Oil Fly Ash Research Articles

Particle Size and Morphological Evaluation of Airborne Urban Dust Particles by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Bidimensional Empirical Mode Analysis

Airborne particles affect the health of the population. As particles decrease in size, they can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, reaching the terminal bronchioles and alveoli. Particles as small as 0.1 µm in diameter may translocate into the bloodstream, potentially impacting various organs. Additionally, the smaller the particle size, the longer they remain suspended in the air, thereby increasing their deleterious damages. The aim of this work is to study the size distribution of airborne particles emitted from anthropogenic sources of air pollution, with a special emphasis on estimating the distribution of micro and nanoparticles considered the most harmful to health. The Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition (BEMD) algorithm was used on micrographs of the particles obtained by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). BEMD is a current empirical computational tool applied to image analysis that allows extracting non-linear heterogeneous oscillations of brightness. We studied ROFA (Residual Oil Fly Ash) from industrial sources and DEP (Diesel Exhaust Particles) from vehicular emissions as airborne particles. After collecting the particles on filters, micrographs were taken using SEM at different magnifications to which the BEMD algorithm was applied. Particle size and asymmetry distributions were obtained for each mode, allowing the identification of the most deleterious particles. The methodology employed herein is relatively simple and effective for inferring the impact of airborne particulate matter on health and the environment.

Speciation, phytoavailability, and accumulation of toxic elements and sulfur by humic acid-fertilized lemongrass and common sage in a sandy soil treated with heavy oil fly ash: A trial for management of power stations wastes

Globally, power stations generate huge amounts of the hazardous waste heavy oil fly ash (HOFA), which is rich in Ni, V, Fe, S, and dumped into landfills. Thus, exploring new approaches for a safe recycling and sustainable management of HOFA is needed and of great environmental interest. The potential application of HOFA as an amendment to sandy soils has not been studied yet. This is the first research investigating the potentiality of using HOFA as a soil conditioner. To this end, we conducted a greenhouse experiment in order to investigate the impacts of HOFA addition (1.2, 2.4, 3.6 t ha−1) to sandy soil on the total and available content of nutrients (e.g., S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and toxic elements (TEs; e.g., Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, V) in the soil and their phytoextraction and translocation by lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and common sage (Salvia officinalis). We also assessed the impact of humic acid (HA) foliar application (50 and 100 l ha−1) on the growth and elements accumulation by the two plants. The studied HOFA was acidic and highly enriched in S (43,268.0), V (3,527.0), Ni (1774.0), and Fe (15,159.0) (units in mg kg−1). The X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) data showed that V in HOFA was composed primarily of V(IV) sorbed onto goethite, V(V) sorbed onto humic substances, in the forms of V2O3, and VCl4. Addition of the lower doses of HOFA (1.2 and 2.4 t ha−1) did not change significantly soil pH, salinity, and the total and available elements content compared to the unamended soil. Although the elements content in the 3.6 t ha−1 HOFA-treated soil was significantly higher than the untreated, the total content of all elements (except for Ni) was lower than the maximum allowable concentrations in soils. HOFA addition, particularly in the highest dose (3.6 t ha−1), decreased significantly the growth and biomass of both plants. Common sage accumulated more elements than lemongrass; however, the elements content in the plants was lower than the critical concentrations for sensitive plants. The foliar application of humic acid enhanced significantly the plant growth and increased their tolerance to the HOFA-induced stress. We conclude that the addition of HOFA up to 2.4 t ha−1 in a single application as amendment to sandy soils is not likely to create any TE toxicity problems to plants, particularly if combined with a foliar application of humic acid; however, repeated additions of HOFA may induce toxicity. These findings should be verified under field conditions.

Air pollution induces morpho-functional, biochemical and biomechanical vascular dysfunction in undernourished rats

Air pollution (gases and particulate matter -PM) and child undernutrition are globally recognized stressors with significant consequences. PM and its components breach the respiratory alveolar-capillary barrier, entering the vasculature transporting not only harmful particles and its mediators but, altering vascular paracrine and autocrine functions.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA), on the vasculature of young animals with nutritional growth retardation (NGR). Weanling rats were fed a diet restricted 20% (NGR) compared to ad libitum intake (control-C) for 4 weeks. Rats were intranasally instilled with 1 mg/kg BW of ROFA. After 24h exposure, histological and immunohistochemical, biochemical and contractile response to NA/ACh were evaluated in aortas.ROFA induced changes in the tunica media of the aorta in all groups regarding thickness, muscular cells and expression of Connexin-43. ROFA increased TGF-β1 and decreased eNOs levels and calcium channels in C and NGR animals. An increment in cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 was observed in C, with no changes in NGR. ROFA exposure altered the vascular contractile capacity.In conclusion, ROFA exposure could increase the risk for CVD through the alteration of vascular biochemical parameters, a possible step of the endothelial dysfunction.

