Disposal Of Industrial Effluents Research Articles

Stabilization strategy of normal and chrome tanning effluent mixed subsoil: a novelty to enhance the soil characteristics

Soil stabilisation is a unique method to effectively and accurately find a solution to the issues caused by loose subsoil. This research investigates the problems of uncontrolled industrial effluent disposal, mainly from tannery enterprises, which presents severe environmental problems in emerging nations due to soil properties changing and large regions being unfit for cultivation and human habitation. The study uses Atterberg's limits, sieve analysis, and direct shear testing to examine the effects of untreated tannery effluents on soil parameters. The findings show that the soil's shear strength, moisture content, and flexibility have all significantly decreased. Lime and waste stone powder were added to lessen these impacts, and this improved soil stability was shown by an increase in the values of all the variables. For efficient soil remediation, the study suggests using waste stone powder and lime in the following proportions: 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%. Combining lime stabilisation methods with industrial by-products like slag and fly ash opens up new possibilities for enhancing the geotechnical characteristics of polluted soils. This study emphasises how important it is to use customised geotechnical design techniques to handle soil contamination issues in infrastructure and foundation projects, especially in areas where the leather industry predominates.

Polymer-grafted silica based hybrid macrobeads for Pb(II) and Cr(VI) removal from water

The presence of heavy metals in water deters its usability for drinking purposes. Indiscriminate disposal of industrial effluent into water bodies further complicates the situation. Accordingly, there is a dire need for a treatment system that can effectively remove the contaminants from water. Although there are solutions like the utilization of membrane and other powder-based adsorbers, challenges like high cost, fouling, scaling, the generation of a new class of waste (post usage), and limited recyclability often limit their usage. Hence, there is a critical need to develop a system that demonstrates high adsorption capacity, is reusable, and is easy to develop. Accordingly, we synthesized silylated polyethyleneimine, grafted it onto silica particles, and tested its efficacy in removing heavy metal contaminants like lead and hexavalent chromium from water. The resultant modified polyethyleneimine modified silica particles (termed as SiEP) outperformed many adsorber materials, including metal–organic framework, zeolite, clay, etc., and it demonstrated a staggering adsorption capacity (Langmuir) of 442 mg/g (pH 6) and 182 mg/g (pH 5) for lead and chromium, respectively at 30 °C. The developed nanopowder was further encapsulated inside polyacrylonitrile macrobeads and tested for its efficacy. Although the encapsulation resulted in a decrease in adsorption capabilities, common problems like high-pressure build-up and inefficient contact associated with powder-based adsorber were avoided upon encapsulation. The macrobeads exhibited 37 mg/g and 20 mg/g adsorption capacities for lead and chromium, respectively. For both the powder and the macrobeads, the adsorption capacity was tested in the presence of mixed ions and both the adsorber demonstrated their unique capability to be selective against targeted ions. They were further tested against a real groundwater matrix synthetically spiked with lead and chromium. Such findings open up a new avenue to developing water treatment materials that demonstrate selectivity and recyclability, indicating their potential for large-scale water treatment applications in industrial settings.

Adsorption of cadmium and copper using biochar obtained from the residue of the second-generation ethanol production: kinetics and equilibrium study

The disposal of industrial effluents containing cadmium and copper ions is a significant environmental concern. This study aims to address this issue by evaluating the adsorption capacity of adsorbents derived from residual biomass from second-generation ethanol production. The objective is to effectively remove cadmium and copper ions from aqueous solutions. The biochar utilized in the study was characterized as microporous and exhibited characteristic bands associated with carboxyls and hydroxyls. The pHPZC (point of zero charge) was determined to be 8.0. The kinetic study revealed that the PSO (pseudo-second-order) model provided the best fit, indicating that the adsorption rate depends on the amount of solute adsorbed onto the adsorbent’s surface. In the equilibrium study, it was observed that adsorption occurred in a monolayer, as evidenced by the superior fit of the Langmuir model. Furthermore, the equilibrium experimental data for the bicomponent system was more accurately represented by the empirical models of Extended Freundlich and Modified Redlich-Peterson. These findings demonstrate the potential of biochar derived from the residue of second-generation ethanol production, a novel application, in effectively removing cadmium and copper ions from aqueous solutions.

