International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 2016
In this study, the performance of a semi-aerobic landfill was monitored through the analysis of l... more In this study, the performance of a semi-aerobic landfill was monitored through the analysis of leachate composition collected from different leachate ponds; collection pump (CP), equalization pond (EQ) and aerated pond (AP). The landfill site is located in the tropical environment of the central region of Malaysia. Twenty parameters were analyzed and the average values of the parameters for leachate at the CP, EQ and AP, which include; pH (8.24, 8.00 and 8.73), total kjeldahl nitrogen (3987.25, 8744.6, 1927.31 TKN-N), ammonia-N (3726, 3800, 1560 mg/L NH3-N), nitrate (26.7, 33.3, 25 mg/L NO3-N), total phosphorus (0.85, 0.78, 0.92 mg/L PO43-), BOD5 (305, 311.3, 201 mg/L), COD (16100, 14587, 12780 mg/L), BOD5/COD (0.019, 0.021, 0.016), turbidity (405, 735, 940 NTU), colour (3991, 4122, 3412 Pt Co), TSS (109.3, 58, 50.7 mg/L), EC (32.8, 21.9, 37.0 mS/cm) and TDS (21.98, 14.7, 24.8 mg/L) were recorded appropriately. The results realized from the analysis of the three ponds, were compare...
Linear least-square method and non-linear method of Freundlich and Langmuir were studied in an ex... more Linear least-square method and non-linear method of Freundlich and Langmuir were studied in an experiment for the adsorption of lead onto sugarcane bagasse using different temperatures. Isotherm parameters obtained from non-linear method was the same but differed when using linear least – square method. Highest coefficient of determination was obtained from Langmuir-1 compared other linear equations from Langmuir. Non – linear method of Freundlich model exhibits a higher coefficient of determination compared with linear least – square method.
Strategies of sustainable reasoning are in many ways historical. When buildings from some of the ... more Strategies of sustainable reasoning are in many ways historical. When buildings from some of the indigenous cultures are examined, it can be easily observed that they were highly competent at adapting the location and materials of the structures to the climate. As time passes and civilizations grew static, buildings took on different values. Structural Building Information Modeling (S-BIM) enables structural engineers and designers to develop structural models for steel, concrete and timber buildings with flexibility; examine engineering alternatives; create smarter well-informed design decisions; and anticipate costs and overall performance. By using Building Information Modeling (BIM), pre-requisites for drawings are reduced. Technical details are regularly updated and easily obtained from the model, which provide designers the platform to resolve design issues and allow team members access to view the plans. BIM stores data for all aspects of the building, which include structura...
International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa
This report provides a review of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Kano, Nigeria. It empl... more This report provides a review of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Kano, Nigeria. It employs a number of performance indicators, which include: waste collection, controlled disposal, materials recovery and financial sustainability. Other indicators are: user inclusivity, provider inclusivity and institutional coherence. A material flow diagram indicates a large amount of waste going to the informal recovery and reuse sector. Comparisons with world cities show that Kano performs below the low-income category in terms of solid waste management (SWM). The biodegradable portion of the waste constitutes 68%, 62.5% of the total waste being generated by the household sector at a rate of 0.56 kg capita -1 day-1. The SWM system is under budgeted and with the rapid increase in population, an effective and efficient SWM system would be required.
In Malaysia, according to perspective sludge production factor (SPF), wastewater treatment plants... more In Malaysia, according to perspective sludge production factor (SPF), wastewater treatment plants produces about 5.3 million m3 of sewage sludge annually, most of this sludge are being wasted (unused) in the landfills. This study employed the use of dry activated sludge as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper Cu (II) from wastewater. Adsorption of Cu (II) by sludge activated carbon (SAC) was conducted using batch tests. The effect of contact time and adsorbent dosage on the removal of Cu (II)) from wastewater were investigated. Initial metal concentration was maintained at 100 mg/L. The removal efficiency was found to have relations with the initial Cu (II) concentration, contact time as well as the SAC dosage. The adsorption kinetics of the Cu (II) by SAC was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption process. The adsorption isotherms studies indicated that the adsorption of Cu (II) by SAC adsorbent was well described by Langmuir isotherm mo...
