scholarly journals Investigation of the Use and Suitability of Plastic Waste for Molding Interlocking Stones in Port Harcourt

2021 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ubong, I U. ◽  

Port Harcourt is known in local parlance as the ‘Garden City’ of Rivers State. This is so tagged because of the overwhelming presence of trees (Green Life) and flowers in the Metropolis. But today, it is different as the streets, gutters, rivers and the environs are littered with all types of plastic waste (MSW). These municipal solid wastes (MSW), are indiscriminately dumped at different locations in the Garden City. Plastics constitute a major component of these wastes; thus, this study was aimed at Investigating the Use and Suitability of plastic waste for molding Interlocking stones in Port Harcourt. In this study, samples of plastic wastes (bottles, cups, plates, spoons, and cellophane bags), were collected randomly at selected locations in Port Harcourt City. The area of study covered GRA Phase 1, 2, and 3, Old GRA, Diobu axis, and Port Harcourt main town. These plastic wastes are (PET-Polyethylene Terephthalate) which after collection were weighed and mixed with fine grains of sand (4 kg). The plastic waste samples of 5, 10 and 15 kg were used to mix with fine grains of sand of 4 kg. The mixture was heated under very high temperatures and melted to form a homogeneous mixture. The resultant homogeneous mixture was then poured into different molds of the same sizes (1.32 x10-3 M3). In another reaction, fine grain of sand of 4 kg was mixed with cement of 5, 10 and 15 kg respectively. The mixtures were poured into molds of the same sizes (1.32 x10-3 M3). The strengths of the two different interlocking stones (paver) were measured and compared to confirm which one of them has a better compressive strength for 7, 14 & 28 days. A total of fifty-four (54) molds were used of which twenty-seven were made from plastic waste and the other twenty-seven from cement. The compressive strength of Interlocks made from the two substances were measured and compared. The result showed the compressive strength of Interlocks made from 5, 10 and 15 kg of plastic wastes and 4 kg of sand for 7, 14, and 28 days being comparable to that of cement. The t-test showed that there is no significant difference between the strength of mold made by cement and that of plastic waste. This implies that Plastic Wastes can act as a suitable alternative material to cement for the making of interlocking stones as it has excellent binding properties like cement. This study recommends proper management and disposal of wastes to reduce environmental degradation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 144-144
Author(s):  
Tengfei He ◽  
Qinghui Shang ◽  
Shenfei Long ◽  
Tadele K Gebreyohannes ◽  
Xiangshu Piao

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as a substitute to AGP on intestinal health and performance of piglets. A total of 192 piglets weaned at 28 d of age were randomly assigned into one of four treatment groups with 8 pens/ treatment and 6 pigs/pen. Piglets were supplemented with either a regular nursery diet with two phase feeding (Phase 1: d1-d14 and Phase 2: d15-d28) (CON); CON diet supplemented with 75mg/kg Chlortetracycline plus ZnO 2000 mg/kg in phase 1 and 160 mg/kg in phase 2 (AGP); Con diet supplemented with 2kg/ton live yeast in both phases (LY); Con diet plus live yeast 1kg/ton in both phases plus ZnO 2000 mg/kg in phase 1 and 160 mg/kg in phase 2 (LY-ZnO). During Phase 1, LY and LY-ZnO group had significantly higher ADG (p< 0.01). In Phase 2 only the LY group has a significantly higher ADG (P=0.02). The LY and LY-ZnO group had also better feed efficiency (P< 0.05) during phase 1. On the other hand, the CON group had significantly higher (P< 0.01) diarrhea score. Test on antioxidant status has not shown any significant difference between the groups for most parameters measured; however, the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker for oxidative stress) was significantly decreased (P< 0.01) in the LY and LY-ZnO group on day 28. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD, the most powerful antioxidant) was significantly increased (P< 0.05) in these two treatment groups at different time points. Live yeast and Live yeast plus ZnO treatment has also significantly increased (P< 0.01) concentration of IgA and IgG in the serum of piglets on d7 and d14. In conclusion, supplementation of nursery piglet diets with either live yeast or live yeast plus ZnO improved zootechnical performance of animals by improving gut health through reduction of oxidative stress and enhancement of immune response, suggesting that yeast probiotics could be a suitable alternative to substitute AGP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-283
Author(s):  
F. Vida Zohoori ◽  
Anne Maguire ◽  
E. Angeles Martinez-Mier ◽  
Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf ◽  
Roy Sanderson ◽  
...  

