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International Journal of Energy and Water Resources
Number of Followers: 0  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 2538-3604 - ISSN (Online) 2522-0101 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Comparison of methylene blue sequestration potentials of unmodified and
Fenton’s modified plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels biomass-
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Abstract: Abstract The utilization of unmodified and Fenton’s modifies plantain peels biomass in the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution is here reported. Optimum modification for methylene blue sequestration was established by varying Fe2+/H2O2 ratio at different pH. Adsorbent’s characterization was performed by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The effects of contact time, initial dye concentration, dosage and temperature on the sorption process were investigated in a batch adsorption process. Optimum modification was achieved at ratio 1:200 Fe2+/H2O2 and pH 5. Characterization suggested the binding sites to be mainly the –OH and C=O groups. Morphology probe revealed improved surface roughness and porosity after modification. Sorption of methylene blue onto the modified sample was higher and faster (reaching about 97% removal at equilibrium time of 30 min) than onto the unmodified sample in which 84% removal was observed after 3 h. With concentration increase from 0.031 to 1.563 mmol/L at 30 ℃, uptake by the modified variant was enhanced from 0.0244 to 0.5907 mmol/L. Dye uptake decreased with increasing temperature. The kinetics of the process was best described by the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption and intraparticle diffusion as the probable rate-determining steps. Isotherm modeling showed good correlation with the Freundlich model, indicating heterogeneous and multilayered adsorption. Free energy values of about 7.0 kJ/mol and ΔH values of − 185.6 and − 542.422 kJ/mol for the unmodified and modified samples, respectively, suggested the involvement of both physical and chemical adsorption. In all, the modified variant presented itself as a better adsorbent.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Integration of statistical techniques in groundwater pollution
investigation in the Assin north and south municipalities, Ghana-
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Abstract: Abstract The majority of communities in the Central Region rely heavily on groundwater as their primary water source because anthropogenic activities like mining and agriculture have a negative impact on the accessible surface water bodies. This necessitates a detailed comprehension of the mechanisms that influence the groundwater quality for drinking, domestic, and other uses in the region. Within the Assin North and South Municipalities, multivariate statistical approaches have been used to evaluate the chemistry of groundwater, identify the geologic variables influencing the groundwater chemistry, and identify potential anthropogenic sources of groundwater pollution. The groundwater types in the region are CaMgHCO3, Mixed, NaCl, and CaMgSO4. While the factor analysis technique identified five variables that explained a total variance of 77.541%, the cluster analysis technique identified three clusters. Factor 1 contributed 28.25%, Factor 2 made up 20.791%, Factor 3 made up 16.583%, Factor 4 made up 6.404%, and Factor 5 made up 5.514%. The relationship between the variables and the strength of the associations was shown by the correlation approach. The study has shown that anthropogenic activities like improper pesticide application, galamsey, and improper waste disposal affect the chemistry of the groundwater in addition to natural processes like rock weathering, mixing processes, and ion exchange. The application of the multivariate statistical techniques in the examination of the hydrochemical mechanisms that regulate the chemistry and general quality of groundwater has proven the effectiveness of the techniques. The results of the study have demonstrated the value of multivariate statistical analysis in hydrochemical research.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Impact of thirteen run-of-river hydroelectric projects on land use land
cover and ecosystem services in Nepal-
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Abstract: Land use and land cover have a significant impact on microclimate and hydrological retroaction in watersheds centred on hydroelectric projects. However, major studies are limited to land use and land cover dynamics after the inception of the projects. The present study examines the environmental implications of thirteen small run-of-river hydroelectric facilities in Nepal before and after they were installed. The landscape areas for selected hydroelectric projects were acquired using a Digital Elevation Model and overlaid on Landsat images of 2013 and 2019. The study reveals that a substantial transformation of land use and land cover occurred during the chosen period. Settlement expansion was observed at the expense of barren land and agricultural land, green vegetation declined whereas water areas increased extensively in ten watersheds, subsiding in the remaining three watersheds and the ecosystem service values were found to increase by 9.95%. The highest contributing land use land cover class was water, followed by forest and agriculture land. This study presents evidence of physical impacts such as land transition and ecosystem service changes in the watersheds of hydroelectric projects distressing ecosystem elements and their functions. It also envisages integration of land use and land cover study and ecosystem service values in environmental assessment reports and suggests holistic methodology for accessing hydro-morphological aspects while maintaining equilibrium between environmental and development activities. Graphical abstract
