Fertilizer Industry Research Articles

Integrated geochemical and magnetic potentially toxic elements assessment: a statistical solution discriminating anthropogenic and lithogenic magnetic signals in a complex area of the southeast Nile Delta

Magnetic proxy approaches proved to be efficient for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution assessment when targeting forests or areas with a homogenous background where anthropogenic magnetic signals could be easily distinguished. Here, we present a multidisciplinary approach for magnetic susceptibility (x\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$x$$\\end{document}) and HM assessment in a complex area in the Nile Delta, where geogenic input, land use, and various industries with different fly ash and surface water emissions interfere. Statistical analysis discriminates between the effects of lithologic elements and the concentrations of toxic anthropogenic elements. The studied elements are classified into lithogenic and anthropogenic-related (HMs, Au industry, and fertilizers industry) groups with maximum contamination levels of eight anthropogenic-related and highly toxic PTEs (Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg, and As) in the Akrasha industrial area (pollution load index = 15.84). Considering the whole data set, the numerical correlation of x\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$x$$\\end{document} with most PTE concentrations and the pollution load index (PLI) is weak, while it is moderate to strong with lithogenic elements. However, a comparison of lithogenic elements and PTE concentrations along with x-values in two separate clusters supports the correspondence of lithology with elevated x-values in silt and clay-rich soil samples as well as HM concentration in industrial sandy soils. Correspondence between magnetic maps and chemistry data with land use reflects the potential of magnetic proxy methods for qualitative PTE pollution pre-delineation of the polluted spots, provided that lithological conditions are carefully considered.

Android Application for Online Fertilizer Selling and Accounting

The "Android Application for Online Fertilizer Selling and Accounting" aims to streamline the process of buying and selling fertilizers through a user-friendly mobile application. This comprehensive platform facilitates a secure and convenient marketplace for users, integrating essential features for both buyers and sellers. The application encompasses user authentication, a detailed product catalog, efficient shopping cart functionality, secure checkout and payment options, order tracking, and dedicated interfaces for sellers to manage their products and orders. For buyers, the application provides an intuitive interface to explore a diverse catalog of fertilizers, categorized for easy navigation. Users can securely authenticate, add products to their cart, and complete transactions using various payment methods. The order tracking feature ensures transparency and keeps users informed about the status of their purchases. The application also maintains an order history for reference. Sellers benefit from a dedicated management interface, allowing them to efficiently update and manage their fertilizer inventory. The platform ensures accurate accounting through the integration of invoicing features, generating detailed invoices for each transaction. This streamlines the selling process and helps sellers keep track of their sales and revenue. By combining the convenience of online shopping with robust accounting functionalities, the Android application for online fertilizer selling and accounting seeks to enhance the overall experience for users in the agricultural sector. The goal is to foster a reliable and efficient marketplace that meets the needs of both buyers and sellers in the fertilizer industry.

The circular economy and fertilizer industry: a systematic review of principal measuring tool

The circular economy and fertilizer industry: a systematic review of principal measuring tool

Exergy analysis and Exergetic sustainability index of package boiler

Energy is one of the basic human needs. Economic growth and population growth in a country which continues to increase is directly proportional to the growth in energy needs required by society. Indonesia is the largest energy user in Southeast Asia, namely more than 36% of Southeast Asia's primary energy use. Utilization of the energy used will reduce the increase in production costs for an industry. The use of energy is better known as energy conservation. Energy and exergy analysis based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics is used to analyze the thermal system of industrial units. This can be applied to equipment units in the fertilizer industry to identify sources of inefficiency, determine their location and the amount of exergy destruction that occur. To reduce exergy destruction, this can be done by modifying the operating conditions of the package boiler. The results show that 94.3% of the total exergy destruction from the boiler package is obtained from the evaporator component with a value of 2.7 x 108 kJ/hr Modification of the operating conditions of the evaporator is carried out by reducing Boiler Feed Water (BFW) inlet temperature with T 100C (196 – 116 oC). The decrease BFW temperature will increase the amount of required latent heat and reduce the convection heat that will be carried by the flue gas to generate superheated steam. Optimization of the BFW temperature is performed be calculating the flue gas temperature and exergoeconomic analysis. Exergoeconomic analysis is performed by calculating the cost rate of exergy destruction (ĊD,k) and exergoeconomic factor (fk). The results obtained were that the temperature was optimum of BFW is at 161°C which resulted the reduction of exergy destruction of 6,2x106 kJ/hr and resulting difference cost losses based on actual data (196 oC) of Rp 1,370,354,743/hr. Exergetic Sustainability Index (ESI) used to demonstrate how reducing a system's environmental impact can be achieved by reducing its exergy consumption (destruction and losses) or increasing its exergetic efficiency. In this research, ESI Value was achieved at 0.918.

