Eco-friendly Aspects Research Articles

Photocatalytic degradation of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol over Ag/AgCl-decorated/[MOYI]-coated/ZnO nanostructures: Material characterization, photocatalytic performance, and in-vivo toxicity assessment of the photoproducts

In this work, a facile ionic liquid-mediated method was utilized to fabricate an efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation. The eco-friendly aspect of the treatment was explored through an in-vivo toxicity bioassay. ZnO particles, prepared by a combined solid state-pyrolysis method, were coated by 1-methyl-3-(oxiran-2ylmethyl)-1H-imidazolium-3-chloride ([MOYI]Cl) ionic liquid. Then, Ag/AgCl species were grown on the surface to make a heterojunction system leading to efficient charge separation and light absorption extension to the visible domain. The products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, DRS, BET, and PL analysis. Photocatalytic performance of the nanostructures was evaluated by the degradation of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (from the semivolatile organic compounds, SVOCs, family) solutions under visible light. According to the results, the photocatalyst was able to completely degrade the pollutant and decrease the amount of COD from 210 to 32 mg/L within 90 min of the photoreaction. Reusability studies revealed that the degradation efficiency slightly decreased to 92% after five repetitive experiments. In order to investigate the eco-friendly aspect of the treatment procedure, an in-vivo bioassay was conducted to evaluate the acute toxicity of the contaminant solution, before and after the photochemical reaction, in terms of physical, biochemical and hematological markers of the laboratory rats. LC-MS analysis was applied to identify the chemical structure of the reaction products and propose the most probable reaction pathway. The results showed that the photocatalytic treatment over the prepared materials is an eco-friendly and reliable method to effectively transform such toxic contaminants into non-toxic or less harmful compounds.

A mechanistic study and in-vivo toxicity bioassay on acetamiprid photodegradation over the zeolite supported cerium-based photocatalyst

Photocatalysis is well-known as an effective tool for the removal of pollutants but its eco-friendly aspect has not been well explored in the literature. In this study, we prepared an ultraviolet-active photocatalyst by the growth of cerium oxide/sulfide nanoparticles in the zeolite channels via a facile coprecipitation method. The photocatalyst was comprehensively characterized by different analysis methods and showed good activity toward removal of acetamiprid, ACP, a commonly used insecticide. As the main focus of the current work, an in vivo bioassay was carried out to investigate the acute toxicity of the contaminant solutions before and after photoreaction. Accordingly, acetamiprid and the phototreated solutions were orally injected to different groups of laboratory rats. The results indicated that the number of white blood cells and hemoglobin level of the rats exposed to the phototreated solutions decreased from 7.57 ± 1.17 and 15.47 ± 0.85–6.15 ± 0.84 and 14.07 ± 1.31, respectively, compared to the control group’s pathological markers. Also, the level of ALT and AST enzymes increased from 268 ± 33 and 66.7 ± 19.2–375 ± 29 and 98.7 ± 32.3, respectively, indicating the liver dysfunction. These results along with the weight loss and increase in body temperature verified that unlike the pristine ACP solution, the phototreated solutions induced significant toxicity to the laboratory rats. In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was served to clarify the toxicity assessment results and propose a suitable photoproduct generation pathway.

Ergonomic Design for Tempe Production Tool Based on User Voice

The process of tempe production in small industry are considering not optimal yet. The process does not consider the ergonomic aspects and is not environment friendly. It causing complaint at some body parts and pollution. For the solution, this research aims to design a multifunctional tool that considering ergonomic and eco-friendly aspect. The design will be based on Ergonomic and the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methods. Based on evaluation using the Nordic Body Map, it shows that body parts with the most complaints are the waist, back, neck, right and left shoulder, wrist and leg. Complaints on these body parts are caused by wrong postural when doing work which is not ergonomic. And by using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) the tool designed by considering user expectation and desire. it was found that the user expect for the tool to be made based on worker anthropometry, moved with a semi-manual machine and the tool model is suitable for work. Overall the design shows that the Ergonomic Tempe Maker Tool is a multifunctional tool that easy, flexible, safe and comfortable to be operated which focused on anthropometric size, uses a semi-manual machine and can be arranged up or down.

