treatment of wastewater facilities and semi-decadal monitoring of heavy metal in vegetables grown under wastewater irrigated soils.

Bibhabasu Mohanty, Anirban Das, Reema Mandal, Upasana Banerji and Sukanya Acharyya

Analysis of Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Annual Precipitation in the Yellow River Delta

Precipitation is an important component in the climate system and plays a key role in water resources protection, drought and flood prevention. Innovation Trend Analysis (ITA) method, R/S method, maximum entropy spectrum analysis and wavelet analysis were used to study the evolution characteristics of the Yellow River Delta annual precipitation from 1954 to 2014. The results suggest that the precipitation series changed significantly and showed an overall downward trend, and may show an upward trend in the future, which is relatively strong. There are three-time scales of annual precipitation variation: 20-32a, 8-18a, and 3-6a. The quasi-27 year was the main oscillation period of the average annual precipitation in the Yellow River Delta, the secondary major period was 13 years, and the small-scale oscillation period was 5 years. Precipitation changed suddenly in 1980 and 2003. In contrast, there was no significant mutation point in 2002-2014.

Xianqi Zhang, Yang Yang and Zhiwen Zheng

Modelling Sorption and Leaching Behaviour of Sulphate in Light Sierozem (Calcids) Columns with Rape Straw Biochar Amendments with Steady Flow

Biochar amendments could enhance retention of nutrients such as ammonium (NH4 + ), nitrate (NO3 - ), and phosphate (PO4 3-) in soils. However, the situation for sulphate (SO4 2-), which is an indispensable nutrient element for crop growth, is unclear. In this paper, the effects of biochar derived from rape (Brassica campesstris L.) straw at 600°C on the sorption and leaching of SO4 2- in light sierozem (Calcids) was studied in columns, where biochar amendment rate, column soil height, solution pH value and initial sulphate concentration were selected as factors. It is shown that the transport of sulphate was a significant non-equilibrium process and the sorption and leaching curves (SLCs) of sulphate were asymmetrical. The breakthrough time would be increased by increasing biochar amendment and soil column height, and by decreasing solution pH value and initial sulphate concentration. The SLCs of bromide trace were fitted to determine dispersion coefficient (D) using equilibrium convection dispersion equation (CDEeq). The non-equilibrium (two-site) model (CDEnon-eq) with the results from CDEeq was used to simulate the transport processes of sulphate in the soil column, with good fitness, using software CXTFIT 2.1 fitting. The results could supply an implication for biochar application in loess areas.

B. W. Zhao, X. J. Nan, Y. Q. Li, H. Liu and K. X. Duan

Water Resources and Management System of the Himalayan Region: Case Study of Mizoram, India

The Himalayan region has been known as water abundant region in the form of innumerable natural water resources such as springs, streams, rivulets, etc. However, off late owing to climatic and anthropogenic reasons the entire region is soon turning into a water-deficit region leading to serious handicaps in undertaking the basic economic activities, affecting the diversity of livelihood and the drinking water sector. The problem becomes more acute in the dry season or non-monsoonal season. There seems to be a research void in the sustainable water resource planning of the Himalayan states. The present work is an attempt to study this research void through grass-root level analysis of the villages in Mizoram. Twelve villages of the Phullen RD block of Aizawl district, Mizoram were studied to understand the water supply and problems associated with water availability in the rural areas of Mizoram. In the villages of Mizoram, particularly the villages of the study area, Tuikhur or village spring source (VSS) and piped water supply constitute the main lifeline of water supply. Other sources of water include rainwater harvested and water taken from the stream or river. The springs which were once perennial have become seasonal owing to lack of spring shed management. Rainwater harvesting, barring inconsequential villages, is meagrely existent in this region of abundant rainfall with almost 130 days of rainfall. In the absence of proper water resource planning, there is a huge deficit of water every month with the average requirement of the study area being 2,49,148 gallons per month with a supply of just 2,14,248 gallons per month. However, water surplus was also observed in villages having a proper water management system in the form of rainwater harvesting and spring shed management.

Brototi Biswas and Abinada Azyu

Kinetics Studies on Toxic Hexavalent Chromium Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Magnetic Nano-Magnetite

In this study, the chemical co-precipitation method was used to prepare magnetic nano-Fe3O4. In order to investigate the adsorption capacity of magnetic nano-Fe3O4 for Cr(VI) in aqueous solution, three aspects of solution pH, magnetic nano-Fe3O4 dosage and initial solution concentration were studied. The experimental results showed that Cr(VI) adsorption capacity by magnetic nano-Fe3O4 decreased with increasing pH and increased with the increasing initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions and magnetic nano-Fe3O4 dosage. In addition, the experimental data were fitted to the adsorption kinetics and three adsorption isotherms. It could be seen that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) by magnetic nano-Fe3O4 accorded with pseudo-second-order kinetics, which demonstrated that the adsorption process was controlled by chemical adsorption. And it was also found to be well represented by the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 34.0136 mg/g, indicating that magnetic nano-Fe3O4 is an efficient adsorbent.