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives in the
Arabian coastal seawater and freshwater samples-
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Abstract: Abstract Persian Gulf is a busiest sea area as a result of pollution by various oils and fossil fuels containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s). Nowadays, water pollution is one of the most serious issues globally. In the past few years, certain chemical pollutants, such as PAH’s caused environmental concerns. Industrialization plays a major role in water pollution as most of the industrial wastes and byproducts are dumped into the water untreated. The untreated waste contains potent chemicals often with severe effects on the living organisms exposed to them. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) method for the detection and extraction of PAH’s coastal seawater and freshwater samples collected from six different locations in the Sultanate of Oman such as Matrah port, Al Mouj Marina, Sohar port, Salalah port, Duqm port, and Falaj Daris. A total of 64 samples were collected from the selected locations and the samples was processed as well as extracted PAH’s with dichloromethane (DCM) twice. The DCM extract was passed through the silica gel column and evaporated by rotary evaporator and analyzed by LC/MS. The results showed the presence of four PAH’s such as acenaphthylene, benzo[a]pyrene, 1,2-benzanthracene, and indene. These PAH’s are present in almost samples. The highest concentration present were 0.1201 ppb of Acenaphthylene in Salalah port, 0.8377 ppb for Benzo[a]pyrene in Matrah port, 0.2297 ppb for 1,2-Benzanthracene in Duqm port, and 5.6734 ppb for Indene in Salalah port. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) standards, the PAH’s concentration in the collected sea and freshwater samples are above the permissible levels. Therefore, strict regulations must be adopted to control the PAH’s concentration in the sea and freshwater to avoid their negative effects on human being and marine ecosystems.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Appraisal of groundwater to risk contamination near an abandoned limestone
quarry pit in Nkalagu, Nigeria, using enrichment factor and statistical
approaches-
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Abstract: Abstract Statistical index analysis using, contamination factor, metal pollution index, enrichment factor, and ecological risk were successfully applied for the assessment of the impact of heavy metal contamination in groundwater resources within the study area. Fifteen (15) groundwater samples were obtained methodically around the abandoned quarry pit of the Nkalagu area. The samples were analyzed using the America Public Health Association standard (APHA) method. Results indicated that four components were generated from the principal component analysis; strong correlations were observed in the majority of the parameters. The Pearson’s correlation matrix calculated shows weak correlations. Deduction from the Pollution Index of groundwater showed that values were < 1, and were categorized into the following low, moderate, and very high pollution zones. Ecological Risk Assessment results revealed that the ecological risks associated with Cd, Fe, As, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, and Pb are generally low. The Contamination Factor of this study reveals that the entire parameters had a low concentration of < 1 in the entire study area except for HCO3 which had a concentration above 1(moderate contamination), and Fe (moderate contamination to considerable contamination). Pollution Load Index values imply that no pollution exists. Metal Pollution Index results in the entire groundwater sample in the study area are below 0.3, which signifies that they are in Class I and are said to be very pure. Hazard quotient order is Cd > Ni > Co > Cu > Mn > Zn > Fe. Hydrogeochemical characterization shows that HCO3¯ + CO3 and Na + K are the dominant ionic species; also, 80% of the groundwater resources in the study area are within the geochemical zone of 3, while 20% fall within the geochemical zone of 4 with a hydrogeochemical trend of HCO3¯ + CO3 > SO4 > Cl+ > Na+ + K+ > Mg+ > Ca+. Based on these results, pre-use treatment before use of the water resources is highly recommended.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Potential sites’ selection of groundwater zones using AHP and GIS-based
multi-criteria approach of Kolkata Municipal Corporation-