Performance characterization of a direct evaporative cooling pad based on pottery material

ABSTRACT Evaporative cooling pad systems are recognized by their eco-friendly aspect in achieving a cooling effect. They are made of different materials that are imported from abroad. For Morocco and other low-and middle-income countries, the cost of the importing and shipping the systems may lead to high acquisition cost. To reduce this cost, using local materials is an important option. Within this context, the study of the performance of a new direct evaporative cooling pad based on pottery tubular rods is investigated experimentally. The current cooling pad is designed and constructed locally; it consists of tubular rods arranged in a staggered configuration. The length, the diameter and the space between the rods are 25 cm, 2 cm, and 2 cm respectively. The main performance indicators of this system such as the coefficient of performance, the saturation efficiency, the cooling efficiency, the convective heat, and mass transfer coefficient are deducted experimentally. Under the investigated conditions, the experimental findings show that the effect of the volumetric airflow rate on the energy-thermal-mass indicators is significant.

Clean and new strategy for catalytic conversion of agriculture waste shells to activated carbon via microwave-assisted impregnation: Applied and eco-friendly aspect for decoloration of industrial corn syrup and process identifications

The vast plantation of agriculture products leads to large amount of waste shells emanating from industrial processing which pose serious pollutions in lithosphere and atmosphere when is delivered by burning. In the present study, a clean and rapid method was demonstrated to develop a novel strategy for catalytic conversion of agriculture shells to microporous activated carbon as efficient adsorbent via microwave-assisted impregnation. In the proposed process, different contents of catalyst, zinc chloride, were impregnated on powdered shells, < 300 μm, by conventional and microwave-assisted techniques followed by carbonization of tar like materials in the normal and nitrogen atmospheres in sealed and open ceramic vessels, respectively. In order to realize the applicability of proposed catalytic conversion method, the produced activated carbons were employed in the decoloration of an industrial low grade corn syrup and the effects of technical factors such as catalyst impregnation ratio, microwave irradiation power, carbonization temperature and atmosphere were identified in real system. The catalyst should be impregnated in irradiation power of 600 W and carbonized at 500 °C to create the pores with average size of 2.4 nm in which the excellent decoloration performance, 94%, was achieved. The proposed method is not only rapid technique, 30 min, but also is cost-effective in the production of microporous activated carbon from bioresources in the normal closed vessel. The results revealed the most prominent advantage of activated carbon fabricated by microwave-assisted catalytic conversion compared to that prepared conventionally.

Enzymatic dimerization of phenylacetylene by laccase immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles via click chemistry

A heterogeneous biocatalyst composed of laccase immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles was prepared via a click chemistry reaction for dimerization of phenylacetylene. The physical and chemical characteristics of the catalyst were investigated. Yield and efficiency of immobilization were 68.7% and 76.4%, respectively. The apparent Km value of the immobilized laccase on nanoparticles was 1.5-fold greater than the value of the free enzyme, and the calculated Vmax of free and immobilized laccase was 65 mM min‒1 and 43 mM min‒1, respectively. While the free enzyme completely lost its activity, more than 60% of the initial activity of immobilized laccase was conserved after 30 days. Oxidative dimerization of phenylacetylene was performed using the prepared catalyst and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a mediator. The maximum yield was obtained at optimal conditions: immobilized laccase (100 mg, ∼80 U), TEMPO (4 mol%), 40 °C, pH 4.5, and 6 h incubation time. Additional environmental and eco-friendly aspects of this heterogeneous biocatalyst are its potential catalytic activity and ease of separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture by an external magnetic field.

Review of recent advances in polyethylenimine crosslinked polymer gels used for conformance control applications

Several crosslinked polymer gels have been developed over the last 5 decades to address the different technical challenges in oil reservoirs especially conformance control operations. Among these systems, polyethylenimine (PEI) crosslinked polymer gels, which have gained a huge interest thanks to their eco-friendly aspect and thermal stability at extremely high temperatures. They have been largely examined in laboratories and implemented in oilfields since their introduction in the late 1990s. One can find in the literature many reviews on gel systems which have addressed briefly polymer/PEI gels. However, in this article, we are providing a thorough and detailed discussion on these systems and their recent developments. To do so, we are presenting the main polymer/PEI gel systems investigated over the last 2 decades. Then, we are highlighting the recent improvements that aimed to extend their gelation times and final strengths; finally, we are representing some of their successful implementations worldwide.

Insecticidal Activity of Moringa oleifera Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles against the House Fly, Musca domestica L.

