Use Of Aluminum Sulfate Research Articles

Exploring source water mixing strategies to reduce chemical consumption and environmental footprint in surface water treatment

Abstract Common methods for treating surface waters involve chemical flocculation, for which a significant factor contributing to the total cost and climate impact is the consumption of chemicals, chiefly coagulants and pH-adjusting chemicals. The amount of chemicals required for treating surface waters and achieving suitable flocculation pH depends greatly on the alkalinity of the source water. This study investigates the viability of mixing two surface waters with different chemical properties with the aim of reducing the amount of chemicals used during chemical flocculation. Bench-scale experiments were carried out, and the results were compared with full-scale operations at a surface water treatment plant (WTP). The WTP uses ferric chloride as a coagulant, which effectively removes natural organic matter, but consumes large amounts of hydroxide to manage pH before and after flocculation. As an alternative process, this study tested the use of aluminum sulfate, polyaluminum chloride and ferric chloride at varying dosages in combination with different source water mixtures to achieve suitable flocculation pH. The results showed that pH-adjusting chemicals could be omitted by adding a small amount of high alkalinity surface water to the primary source water, thereby reducing costs and climate impact substantially.

Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Methods from the Process of Dyeing Cloth with Indigo Dye in Northeastern Thailand

The process of producing indigo dyed cloth involves a step of washing the dyed cloth, which requires a large amount of water and generates wastewater that cannot be reused and may have negative impacts on the environment. This research study collected 31 samples of wastewater from the process of dyeing cloth with indigo dye from production sources in Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces to analyze the water quality and study wastewater treatment methods at laboratory scale using filtration and chemical methods, which employed aluminum sulfate, lime, and chlorine as coagulants. From the study, it was found that the collected samples of wastewater from the process of dyeing cloth with indigo dye had water quality that exceeded the standards set by the Department of Pollution Control. The average color value was 1,040.86 ± 744.83 PCU, the average COD was 711.59 ± 695.07 mg/L, the average total suspended solid was 1,495.87 ± 1,583.17 mg/L, and the average of total settable solids was 20.52 ± 25.85 mg/L. Therefore, the wastewater should be treated before being discharged into the public water system. Regarding the treatment of wastewater from the dyeing process, it was found that the most effective method is chemical treatment using lime and chlorine, which can reduce color in the wastewater by 98.73 %, COD by 91.67 %, total suspended solids by 97.09 %, and total settable solids by 96.47 %. The 2nd-best method is the use of aluminum sulfate, followed by filtration. All in all, both methods of treating the dyed fabric wastewater can improve the water quality to meet the standard before being used for beneficial purposes or discharged into public water sources, and the appropriate method of treatment can be selected for each area to minimize environmental impact. HIGHLIGHTS The analysis of the wastewater from indigo dyeing processes revealed that color, COD, total suspended solids, and total settable solids exceeded the wastewater standard The methods of treating the wastewater by chemical treatment using lime and chlorine, and aluminum sulfate can improve the water quality to meet the pollution standard The most effective method is chemical treatment using lime and chlorine This research provides a sustainable way to produce environmentally friendly natural-dyed fabrics GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