Q. Wang*, L.P. Liang, F.F. Xi*, Q. Wu, Y.Y. Xue, L.B. Cheng, Y.T. Zhang and X. Meng

Genotoxic Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Treated Tannery Effluent on Zebrafish Danio rerio

The present study deals with the genotoxic effect of iron oxide nanoparticles treated tannery effluent on zebrafish Danio rerio. The chemical co-precipitation method was used for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles which were characterized by SEM, EDAX, XRD, FTIR and VSM. Physico-chemical characteristics of tannery effluent were also estimated. Iron oxide nanoparticles were used as nanoadsorbents in reducing the toxic substances present in tannery effluent. Behavioural studies and genotoxic effect on zebrafish exposed to different concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles treated tannery effluent and control (raw tannery effluent) were carried out. Biochemical composition such as protein, carbohydrate and lipid were estimated in the muscles and gills of zebrafish on 14th day after exposure. SEM images of iron oxide nanoparticles were observed at 5 µm and 10 µm which were spherical. EDAX spectrum recorded on synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles was identified in 7 peaks. FT-IR spectrum of iron oxide nanoparticles was analysed in the range of 500-4000 cm-1 and spectral bands were observed. Physico-chemical parameters of treated tannery effluent were decreased as the different concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles increased. 200, 225 and 250 ppm treated tannery effluent were selected for median lethal concentration. No mortality was found in both control and iron oxide nanoparticles treated tannery effluent. The number of micronuclei was increased with increasing concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles when compared to control. Biochemical characteristics such as protein, carbohydrate and lipid in muscle and gills of zebrafish were higher in T2 (225ppm) than control and other concentrations. From this, it can be concluded that iron oxide nanoparticles can be used as nano-adsorbent in treating tannery effluent for effective removal of toxic substances.

D. Tamilmathi and M. R. Rajan

Comparative Study on Electrode Arrangement in Electrokinetic Remediation of Contaminated Soil

To improve the efficiency of electrokinetic remediation of contaminated soil, by introducing single pollutant cadmium and setting up a self-made device test, electrokinetic remediation technology was applied to artificially simulated contaminated soil to explore the influence of three different two-dimensional electrode arrangements [triangle (2-e-1), rectangle (2-e-2) and hexagon (2-e-3)] on electrokinetic remediation of cadmium contaminated soil in this paper. The cathode of the test device was made of high purity (99.9%) graphite electrode, and the anode was made of stainless steel electrode. Under the condition that the voltage gradient, electrode material, electrolyte and electrification time of the three groups of tests were consistent, the current change, pH value, conductivity, total cadmium content and cadmium morphology of the three groups of tests were compared. The experimental results showed that the triangle (2-e-1) group, the current increased slowly during the process of power on, the pH value of soil was over acid, and the transformation rate of various forms of cadmium contained in the soil after the restoration was low. The current change rate of the rectangular (2-e-2) electrode arrangement was the highest, the soil environment was super alkaline, and the removal rate of cadmium was an average level. The hexagonal electrode arrangement (2-e-3) led a large current drop rate and a weakly alkaline pH environment, the removal efficiency of cadmium at sampling points (S1 and S2) near the anode was as high as 95.54%, and the comprehensive removal rate of cadmium at each sampling point reached 89.6%, moreover, the pollutant removal was uniform and efficient.

Yushan Wan, Juan Zhai and Anwei Wang

Electronic Waste Recycling Mode and Control Measures in China Based on PEST and SWOT

The service life of electronic (e-) products is decreasing gradually due to the continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies and increasing prices and performance of these products, thereby accelerating the growth of e-waste. Only a small proportion of e-waste is disposed of according to standards in China. Due to a contradiction between high output and low disposal, environmental pollution and resource waste caused by e-waste intensify daily. To further analyze the e-waste recycling mode from a macroscopic level and thereby propose specific control measures, we first reviewed studies on e-waste recycling modes and control measures in foreign developed countries. Second, the e-waste recycling mode in China was analysed through political, economic, social and technological (PEST) and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) models in combination with practical situations in China. Finally, e-waste control measures were proposed from various perspectives. Results show that the ambiguous definition of responsibilities for different e-waste disposal subjects in China has led to serious environmental pollution. This pollution, the extensive waste of natural resources, and frequent occurrence of social crises are three consequences of environmental pollution caused by e-waste in China. All four factors in the PEST model have laid the foundation to accelerate e-waste recycling in the country. Environmental pollution caused by e-waste can be relieved by perfecting relevant laws and regulations for e-waste recycling and disposal; establishing and perfecting the punitive system for e-waste recycling corporate responsibility; strengthening technological support, promotion, and education on e-waste recycling; and increasing the market supervision efforts and manufacturers’ consciousness of responsibility. Research conclusions can provide important references to analyze e-waste status, achievements, challenges, and existing problems in disposal as well as their causes. These factors can also propose countermeasures and suggestions in e-waste disposal in accordance with practical situations in China based on insights into the experiences of foreign countries with a typical level of development.

Linsheng Wang and Wei Yang

Survey of Environmental Baseline in the Nunukan Agriculture Area, Indonesia

South Nunukan District has a complex ecosystem which has the river, terrestrial, coastal and oceanic ecosystems, and has been demarcated by the Government of The Nunukan Regency for agricultural purposes. This research was conducted to determine the preliminary environmental baseline of agricultural activities that have been and will take place in this region. Methods of measuring environmental quality were carried out by (1) measuring water quality by taking water samples at four locations and tested in a laboratory; and also measuring aquatic biota by taking samples in rivers and testing at a laboratory, (2) measuring air quality at three sample locations using an air quality meter, and noise using a sound level meter, (3) measuring soil quality by taking five samples at the study site and conducting soil quality testing in the laboratory. The result of this study concluded that this area is suitable to be used as an agriculture and plantation area by adding various engineering technologies and fertilizing. This is supported by the results of water, air, noise and soil quality tests from several samples showing the average within and bellow the permissible limit (WPL and BPL). For a small number of parameters that do not meet quality standards (APL), environmental engineering efforts need to be done.

