Eco-friendly System Research Articles

LCA-Based Investigation of Environmental Impacts for Novel Double-Beam Floor System Subjected to High Gravity Loads

In populated downtown areas, a floor system with secured environmental performance is needed to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and global warming problems related to buildings. This study aims to assess environmental impacts on a novel double-beam floor system subjected to high gravity loads. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to investigate the environmental impacts on the reduction in construction materials by calculating global warming potential (GWP) in the structural design phase. For different structural systems, the environmental performance was compared based on the GWP, and the contributions of structural elements to the GWP in each structural system were analyzed. The rotational constraints induced by the beam-end concrete panel can significantly reduce the GWP of the double-beam floor system by up to 13.8% compared to the conventional beam-girder system. Thus, the double-beam floor system reinforced with the concrete panel can be a candidate for eco-friendly structural systems in underground structures requiring high gravity loads. This result provides valuable findings that the structural effect on the rotational constraint of the concrete panel was quantitatively evaluated by converting it into an environmental impact.

Development of environmentally friendly epoxy and composite adhesives and applications in single and mixed-modulus joints

Epoxy adhesives are common and useful materials in several fields, especially in making joints for the aerospace industry. Lately, there is a growing demand for this kind of adhesives to become more environmentally friendly. In this work, an environmentally friendly epoxy adhesive is developed using commercially available materials, exhibiting a 12% increase in green carbon content and 22% increase in shear strength. The commercial eco-friendly epoxy system is then reinforced with dry olive pit powder in order to produce an eco-friendly composite adhesive, giving a 20% shear modulus increase, for the 2.5% filler content, compared to the pure matrix. The behavior of these two materials is investigated, when these are used as adhesives in lap joints, and their main shear properties are determined. In order to manufacture adhesively bonded joints using a thick layer of liquid resin without any pre-curing step, therefore achieving improved properties, two casting-like designs of the overlap area are made and tested, one in a single-modulus configuration and a second one in a mixed-modulus mode. When an eco-friendly epoxy adhesive is applied on each edge of the mixed modulus mode instead of a fossil-based epoxy adhesive, a 30% increase in shear strength is observed. Finally, the Property Predictive Model, a modification and extension of the Modulus Predictive Model, is proposed, allowing the accurate prediction of several properties of virtually any series of particulate composite materials. When the model is applied to the aforementioned composites, it proves to be capable of accurately predicting their main shear properties.

Recent progress and outlook of solar adsorption refrigeration systems

Solar adsorption refrigeration systems are indispensable in the areas of cooling such as air conditioning, ice making, food preservation, medicine and vaccine storage etc in remote areas. It is cheaper than other devices and lack in noise and corrosion. It is completely an eco-friendly system which could be driven by low grade waste heat. Consumption of electricity is very less in this system as compared to other fields due to the elimination of compression process in adsorption refrigeration. Most of the adsorption system delivers a COP between 0.1 and 0.2 and exceptions are also there. Because of the technical, economic and environmental problems, researches are going on in these areas. Nowadays it is incorporated with vapour compression system to make hybrid system in order to achieve a greater COP and efficiency. This paper presents the basic and advanced aspects of adsorption refrigeration cycle and its hybrid arrangements with pre-existing system. This paper described the different types of conventional and novel adsorbent – adsorbate working pairs and provides detailed review about the past and present state of art research in this field.

A Study on the Application Possibility of the Vehicle Air Conditioning System Using Vortex Tube

Since refrigerants applied to vehicle air conditioning systems exacerbate global warming, many studies have been conducted to supplement them. However, most studies have attempted to maximize the efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of the refrigerant, and thus, an air conditioning system without refrigerant is required. The vortex tube is a temperature separation system capable of separating air at low and high temperatures using compressed air. When applied to an air conditioning system, it is possible to construct an eco-friendly system that does not use a refrigerant. In this paper, various temperature changes and characteristics of a vortex tube were identified and applied to an air conditioning system simulation device. Additionally, an air conditioning system simulation device using indirect heat exchange and direct heat exchange methods was constructed to test the low-temperature air flow rate (yc), according to the temperature and pressure. As a result of the experiment, the temperature of the indirect heat exchange method was found to be higher than the direct heat exchange method, but the direct heat exchange method had low flow resistance. As a result, the direct heat exchange method can easily control the temperature according to the pressure and the low-temperature air flow rate (yc). Therefore, it was judged that the direct heat exchange method is more feasible for use in air conditioning systems than the indirect heat exchange method.

