Alkali Chemicals Research Articles

Enhancing recovery of ammonia from swine manure anaerobic digester effluent using gas-permeable membrane technology

Gas-permeable membrane technology is useful to recover ammonia from manure. In this study, the technology was enhanced using aeration instead of alkali chemicals to increase pH and the ammonium (NH4+) recovery rate. Digested effluents from covered anaerobic swine lagoons containing 1465–2097mgNH4+–NL−1 were treated using submerged membranes (0.13cm2cm−3), low-rate aeration (120mL airL-manure−1min−1) and nitrification inhibitor (22mgL−1) to prevent nitrification. The experiment included a control without aeration. The pH of the manure with aeration rose from 8.6 to 9.2 while the manure without aeration decreased from 8.6 to 8.1. With aeration, 97–99% of the NH4+ was removed in about 5days of operation with 96–98% recovery efficiency. In contrast, without aeration it took 25days to treat the NH4+. Therefore, the recovery of NH4+ was five times faster with the low-rate aeration treatment. This enhancement could reduce costs by 70%.

Recovery of ammonia from swine manure using gas-permeable membranes: Effect of aeration

The gas-permeable membrane process can recover ammonia from manure, reducing pollution whilst converting ammonia into an ammonium salt fertilizer. The process involves manure pH control to increase ammonium (NH4+) recovery rate that is normally carried out using an alkali. In this study a new strategy to avoid the use of alkali was tested applying low-rate aeration and nitrification inhibition. The wastewater used was raw swine manure with 2390 mg NH4+–N/L. Results showed that aeration increased pH above 8.5 allowing quick transformation of NH4+ into gaseous ammonia (NH3) and efficient recovery by permeation through the submerged membrane. The overall NH4+ recovery obtained with aeration was 98% and ammonia emissions losses were less than 1.5%. The new approach can substitute large amounts of alkali chemicals needed to obtain high NH4+ recovery with important economic and environmental savings.

Analysis of Alkali Chemical Constituents from Holotrichia diomphalia Bates by GC-MS

Analysis of Alkali Chemical Constituents from Holotrichia diomphalia Bates by GC-MS

Miralax Mix Up: A Case Report on Caustic Injury to the Esophagus

Introduction: Ingestion of caustic agents causes a variety of injuries to the esophagus making management difficult. We describe an interesting case of ingestion of an unknown caustic agent and briefly discuss the current recommendations on diagnosis and treatment. Case Report: A 68-year-old Caucasian male presented with a 2 day history of painful swallowing after drinking what he believed was Miralax with water. The patient denied any recent antibiotic or steroid use. The patient’s past medical and surgical history is significant for congestive heart failure status post defibrillator, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease status CABG, bipolar disorder, tobacco abuse and polysubstance abuse. On evaluation, the patient’s vital signs were within normal limits. Physical exam was remarkable for scattered white patches on the surface of the oropharynx, which revealed a denuded area when removed by scraping with a tongue blade. Labs were significant for an elevated white blood cell count of 17,500. Basic metabolic panel was within normal limits. Examination by a fiberoptic nasolaryngoscope revealed burns of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed severe diffuse esophageal injury (Grade 2A/2B) likely related to an inadvertent caustic ingestion. Patient was treated with a proton pump inhibitor drip and broad spectrum antibiotics. After several days, the patient was able to tolerate a clear liquid diet. He continued to improve clinically and was discharged on a soft diet with crushed medications. A follow-up EGD was scheduled for 8 weeks. Discussion: Ingestion of caustic agents occurs most commonly by accident in the pediatric population and as a suicide attempt in adults. These agents include both acidic and alkali chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products, which cause tissue injury resulting in both systemic and focal injuries. Most serious and long-term complications occur in the esophagus and include esophageal ulcerations, edema, perforation, strictures, and an increased lifetime risk for carcinoma. Presenting symptoms can vary from no symptoms to life threatening symptoms depending on the extent of tissue damage. Endoscopy should ideally be performed within 24 hours of ingestion. A 6-point grading system based on endoscopy findings is often used to predict clinical outcomes and treatment plans. Treatment is mainly focused on supportive care depending on the extent of injury and often includes gastric acid suppression and broad spectrum antibiotics until the patient recovers and complications such as strictures and perforations are treated.

Late-onset Peripheral Ulcerative Sclerokeratitis Associated With Alkali Chemical Burn

To report delayed-onset peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) following alkali injury. Retrospective case series. setting: Single institution (Cornea and External Disease Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital). participants: Six eyes of 5 patients with PUK and associated anterior scleritis that had a history of ocular alkali injury. observationprocedure: Patients were identified among PUK patients seen at Moorfields Eye Hospital over a 20-year period. main outcomes measures: Patients' demographics, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes. Recurrent PUK with scleritis following alkali burns occurred in 5 male patients/6 eyes (median age: 22 years, range 18-38) several years after the chemical trauma (average: 6.4 years; range 3-12). Management of PUK in these patients was similar to PUK arising from other etiologies. In this series of patients there was no evidence of an underlying vasculitic cause for the PUK. A localized autoimmune response may, however, be involved in the pathogenesis of these cases, as seen in an animal model of chemical injury or in late mustard gas keratitis. We hope that this case series will bring this newly described condition to the attention of ophthalmologists and that this may assist in their treatment, which, in this series, required systemic immunosuppressive therapy.