Ramdiana Muis, Nani Anggraini, Fitri Ariani, Sattar Yunus and Zulkifli

A Novel Approach for Disposing Agriculture Waste, Minimizing Air Pollution and Amending Soil Through Biochar Production and Application

The burning of crop residues (traditionally called ‘Parali’) has recently become a hot topic in India because it is presumed to be one of the reasons for abnormally high levels of air pollution in New Delhi, the capital city of India, after harvesting of Kharif crops during winter months. During the process of finding out a feasible solution for quick disposal of agricultural waste in a safer way, a novel method has been developed by the authors in which crop residue is converted into a useful product, biochar, which can be applied back to the fields for amendment of soil. It not only reduces the introduction of harmful gases into the environment but also improves the physical and chemical properties of the soil. This method is very simple and can be adopted by an individual farmer without much investment and technical skills. Many studies have been conducted on the factors involved in the production and use of biochar as a soil amendment; but in India, not much work has been carried out yet, as it is relatively a new concept in terms of using biomass for biochar production and application. Although biochar is not a new product, it has drawn the attention of researchers and other stakeholders in the near past because of its usefulness in improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil and at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emission, which is one of the biggest challenges for the modern world to protect the environment.

M. P. Choudhary, H. D. Charan and B. Acharya

A Study on Development of Pollution Index Models and Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Heavy Metals in the Soils of APIIC, Visakhapatnam

Soil pollution is a worldwide problem caused by both natural and anthropogenic activities. This has resulted in health and physiological problems to both plants and animals. This study investigated heavy metals in soils within the immediate vicinity. Soils from Seven APIIC zones in Visakhapatnam were collected and analysed for physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals. The data obtained were subjected to the pollution index model and multivariate statistical analysis. The data obtained showed that the soils are rich in zinc, and heavy metals are above trace level with a minor positively skewed distribution. The analysis of pollution index, geoaccumulation index and ecological risk factors in soils in all the locations showed that they are mainly contaminated and polluted by Cd followed by Zn. The mean heavy metal concentrations around APIIC can be arranged in increasing order as Cr < Co < Pb < Cu < Cd < Zn. Element pairs such as Zn-Pb, Zn-Cu, Zn-Cd, Pb-Cu, Pb-Cd, Cu-Cr, Cd-Co and CrCo showed strong positive correlation coefficient “r” indicating their association in the study area. The observed concentrations of heavy metals revealed that soil contamination has been increasing and measures must be taken to ensure the adoption of more environment-friendly practices.

G. V. Satyanarayana, T. Byragi Reddy, R. S. S. Srikanth Vemuri, K. Suryanarayana Rao and Manoj Kumar Karnena

Phytochemical Evaluation, FT-IR and GC-MS Analysis of Leaf Extracts of Pergularia daemia

Pergularia daemia is traditionally used to treat various ailments like anthelmintic, antipyretic and expectorant and to treat infantile diarrhoea, malarial intermittent fever, asthma, mental disorder, toothache and cold. In the present study leaf extracts of P. daemia was subjected to qualitative phytochemicals, GC-MS and FT-IR analysis. The quantitative analysis of the leaves showed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, carbohydrates, amino acids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. The GC-MS study of methanol extract revealed 16 compounds. Some major compounds identified are 9-Octadecenoic Acid (E), Cis- Vaccenic Acid, N-Hexadecanoic Acid, 1- Dimethyl (Butyl), Silyl Oxy Butane along with other minor constituents. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of 12 functional groups such as amines, alkanes, carbon dioxide and alkynes. The results suggested that P. daemia contains significant photo components and can be used as a source for many pharmacological studies and a curative for various ailments.

M. Maheshwari and P. Vijayarengan

Regression Analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to Compare Seasonal Patterns and 15 Year Trend of Vegetation from East to West of Nepal

Understanding the changing patterns and trend of vegetation is essential for its socio-environmental values. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a satellite based data obtained from Moderate Resolutions Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) were analysed. The data have a characteristic resolution of 250 × 250 m2 and a 16-day composite period. They were ordered separately for each sample plot from east, centre and west of Nepal, for 15 years period, 2000 to 2015. MODIS, Land Surface Temperature (LST) data were used to identify unreliable NDVI values and hence eliminated. Also, the unusually fluctuating NDVI values during the rainy season were removed. A cubic spline function (for seasonal patterns), linear regression model (for NDVI trend) and generalized estimating equations (GEE for comparison of the changing trends) were the models used. The results showed a patterned annual seasonal vegetation and significant trends during the 15 years. Seasonal growth showed a peak in rainy season and trough in the winter season, with slight temporal variation among the areas with a characteristic shift of seasonal greening (start of greening) and browning (end of greening) from east to west of Nepal. The NDVI trend was significantly rising in eastern and western suburban areas while the central urban city had a significant decline. The temporal shift of start and end of the season from east to west can be of value to agriculturalists.

I. Sharma, P. Tongkumchum and A. Ueranantasun

Plastic and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Degrading Potentials of Single and Mixed Bacterial Cultures Isolated from Garbage Areas of Darrang, Assam

The ability of bacterial isolates viz., Enterococcus cloacae and mixed bacterial isolates, to degrade plastic was studied. The bacteria were isolated from waste effluent sites viz., industrial waste sites of Nilon’s pickle factory, Dalgaon and market waste sites of Balugaon vegetable market, Kharupetia, Assam. Plastic degradation was carried out at different time intervals within 15 and 30 days. It was observed that degradation increased with an increase in the time interval and hence effective observation was recovered after 30 days interval. Polythene bags showed maximum degradation by Enterococcus cloacae (85.25%). Plastic degradation was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon, Enterococcus cloacae, Pseudomonas putidia and Ralstonia pickettii were found to degrade oil as well as they were able to grow in presence of petroleum hydrocarbons.