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Pollution caused by heavy metals has become a serious problem to the environment nowadays. The tr... more Pollution caused by heavy metals has become a serious problem to the environment nowadays. The treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals continues to receive attention because of their toxicity and negative impact on the environment. Recently, various types of adsorbents have been prepared for the uptake of heavy metals from wastewater through the batch adsorption technique. This study focused on the removal of zinc from aqueous solution using microwave incinerated sugarcane bagasse ash (MISCBA). MISCBA was produced using microwave technology. The influence of some parameters such as pH, contact time, initial metal concentration and adsorbent dosage on the removal of zinc was investigated. The competition between H+ and metal ions has affected zinc removal at a low pH value. Optimum conditions for zinc removal were achieved at pH 6.0, contact time 180 min and adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity for the removal of zinc was found to be 28.6 ...
In this research, feasibility of using a continuous flow integrated suspended growth bioreactor (... more In this research, feasibility of using a continuous flow integrated suspended growth bioreactor (i-SGBR) pilot plant was explored to treat beverage industry wastewater. The bioreactor treatment units comprise of three sequentially arranged suspended growth bioreactors with anoxic (ANX-C), aerobic (AER-C), and aerobic digester chambers (AD-C). Clarifier (CLR) was installed as last chamber to settle sludge. Parameters such as total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) were monitored and validated with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Other parameters measured include soluble COD (sCOD), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH. Transformational behavior of aerobic metabolic performance for extended aeration process was investigated by operating regimes of variable aerobic hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR) between 20 and 30 h and 0.49–0.79 kg COD/m3 day, respectively. Solids retention time (SRT) between 20 and 40 days was operated. The aim was to generate data for bacterial growth and substrate utilization kinetics from modified Monod’s model. Removal of TCOD, BOD5, and TSS were achieved in the range of 95.2–97.9% (Influent 995 ± 21–1028 ± 25 mg/L and Effluent 21 ± 2–4.9 ± 3 mg/L), 98–98.7% (Influent 489 ± 19–507 ± 7 mg/L and Effluent 27 ± 2–41 ± 1.8 mg/L), and 91.2–94.6% (Influent 500 ± 23–653 ± 11 mg/L and Effluent 6.3 ± 7–41 ± 1.8 mg/L), respectively. The maximum substrate utilization rate (k), half velocity constant (Ks), growth yield co-efficient (Y), and decay coefficients (kd) were determined as 2.81 days−1, 979 mg sCOD/L, 0.72 mg VSS/mg sCOD, and − 0.0172 day−1, respectively. Maximum specific growth rate (μmax) was found as 2.03 days−1. Treatment efficiencies declined with reduction of HRT and with increased OLR applied to the bioreactor. The aerobic digester (AD) achieved between 9.8% (Influent 15,021 mg/L) and 18.6% (10,893 mg/L) MLVSS reduction, where performance decreased with additional solids concentration from influent aerobic digester (IAD). i-SGBR has accomplished effective removal of pollutants and simultaneous sludge degradation of beverage industry wastewater. Kinetic parameters obtained could be useful for design and modeling of aerobic treatment unit to improve effluent quality.
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
In this study, activated carbon was developed from sugarcane bagasse and its effectiveness in ads... more In this study, activated carbon was developed from sugarcane bagasse and its effectiveness in adsorbing lead (Pb 2+) ions from synthetic aqueous solution was examined. Sugarcane bagasse activated carbon (SCBA) was developed in a tube furnace at a temperature of 900 °C, a heating rate of 10 °C/min, residence time of 3 hours, and at a nitrogen flow rate of 100 mL/min. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of pH and SCBA dosages on the adsorption process. The batch adsorption test showed that extent of Pb 2+ adsorption by SCBA was dependent upon pH and SCBA dosage. The optimum pH for Pb 2+ adsorption was found to be at pH 5.0. Maximum Pb 2+ removal efficiency obtained from the batch studies was 87.3 % at SCBA dosage of 10 g/L. Equilibrium adsorption data was described by Langmuir model with a coefficient of determination (R 2) of 0.9508. Maximum adsorption capacity according to Langmuir model was evaluated to be 23.4 mg/g. The adsorption capacity of the SCBA was compared with that of other plant-based adsorbents. SCBA is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Pb 2+ from aqueous solution.