The aim was to compare potential methods for fluoride analysis in microlitre-volume plasma samples containing nano-gram amounts of fluoride. Methods: A group of 4 laboratories analysed a set of standardised biological samples as well as plasma to determine fluoride concentration using 3 methods. In Phase-1, fluoride analysis was carried out using the established hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)-diffusion method (1 mL-aliquot/analysis) to obtain preliminary measurement of agreement between the laboratories. In Phase-2, the laboratories analysed the same samples using a micro-diffusion method and known-addition technique with 200 µL-aliquot/analysis. Coefficients of Variation (CVs) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were estimated using analysis of variance to evaluate the amount of variation within- and between-laboratories. Based on the results of the Phase-2 analysis, 20 human plasma samples were analysed and compared using the HMDS-diffusion method and known-addition technique in Phase-3. Results: Comparison of Phase-1 results showed no statistically significant difference among the laboratories for the overall data set. The mean between- and within-laboratory CVs and ICCs were < 0.13 and ≥0.99, respectively, indicating very low variability and excellent reliability. In Phase-2, the overall results for between-laboratory variability showed a poor CV (1.16) and ICC (0.44) for the micro-diffusion method, whereas with the known-addition technique the corresponding values were 0.49 and 0.83. Phase-3 results showed no statistically significant difference in fluoride concentrations of the plasma samples measured with HMDS-diffusion method and known- addition technique, with a mean (SE) difference of 0.002 (0.003) µg/mL. In conclusion, the known-addition technique could be a suitable alternative for the measurement of fluoride in plasma with microlitre-volume samples.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3549
Author(s):  
Tulane Rodrigues da Silva ◽  
Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo ◽  
Daiane Cecchin ◽  
Markssuel Teixeira Marvila ◽  
Mugahed Amran ◽  
...  

The urbanization process contributes to the growth of solid waste generation and causes an increase in environmental impacts and failures in the management of solid waste. The number of dumps is a concern due to the limited implementation and safe disposal of this waste. The interest in sustainable techniques has been growing in relation to waste management, which is largely absorbed by the civil construction sector. This work aimed to review plastic waste, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET), that can be incorporated with construction materials, such as concrete, mortars, asphalt mixtures, and paving. The use of life-cycle assessment (LCA) is related, as a tool that allows the sustainability of products and processes to be enhanced in the long term. After analyzing the recent literature, it was identified that studies related to plastic wastes in construction materials concentrate sustainability around the alternative destination of waste. Since the plastic waste from different production chains are obtained, it was possible to affirm the need for a broader assessment, such as the LCA, providing greater quantification of data making the alternative processes and products more sustainable. The study contributes to enhance sustainability in alternative building materials through LCA.


Author(s):  
Aty Widyawaruyanti ◽  
Arijanto Jonosewojo ◽  
Hilkatul Ilmi ◽  
Lidya Tumewu ◽  
Ario Imandiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Andrographis paniculata tablets (AS201-01) have previously been shown to have potent bioactivity as an antimalarial and to produce no unwanted side effects in animal models. Here, we present the phase 1 clinical trial conducted to evaluate the safety of AS201-01 tablets in healthy volunteers. Methods The study was a randomized, double-blind controlled cross-over, a placebo-controlled design consisting of a 4-day treatment of AS201-01 tablets. A total of 30 healthy human volunteers (16 males and 14 females) were divided into two groups, and each group was given 4 tablets, twice daily for 4 days. Group 1 received AS201-01, while group 2 received placebo tablets. Volunteers were given a physical examination before the treatment. The effects of AS201-01 on random blood glucose, biochemical, and hematological as well as urine profiles were investigated. Results There were no changes in observed parameters as a result of AS201-01 being administered. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the test and control group regarding hematology profile, biochemical profile, and random blood glucose. Increased appetite and better sleep, which categorized as grade 1 adverse event was reported after treatment with AS201-01 tablet Conclusions The outcome supports our previous observation that the AS201-01 tablet, given twice a day for 4 days, is safe and nontoxic.


2009 ◽  
Vol 1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rivas-Vázquez L.P. ◽  
Suárez-Orduña R. ◽  
Valera-Zaragoza M. ◽  
Máas-Díaz A. De la L. ◽  
Ramírez-Vargas E.

ABSTRACTThe effects of waste polyethylene aggregate as admixture agent in Portland cement at different addition polyethylene/cement ratios from 0.0156 to 0.3903 were investigated. The reinforced samples were prepared according the ASTM C 150 Standard (samples of 5 × 5 × 5 cm). The reinforcing fibers were milling at a size of 1/25 in diameter, form waste and used them to evaluate the effects in mechanical properties in cement-based composites. The evaluation of polyethylene as additive was based on results of density and compression tests. The 28-day compressive strength of cement reforced with plastic waste at a replacement polyethylene/cement ratio of 0.0468 was 23.5 MPa compared to the control concrete (7.5 MPa). The density of cement replaced with polyethylene varies from 2.114 (0% polyethylene) to 1.83 g/cm3 by the influence of polyethylene.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3175
Author(s):  
Ravindra Prajapati ◽  
Kirtika Kohli ◽  
Samir K. Maity ◽  
Brajendra K. Sharma

Plastic is referred to as a “material of every application”. From the packaging and automotive industries to the medical apparatus and computer electronics sectors, plastic materials are fulfilling demands efficiently. These plastics usually end up in landfills and incinerators, creating plastic waste pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2015, 9.1% of the plastic materials generated in the U.S. municipal solid waste stream was recycled, 15.5% was combusted for energy, and 75.4% was sent to landfills. If we can produce high-value chemicals from plastic wastes, a range of various product portfolios can be created. This will help to transform chemical industries, especially the petrochemical and plastic sectors. In turn, we can manage plastic waste pollution, reduce the consumption of virgin petroleum, and protect human health and the environment. This review provides a description of chemicals that can be produced from different plastic wastes and the research challenges involved in plastic waste to chemical production. This review also provides a brief overview of the state-of-the-art processes to help future system designers in the plastic waste to chemicals area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 548-556
Author(s):  
Shubhada Nayak ◽  
Madhuri Sahasrabuddhe ◽  
Sharad Kale