ASSESMENT OF THE POSSIBILITY THE CALCULATED DOSES OF COAGULANT REDUCING T FOR THE TREATMENT OF LANDFILL LEACHATE

The article analyses the prerequisites for the formation of environmentally hazardous leachate generated during the life cycle of solid waste landfills, namely, during the decomposition of their organic component, in particular, including the stage of aceto- and methanogenesis. The article emphasises the multicomponent nature of the generated wastewater and the pollution's high level by such indicators as biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, and colour. This necessitates the use of multi-stage treatment technologies, including mechanical and biological treatment. The main goal of the article was to find out which ways and approaches able to improve of treatment efficiency, in particular using the mechanical treatment stage (pre-treatment). The colour and suspended solids content were chosen as control indicators, and the assessment of the dynamics of changes in these indicators and the level of their sensitivity to the coagulant's work's (use of aluminium sulphate as a coagulant) makes it possible to make conclusions about the effectiveness of the proposed method. In particular, the paper had been proposed the use of an activated solution of aluminium sulphate coagulant, the properties of which change and the efficiency increases under the action of magnetic-electric activation. This approach, as we are expecting is to intensify the leachate treatment process and reduce reagent consumption by 25-30% without the quality of treatment reducing, will allow to reduce the residual amount of aluminium in treated wastewater, to reduce the amount of sediment formed during the treatment of drainage wastewater, and to minimize the negative impact on the environment during the discharge of treated wastewater into surface sources. The selected optimal dose of the coagulant allows maintaining the required technological mode of operation of the treatment facilities in case of changes in the quality of wastewater entering the facilities. The use of aluminium sulphate as a coagulant was proposed, and the studies were carried out in in the following dose range 100-350 mg/dm3. Keywords: dose, coagulant, leachate, efficiency, assessment, suspended solids, colour, sludge, activation

Use of aluminium sulphate as flocculant for spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) with notes on the use of antioxidants for preservation under refrigerated conditions

One of the bottlenecks in microalgae harvesting is the lack of an efficient method for separating the microalgae from its culture medium. Moreover, the lack of viable and simple preservation techniques for microalgae starters hinders the immediate recovery of cultures after experiencing collapse. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the use of aluminium sulphate as a flocculant for harvesting spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and compare it with other flocculation techniques (electrolytic flocculation and autoflocculation). Moreover, the use of antioxidants to lengthen the storage of viable spirulina cells in refrigerated conditions was explored. The results of the study showed that the optimum dosage of aluminium sulphate for flocculation of spirulina is 200 ppm with 94.82 ± 0.59% efficiency in 15 – 45 minutes post-administration. Moreover, the combination of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol at 0.01% v/v resulted in the highest viable cells at 57.76 ± 2.48% until the 3-week refrigeration period. This may help in maintaining viable starters. However, further investigations are needed to ascertain residuals of aluminium in harvested biomass and explore low-cost options for its reduction or removal and optimize the use of antioxidants in spirulina preservation in refrigerated conditions.

River water turbidity removal using new natural coagulant aids: case study of Euphrates River, Iraq

Abstract For turbidity removal, most drinking water treatment plants are using coagulants due to the presence of suspended and colloidal materials at the coagulation and flocculation units. Aluminium and sulphates salts are the widely used coagulants, such as aluminium sulphate (Alum) and ferric chloride. However, several researches have linked Alzheimer's disease to the use of aluminium sulphate. Hence, scholars have conducted several researches on the possibility to reduce the amount of aluminium sulphate by using natural material/plants base as coagulant aids. In this study, Mallow's Leaves Extracts (MLE) and Carob's Pods Extracts (CPE) were used as an alternative coagulant aid. Couples of coagulation tests were implemented to find the optimal dosage of aluminium sulphates used as coagulants. The results displayed that the maximum turbidity removal efficiency by adding 100% of each coagulant, i.e. alum, MLE and CPE, were 61.16, 51.175 and 37.12%, respectively. In addition, the minimum residual turbidity and maximum turbidity removal efficiency were 4.56 NTU and 97.72% by adding 22.5 alum and 7.5 MLE presenting 30 mg/L dosing. Further, the minimum residual turbidity and maximum turbidity removal efficiency were 15.4 NTU and 92.3% by adding 22.5 alum and 7.5 CPE presenting 30 mg/L dosing.

Comparative Study on the Use of Moringa Oleifera as Natural Coagulant and Aluminium Sulphate in Restaurant Wastewater Treatment