A moderate rainfall event can lead to harsh flash floods in most of the compact cities. Present u... more A moderate rainfall event can lead to harsh flash floods in most of the compact cities. Present urbanization happening in these cities creates an imbalance between generated urban runoff volume and effective drainage capacity. For the survival of these, it is vital in enhancing the efficiency of an urban drainage system. However, it is a complicated task due to the accumulation of solid waste in drainage channels. These drainage systems are super sensitive to some external factors caused by their immediate surroundings. This study found out the impact of the urban form, population agglomeration, floating population, imminent prone areas of urban sprawl and waste disposing patterns of settlers can be highly influenced to the efficiency of a storm drainage system. Hence, Geographical Information System based computational techniques and weighted fussy sets are being used to track the attention need areas of the system. These particular zones to be treated through the design of "S...
Waste reduction in the construction sector is essential not just from the position of overall per... more Waste reduction in the construction sector is essential not just from the position of overall performance, but also interests escalated recently about the detrimental impact of the waste of construction materials on the natural surroundings. The reuse and recycling of construction elements used to be substantial due to material scarcity during the war and post-war era, specifically when the price of virgin materials keep inflating. Nevertheless, the motivation to reuse and recycle construction materials has fallen ever since the flow of raw materials has grown more consistent and satisfactorily. This paper involves an ongoing sequence of waste audits at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) R&D construction sites. The methodology consists of discussion, observation and quantitative evaluations of the kinds and distribution of wastes. The finding of this study demonstrates that the project aimed at both minimizing the volume of waste generated and diverting as much waste as possible fr...
The performance of a biological system was evaluated for copper removal with and without the addi... more The performance of a biological system was evaluated for copper removal with and without the addition of an adsorbent to the aeration compartment. Three different reactors were employed in this study. The first reactor consist of biomass alone and was used as a control reactor (CR). The second reactor consist of biomass and microwave incinerated rice husk ash (MIRHA) whereas the third reactor consist of biomass and hybrid adsorbent (HA), which is a mixture of MIRHA and groundwater treatment plant sludge (GWTPS). The reactors were operated at solid retention time (SRT) of 30 days and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 19.8 hours. The experiment was conducted in 8 different phases consisting of various copper concentrations coming from the influent source. The first and second phase were acclimation period during which copper was not added to the influent wastewater. From the third to the eight phase, copper was fed to the reactors at different concentrations. Reactor performance was monitored every two days. Results show that copper toxicity was significant for the control reactor from phase from phase 5 to phase 8 with effluent concentration between 0.34 – 2.62 mg/L. Copper removal was significant for both MIRHA and HA reactor. Effluent copper concentration in the MIRHA reactor was 2.04 mg/L and 1.09 mg/L for HA reactor at phase 8 (copper concentration 15 mg/L). Addition of the adsorbents (MIRHA and HA) enhanced the biomass tolerance towards copper toxicity at high concentration and improved copper removal efficiency. This study, therefore demonstrates that low cost non-conventional adsorbents could be utilized as support materials to enhance biomass tolerance towards heavy metal toxicity.
Industrial wastewater containing toxic pollutants such as heavy metals tends to contaminate the e... more Industrial wastewater containing toxic pollutants such as heavy metals tends to contaminate the environment once it is release without proper treatment. Heavy metals are toxic to both human and other living organisms. It is necessary to treat industrial wastewater polluted with heavy metals prior to its discharge into the receiving environment. In this study, low cost adsorbent was generated from sugarcane bagasse through incineration. The prepared adsorbent “microwave incinerated sugarcane bagasse ash” (MISCBA) was used in removing copper and zinc from aqueous solution. Parameters of importance such as pH, contact time and adsorbent dosages are studied to investigate their effects on the adsorption of copper and zinc. Maximum adsorption was observed at pH 6.0, contact time of 180 minutes and adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L. Zinc removal follows Langmuir isotherm model with correlation coefficient of 0.9291. Copper adsorption follows both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model with corre...
Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 2015
Internal Recycle ratios (IR) were alternated and operated to determine its efficiency on nitrate ... more Internal Recycle ratios (IR) were alternated and operated to determine its efficiency on nitrate removal within a SMALL FOOTPRINT bioreactor. Determining a suitable recycle ratio is essential to justify the prerequisites required for operative optimization. In order to achieve considerable nitrogen reduction, the reactor was designed with primary (pre) and secondary (post) anoxic chambers, combined aeration chamber for nitrification and carbon removal and final settler to settle the biomass prior to discharge. The nitrate oxidized in aeration chamber was recycled back to the pre-anoxic chamber. The residual nitrate flows to the post anoxic chamber for denitrification. Each IR ratio of 6, 4 and 0, was operated with distinct influent Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) to Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) ratios of 18.9, 14.9 and 10.9, respectively. The IR of 6 with COD/TKN ratio of 18.9 attained maximum Total Nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of 90.7%. The overall average total nitrogen (TN) = 4.0 mg/L in effluent was achieved, signifying an average of 9.5% efficiency more than the process without nitrate recycle, with average effluent TN = 7.7 mg/L.
Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 2016
Microwave Incinerated Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (MISCBA) was used in the exclusion of zinc from aqueo... more Microwave Incinerated Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (MISCBA) was used in the exclusion of zinc from aqueous solution. Parameters of importance like initial metal concentration, adsorbent dosage and agitation time were examined to find their effect on the adsorption process. Respond surface methodology has been employed to enhance the process conditions based on Box-Behnken design. Response surface method suggest initial metal concentration of 50 mg/L, adsorbent dosage 1.0 g and contact time of 3 h with removal efficiency of 55.99% to be optimum conditions for zinc removal from aqueous solution. A high correlation coefficient of 0.9923 indicates the model is in agreement with the experimental values. The model indicates that adsorbent dosage is the major influencing factor among others responsible for the adsorption of zinc.
The optimum range of process parameters for hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) removal were determined in... more The optimum range of process parameters for hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) removal were determined in a batch study using Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder (ACLP) as adsorbent. The process parameters were varied in the range 2-10 for Initial solution pH, 135-400 mg/L for initial concentration, 30-180 minutes for contact time and 0.1-0.6 g for adsorbent weight. Solution pH was adjusted using 0.1 M H2S04 and NaOH respectively. Results show that initial solution pH was vital for Cr(VI) removal. At low initial solution pH (pH 2), Cr(VI) removal was high but decreased when the solution was increased from pH 4 to 10. Cr(VI) removal decreased when initial solution concentration was increased and increased when contact time and adsorbent weight was increased. At initial solution concentration of 135 mg/L, residual Cr (VI) concentration was about 53.7 mg/L (61 % removal efficiency) at optimum range of pH 2, adsorbent weight 0.3 g and contact time 120 minutes. Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder (ACLP) could be a potential adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater.
Methylene blue (MB), a common environmental pollutant discharged from dye effluents were removed ... more Methylene blue (MB), a common environmental pollutant discharged from dye effluents were removed from synthetic effluents in this study using ageratum conyzoide leaf powder. Effects of operating parameters such as pH, initial Methylene blue concentration, adsorbent weight and contact time were examined on methylene blue removal whereas stirring speed was constant at 100 rpm. Results show that low pH (3-4) had more Methylene blue removal than high pH. Methylene blue removal decreased when initial concentration was increased but increased when adsorbent weight was increased. Removal of Methylene blue by Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder was rapid and significantly above 80% in all initial concentrations examined. At optimum conditions of pH 3, 20 minutes contact time and adsorbent weight of 60 mg for Methylene blue initial concentration of 20 mg/L, 40 mg/L and 60 mg/L, Methylene blue removal of 84.7%, 83.9% and 81.2% were obtained respectively. Results suggest that Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder could be potential adsorbents for Methylene blue removal from dye effluents.
