Experimental Study on Purification of Leachate and Analysis Its Application in Plant Growth

Abstract

Landfill leachate generation is a significant polluting factor of the environment. A leachate is a liquid that passing through solid matter, extracts soluble or suspended solids, or any other component of the material through which it has passed. Landfill leachate is a significant polluting factor in the environment. Leachate generation causes more problems in municipal landfill sites. The leachate is a toxic liquid leached from the landfill containing dissolved and suspended matter in it. Leachate is formed when precipitation or atmospheric moisture enters the landfill that is undergoing degradation. The landfill leachate contains organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and pathogens, if not collected or properly treated they can pollute both surface and groundwater. Landfill leachate may be characterized as a water-based solution of contaminants: dissolved organic matter, inorganic macro components, heavy metals. Here, we are using a treatment process including Marine sand and fly ash filter. The filtrate from the leachate treatment process contains nutrients useful to plant growth such as the nitrogen (N) content which plays an important role in crop yield along with different suitability of leachate concentration for irrigating plants also studied. Leachate-treated plants had better growth performance than those receiving water alone (control) in terms of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves. 20% filtered leachate concentration shows higher growth in height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaf in the plants Leachate irrigation is beneficial to plant growth and soil fertility enhancement under certain conditions so it can be used in vegetation irrigation.

An Experimental Study on Treatment of Pharmaceutical Wastewater by Natural Coagulants

Abstract

The consumption of electricity and water is increasing day by day. Electricity is being produced by various renewable and non-renewable methods. The non-renewable resources are presently facing extinction. A lot of energy is required for treating wastewater. A solution for this problem is Microbial fuel cell (MFC) which is a promising technology and a source for alternative renewable energy due to its potentiality of utilizing the organic matter in the waste water directly to produce electricity with the help of bio-catalysts (microbes). Various emerging technological aspects of nanotechnology for the development of nanomaterials could be employed to make the existing microbial fuel cell technology as more sustainable and reliable in order to serve the growing energy demand. The present study focuses on The aim of this work is to use environmental-friendly materials (low-cost) as coagulants for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater. The pharmaceutical wastewater consists of consists of cyclic compounds which are difficult to treat and hence these wastes leads to water pollutions and health impacts. This experimental work compares two low-cost coagulants (Neem leaf powder, Waer hyacinth leaf powder). Before introducing the coagulants for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater. The pharmaceutical wastewater is subjected to acclimatization using different ratios of secondary sewage sludge. From this study the ratio in which a steady state achieved was taken as a optimum acclimatised wastewater for further treatment with natural coagulants. The two chosen natural coagulants (namely Neem leaf powder, Water hyacinth leaf powder), are individually added in different concentration are 1ml, 2ml, 3ml, 4ml, 5ml and 6ml in a 500ml beaker with and without acclimatised pharmaceutical wastewater. Then, the conclusion is drawn based on the Chemical Oxygen Demand for the comparatives study of raw pharmaceutical wastewater and acclimatised pharmaceutical wastewater by using two natural coagulants. The acclimatised wastewater showed a higher percentage of reduction of COD (68.84 %) when compared to raw pharmaceutical wastewater subjected to natural coagulant. The treated wastewater does not confirm to the standard of disposal of pharmaceutical wastewater. But this study helps to understand the biodegradability of pharmaceutical wastewater using natural coagulant.

Production of Bio-Diesel and Bio-Ethanol from Dairy Industry Wastewater Using Algae

Abstract

Microalgae have been identified as a potential feedstock for biofuel production. Arthrospira Platensis or Spirulina is a microalgae species that is rich in carbohydrates and it grows readily in wastewater. From Ponlait dairy industry, 10 litres each of treated and untreated wastewater was collected. The parameters pH, COD, BOD, Phosphate and nitrate were checked in both treated and untreated wastewater. The algae species Spirulina was cultivated in the wastewater for biological treatment. The cultivation process involved pH monitoring and frequent agitation for ample supply of CO2 for 30 days. A COD reduction in untreated wastewater was around 10% and in treated wastewater was around 8%. Nitrate level is untreated wastewater both before and after cultivation was less than 5mg/L whereas in treated wastewater, it showed reduction. The growth of algae in untreated wastewater was more than in treated wastewater. The estimated carbohydrate content was found to be around 10% for the algae cultivated in untreated wastewater and 8% for the algae cultivated in treated wastewater. S. Cereviseae was used to ferment the carbohydrates extracted from Spirulina biomass to produce bio-ethanol. Bio-ethanol content produced was evaluated by Gas Chromatography. The percent of ethanol production was less than 2.5% in both the samples. Direct-transesterification was used for producing biodiesel from the lipids of Spirulina biomass. The fatty acid number of the bio-diesel formed was then evaluated. It resulted that the bio-diesel formed was not satisfying the ASTM standards and it has to be treated further