System Dynamics Model to Improve Logistics Cost Efficiency in Fertilizer Distribution outside Java (Gresik - Medan)

Within the vast development of globalization, companies are encouraged to increase competitiveness level, in order to survive in the market. One certain way to stay competitive and retain customers is to provide such products with reasonable selling prices. Supply chain costs have a great influence upon the cost of the final product; therefore, companies are suggested to continuously improve supply chain processes regarding reducing overall costs. One industry indicated with high supply chain costs is the fertilizer industry, referring to the fact that it has a nationwide distribution system. For countries which regulate fertilizer as a subsidized product, companies must be able to provide fertilizer at an efficient price to maintain prevalence in the market. Currently, the problem faced by one of the fertilizer companies is an indication of expensive logistics costs for fertilizer distribution outside Java. The most expensive logistics costs are owned by the Medan area with variations in bulk transportation. This problem can be solved if there are alternative economic scenario designs in accordance with capabilities. The purpose of this research is to provide alternative scenarios, simulate those scenarios, and choose the most efficient scenario. The method used in this research is system dynamics and 12 scenarios were generated in this paper. Selection of the appropriate ship size and type of heavy equipment for loading and unloading cargo from those scenarios can impact in energy saving/fuel consumption and minimize operational costs. Beside cost, fertilizer deficit is also a consideration in scenario selection. From the result, scenario 3 has the lowest distribution costs with a total cost is Rp. 241,513 and the total fertilizer deficit is 0 tons, so scenario 3 is the selected alternative scenario to minimize operational cost.

Treatment and Handling of Hydraulic Shock Load of Urea Fertilizer Wastewater in Sequencing Batch Reactor

The production process in the urea fertilizer industry produces wastewater with a very high ammonia content, which exceeds the quality standards for fertilizer wastewater. Therefore, it is necessary to treat urea fertilizer wastewater, which has a high ammonia content. One of the technologies that can be used to treat this type of wastewater is the Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) technology. The SBR technology was chosen because it only requires one reactor for the entire process, in which in conventional activated sludge systems it occurs in several reactors. Shock loading often occurs in wastewater treatment plants, including both organic shock loads and hydraulic shock loads. The waste used in the SBR operation in this research is urea fertilizer wastewater originating from a urea fertilizer industry in West Java, Indonesia. The parameters to be tested were COD, MLVSS, DO, pH, temperature, turbidity, and ammonia concentration. The results showed that the efficiency of reducing ammonia levels under normal loading with a flow rate of 300 mL/day was 99.5%, whereas when given a shock load of 600 mL/day, an efficiency of 98% was obtained. This proves that SBR can handle shock loads even though its efficiency slightly decreases.

Integration of the Urea Fertilizer Industry Process Safety Index

The chemical industry has different stages of the production process, depending on the materials used and the products produced. Typically, previous approaches only use one or two parameters. The focus of this study is on a safety assessment metric called the Index Process Safety Value (IPSV). The evaluation process using IPSV involves initially identifying parameters, evaluating each parameter using IPSV, and then integrating the assessments. Integration assessments can be used to ascertain the level of risk involved in the standardization process. Standardization is carried out to ensure the specific attributes of each industrial process flow. Where in this standardization there are variations in index values and levels of potential danger. This main and initial process is the core of the Urea production process stages. Of the several stages of the urea production process, the one with the highest level of danger is during the production of Urea in the synthesis process, namely in the Reactor (DC101) with an index value of 0.4, while the lowest is in the urea synthesis process, namely in the Condenser (EA101) with the average index value is 0.28. This IPSV method can be used to analyze process safety, especially for the urea synthesis unit at Factory 5 of PT Pupuk Kaltim