Optimization of methylene blue degradation by Aspergillus terreus YESM 3 using response surface methodology.

Synthetic dyes released from many industries cause pollution problems in aquatic environments affecting public health. The present study aimed to explore the potentiality of Aspergillus terreus YESM 3 (accession number LM653117) for colour removal of three different dyes: methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG) and safranin (S). Results showed that the tolerance index of the studied fungus against tested dyes decreased in the order: methylene blue, safranin and malachite green. Removal of methylene blue colour was improved by using Box-Behnken design. Optimum condition for methylene blue biodegradation in Czapek Dox broth was achieved at pH 6, of 31.41 mg/L dye concentration and an inoculum of 5.7778 × 104 (conidia/mL) with biodegradation of 89.41%. Thus, a novel and eco-friendly system for the biodegradation of dyes using Box-Behnken design has been efficiently developed. Accordingly, A. terreus YESM 3 can be professionally used for bioremediation of methylene blue dye in wastewater and removal of environmental pollution.

Evaluation and utilization of lemongrass oil nanoemulsion for disinfection of documentary heritage based on parchment

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the antimicrobial activity of lemongrass oil in its normal (Lg-EO) and nanoform (Lg-NE) against four microbial strains previously isolated from a historical parchment manuscript dated back to the third century AH (9th century AD). In addition, examine their impact on the aesthetic, physical, and chemical characteristics of the disinfected parchment before and after artificial aging. The nanoemulsion of the oil was prepared using the low energy emulsification technique. The antimicrobial activity of Lg-EO and Lg-NE was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength and elongation, and color change investigations were conducted to monitor any chemical, morphological, mechanical, or physical variations of treated parchment samples before and after artificial aging. The obtained results declared that preparing essential oils in the form of nanoemulsions improves their antimicrobial performance that facilitates achieving biocidal activity in lower concentrations without adversely affecting any of the examined characteristics of the disinfected parchment. On the other hand, using the oil in its normal state affected the optical properties of treated samples before and after aging. Additionally, while improving the mechanical properties of the disinfected parchment, the accelerated aging of the treated samples had brought about an obvious decrease in those properties. Thus, essential oils nanoemulsions which are considered an ecofriendly system can be used effectively in the disinfection of historical parchment manuscripts without any adverse effect on their distinctive characteristics.

WITHDRAWN: Analysis of electric vehicle purchase behavior based on FPGA system and neural network

The electrical vehicle purchase behavior is one of the purchase behaviors faced by the vehicle manufacturing industry. The electric vehicle is mainly produced for non-pollution and which provides a majorly green environment and eco-friendly systems, in the previous method, based on fuzzy logic control and digital signal processing for electrical vehicle purchase behavior. And the method is uneven processing of purchase behavior and uneven behavior analysis of the electric vehicle. The proposed system is based on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and Neural Network for electrical vehicle purchase behavior. It easily interfaces with Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) without any complexities. The neural network calculates electrical data's attribute value without any complex or any error and vehicle purchase development and key factors influencing consumers to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are to different models and consumers' needs, which serve as a theoretical basis for the widespread use of electric vehicles and serve as a reference for consumers to choose and buy. The application-specific integrated circuit is analyzed in the vehicle manufacturing industry, and related electrical spares manufacturers should consider charging schemes to attract consumers by promoting attractive specifications rather than modification and development.

Highly stable Au/Ag core–shell nanoparticles prepared via novel green approach for the abatement of nitro pollutants

The development of a benign, cost-effective and eco-friendly system for the removal of pollutants from water is an ongoing challenge. In this regard, the authors first time explored a clean and sustainable mean for the synthesis of Au/Ag core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) using Ananas comosus leaves extract as a reducing and stabilising agent. Spectroscopic and microscopic techniques confirmed the formation of Au/Ag core–shell NPs with an average size range between 5 and 10 nm. The synthesised Au/Ag core–shell NPs showed the excellent catalytic potential for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophemol within 15 min. Kinetic study explicates that the catalytic reaction obeys the pseudo-first-order kinetic law with an apparent rate constant (kapp) of 0.03 min−1. Moreover, Au–Ag core–shell NPs showed exceptional stability over a long period (three months). Thus, this study provides a positive step towards the development of novel green catalysts.

Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Derivatives in Plant Protection against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses and in Recovery of Contaminated Soil and Water

Biotic, abiotic stresses and their unpredictable combinations severely reduce plant growth and crop yield worldwide. The different chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, phytoregulators) so far used to enhance crop tolerance to multistress have a great environmental impact. In the search of more eco-friendly systems to manage plant stresses, chitin, a polysaccharide polymer composed of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucosamine and its deacetylated derivative chitosan appear as promising tools to solve this problem. In fact, these molecules, easily obtainable from crustacean shells and from the cell wall of many fungi, are non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and able to stimulate plant productivity and to protect crops against pathogens. In addition, chitin and chitosan can act as bioadsorbents for remediation of contaminated soil and water. In this review we summarize recent results obtained using chitin- and chitosan-based derivatives in plant protection against biotic and abiotic stresses and in recovery of contaminated soil and water.

Lipase immobilized graphene oxide biocatalyst assisted enzymatic transesterification of Pongamia pinnata (Karanja) oil and downstream enrichment of biodiesel by solar-driven direct contact membrane distillation followed by ultrafiltration

The present experimental investigation has shown the biodiesel production from 2nd generation renewable carbon source, Karanja seed oil using graphene oxide (GO) immobilized lipase biocatalyst. The adsorption of lipase in GO was found to be most suitable immobilizing support matrix (adsorbed ~94 mg/g of GO) due to large specific surface area and abundant functional groups. The GO immobilized enzyme i.e. biocatalysts assisted enzymatic transesterification yielded ~88% of biodiesel using 1:8 Karanja oil: ethanol ratio, 25 °C, 3% biocatalysts in 24 h reaction time. The newly designed solar-driven direct contact membrane distillation module enables continuous separation and recycles of unreacted alcohol (>99% recovery) from transesterification reaction mixture while yielding ~41 Kg EtOH/m2/24h using commercial PTFE/PET hydrophobic membrane. Subsequently, free glycerol was removed up to ~77% (permeate concentration ≤0.018 mass%) by cross-flow membrane module fitted with flat-sheet polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane. The integration of GO-based biocatalyst assisted transesterification and multi-staged membrane system for downstream enrichment of fatty acid ethyl ester culminates in the development of a cost-effective, energy-intensive and eco-friendly system which represents a sustainable biofuel production process.

The natural environment in socialist modernity: three case studies of new urban areas in Czechoslovakia (1966–1991)

ABSTRACT This article presents three case studies of projects to construct new urban areas situated around the capital city of Prague. These urban areas were among the largest Czechoslovak urban planning projects and were intended as comprehensive environmental planning. Indeed, all of these projects included a formal declaration of the importance of protecting the existing environment while also creating a new environment for socialist people. The first of these case studies is the unrealized project of the city of Etarea (1967) planned for 135.000 inhabitants and based on an eco-friendly systems approach. The two other case studies represent implemented projects: Jižní Město (South City) which was, in 1971 planned for 64.000 inhabitants (then in the 1980s for more than 100.000 inhabitants) and Jihozápadní Město (Southwest City) which was, in 1968 planned for 80.000 inhabitants (then in the 1980s for more than 147.000 inhabitants).

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Study of Ag-Au Bimetallic Nanocomposite using Tea Powder Extract

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is attracted much to the recent researchers due to its simplicity, which integrates chemical technology. Special attention is given to the green synthesis of nanoparticles by easily available plants with an eco-friendly system compared to other conventional methods. Silver-Gold nanocomposite (Ag-Au NCp’s) is synthesized by bi reduction of silver nitrate and gold chloride. These metal salts are simultaneously reduced by tea extract to form respective silver and gold nanocomposite. The structure and morphology of as-prepared Ag-Au NCp’s sample were characterized by employing powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) tool and by Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) tool, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectral study was undertaken to know the bonding in the prepared silver sample. Morphology and particle size of the above composite was studied by the Transmission electron microscope (TEM) tool. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) study was undertaken to know the formation of Ag-Au NCp’s. Antibacterial activity study is undertaken to know its biological behavior.