Assessment of Selected Physicochemical Parameters of Selected Rivers around Umudim Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria and its Environs in 2024

Background: Water pollution poses a significant threat to public health globally, with negligent disposal of industrial effluents and waste contributing to water quality degradation, particularly in metropolitan regions like Umudim Nnewi, Nigeria. Aim: To evaluate the physicochemical parameters (Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity) of rivers surrounding the industrial estate in Umudim Nnewi. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study employed convenience sampling, collecting water samples from five rivers. Measurements were taken using a Four Parameter water quality analyzer to determine Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and paired sample t-tests analyzed the results (α = 0.05). Results: Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 9.50-59.50 mg/L, pH from 4.10-5.65, Temperature from 27.45°C-28.70°C, and Electrical Conductivity from 51.67 µS/cm. Physicochemical parameters significantly deviated from World Health Organization standards (p < 0.05), with pH showing the most significant variation. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant variation in physicochemical parameters, emphasizing the need for effective wastewater management and pollution control measures to protect public health and the environment.

Impacts of long-term irrigation with coalmine effluent contaminated water on trace metal contamination of topsoil and potato tubers in Dinajpur area, Bangladesh

Rapid depletion of groundwater and climate change mediated shifting precipitation pattern is forcing farmers to look for alternative irrigation options like wastewater. However, routine irrigation with trace metal contaminated wastewaters could potentially pollute soil as well as cause health risks through the consumption of food products grown in contaminated soil. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the trace metals build-up status in topsoil and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers upon continuous irrigation with coalmine effluent contaminated wastewater compared to irrigation with groundwater and surface water over three consecutive years. Soil pollution status and human health risk associated with consumption of potato tubers grown on wastewater-irrigated soil was also assessed in this study. Three separate experimental sites differing in irrigation source (groundwater, surface water, and coalmine wastewater) were selected near Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited located at Parbatipur upazilla of Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. Nine trace metals namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were estimated. Results showed significantly higher trace metal content in both soil and potato tubers due to wastewater irrigation. Wastewater suitability for irrigation regarding Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb were off the permissible level although the soil contamination with trace metals and their levels in potato tubers remained within the safety limit. Health risk assessment revealed that, consumption of potato tubers grown in wastewater-irrigated soil remained safe although health risk associated with Cr was almost at the border. The study exclusively highlighted the core massage that, trace metal contamination of both soil and potatoes cultivated in them was increasing alarmingly due to three years of wastewater-irrigation. Although the extent of contamination was below critical limit, it can potentially become hazardous in years to come unless wastewater-irrigation is checked. This study was successful to provide valuable insights regarding the potential environmental and human health threats that might arise due to unmindful irrigation of contaminated coalmine wastewater. Besides, this study should prove useful in strategizing safety measures for cropping under trace metal contaminated soils and for planning industrial effluent disposal to avoid agricultural soil contamination.

Impact of Domestic and Industrial Effluent Disposal on Physicochemical Characteristics of River Malin at Najibabad City, India

The current study aimed to assess the health of the Malin River situated in Najibabad city, India by analyzing several physicochemical parameters. The main objective was to evaluate the impact of industrial and domestic wastewater on the river's health. The study was conducted over six months, from January to June 2023, at four different locations along the river. To calculate the water quality index (WQI), the data was further processed, and Pearson correlation was utilized. Except for site 1, most of the analyzed physicochemical parameters exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) limit, as indicated by the results. The utilization of river Malin water for irrigation, laundry, and vegetable cleaning may pose a health hazard to the public due to high contamination levels at the points where industrial (site 2) and domestic (site 3) effluents continuously mix with the river water. The water quality at all locations is deemed unsuitable for consumption due to a WQI score greater than 100. There are strong positive correlations between total dissolved solids (TDS) and other studied parameters, except for dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and turbidity. This suggests the presence of inorganic pollutants concerning organic pollutants. Wastewater treatment facilities are necessary along river coasts to conserve river flora and fauna, as well as water quality, to safeguard human and river health.

Evaluation of strength, durability, and microstructure characteristics of slag-sand-induced concrete