R. S. Ahmed and M. D. Swargiary

Kinetics of Adsorption of Reactive Red 120 Using Bentonite Modified by CTAB and Study the Effect of Salts

Commercial bentonite was activated by aluminium hydroxide and then modified by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The properties of modified bentonite were diagnosed using FTIR, X-ray diffraction and SEM. The adsorption of Reactive Red 120 (RR120) onto supported bentonite (B.A.CTAB) was investigated. The influence of various experimental parameters, such as temperature, initial concentration of dye, adsorbent dosages, initial pH and inorganic salts on RR120 removal was studied. The results showed that the optimum conditions for dye adsorption on modified bentonite are: temperature = 303k, pH = 3.5, contact time = 10 min, adsorbent dosage = 0.1 g and RR120 concentration 96 mg.L-1, it achieved a removal efficiency of 91%. The pseudo-second-order version yields a higher fit to the experimental facts than the pseudo-first-order model. The consequences revealed that Langmuir version turned into extra appropriate to explain RR120 adsorption than the Freundlich model. Also, the thermodynamic function such as ?G°, ?H° and ?S° was evaluated. The consequences of various inorganic anions (which included Cl– , SO4 2-, CO3 2-, and so forth.) on the removal activity of RR 120 adsorption on modified bentonite was examined.

Hasan Fadhil Al Rubai, Ahmed Khudhair Hassan, Muntadhar Salih Sultan and Waleed Mohammed Abood

Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on Adsorption Characteristics of Biochar Derived from Corn Straw

With the growth of population and the rapid development of industry, a large amount of wastewater containing heavy metals has been produced. How to treat wastewater containing heavy metals effectively is an important problem. In this study, biochar derived from corn straw is prepared at different carbonization temperatures by oxygen-limited carbonization, and finally, biochar derived from the corn straw at different temperatures is obtained. Then, the adsorption characteristics of ionic heavy metal copper in aqueous solution were studied by biochar prepared at different temperatures. Adsorption kinetics of copper in aqueous solution by biochar from corn straw is discussed in detail. Experimental results show that the adsorption capacity of Cu2+ ions in solution by biochar prepared at different temperatures is significantly different. The prepared biochar derived from corn straw is a fragmentary and porous structure. A lot of functional groups appear on the prepared biochar. The pseudo second order kinetic equation can better describe the entire adsorption of Cu2+ ions in solution by biochar prepared under different temperatures. The adsorption process of Cu2+ ions by biochar is controlled by liquid diffusion and intraparticle diffusion.

Jing Dai, Ruolin Xu, Wangying Li, Yulin Li, Yang Yang, Yang Xiao, Huan Mao, Muqing Qiu, Hai Wang, Ningcan Yang and Li Han

Estimating Discharge of Nitrogen in Zero Water Exchange at I-Sharp Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia, Based on System Dynamic Approach

The present study was designed to display the integrated model of nitrogen discharge process (i.e. nitrites and nitrates; ammonia; chlorophyll and dissolved nitrogen, dissolved oxygen) which is part of the complete model of shrimp aquaculture of an Integrated Shrimp Aquaculture Park (i-Sharp) ecosystem in System Dynamic Model Aquaculture-System Policy (SD-AQEP). This study offers a comprehensive elaboration concerning the long-term process of nitrogen accumulation, as well as its effects on shrimp activities. Furthermore, the analysis of the model and the simulation results also show the conditions of nitrogen with several strategies for control and manipulation. For example, in situations where mixing of stock density is high and providing feed into ponds supplies is excessive, the nitrogen dynamic rapidly hits alarming levels. Aforementioned, the typical strategy in this setting such as stocking density and the best time to harvest could be established. Additionally, the model structure represents the discharge derived from the nitrogen process on varied settings of variables in aquaculture development. In conclusion, this model provides an experimental simulation platform that can be implemented by policy makers on long-term strategic management for developing or maintaining large-scale aquaculture development projects in the future.

Muhamad Safiih Lola and Anton Abdulbasah Kamil

Effect of Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5? on Eisenia fetida Exposed in Coco Peat and Sphagnum Peat

Toxicity effect of Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5? to terrestrial invertebrate Eisenia fetida in two different sphagnum peat substituted soil was assessed. Artificial soil substrate for earthworm toxicity test comprises of 70% sand, 20% clay and 10% sphagnum peat. In this study, coco peat was used as an alternative substitute for sphagnum peat. The LC50 was 83.7 mg/kg for coco peat and 76.3 mg/ kg for sphagnum peat soil. No significant difference was observed in mortality and biomass between the two soil substrates, but a significant difference was observed in the reproduction. Based on the observations, it is concluded that coco peat can also be used as an alternative to sphagnum peat in toxicity studies.