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Abstract: Abstract Water is the most important part of human life but urban expansion, population pressure, and climate change have affected water storage and increased water scarcity. Low infiltration rate and high building constriction have increased groundwater recharge. A high rate of urban expansion has reduced the water bodies such as lakes and ponds, which has demarcated the lack of groundwater shortage in Kolkata. Drinking water shortage, huge water use, and overflowing tube-well water are the main problems of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). This study is to find out the groundwater potential zone of the KMC area using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and MCDA analysis. AHP and pairwise comparison techniques are used to calculate weighted overlay using the criterion. The result of groundwater potential zones of the KMC area is showing a highly potential 20.645% (42.545 km2), medium potential 46.72% (96.275 km2), and low potential zones 32.638% (67.26 km2). The southern parts of KMC such as Behala, Tollygunge, Barisha, Jadavpur, and the Sodepur area have tube-well but the northern parts such as Dharmotala, Bowbazar, and Girish Park do not have any tube-well for groundwater shortage. Riverside, vegetated areas and open spaces are identified as high GWPZ. The result shows that eastern and southern parts are highly potential zones and northern and central parts are low GWPZ due to urbanization, high surface runoff, and low infiltration rate. Preparation, awareness and planning are needed for managing groundwater storage in the KMC area.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Delineation of groundwater potential zones through the integration of
remote sensing, geographic information system, and multi-criteria
decision-making technique in the sub-Himalayan foothills region, India-
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Abstract: Abstract The deficiency in groundwater resources worldwide is an alarming issue in the contemporary context, and hence it is significant to analyze the groundwater potential zones (GPZs). The spatial distribution of GPZs assists in identifying the areas with groundwater potentiality and scarcity. The sub-Himalayan foothills region of West Bengal is experiencing high demand for groundwater due to the expansion of anthropogenic activities. Thus, the present work intends to delineate GPZs through integrating remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique in the sub-Himalayan foothills district of West Bengal in eastern India. Many predominant thematic criteria (N = 9), e.g., hydrogeology (HG), elevation (EV), slope (SL), drainage density (DD), lineament density (LD), geomorphology (GEOM), soil (S), annual rainfall (AR), and land-use land cover (LULC), were applied to manifest a reliable outcome. The resulting GPZs map demonstrates ‘moderate’ groundwater potential zone (GPZ) that encompasses all over the parts of the district, covering the highest area (i.e., 73%), while the ‘very good’ GPZ has the lowest extent, observed only in the south-eastern part. Furthermore, micro-level (block-wise) assessment of GPZs has been conducted and illustrated that Mal, Matiali, Rajganj emphasized 8.45%, 6.93%, 4.67%, respectively, areas with ‘low’ groundwater potentiality. In comparison, only Dhupguri block shows very high (only 1.22%) potentiality in the south and south-eastern parts. The produced GPZs map is validated through the acquired data of various dug wells and groundwater fluctuation from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB). The GPZs were also statistically verified through ROC-AUC assessment, and the result shows that 71.50% area falls under the curve. The findings of the work will be helpful for planners, policy-makers, government agencies, and stakeholders to design sustainable and environment-friendly planning for the concerned region.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Spatio-temporal factors influencing coliform and Escherichia coli
contamination in gross pollutant trap and wetland inlet, Putrajaya,
Malaysia-
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Abstract: Abstract This study investigated the spatial and temporal pattern of total coliform (TC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the associated influencing environmental factors at GPT and lake inlets. Understanding these patterns is necessary in order to support management action in controlling pollution from urban stormwater systems. Water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and turbidity were measured in-situ over a week at four gross pollutant traps (GPT) and four inlets in Upper Bisa Wetland, Putrajaya. Water samples were collected using a Van Dorn sampler and analysed for TC, E. coli, total phosphorus and chemical oxygen demand. The parameters were analysed against spatial and temporal factors. The abundance of TC and E. coli varied between sites and storm water systems with the mean highest values recorded of 162,2857.1 CFU mL−1 and 64,364.3 CFU mL−1 respectively—high density residential landuse. Temporal variations had an impact on the abundance of TC and E. coli; E. coli abundance varied daily. The abundance of E. coli was higher during dry periods while the abundance of TC was higher during the wet periods. However, no clear variation of the selected faecal indicator bacteria between morning and evening. Total coliform and E. coli were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with temperature. The main predictor of E. coli variation was GPT-inlet, TC, chemical oxygen demand and day. The presence of E. coli indicated inputs of sewage pollution possibly from the surrounding catchment and urban runoff. Continuous monitoring and maintenance of the GPTs are necessary to control pollution.
