14 Articles Published

1. NANO TIO2 BASED HOLLOW FIBER SOLID/LIQUID PHASE MICROEXTRACTION FOR THE DETECTION OF PB(II) FROM WATER SAMPLES

Authors: SHAHRIYAR BAHAR , ZARRIN ES'HAGHI

Abstract: Nano TiO2 were applied to preconcentration and determination of Pb (II) in water samples using hollow fiber based solid-liquid phase microextraction (HF-SLPME) combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The effect of experimental conditions was investigated. The method was linear in the range of 0.6 -3000 μgmL-1. The relative standard deviations and relative recovery of Pb (II) was 4.9 % and 99.3 %, respectively (n=5).

Keywords: TiO2, Hollow fiber, Solid/liquid phase microextraction, Pb (II), Flame atomic absorption

Pages: 1 - 3 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-01

2. PRODUCTION OF MAGNETIC BIOCHAR DERIVED FROM DURIAN’S RIND AT VACUUM CONDITION FOR REMOVAL OF METHYLENE BLUE PIGMENTS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Authors: E.C.ABDULLAH , K.R.THINE , N.M.MUBARAK , K.R.THINES

Abstract: Durian, originating from the Durio Zibethinus genes is one of the widely consumed fruits in South East Asia especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Philippines. Durian’s rind was found to be abundantly available in Malaysia due to the high consumption of durians by the locals. Durian rinds were opted to produce magnetic biochar in the presence of iron oxide solution by employing the pyrolysis process in a muffle furnace at a pyrolysis temperature of 700˚C and pyrolysis time of 20 minutes. The pyrolysis process was carried out in a condition of absence of oxygen in the muffle furnace by generating a vacuum condition without utilizing any carrier gas. Magnetic biochar which were produced with a surface area of 790 m2/g successfully provided a 95% removal of 30 mg/L methylene blue from aqueous solution with a maximum adsorption capacity of 87.32 mg/g at an optimum condition of pH 9 of stock solution, adsorbent’s dosage of 0.5 gram, agitation speed of 120 rpm and contact

Keywords: magnetic biochar, durian’s rind, methylene blue, adsoprtion, pyrolysis

Pages: 4 - 8 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-02

3. SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETIC BIOCHAR FROM GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PEEL USING MUFFLE FURNACE FOR ADSORPTION OF ZN2+ IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION.

Authors: K.R.THINES , N.M.MUBARAK , E.C.ABDULLAH

Abstract: Synthesis of mangosteen peel based magnetic biochar was carried out in Muffle Furnace at zero oxygen condition at 700 C heating temperature for 20 minutes. The biomass for pyrolysis was prepared through oxidation process with Iron Oxide ions mixed with 0.4M KMnO4 and 0.4M HNO3 acid. The process optimization was determine by manipulating agitation speed (rpm), time (min) and pH value by using Design Expert software version 7.0. The statistical analysis revealed that the optimum condition for removal of Zn2+ ions were at adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g, pH 9.0, agitation speed and time were 125 rpm and 45 min respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity opted for the adsorbent with surface area 730 m2/g was 86.33 mg/g. For the initial concentration of 30 mg/L, the maximum removal percentage obtained was 93%. The surface adsorption characteristics were determined by Langmuir and Freundlich constant which were 0.0461 L/mg and 12.283 L/mg respectively. The research outcome indicates that the Man

Keywords: Magnetic biochar, Zinc, Adsorption, Mangosteen Peel, Wastewater

Pages: 9 - 12 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-03

4. THE INFLUENCE OF THE RISER OUTLET GEOMETRY ON EROSION OF A FCC USING DENSE DISCRETE PHASE MODEL

Authors: ALINE T. FAISCA , RICARDO A. MEDRONHO

Abstract: The erosion caused by solid particles is a major problem in catalytic cracking units. The riser outlet is the most vulnerable region to this process because a change in direction of the biphasic flow of gas and catalyst particles occurs. In this work, different configurations for a riser outlet were studied aiming at minimizing erosion. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Dense Discrete Phase Model (DDPM) approach was used to simulate the gas-solid flow in a riser. The k-ε turbulence model was used to model the turbulence. It was observed that an abrupt L outlet produced the same average erosion rate as a soft outlet, while an abrupt T outlet provided an average erosion rate two times larger than the abrupt L outlet. Additionally, new riser outlet geometry was proposed in order to minimize erosion on top of risers. However it was found that this geometry presented disadvantages when compared to the other outlet geometries studied.