A. Rajini and K. Revathy

Temperature-Sensitive Ionic Liquid-Based Dispersive Microextraction for Removal of Industrial Dyes in Water

In this study, a new and effective temperature-sensitive ionic liquid-based dispersive microextraction method was developed for dye removal from water. Through the temperature change, the ionic liquid (IL) could complete dispersion in the aqueous phase to fully contact with the dyes, and then it was recovered as particles enriching target substance by cooling. Parameters including chemical structure and amount of IL, dispersing solvent and its volume, extraction temperature, extraction time, pH adjustment and ionic strength were investigated and optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the extraction recovery was 98.9% of methyl violet, 95.6% of Congo red, and 98.8% of methylene blue, respectively. The results showed that the major driving force for the extraction might be the hydrophobic interaction between the dye and IL. In short, the proposed technique is rapid, simple, relatively inexpensive and effective. This implies meaningful information for further research and application in the field of actual samples.

Y. Wang, M.C. Wei, Q.C. Yu and M.T. Zhu

Development of Emissions Inventory and Pollution Classification for EnergyIntensive Heavy Metal Industries in A Densely Distributed Area

The iron and steel industry puts considerable pressure on the regional environment of the BeijingTianjin-Hebei (BTH) area, and the PM2.5 pollution has caused serious harm to public health. To explore a detailed and high-resolution emission inventory of the iron and steel industry in the BTH region, a classification technology method with CAMx modelling system was developed and applied for classifying all the iron and steel enterprises in the BTH region. Besides, simulation scenarios were designed particularly for quantitatively assessing the effectiveness of the environmental protection measures. Results show that the pollutant emission of the iron and steel industry significantly contributes to the PM2.5, SO4 2-, NO3 - , and SOA concentrations in the atmospheric environment in sub-areas. Therefore, the enterprises in western and central sub-areas show high classification coefficients. Restricting pollutant emissions using the developed classification technology method is more effective in reducing the PM2.5 concentration of the BTH region compared with the proportional reduction method. Thus, the classification method should be primarily implemented for reducing the air pollutant emissions of the iron and steel industry in the BTH region.

Jia Jia, Jingjing Yang, Yawen Song, Huimin Chen and Xi Zhang

Study and Physicochemical Characterization of the Diesel Particles Inducing Bronchopulmonary Obstructions and Inflammation

Micro-Visiography reveals that diesel soot particles are soluble in the physiological pulmonary liquid. It also shows that these substances stick to bronchial capillary walls. Electronic microscopy reveals structures of non-homogeneous morphology with spherical, fibrous and platelet-like structures. Analysis of the surfaces of the aggregates by Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) shows the composition of chemical charges. Besides, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric study show the existence of two phases: organic and crystalline, with a rubber elastomer aspect. Infrared and UVVisible spectroscopic analysis confirmed the existence of reactive chemical groups.

M. Bouzid, A. Djadi and B. Bezzazi

Study on the Effects of Sewage Irrigation on Soil

The long-term use of sewage to irrigate farmland will increase the content of heavy metals in the soil and cause soil pollution. Heavy metal pollution in soils will restrict the sustainable development of local agriculture and will have a negative impact on the ecological environment. In this paper, the irrigation areas using domestic sewage, mixed sewage and industrial sewage as an irrigation water source for many years have been selected as the research objects, and the content of the heavy metals lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in the soil with the depth of 0-20cm, 20-50cm and 50-80cm of three kinds of sewage irrigation areas are assessed using single factor pollution index method and Nemerow comprehensive index method, and the potential ecological risks of heavy metals in the soil are assessed using Hakanson ecological risk index method. The results show that the content of heavy metals Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd in different depths of the three sewage irrigation areas does not exceed the national standard limit, and the heavy metal pollution grade in the soil belongs to the safety grade, indicating that the content of heavy metals in the soil has not reached the alert level. The potential ecological risks of heavy metals in the soil show minor ecological risks judging from single indexes, while Cd shows that the ecological risks are at a strong level. Judging from the comprehensive potential ecological risk index, the potential ecological risks of the heavy metals in the study area is minor in graded, but the heavy metals in the soil of the mixed sewage irrigation area and the industrial sewage irrigation area have a moderate grade of potential ecological risks at the depth of 50-80 cm. Therefore, although the content of the heavy metals in the soil of the three kinds of sewage irrigation areas in the study area is safe, the potential ecological risk of Cd is quite high, which should be paid attention to.

Xiuli Li and Xu Wu

Effect of Temperature Downshifts on Performance and Microbial Community Structure on Pilot-Scale Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactors Treating Hypersaline Wastewater

Low temperature and high salinity can strongly inhibit metabolic activities of the microbial population, resulting in low efficiency of biological wastewater treatment. Using 70 g.L-1 NaCl pickle mustard wastewater as influent, three pilot-scale sequencing batch biofilm reactors (SBBRs), subjected to temperature downshifts and fluctuation ranging from 30 ± 4°C to 10 ± 4°C, were conducted over 200 days. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE) was used to reveal the microbial community structure succession in reactors. Results showed that when the temperature was 10 ± 4°C, the COD removal efficiencies of SBBRs (1, 2 and 3 kg COD m-3 d-1 organic loading rate), were 91.6% (? = 0.87), 87.84% (? = 0.92) and 83.34 % (? = 0.85), respectively. Compared with the average removal efficiencies when the reactors operated at 30 ± 4°C, the efficiency reductions of 1, 2 and 3 kg COD m-3 d-1 reactors were 4.47%, 4.58% and 4.57%. As the temperature decreased, microbial population diversity did not change remarkably. However, the microbial structure changed significantly, bacteria which had strong adhesion and a wide growth temperature range were competitive. At low temperature, the predominant species were Thalassolituus oleivorans, Halotalea alkalilenta and Kangiella koreensis, which were all related to pollutant-degrading halophilic bacteria