The enormous amount of wastewater generated by restaurants often require some level of treatment before disposal. This is partly achieved by using synthetic coagulants with its attendant environmental risk. This study is aimed at investigating the use of Aluminium Sulphate (AS) and Moringa oleifera (MO) for treating restaurant wastewater (RW). Different doses (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/l) of the prepared stock solution of AS and MO were applied to 1000 ml of RW collected from a University restaurant. The result showed that the treated sample pH reduced from 7.55 to 6.86 and 7.0 at an optimum dose of 150 and 50 ml for AS and MO while conductivity increased from 1.03 to 2.22 mg/l and 1.74 mg/l for AS and MO, respectively. Turbidity reduced from 44.73 mg/l to 5.20 mg/l for MO and 5.77 mg/l for AS; dissolved oxygen increased from 0.35 to 0.51 mg/l and 0.70 mg/l for MO and AS; Magnesium reduced from 21.11 to 14.77 mg/l for MO, but increased to 29.07 mg/l for AS; Zinc increased from 1.19 to 6.15 mg/l for MO and 7.10 mg/l for AS, while Calcium increased from 2.02 mg/l to 5.09 mg/l for MO, and 3.09 mg/l for AS. The MO seed extract achieved a better reduction of pH and turbidity at higher dose while no distinct trend was observed in all the parameters when AS was applied. Doses of MO seed extract can be further optimized and applied as a low cost option for RW treatment.

Electrolysis using Pt/SS electrodes for aluminum recovery from drinking water treatment sludge

Alum sludge from the drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) of Surabaya City, Indonesia, potentially contains high aluminum and organic pollutant contents. Aluminum is sourced from the use of aluminum sulfate as a coagulant during the water treatment process. Whereas, the organic pollutant is from domestic and industrial wastewater discharges into the raw water source. Aims of this study were to characterize the alum sludge of the Surabaya DWTP, to determine suitable electrode materials and optimum electrical current for aluminum recovery using electrolysis. The sludge was characterized according to metal concentrations and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Cyclic voltammetry, a common method for determining appropriate electrode materials for electrolysis, was conducted to confirm platinum (Pt) and stainless steel A304 (SS A304) as suitable electrodes. A polarization test was applied to determine the current for electrolysis. Electrolysis using these electrodes was conducted in one compartment reactor for 6 h. The results showed that the sludge had high concentrations of aluminum and organic substance. The suitable anode and cathode in the electrolysis of acidified alum sludge at pH 3 were Pt and SS A304, respectively. Aluminum recovery efficiency was achieved at 300 mA (52.10%), in which metal impurities were low, and COD removal was 24%.

Synthesis of a moringa based coagulant functionalized by iron oxide nanoparticles

Currently, Zimbabwe as a whole has been facing economic challenges in various ways, and this has greatly affected the functionality of quite a number of industries. Taking into consideration of the water treatment industries, mainly all city councils have been facing difficulties in meeting the potable water demand due to lack of funds to purchase the highly expensive chemicals required for raw water treatment. This research serves to provide an alternative to the coagulant used in most water treatment facilities in Zimbabwe, with reference to the City of Gweru. A moringa based coagulant functionalized by iron oxide nanoparticles was synthesized consisting of a ratio of moringa seed extract and iron oxide nanoparticles in a ratio of 3:1. In addition to the economic benefits of the moringa based coagulant, it is also environmentally friendly. The amount of non-biodegradable sludge resulting from the use of aluminium sulphate can be reduced. The synthesized coagulant is partly organic due to the presence of the moringa seed extract, making it biodegradable. It also has magnetic properties due to the presence of the iron oxide nanoparticles. These can be separated easily from the organic part of the sludge through application of a magnetic field and reused again in the synthesis of the coagulant or for other purposes. Jar test experiments were carried out to determine the optimum dosage of the moringa based coagulant and also to compare properties of water treated with the magnetic coagulant to water treated with aluminium sulphate and moringa seed extract separately. The magnetic coagulant gave the best results with a minimum dosage of 45 mg/L. A turbidity removal of 91.5% and a pH of 7.04 was observed.

The Impact of Aluminum Polynuclear Hydroxo Complexes on the Impurity Coagulation in Natural Water

The effect of aluminum polynuclear hydroxo complexes on the coagulation of turbid and colored waters has been determined. The theoretical backgrounds regarding the expediency of forming mono– and polynuclear aluminum hydroxo complexes in coagulating natural waters of various composition were formulated. The joint use of aluminum sulfate and sodium hydroaluminate for the treatment of turbid and colored waters was analyzed; their efficiency was estimated in comparison with the basic coagulant. In addition, a hypothesis of the interaction mechanism of organic acids with polynuclear hydroxo complexes in the process of coagulating the colored water from surface water sources has been proposed.