Keywords: riser, FCC, CFD, DDPM

Pages: 13 - 16 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-04

5. IMPACT OF GRAVEL EXTRACTION ON STREAM MORPHOLOGY AND BIOTIC COMMUNITIES IN STREAMS OF VANUA LEVU FIJI.

Authors: NIRBHAY CHAND

Abstract: Gravel extraction refers to the actual process of removal of gravel from a place of occurrence. The increase in demand for gravel for construction purposes has placed immense pressure on the environment where these resources occur. Gravel extractors employ different methods of extraction along river channels and their flood plains. Using environmental impact assessment guidelines, a host of environmental aspects were identified along Labasa, Dreket i (Naua) and Tabia Rivers of Vanua Levu. These aspects include collapsing river banks, habitat destruction, and impact on water quality, flora, fauna and riparian vegetation. These aspects have a significant impact on environmental functionality of the valley. It is therefore, concluded that there is need for more environmental r eg ulat ion s and stringent monitoring system to be developed and implemented.

Keywords: River morphology, Impacts, Gravel extraction, Environment.

Pages: 17 - 20 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-05

6. USE OF FUNGAL MIXED CULTURE FOR PRETREATMENT OF COTTON GIN WASTE TO ENHANCE THE BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION

Authors: KRISHNA PRAMANIK , SHITARASHMI SAHU

Abstract: Due to stringent environment regulations, the disposal of cotton gin waste is one of the massive problems faced by cotton industries throughout the world. Cotton gin waste is a lignocellulosic biomass and this might be utilized to produce bioethanol which is a promising alternative energy sources for transportation fuel. The prime effort of the present investigation was to decompose or degrade the complex mixtures of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin compounds of cotton gin waste. This pretreatment has enhanced the production of reducing sugar and bio-ethanol using mixed culture of efficient white rot fungi (Trametes pubscens and Pycnoporus cinnabarinus).It was examined that, in delignification process, solid state cultivation (SSC) having 57.5 % of lignin removal was found to be more effective than submerged cultivation (SMC) with 45.6 % of lignin removal.The corresponding cellulose and hemicellulose reduction were determined as 64 and 68.5% in SSC, whereas their values in SMC were

Keywords: Cotton gin waste, mixed culture, white rots fungi, lignin, cellulose, hemicelluloses

Pages: 21 - 25 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-06

7. ADSORPTION OF BISPHENOL A ON CARBON NANOTUBES

Authors: MING-SHIUN KO , YI-CHI CHIEN

Abstract: The potential of adsorptive removal of bisphenol A was investigated for two commercial carbon nanotubes including: single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The surface area, elemental analyses and pHzpc of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were determined and the adsorption isotherms were measured. Adsorption isotherms indicate that the adsorption of bisphenol A on carbon nanotubes belongs to type L of the Giles classification. This follows from the textural and chemical characteristics of these carbons and essentially hydrophobic nature of bisphenol A. The adsorption capacity and relative affinity of SWCNTs are higher than that of MWCNTs with SWCNTs having about 12.7 times the adsorption capacity of MWCNTs. This suggests that SWCNTs have higher potential for removing bisphenol A from contaminated water. The weak ion strength dependence and strongly pH dependence of the adsorption process indicate that chemicomplexation is strong while physical sorption

Keywords: Carbon nanotubes, bisphenol A, adsorption

Pages: 26 - 29 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-07

8. RADIOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS OF A HIGH BACKGROUND RADIATION AREA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Authors: ABDULRAHEEM A. KINSARA , EL-SAID I. SHABANA