International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 2016
In this study, the performance of a semi-aerobic landfill was monitored through the analysis of l... more In this study, the performance of a semi-aerobic landfill was monitored through the analysis of leachate composition collected from different leachate ponds; collection pump (CP), equalization pond (EQ) and aerated pond (AP). The landfill site is located in the tropical environment of the central region of Malaysia. Twenty parameters were analyzed and the average values of the parameters for leachate at the CP, EQ and AP, which include; pH (8.24, 8.00 and 8.73), total kjeldahl nitrogen (3987.25, 8744.6, 1927.31 TKN-N), ammonia-N (3726, 3800, 1560 mg/L NH3-N), nitrate (26.7, 33.3, 25 mg/L NO3-N), total phosphorus (0.85, 0.78, 0.92 mg/L PO43-), BOD5 (305, 311.3, 201 mg/L), COD (16100, 14587, 12780 mg/L), BOD5/COD (0.019, 0.021, 0.016), turbidity (405, 735, 940 NTU), colour (3991, 4122, 3412 Pt Co), TSS (109.3, 58, 50.7 mg/L), EC (32.8, 21.9, 37.0 mS/cm) and TDS (21.98, 14.7, 24.8 mg/L) were recorded appropriately. The results realized from the analysis of the three ponds, were compare...
Linear least-square method and non-linear method of Freundlich and Langmuir were studied in an ex... more Linear least-square method and non-linear method of Freundlich and Langmuir were studied in an experiment for the adsorption of lead onto sugarcane bagasse using different temperatures. Isotherm parameters obtained from non-linear method was the same but differed when using linear least – square method. Highest coefficient of determination was obtained from Langmuir-1 compared other linear equations from Langmuir. Non – linear method of Freundlich model exhibits a higher coefficient of determination compared with linear least – square method.
Strategies of sustainable reasoning are in many ways historical. When buildings from some of the ... more Strategies of sustainable reasoning are in many ways historical. When buildings from some of the indigenous cultures are examined, it can be easily observed that they were highly competent at adapting the location and materials of the structures to the climate. As time passes and civilizations grew static, buildings took on different values. Structural Building Information Modeling (S-BIM) enables structural engineers and designers to develop structural models for steel, concrete and timber buildings with flexibility; examine engineering alternatives; create smarter well-informed design decisions; and anticipate costs and overall performance. By using Building Information Modeling (BIM), pre-requisites for drawings are reduced. Technical details are regularly updated and easily obtained from the model, which provide designers the platform to resolve design issues and allow team members access to view the plans. BIM stores data for all aspects of the building, which include structura...
International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa
This report provides a review of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Kano, Nigeria. It empl... more This report provides a review of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Kano, Nigeria. It employs a number of performance indicators, which include: waste collection, controlled disposal, materials recovery and financial sustainability. Other indicators are: user inclusivity, provider inclusivity and institutional coherence. A material flow diagram indicates a large amount of waste going to the informal recovery and reuse sector. Comparisons with world cities show that Kano performs below the low-income category in terms of solid waste management (SWM). The biodegradable portion of the waste constitutes 68%, 62.5% of the total waste being generated by the household sector at a rate of 0.56 kg capita -1 day-1. The SWM system is under budgeted and with the rapid increase in population, an effective and efficient SWM system would be required.
In Malaysia, according to perspective sludge production factor (SPF), wastewater treatment plants... more In Malaysia, according to perspective sludge production factor (SPF), wastewater treatment plants produces about 5.3 million m3 of sewage sludge annually, most of this sludge are being wasted (unused) in the landfills. This study employed the use of dry activated sludge as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper Cu (II) from wastewater. Adsorption of Cu (II) by sludge activated carbon (SAC) was conducted using batch tests. The effect of contact time and adsorbent dosage on the removal of Cu (II)) from wastewater were investigated. Initial metal concentration was maintained at 100 mg/L. The removal efficiency was found to have relations with the initial Cu (II) concentration, contact time as well as the SAC dosage. The adsorption kinetics of the Cu (II) by SAC was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption process. The adsorption isotherms studies indicated that the adsorption of Cu (II) by SAC adsorbent was well described by Langmuir isotherm mo...