Evaluation of using aluminum sulfate and water-soluble Moringa oleifera seed lectin to reduce turbidity and toxicity of polluted stream water

Aluminum salts are used as coagulants in water treatment; however, the exposure to residual aluminum has been associated with human brain lesions. The water-soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL), which is extracted with distilled water and isolated by chitin chromatography, has coagulant activity and is able to reduce the concentration of metal ions in aqueous solutions. This study evaluated the potential of using aluminum sulfate and WSMoL to reduce the turbidity and toxicity of water from the Cavouco stream located in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The water sample used (called P1) was collected from the stream source, which was found to be strongly polluted based on physicochemical and water quality analyses, as well as ecotoxicity assays with Artemia salina and seeds of Eruca sativa and Lactuca sativa. The assays combining WSMoL and aluminum sulfate were more efficient than those that used these agents separately. Furthermore, the greatest reduction in turbidity (96.8%) was obtained with the treatment using aluminum sulfate followed by WSMoL, compared to when they were applied simultaneously (91.3%). In addition, aluminum sulfate followed by WSMoL treatment resulted in residual aluminum concentration (0.3 mg/L) that was much lower than that recorded after the treatment using only the salt (35.5 mg/L). The ecotoxicity of P1 was also strongly reduced after the treatments. In summary, the combined use of aluminum sulfate and WSMoL was efficient in promoting a strong reduction of turbidity and ecotoxicity of a polluted water sample, without resulting in a high residual aluminum concentration at the conclusion of the treatment.

Ecotoxicity of raw and treated effluents generated by a veterinary medicine industry

Efluentes de indústrias farmacêuticas veterinárias, que formulam medicamentos, são gerados principalmente durante a lavagem dos equipamentos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade aguda para Daphnia similis e crônica para Ceriodaphnia dubia, dos efluentes brutos e tratados gerados por uma indústria farmacêutica veterinária. O sistema de tratamento de efluentes usado é composto por uma etapa de tratamento químico (coagulação-sedimentação forçada) seguida do tratamento biológico aeróbio (processo de lodos ativados). Foram realizadas 5 campanhas de amostragens entre outubro de 2011 e julho de 2012. As amostras de efluentes brutos apresentaram elevada toxicidade aguda e crônica (aguda: quarta campanha com CE50 - 48-h de <0,001% e crônica: terceira campanha com CI50 - 7d <0,0001%). As amostras de efluentes tratados quimicamente foram as mais tóxicas com CE50 - 48-h entre <0,001 e 0,1% e CI50 - 7-d entre 0,00001 e 0,0001%, provavelmente relacionada ao uso de sulfato de alumínio como agente floculante. O tratamento biológico levou a uma pequena diminuição da toxicidade dos efluentes. Os testes ecotoxicológicos foram adequados para detectar a toxicidade dos efluentes e úteis para avaliar a eficiência das etapas do tratamento. Melhorias no sistema de tratamento de efluentes da indústria estudada deveriam ser implementadas visando à redução da toxicidade observada nos efluentes finais.

Use of Aluminum Sulfate to Reduce pH and Increase Survival in Fingerling Striped Bass Production Ponds Fertilized with Nitrogen and Phosphorus