Abstract: Airborne radiometric surveys showed that Aja heights, of granitic composition, represent a radiometric anomaly area and should be of interest for detail study in a purpose of radiation protection. Ground surveys and radiometric analysis of rocks, surface soil, building materials and groundwater samples have been conducted. Radon-222 has been measured in groundwater and in the atmosphere (indoor and outdoor) of the inhabited area. Root uptake of natural uranium by vegetation grown in farms lie in the foot of the granitic massif has been investigated. Ground surveys showed an average effective dose rate, due to terrestrial γ-radiation, of 1.49 mSv/y. This level is about 3.3 times greater than the world average external effective dose rate (0.46 mSv/y) that estimated in normal background areas. The average concentrations (249 and 383 Bq/kg, respectively) of 238U and 232Th in the collected rock samples were higher than their worldwide average (about 61 Bq/kg for both radionuclides) in gran

Keywords: environmental radioactivity, uranium, radium, radon, radiation exposure, environmental pollution

Pages: 30 - 36 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-08

9. COORDINATION CHEMISTRY OF CU(II) WITH POLYVINYL ALCOHOL(PVA) AND SOME AMINO ACIDS AND DNA

Authors: WAFAA M. HOSNY

Abstract: The acid-base equilibria of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) is investigated. The stability constant values of the binary and ternary complexes formed in solution between polyvinyl alcohol, Cu(II), some amino acids and DNA were determined potentiomertically. The stability constants of the complexes are determined and the concentration distribution diagrams of the complexes are evaluated. The ligand and their metal chelates have been screened for their antimicrobial activities using the disc diffusion method against the selected bacteria and fungi. Binary and ternary complexes of copper(II) involving polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) and various biologically relevant ligands containing different functional groups, were investigated. The ligands (L) are amino acids and DNA constituents. The ternary complexes of amino acids and DNA are formed by simultaneous and stepwise processes respectively. The results showed the formation of Cu(PVA)(L) complexes with amino acids and DNA. Amino acids form both Cu(PVA)(L)

Keywords: Copper(II), Amino acids, DNA constituents, Stability constant, Spectroscopic characterization, Biological activity

Pages: 37 - 45 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-09

10. EVALUATION OF ABERRANT P16INK4α PROMOTER CPG METHYLATION AND ITS APPLICATION IN VIETNAMESE BREAST CANCERS PATIENTS

Authors: LE HUYEN AI THUY , TRUONG KIM PHUONG , DOAN THI PHUONG THAO , LAO DUC THUAN

Abstract: The disruption of genetic materials as the aberrant methylation at CpG islands of tumor suppressor gene’s promoter, which is thought to be a driver epigenetic events of malignant cells. p16INK4α, its function is considered as an inhibitor of CDK4 and CDK6 that initiate the phosphorylation of RB (retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein), has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in many human cancers. In current study, methylation specific PCR (MSP) was carried out to evaluate the methylation status of p16INK4α from Vietnamese breast patients, in order to find out the methylation signature served as biomarker applied in prognosis, early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in Vietnamese population. The results showed that the methylation frequency of p16INK4α promoter reached to 49.5% (47 of 95 breast cancer samples). In the case of non-cancer specimens, only 15% (3 of 20 non-cancer specimens) was methylation. According to clinical parameters, there were significant correlation

Keywords: breast cancer, methylation, MSP, p16INK4α , Vietnamese breast cancer.

Pages: 46 - 50 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-10

11. A PRESSURE DEPENDENT ANALYSIS-BASED INDEX TO ASSESS RELIABILITY OF WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

Authors: AKBAR SHIRZAD , MASSOUD TABESH

Abstract: Reliability of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) is one of the most important issues in planning and management of these networks. In the previous studies various indices have been proposed to evaluate the reliability of WDNs. These indices which have some advantages and disadvantages can also be an indicator for efficiency of WDNs. Since the Pressure Dependent Analysis (PDA) of WDNs has more accurate results than the Demand Dependent Analysis (DDA), then in this study a new index is proposed for reliability assessment of WDNs based on PDA. According to this index, the nodal pressures and the nodal available demands are the most factors influencing the reliability of WDNs. A sample network is also used to compare the new proposed index and the available indices and their efficiencies in assessing the reliability of WDNs