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Pollution caused by heavy metals has become a serious problem to the environment nowadays. The tr... more Pollution caused by heavy metals has become a serious problem to the environment nowadays. The treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals continues to receive attention because of their toxicity and negative impact on the environment. Recently, various types of adsorbents have been prepared for the uptake of heavy metals from wastewater through the batch adsorption technique. This study focused on the removal of zinc from aqueous solution using microwave incinerated sugarcane bagasse ash (MISCBA). MISCBA was produced using microwave technology. The influence of some parameters such as pH, contact time, initial metal concentration and adsorbent dosage on the removal of zinc was investigated. The competition between H+ and metal ions has affected zinc removal at a low pH value. Optimum conditions for zinc removal were achieved at pH 6.0, contact time 180 min and adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity for the removal of zinc was found to be 28.6 ...
In this research, feasibility of using a continuous flow integrated suspended growth bioreactor (... more In this research, feasibility of using a continuous flow integrated suspended growth bioreactor (i-SGBR) pilot plant was explored to treat beverage industry wastewater. The bioreactor treatment units comprise of three sequentially arranged suspended growth bioreactors with anoxic (ANX-C), aerobic (AER-C), and aerobic digester chambers (AD-C). Clarifier (CLR) was installed as last chamber to settle sludge. Parameters such as total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) were monitored and validated with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Other parameters measured include soluble COD (sCOD), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH. Transformational behavior of aerobic metabolic performance for extended aeration process was investigated by operating regimes of variable aerobic hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR) between 20 and 30 h and 0.49–0.79 kg COD/m3 day, respectively. Solids retention time (SRT) between 20 and 40 days was operated. The aim was to generate data for bacterial growth and substrate utilization kinetics from modified Monod’s model. Removal of TCOD, BOD5, and TSS were achieved in the range of 95.2–97.9% (Influent 995 ± 21–1028 ± 25 mg/L and Effluent 21 ± 2–4.9 ± 3 mg/L), 98–98.7% (Influent 489 ± 19–507 ± 7 mg/L and Effluent 27 ± 2–41 ± 1.8 mg/L), and 91.2–94.6% (Influent 500 ± 23–653 ± 11 mg/L and Effluent 6.3 ± 7–41 ± 1.8 mg/L), respectively. The maximum substrate utilization rate (k), half velocity constant (Ks), growth yield co-efficient (Y), and decay coefficients (kd) were determined as 2.81 days−1, 979 mg sCOD/L, 0.72 mg VSS/mg sCOD, and − 0.0172 day−1, respectively. Maximum specific growth rate (μmax) was found as 2.03 days−1. Treatment efficiencies declined with reduction of HRT and with increased OLR applied to the bioreactor. The aerobic digester (AD) achieved between 9.8% (Influent 15,021 mg/L) and 18.6% (10,893 mg/L) MLVSS reduction, where performance decreased with additional solids concentration from influent aerobic digester (IAD). i-SGBR has accomplished effective removal of pollutants and simultaneous sludge degradation of beverage industry wastewater. Kinetic parameters obtained could be useful for design and modeling of aerobic treatment unit to improve effluent quality.
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
In this study, activated carbon was developed from sugarcane bagasse and its effectiveness in ads... more In this study, activated carbon was developed from sugarcane bagasse and its effectiveness in adsorbing lead (Pb 2+) ions from synthetic aqueous solution was examined. Sugarcane bagasse activated carbon (SCBA) was developed in a tube furnace at a temperature of 900 °C, a heating rate of 10 °C/min, residence time of 3 hours, and at a nitrogen flow rate of 100 mL/min. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of pH and SCBA dosages on the adsorption process. The batch adsorption test showed that extent of Pb 2+ adsorption by SCBA was dependent upon pH and SCBA dosage. The optimum pH for Pb 2+ adsorption was found to be at pH 5.0. Maximum Pb 2+ removal efficiency obtained from the batch studies was 87.3 % at SCBA dosage of 10 g/L. Equilibrium adsorption data was described by Langmuir model with a coefficient of determination (R 2) of 0.9508. Maximum adsorption capacity according to Langmuir model was evaluated to be 23.4 mg/g. The adsorption capacity of the SCBA was compared with that of other plant-based adsorbents. SCBA is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Pb 2+ from aqueous solution.