AbstractPrevious studies revealed inorganic nitrogen (300 μg/L) and phosphorus (30 μg/L) additions thrice weekly is effective in controlling the density of Prymnesium parvum, a flagellated haptophytic golden alga with ichthyotoxicity in fish culture ponds. However, increased pH resulting from this treatment is also toxic to fry and fingerlings of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. We evaluated the efficacy of aluminum sulfate (alum) in lowering pH in ponds fertilized for P. parvum control. The effects of alum on dissolved N and P concentrations, as well as the efficacy of this fertilization treatment for P. parvum control, were also examined. Striped Bass fingerlings (27.93 mm total length) were raised for 42 d in 10 plastic‐lined ponds (0.1 ha) fertilized for P. parvum control. Five ponds received alum applications at a rate of 1 mg/L for each 1 mg/L phenolphthalein alkalinity when afternoon pH was ≥9.0. The remaining five ponds served as controls and received no alum. Among alum ponds, morning pH was reduced by an average of 1.2 units and afternoon pH by an average of 0.8 units compared with controls. However, the alum treatment did not maintain afternoon pH below 9.0. Alum reduced concentrations of total P, soluble reactive P, total Kjeldahl N, nitrite + nitrate N, and total N but not ammonium N. The fertilization regimen was not as aggressive in controlling P. parvum in alum ponds as it was in control ponds, which may be attributed to N and P removal by alum. Striped Bass production was poor in all ponds, probably because of high pH. Future studies should investigate higher alum treatment rates (e.g., phenolphthalein alkalinity : alum = 1:1.5 or 1:2) along with modification of the timing or frequency of fertilization.

Performance of a Coagulant-Membrane Bioreactor for the Removal of Dissolved Organic Matter and Phosphorus

We report an investigation into the effectiveness of a hybrid membrane bioreactor (MBR) composed of an anoxic, non-woven fabric filter (NWFF)-aerobic reactor and an integrative microfilter (MF) with simultaneous dosing of a coagulant. Preliminary jar tests were conducted with four different additives (aluminum sulfate, FeCl3, FeSO4, and PACl) to observe the effects induced by changes in pH, alkalinity, soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), and PO43-P of the permeate on the NWFF-aerobic reactor. The use of aluminum sulfate improved performance as it related to SCOD and phosphorus removal in the amounts of 2.1 mol aluminum sulfate/mol PO43-P. In the hybrid MBR, the average total phosphorus removal efficiency of the entire system was as high as 79% with continuous addition of 100 mg/L aluminum sulfate. Three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (F-EEM) spectroscopy of the liquid samples from the MBR indicated the presence of humic-like organic matter, which was regarded as primary aromatic organics.

Short communication: Use of calcium sulphate dihydrate as an alternative to the conventional use of aluminium sulphate in the primary treatment of wastewater

The application of calcium sulphate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) as a coagulant-flocculant alternative to the conventional use of aluminium sulphate in the primary treatment of wastewater was evaluated using a jar test apparatus. Samples from the State Water Commission (CEA) in Queretaro, Mexico, were collected for the experiments. Turbidity and pH were measured before and after applying the calcium sulphate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O). Turbidity readings obtained for the doses of 4 g&#129;E.-1 of aluminium sulphate varied from 3.91 to 3.87. The corresponding water pH was 3.90, giving the water an acidic character. Use of aluminium sulphate in the clarification of wastewater, thus, has financial and environmental implications due to the need to raise the pH of the treated water to 6.5.8.5, the recommended optimum interval for the physical-chemical-biological removal of pollutants. By contrast, calcium sulphate di-hydrate (CaSO4&#129;E2H2O) (gypsum) doses of 1, 1.5 and 2 g&#129;E.-1 resulted in a pH of between 7.04 and 7.51 repeatedly. These findings suggest that the application of calcium sulphate di-hydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) as coagulant-flocculant, followed by the process of sedimentation, may be a suitable alternative for the clarification of wastewater. However, the turbidity reported for the same doses was 74.05, 80.5 and 74.5 NTU, respectively, well above the international standard of 5 NTU. The effect of gypsum on turbidity warrants further research.

Effect of alum (top-dressed and mixed) with rice hulls on pH and ammonia emissions from poultry houses