Keywords: Water distribution network, Reliability, Pressure dependent analysis

Pages: 51 - 54 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-57

12. THE CHANGES OF CAROTENOID AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENTS IN GREEN ALGAE SPIROGYRA DUE TO THE EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES

Authors: LING SHING WONG , JUN HAN LIM , SIMRANJEET KAUR JUDGE

Abstract: The accumulation of pesticides in the environment poses a major health concern to humans, plants and animals, thus the presence of these toxicants require close monitoring. Bioindicators such as green algae are widely researched for the detection of toxicants or pollutants and has been reported to have more advantages compared to the conventional detection methods. The objective of this study is to determine the response of carotenoids and chlorophyll in Spirogyra as a potential bioindicator in pesticides detection. Cells immobilized using agarose gel were exposed to 0.001 mg/L, 0.010 mg/L, 0.100 mg/L, 1.000 mg/L and 10.000 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoacetic acid (2, 4-D) and atrazine for a period of 48 hours. Respond trends for chlorophyll and carotenoids were recorded. Carotenoids showed higher potential as the marker for 2,4-D detection while chlorophyll was the better one in atrazine detection

Keywords: Chlorophyll, carotenoids, pesticides bioindicator, Spirogyra

Pages: 55 - 57 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-65

13. THE SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF CRUDE PLANT EXTRACTS FROM PLECTRANTUS AMBOINICUS, AZADIRACHTA INDICA AND MURRAYA KOENIGII ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS SP

Authors: GEETHA SUBRAMANIAM , GHIM HOCK ONG

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance in clinically important bacteria is an increasing problem worldwide. Alternative therapeutic agents such as medicinal plants should be sourced to overcome this problem. Acne is a common skin disorders in many people and can have a debilitating effect on the self-esteem and confidence of an individual. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The aim of this study was to determine if crude plant extracts from medicinal plants could be used as a suitable alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of acne. Crude extracts were obtained from three medicinal plants: Plectrantus amboinicus, Azadirachta indica and Murraya koenigii using an ethanol extraction method. The extracts were tested individually and in combination against two common causative agents of acne: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antimicrobial activity was indicated by the zone of inhibition obtained in the disk diffusion assay. All the plant extracts exhibited an

Keywords: plant extracts, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, acne, antimicrobial properties

Pages: 58 - 60 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-068-2-69

14. CONTINUOUS-FLOW DISINFECTION REACTOR FOR DRINKING WATER USING GEL-DERIVED AG-TIO2-SIO2 CATALYST UNDER UV-C LIGHT

Authors: HOANG-ANH HUA , KHOI TRAN-TIEN , NHUNG THI-TUYET HOANG , THE-VINH NGUYEN

Abstract: Clean water for drinking and cooking has been a serious issue in rural areas of Vietnam, which is mainly due to high-cost treatment of the available water sources in such areas. In order to decrease the treatment cost, gel-derived Ag-TiO2-SiO2 thin film coated on glass beads were used as disinfection materials under UV-C light in this work. The photocatalyst was used in a continuous-flow lab-scale reactor to disinfect E.coli in water. It was found that the bactericidal activity of this system using the gel-derived Ag-TiO2-SiO2 photoatalyst under UV-C irradiation was superior to those using UV-C irradiation alone, a combination of bare glass beads and UV-C irradiation. By using gel-derived Ag-TiO2-SiO2thin film, the above reactor was observed to remove 6-log of E.coli under UV-C within the hydraulic retention time of 6 minutes.The reactor was also operated with Mekong river water (includes Tien river and Hau river) with the inlet microbial loading of Tien river (after filtering) from 50

Keywords: gel-derived Ag-TiO2-SiO2; E.colidisinfection; UVC lamp; continuous-flow reactor

Pages: 118 - 123 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-055-2-76