PubDate: 2023-12-01
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- Water Quality Index to ascertain the tanker water quality in a Bangalore
rural area: a case study-
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Abstract: Abstract The current work aims to assess the Water Quality Index of the supplied tanker water in Kudlu village of Bangalore, India. The area is heavily dependent on water supplied by tankers, since groundwater is scarce. Water tankers supplying water in the area claim the supplied water to be of drinkable quality. Water samples were collected from four tankers supplying water in the area for a period of 18 months, from September 2021 to February 2022. These samples were subjected to physicochemical and microbiological characteristic analysis. Heavy metals were also characterized for the collected samples. Water quality indices was calculated using 18 parameters, namely chlorine, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, total hardness, conductivity, temperature, sodium, potassium, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, heavy metals, such as iron, zinc, lead, arsenic, copper, and cadmium. The results indicate that the calculated WQI for most of the months is > 50, hence unsuitable for drinking purposes. Microbiological contamination with the bacteria E. coli was also noted for some samples for a few months. Hence, the water supplied by the commercial tankers in this area is not suitable for direct consumption and must be treated by boiling or filtering before usage. Correlation parameters were also calculated for the physicochemical parameters for all the average values obtained for all the collected water samples.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
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- Assessment of stream flow variability in response to the changes in
climate, rainfall, and water demands: assessing stream flow variability in
Thiba sub-basin-
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Abstract: Abstract Stream flow variability was evaluated in response to changes in climate, rainfall, and water demands. Water evaluation and planning system with monthly timesteps calculations was used to compute water situation, and parameter estimation tool used in calibration of the model. Model was calibrated using Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, coefficient of determination, and Percent Bias, attaining values of 0.86, 0.85, and 6.64; while the validation coefficients were 0.90, 0.88, and 1.08, respectively. Climate evaluation scenarios under representative concentration pathway 4.5 and 8.5 predict mean rainfall to be 1420.1 mm and 1332.2 mm, and mean temperatures of 18.8 °C and 19.1 °C, respectively, at the end of 2050. The results show a non-significant increase in rainfall and significant increase in temperatures. Both pathways predict greatly variable decreasing mean discharge by the end of 2050. This variability is attributed to the increase in water demand and temperatures in the face of decreasing rainfall. The best-case and worst-case scenarios predict total water demands to increase to 201,903 and 204,302 billion cubic meters per year, respectively. Water consumption will increase from 77.0 \({\mathrm{m}}^{3}\) per capita per day in 2021 to 85.2 \({\mathrm{m}}^{3}\) per capita per day, and a 30% increase in unmet demands in all sectors. Results indicate that climate change will significantly impact water resources under the rising water demands, change of land uses, and varying discharge. Mitigation efforts will result in better flows compared to no intervention. Detailed study linking groundwater to surface water will help to understand the problem better.