The use of aluminum sulfate [alum; Al 2 (SO 3 ) 4 ·14H 2 O] as top dressing to poultry litter has been proven in reducing ammonia (NH 3 ) volatilization under both laboratory and field tests; however, there has been no information of alum application in mixing methods from poultry litter or rice hulls. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effects of alum top dressed or mixed with rice hulls as litter management methods on pH and NH3 emissions. A total of 180 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 12 pens to a density of 0.07 m 2 /bird for 5 weeks, creating 4 replicates of 3 experimental treatments with 15 birds per experimental unit as a completely randomized design. The treatments included an untreated control, 100 g of alum (top dressing) and 100 g of alum (mixed)/kg of rice hull. In addition, alum treatment was usually applied by top dressing onto the rice hulls or fully mixed with the rice hulls. During the experimental period, pH and NH 3 emissions were significantly reduced by the two different methods of alum amendments (P 0.05) in pH and NH 3 emission were observed between the two different methods with alum for 5 weeks. The reduction in NH 3 emission from 100 g of alum top-dressed and 100 g of alum fully mixed with kg of rice hull at 5 weeks was 50 and 51%, respectively. In summary, these results indicate that “mixing” methods of alum as well as top dressing would serve as a suitable method for decreasing NH 3 emission, which resulted in lower pH. Key words : Alum, top dressing, mixing, pH, ammonia.

Effect of aluminum sulfate on litter composition and ammonia emission in a single flock of broilers up to 42 days of age

New alternatives are necessary if the environmental impact linked to intensive poultry production is to be reduced, and different litter handling methods should be explored. Among these, acidifying amendments added to poultry litters has been suggested as a management practice to help reduce the potential environmental effect involved in multiple flock cycles. There have been several studies on the use of aluminum sulfate (alum) and its benefits, but almost no data are available under farm conditions in Europe. An experiment with Ross 308 broilers from 1 to 42 days of age was conducted to evaluate the effect of alum on litter composition, the solubility of some mineral elements and NH3 emission during a single flock-rearing period in commercial houses located in southeast Spain. Broilers were placed on clean wood shavings in four commercial houses, containing 20 000 broilers each. Before filling, alum was applied at a rate of 0.25 kg/m2 to the wood shavings of two poultry houses, whereas the remaining two were used as control. Litter from each poultry house was sampled every 3 to 5 days. Ammonia emissions from the poultry houses were monitored from 37 to 42 days of age. In comparison with the control group, alum treatment significantly reduced the pH level of the litter (P < 0.001) with an average difference of 1.32 ± 0.24 units. Alum-treated litter showed, on average, a higher electrical conductivity than the control litter (5.52 v. 3.63 dS/m). The dry matter (DM) and total N and P contents did not show differences between the treatments (P > 0.05). Regarding the NH4+-N content, alum-treated litter showed a higher value than the untreated litter, with an average difference of 0.16 ± 0.07% (on a DM basis). On average, alum-treated litter had lower water-soluble P, Zn and Cu contents than the untreated litter. Alum noticeably reduced the in-house ammonia concentration (P < 0.001), with an average of 4.8 ppm at 42 days of age (62.9% lower than the control), and ammonia emissions from 37 to 42 days of age were significantly reduced by the alum treatment (P < 0.001), representing a reduction of 73.3%. The lower pH values might have reduced ammonia volatilization from the litter, with a corresponding positive effect on the building environment and poultry health. For these reasons, litter amendment with alum could be recommended as a way of reducing the pollution potential of European broiler facilities during a single flock cycle.

An experimental study on application of sticky rice–lime mortar in conservation of the stone tower in the Xiangji Temple

Sticky rice–lime mortar is one of the most important technological inventions in the Chinese architectural history. In this work, an experimental study on the application of sticky rice–lime mortar in conservation of the stone tower in the Xiangji Temple was performed by means of the property characterization, SEM, XRD and DSC-TG analysis. Our Results indicate that paper fiber is the most effective admixture to endure freezing–thawing cycles and increase the compressive strength of sticky rice–lime mortar, and the use of aluminum sulfate reduces the drying shrinkage values and increases the compressive strength because of the formation of ettringite in sticky rice–lime mortar. It is suggested that 6% aluminum sulfate or 3% paper fiber may be the appropriate admixture of sticky rice–lime mortar in conservation of cultural relics. Based on the results of laboratory experiment, the sticky rice–lime mortar with 3% paper fiber is selected as the grouting material for the conservation of the Xiangji Temple tower.