The effect of acid mine drainage on the properties of an all-solid waste paste backfill body based on oil shale residue

The complex environment of mine water is closely linked to the effect of the backfill body. The goal of this study was to establish a method with which to reduce carbon emissions from cementitious materials while addressing the large amount of unutilized solid waste, such as oil shale residue, which lies on the surface of the planet, and pollutes the environment. Oil shale residue, fly ash, slag and coal gangue were used to produce an oil shale residue-based all-solid waste paste backfill (OSGPB) to study the changes in strength and environmental impact with corrosion time under acid mine drainage conditions. The development of cracks was monitored using digital image correlation (DIC) technology. The corrosion mechanism of OSGPB was analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). This study revealed that in an acid mine drainage environment, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) decreased by 38.58% and 15.66% after 24 d of wetdry cycling and complete immersion corrosion, respectively. A significant quantity of corrosive gypsum was produced in the OSGPB, which expanded the internal micropores and gradually formed cracks. This led to more severe internal structural damage during wetdry cycles. Changes in the UCS of the OSGPB over 60 d were predicted using established grey models. The leached concentrations of heavy metal ions met the groundwater quality standard (class III) after the OSGPB was completely immersed in acid mine drainage and subjected to wetdry corrosion cycles. OSGPB showed great potential as a green backfilling material for mines.

Decreased immune response in undernourished rats after air pollution exposure

Children are highly vulnerable subpopulation to malnutrition and air pollution. We investigate, in a rat nutritional growth retardation (NGR) model, the impact of Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA) on the lung immune response using in vitro and ex vivo methods. In vitro: Alveolar macrophages (AM) were isolated from Control (C) and NGR animals, cultured and treated with ROFA (1–100 µg/ml) for 24 h. Ex vivo: C and NGR rats were intranasally instilled with ROFA (1 mg/kg BW) or PBS. 24 h post-exposure AM were isolated and cultured. ROFA-treatment increased superoxide anion production and TNFα secretion in C-AM in vitro, though for NGR-AM this response was lower. A similar pattern was observed for TNFα and IL-6 secretion in ex vivo experiments. Regarding the antioxidant response, although NGR-AM showed increased Nrf2, after ROFA instillation an attenuated activation was observed. To conclude, chronic undernutrition altered AM response to ROFA affecting immune responsiveness to air pollutants.

Palm Oil Fuel Ash and Fly Ash for a Partial Replacement of Cement in High-Quality, Environmentally Friendly Mortar as a Solution to Industrial Waste

This study explores the effects of incorporating palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and fly ash (FA) as partial cement substitutes on the mechanical properties and characteristics of high-quality mortar, specifically Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). ECC mortar was fabricated by milling POFA waste and FA through a top-down method utilizing a ball mill. The resulting material was subjected to tests for slump flow, water absorption, compressive strength, and characterized through XRF, FTIR, SEM/EDX, and XRD analyses. FTIR analysis verified the existence of Si-O and Al-O groups within the composite made of POFA-FA ECC. XRF analysis of FA and POFA showed cementitious properties, with SiO2+Al2O3+Fe2O3 exceeding 50% and CaO surpassing 10%. SEM and XRD results indicated minimal cavity formation, suggesting a high compressive strength in the mortar. Particle size distribution analysis revealed prevalent particles in the 1.5×10−1 to 2.0×10−1 μm range. The compressive strength test after 28 days, incorporating 15% FA and 10% POFA, yielded the highest strength at 59.30 MPa. The water absorption values ranged from 1.25% to 2.67%, indicating that POFA-FA assists in the cement hydration process and also serves as a filler. As a result, the material’s density is very high, leading to fewer voids formed, thus reducing the trapped water, which significantly affects the mortar’s strength.