PubDate: 2023-11-22
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- Application of risk assessment technology to characterize radiation and
chemical hazards when drinking spring water-
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Abstract: Abstract The article presents the results of assessing the radiation and chemical hazards of drinking water from springs in the city using computational methods for assessing health risks. Different scenarios of water consumption are considered: water was settled for 3 days and consumed immediately after selection. The total ɑ- and β-activity and the activity of radon in spring water were established, the effective dose of radiation was calculated, and the lifetime risk of oncological diseases in the population was assessed. The calculation method determined the chemical risk (for chemical elements of a carcinogenic nature) and the hazard index, taking into account 18 chemical elements, the concentration of which was determined in water. A comparison of radiation and chemical risks for public health has been carried out. The lifetime carcinogenic radiation risk due to the radioactivity of radon dissolved in water and its decay products is estimated at 9.5 10−4. Similar risk of a carcinogenic nature from heavy metals present in spring water is 1.52 10−4. The calculated hazard index for somatic diseases of a non-cancerous nature is 0.40, that is, it is below the acceptability level (less than one).
PubDate: 2023-11-13
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- Assessment of water quality changes and HFE-D studies in Thamirabarani
River, Thoothukudi district, Southern India-
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Abstract: Abstract In research, the surface water quality of the Thamirabarani River in Thoothukudi was assessed. The sediments of this Thamirabarani River basin contain river alluvium, coastal terraces, and quartzite meta-sedimentary layers. The geographic information system study may decide on the spatial map analysis based on the quality of the water samples, which are classified as low, medium, or high, indicating that the water from the study is suitable for drinking and agricultural use. In the hydrochemical examination of water samples, the WHO 2017 standard as well as the geochemical parameters pH, EC, TDS, and other geochemical parameters were employed. According to the identification of this zone, the compounds found in this area were classified as Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+, and the anions as Cl−–HCO3−–SO42−. In general, river water is pure and has low salinity and alkalinity levels. Water used for irrigation and agriculture in the study area has levels of chloride and bicarbonate. The presence of Ca2+–Cl−–SO42−, Ca2+–Mg2+–Cl−–SO42−, Na+–Cl–SO42−, and Na+–Cl−–HCO3−–SO42− in river water indicates that quartzite, gneissic, and charnockite interact with other rocks and with water. The hydrochemical facies evolution diagram (HFE-D) can be used to determine the amount of fresh and salty water in river water. This study will provide an ecological basis for protecting and preserving the local river environment in the Thamirabarani River Basin in a way that is both sustainable for drinking and agricultural purposes.
PubDate: 2023-11-08
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- Factors affecting the quality and performance of bio-briquette produced
from biomasses via thermo-physical processes: synthesis-
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Abstract: Abstract Bio-briquette has been regarded as an eco-friendly, carbon–neutral, renewable, biodegradable, greener, low emissive or smokeless, and an alternative source of energy that can supersede traditional charcoal, fuel wood, and coal. It can be synthesized from biomass materials via densification or thermo-physical processes. Biomass densification or briquetting is a process of transforming biomass feedstocks into bio-briquettes via compaction pressure providing solid fuel with better physical attributes and high energy content per unit volume of biomass thereby ascertaining the ease of product handling, transportation, and storage. This study acquaints insight into factors or operational variables affecting the quality and performance of bio-briquettes produced from biomass. The main influential factors involved in the briquetting process include initial moisture content in the biomass feedstock, types and compositions of the biomass, particle size, types and concentration of the employed binding agent, solid-to-binder ratio, the magnitude of applied compression pressure, types of the employed briquetting technology, and final moisture content in the produced bio-briquette. These operational variables should be controlled appropriately and optimized to carry out densification or transformation of biomass materials to obtain the bio-briquette with good combustion characteristics and desired product quality (i.e., high energy content per unit volume, dimensional stability, mechanical strength, and durability) at a minimal possible cost of operation.