Methylene blue degradation under visible light of metallic nanoparticles scattered into graphene oxide using laser ablation technique in aqueous solutions

Hybrid compositions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) based graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were fabricated using pulsed laser ablation technique as an eco-friendly system without using chemicals. The as-synthesized three compositions of GO, AgNPs@GO and CuONPs@GO were investigated structurally and their crystallite size upon Williamson–Hall method were calculated. The resultant data depicted that the surface morphology of these compositions were formed in crumble grains with a porous surface and high density of nano-cracks. The potency of these compositions to degrade methylene blue in aqueous solutions under visible light was investigated. The degradation efficiency achieved was found to be 44.9 %, 89.9 %, 91.7 % and 93.11% for GO (dark), GO (light), AgNPs@GO and CuONPs@GO respectively, after 40 min of continuous exposure. Furthermore, the recyclability of these compositions was examined and the obtained results confirmed that these materials can have almost the same efficiency even after the 5th cycle. Therefore, it could be stated that metallic nanoparticles based on graphene oxide display appropriate configuration to be used for water purification.

Field Tests on Eco-Friendly Railway Precast Concrete Slab

This study focuses on evaluating the field performance of a newly developed eco-friendly precast concrete slab track structure for railway/subway systems in Seoul, South Korea. Although Ballasted railway track structures are one of the most common track structures in the railway industry, they have some drawbacks including higher maintenance cost, un-uniform supports, and a high level of noise and vibration. However, a ballastless (slab-based) track structure system requires less maintenance and uniform support conditions, as well as several ballastless structure systems developed for high-speed trains. The Seoul Metro subway in South Korea has developed a ballastless reinforced concrete (RC) slab railway system using a type of conventional concrete. This study presents a ballastless precast concrete slab using a newly developed eco-friendly concrete, which can significantly improve structural performances and the manufacturability of a railway track structure system. This study evaluates the field performance of the eco-friendly concrete slab system deployed in one of the existing tunnel sections of the Seoul Metro subway system. A total of 10 m long slab sections including a 5 m long eco-friendly “ballasted track to slab track (B2S)” panels section and a 5 m long conventional B2S panels section are installed and monitored side by side. Field tests are performed to measure the level of noise, vibration, dynamic wheel load, rail displacement, and rail stress. The field measurements from the eco-friendly B2S section are compared to those of the conventional reinforced concrete slab track systems. The results show that the performance of the new B2S system using the eco-friendly concrete is comparable and/or superior to the conventional system.

The use of digital technologies in disposal of agricultural equipment

The article presents the results of research and analytical reviews to determine the possibilities of using digital technologies in the disposal of decommissioned agricultural equipment. The rationale for the use of digital technology in the formation of a resource-saving eco-friendly system for the disposal of agricultural machinery. Until recently, technical support for equipment manufacturers ended with the operation phase. The requirements of regulatory documents on the need to dispose of decommissioned equipment in design, operational and repair regulatory documents were purely declarative in nature and have not been (and are not yet implemented in Russia) by its manufacturers. he use of CALS (IPI) — technologies for the formation of a system for utilization of agricultural machinery will create a common database that will be based on the fi nal state of parts and their variable properties. Also, their application will make it possible to provide logistic support for all components of the material fl ows of equipment throughout the life cycle. In addition, the use of common software aimed at performing these functions will create the necessary conditions for the operation and maintenance of the functionality of the system. The most optimal option is to create VET utilization systems taking into account the national peculiarities of Russia on the basis of existing foreign developments both for creating operational and repair documents in digital format, and for developing technologies for utilization of equipment that take into account the requirements of resource conservation and the environment.

Eco Friendly CFC Less Refrigerating/Air Conditioning System

Normally, We are using refrigerating system to store the foods, Medicines..etc to extend the lives of the products. But in the existing refrigerating system which causes cooling effect with the help of refrigerants like CFC’s,HCFC’s. They are the harmful components which causes environmental Degradation. In order to overcome this we are using peltier concepts for refrigeration and protecting the environment. In this project to introduce a portable refrigeration using peltier Element. In peltier element when given DC supply produces cooling effect on one closed surface and heating effect on another surface. The cooling effect on one surface is circulated using a fan. The heat from the hotter side is sink in the heat exchanger is removed using circulating coolant or using fan. A 230V AC supply is step down using a Transformer and Rectified using a Bridge rectifier and given as a Input to the Buck converter. The Buck Converter supplies variable DC supply to the Thermo Electric Generator. The main advantage of this system is eco friendly and simplified system with reliable control.