Shihu Liu, Ziyuan Lin, Jiong Zhou, Yongsheng Zhang, Jiale Wang and Jian Zhou

Novel Approaches Towards Sustainable Management of an Agricultural Residue - The Rice Husk

Recent developments in the reuse of agricultural residues/resources have led to environmental sustainability and cleaner technology emphasizing the utilisation of natural resources. Novel approaches to sustainable and energy conservations inter-relates the scientific and practical applications employed in engineering solutions. The increasing importance of biomass had led to an acute need for mitigating global sustainable problems. In the third world economics, Rice Husk (RH) collected from rice milling industry is considered as one of the abundant and invaluable agro-based residues. A focus on industrial food production and its sustainability is due to the generation of huge quantity of RH. The improper handling and disposal management of RH has resulted in environmental and population health risk, due to its large space occupancy and leaching. The effective utilization and study of rice husk in various industrial applications such as construction industry, energy production, water purification and soil stabilization have shown acceptable results. This review discusses the current research works focussing on the suitability of RH and its ash over a wide field of applications. Silica being the dominant content in RH and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) has attracted interest among the researchers to develop it into high strength composite materials, porous nanomaterials, a precursor of renewable energy and soil stabilising biochars. Replacement of fine aggregates with RHA has improved the strength and durability of the concrete. The RHA is also developed into an adsorbent and coagulant in water purification. The binding between the ions present in impure water and highly reactive silica bond enhances the removal efficiencies of metal ions in water treatments. Very few researches are carried out using RH compared with the pyrolyzed RHA as an alternative. This paper highlights the various field of RH applications and suggests composting of RH with nitrogen-rich garden waste to obtain an enriched soil stabilizing product with high nutrient and organic value. This approach would restore RH in its the place of generation, thereby improving the economic value of the agricultural mass and sustainable way of living.

A. Geethakarthi

Pollution Assessment of Trace Elements in the Soil Planting Chinese Herbaceous Peony in Suzhou, China

Planting of the industrial crop is important for the rural revitalization in current China and the geological environment of soil is important for the development of the planting. In this study, twenty-eight surface soil samples in the farmland planting Chinese herbaceous peony in Suzhou have been collected and analysed for the concentrations of trace elements (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn along with Fe and Mn). The results indicate that iron is the most abundant element, followed by manganese, zinc, chromium, lead, nickel, copper, arsenic and cobalt. They have coefficients of variation ranged between 0.058 and 0.561, indicating that some of them might have multi-sources. The pollution indexes (including single pollution, geo-accumulation and the Nemerow composite indexes) indicate that the soil samples are no to slightly polluted. Multivariate statistical analyses (including correlation, cluster and factor analyses) have identified two sources (geogenic and agricultural related) responsible for the elemental concentrations in the soils.

L.H. Sun and S.B. Feng

Contribution of Low-carbon Transport Policy to the Improvement of Urban Traffic Ecological Environment

With the acceleration of urbanization and motorization speed boost, the development of urban green traffic has become a focus of public concern and an important way to solve urban traffic problems, which has made the low-carbon transport policy been given more attention. However, since the urban traffic is affected by multiple factors, whether the application of low-carbon transport policy could obtain corresponding or higher output is uncertain. To clarify the effects of low-carbon transport to the improvement of urban traffic ecological environment, the main indicators that measure the contribution of low-carbon transport to urban traffic ecological environment were extracted from five aspects including people, cars, roads, transportation infrastructure and traffic environment. The Guangzhou city in China was taken as an example to select index data, the regression analysis was adopted by SPSS software. Results show that the contribution rate of the low-carbon transport policy to the improvement of urban transportation ecological environment is 4.42%. The conclusions obtained from this study are of great significance to improve the low-carbon travel policy and optimize the urban traffic ecological environment

Mingwei Li and Huijuan Zhao

The Toxic Effect of Fluoride and Arsenic on Behaviour and Morphology of Catfish (Clarias batrachus)

In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the toxicity of fluoride and arsenic on morphology and behaviour of fish Clarias batrachus. Based on 96 hour LC50 values at the 95% confidence limits of sodium fluoride (NaF) and arsenic trioxide (As2O3) obtained from the preliminary tests, various sub-lethal concentrations of NaF and As2O3 were selected for combined toxicity testing. During the experiment, fish were regularly observed for any changes in their external morphology and behaviour. Behavioural changes were observed in terms of air gulping, opercular movement, swimming activity, body position, general activity and food sensitivity. Control fish remained normal throughout the experiment period (96 hour) but erratic, exodus and speedy movements were found in all treated groups. The number of air gulps (per 15 min, 24-96 hour) significantly increased (P<0.001) in the exposed Group I (20 mg.L-1 As2O3) as compared to control. A significant increase (P<0.01) in the number of opercular movements (per min for 24-96 hour) was recorded in treatment groups as compared to control. Apparent changes such as excessive mucous secretion, increased body discolouration, loosening of skin and complete loss of skin (head region and fins) were also observed. Skin loss was more intense in fish subjected to Group I.