Analysis of energy intensity indicators in production of mineral fertilizers

The article presents the results of the calculation of the energy consumption of the main and auxiliary technologies for the production of mineral fertilizers, interrelated as a single energy technology system (ETS). At the stage of the primary analysis of fuel, electricity and heat consumption indicators of individual technologies of the mineral fertilizers industry, the task was set to determine the energy intensity of specific technologies depending on intra-system distribution of flows of fuel and energy resources (FER) between the ETS production facilities for the output of target products.On the basis of a mathematical model, according to the averaged specific consumption rates of fuel and energy resources of the main and auxiliary technologies for the production of one ton of product, the values of specific energy consumption for target technologies for the production of mineral fertilizers were obtained. The analysis of the calculated indicators of energy consumption enabled to identify the most energy-intensive technologies.. It is shown that in the total energy consumption of the target technology, the share of energy consumption of auxiliary industries is up to 97% of the total energy intensity. Besides, the paper cosiders the key factors that determine the level of energy efficiency of industry enterprises under study.Through the example of an existing technology for the production of mineral fertilizers of one technological line with a capacity of 27.5 t/h (in terms of the finished product), the calculation of energy consumption was performed. The paper states that the modernization of the technology for the production of mineral fertilizers through the utilization of thermal SERs emitted into the environment would reduce the energy consumption of the technology by 6.33%.The mathematical model used in the study makes it possible to determine the values of energy consumption of technologies in the mineral fertilizer production industry with the greatest accuracy. The analysis of the data obtained shows that the studied technologies of the industry are characterized by irrational consumption of fuel and energy resources and, therefore, need a more thorough and systematic approach in determining energy saving reserves and ways to rationalize them in the energy technology system (ETS).

Use of Trichoderma in the Production of Forest Seedlings.

Forest production has great relevance in the Brazilian economy, characterized by several production sectors, including the production of seedlings. With the focus on maximizing the capacity of survival, development, and adaptation of seedlings, Trichoderma is highlighted as a potentially useful genus of microorganisms for promoting growth and higher product quality. In this sense, this review aims to describe the main mechanisms of fungi action in forest seedlings' production. The different species of the genus Trichoderma have specific mechanisms of action, and the current scenario points to more advances in the number of species. The interaction process mediated by different mechanisms of action begins in the communication with plants, from the colonization process. After the interaction, chemical dialogues allow the plant to develop better because, from colonization, the forest seedlings can maximize height and increase shoot and root development. Fungi promote solubilization and availability of nutrients to seedlings, which show numerous benefits to the development. The use of beneficial microorganisms, such as fungi of the genus Trichoderma, has become a sustainable strategy to enhance seedling development, reducing the use of agrochemicals and industrial fertilizers.

Thermal decomposition mechanism and characterization of phosphogypsum in suspension under multifactor coupling effect

Phosphogypsum (PG) is solid waste generated by the phosphate fertilizer industry. However, by high-temperature thermal treatment, it can be effectively decomposed into byproducts like SO2 and CaO, which are valuable raw materials for the production of sulfuric acid and construction materials, respectively. In this study, we investigated the thermal decomposition properties of suspended PG, as well as the factors governing the PG decomposition procedure. The results show that the PG decomposition rate was influenced by several parameters, with temperature being the most significant, followed by time, atmosphere, and charcoal powder dosing. Similarly, the desulfurization rate was primarily influenced by time, followed by temperature, atmosphere, and charcoal powder dosing. The PG exhibited maximum decomposition and desulfurization rates of 97.73% and 97.2%, respectively, at a calcination temperature of 1180 °C, a calcination period of 15 min, a carbon powder dosage of 4%, and a CO concentration of 6%. Kinetic studies revealed that the activation energy of the PG decomposition reaction decreased from 303.45 to 254.28 kJ/mol as the CO concentration increased from 4% to 6% upon addition of charcoal powder as a reducing agent. Furthermore, higher CO concentrations had a more pronounced effect on lowering the activation energy of PG pyrolysis. When the contents of SiO2 and Al2O3 impurities in the PG content were higher, they reacted with CaO in the decomposition products to produce silicate and aluminate minerals, respectively, decreasing both the CaO content in the product and the PG decomposition rate.

Human health risk assessment of metals in soil samples of a Brazilian city with a historic contamination complex.

Rio Grande is a city located on a narrow industrialized and urbanized Brazilian peninsula, characterized by wetlands. Due to population growth, numerous urban backfilled regions were built to expand the territorial area of the city. Currently, more than 60% of the central area of the city comes from the grounding of wetlands. The material used for the expansion of the territory had a history of contamination from metals from the tannery and textile industries (mainly Hg) and urban solid waste. In addition to past sources, the city has an active industrial complex with fertilizer, petrochemical, and grain industries. This study evaluated the risks to human health caused by metals (Hg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in original soils and backfills, considering the oral, inhalation, and dermal routes of exposure for children and adults using the tool human health risk assessment (HHRA) proposed methodology by USEPA. A total of 63.81% of the original soil samples and 57.14% of the backfill soil samples showed a non-carcinogenic risk (HInc>1) for at least one evaluated metal. Still, approximately 10% of the samples presented carcinogenic risk when the Cr was considered in the hexavalent form. The dermal (Hg, Ni, and Cr) and oral (Fe, Cu, and Zn) exposure routes had the greatest contribution to the total risk. The non-carcinogenic risk for Hg, Cr(VI), and Pb was heterogeneously distributed between the original soils and backfills and associated with the proximity to some pollution sources. Given the complexity of historical occupation in the municipality and the increasing industrialization, both the original areas and the backfills should be included in the risk management strategy to minimize risks.