Desalination of brackish water by developing bio filter model using natural materials

Desalination of water is generally expensive, requires more energy and specialized equipment. Desalinating brackish water is more efficient than desalinating sea water as it contains less amount of salts. This study aims to reduce salinity and pollutants in brackish water by developing a bio filter model using naturally available coagulant and adsorbent such as Moringa oleifera seed powder, coconut shell activated charcoal and Chrysopogan zianioides (Vetiver grass – dried). Two approaches were made to perform desalination. In method 1 the water is filtered through the filter containing the natural materials as filter media and in method 2 filtration is performed after coagulation of the raw water with Moringa oleifera seed powder at an optimum dosage of 0.5 g/L. The pH, Turbidity, TDS, Conductivity, Alkalinity, Hardness, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Fluoride, Iron, DO, BOD and E.coli of raw water were 8.04, 14 NTU, 32516 mg/L, 46210 µs/cm, 127 mg/L, 7199 mg/L, 19245 mg/L, 4464 mg/L, 2.74 mg/L, 1.76 mg/L, 0.31 mg/L, 2.362 mg/L, 36.54 mg/L and 350 MPN respectively. After method 1 desalination process, the pH, TDS and Conductivity were reduced to 4.59, 16.3 mg/L and 26.3 µs/cm and turbidity was increased to 23 NTU. The water had objectionable odour and colour due to the use of natural coagulant in excess amount. The method 2 desalination process reduced pH, Turbidity, Conductivity and Alkalinity to 7.21, 2 NTU, 2873 µs/cm and 102 mg/L. The TDS, Hardness, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Fluoride and Iron were reduced by 93.8%, 88.7%, 95.2%, 95.5%, 54.7%, 44.3% and 67.7%. The DO level is increased to 6.57 mg/L and BOD is decreased to 1.026 mg/L and E. coli presence is not detected after desalination. All the water quality parameters met the BIS specification for drinking water except Total Hardness. The results suggests that this method is effective to desalinate brackish water in an economic and energy efficient manner.

Experimental study of cellular lightweight concrete using Fly ash and varying dosages of polyethylene glycol-6000

The aim is to bring out the potential production of cellular lightweight concrete using fly ash as a sustainable material by varying the dosages of polyethylene glycol-6000. Cellular lightweight concrete is a special type of concrete with low density and advanced insulation. It exhibits good fire resistance and good thermal insulation property where the thermal expansion is negligible. In this research work, river sand is replaced with manufactured sand and PEG-6000 added to OPC 53 grade cement. Polyethylene glycol is a hydrating ingredient which also serves as self-curing agent is used. Polyethylene glycol is blended with 25% fly ash on weight basis for all trials of 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% of cement by weight. The mechanical property i.e., compressive strength of cellular lightweight concrete made using fly ash and polyethylene glycol-6000 are improved in this study. The concrete cube with 1% of polyethylene glycol-6000 had shown maximum compressive strength of 9.70 N/mm2 at the end of 28 days. Durability test is done by spray method using silver nitrate at the end of 28 days. In addition Scanned Electron Microscopic analysis is carried out for control mix and 1.0% of polyethylene glycol-6000.