This paper focused on the usage and behavior of slag sand by investigating the fresh, mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of M40 grade concrete. However, in India, more research on the effect of slag on mechanical strength is needed with in-depth microstructure & durability investigation. To fill this research gap and promote slag sand usage, a systematic and scientific investigation was conducted in which 9 concrete mixes with partial and total replacement of fine aggregate with slag sand were prepared. Compressive, split tensile strength & UPV tests are performed at 3, 7, 28, and 90 days of curing to know the mechanical properties. Linear regression analysis is done to correlate and predict the strength of concrete using different mechanical properties. According to test results, workability and mechanical properties improve with the increase in the replacement of slag sand. Slag sand concrete forms a dense network at an optimum replacement achieving Maximum rise in strength of about 17 to 33 %, referring to the control mix resulting in an environmentally friendly material. Thereby reducing the disposal of industrial effluent. Conversely, increased replacement beyond 40 % of slag sand in concrete caused a reduction in the slump and mechanical properties with increased curing age. Microstructure results revealed the formation of CSH, CASH, ettringite, calcite, and good bonding with an aggregate. Slag sand tends to absorb more water with its increased percentage due to its shape, texture, and surface area, as evidenced in its SEM images & workability. The durability of slag sand concrete has performed better and is economically feasible than M−sand mixed concrete. Hence, recycling slag sand in concrete yields an economical, eco-friendly material and proves to be a robust substrate for various construction activities in sustainable waste management.

Effect of Grain Size Distribution of Soil on Immobilization of Cadmium and Nickel in Contaminated Soil Using Nano Zerovalent Iron: A Factorial Design and Response Surface Methodology Approach

Urban soils get contaminated due to the unscientific disposal of industrial effluents and solid waste, contaminating the soil with heavy metals. Contaminated soils need to be remediated to avoid the ingestion of toxic heavy metals. The immobilization of heavy metals is one of the methods to remediate contaminated soils. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the effect of grain size distribution (GSD) of soil on the efficiency of immobilization of toxic heavy metals in soil when nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) is used to immobilize the metals. Preliminary studies conducted with the 23 factorial design method confirmed that GSD is a significant factor along with the level of contamination and nZVI dosage in the immobilization of heavy metals in soil. Experiments were conducted with cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni), the toxic heavy metals, and three soils with different finer particles than 75 µm. Immobilization efficiency was obtained by comparing the leachability of contaminated and treated soil samples using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. Reduction in available fraction and variation in the speciation of heavy metals was observed through the sequential extraction procedure. The response surface methodology was adopted for analysis with three levels of GSD, contamination, and nZVI dosage. For Cd, a reduced cubic model was the best fit with a coefficient of determination (R-square) of 0.93, and for Ni, a quadratic model was the best fit with an R-square of 0.92. Both these models were validated experimentally. The efficiency variation followed an optimum curve concerning GSD, contamination level, and the nZVI dosage. For multimetal contamination, the immobilization efficiency gradually decreased from 10% finer to 90% finer soil, both in the case of Cd and Ni. It was observed that for both single metal and multimetal contamination, the interaction between soil and the nZVI plays a vital role in immobilization along with the factors considered.

The presence of antibiotics and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus reservoir in a low-order stream spring in central Brazil.

The disposal of industrial effluents strongly influences low-order streams, which makes them fragile ecosystems that can be impacted by contamination. In central Brazil, the Extrema River spring targets the dumping of pharmaceutical products from the surrounding industries. So, this work aimed to investigate the presence of antibiotics in Extrema River spring samples and the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, a potential multidrug-resistant bacteria, verifying the antimicrobial resistance profile of these isolates. Three campaigns were carried out in different locals (P1-P3) between October and December 2021, in the dry and rainy seasons. The high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS) approach indicated the presence of sulfamethoxazole (≥ 1 ng/L), metronidazole (< 0.5 ng/L), and chloramphenicol (< 5 ng/L) in the water samples in November (rainy season). S. aureus was isolated in P1 (n = 128), P2 (n = 168), and P3 (n = 36), with greater resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (90%), clindamycin (70%), and gentamicin (60%). The presence of antibiotics in the Extrema River spring may cause S. aureus antibiotic resistance development. The presence of antibiotics and the high percentage of isolated multidrug-resistant S. aureus in the Extrema River spring cause concern and indicate the clandestine dumping of effluents from nearby pharmaceutical industries. Since preserving the springs of low-order streams is important for the environment and public health, we encourage monitoring the wastewater from Extrema River's nearby pharmaceutical industries and preserving the spring of this river.

Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediment and fish along the Persian Gulf-a case study: Bushehr Province, Iran.

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in the marine environment is a global threat. The present study is the first to comprehensively investigate the MPs contamination in the marine environment in Bushehr province along the Persian Gulf. For this purpose, 16 stations were selected along the coast and 10 fish samples were collected. The results obtained from MPs in sediment samples indicate the mean abundance of MPs in different sediment samples was 57.19Particles/Kg. The dominant MPs color in sediment samples was black, accounting for 47.54%, followed by white (36.07%). As for MPs in fish, the highest MPs digested in different fish samples were 9. In addition, over 83.3% of MPs observed in fishes were black followed by red and blue (6.67%). Overall, the presence of MPs in fish and sediment can be attributed to improper disposal of industrial effluents; an efficient measurement is required in order to improve the quality of the marine environment.