PubDate: 2023-11-08
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- Quality and efficiency assessment, health issues and management practices
of pond sand filter water in coastal Bangladesh-
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Abstract: Abstract PSF is developed to purify surface (pond) water to meet the domestic consumption in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. The objectives are to assess PSF water quality through WQI, HEI, HPI and HI; assess filtration efficiency through 18 parameters; health issues and management practices of PSF water in two coastal areas of Bangladesh. Khontakata (Bagerhat) and Helatala (Satkhira) Unions are purposively selected from shoreline (A) and inland (B) area based on the distance from the coastline of the country. Total 64 samples (equally distributed between PSF and the respective pond) from 16 sampling locations are experimented with 18 physio-chemical and heavy metals to accomplish the study. Furthermore, four FGDs are also conducted with a predetermined checklist to understand the health issues and current management practices of PSF. The study reveals that all heavy metals are within the permissible limit for all sampling locations except one station (only lead) of inland village. Mean of WQI, HPI and HIadult follow the reducing trend and HEI, HIinfant, HIchild follow the increasing trend from shoreline to inland area. Therefore, it is argued that 50% water samples from both A and B areas are categorized into ‘good’ based on WQI. In addition, HEI results show that 60% and 83.33% water samples from A and B areas are categorized into ‘no effect’ and ‘slightly affected’, respectively. Depending upon HPI, 40% and 83.33% water samples from these areas are categorized into ‘slightly affected’ and ‘no effect’, respectively. About 90% and 70% water samples (shoreline) and 100% samples (inland) are unsafe (HI > 1) for child and adult. Ultimately, human health may deteriorate for long-term consumption of contaminated water. Finally, FGDs claim that people participate in maintenance and operational activities willingly; sometimes, it will not be possible because of village politics or grouping among the households. The owner of the pond is dedicated to perform the necessary repairing and operational activities in the shoreline area, but people of the inland area are fully dependent on government aid or financing. In this regard, intensive care and frequent checkup along with cooperation and coordination among different stakeholders may ensure the better performance of PSF.
PubDate: 2023-11-02
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- Bottleneck analysis of lithium and boron recovery technologies from oil
and gas produced water: a conceptual approach-
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Abstract: Abstract Lithium (Li) demand is projected to increase shortly due to vehicle electrification, especially light-duty vehicles for personal transport. Although lithium is abundant on the surface of the earth, lithium is mainly extracted from salt-lake brines. New production routes could become available with the advancements of lithium recovery technologies from low-concentration brines, such as seawater and produced water from the oil and gas industry. In the case of produced water from the oil and gas industry, lithium recovery could be coupled with removing boron (B), a chemical with environmental limitations in water concentration for disposal or human consumption. In this case, lithium could bring revenue for the process while solving the issues of boron concentration in disposed or consumed produced water. This study developed a qualitative bottleneck analysis methodology based on experts’ opinions to analyze direct lithium and boron recovery technologies. In the results, experts were able to group 62 variables into 8 classes: technical parameters, fluid parameters, decision variables, quantification variables, and impact variables. In the bottleneck analysis, 5 technical risk pathways have been identified: the microemulsion issue, the concentration issue, the efficiency issue, the market issue and, finally, the environmental legislation issue.