Tuning the Partition Behavior of PEG-Based Aqueous Biphasic Systems Using Cholinium Chloride

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) have positive aspects associated with the low-cost, eco-friendly system, biomolecules separation ability and high extraction yield. The presence of quaternary ammoniu...

High-Yield Production of Lycopene from Corn Steep Liquor and Glycerol Using the Metabolically Engineered Deinococcus radiodurans R1 Strain.

Developing a highly efficient and ecofriendly system to produce desired products from waste can be considered important to a sustainable society. Here, we report for the first time high-yield production of lycopene through metabolically engineering an extremophilic microorganism, Deinococcus radiodurans R1, from corn steep liquor (CSL) and glycerol. First, the crtLm gene-encoding lycopene cyclase was deleted to prevent the conversion of lycopene to γ-carotene. Then, the crtB gene-encoding phytoene synthase and the dxs gene-encoding 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase were overexpressed to increase carbon flux toward lycopene. The engineered ΔcrtLm/crtB+dxs+ D. radiodurans R1 could produce 273.8 mg/L [80.7 mg/g dry cell weight (DCW)] and 373.5 mg/L (108.0 mg/g DCW) of lycopene from 10 g/L of glucose with 5 g/L of yeast extract and 9.9 g/L of glucose with 20 g/L of CSL, respectively. Moreover, the lycopene titer and content were increased by 26% (470.6 mg/L) and 28% (138.2 mg/g DCW), respectively, when the carbon source was changed to glycerol. Finally, fed-batch fermentation of the final engineered strain allowed the production of 722.2 mg/L (203.5 mg/g DCW) of lycopene with a yield and productivity of 20.3 mg/g glycerol and 6.0 mg/L/h, respectively, from 25 g/L of CSL and 35.7 g/L of glycerol.

Intimate communication between Comamonas aquatica and Fusarium solani in remediation of heavy metal-polluted environments.

Worldwide, humanity is facing a major environmental crisis with the disposal of heavy metal contaminated waste. The current study describes, for the first time, the interactions between gram-negative Comamonas aquatica and filamentous fungus Fusarium solani in removing heavy metal toxicity as an eco-friendly system. When combined, C. aquatica and F. solani grew well in a co-culture setup without showing any antagonistic indications. Monoculture versus co-culture setups were used to determine the metal tolerance concentration (MTC). Based on the metal tolerance concentration (MTC) values, cells of C. aquatica were able to tolerate 4, 5, 6, and 7mM of Cr, Zn, Cu, and Ni, respectively. Moreover, C. aquatica withstood up to 6mM of Pb. Although F. solani exhibited sensitivity to high concentrations of heavy metals in monoculture, the MTC of F. solani increased considerably in a co-culture setup. The results presented here revealed that F. solani facilitated the dispersion of C. aquatica and heightened bioavailability, whereas C. aquatica reduced the toxicity of heavy metals and promoted the growth of F. solani. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) displayed different mechanisms for heavy metal removal by C. aquatica. Biosorption was evident for Cr and Pb, while transformation was recorded for Ni and Zn. Also, C. aquatica was able to reduce and accumulate Cu in cells.

Impacts of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Tropical Forage Grass in Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria effects on anatomical characteristics and nutritional value of Brachiaria (Syn. Urochloa) brizantha cv. BRS Piatã. The experimental design applied was completely randomized design with three treatments: (1) non-inoculated unfertilized-control plants (C-), (2) non-inoculated fertilized-control plants (C+) and (3) B. brizantha inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens (BRM-32111) and Burkholderia pyrrocinia (BRM-32113). The following parameters were evaluated at 35 days after seedling emergence: biomass production, plant height, net photosynthesis (A), water-use efficiency (WUE), chlorophyll (SPAD), anatomical and nutritional. The rhizobacteria modified the anatomy of the leaf, culm and roots of B. brizantha. They also increased the chlorophyll content, A, WUE, total soluble carbohydrates, starch and crude protein contents, N, P, Mg and Fe concentrations, plant height, root area and biomass production. Therefore, we conclude that co-inoculation with P. fluorescens (BRM-32111) and B. pyrrocinia (BRM-32113) modified the anatomy and biochemistry of B. brizantha, promoting growth and nutrient accumulation. Therefore, these findings set up the basis for additional exploratory studies, using these rhizobacteria as biotechnological innovation with potential of use as biofertilizer in B. brizantha, aiming higher productivity and nutritive value in a more eco-friendly and sustainable pasture production system.