Enhancing the environmental sustainability of water treatment sludge (WTS) disposal through blended binder solidification/stabilisation

Managing water treatment sludge (WTS) is challenging due to its continuous production and environmental impact. Traditional disposal in landfills is standard but risky for groundwater contamination. Researchers are exploring a more environmentally friendly method using a blend of binders, partially replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with waste materials like Waste Paper Sludge Ash (WPSA), Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and Fly Ash (FA). These materials not only help reduce environmental waste but also decrease cement usage. The study assesses the Atterberg Limits of the treated sludge to design the appropriate solidification/stabilisation (S/S) method, providing essential data on its physical and mechanical properties Using waste materials as binders effectively stabilises the sludge, reducing reliance on cement, cutting disposal costs, and minimizing environmental pollution. The study identifies WPSA as the most suitable replacement, offering self-cementing properties, and demonstrates that combining WPSA OPC, and WTS creates a stable mix with liquefaction resistance. This approach presents a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally solution for WTS management.

Molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production in air pollution fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-primed macrophages

Exposure to air pollution fine particulate matter (PM2.5) aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It has been proposed that PM2.5 uptake by alveolar macrophages promotes local inflammation that ignites a systemic response, but precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that PM2.5 phagocytosis leads to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent release of the pro-inflammatory master cytokine IL-1β. Inflammasome priming and assembly was time- and dose-dependent in inflammasome-reporter THP-1-ASC-GFP cells, and consistent across PM2.5 samples of variable chemical composition. While inflammasome activation was promoted by different PM2.5 surrogates, significant IL-1β release could only be observed after stimulation with transition-metal rich Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA) particles. This effect was confirmed in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), and by confocal imaging of inflammasome-reporter ASC-Citrine BMDMs. IL-1β release by ROFA was dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome, as indicated by lack of IL-1β production in ROFA-exposed NLRP3-deficient (Nlrp3−/−) BMDMs, and by specific NLRP3 inhibition with the pharmacological compound MCC950. In addition, while ROFA promoted the upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokines release, MCC950 reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and CCL2 production. Furthermore, inhibition of TNF-α with a neutralizing antibody decreased IL-1β release in ROFA-exposed BMDMs. Using electron tomography, ROFA particles were observed inside intracellular vesicles and mitochondria, which showed signs of ultrastructural damage. Mechanistically, we identified lysosomal rupture, K+ efflux, and impaired mitochondrial function as important prerequisites for ROFA-mediated IL-1β release. Interestingly, specific inhibition of superoxide anion production (O2•-) from mitochondrial respiratory Complex I, but not III, blunted IL-1β release in ROFA-exposed BMDMs. Our findings unravel the mechanism by which PM2.5 promotes IL-1β release in macrophages and provide a novel link between innate immune response and exposure to air pollution PM2.5.

Mechanical behaviours of cellular lightweight concrete using finite element analysis

Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) is a concrete brick with a density lighter than concrete bricks. The efficiency of the use and quality of CLC can be determined by analysing mechanical behaviour using the finite element method. The purpose of this study is to analyse the mechanical behaviour of lightweight concrete using the finite element method. Analysis of mechanical behaviour using LUSAS finite element software. The CLC model used admixture materials of silica foam, palm oil fly ash (POFA) and lime (CaCO3). The study resulted in the difference between the numeric and experimental analysis being less than 10%. The most considerable deformation occurred at the top of the CLC model based on the deformation contour distribution. The most significant stress and strain contours distribution occurred at the CLC model’s bottom. The controlled load of 6 kN to 60 kN causes an increase in the mechanical behaviour of CLC. The most considerable deformation occurred when the maximum load on the CLC model with a silica fume mixture was 9.239 mm. The stress of the CLC model is 1.148 N/mm2, and the most significant strain occurred in CLC with silica fume admixture with a CLC weight of 0.038. Thus, the finite element method can be used as a comparison of laboratory test results to determine the mechanical behaviour of CLC.

Exogenous application of carbon nanoparticles alleviates drought stress by regulating water status, chlorophyll fluorescence, osmoprotectants, and antioxidant enzyme activity in Capsicum annumn L.