Survey based assessment of sustainable agricultural practices: Evidence from Indian plots

AbstractIn recent years concerns have been raised regarding the environmental consequences of over‐use of nitrogen fertilizers on a global level. However, the balance between sustainability and agricultural productivity, a central concern for policy makers in developing countries, has not been sufficiently addressed. In this paper, I evaluate farmers’ fertilization practices and their effect on yield using unique plot level data from India. I estimate quadratic crop response functions for different crops and cropping systems. To address endogenous input choices, I use input prices and cost shifters from the fertilizer industry as instrumental variables for the fertilization practice. I find that a large share of Indian cultivators overuse nitrogen relative to the other two nutrients, and could benefit from simply reducing the amount of nitrogen used while keeping the other nutrients fixed. This suggests a potential win‐win situation where both productivity and sustainability can be improved by changing fertilizer application. The widespread “nitrogen‐only” fertilization pattern is rejected as optimal in most cases. [EconLit Citations: Q12, Q15, Q16, E23, C26, C14].

Carbon Footprint Analysis on Phosphoric Acid Production Using Wet Process at PT Petrokimia Gresik

Phosphoric acid is one of the main commodities in the fertilizer industry, which is very important in agricultural countries such as Indonesia. One of the biggest players in Indonesia’s fertilizer industry is PT Petrokimia Gresik, which owns a phosphoric acid plant that produces 200,000 MT/year phosphoric acid using the hemi-dihydrate process. Phosphoric acid production can be energy intensive and involve a lot of material transport, which usually corresponds with a high carbon footprint. To date, there is no literature regarding carbon footprint of Indonesia’s phosphoric acid. Thus, a carbon footprint analysis was done on phosphoric acid production at PT Petrokimia Gresik based on the inventory from their material and energy balance data. The electricity emission factor was calculated from their coal unit power plant, while the emission factor for raw materials was estimated from literature. The carbon footprint is 1378.25 kg CO2/ton P2O5. The largest carbon footprint contribution comes from sulphuric acid (43.81%), followed by material transport (36.78%). The sensitivity analysis shows that the carbon footprint was very sensitive to sulphuric acid and sea transport emission factor.

Dimethylphosphite electrosynthesis from inorganic phosphorus building blocks via oxidative coupling

Organophosphorus compounds carry importance in the chemical, medical, and fertilizer industries.

A Study on the Potential of Valorizing Sargassum latifolium into Biofuels and Sustainable Value-Added Products.

To increase the limited commercial utility and lessen the negative environmental effects of the massive growth of brown macroalgae, this work illustrates the feasibility of valorizing the invasively proliferated Sargassum latifolium into different value-added products. The proximate analysis recommends its applicability as a solid biofuel with a sufficient calorific value (14.82 ± 0.5 MJ/kg). It contains 6.00 ± 0.07% N + P2O5 + K2O and 29.61 ± 0.05% organic C. Its nutritional analysis proved notable carbohydrate, ash, protein, and fiber contents with a rational amount of lipid and a considerable amount of beneficial macronutrients and micronutrients, with a low concentration of undesirable heavy metals. That recommends its application in the organic fertilizer, food, medicine, and animal fodder industries. A proposed eco-friendly sequential integrated process valorized its biomass into 77.6 ± 0.5 mg/g chlorophyll, 180 ± 0.5 mg/g carotenoids, 5.86 ± 0.5 mg/g fucoxanthin, 0.93 ± 0.5 mg/g β-carotene, 21.97 ± 0.5% (w/w) alginate, and 16.40 ± 0.5% (w/w) cellulose, with different industrial and bioprocess applications. Furthermore, Aspergillus galapagensis SBWF1, Mucor hiemalis SBWF2, and Penicillium oxalicum SBWF3 (GenBank accession numbers OR636487, OR636488, and OR636489) have been isolated from its fresh biomass. Those showed wide versatility for hydrolyzing and saccharifying its polysaccharides. A Gram-negative Stutzerimonas stutzeri SBB1(GenBank accession number OR764547) has also been isolated with good capabilities to ferment the produced pentoses, hexoses, and mannitol from the fungal saccharification, yielding 0.25 ± 0.014, 0.26 ± 0.018, and 0.37 ± 0.020 g ethanol/g algal biomass, respectively. Furthermore, in a pioneering step for valuing the suggested sequential biomass hydrolysis and bioethanol fermentation processes, the spent waste S. latifolium disposed of from the saccharification process has been valorized into C-dots with potent biocidal activity against pathogenic microorganisms.