Influences of a composite addition on the strength of mortar and shrinkage of cement paste

The influences of a composite addition on the strength of mortar as well as the shrinkage of cement paste were investigated. Portland cement, fly ash and a composite addition were used in binary and ternary cementitious blends. The composite addition used in this research was composed of an ultrafine dust collected from iron-smelting furnaces and a small amount of alkali chemicals. The test results indicate that the use of fly ash and the composite addition in the ternary blends enhanced the strength noticeably, especially at early age. Incorporation of the addition resulted in an increase of autogenous shrinkage, but the total shrinkage at 90 days was close to the control specimen when the sealed curing period was longer than 7 days. The longer the specimen cured under sealed conditions, the smaller the total shrinkage produced. An abrupt increase of drying shrinkage was observed as soon as the specimen was demoulded, no matter how long the specimen was cured under sealed conditions.

Trace element contamination in the estuarine sediments along Tuticorin coast – Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India

Sediment samples were collected from Kallar, Korampallam creek and Punnakayal estuaries of Tuticorin coast for assessing the level of contamination by trace elements in these estuarine sediments. The trace element concentration, calcium carbonate, organic carbon and mercury level were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, Titrimetric method and SnCl2 reduction method. The results reveals that the enrichment factor, metal pollution index and geo-accumulation index of these estuarine sediments were predominantly polluted by Cd, As, Zn, Hg and Pb. The factor analysis revealed the source of trace element accumulation in the estuarine sediments particularly Mn and Fe are from riverine inputs and As and Hg from untreated industrial effluents. Among the selected estuaries, Korampallam creek was found to be highly contaminated by trace elements due to the discharge of effluents from thermal power plant, Tuticorin alkali chemicals, copper smelting, Petrochemical industries and shipping activities.

Effects of Chemical Pretreatment on Solubilization Rates and Saccharification Yields on Bio-ethanol Production using Scenedesmus dimorphus

The most effective chemical pretreatment method for Scenedesmus dimorphus was evaluated based on solubilization rate and saccharification yield. When 1% of S. dimorphus with 0.5 N of chemicals such as HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, NaOH and KOH was autoclaved at 120C and 1.1 atm for 60 min, the solubilization rate was high with alkali chemicals while the saccharification yield was low compared to that with acid chemicals. The pretreatment efficiency was significant in order in HNO3, HCl and H2SO4, however, HCl would be effective for field application considering the cost. The proper concentration and time to treat with HCl were concluded in 1 N and 10 min. In the conditions with 1 : 1 mixed acid chemicals such as H2SO4 + HNO3, HCl + HNO3 and HCl + H2SO4, the solubilization rate was similar to that with single acid treatment, while the saccharification yield was enhanced about 34% in the mixed condition with H2SO4 and HNO3 compared to that treated with H2SO4.

Multifractal scaling of crack images from pyroligneous acid dried sludge

Tannery effluent (sludge, wastewater) is treated by natural way. The waste sludge has been taken for two treatment process. The alkali chemicals are neutralized by pyroligneous acid which is obtained by pyrolysis process of wood. This sludge is sent out for drying. The dried sludge contains some crack pattern formation. Photographs were used to record two sludge cracking surfaces. Experiment has been performed to study the fracture pattern formation in thin film sludge. We studied changes of crack surface of a sludge by image analysis and also assessed applicability of fractal scaling to crack surfaces. The calculated crack surface dimension shows that the fracture surface exhibit fractal structure. Image size was 256×256 pixels. MFA (multifractal analysis) was carried out to the method of moments, i.e., the probability distribution was estimated for moments ranging from −150<q<150 and the generalized dimension were calculated from the log/log slope of the probability distribution for the respective moments over box sizes. Generalized dimension D(q) were attained for this box size range, which are capable of characterizing heterogeneous spatial crack structure. Multifractal spectra analyzed two fracture surface of the image and results were indicated that the width of spectra increases due to pyroligneous acid. Multifractal method is sensitive enough to measure the fracture distribution and can be seen as a different approach for changing research of crack images of manure sludge drying.

Study of Interfacial Tension in an Acid-Free Oil/Alkali/Surfactant System

Abstract Experimental studies have been conducted to explore the interfacial tensions in an acid-free oil/alkali/surfactant system, and sodium hydroxide is used as the alkali chemical. The influences of salt and alkali on the interfacial activity of oil/surfactant systems were studied by the measurement of interfacial tensions and partition coefficients. The results showed that in an appropriate concentration range, an ultra-low interfacial tension could be obtained in the acid-free oil/alkali/surfactant system, and compared with the salt; the function of alkali for lowering interfacial tensions and improving partition coefficients is more significant.