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses that has a huge negative effect on crop yield. Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have received greater attention for their impact on the plants under abiotic stress conditions. However, it is urgently required to apply CNPs to the chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Kaskada), which has not yet been studied. The goal of this study was to find out how CNPs affect the growth of chili pepper plants, chlorophyll pigments, proline content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes when the plants are stressed by drought. Therefore, we synthesized and functionalized CNPs of oil fly ash by one-pot ball milling fabrication. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to identify oxidative moieties on the CNPs surface after exposure to nitric and acetic acids. In the present study, functionalized CNPs were sprayed onto the leaves of 20-day-old plants at various concentrations (6 and 12mg L-1) to determine their effects. We demonstrate that drought stress considerably reduces the plant height, fresh weight (FW), and dry weight (DW). Nevertheless, the exogenous application of functionalized CNPs caused an increase in relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll stability index (CSI), and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) under drought stress. Exogenous functionalized CNPs dramatically increased proline content under drought by reducing abscisic acid (ABA) content in the leaves. When subjected to drought stress, functionalized CNPs boosted antioxidant activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Overall, the positive effects of CNPs on chili pepper seedlings open up new possibilities for developing innovative agricultural techniques, especially when plants are grown in drought conditions.

Air pollution combined with high-fat feeding aggravates metabolic and cardiovascular diseases: A dangerous, oxidative, and immune-inflammatory association

Obesity and particulate air pollutant (PM2.5) are important risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. PM2.5 exacerbates insulin resistance and lipid ectopic deposition in obese animals. The inorganic fraction of PM2.5, the Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA), is related to cardiovascular events, by enhancing the generation of reactive species, inflammatory cytokines, and leukocyte activation. However, the synergistic effects of ROFA and a high-fat diet (HFD) are still poorly described, and the studies were mainly conducted with males. AimsTo investigate if ROFA could potentiate the cardiometabolic effects of diet-induced obesity in female rats. Material and methodsWistar female rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 6), Polluted (n = 6), HFD (n = 6), and HFD + Polluted (n = 6). HFD and HFD + Polluted received a high-fat diet (HFD) (58.3 % as fats), whilst Control and Polluted groups received a standard diet (Nuvilab CR-1). In addition, Polluted and HFD + Polluted groups received intranasal instillation of ROFA (250 μg/50 μL), while Control and HFD groups received saline solution (50 μL) daily, five days per week. Both interventions occurred 24 weeks after the animals were euthanized. Key findingsHFD combined with ROFA exposure impaired lipid profile challenged systemic and cardiac antioxidant defense, and presented a synergistic effect in inducing an immune-inflammatory condition. We found that the lipid profile disturbance is associated with HFD-induced hepatic, but not cardiac, deposition of triglycerides in female animals. SignificanceOur results support the hypothesis that ROFA exposure combined with bad feeding can exacerbate metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Conversion of low-density polyethylene plastic waste into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst

Waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic was pyrolyzed using a batch reactor fuel oil fly ash catalyst into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst.

Recovery of vanadium and nickel from heavy oil fly ash (HOFA): a critical review.

Heavy oil fly ash "HOFA" is the fly ash generated in power stations using heavy oil as fuel. HOFA is considered a hazardous waste because it contains considerable amounts of heavy metals. However, it contains significant amounts of vanadium "V" and nickel "Ni", which are precious metals for manufacturing processes. This paper presents a critical review of various approaches described in the literature for the recovery of V and Ni from HOFA, including processes of leaching, chemical precipitation, solvent extraction, and ion exchange. The optimum operational parameters and their effects on recovery efficiency are discussed. The digestion mixtures of strong mineral acids used for dissolving all metals present in HOFA are also highlighted. The leaching processes of V and Ni use mainly acidic and alkaline solutions. Bioleaching is a promising environmentally friendly approach for the recovery of V and Ni through using appropriate bacteria and fungi. After leaching, V and Ni compounds are recovered and purified using various techniques, including chemical precipitation, solvent extraction, and ion exchange. In most cases, V and Ni are recovered as thermally decomposable compounds that undergo calcination to produce V2O5 and NiO. Eventually, V and Ni are recovered as pure oxides in most approaches, but pure metals are obtained in exceptional procedures.