G. Sahu and V. Kumar

Stability Properties of Chromium in Cr(VI)-Contaminated Soil Stabilized by Calcium Polysulfide (CaS5)

Calcium polysulfide (CaS5) is widely used in stabilizing Cr(VI)-contaminated soils. The stability properties of Cr(VI) and Cr are the most important indexes for evaluating the effectiveness of stabilized soil. This study investigated the effect of CaS5 dosage and curing age on the stability properties of Cr(VI) and Cr in contaminated soils and the relationship between leachability and Cr speciation. Results show that increasing the CaS5 dosage and curing age could improve the stability properties of Cr in stabilized soil. The leachability and Cr(VI) content in the stabilized soil significantly decreased along with increasing CaS5 dosage and curing age. The changes in the leachability of the soil were attributed to the changes in the Cr speciation distribution and microstructure of the stabilized soil. The exchangeable fraction was mainly converted into an oxidizable fraction, and a dense structure (ettringite and elemental sulphur) was formed along with increasing CaS5 dosage and curing age. The exchangeable and reducible fractions depended on Cr leachability, and the Cr in the synthetic precipitation leaching procedures predominantly resulted from the exchangeable and reducible fractions.

Yuan Yuan Li and Ting Ting Zhang

Impact of Corporate Governance on Environmental Protection Investment of China’s Listed Enterprises in High-polluting Industry

With the rapid development of the economy, people’s pursuit of the quality of life is getting higher. Thus, environmental pollution will be punished, and the high-polluting industry will face more problems in development. To explore the impact of corporate governance on environmental protection investment, 28 listed enterprises in high-polluting industry in China were selected as samples. Corporate governance was reflected from four aspects as explaining variables including shareholding structure, board composition, characteristics of the supervisory board and executive incentive. The relationship between corporate governance and high-polluting enterprises’ environmental protection investment was analysed by using the data of China’s listed enterprises in the high-polluting industry from 2015 to 2019. The results indicate that there is a positive correlation between legal person proportion and environmental protection investment of high-polluting enterprises, and a U-shaped relationship of the Herfindahl index. There is a significant positive correlation between board size and environmental protection investment of high-polluting enterprises, and the relationship is significantly negative of the size of the board of supervisors. The conclusions are helpful to improve the corporate governance of high-polluting enterprises, to enhancing environmental protection investment.

Kai Wang

Development of Activated Carbon from Agricultural Waste: Sapota Peels

The present study aimed to develop the activated carbon from fruit waste like sapota peel and to optimize the condition of developed activated carbon for complete removal of lead ions from the desired concentration of a lead solution. The activated carbon was prepared from sapota peel by using sulphuric acid. The physicochemical characterization of the obtained activated carbon was done for various parameters along with analysis of crystal nature (XRD) and structural morphology (SEM). The optimum conditions for adsorption were studied by altering pH (2-10), agitation speed (50-250 revolution per minute), temperature (10-60°C), adsorbent dose (0.02-0.14 g) and contact time (30-240 minutes). The optimized conditions necessary for complete removal of lead ions by the prepared adsorbent were pH - 5.5, agitation speed - 200 revolutions per minute, temperature - 60°C, time - 3 hours and adsorbent dose - 0.12 g. This study can be further helpful in designing the process of wastewater treatment for the removal of toxic metals from water particularly lead by adsorption.

P. H. Patil, V. R. Parate, J. J. Jankar, A. S. Deshpande and B. N. Annapurve

Numerical Simulation of Effect of Sand Thickness on Soil Evaporation

Evaporation from the soil is an important component of evapotranspiration, and mulching greatly affects soil evaporation. We conducted numerical simulations to study the effect of the thickness of sand mulch on soil evaporation. We tested nine treatments: mulching with sand thicknesses of 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15 and 20 cm plus an unmulched control (CK). Accumulated evaporation was significantly lower, and the resistance to evaporation was significantly higher, for the mulched treatments than CK. The volumetric soil water content (SWC) was significantly higher for the mulched treatments than CK, but SWC varied little for thicknesses >5 cm. Heating was slower and more uniform for the mulched treatments than for CK. With the increase of the thickness of sand, the temperature transmission was slowed down. The change of soil temperature was not obvious at thicknesses >15 cm. A thickness of 5 cm was the most effective for storing water and preserving heat. Our results provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the effective use and management of soil water in farmland in arid regions.

Wenju Zhao, Junhong Hu, Zongli Li, Ping Yu and Changquan Zhou

Effect of Heat Treatment Process on the Structure and Properties of Nano-TiO2

Nano-TiO2 was prepared with butyl titanate as a precursor by sol-gel method. The samples were analysed by TG-DTA, X-ray diffraction, TEM and so on to assess the effects of different temperatures on the crystal structure, grain size, and microstructure of nano-TiO2. Meanwhile, the catalytic effect of heat treatment temperature on the degradation performance of TiO2 to methyl orange was investigated. The dynamic process of grain growth was preliminarily analysed by Eastman’s particle growth theory. The result shows that TiO2 particle size gradually increases with the heat treatment temperature. At 450 to 550°C, the grain is mainly anatase phase, a mixture of anatase and rutile phase was found at 650°C (mass ratio A:R = 9:1), and the degradation rate of nano-TiO2 on methyl orange reaches 97.75%. When the calcination temperature exceeds 850°C, TiO2 particles almost entirely are composed of rutile phase, and the photocatalytic activity decreases significantly. At 730°C, half of the crystalline TiO2 is transformed from anatase to rutile form. The apparent activation energies of the anatase and rutile crystals of nano-TiO2 are 18.15 kJ/mol and 42.56 kJ/mol, and the fastest grain growth occurs at 546°C and 1280°C respectively.