Green synthesizednanoparticles have been studied as newand more effective biopesticides against insects of medical importance and thisfor their eco-friendly aspects. In the current study Moringa oleiferaleaf extract (Mo-LE) was used to synthesis silver nanoparticles (Mo-AgNPs) andzinc oxide nanoparticles (Mo-ZnONPs). Low concentrations of Mo-LE, Mo-AgNPs andMo-ZnONPs showed the larvicidal and pupicidal toxicityagainst Musca domestica. In larvicidal bioassay, the values of LC50were 16.50, 2.03 and 6.41 mg/ml for Mo-LE, Mo-AgNPs andMo-ZnONPs,respectively. In addition, the LC50 was determined against pupae,which were129.77, 9.604 and 17.10 mg/ml for Mo-LE, Mo-AgNPs andMo-ZnONPs,respectively. Moreover, treatment larvae with LC50's of Mo-LE, Mo-AgNPs andMo-ZnONPsproduced a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the fecundity of femaleand a highly significant reduction (P<0.01) in the egg hatchability.The total protein content and activities of nonspecific esterases, acetylcholine esterase, and glutathione S-transferase enzymes were significantly declined afterlarvae had fed on LC50 Mo-AgNPs andMo-ZnONPstreated diets as compared with the control. This study indicates that it isfeasible to use M. oleifera synthesized nanoparticles as effective candidates to develop newer and cheapcontrol tools for immature stages of M. domestica.

Development Process and Community Life at the Eco-village ′Sanneoul′ in South Korea

This research presents the process of developing the ′Sanneoul′ Eco-village, located in South Korea, and describes community life in the village. Sanneoul village was created to welcome urban dwellers who choose to return to rural life and to prevent the exodus of the population in rural areas. The village features eco-friendly architecture and utility systems within which the residents live as a community. Nearly fifty community meetings were held by the residents of the village from the beginning to the end of the construction process. They received public funds to cover most of the basic costs for the village construction, and the households moving in as residents covered only the costs of the property, land, and buildings. This advantage is one of the important factors that attract city dwellers to return to rural areas. The ecological systems installed within the village include rainwater recycling, grass blocks, rooftop gardens, and an ecological sewage disposal plant. The ecological elements of the architecture are the sunlight and solar heat system, pellet boiler, fireplace, and ′ondol′ floor heating. The residents actively participate in recycling garbage, food waste, and feces. The village residents are contented with the eco-friendly aspects of the village and have been active participants of the system.

Acid and Ultrasound Assisted Modification of Boron Enrichment Process Waste and Using for Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions

In this study, raw boron enrichment waste was treated with hydrochloric acid and ultrasound at 35-kHz frequency for 60 minutes. To optimize the adsorption conditions for removal of methylene blue (MB) from synthetic wastewaters using raw boron enrichment waste (BEW), acid modified boron enrichment waste (HBEW) and ultrasound modified BEW (UBEW) by adsorption process and to compare the adsorption efficiency of chemical and ultrasonic modifications of BEW were aimed. The optimum adsorption conditions were determined economically and eco-friendly aspect and MB removal percents were found as 80%, 80% and 92% at optimum conditions for BEW, HBEW and UBEW, respectively. The maximum regression coefficient values were obtained as 0.911, 0.998 and 0.984 for BEW, HBEW and UBEW, respectively at Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption rate was fitted well to pseudo-second order kinetics according to a good correlation coefficient. The adsorption of MB onto adsorbents studied is spontaneous in nature and feasible because of negative ∆G values. The results indicated that the boron enrichment process waste could be a suitable adsorbent for removal of MB from aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacities were equal to about 107,0 mg/g, 160,7 mg/g and 145,3 mg/g for BEW, HBEW and UBEW adsorbents at 298 K, respectively. The maximum dye removal percent was achieved for UBEW as 92% and ultrasound assisted modification was found more efficient method compared with acidic modification for MB removal.

Application of silica nanoparticles to develop faujasite nanocomposite for heavy metal and carcinogenic dye degradation

Role of Silica nanoparticles as feasible advantageous material has already been recognized due to its good thermal, low density, mechanical stability, and chemical inertia whereas industrial by product; fly ash has been also modified with different approaches for better environmental solution in recent times. In this present exertion, initially about ∼20 nm of silica nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized by XRD, Zeta size analyzer, TEM, and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectra (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the synthesized silica NPs was impregnated in fly ash to synthesize the Faujasite materials at 50°C while various characterizations techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM equipped with EDS) explore the developed Faujasite material are in nanodimensioned (∼200 nm) cubical shaped. The heavy metal (Lead, Chromium, and Cobalt) adsorption and degradation of dyes (Methylene blue and Methyl red) were investigated by varying different parameters (i.e., pH, temperature, Contact time, amount of Faujasite, initial concentrations of solutions). Minimum amount (1 g) of Faujasite is adequate to adsorb the heavy metal at pH 5.0 in contact time 120 min at &gt;35°C temperature and only 20 mg of Faujasite is considered as the optimizing value for photocatalytic activity at the similar condition. Such observations suggest budgetary and ecofriendly aspects to exploit the vast resources of fly ash along with silica NPs for wastewater treatment. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S15–S23, 2019

