Evaluating Visibility Range on Air Pollution using NARX Neural Network

Evaluating air visibility range is considered as one of the apparent criteria of air quality. Haze air as a conclusion of air pollution causes unpleasant breathing, psychological effects, and visibility restriction. In this study, NARX neural network applied to determine air visibility restriction factors. Data of air quality control stations of Baghshomal, Rastebazar, and Abresan in Tabriz City, Iran used which include PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO for the duration of four years from 2013 to 2017 that considered as independent variables. NARX neural network created to find each pollutant relation to visibility restriction and networks used for simulation to analysis network results in conspectuses condition. The results showed that PM10 pollutant has the most influence on-air visibility with R=0.9 in the train, R=0.728 in the test, and R=0.75 in validation process. Also error results of the PM10 obtained as MSE=0.054. Moreover, simulation results demonstrated the least area integral between curves according to ascending order for six pollutant factors and verified PM10 accuracy in NARX network simulation. The total result as study conclusion verified NARX neural network efficiency to evaluate air visibility range while using air pollutant parameters.

Comparison of the Histopathological Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in Cadmium-intoxicated Rabbits

This study compared the effects of selenium nanoparticles and cerium oxide nanoparticles on biochemical and histopathological changes of cadmium-intoxicated rabbits. Forty white New Zealand rabbits were equally distributed into four groups. The Control group received saline orally while the negative control group received six-week oral administrations of cadmium 5 mg/kg. The third group received oral administration of selenium nanoparticles (0.8 mg/kg) and cadmium (5mg/kg). The fourth group received cerium oxide nanoparticles (0.8 mg/kg) and cadmium (5mg/kg). After six weeks, serum was obtained by the conventional methods, and then rabbits were sacrificed to obtain liver, kidney, and testis tissues for histopathological examinations. The oral administrations of Cadmium 5 mg/kg caused significant elevations in serum liver enzyme levels, serum BUN, serum creatinine, and lipid peroxidation levels (P<0.05). The histopathological investigations showed necrosis and inflammations in the liver, kidney, and testis of rabbits. Selenium nanoparticles oral administrations at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg significantly reduced liver enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and histopathological changes. The cadmium intoxicated rats treated with Cerium oxide nanoparticles showed normal biochemical and histopathological parameters (P<0.05). The current study proved the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of selenium nanoparticles and cerium oxide nanoparticles in cadmium intoxicated rabbits; however, cerium oxide nanoparticles were more effective.

Impacts of Heavy Metal Enriched Tailings of Magnesite Mine on Surrounding Water Reservoirs

The prime aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties of water reservoirs from magnesite mine surrounding four sites (each direction) on three seasons such as summer, winter, and rainy season. The results attained from the physicochemical analysis states that all the surrounding water reservoir samples have been severely polluted by both essential and non-essential elements. Predominantly the water sample taken from the site I of three seasons has been severely affected by the metal pollutants. The site I water sample unacceptable (mg L-1) physicochemical properties such as turbidity (16.20±1.3; 15.23±1.8; 18.29±1.5), conductivity (2742.30±2.7; 2652.24±2.1; 2785.25±2.1), TDS (2085.13±4.3; 2024.15±2.1; 2113.10±1.2), TSS (712.21±2.1; 692.31±1.12; 711.12±1.5), hardness (765.38±2.4; 738.65±2.1; 781.23±2.9), BOD (208.12±1.7; 201.31±1.2; 212.31±1.5), COD (312.74±0.98; 301.54±1.21; 307.721±1.51), DO (1.12±.39; 1.01±.28; 1.02±0.23), Ca (265.28±1.21; 252.14±1.34; 275.34±1.17), Mg (124.56±1.54; 117.32±1.28; 135.28±1.62), Cl (1248.64±2.69; 1203.17±2.18; 1351.21±1.34), Zn (75.61±1.85; 71.52±1.02; 78.32±1.21), Cd (24.54±0.84; 21.28±0.61; 26.25±0.71), Pb (11.52±0.95; 8.2±0.52; 12.35±0.52), and Cr (3.1±0.054; 2.9±0.063; 3.5±0.21) contents of summer, winter, and the rainy season correspondingly. Among these three seasons, the water sample collected during rainy season possesses more quantity metals than other seasons. These results confirmed that the metal contamination has been spreading from the abandoned magnesite mine tailing. These unacceptable physicochemical properties could cause severe ecological damage to the water ecosystem.