Prevalence of Xenoestrogen in muscle tissues of edible fin and shell fish collected from local fish market in Mumbai, India

The uptake of noxious waste transpires directly from surrounding marine water across the absorptivebody surface and from food in conjunction with the seawater to finally into the alimentary canal of theaquatic organisms. Xenoestrogen are often associated with sewage outfalls and industrial sites. Recentstudies also suggest that the public may be exposed to BPA (Bisphenol A) by handling cash register receiptsapart from plethora of sources. Phthalate esters are widely used plasticizers that are present in many dailyused products. Fishes and various other invertebrates have been widely documented as bio-indicators ofpollution and have been investigated to estimate the health of the environment. The bioavailability of variousxenoestrogen compounds is a key factor in of concern in tissues of aquatic biota. Researchers have raisedconcern as some laboratory animal studies report subtle developmental effects in fetuses and newbornsexposed to low doses of BPA. The widespread use of phthalates makes them almost ubiquitous and thus,the issues about their long-term effects on human health are of great concern. The aim of this study was tosurvey the actual presence of xenoestrogens in muscle tissue of few of the edible variety of fishes ofcommercial significance. In the present study the actual presence of the suspected endocrine disrupterMonomthylpthalate in 12-51 ng/g &amp; Bisphenol A (BPA) in 5 to 68 ng/g in the muscle tissue of finfish andmonomthylothalate in 18-26 ng/g &amp; BPA in 8 to 36 ng/g in the muscle tissue of shell fish. Based on thepresent measured concentrations in the edible muscle tissues and on literature derived toxicity data it wasconcluded that neither eco-toxicological effects nor estrogenic effects are likely to occur in the presentsituation. The bottom dwelling organisms predominantly devour upon the benthic fauna which mighthave accumulated variety of xenoestrogens that was absorbed by the sediment since BPA, justify itsoccurrence. Safe disposal of industrial effluents, domestic sewage and navigational activities should bepracticed in harmony with nature and enforcement of laws be enacted to protect our marine environmentand/or, recycled to circumvent these contaminants from entering into the marine environment.

LAB-SCALE CONTINUOUS ADSORPTIVE SEPARATION OF Cd (II) ION FROM AQUEOUS EFFLUENT USING MAGNETIC NANOCELLULOSIC ADSORBENT

Haphazard disposal of industrial effluents into the environment has negatively impacted the global water security sector. Some of the accompanying chemical pollutants are reported to be carcinogenic when ingested or inhaled. Cadmium had been linked with several cancers in humans. Batch-wise adsorption technique is the commonly practiced separation procedure due to its lack of ambiguity and the potential for sorption of low concentration pollutants from effluent streams. The frequently used activated carbon adsorbent can be restrictive due to excessive sludge generation. The essence of this research interest is in the development of sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly adsorbents based on advances in nanotechnology. In this study, 91.31 % recovery of Cd2+ was recorded when 3.0 mg of the solute was treated using novel magnetic nanofibrilated cellulose in fixed bed adsorption process. Key words: Breakthrough curve, Environment, fixed bed, Nanoadsorbent, wastewater

Equilibrium, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies of Malachite Green Dye Removal using Activated Sludge from Common Effluent Treatment Plant

Disposal of industrial effluents containing synthetic dyes causes a potential hazard to the land and environment and therefore dyes need to be removed before disposal. In the present study, combined effluent treatment plant (CETP) sludge was activated at 200° C for 1 hour and used as an adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from wastewater. The adsorbent was characterized by XRF, SEM, XRD and FTIR. Batch studies were carried out under various experimental conditions by varying contact time, dye concentration, adsorption dose, pH and temperature to assess the potentiality of activated sludge for the removal of malachite green dye from wastewater. The results revealed that the removal of malachite green dye was strongly pH dependent and maximum dye removal was observed at equilibrium pH of 8.0. Optimum adsorbent dose and contact time were found to be 10 g/l and 180 minutes respectively. Thermodynamic studies showed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption. Adsorption data have also been correlated with different isotherm models. Hence activated sludge can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from wastewater. It could be considered as good replacement of commercially available adsorbent like zeolites, activated carbon etc. due to its significant low cost and high sorption efficiency.