Heavy Oil Fly Ash as an Adsorbent for Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solution

The industry produces a large amount of solid waste that has very bad effects on the environment. The application of waste material adsorbents for waste materials treatment has become of greater interest. Heavy oil fly ash (HOFA) is hazardous industrial solid waste which produces from the combustion of heavy fuel oil in power plants. The work aims to investigate using waste material heavy oil fly ash (HOFA) after modification to activated carbon (AC) as an adsorbent of methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous solution. Chemical and physical analyses were conducted to characterize the HOFA produced as a by-product of an electrical power station. BET analysis showed the surface area was 1.6 m2/g and the surface area was enhanced by the activation process to 63.7 m2/g and the pore width to 553.5A. SEM showed a change in the nature of the surface of the martial by increasing the porosity. Adsorption studies were performed by batch experiments as a function of process parameters. The removal percentage increased with the increase of the adsorbent to 1.5g, the amount was selected as the optimum dosage. The removal percentage decreased with an increase the entail dye concentration and limited difference in pH variables. The experimental adsorption data was represented with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherms. The data fitted well to the Freundlich model as multilayer adsorption.

Self-Compacting Cementitious Composites with Heavy Fuel Fly Ash Replacement

Sustainability in construction is related to the use of industrial by-products, such as fly ash (FA). FA varies in chemical/mineralogical composition, depending on the raw materials burnt during its production. While FA produced from coal-fired power stations is extensively used in cementitious composites, heavy oil FA produced from the firing of heavy fuels (e.g., mazut or diesel) remains largely unused. This paper focuses on the novel use of heavy fuel fly ash (HFFA), as a replacement of Class F FA, in high-volume fly ash self-compacting composites. Two different grain size distributions of HFFA were used in quantities 5–15% w/w of cement and Class F FA for the production of the composites. The assessment of the physico-mechanical properties and microstructure of the end-products at different curing ages suggests that HFFA may be used at quantities ≤10% w/w, without any negative effects. In fact, depending on the quantity and grain size distribution of the HFFA, this may even improve some of the properties of the end-products in the long term, provided that a careful mix design is adopted. The findings show the potential of sustainable reuse of HFFA and are beneficial for its incorporation into design codes.

Oil fly ash as a promise larvicide against the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Two environmental problems exist in some tropical and subtropical areas: the Aedes aegypti (L.) (Ae. aegypti) mosquito and thousands of tons of heavy oil fly ash (HOFA) from power plants. Herein, micro/nanoparticles of HOFA have been utilized as a larvicide against Ae. aegypti without any chemical or biological additive materials. We estimated the accumulative mortalities in the third instar after 24/48 h (h). We found that after 24 h of exposing the larvae to the HOFA microsized, the LC50 and LC90 were 0.55 and 4.87 mg/ml, respectively, while they were 0.10 and 0.36 mg/ml after 48 h. At the same time, the LC50 and LC90 were respectively 0.12 and 0.60 mg/ml after 24 h exposing the larvae to the HOFA nanosized, and they were 0.06 and 0.23 mg/ml after 48 h. These results showed that the HOFA nanoparticles as larvicides were more effective than HOFA microparticles. The microscopy images also revealed deformations such as pigmentations, segment shrinkage, larva swelling, segment body contraction, siphon swelling, intermediate stage, head deformations, and thorax swelling in the larvae exposed to the HOFA. These deformations could indicate alterations in the hormones that control the biochemistry of the larvae body. The findings of this study could suggest the possibility of using HOFA, particularly in nanosized, as a promising larvicide against the Ae. aegypti mosquito.

One-step synthesis of magnetic fly ash composites for methylene blue removal: batch and column study.

This study focuses on the synthesis of magnetic fly ash composites and its application for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. By-product of oil power plants, oil fly ash, was treated with magnetic nanoparticles after chemical surface modification and dubbed modified fly ash (MFA). MFA was characterized by X-ray fluorescence, diffractogram analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and N2 physisorption. MB (methylene blue) was removed from an aqueous solution using the response surface modelling (RSM) technique, which was used for optimization reasons. All four independent factors were investigated to see how they affected the removal process: adsorbent dosage; contact time; pH; and beginning dye concentration. The rate of MB removal was strongly influenced by the pH of the solution. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to examine equilibrium data A for MB adsorption onto the MFA in linear and nonlinear forms. Langmuir gave a better fit. The adsorption kinetics shown by increased kinetic statistics were better characterized by a pseudo-second-order MFA model. As far as thermodynamic characteristics go, adsorption is endothermic and occurs spontaneously. It has been proven that MFA may be used as an adsorbent to remove MB dye with high efficiency, and the quadratic model has been proved to be statistically significant.