A moderate rainfall event can lead to harsh flash floods in most of the compact cities. Present u... more A moderate rainfall event can lead to harsh flash floods in most of the compact cities. Present urbanization happening in these cities creates an imbalance between generated urban runoff volume and effective drainage capacity. For the survival of these, it is vital in enhancing the efficiency of an urban drainage system. However, it is a complicated task due to the accumulation of solid waste in drainage channels. These drainage systems are super sensitive to some external factors caused by their immediate surroundings. This study found out the impact of the urban form, population agglomeration, floating population, imminent prone areas of urban sprawl and waste disposing patterns of settlers can be highly influenced to the efficiency of a storm drainage system. Hence, Geographical Information System based computational techniques and weighted fussy sets are being used to track the attention need areas of the system. These particular zones to be treated through the design of "S...
Waste reduction in the construction sector is essential not just from the position of overall per... more Waste reduction in the construction sector is essential not just from the position of overall performance, but also interests escalated recently about the detrimental impact of the waste of construction materials on the natural surroundings. The reuse and recycling of construction elements used to be substantial due to material scarcity during the war and post-war era, specifically when the price of virgin materials keep inflating. Nevertheless, the motivation to reuse and recycle construction materials has fallen ever since the flow of raw materials has grown more consistent and satisfactorily. This paper involves an ongoing sequence of waste audits at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) R&D construction sites. The methodology consists of discussion, observation and quantitative evaluations of the kinds and distribution of wastes. The finding of this study demonstrates that the project aimed at both minimizing the volume of waste generated and diverting as much waste as possible fr...
The performance of a biological system was evaluated for copper removal with and without the addi... more The performance of a biological system was evaluated for copper removal with and without the addition of an adsorbent to the aeration compartment. Three different reactors were employed in this study. The first reactor consist of biomass alone and was used as a control reactor (CR). The second reactor consist of biomass and microwave incinerated rice husk ash (MIRHA) whereas the third reactor consist of biomass and hybrid adsorbent (HA), which is a mixture of MIRHA and groundwater treatment plant sludge (GWTPS). The reactors were operated at solid retention time (SRT) of 30 days and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 19.8 hours. The experiment was conducted in 8 different phases consisting of various copper concentrations coming from the influent source. The first and second phase were acclimation period during which copper was not added to the influent wastewater. From the third to the eight phase, copper was fed to the reactors at different concentrations. Reactor performance was monitored every two days. Results show that copper toxicity was significant for the control reactor from phase from phase 5 to phase 8 with effluent concentration between 0.34 – 2.62 mg/L. Copper removal was significant for both MIRHA and HA reactor. Effluent copper concentration in the MIRHA reactor was 2.04 mg/L and 1.09 mg/L for HA reactor at phase 8 (copper concentration 15 mg/L). Addition of the adsorbents (MIRHA and HA) enhanced the biomass tolerance towards copper toxicity at high concentration and improved copper removal efficiency. This study, therefore demonstrates that low cost non-conventional adsorbents could be utilized as support materials to enhance biomass tolerance towards heavy metal toxicity.
Industrial wastewater containing toxic pollutants such as heavy metals tends to contaminate the e... more Industrial wastewater containing toxic pollutants such as heavy metals tends to contaminate the environment once it is release without proper treatment. Heavy metals are toxic to both human and other living organisms. It is necessary to treat industrial wastewater polluted with heavy metals prior to its discharge into the receiving environment. In this study, low cost adsorbent was generated from sugarcane bagasse through incineration. The prepared adsorbent “microwave incinerated sugarcane bagasse ash” (MISCBA) was used in removing copper and zinc from aqueous solution. Parameters of importance such as pH, contact time and adsorbent dosages are studied to investigate their effects on the adsorption of copper and zinc. Maximum adsorption was observed at pH 6.0, contact time of 180 minutes and adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L. Zinc removal follows Langmuir isotherm model with correlation coefficient of 0.9291. Copper adsorption follows both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model with corre...
Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 2015
Internal Recycle ratios (IR) were alternated and operated to determine its efficiency on nitrate ... more Internal Recycle ratios (IR) were alternated and operated to determine its efficiency on nitrate removal within a SMALL FOOTPRINT bioreactor. Determining a suitable recycle ratio is essential to justify the prerequisites required for operative optimization. In order to achieve considerable nitrogen reduction, the reactor was designed with primary (pre) and secondary (post) anoxic chambers, combined aeration chamber for nitrification and carbon removal and final settler to settle the biomass prior to discharge. The nitrate oxidized in aeration chamber was recycled back to the pre-anoxic chamber. The residual nitrate flows to the post anoxic chamber for denitrification. Each IR ratio of 6, 4 and 0, was operated with distinct influent Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) to Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) ratios of 18.9, 14.9 and 10.9, respectively. The IR of 6 with COD/TKN ratio of 18.9 attained maximum Total Nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of 90.7%. The overall average total nitrogen (TN) = 4.0 mg/L in effluent was achieved, signifying an average of 9.5% efficiency more than the process without nitrate recycle, with average effluent TN = 7.7 mg/L.
Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 2016
Microwave Incinerated Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (MISCBA) was used in the exclusion of zinc from aqueo... more Microwave Incinerated Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (MISCBA) was used in the exclusion of zinc from aqueous solution. Parameters of importance like initial metal concentration, adsorbent dosage and agitation time were examined to find their effect on the adsorption process. Respond surface methodology has been employed to enhance the process conditions based on Box-Behnken design. Response surface method suggest initial metal concentration of 50 mg/L, adsorbent dosage 1.0 g and contact time of 3 h with removal efficiency of 55.99% to be optimum conditions for zinc removal from aqueous solution. A high correlation coefficient of 0.9923 indicates the model is in agreement with the experimental values. The model indicates that adsorbent dosage is the major influencing factor among others responsible for the adsorption of zinc.
The optimum range of process parameters for hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) removal were determined in... more The optimum range of process parameters for hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) removal were determined in a batch study using Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder (ACLP) as adsorbent. The process parameters were varied in the range 2-10 for Initial solution pH, 135-400 mg/L for initial concentration, 30-180 minutes for contact time and 0.1-0.6 g for adsorbent weight. Solution pH was adjusted using 0.1 M H2S04 and NaOH respectively. Results show that initial solution pH was vital for Cr(VI) removal. At low initial solution pH (pH 2), Cr(VI) removal was high but decreased when the solution was increased from pH 4 to 10. Cr(VI) removal decreased when initial solution concentration was increased and increased when contact time and adsorbent weight was increased. At initial solution concentration of 135 mg/L, residual Cr (VI) concentration was about 53.7 mg/L (61 % removal efficiency) at optimum range of pH 2, adsorbent weight 0.3 g and contact time 120 minutes. Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder (ACLP) could be a potential adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater.
Methylene blue (MB), a common environmental pollutant discharged from dye effluents were removed ... more Methylene blue (MB), a common environmental pollutant discharged from dye effluents were removed from synthetic effluents in this study using ageratum conyzoide leaf powder. Effects of operating parameters such as pH, initial Methylene blue concentration, adsorbent weight and contact time were examined on methylene blue removal whereas stirring speed was constant at 100 rpm. Results show that low pH (3-4) had more Methylene blue removal than high pH. Methylene blue removal decreased when initial concentration was increased but increased when adsorbent weight was increased. Removal of Methylene blue by Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder was rapid and significantly above 80% in all initial concentrations examined. At optimum conditions of pH 3, 20 minutes contact time and adsorbent weight of 60 mg for Methylene blue initial concentration of 20 mg/L, 40 mg/L and 60 mg/L, Methylene blue removal of 84.7%, 83.9% and 81.2% were obtained respectively. Results suggest that Ageratum conyzoide leaf powder could be potential adsorbents for Methylene blue removal from dye effluents.
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Papers by Ibrahim Salihi