Evaluation Indicators for Green Libraries and Library Eco-friendliness

Eco-friendliness is having little to no damaging or polluting effects on the natural environment. An eco-friendly green library is a structure that is designed, constructed, renovated, operated, and reused in an ecological and resource-efficient way. Therefore, construction of green library buildings should be a priority, as well as other eco-friendly aspects such as printed materials, non-book materials, library operations, and library service. The results of this study will set up to serve as basic data for the direction of development for green libraries in our country, as well as a reference for the employees of libraries in constructing or remodeling library buildings, establishing service infrastructure, providing information service, and planning library duties in an eco-friendly way. Furthermore, while recently a number of libraries were eco-friendly certified, the previous evaluations only reflected the architectural aspects without taking into consideration the other characteristics of the libraries. The evaluation indicators for eco-friendly green libraries that were developed in this study based on the features of libraries should evaluate the eco-friendliness of the libraries with more accuracy. URL: http://ijkcdt.net/xml/13283/13283.pdf

Synthesis, characterization and efficacy of silver nanoparticles against Aedes albopictus larvae and pupae

Silver nanoparticles have been studied in a wide range of medical and entomological research works due to their eco-friendly aspects. In our study salicylic acid (SA) and its derivative, 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS), were used in a one-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). First, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy was used to detect the formation of AgNPs. Second, the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope; energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. I, II, III and IV Instar larvae and pupae of Ae. Albopictus were exposed to various concentrations of SA, DNS and synthesized AgNPs for 24h to evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal effect. In larvicidal bioassay of SA, moderate mortality was observed at 180ppm against Ae. Albopictus with LC50 values of 86, 108, 135 and 141ppm for instar larvae I, II, III and IV, respectively. Synthesized AgNPs showed highest mortality rate at 12ppm and the LC50 values of SAAgNPs were 1.2ppm (I), 1.4ppm (II), 1.8ppm (III), 2.0ppm (IV) and 1.4ppm (pupae). Whereas LC50 values of DNSAgNPs were 1.2ppm (I), 1.5ppm (II), 1.8ppm (III) 2.3ppm (IV) and 1.4ppm (pupae). Moreover, the investigations toward the systemic effect of the tested substances on the fourth instar larvae of Ae. albopictus was evaluated and the levels of total proteins, esterases, acetylcholine esterase, and phosphatase enzymes were found to be significantly decreased as compared with the control. These results highlight that SA-AgNPs and DNS-AgNPs are potential tools to control larval populations of mosquito.

Influence of high content of reclaimed asphalt on the mechanical properties of cement-treated base under critical environmental conditions

The influence of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on the mechanical properties of cement-treated materials (CTMs) has not been completely understood, while its usage as a partial supplement of virgin aggregates in road layers has been investigated by many researchers for its eco-friendly aspects. In addition, CTMs containing high contents of RAP have not yet been widely applied. Therefore, this paper aimed to experimentally investigate cement-treated base mixtures containing high percentages of RAP in terms of mechanical properties in different environmental conditions to find a proper opportunity to increase the recycling rate of this valuable material. In this regard, mixture design formulation was determined based on modified effort compaction test results as well as unconfined compressive strength and indirect tensile strength tests of seven-days cured samples. Also, critical condition of hot-summer and wet winter circumstances were taken in to account as prepared cylinder samples were dry-cured under 50 °C and wet-cured under 25 °C, respectively. Results indicate that incorporation of RAP materials increases optimum moisture content (OMC), and therefore, reduces maximum dry density (MDD). Additionally it is found that, temperature of 50 °C in RAP incorporated mixes and moisture in control mixes are critical conditions for determining strengths and finally, structural design of pavement.

Decision Making within the Conceptual Design Phase of Eco-Friendly Products

A contribution for environment protection is the conceptual design of eco-friendly products, considering information of main product life cycle phases: Development, manufacturing, usage. Base of operations is product generation A, where the development is closed and the manufacturing/usage phase is ongoing. The designer of the subsequently product generation B has different possibilities to consider eco-friendly aspects and resource saving, e.g. incorporate Carry-Over- Parts, parts for reuse, upgradeable components or parts for refurbishing. The challenge for the designer is the decision complexity: He needs a lot of eco-related information of product generation A on component-level, e.g. CO2-emission, disassembly procedures, reliability information. This paper shows a concept, how to make eco- and sustainability-related decisions within the conceptual design phase of a subsequently product generation. The decision concept is explained by an automotive engineering example.

