Kumar Anupam

Artificial neural network modelling for removal of chromium (VI) from wastewater using physisorption onto powdered activated carbon

AbstractA three-layered feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) model has been designed to predict the adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity for the adsorptive removal of chromium (VI) from synthetic wastewater. The adsorbent dose, wastewater pH, initial pollutant concentration and contact time were used to develop the network. The data used to train and test the model were obtained from several batch experiments. Various algorithms and transfer functions for hidden layer were tested to find the most reliable network. Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) quasi-Newton backpropagation algorithm gave the most satisfactory results for adsorption efficiency. Resilient and BFGS quasi-Newton backpropagation were the most suitable algorithm for adsorption capacity. The best combination of training algorithm and transfer function for adsorption efficiency was found to be trainrp and poslin, while poslin produced simulated results within 10% deviation for adsorption capacity. Eight to eleven neurons...

Physicochemical, Morphological, and Anatomical Properties of Plant Fibers Used for Pulp and Papermaking

The plant fibers such as hardwood, softwood, grasses, annual plants and dedicated fiber crops, or those based on agricultural and industrial crop residues are the major raw materials for manufacturing different grades of pulp and paper through various processes. The processing of plant fibers into pulp and paper requires a comprehensive acquaintance of their physicochemical, morphological, and anatomical properties. Understanding the physical, chemical, morphological, and anatomical properties of plant fibers is significant in order to assess their potential toward production of pulp and paper. These properties reveal their techno-commercial suitability for pulp and paper, help in selecting the methods to be adopted for pulping and papermaking, and influence the physical as well as chemical properties of the pulp and paper produced. This chapter presents an overview of physicochemical, morphological, and anatomical properties of the plant resources that are being used as feedstocks for pulp and paper production.