River water turbidity removal using new natural coagulant aids: case study of Euphrates River, Iraq

For turbidity removal, most of drinking water treatment plants are using coagulants due to the presence of suspended and colloidal materials at the coagulation and flocculation units. Aluminium and sulphates salts are the widely used coagulants, such as Aluminium sulphate (Alum) and ferric chloride. However, several researches have linked Alzheimer's disease to the use of Aluminium sulphate. Hence, scholars have conducted several researches on the possibility to reduce the amount of Aluminium sulphate by using natural material/plants base as coagulant aids. In this study, Mallow's Leaves Extracts (MLE) and Carob's Pods Extracts (CPE) were used as an alternative coagulant aid. Couples of coagulation tests were implemented to find the optimal dosage of Aluminium Sulphates were used as coagulants. The results displayed that the maximum turbidity removal efficiency by adding 100% of each coagulant (i.e., Alum, MLE and CPE) were (61.16%, 51.175% and 37.12%), respectively. In addition, the minimum residual turbidity and maximum turbidity removal efficiency were 4.56 NTU and 97.72% by adding 22.5 Alum and 7.5 MLE presenting 30 mg/l dosing. Further, the minimum residual turbidity and maximum turbidity removal efficiency were 15.4 NTU and 92.3% by adding 22.5 Alum and 7.5 CPE presenting 30 mg/l dosing.

Haematology of Birds and Microbial Analysis of Recycled Poultry Litter Treated with Graded Levels of Aluminium Sulphate (Alum)

The study was carried out at the poultry unit of the Department of Animal Science teaching and research farm, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to determine the Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Poultry Litter Treated with Graded Levels of Aluminium sulphate (Alum). The alum used was obtained from the Sabon-garimarket in Zaria, Kaduna State. Aluminium sulphate (alum) was applied to the wood shavings by mixing it with alum thoroughly using hands covered with hand gloves. The rates of alum application was as follows: T1 control (normal poultry litter with no alum), T2 (5% alum by kg weight of poultry litter), T3 (10% alum by kg weight of poultry litter) and T4 (15% alum by kg weight of poultry litter). Five sets of litter samples were obtained fortnightly from each pen from different locations i.e. the four corners and centre from which the microbial load were measured. At the termination of the experiment (day 56), two birds from each pen having representative weights for the group (6 birds per Treatment) were selected and 1.5ml of blood was taken via the wing vein. Haematological parameters were analyzed by an auto haemo-analyser (BC2800 vet auto haemo analyser) at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. This result shows significant (P<0.05) difference among all the parameters analysed except MCHC. The result shows a significant decrease in the total bacteria, E. coliand Salmonella spp. in the alum treated litter groups (5%, 10% and 15% alum treated litter) compared to the control group (0% alum treated litter), the mould and yeast load was significantly increased in alum treated litter groups (5%, 10% and 15% alum treated litter) compared to the control group (0% alum treated litter).The study conclude that treating recycled poultry litter with alum can reduce microbial load of the litter. Birds reared on recycled poultry litter have significantly higher haemoglobin and PCV compared to the control.

EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ADDITION DURING PAPER-MAKING ON AGEING STABILITY OF DOCUMENT PAPER

The aim of the present work has been to study the influence of chitosan addition into the composition of paper intended for documents on its ageing stability, with a view of enhancing the resistance of paper strength and optical properties over time. The chitosan solution was added during the formation of the paper sheets in various amounts: 0.2%, 1% and 2% o.d.f. Paper samples of different fibrous compositions were prepared from bleached sulphate softwood pulp (BSWP) and bleached sulphate hardwood pulp (BHWP) in the following ratios: 50% BSWP:50% BHWP, 80% BSWP:20% BHWP, 100% BSWP and 100% BHWP. Then, paper samples were subjected to accelerated thermal ageing for 24 hours at 105 °C. It was found that the use of chitosan as additive in the composition of bleached cellulose paper samples led to improved strength and hygroscopic properties. The study showed that chitosan could be used in the production of kraft document papers comprising aluminium sulphate, as the presence of aluminium sulphate had no negative effect on the action of the biopolymer. Regarding the complex evaluation of the properties of the obtained papers, it could be summarized that, for the studied fibrous compositions, the optimum amount of the additive was 1% chitosan for a fibrous composition of 50% bleached softwood pulp and 50% bleached hardwood cellulose. Therefore, preparing document paper with the addition of chitosan is a convenient procedure to enhance a number of paper properties, even after the ageing process.

Characterization of Pigments from Malus domestica Leaves for Wool Dyeing

The study will present results of chemical analysis of mass spectrometry, evaluating the content of pigments in M. domestica leaves dyeing solution and in dyed woollen yarn nowadays. Yarn was dyed with fresh leaves of M. domestica tree. Before dyeing the yarn was treated with potassium aluminium sulphate mordant. Dyestuffs from the yarn were extracted in compliance with modified hydrochloric method of hydrolysis. Extracts were analysed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MS) for identification of the pigments. Phytochemical screening of dyeing solution of the M. domestica leaves showed presence of dihydrochalcones (phloretin, phlorizin), flavan-3-ols (dimeric B type proanthocyanidin, catechin, epicatechin, gallocatehin, epigallocatechin), flavanols (quercetin derivatives: hyperoside, rutin, quercetrin), phenolic acids and other compounds.