PubDate: 2023-10-31
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- Hydro-geochemical evolution, quality, and health risk assessment of
groundwater in crystalline basement aquifer in Keffi, Nigeria-
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Abstract: Abstract Hydro-geochemical evaluation of groundwater in the near-surface basement aquifer in the Keffi area was assessed for its quality and its associated human health risk. Physico-chemical properties of groundwater samples from 15 motorized boreholes were collected and analyzed. Measured physical parameters reveal the groundwater to be slightly acidic to neutral with pH values in the range of 5.7–7.3, electric conductivity values in the range of 50–360 µS/cm, and total dissolved solids between 32 and 275 mg/L. The result of the chemical analysis reveals the mean concentration values of the major cations and anions in the order of Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO32−. The study area is characterized by three main water types (Ca–HCO3, Na–Ca–HCO3, and Ca–Mg–Cl), with Ca–HCO3 water type constituting 66.7% of the total groundwater samples, while the Na–Ca–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–Cl account for 26.7% and 6.6%, respectively. Silicate weathering, dilution, ionic exchange, and mineral dissolution of aquifer minerals are found as the dominant factors responsible for groundwater quality. Major contributions to health indices of groundwater in the study area are in the order Fe > Pb > Cu > Mn > Zn > Ni for adults and Cu > Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe > Ni for children. The computed hazard index value for all sampled locations in the study area is below unity (< 1) with relatively higher values for agricultural areas and built-up sections with poor sanitation.
PubDate: 2023-10-30
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- Application of geospatial techniques and analytic hierarchy process in
delineating ground water potential zones: a case study from the South
Eastern part of Bihar, India-
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Abstract: Abstract Climate Change is becoming an inevitable truth of the present time which is affecting the availability of water all over the world. Groundwater which is one of the most precious sources available on the Earth is used for drinking, industrial and agricultural purposes. There are regions where people depend upon rainwater for their agricultural activities as they are not able to utilize properly the unexplored groundwater resource. Hence, it becomes important to delineate ground water potential zones. Geospatial techniques like Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) have been applied to explore the ground water potential of the area. In the present study, geology, rainfall, lineament density, drainage density, slope, soil type, and land use land cover data of the South Eastern part of Bihar, India have been processed in GIS to mark the ground water potential zones using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Overlay Method. Around 51.63% and 47.08% of the total study area fall in the categories of ‘Good’ and ‘Fair’ possibilities of ground water potential zones, respectively, whereas only 0.64% and 0.65% fall in the ‘Poor’ and ‘Excellent’ chance categories. The ground water potential zones of the area have been validated using data from 29 groundwater-level-monitoring stations. Among these data from 19 stations are fully valid, 08 are partially valid and 02 are not valid for the pre-monsoon period. The data from 13 stations are fully valid and 16 stations’ data are partially valid for the post-monsoon period. It has been observed that ground water potential zones can be delineated using AHP and GIS and also validated using groundwater level data. This is a reliable technique that may be applied to explore groundwater resources in inaccessible areas. It may be further utilized for the proper management of groundwater resources.
PubDate: 2023-10-17
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- A critical analysis of the comparative techniques of aquifer protective
capacity studies in part of Southeastern Nigeria-
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Abstract: Abstract An extensive assessment of aquifer vulnerability was conducted utilizing the DRASTIC, GOD, and IEC techniques to improve understanding of the behaviour of the hydrogeological resources in and around Owerri to contamination. The approach adopted for the aquifer vulnerability studies included a combination of hydrogeological data, parameter ratings, and vertical electrical soundings. These techniques used were adopted with the objectives of defining the influence of contaminant infiltration on the electrical resistivity data of the subsurface, assessing the aquifer’s vulnerability to pollution from the surface, determining the aquifer’s geometric properties, estimating the time of contaminant percolation, and defining groundwater protection zones. Owerri and environs is defined by a relatively level terrain, moderately high groundwater recharge, the predominance of sandy facies with little clay intercalation, and the occurrence of gravel in some areas. Near already-existing boreholes within the study area, forty (40) vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out utilizing the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The VES data were analyzed and processed using a combination of computer iterative modelling and curve-matching techniques. Based on the deductions from all the models utilized in this study, the research region is a zone of moderate to high vulnerability. Sand and gravel units contain very little clay and clay-sized particles, which may indicate that the units’ capacity for absorption is limited. The GOD model revealed that 5% of the study area displayed low vulnerability, 90% displayed moderate vulnerability, and the remaining 5% was characterized by high vulnerability. The DRASTIC model revealed that 30% of the study area is of moderate vulnerability (within a range of 101–140), while 70% of the study area fell under the zone of high vulnerability (within 141–200). The vulnerability index revealed by the IEC method was further used for comparison. It was found to be < 500 mS, indicating extremely high vulnerability, and a percolation time of several months, indicating that it would take a contaminant at the surface several months of infiltration to reach the aquifer. The groundwater vulnerability map produced from the integration of the models revealed that Owerri and its vicinity are of moderate to high vulnerability, indicating a high sensitivity to groundwater pollution.
