Abstract: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a polychlorinated
aromatic compound that is widespread in industrial effluents and is
considered to be a serious pollutant. Among the variety of industrial
effluents encountered, effluents from tanning industry are very
important and have a serious pollution potential. PCP is also formed
unintentionally in effluents of paper and pulp industries. It is highly
persistent in soils and is lethal to a wide variety of beneficial
microorganisms and insects, human beings and animals. The natural
processes that breakdown toxic chemicals in the environment have
become the focus of much attention to develop safe and environmentfriendly
deactivation technologies. Microbes and plants are among
the most important biological agents that remove and degrade waste
materials to enable their recycling in the environment. The present
investigation was carried out with the aim of developing a microbial
system for bioremediation of PCP polluted soils. A number of plant
species were evaluated for their ability to tolerate different
concentrations of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in the soil. The
experiment was conducted for 30 days under pot culture conditions.
The toxic effect of PCP on plants was studied by monitoring seed
germination, plant growth and biomass. As the concentration of PCP
was increased to 50 ppm, the inhibition of seed germination, plant
growth and biomass was also increased. Although PCP had a
negative effect on all plant species tested, maize and groundnut
showed the maximum tolerance to PCP. Other tolerating crops
included wheat, safflower, sunflower, and soybean. From the
rhizosphere soil of the tolerant seedlings, as many as twenty seven
PCP tolerant bacteria were isolated. From soybean, 8; sunflower, 3;
safflower 8; maize 2; groundnut and wheat, 3 each isolates were
made. They were screened for their PCP degradation potentials.
HPLC analyses of PCP degradation revealed that the isolate MAZ-2
degraded PCP completely. The isolate MAZ-1 was the next best
isolate with 90 per cent PCP degradation. These strains hold promise
to be used in the bioremediation of PCP polluted soils.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal
activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Origanum vulgare L.
essential oil against Aspergillus flavus in culture media and tomato
paste. 200 ppm of cinnamon and 500 ppm of oregano completely
inhibited A. flavus growth in culture media, while in tomato paste 300
ppm of cinnamon and 200 ppm of oregano had the same effect. Test
panel evaluations revealed that samples with 100 and 200 ppm
cinnamon were acceptable. The results may suggest the potential use
of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil as natural preservative in
tomato paste.
Abstract: Contamination of heavy metals in tin tailings has
caused an interest in the scientific approach of their remediation. One
of the approaches is through phytoremediation, which is using tree
species to extract the heavy metals from the contaminated soils. Tin
tailings comprise of slime and sand tailings. This paper reports only
on the finding of the four timber species namely Acacia mangium,
Hopea odorata, Intsia palembanica and Swietenia macrophylla on
the removal of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) from the slime tailings.
The methods employed for sampling and soil analysis are established
methods. Six trees of each species were randomly selected from a
0.25 ha plot for extraction and determination of their heavy metals.
The soil samples were systematically collected according to 5 x 5 m
grid from each plot. Results showed that the concentration of heavy
metals in soils and trees varied according to species. Higher
concentration of heavy metals was found in the stem than the
primary roots of all the species. A. Mangium accumulated the highest
total amount of Pb per hectare basis.
Abstract: This research proposes an algorithm for the simulation
of time-periodic unsteady problems via the solution unsteady Euler
and Navier-Stokes equations. This algorithm which is called Time
Spectral method uses a Fourier representation in time and hence
solve for the periodic state directly without resolving transients
(which consume most of the resources in a time-accurate scheme).
Mathematical tools used here are discrete Fourier transformations. It
has shown tremendous potential for reducing the computational cost
compared to conventional time-accurate methods, by enforcing
periodicity and using Fourier representation in time, leading to
spectral accuracy. The accuracy and efficiency of this technique is
verified by Euler and Navier-Stokes calculations for pitching airfoils.
Because of flow turbulence nature, Baldwin-Lomax turbulence
model has been used at viscous flow analysis. The results presented
by the Time Spectral method are compared with experimental data. It
has shown tremendous potential for reducing the computational cost
compared to the conventional time-accurate methods, by enforcing
periodicity and using Fourier representation in time, leading to
spectral accuracy, because results verify the small number of time
intervals per pitching cycle required to capture the flow physics.