Treatment of heavy metals containing wastewater using biodegradable adsorbents: A review of mechanism and future trends

The direct disposal of industrial effluents into the aquatic system is considered as a significant environmental hazard in many countries. Because of poisonous chemicals, substantial volumes of effluent release, as well as the lack of adequate of conventional treatment methodologies, industrial effluent treatment is extremely difficult. Numerous researchers have been interested in adsorption technology for its high efficiency of pollutant removal, low cost, and abundantly available adsorbent. Various adsorbent materials, both natural and modified form, have been widely used for the removal of toxic contaminants from industrial effluent.This paper highlights recent advancements in multiple modification types to functionalize the adsorbent material, resulting in higher adsorption capacity on various toxic pollutants. This review provides an overview of the adsorption mechanism and parameters (pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, temperature and interaction time), which influencing the removal efficiency of adsorbents. Furthermore, this review compiles the desorption study to recover the adsorbent and improve the cycle's financial viability. This review provides a concise overview of the future directions and outlook in the framework of adsorbent application for industrial wastewater treatment.

Fluoride ions sorption using functionalized magnetic metal oxides nanocomposites: a review.

Fluoride is an anionic pollutant found superfluous in surface or groundwater as a result of anthropogenic actions from improper disposal of industrial effluents. In drinking water, superfluous fluoride has been revealed to trigger severe health problems in humans. Hence, developing a comprehensive wastewater decontamination process for the effective management and preservation of water contaminated with fluoride is desirable, as clean water demand is anticipated to intensify considerably over the upcoming years. In this regard, there have been increased efforts by researchers to create novel magnetic metal oxide nanocomposites which are functionalized for the remediation of wastewater owing to their biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, relative ease to recover and reuse, non-noxiousness, and ease to separate from solutions using a magnetic field. This review makes an all-inclusive effort to assess the effects of experimental factors on the sorption of fluoride employing magnetic metal oxide nanosorbents. The removal efficiency of fluoride ions onto magnetic metal oxides nanocomposites were largely influenced by the solution pH and ions co-existing with fluoride. Overall, it was noticed from the reviewed researches that the maximum sorption capacity using various metal oxides for fluoride sorption was in the order of aluminium oxides >cerium oxides > iron oxides > magnesium oxides> titanium oxides, and most sorption of fluoride ions was inhibited by the existence of phosphate trailed by sulphate. The mechanism of fluoride sorption onto various sorbents was due to ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and complexation mechanism.

Sustainable preparation of Fe(OH)3 and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles employing Acacia catechu extract for efficient removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution

Indiscriminate disposal of industrial effluents containing undesired polyvalent metal ions such as Cr(III) and Cr(VI) into water bodies causes serious threat to public health and ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new and sustainable methods for the efficient removal of such ions from water. Herein, iron hydroxide, Fe(OH)3, nanoparticles (NPs), have been prepared employing an aqueous extract of Acacia catechu leaves as green reducing as well as stabilizing agent. The annealing of Fe(OH)3 NPs results in the formation of highly crystalline α-Fe2O3 NPs. Thus prepared Fe(OH)3 and α-Fe2O3 NPs have been characterized for crystallinity, shape, size and porosity and tested for adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution at varying pH, dose of NPs and initial concentration of Cr(VI). Removal efficacy of both forms of NPs (Fe(OH)3 and α-Fe2O3) towards Cr(VI) has been correlated with their structural aspects. Under optimal conditions, Fe(OH)3 NPs and α-Fe2O3 NPs have been found to remove 84.9 % and 22 % of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The presence of surface –OH groups of polyols and that of NPs are assigned to be responsible for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of Fe(OH)3 NPs for Cr(VI), calculated from Langmuir isotherm is 29.5 mg g−1 at pH = 2 and 25 °C. It is expected that the present study would highlight the importance of the presence of bio-based templates on the surface of NPs for efficient removal of metal ions from aqueous solution.