PubDate: 2023-10-10
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- Drainage holding capacity and wetland classification of three basins at
Obuasi in Ashanti Region, Ghana-
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Abstract: Abstract Wetlands are water-logged depressions bounded by elevated landscape; its environments and potential usage defined its specific diversity. This research seeks to characterize three wetlands designated as; Kyrika Waterfall Wetland (KWW-Basin), Ahonfena Stream Wetland (ASW-Basin) and Apitikoko-Awura Upstream Wetland (AUW-Basin) at Obuasi, Ghana. The specific objectives are to; (1) assess the drainage holding capacity of the wetlands using bathymetry methods, (2) classify the wetland using existing classification schemes with vegetations data. Site maps for the study were generated from aerial photographs. Clinometer semi-extensible pole (Clino-SEMP), water marks on trees, rocks and hydrophytic plants were used for bathymetry survey, while nested quadrants sampling method was used to sample herbaceous plant, shrubs and trees in the strata. Flora was categorized into wetness index, based on flora coefficient of wetness and species dominance. Physicochemical status of soil and water samples were analyzed, using PCE Redox meter model PCE-PHD 1-R on the field. Bulk density and porosity of cored soil samples were analyzed for various depths at the Laboratory. KWW-Basin, ASW-Basin and AUW-Basin are − 669,240 m3, − 232,997 m3 and − 1,026,187 m3; Similarly, geomorphology is characterized by riverine nature as; upper perennial, intermittent and lower perennial, while wetness indexes are; 0.599, − 0.039 and 0.689, respectively. Lowest wetness index corresponds to highest wetness plant taxa, moisture content, porosity and least bulk density. Finally, classifications based on standard criteria, qualify KWW-Basin as Inland Riverine Upper Perennial Facultative Upland Wetland; AUW-Basin as Inland Riverine Intermittent Facultative Wetland-Upland Wetland; and ASW-Basin as Inland Riverine Lower Perennial Facultative Upland-Obligate Wetland.
PubDate: 2023-09-27
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- Developing and designing a smart cladding for UK existing building
envelopes to improve thermal performance-
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Abstract: Abstract The design of a building’s envelope can considerably affect the building’s energy performance. However, finding the best building envelope parameters to achieve the optimal design in respect to the energy performance is a complicated task. Therefore, some different methods have been developed to optimize building envelope parameters to achieve better thermal behaviour and energy consumption. Many types of smart claddings and kinetics have been developed, but their details remain unclear and unstructured. The smart cladding discussed in this work is defined as an integrated sustainable tool to control energy consumption regarding comfort parameters. These parameters directly affect the occupant’s behaviour, and considering these parameters helps to achieve better practical results. This paper aims to design a control system process and its supporting theory, to develop a model of smart cladding. In order to clarify the theory (methodology), related calculations are provided based on formulations. The obtained data was validated by the carrier hourly analysis program (HAP) v4.90. During the design of the mentioned control system, effective parameters are investigated; such as glazing ratio, visual comfort and the effect of dwelling occupation on heat transfer. The research took into account both full-time and part-time employment as two separate time periods during the day. The energy consumption was evaluated regarding different parameters, such as visual comfort and occupation period; and the results show a heat transfer reduction of approximately half. Consequently, the smart cladding’s design increased energy savings by 45%.
PubDate: 2023-09-26
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