Abstract: Transesterified vegetable oils (biodiesel) are promising alternative fuel for diesel engines. Used vegetable oils are disposed from restaurants in large quantities. But higher viscosity restricts their direct use in diesel engines. In this study, used cooking oil was dehydrated and then transesterified using an alkaline catalyst. The combustion, performance and emission characteristics of Used Cooking oil Methyl Ester (UCME) and its blends with diesel oil are analysed in a direct injection C.I. engine. The fuel properties and the combustion characteristics of UCME are found to be similar to those of diesel. A minor decrease in thermal efficiency with significant improvement in reduction of particulates, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons is observed compared to diesel. The use of transesterified used cooking oil and its blends as fuel for diesel engines will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and also decrease considerably the environmental pollution.
Abstract: The main objective of seismic rehabilitation in the
foundations is decreasing the range of horizontal and vertical
vibrations and omitting high frequencies contents under the seismic
loading. In this regard, the advantages of micropiles network is
utilized. Reduction in vibration range of foundation can be achieved
by using high dynamic rigidness module such as deep foundations. In
addition, natural frequency of pile and soil system increases in regard
to rising of system rigidness. Accordingly, the main strategy is
decreasing of horizontal and vertical seismic vibrations of the
structure. In this case, considering the impact of foundation, pile and
improved soil foundation is a primary concern. Therefore, in this
paper, effective factors are studied on the seismic rehabilitation of
foundations applying network micropiles in sandy soils with
nonlinear reaction.
Abstract: Column leach test has been performed to examine the
behavior of leaching of sodium, calcium and potassium in landfills.
In the column leach apparatus, two different layers of contaminated
and uncontaminated soils of different height ratios (ratio of depth of
contaminated soil to the depth of uncontaminated soil) are taken.
Water is poured from an overhead tank at a particular flowrate to the
inlet of the soil column for a certain ponding depth over the
contaminated soil. Subsequent infiltration causes leaching and the
leachates are collected from the bottom of the column. The
concentrations of Na, Ca and K in the leachate are measured using
flame photometry. The experiments are further extended by changing
the rates of flow from the overhead tank to the inlet of the column in
achieving the same ponding depth. The experiments are performed
for different scenarios in which the height ratios are altered and the
variations of concentrations of Na, Ca, and K are observed. The study
brings an estimation of leaching in landfill sites for different heights
and precipitation intensity where a ponding depth is maintained over
the landfill. It has been observed that the leaching behavior of Na,
Ca, and K are not similar. Calcium exhibits highest amount of
leaching compared to Sodium and Potassium under similar
experimental conditions.
Abstract: A comprehensive program of laboratory testing on a
compacted kaolin in a modified triaxial cell was perform to
investigate the influence of hydraulic hysteresis on effective stress in
unsaturated soils. The test data are presented on a range of constant
suction shear tests along wetting and drying paths. The values of
effective stress parameter χ at different matric suction were
determined using the test results. The effect of hydraulic hysteresis
phenomenon on the effective stress was observed. The values of
effective stress parameter χ obtained from the experiments were
compared with those obtained from the expressions proposed in
literature.
Abstract: The problem of agricultural-soil pollution is closely
linked to the production of ecologically pure foodstuffs and to human health. An important task, therefore, is to rehabilitate agricultural
soils with the help of state-of-the-art biotechnologies, based on the use of metal-accumulating plants. In this work, on the basis of
literature data and the results of prior research from this laboratory, plants were selected for which the growing technology is well
developed and which are widespread locally: sugar sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum), sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper.)
Stapf.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). I report on laboratory
experiments designed to study the influence of synthetic indole-3-
acetic acid and the extracellular indole-3-acetic acid released by the
plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 on growth of and arsenic accumulation by these plants.
Abstract: This research was conducted in the Lower Namkam
Irrigation Project situated in the Namkam River Basin in Thailand.
Degradation of groundwater quality in some areas is caused by saline
soil spots beneath ground surface. However, the tail regulated gate
structure on the Namkam River, a lateral stream of the Mekong
River. It is aimed for maintaining water level in the river at +137.5 to
+138.5 m (MSL) and flow to the irrigation canals based on a gravity
system since July 2009. It might leach some saline soil spots from
underground to soil surface if lack of understanding of the
conjunctive surface water and groundwater behaviors. This research
has been conducted by continuously the observing of both shallow
and deep groundwater level and quality from existing observation
wells. The simulation of surface water was carried out using a
hydrologic modeling system (HEC-HMS) to compute the ungauged
side flow catchments as the lateral flows for the river system model
(HEC-RAS). The constant water levels in the upstream of the
operated gate caused a slight rising up of shallow groundwater level
when compared to the water table. However, the groundwater levels
in the confined aquifers remained less impacted than in the shallow
aquifers but groundwater levels in late of wet season in some wells
were higher than the phreatic surface. This causes salinization of the
groundwater at the soil surface and might affect some crops. This
research aims for the balance of water stage in the river and efficient
groundwater utilization in this area.