Anaerobic digestion is among the essential biological techniques used for stabilization of organic sludge from sewage and highly concentrated efflu-ents from food processing industries. It also recycles the municipal solid wastes into compost with simultaneous production of methane. The current study was performed to estimate the biomethanation potential of various agro- and industrial wastes like Jatropha de-oil cake, prawn shells, chicken feathers, bagasse, rice straw and wheat husk by mimicking the conditions in the biphasic Nisargruna biogas plant. A small volume of samples was chemi-cally characterized and allowed to decompose under aerobic and anaerobic conditions to determine the effect of aerobic predigestion (i.e. phase 1 of Nisargruna plant) on final methane production. The biogas produced was quantified by downward displacement of water. The observations indicated that approximately 60-80% methane was produced when Jatropha de-oil cake, prawn shells and rice straw was used. Conversely, the wheat straw and sugarcane wastes showed less methane formation, which may be due to the presence of complex polymers like lignocellulose and silica that considerably reduces the metabolic potential of microorganisms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 849 ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Iswahyuni ◽  
Indri Hermiyati ◽  
Suharyanto ◽  
Uma Fadzilia Arifin ◽  
Dewi Nur Hidayati

Plastic shopping bags are easy to obtain for free or at low prices, hence contribute as the highest quantity among plastic waste. The plastic shopping bags waste has no economic value. Usually they are just thrown away. An alternative solution is by utilizing them to produce paving block by mixing with sands. The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the best ratio composition of plastic shopping bags waste and sand, followed by evaluation of the physical-mechanical properties of this particular paving block. Several different mixture ratios of weights of plastic shopping bag and sand were evaluated to obtain the best physical-mechanical properties of the paving block. The mixture ratios of weight of plastic shopping bags waste and sand were 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5, respectively. The shopping plastic bags waste was melted before mixed with sand. The different mixture ratios were mixed with same pressure. The paving block mixture with ratio of 1:4 exhibited the best physical-mechanical properties as revealed by no defect, no crack and fine surface. The compressive strength of 17.4 MPa, friction resistance of 0.138 mm/sec and water absorption of 2.518% can be achieved, which is suitable for parking area construction.


Author(s):  
E. L. Augustine–D ’israel ◽  
A. E. Abah ◽  
E. O. Onosakponome

Background: Monitoring of malaria infection and antimalarial drug efficacy is necessary for effective case management, detection of resistance and control of the disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess malaria infection and the efficacy of antimalarials among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Whole blood was randomly collected from individuals visiting 24 drug stores for malaria treatment in three different locations in Port Harcourt and analysed using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of 22.8% was recorded out of 633 participants for (P. falciparum) malaria. Infection was highest in Mile IV (Rumueme) 30.8% followed by Rumuosi, 23.1% and the least was D/Line area, 14.5% out of 221 participants per location respectively. The incidence of malaria in the study area was significantly different (X2 = 16.69; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the intensity of malaria parasite infection in the study areas. Seven types of drugs were purchased to treat perceived malaria. 177 (26.7%) participants purchased coatem, 187 (28.3%) purchased Lonart. The others were Lumartem 133 (20.1%), P.alaxin 83 (12.5%), Amarla by 19 (2.9%) and artesunate by 57 (8.6%). All the antimalarial were purchased by those that tested positive. The most purchased drug was Lonart 11 (34.37%), Lumartem 25 (36.8%) and Malareich 19 (31.3%) in D/Line, Mile IV and Rumuosi cluster areas respectively. There was a significant difference in the antimalarials purchased. Result of Follow up test shows that only 59.6% returned to be tested and they all tested negative. Conclusion: Malaria preponderance was high among studied subjects, ACT was topmost among antimalarials regularly purchased by the individuals. Conformity to the use of ACT could be said to be impressive though not yet 100%. People who are treated for malaria should be encouraged to undergo a test after treatment for effective case management and detection of resistance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-89
Author(s):  
Angga Pirman Firdaus ◽  
Jonbi

Indonesia ranks second in the world's largest plastic waste producer after China. Each year, Indonesia can contributeup to 187.2 million tons of plastic waste, while China reaches 262.9 million tons of plastic waste. Based on the data, one way to utilize plastic waste by using plastic waste as a mixture of concrete, where the plastic used is polypropylene (PP) plastic with different percentage of concrete mixture, the test includes compressive strength test and tensile concrete. The results of concrete compressive strength testing with polypropylene (PP) plastic waste mixture of 5%, 10% and 15% at age 28 in aggregate aggregate mixture decreased by 5.15%, 6.89% and 13.53%. As for the result of concrete tensile strength test with polypropylene (PP) plastic waste mixture of 5%, 10% and 15% at age 28 in crude aggregate mixture decreased 17,61%, 24,13% dan 23,24%.


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