Evaluation of quality of drinking water from Baghdad, Iraq

This is a joint work between the Italian Red Cross and the Environmental Laboratories, Baghdad. The drinking water (DW) samples from 16 residential districts in Baghdad were chemically evaluated with reference to the raw water samples and water directly taken from the purification plants. In addition to the routinely measured parameters, 17 metals and 11 trihalomathane (THM) were measured. Generally, the samples of water analysed can be considered of good quality. The relatively high sulphate and aluminium contents results from the use of aluminium sulphate as flocculent. The ammonia and Nitrite concentrations were lower than the detectable limit, because ammonia is converted into chloramines and nitrite is converted into Nitrate during chlorination. This indicates no sewage contamination of the drinking water. The high chloride contents can be referred to the use of partially degraded hypo for the disinfection. The presence of THM's in the samples analysed is indicative of good disinfection process. The presence of these compounds is preferred better than bacterial contamination. The relatively high levels of zinc and iron have no impact on the quality of DW. Iron, however, was efficiently removed during the treatment, together with Manganese. Reference was done to the EU specification of drinking water regarding total hardness, chloride contents, sulphate, iron and THM's. As for the iron content, the original pH of the river water (7.5 and 8.0) ensures that Iron should not be present in soluble form at a detectable level. Corrosion of the pipes could be one of the reasons for the presence of iron. Key Words: Drinking water quality, heavy metals, sulphate, Aluminium, Trihalomethans, hardness.

Dyes from the leaves of deciduous plants with a high tannin content for wool

The aqueous leaf extracts of five different deciduous plants, namely, silver oak, flame of the forest, tanner’s senna, wattle and serviceberry, were used on their own and in combination with aluminium sulphate, stannous chloride and ferrous sulphate to dye wool by a simultaneous mordanting technique. The washing and light fastness properties of the developed shades were moderate to good. Based on the CIE 2000 spectral colour coordinate values (K/S, ΔL, Δa, Δb and ΔE), the developed shades were classified into four groups: yellow/brown, yellow, orange and dark grey. The use of aluminium sulphate gave medium shades (K/S = 8.24), while the stannous chloride and ferrous sulphate mordants provided deep shades (K/S = 30.5). Statistical analyses have shown that only the type of mordant and not the dye source significantly influenced the development of colour on wool. Hence, it was theoretically possible to use five selected leaves as a single mixture to produce four different colours on wool.

Effects of Liquid Aluminum Chloride Additions to Poultry Litter on Broiler Performance, Ammonia Emissions, Soluble Phosphorus, Total Volatile Fatty Acids, and Nitrogen Contents of Litter

Recent studies have shown that the use of aluminum sulfate [alum, Al2(SO4)3·14H2 O] and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) additions to animal manures are more effective than other chemicals in reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions and P solubility. Although the use of Al2(SO4)3·14H2 O has been intensively used in the poultry industry for many years, no research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of liquid AlCl3 on these parameters. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of applying liquid AlCl3 to poultry litter on 1) broiler performance, 2) NH3 fluxes, and 3) litter chemical characteristics, including soluble reactive P, total volatile fatty acids, and N content. Eight hundred broiler chicks were placed into 16 floor pens (50 birds/pen) in a single house for 6 wk. Liquid AlCl3 treatments were sprayed on the litter surface at rates of 100, 200, and 300 g of liquid AlCl3/kg of litter; un-treated litter served as controls. At the 2 lower rates, liquid AlCl3 treatments tended to improve weight gain and feed intake but had no effect on feed conversion or mortality, whereas the higher rate (300 g/kg of litter) had a negative effect on intake. Application of 100, 200, and 300 g of liquid AlCl3 reduced NH3 fluxes by 63, 76, and 76% during the 6-wk period, respectively, compared with the controls. Liquid AlCl3 additions reduced litter soluble reactive P contents by 24, 30, and 36%, respectively, at the low, medium, and high rates. Total volatile fatty acid contents (odor precursors) in litter were reduced by 20, 50, and 51%, respectively, with 100, 200, and 300 g of liquid AlCl3/kg of litter. Liquid AlCl3 additions increased total N, inorganic N, and plant available N contents in litter. These results indicate that liquid AlCl3 additions at the lower rates can provide significant positive environmental benefits to broiler operations.