Investigation of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in the Drinking Fountains of the Mountain Massif Shale and Bajgore in Kosovo

Taking in consideration that drinking water is a vital element without which the normal existence of humans and other living things in our planet cannot be thought of, we are motivated to research the wells and springs used for drinking in the villages of Bajgora, Kovacica and Kaqandoll. The suspicion that the waters of this mountain massif contain heavy metals due to the presence of mineral ores also prompted us to investigate the degree of presence or not of heavy metals in these waters. To assess the water quality of these wells, in the monitoring network that includes these three villages, we have pinpointed five monitoring points, determining the organoleptic, physic-chemical, and microbiological and heavy metal parameters. During the research process, in order to evaluate the water quality as accurately as possible, classical and instrumental methods of chemical analysis were applied. We have compared the results of the analysis with the standard values of AI16 / 2012- Administrative Instruction of Kosovo that has to do with the quality of water for human consumption and that is in full compliance with EU Directive 98/83 EC. The obtained results denote the presence with heavy metals of Pb, Zn, Cd and Ni, in four of the five samples taken for research. Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that the presence of these metals results as a consequence of the geological composition and ore-rich underground layers of this mountain massif.

Inland Water Quality Study of Mount Lebanon Range in the Region of Middle East

Lebanon is a country with several rivers and renewable water resources compared to other neighboring countries. Lebanon has several major rivers that are originating from mount Lebanon. Rivers in-fact entering to the Mediterranean Sea by passing about 20-30 km from their sources at mount Lebanon through the coastal zones (west of Lebanon). Sannine Aquifer at mountain district at an altitude of 1,500 m, is the major inland fresh water, groundwater, source for the coastal area and servicing many lands and cities. In this research, the quality of inland water, fresh-water resources of Mount Lebanon range in the Middle East region, were studied. Water samples were collected from different places among Lebanese mountains. The collected samples were analyzed to measure the average concentration of selected Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, magnesium, etc. Many other inland water sources (wells) are also existing, however, many of them are saline and are not suitable for direct domestic use or even for irrigation. The study approach water quality assessment and level of pollution and potential impact to seawater of Mediterranean basin since there is a direct connection with the Seawater at each range. The average of electrical conductivity value of fresh water found to be slightly high, TDS value were moderately high while phosphate recorded at high level. Other data assessment show that the quality of inland water has to be monitored since it is deteriorating due to uncontrolled usage.

Determination of Deoxygenation Rate of Citarum River Water using Long Term Technique

Citarum River is a large river located in West Java Province. The current condition of the Citarum River is highly polluted, especially in urban areas. Utilization of river water quality models is one of the popular methods to support river recovery. The deoxygenation rate is an important coefficient in the BOD-DO formula used in the water quality model. Usually, the deoxygenation rate is determined in laboratory in short term. A long term technique of laboratory test will likely gives better results. This study aims to determine the actual coefficient of the deoxygenation rate of the Citarum River water by using the long term technique. Sampling was carried out at 2 points which were considered to be able to represent the condition of the Citarum River. The laboratory analysis method used in the calculation of the deoxygenation rate uses the Thomas’ Slope Method and the empirical formula of Hydroscience. The results showed the value of the deoxygenation rate range using the Slope method as a whole that ranged from 0.33 to 0.56 per day. While the value of the deoxygenation rate ranges using the Empirical formula ranges from 0.37 to 0.46 per day. The overall BOD (La) range ranges from 44.03 to 55.03 mg/L. The value of the deoxygenation rate obtained from the long term technique give similar range to that of empirical formula result. It suggests that the long-term technique can improve the results of the short-term deoxygenation rate method.