Abstract: This study assesses the vulnerability of Bulgarian
agriculture to drought using the WINISAREG model and seasonal
standard precipitation index SPI(2) for the period 1951-2004. This
model was previously validated for maize on soils of different water
holding capacity (TAW) in various locations. Simulations are
performed for Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and Sofia. Results relative to
Plovdiv show that in soils of large TAW (180 mm m-1) net irrigation
requirements (NIRs) range 0-40 mm in wet years and 350-380 mm in
dry years. In soils of small TAW (116 mm m-1), NIRs reach 440 mm
in the very dry year. NIRs in Sofia are about 80 mm smaller. Rainfed
maize is associated with great yield variability (29%
Abstract: Elateriospermum tapos seed (buah perah) is the one
of the rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It contains high
percentage of oleic acid which is the important component to develop
nervous system and also α-linolenic acid (ALA) which is the
precursor of omega-3 fatty acids series to synthesize
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
However, there is less study about this valuable oilseed and exploit
its potential. Therefore, this paper is to assess the comparison of
physico-chemical properties and fatty composition of perah oil to
palm oil and soybean oil. From the comparison, perah oil shows low
peroxide value means it has good oxidative stability and also high
iodine values shows that it can be used in paint industry. The study
shown that perah oil is comparable to palm oil and soybean oil, so it
has high potential to be exploited in the oleochemical,
pharmaceutical, cosmetics and paint industries.
Abstract: Microwave energy is a superior alternative to several other thermal treatments. Extraction techniques are widely employed for the isolation of bioactive compounds and vegetable oils from oil seeds. Among the different and new available techniques, microwave pretreatment of seeds is a simple and desirable method for production of high quality vegetable oils. Microwave pretreatment for oil extraction has many advantages as follow: improving oil extraction yield and quality, direct extraction capability, lower energy consumption, faster processing time and reduced solvent levels compared with conventional methods. It allows also for better retention and availability of desirable nutraceuticals, such as phytosterols and tocopherols, canolol and phenolic compounds in the extracted oil such as rapeseed oil. This can be a new step to produce nutritional vegetable oils with improved shelf life because of high antioxidant content.
Abstract: The epoxidation of soybean oil at temperature of 600C
was provided the best result in terms of attaching the –OH
functionality. Temperatures below and above 600C it is likely the
attaching reaction did not proceed sufficiently fast. The considerable
yield below 40%, implies the oil is not completely converted, it is not
possible by conventional methods, because the epoxide decomposes
at the temperature required. The objective of this work was the
development of catalyst toward the conversion of epoxide and polyol
with reaction temperature at 50,60, and 700C. The effect of different
type of catalyst were studied, the effect of alcohols with different
molecular configuration was determined which leads to selective
addition of alcohols to the epoxide oils.
Abstract: Fats and oils are made of esterified hydrocarbons
(RCOOR-) and this work demonstrates the substitution of R by
multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs). The resultant materials are fluidic, oily,
electrically conducting and excellent lubricants. Esterified MWNTs
can also respond to magnetic field when tubules contain long segments
of Fe
Abstract: The increased number of automobiles in recent years
has resulted in great demand for fossil fuel. This has led to the
development of automobile by using alternative fuels which include
gaseous fuels, biofuels and vegetables oils as fuel. Energy from
biomass and more specific bio-diesel is one of the opportunities that
could cover the future demand of fossil fuel shortage. Biomass in the
form of cashew nut shell represents a new energy source and
abundant source of energy in India. The bio-fuel is derived from
cashew nut shell oil and its blend with diesel are promising
alternative fuel for diesel engine. In this work the pyrolysis Cashew
Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-Diesel Blends (CDB) was used to run the
Direct Injection (DI) diesel engine. The experiments were conducted
with various blends of CNSL and Diesel namely B20, B40, B60, B80
and B100. The results are compared with neat diesel operation. The
brake thermal efficiency was decreased for blends of CNSL and
Diesel except the lower blends of B20. The brake thermal efficiency
of B20 is nearly closer to that of diesel fuel. Also the emission level
of the all CNSL and Diesel blends was increased compared to neat
diesel. The higher viscosity and lower volatility of CNSL leads to
poor mixture formation and hence lower brake thermal efficiency and
higher emission levels. The higher emission level can be reduced by
adding suitable additives and oxygenates with CNSL and Diesel
blends.