Montmorillonite Clay Enhanced TiO2 Nanoparticle for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants: Mini Review

The presence of varieties of organic pollutants in the environment is a serious global concern. Improper disposal of industrial effluents as well as other anthropogenic activities accounts for the vast amount of organic pollutants present in the environment, consequently exposing living organisms to severe hazard. Photocatalysis can be applied to mitigate the presence of organic pollutants in aqueous solution. Regards to this, TiO2 has been highly studied as a phototcatalyst, although its limitations hampers its applicability. The limitations of TiO2 is a function of low surface area of about 50m2 /g, porousity and the difficulty of separating it from a reaction mixture. To overcome these drawbacks various materials have been applied as catalytic support for TiO2 to enhance its phocatalytic activity. Among these, clays have been widely considered owing to their non-toxicity, low cost, availability, as well as their mechanical, chemical and thermal stability. Clays, especially montmorillonite shows high surface area, high availability of active sites and porousity. These attributes promises efficient support for TiO2 as a photocatalyst when supported on clas like montmorillonite (TiO2 / Mt nanocomposite). The present review appraises different methods applied for the preparation of TiO /Mt nanocomposite, impact of montmorillonite clay on physical and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 , mechanism of TiO2 assisted photocatalytic degradation and applications of TiO2 /Mt nanocomposite for photo degradation of organic pollutants.

Regional hydrogeology of the Arab-D aquifer in Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia with highlighting its environmental and energy potential

The Jurassic Arab-D reservoir hosts major oil-producing zone in Eastern Saudi Arabia with production from individual wells exceeding 25000 B/D. From a water supply perspective, Saudi water authorities consider it a minor aquifer with small yields of relatively high salinity; hence, it did not receive much attention in previous studies of aquifers. The present paper describes regional hydrogeological characteristics of the Arab-D in terms of groundwater flow, salinity and temperature, and discusses geological factors controlling these characteristics. Although high groundwater salinity in the Arab-D precludes it from being a potential water supply resource, studying the hydrogeology of Arab-D provides a hydrodynamic tool to oil exploration and development project. It also sets the stage for detailed studies of Arab-D aquifer potential use for industrial effluent disposal and as new geothermal energy source. Most of groundwater flow in Arab-D occurs in the porous and permeable grainy-textured upper zones. The top limit of the groundwater flow domain in Arab-D is the overlying massive Arab-D anhydrite unit. Trends in Arab-D hydraulic head, water salinity and temperature show gravity-driven flow towards the coastal region of Eastern Arabia. Major anomalies in these trends exist near the Ghawar, Summan, Jauf and Yabrin north-south faults. These anomalies are results of fault zone architecture that consists of sealing fault core zones surrounded by conductive fault damage zones. Depth, salinity, and temperature of the Arab-D between north Ghawar and Berri fields show that it has potential uses for industrial effluent disposal and geothermal energy projects.

Development of novel porous membrane for filtration of dump yard ground water contaminants

Water in urban areas and especially in developing countries is being polluted due to various reasons. Few of the pollution are due to disposal of industrial effluents directly into rivers, improper treatment of waste water and infiltration in waste disposal sites. The primary reason for contamination near dump yards which do not have proper lining material is due to infiltration. This poses a huge threat to the people living near the dump yard sites. In this paper we report a novel membrane developed using PVC and PVA for filtration of water in which PVA partially acts as a sacrificing component in the creation of pores. The porosity of the polymer composite membrane was studied using scanning electron microscope. The contaminations due to Vamanjoor dump yard site located near Mangalore, Karnataka, India are investigated and the various pollutants in the ground water are identified. A composite filter membrane unit is designed and developed which is used as an integral part of the filtration unit for the purification of water obtained from the areas surrounding the above dump yard. This filtration unit is able to reduce the contamination significantly making the filtered water fit for human consumption. The high quality of filtered water coupled with its low cost are expected to be of significant benefit to society.

Coagulation- and Adsorption-Based Environmental Impact Assessment and Textile Effluent Treatment

Disposal of industrial effluents (especially the textile industry) into the drains without prior treatment is a common practice that affects aquatic life and pollutes the soil and groundwater quality. Textile effluents contain organic and inorganic pollutants in terms of high pH, suspended and dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, heavy metals, and many other contaminants. Therefore, it is obligatory to dispose off wastewater according to environmental standards. The present study is planned to determine textile wastewater characteristics and recommend efficient and economical treatment options. Wastewater samples from three different industries were collected and analyzed. Nine different treatments using different dosages of alum, activated carbon, and their mixture were used to investigate treatment performance. Analysis of variance and correlation was used to optimize the results. A highly significant correlation was found among the treatments ranging from 92 to 100% for observed parameters. pH, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids were removed significantly. A combination of alum and activated carbon found to be the most efficient treatment. Based on the highly significant results among different parameters, a combined wastewater treatment plant is recommended for a cluster of industrial units.