Redesigning the marketing mix for eco-friendly product consumption among non-purchasers in India

Abstract The present study was created in order to customise the marketing mix for non-purchasers of eco-friendly products by studying their perspectives on the introduction of eco-friendly variants of the regular products that they are using in particular product categories (personal care and home care). Overall previous literature reviews in this area imply that there is a gap in the scientific literature on the marketing mix formulation for converting non-purchasers into purchasers of eco-friendly products to augment eco-friendly product sales and adopt green marketing. As literature reviews had clearly indicated that green purchasers have a very low percentage when compared to non-purchasers, the purpose is to create new opportunities for successful green marketing as the study tries to convert non-purchasers into purchasers. We used descriptive research design to study a sample of 885 respondents, who were surveyed in 2 cities in the Tamil Nadu state in India, to acquire an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour that would enable the consumption of eco-friendly products among non-purchasers. The results reveal the marketing mix requirement and the eco-friendly aspects needed by the non-purchasers in order to buy the eco-friendly variants. The research sheds light on the product, price and promotion components that will attract non-purchases of eco-friendly products to buy eco-friendly products, thus facilitating green marketing mix adaptation. The study will provide valuable input for further research in formulating the marketing mix necessary to enable consumption of eco-friendly products in different geographical locations and various product categories.

In Situ Generated Cetyltrimethylammonium Bisulphate in Choline Chloride–Urea Deep Eutectic Solvent: A Novel Catalytic System for One Pot Synthesis of 1,3,4-Oxadiazole

Cetyltrimethylammonium bisulphate ([CTA]HSO4) catalysed one pot synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles from carboxylic acid and acid hydrazide in biodegradable deep eutectic solvent is investigated. [CTA]HSO4 is generated in situ from cetyltrimethylammonium peroxodisulphate. Cyclization of diacylhydrazide using [CTA]HSO4 gives best alternative to traditional dehydration agents. Its remarkable features include a milder procedure, simplicity in workup and purification, good to excellent yields of products, use of inexpensive, recyclable reagents, and eco-friendly aspects by avoiding toxic catalysts/reagents and solvents. .

Eco-friendly aspects associated with friction welding of tube-to-tube plate using an external tool process

The competitiveness among the manufacturers has been forcing the manufacturing processes to be eco-friendly so as to deliver products with lesser impact on the environment, energy demand and other resources consumption. In this regard, this article presents the unique environmentally friendlier aspects associated with an innovative welding process namely friction welding of tube-to-tube plate using an external tool (FWTPET). This process is capable of generating robust weld joints with lesser energy consumption. A comparative analysis of FWTPET with conventional tungsten inert gas welding process has been narrated.

Solar Vehicle을 위한 IPMSM 드라이브의 새로운 MPPT 제어

The solar vehicle is in the spotlight in the eco-friendly aspect of photovoltaic system using unlimited solar energy. The solar vehicle uses energy of photovoltaic and battery. The solar vehicle uses stored energy in battery when photovoltaic power is lower than consumption power by solar vehicle and if photovoltaic power is higher than consumption power by solar vehicle then photovoltaic power is stored to battery. To improve use efficiency of photovoltaic, the researches about MPPT method to operate maximum power point and interior permanent magnet synchronous motor(IPMSM)drive system using photovoltaic is necessary. This paper proposes MPPT control algorithm for solar vehicle using new fuzzy control(NFC). In this paper, to reduce switching loss, the DC-DC converter is omitted. The NFC controller can be use instead of PO. The NFC controller is performed MPPT control using solar cell voltage and q -axis current of IPMSM. The output of NFC is command q -axis current of IPMSM and this current is operated IPMSM. The response characteristics of algorithm proposed in this paper is compared response characteristics of conventional PO method by PSIM program and validity of this paper prove using this result.

Recycling of tailings from Korea Molybdenum Corporation as admixture for high-fluidity concrete

The main objective of this study is to develop an eco-friendly and a large recycling technique of flotation Tailings from korea (TK) from metal mines as construction materials such as admixtures for high-fluidity concrete (HFC). TK used in this study was obtained from the Korea Molybdenum Corporation in operation. TK was used as the alternative material to adjust flowability and viscosity of HFC in the form of powder agent which enables adjustment of concrete compressive strength. In this study, we have performed concrete rheological tests and concrete flowability tests to obtain the quality characteristics of TK for using as the admixture in producing HFC. The results indicated that the adequate mix ratio of cement to TK should be 8:2 (vol%). It is more effective to use the TK as admixture to control flowability, viscosity and strength of HFC than the normal concrete. It was found that TK could be recycled construction materials in bulk such as admixture for HFC, in terms of the economic and eco-friendly aspects.