The Treatment of Wastewater Containing Pharmaceuticals

The massive production of pharmaceuticals and excessive consumption will lead to their leakage into various water sources. Conventional treatment methods have proven ineffective in the treatment of these contaminants. Thus, choosing the appropriate treatment method is extremely important to deal with these pollutants. This review presents an overview of pharmaceuticals in wastewater and studies the difference between the conventional and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for pharmaceutical treatment. AOPs can be an ideal solution for the degradation of these contaminants. The factors that affect the removal efficiency for AOPs were discussed, such as type of catalyst, light intensity, initial concentration of contamination, catalyst dose, and pH of the solution. The degradation pathway for some pharmaceuticals has also been discussed.

Available Techniques of Wastewater Management Practices in Indian Tanneries: A Literature Review

Tanning is the process of turning animal hide into leather. The manufacturing process leads to the generation of wastewater, which must be treated before discharge. The treatment processes of this wastewater in India was examined. A systematic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was carried out on the electronic database Google Scholar from 2010 to 2020. Wastewater treatment practices in Indian tanneries were looked for and 64 relevant reports and articles were shortlisted and studied. The results showed that coagulation with alum and ferric chloride gave the best results in primary treatment, aerobic and anaerobic processes gave the best results when combined, and tertiary treated water could be reused.

Use of Aluminium Metal Embedded ThujaOccidentalis Leaves Carbon (AMETLC) for Fluoride Removal from Water: Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies

In this research work, Aluminum metal embedded Thuja Occidentalis leaves carbon (AMETLC) is used an adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from water. On batch technique, under key factors like pH, the dosage of adsorbent, variation of fluoride concentration and contact time, 92% of fluoride removal is observed at room temperature under optimum experimental conditions with an adsorbent particle size of <75 µm. The impact of existing negative ions on percentage removal of fluoride is studied, and it is noticed in the direction of PO43- > HCO3-> SO42- > NO3- > Cl-. The adsorbent is characterized by using FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. Experimental data reveal that the Langmuir isotherm model(maximum adsorption capacity obtained is 0.625 mg g-1) provided the best correlation (R2 = 0.988) and is well fit followed by pseudo-second-order kinetic model represents mono-layered, and chemisorptions are the rate-determining step for fluoride adsorption. Thermodynamic studies reveals better adsorption is attained at lower temperatures. The standard free energy (ΔH0) is observed as negative and the negative value of standard free energy (ΔH0) represents that the adsorption process is exothermic. Moreover, desorption study reveals that fluoride leaching takes place at a pH 13.0. In addition, succinct cost estimation was done for the AMETLC which offered one of the best alternatives for the removal of fluoride. The application of AMETLC is helpful to decrease the fluoride concentration in groundwater samples to meet the permissible limit according to BIS-2012 standards.

Application of Electrocoagulation for the Removal of Color from Institutional Wastewater: Analysis with Response Surface Methodology

The removal percentage of color from institutional wastewater was studied using an electrocoagulation process with different electrode combination at the anode and cathode. This was done by considering operational parameters such as pH at (3, 6 and 9), current at (0.03A, 0.06A and 0.09A) and reaction time at (20, 40 and 60 minutes). When electrode combined in the form of Al-Al (anode-Cathode/Cathode-Anode) and Fe-Fe (anode-Cathode/Cathode-Anode) the percentage removal of color was up to 95.50% and 97.24% respectively. On the other hand around 98.03% and 91.95% of color was removed when Al-Fe (Anode-Cathode) and Fe-Al (Anode-Cathode) combined at pH 9 and 60 minutes of reaction time respectively. Central composite design from response surface methodology was used up to analysis the statistical and mathematical data based on experimental results such as the model was significant for all electrode combinations. Similarly a quadratic model was used for further study of operational effects on the removal (%) of color from institutional wastewater. The value of coefficient of the determination (R2) also indicated the model was a good fit as well as optimization was done by Response Surface Methodology.