Assessment of Pollution Level of Soil Contaminated by Fertilizer Industry Waste

Assessment of Pollution Level of Soil Contaminated by Fertilizer Industry Waste

Phosphate Mining and Labour in Western Sahara – Dynamics of the Fosbucraa Rent (1969-1975)

Phosphate mining is a key issue in the modern history of both Western Sahara and Morocco. Until 1975 it also affected Spain, as Western Sahara’s phosphates were exploited during the colonial period. In the early 1970s, phosphate mining generated super-profits. The Spanish state was the sole owner of the Bucraa deposit and used its ephemeral but significant super profits for two purposes: to subsidize the Spanish fertilizer industry and, for political reasons, to inflate spending in the Saharan budgets. However, Fosbucraa’s profit maximization and the “development” of the Sahara quickly came into contradiction. The company employed relatively few workers and discriminated against them. Meanwhile, the multiplier effects of Fosbucraa’s investment were rapidly changing the Saharawi way of life. A traditional nomadic society was becoming a peripheral society, dependent on jobs, subsidies and scholarships. The result of these two contradictions resulted in a social blockade: a model of accumulation incompatible with the expectations of young workers, technicians and students. The industrial conflict and anti-colonial action are part of this broader context.

Durability Assessment of Recycled Aggregate Geopolymer Concrete Mixed with Wastewater

The advancement of an environmentally friendly setting is complex due to the significant carbon footprint of cement, substantial construction and demolition waste, and large quantities of industrial waste wastewater. This study aims to increase building sustainability by analyzing the long-term durability of recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete (RGC) manufactured using four different wastewaters. To evaluate each wastewater’s effect on sulfuric acid resistance and chloride ion migration (CIM) at various curing times, RGC was used in place of fresh water in the tests. The results revealed that, when it came to acid attack, RGC made with fertilizer industry wastewater had the highest mass loss (41% higher compared to control concrete) and CIM (29% higher compared to control concrete). According to statistical studies, using wastewater from textile, fertilizer, and sugar firms did not substantially alter mass loss from acid attack or CIM.

An anthropocene-framed transdisciplinary dialog at the chemistry-energy nexus.

At the energy-chemistry nexus, key molecules include carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3). The position of these four molecules and that of the more general family of synthetic macromolecular polymer blends (found in plastics) were cross-analyzed with the planetary boundary framework, and as part of five scientific policy roadmaps for the energy transition. According to the scenarios considered, the use of some of these molecular substances will be drastically modified in the coming years. Ammonia, which is currently almost exclusively synthesized as feedstock for the fertilizer industry, is envisioned as a future carbon-free energy vector. "Green hydrogen" is central to many projected decarbonized chemical processes. Carbon dioxide is forecast to shift from an unavoidable byproduct to a valuable feedstock for the production of carbon-based compounds. In this context, we believe that interdisciplinary elements from history, economics and anthropology are relevant to any attempted cross-analysis. Distinctive and crucial insights drawn from elements of humanities and social sciences have led us to formulate or re-raise open questions and possible blind-spots in main roadmaps, which were developed to guide, inter alia, chemical research toward the energy transition. We consider that these open questions are not sufficiently addressed in the academic arena around chemical research. Nevertheless, they are relevant to our understanding of the current planetary crisis, and to our capacity to properly assess the potential and limitations of chemical research addressing it. This academic perspective was written to share this understanding with the broader academic community. This work is intended not only as a call for a larger interdisciplinary method, to develop a sounder scientific approach to broader scenarios, but also - and perhaps mostly - as a call for the development of radically transdisciplinary routes of research. As scientists with different backgrounds, specialized in different disciplines and actively involved in contributing to shape solutions by means of our research, we bear ethical responsibility for the consequences of our acts, which often lead to consequences well beyond our discipline. Do our research and the knowledge it produces respond, perpetuate or even aggravate the problems encountered by society?

The Business of Egg Transactions and Need for Improved Regulation of the Fertility Industry in Canada

The Business of Egg Transactions and Need for Improved Regulation of the Fertility Industry in Canada