Designing of Fabric Reinforced Polymer in the Assessment of Sorption Capacity of Mussel Shell Powder for Divalent Ion: GIS Mapping and Statistical Studies

This paper discusses the efficiency of acid modified mollusc shell powder in adsorbing Zn(II) ions from synthetic wastewater and actual wastewater samples discharged from electroplating industries. The chemically treated adsorbent was characterized in terms of structure and surface properties. The parameters such as, size of the sorbent particles, dosage, initial Zn(II) concentration, temperature, contact time pH and temperature were varied for optimization using batch studies. The adsorbate-adsorbent system was studied by Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and DKR isotherms. The adsorption experiments were conducted in a column packed with the acid modified mollusc shell powder. Further, real wastewater samples having Zn(II) concentration higher than the permissible levels were collected from the industrial belt in Coimbatore, to assess the potential of the bio adsorbent. A fiber reinforced polymer fabricated with the adsorbent material installed at the effluent discharge plants achieved 100% Zn(II) removal from electroplating wastewaters. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS software showed significant correlation among the input parameters and the analytical results post-adsorption.

Mollusc Shells from Neolithic Contexts in the Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania

The study of the Neolithic period in the Lake Eyasi Basin was dominated by attempts to formulate the area’s chronology, mobility, settlement patterns, subsistence, and cultural capabilities of Neolithic people as attested by domesticated animals, pottery, and lithic artefacts. Occasionally, studies on molluscs were mentioned, but rarely described in detail. Neolithic sites across the Lake Eyasi Basin have yielded remains of both terrestrial (gastropods) and freshwater mollusc shells (mussels). The abundance of mollusc shell remains in the archaeological records of the Lake Eyasi Basin have played a great role in chronological settings, mobility and community integrations, studies of settlement patterns, and other analyses. Mollusc remains have often been widely interpreted as a food supplement to other reliable food resources such as meat, vegetables and fish. Archaeological excavations and detailed analysis of the shells from Mumba rock shelter, Jangwani 3 and Laghangasimjega 2 have shown that molluscs played different roles. They were effectively used in tool manufacturing, as practical implements for handling objects, as scraping tools, as harpoons for fishing weapons, and sometimes for symbolism and in rituals. Terrestrial and freshwater molluscs coexisted in the Lake Eyasi Basin and were utilised equally by the Neolithic people during the Mid-Holocene period. Keywords: Mollusc shells; Neolithic; Lake Eyasi Basin; Northern Tanzania

Tribological properties of High Density Polyethylene based composite: The effect of mollusc shell particles under dry condition

This article highlights the importance of the addition of Mollusc shell (MS) particles, as bio-filler, on the tribological behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The elaborated biocomposites are intended to be used as an orthopedic replacement biomaterial. Different mass content of MS (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt. %) have been added to the HDPE matrix. FTIR analysis, crystallinity rate and Rockwell hardness of different bio-composites were performed. A reciprocating pin-on-disc tribometer was used to fulfil dry wear tests. FTIR analysis showed that the presence of MS particles improved the crystallinity of the HDPE phase. Adding to that, it was found that MS improved the hardness, friction coefficient and wear resistance of the HDPE polymer. In fact, by adding 5 wt. % of MS to the HDPE, good tribological properties were achieved. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the wear morphology of biocomposites under dry condition. SEM images showed that the morphology of the worn surfaces had been improved by the addition of MS to the polymer. Finally, a wear scenario was proposed.