Abstract: Influence of octane and benzene on plant cell
ultrastructure and enzymes of basic metabolism, such as nitrogen
assimilation and energy generation have been studied. Different
plants: perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and alfalfa (Medicago
sativa); crops- maize (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris);
shrubs – privet (Ligustrum sempervirens) and trifoliate orange
(Poncirus trifoliate); trees - poplar (Populus deltoides) and white
mulberry (Morus alba L.) were exposed to hydrocarbons of different
concentrations (1, 10 and 100 mM). Destructive changes in bean and
maize leaves cells ultrastructure under the influence of benzene
vapour were revealed at the level of photosynthetic and energy
generation subcellular organells. Different deviations at the level of
subcellular organelles structure and distribution were observed in
alfalfa and ryegrass root cells under the influence of benzene and
octane, absorbed through roots. The level of destructive changes is
concentration dependent. Benzene at low 1 and 10 mM concentration
caused the increase in glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity in
maize roots and leaves and in poplar and mulberry shoots, though to
higher extent in case of lower, 1mM concentration. The induction
was more intensive in plant roots. The highest tested 100mM
concentration of benzene was inhibitory to the enzyme in all plants.
Octane caused induction of GDH in all grassy plants at all tested
concentrations; however the rate of induction decreased parallel to
increase of the hydrocarbon concentration. Octane at concentration 1
mM caused induction of GDH in privet, trifoliate and white mulberry
shoots. The highest, 100mM octane was characterized by inhibitory
effect to GDH activity in all plants. Octane had inductive effect on
malate dehydrogenase in almost all plants and tested concentrations,
indicating the intensification of Trycarboxylic Acid Cycle.
The data could be suggested for elaboration of criteria for plant
selection for phytoremediation of oil hydrocarbons contaminated
soils.
Abstract: Soil stabilization has been widely used to improve
soil strength and durability or to prevent erosion and dust generation.
Generally to reduce problems of clayey soils in engineering work and
to stabilize these soils additional materials are used. The most
common materials are lime, fly ash and cement. Using this materials,
although improve soil property , but in some cases due to financial
problems and the need to use special equipment are limited .One of
the best methods for stabilization clayey soils is neutralization the
clay particles. For this purpose we can use ion exchange materials.
Ion exchange solution like CBR plus can be used for soil
stabilization. One of the most important things in using CBR plus is
determination the amount of this solution for various soils with
different properties. In this study a laboratory experiment is conduct
to evaluate the ion exchange capacity of three soils with various
plasticity index (PI) to determine amount or required CBR plus
solution for soil stabilization.
Abstract: Proteins levels produced by bacteria may be increased
in stressful surroundings, such as in the presence of antibiotics. It
appears that many antimicrobial agents or antibiotics, when used at
low concentrations, have in common the ability to activate or repress
gene transcription, which is distinct from their inhibitory effect.
There have been comparatively few studies on the potential of
antibiotics or natural compounds in nature as a specific chemical
signal that can trigger a variety of biological functions. Therefore,
this study was focusing on the effect of essential oils from
Cymbopogon flexuosus and C. nardus in regulating proteins
production by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 21332. The Minimum
Inhibition Concentrations (MICs) of both essential oils on B. subtilis
were determined by using microdilution assay, resulting 0.2% and
1.56% for each C. flexuosus and C. nardus subsequently. The
bacteria were further exposed to each essential oils at concentration
of 0.01XMIC for 2 days. The proteins were then isolated and
analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Protein profile showed that a band
with approximate size of 250 kD was appeared for the treated
bacteria with essential oils. Thus, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 21332 in
stressful condition with the presence of essential oils at low
concentration could induce the protein production.
Abstract: Team distillation assisted by microwave extraction
(SDAM) considered as accelerated technique extraction is a
combination of microwave heating and steam distillation, performed
at atmospheric pressure. SDAM has been compared with the same
technique coupled with the cryogrinding of seeds (SDAM -CG).
Isolation and concentration of volatile compounds are performed by a
single stage for the extraction of essential oil from Cuminum
cyminum seeds. The essential oils extracted by these two methods for
5 min were quantitatively (yield) and qualitatively (aromatic profile)
no similar. These methods yield an essential oil with higher amounts
of more valuable oxygenated compounds, and allow substantial
savings of costs, in terms of time, energy and plant material. SDAM
and SDAM-CG is a green technology and appears as a good
alternative for the extraction of essential oils from aromatic plants.