Effect of pre‐treatments on biosorption of Ni (II) by dead biomass of Mucor hiemalis

AbstractThe removal of Ni (II) from aqueous solutions by the physico‐chemically treated fungal biomass of Mucor hiemalis was investigated in the batch mode. Treatment of the autoclaved biosorbent with alkali chemicals, detergents, salts, cross linker, organic acid, organic solvent and oxidizing agent showed varying effects on the uptake capacity of Ni (II) and loss in biomass. Pre‐treating the autoclaved biomass with 0.5 M Na2CO3 for 24 h yielded biosorption capacity of 13.60 mg/g biomass at pH 8.0. The possible binding sites on the biosorbent involved in Ni (II) complexation were evaluated by chemical and instrumental analysis including potentiometric titration, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The amine, amide and carboxyl groups were recognized as important in the biosorption of Ni (II) by M. hiemalis biomass. Chemical modification of the biomass by methylation of the amine groups and esterification of the carboxyl groups significantly decreased the biosorption of Ni (II) thus confirming their role in biosorption.

Effect of key factors on hydrogen production from cellulose in a co-culture of Clostridium thermocellum and Clostridiumthermopalmarium

A cellulolytic, hydrogen-producing bacterium ( Clostridium thermocellum DSM 1237) and a non-cellulolytic, hydrogen-producing bacterium ( Clostridium thermopalmarium DSM 5974) were co-cultured at 55 °C, using cellulose as the sole substrate. At a low load of cellulose (filter paper, 4.5 g/L), yeast extract had a significant effect on cellulose degradation and hydrogen production. The extent of cellulose utilization and hydrogen production displayed a linear relationship with the logarithm of the yeast extract concentration, and the optimal weight ratio of yeast extract to cellulose was 1:1. At a high load of filter paper (9 g/L), an alkali chemical was required to maintain efficient cellulose degradation. As the KHCO 3 concentration increased from 0 to 60 mM, the utilized cellulose increased from 1.23 g/L (13.5%) to 8.59 g/L (94.3%), and maximum hydrogen production (1387 ml/L of culture) occurred at 40 mM KHCO 3. Increasing the inoculation ratio of C. thermopalmarium to C. thermocellum from 0.05:1 to 0.17:1 had little influence on hydrogen production, probably because of the limited availability of soluble sugar in the medium during the early stages of the co-culture.

AKZO NOBEL BID WINS ICI

AKZO NOBEL HAS made an official offer to acquire the U.K. specialty chemical company ICI. After spurning earlier overtures from the Dutch firm, I d ' s board of directors has agreed to the deal and recommended that shareholders accept it. ICI is the last major British-owned chemical company and at one time was the bellwether of British industry. With the agreement, announced at a press conference on Aug. 13, ICI will be folded into its Netherlands- based rival. There is a poetic nature to the deal, as family ties rebind. ICI was formed 81 years ago through the merger of four British producers of alkali chemicals, explosives, and dyestuffs. One of them was Industries, the explosives company founded by Alfred in 1871. And the Nobel of Akzo is a legacy of various chemical operations founded by the Swedish inventor in the 1880s and acquired by Akzo in 1994. ...

Axial fibrils of anaerobic spirochetes: ultrastructure and chemical characteristics.

1. Axial fibrils isolated from three species of Spirochaeta were examined by electron microscopy. Each axial fibril consisted of three main morphological components similar to those present in bacterial flagella: an insertion apparatus, a proximal hook near the insertion apparatus, and a filamentous portion. The filamentous portion appeared to be composed of a core surrounded by a non-striated sheath. The core consisted of globules arranged in a helical pattern. Striated tubular structures were observed in preparations of disrupted cells. 2. Purified axial fibril cores were dissociated by acid, alkali, urea, or guanidine-HCl, but were stable to the action of various enzymes. The proximal hooks were more resistant than the fibril cores to treatment with acid, alkali, or other chemicals. Aspartic and glutamic acids, alanine, leucine, glycine, and serine were the most abundant amino acids in axial fibril core hydrolysates. At pH 2.4 in 4 M urea, acid-dissociated axial fibril cores yielded two protein bands in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Structures morphologically closely resembling the native axial fibril cores were assembled in vitro by raising the pH of acid-dissociated fibril core preparations. The data show that striking similarities exist between spirochetal axial fibrils and bacterial flagella with regard to their fine structure and physical and chemical characteristics. The results support the view that axial fibrils play a role in spirochetal motility. 3. Spirochetes from which the axial fibrils had been removed by treatment with acid maintained their coiled shape. The peptidoglycan layer purified from two species of Spirochaeta frequently retained its coiled configuration. It is concluded that, in the spirochetes studied, the axial fibrils are not responsible for maintaining the coiled shape of the cells, but that this function is served by the peptidoglycan.

HANDLING INDUSTRIAL (SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL) CONFIDENTIAL REPORT MATERIAL

This paper deals with the report collection of one of the largest Divisions of ICI. Mond Division was formed by the merger of the Alkali and General Chemical Divisions of ICI in January 1964. It is organized into five Product Groups to manufacture a variety of inorganic and organic chemicals on a very large tonnage basis.