Effectiveness of Mushroom (Pleurotus Pulmonarius) Waste as Natural Coagulant for Kaolin Synthetic Water via Coagulation-Flocculation Process

Coagulation-flocculation process is a widely used method in water treatment. In this study, mushroom waste was selected as natural coagulant to treat kaolin synthetic water via coagulation-flocculation process. Rotten mushroom and mushroom spent were evaluated separately. Functional group of mushroom wastes were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Optimum dosage and pH of mushroom wastes and aluminium sulphate in kaolin synthetic water treatment were examined through jar testing. A comparative study on the effectiveness of mushroom wastes and aluminium sulphate in kaolin synthetic water treatment was evaluated in terms of turbidity removal percentage and sludge volume index. Results obtained from jar testing show rotten mushroom and mushroom spent achieved turbidity removal efficiency of 99.73% and 99.25% respectively at optimal pH of 4 and optimal dosage of 5 mg/L whereas 99.91% of turbidity was eliminated by alum under optimum condition of pH 9 and dosage 25 mg/L. Under optimized condition, sludge volume index value obtained by rotten mushroom, mushroom spent and alum were 37.38 mL/g, 40.34 mL/g and 51.58 mL/g respectively. Overall, the finding indicated that mushroom waste could be a potential alternative to chemical coagulant since they are environmentally friendly, effective in turbidity removal, producing less sludge and pH independent.

Recovery of E. coli From Liver and Spleen of Broiler Birds and the Effects of Induced High Ammonia Level on Haematobiochemical Parameters and Its Amelioration by Different Modifiers

The poultry sector is one of the most vibrant segments of the agriculture industry of Pakistan. In addition to different infections, ammonia (NH3) production from litter material of broiler is the most harmful pollutant and causes serious threats for the environment. To overcome this problem, different methods are proposed assuring poultry bird’s health and production. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of toxic levels of NH3 on the haematology and serum proteins of broiler birds and its amelioration by using different modifiers. The recovery of Escherichia coli ( E. coli) from liver and spleen of broiler birds was also carried out. A total of 100 birds were divided into 5 separate groups (groups A–D). The groups C, D and E were treated with potassium aluminium sulphate, aluminium silicate and Yucca schidigera plant extract, respectively. Blood and tissue samples were collected after slaughtering the birds at 42 days of age. This study revealed increased RBC, total leucocyte count, Hb and heterophils percentage. Serum proteins were decreased in Yucca-treated and potassium aluminium sulphate–treated groups. This study concluded that NH3 production was reduced by the application of different modifiers, and these modifiers also neutralized the changes in blood parameters induced by NH3.

Optimization of Coagulation-flocculation Process for Pre-treatment of Artisanal Tannery Wastewater Using Response Surface Methodology

There is a dearth in knowledge on artisanal tannery wastewater treatment as most studies are focused on treatment of wastewater generated from modern-day leather manufacturing industries. The extensive use of plant materials in artisanal tanneries introduces high loads of polyphenolic compounds in the wastewater rendering biological treatment of the wastewater ineffective. This study, therefore, employed coagulation-flocculation process to pre-treat artisanal tannery wastewater with the aim of applying the central composite design, a statistical approach in Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to model and optimize the removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and turbidity and to minimize Sludge Volume Index (SVI). Optimization process focused on the two most important influencing parameters: dosage of aluminium sulphate and initial pH of wastewater. Results revealed that optimal pH and aluminium sulphate dosage of 6.09 and 11.6g/L respectively could yield maximum removal efficiencies of 38.51% of COD, 76.05% of TSS and 79.64% of turbidity from the wastewater with a minimum SVI of 29.57mL/g. Further experiments conducted to validate these results showed a good agreement between the experimental and predicted results signifying the suitability of RSM for optimization of the coagulation treatment process. This is the first reported study on optimization of coagulation-flocculation treatment of artisanal tannery wastewater. Results of this study can be used practically for efficient pre-treatment of artisanal tannery wastewater.

Suitability of water treatment chemicals in the remediation of produced water: a data-driven approach

There exist numerous counts of research works on produced water. We got to know about them because they made it to publishing probably by indicating a positive or promising result. Contrarily, there exist a hundred times unpublished, unreported works on produced water; works rejected based on not yielding desirable results or not being innovative enough. We might have encountered undesirable results but to what depths and time have we committed to mining out intricate details. The world is thinking and demanding sustainability. Is it sustainable for the future of water treatment, the ease and pace at which we transition to the next chemical or treatment option? In this data-centred approach, three common chemicals, aluminium sulphate, ferrous ammonium sulphate and calcium chloride, were used to treat produced water. The collected data (both initial and final analysis) were inferentially analysed. The first statistical analysis was the testing of 2 hypotheses using the Analysis of Variance test. This was done to reveal to compare the dependence of produced water properties on two categorical variables (sample type and treatment chemicals). The second was the test for relevance: correlation and regression analyses. The laboratory experimental analysis revealed that aluminium sulphate was most suitable for the alteration of physical effluent characteristics; ferrous ammonium sulphate for salinity concerns and calcium chloride for a particular heavy metal’s stability. The overall effluent characteristics indicated a greater dependency on ‘sample type’ than ‘treatment chemicals’. Certain produced water properties relationships were highlighted and quantified for instance iron(II) and chloride ion concentrations were dependent on total solids and indicated a significance F of 0.01.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RETURN SLUDGE IN REMOVING UNDESIRABLE MATERIALS FROM CLARIFLOCCULATOR BASINS

To assess the use of returned sludge in water reatment, samples were brought from the Tigris River water during the summer and fall of 2002. A chemical treatment was carried out on it using alum as a coagulant, and after adding different percentages of sludge deposited at the bottom of the clarification ponds, it was found that returning 50% of the sludge improves the removal efficiency by an amount that can reach 14%. This applies to models with low and medium turbidity; otherwise, the reduction in removal efficiency is due again. The aluminium sulphate and hydroxides deposited at the bottom of the pond and recycled with the reflux sludge contributed to the improvement of the removal efficiency.