R. Q. Gao, Y. R. Huang, D. Liu and G. T. Li

Studies on Engineering and Microstructure Properties of Chromium(VI)- Contaminated Soil

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]-contaminated soils have introduced a serious problem in China. Cr(VI) is hazardous to both the environment and public health and may degrade the engineering properties of soils. Accordingly, the effects of Cr(VI) on the physicochemical, mechanical, and microstructure properties of Chinese clay were investigated in this study. Results show that Cr(VI) had a considerable negative effect on the physicochemical, mechanical, and microstructure properties of soil. Specifically, Cr(VI) changed the physicochemical properties and degraded the mechanical properties of soil, led to the aggregation of soil particles, and created a large void space. Cr(VI) also changed the mineral composition of the soil and converted clay minerals into calcite. The changes in the microstructure and mineral composition of the soil were the primary reasons for the differences in the engineering properties of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil.

Yuan Yuan Li and Ting Ting Zhang

Fenton Oxidation Kinetics of Azo Dye Acid Light Yellow 2G Wastewater by Online Spectrophotometry

The online spectrophotometric technique was adopted to monitor the degradation of simulated Acid Light Yellow 2G (ALY 2G) solution with the Fenton oxidation process, and the kinetic process was also discussed. The effects of the initial concentration of H2O2 and Fe2SO4, pH value, and initial dye concentration on the degradation process were studied. The results showed that the ALY 2G can be degraded by Fenton oxidation, and the colour removal rate of Acid Light Yellow 2G was 94.66?ter 300 s when the concentration of simulated wastewater was 20 mg/L, the dosage of Fe2+ was 0.1 mmol/L, the dosage of H2O2 was 0.6 mmol/L, and the pH was 3. The degradation process was divided into two stages: the first stage, the degradation rate is very fast; in the second stage, with the extension of reaction time, the increase of decolourization rate decreases. The first stage of the reaction accords with the first-order kinetics, and the reaction rate constant Kap is 0.04824 s-1. The intrinsic reaction rate constant of ALY 2G and hydroxyl in aqueous solution in the Fenton oxidation method is 0.55 × 109 M-1s-1.

Aifang Gao, Yiyun An, Liuliu Ma, Yingying Lian and Aiguo Li

Relationship Between NDVI and the Microbial Content of Soil in Detecting Fertility Level at Semarang Regency, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Global warming is the most significant environmental issue that causes the utmost concern for researchers and scientists. Furthermore, impacts recorded include the potential for drought and the reduction of soil ability to support biomass production, subsequently posing a significant threat to agriculture. Moreover, vegetation density is known to support microorganism activities actively, and its analysis requires remote sensing techniques, involving normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and soil adjustment vegetation index (SAVI), associated with microbial content in the soil. Besides, the level recorded is assumed to have a strong correlation with soil fertility, which is a prerequisite for the development of vegetation cover. Hence, most of the research was conducted in fertile lands situated in the Ungaran, Merbabu, and Telomoyo volcanic areas. The results show the absence of a positive correlation between soil fertility and the number of microorganism’s present, although the association with vegetation cover is relatively low.

Ananto Aji, Sigit Bayhu Iryanthony, Wahid Akhsin Budi Nur Sidiq and Edy Trihatmoko

Adsorption of U(VI) in Solution by Biochar and FeS Nanoparticles

Uranium (U) is a common radionuclide in soil and groundwater. Uranium contamination often results from uranium mining and processing, nuclear energy power plants, nuclear weapon tests and nuclear accidents. Due to its toxicity and bioaccumulation, it was necessary to treat it effectively. Biochar and FeS nanoparticles were prepared for the treatment of U(VI) in solution. The characteristics of biochar and FeS nanoparticles were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectrum and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and BET adsorption method. The results showed that a large number of functional groups were present on the surface of biochar and FeS nanoparticles. The influencing factors, such as contact time, pH of the solution, initial concentration U(VI) and solution temperature, had an important influence on the adsorption capacity of U(VI) by biochar and FeS nanoparticles.

Xitong Zheng, Long Fu, Hao Deng, Keyuan Huang, Tianqi Liu, Yulin Deng, Jiaming Luo, Miao Xiang, Anjie Wang, Muqing Qiu, Li Han and Hai Wang

Study on Hazards of Chemical Fibre Wastewater and Evaluation of Uncertainty in Environmental Monitoring

China has a typical labour-intensive chemical fibre industry characterized by high energy consumption, severe pollution tendencies, and low resource utilization rate. The chemical fibre industry seriously harms the environment due to its small production scale, single product variety, low resource utilization efficiency, and weak technology strength. Investigating wastewater generated by chemical fibre production and improving the measurement uncertainty of monitoring factors are significant to chemical fibre wastewater treatment and environmental protection. A review of related literature on wastewater pollution in the chemical industry is conducted to summarize the types of wastewater hazards in the chemical fibre production process. An environmental monitoring uncertainty model is used to measure the wastewater monitoring uncertainty of a chemical fibre enterprise in Jilin City, Jilin Province in China. Findings show that the hazardous types of chemical fibre wastewater include polluting the surrounding environment, endangering human health, and destroying existing biodiversity. The monitoring quality reliability of the extended uncertainty model for the pH value, chemical oxygen demand, ammonianitrogen, and total phosphorous used in this case is superior to the direct chemical numerical detection quality. The monitoring uncertainty of chemical fibre wastewater can be further improved by perfecting the chemical fibre production process and the wastewater treatment process. Its environmental hazards can also be relieved by improving the environmental monitoring industry of wastewater and strengthening the R&D of related virtual instruments. This study can serve as a reference for enhancing the environmental monitoring quality of chemical fibre wastewater, compensating for the environmental monitoring errors, realizing the energy conservation and emission reduction of the chemical fibre industry.

Yanchun Hao

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