Formation of Cracks in concrete is a common phenomenon in the concrete structure. These cracks diminish the strength and durability of the concrete. Repairing these regular cracks is an expensive process. Hence, a self-healing concrete, which helps to repair these cracks with the production of calcium carbonate crystals that block cracks and pores would be an immense solution. This state-of-the-art facility is a more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and an efficient solution for cracks in concretes. Since the concretes are highly alkaline, a bacterium that has the endurance for alkalinity would be the best choice. Bacillus subtilis is an ideal bacterial species for self-healing concrete. In this study we used fine aggregate coarse aggregate, bacteria B.subtilis an alccofine 1203. Where the methodology follow in this study is study of literature and based on the literature study martials are collected and preliminary test are conducted. Mix design is calculated and 28 concrete cubes are casted and kept for the curing process. End of 7 days the concrete cubes are kept under CTM to find compressive test results are obtained and again at the end of 20 days the cube is tested under compression machine and the result is obtained. Crack on Concrete cube is checked with Brinell’s microscope at various days. SEM analysis, X-ray Diffraction test are conducted and the results obtained. Shows that Calcium carbonate Precipitation on the cracks. From the results the 200g of bacteria used shows the more effective response over self of concrete. The use of alccofine as cement replacement reduce the emission of CO2 From concrete.

An experimental study on stabilization of expansive soils using coir fibre, eggshell powder, steel fibre and analysing with plaxis 2D

Soft soils form problematic sub-grade for pavements due to its low bearing capacity and strength. Wheel loads that are applied on the pavement may cause detrimental settlements and failures when the pavements are laid down above soft soils. This study investigates on the use of materials like eggshell powder (ESP), coir fibre (CF) and steel fibre (SF) for improving the mechanical strength of sub-grade soil beneath the pavement. The influence of these materials on the soil is manipulated and the proportions are determined for stabilizing the sub-grade soil. An extensive laboratory study has been carried out by conducting various tests like unconfined compressive strength test (UCS) and the California bearing test (CBR). The optimum percentage of eggshell was found to be 10% from the preliminary tests conducted. The UCS and CBR tests values were found for a combination of proportions. The UCS performances were considered based on the effective mixing rates of stabilizers. The peak value of the proportion was found separately for the combinational proportion (i.e. steel fibres + eggshell powder and coir fibres + eggshell powder). The combinations including these effective mixing rates have been further investigated on the UCS performance and stress–strain behaviour of pavements under fatigue loading. The combinations of 0.5% SF + 10% ESP and 0.5% CF + 10% ESP was found to have high UCS and CBR performances with soil sample 1 (Ariyur). The combinations of 1.0% SF + 10% ESP and 0.5% CF + 10% ESP was found to have high UCS and CBR performances with soil sample 2 (Madagadipet). In our study a finite element software (Plaxis 2D) is used for a comparative analysis of the laboratory results with the software results. Thus, stabilization of expansive soils using the above mentioned proportions showed that the safe bearing capacity of the soil is increased. Use of eggshell powder increased the binding property of soil. Using steel fibres and coir fibres enhanced the mechanical properties of soil such as tensile strength, flexural strength etc.

Leakage of gas in industrial zone creates many issues. Thus, to prevent such disasters and to maintain the clean air environment, the leakage of gases in industrial zone has to be monitored regularly. Nowadays, the gas pipelines are not monitored properly and it leads to leakage of gas in the pipeline. For proper maintenance of gas pipelines, technology based inspection is to be done by the pipeline owned industries. Therefore, a monitoring system has to be developed. This project mainly aims to detect the leakage of gas along with indicating the location of leakage. Here, the MQ5 sensor is used to detect the LPG gas to check the working process of equipment. As a result, the sensor is working and it gives an effective results when the leakage is at 6 inch, 1 feet,1.5 feet, 2.5 feet and 2 feet from the sensor. The leakage of gas was detected and the message along with the location was sent to the device. In addition the solar panel is provided for power supply and it act as eco-friendly power source to the equipment. The Fumes recognizer is used for inspection purpose. According to the type of gas, the sensor can be replaced in the equipment and based on the depth of pipeline, sensitivity of sensor has to be ascertained. The equipment is eco-friendly and cost efficient.

Rainfall measuring system is one of the useful tools in weather measurement system. Udometer is another name of rain gauge that consist of moisture sensor, ultrasonic sensor, pH sensor, Arduino UNO, and a GSM module. When the moisture sensor detects the rainfall it tends to activate the Udometer and sends out messages at specified intervals via the GSM module integrated to it. Ultrasonic sensor is being used to detect the intensity of downpour while pH sensor measures the level of acidity at that time. This paper aims to increase the efficiency of the udometer by accessing the intensity and pH in rainfall data from remote area without manual intervention and the experimental results has given correct data when compared to the traditional system.