Preparation and application of nanostructured carbon from oil fly ash for growth promotion and improvement of agricultural crops with different doses

Application of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in agricultural production has piqued the interest of researchers. However, despite the enormous importance of CNMs in plant development, little is known about the effects of carbon nanoparticle (CNP) doses on plant physiological responses. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to check the effects of nanostructured carbon derived from oil fly ash (COFA), which was derived for the first time from high-energy ball-milling followed by a sonication process, on Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Cicer arietinum L. plants. We evaluated the plant physiological and biochemical parameters of the COFA-treated seedlings. Two different doses (4 mg L−1 and 8 mg L−1) of COFA and a control were studied. The results indicated that the germination rate (%), shoot length, root length, pod length, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight were increased with the addition of COFA. Likewise, COFA increased the contents of chlorophyll pigments (Chla, Chlb, carotenoids), proteins, and carbohydrates in both species compared to the control. Finally, these findings showed that a COFA treatment at 4 mg L−1 after ball milled-sonication in water (BMW4) constituted the best dose for growth and physiology. Our findings reveal that the novel strategy of COFA engineering led to a boost in the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cicer arietinum. Our results have high potential for agricultural research and provide an impact on food security.

Strength of Palm Oil Fly Ash (POFA) Incorporated with Sawdust in Concrete Pavement

Jengka is the largest FELDA in Malaysia located in the state of Pahang Darul Makmur. Jengka consists of 25 FELDA plans which are palm and rubber producers. The production of Palm Oil Fly Ash (POFA) is rising every year, it is disposed of in landfills, now becoming an important environmental disposal issue. The government needs to focus on assigning more hectares of land for disposal of these huge amounts of waste, and financial losses are also increased for transporting as well as maintenance purposes of these wastes. The pollution problem is increased in this sector which includes the annual production of 2.6 million tonnes of solid waste in the form of POFA. The large quantity of this waste can create an environmental problem if disposed of in the wrong way. However, reduction of dumped waste and environmental sustainability can be ensured by proper consumption or recycling of these materials. Therefore, this research innovation used waste material of POFA in a concrete mixture to produce eco pavement block. The compliance testing for the concrete mix was investigated. The optimal mix design proportion in order to increase the compressive strength, density and durability of POFA concrete was established. Mix proportion containing 5 % POFA mixtures exhibited substantially higher rates of strength gain as compared with other mixtures containing 10 % and 15 % of POFA. The workability of POFA concrete increases, thus, the permeability and bleeding in concrete decrease. Implementation of POFA waste not only decreases environmental damage but also saves concrete materials.

The Effect of Thermally Heated Carbon Nanoparticles of Oil Fly Ash on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Under Salt Stress

Salinity is an abiotic factor that severely limits agricultural yield around the world. Tomatoes are important crops among others due to their high nutritional value; however, when the crop is exposed to abiotic stresses such as salinity, tomato production could be negatively affected. The goal of this study was to measure the morphological and physiological responses of tomato seedlings grown under salt stress when carbon nanoparticle of oil fly ash (COFA) under heat treatment in the concentration (5 mg L−1) was applied to the leaves. In this study, three carbon nanoparticles (COFA, COFAH-J, COFAH-R) were applied to tomato seedlings under three different salt (NaCl) treatments: 0 mM, 20 mM, and 40 mM. For each treatment, three biological replicates were conducted, with each replicate containing at least three plants. Our findings demonstrated that salt-stressed tomato plants had considerably lower length of shoot and root, biomass, and photosynthetic pigments over control plants. Furthermore, salinity greatly enhanced the proline concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. However, the application of thermally treated carbon nanoparticles resulted in increases in the quantities of photosynthetic pigments and plant growth conditions. However, the tomato seedlings treated with COFA, COFAH-J, and COFAH-R increased SOD activity by 65%, 53%, and 45%; CAT activity by 67%, 63%, and 65%; and APX activity by 51%, 52%, and 41%, respectively, when seedlings were exposed to 40 mM. Overall, our data suggest that heated carbon nanoparticles of oil fly ash may improve tomato plants’ salt tolerance by enhancing their antioxidant defense systems. The beneficial impacts of thermally treated carbon nanoparticles in tomato plants offer up new avenues for their potential innovations in novel agricultural methods, particularly while plants are grown to saline conditions.