Sachin A. Mandavgane

Development and Feasibility Analysis of Bagasse Ash Bricks

AbstractSugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), which is otherwise landfilled, was utilized to develop construction material that serves a purpose of disposal of solid waste management and energy efficient alternate construction material. SBA was characterized using particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM monographs show the rough surface with plenty of fine pores. XRF, XRD, and physicochemical properties of the SBA prove its suitability as a pozzolanic or cementitious material. TGA confirms thermal stability till 650°C. On the suitability of principal raw material, SBA–quarry dust (QD)–lime (L) bricks were developed with a constant composition of lime (20% by weight) and tested for physicomechanical (weight, dry density, water absorption, efflorescence, and compressive strength), functional (thermal conductivity, k), durability (chloride, sulfate, and carbonation), and environmental [toxicity charact...

Fruit peel waste as a novel low-cost bio adsorbent

Abstract Fruit peel waste (FPW) is abundantly available from the agricultural and food processing industry and has been studied in recent past as an adsorbent. This paper critically reviews the reported work and investigates various FPW-pollutant systems. The study includes statistics of FPW generation, modification, characterization, adsorption ability, recovery/regeneration, and modeling (isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics) of batch adsorption. It is found that orange and banana peels are the most extensively studied adsorbents, whereas Pb2+ and methylene blue are the most efficiently removed pollutants, the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms provide the best fit in most of the cases, and in general, pseudo-second-order kinetics is followed. There are very limited column studies and no report on commercial plant. Though the reproducibility of the results is poor, FPW has a great potential in the wastewater treatment due to its abundant and cheap availability. FPW can be used for removal of heavy metals and dyes; however, removal of organic and gaseous impurities needs further investigation.

Rice Husk Ash for Fast Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid from Aqueous Solution

Rice husk ash (RHA) is a rich source of micronutrients and improves yield, and is spread on agriculture lands as a farming practice. For the first time, RHA has been evaluated as an adsorbent for pesticide removal from aqueous solutions. RHA was characterized extensively by X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, BET surface area, CO2, H2O, N2 and SO2 (CHNS) analysis. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a commonly used pesticide, was chosen as a representative adsorbate for studying the effects of various parameters in batch adsorption. Compared with granulated activated carbon, RHA gave 10,000 times higher rate constant. Thus, RHA adsorbs 2,4-D instantly and stops its further transport through soil. On the basis of adsorption capacity, RHA dosage per hectare of land is recommended for different crops and fruits. Thus, RHA serves dual purposes: (a) as a source of micronutrients and (b) as an effective adsorbent for fast removal of pesticide, in addition to inhibiting groundwater leaching.

Thermal Performance Assessment of Recycled Paper Mill Waste–Cement Bricks Using the Small-Scale Model Technique

AbstractSmall-scale model houses were built with different masonry products in order to investigate the environmental performance of sustainable construction materials. Three model houses were designed and developed as per the standards one with recycled paper mill waste (RPMW)-cement bricks, another with fly ash bricks and the third with ferrocement wall panels. In order to assess the indoor temperature for these particular sustainable building materials, the temperature inside the model houses was monitored over the study location for the period of a year. The economic viability for the developed model houses was also analyzed. Wall surface temperature readings on the exposed south facade were used to estimate thermal conduction of the wall assembly. Detailed analysis revealed that the developed RPMW-cement brick model house was more thermally resistant and economical than the fly ash brick and ferrocement wall panel model houses. Energy efficient building minimizes energy consumption through the reduct...

Development of sustainable retrofitting material for energy conservation of existing buildings

Energy conservation in buildings plays a vital role for sustainable development of societies and nations. Although, newer buildings in developing nations are being constructed using energy conservation approach, existing buildings have higher energy demand to meet the desired comfort. Excessive energy demand for cooling the built environment is a major problem over most of the arid climatic zones. The problem is predominant in all the top storied buildings which are directly under exposed roof condition. In order to reduce the overheating of the roof surface a composite combination of reflecting-cuminsulating (R-I) material was developed. The sustainable materials viz., expanded polystyrene (construction waste), saw dust (industrial waste), and the false ceiling panels prepared from industrial waste were used for the development of sustainable RI material. The R-I material was retrofitted over the existing roof of a model room in an educational building over composite climate (Nagpur, India) and was analyzed experimentally for the period of a year. The thermal resistance of the overall roof assembly was increased from 0.28 to 0.55 m² K/W, which in turn helped to achieve 16% of the duration of the year under thermal comfort. The developed R-I material has also an advantage of low cost (INR 900 per sq. m.) of installation as well as light weight (50 kg/m²) retrofitting solution. The R-I product can further be applied on larger roof areas by the designers to reduce the cooling load of the built environment as well as increase the occupants comfort over the local climatic zone.

Valorization of potato peel: a biorefinery approach

Abstract Potato is the fourth main crop consumed worldwide and is an important constituent in the human diet. Consequently, potato is widely used in food-processing industries. However, these industries generate massive amounts of potato peel (PP) as a by-product, which is usually considered a waste, and is discarded. Interestingly, recent research suggests that PP is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can be converted into value-added products. In this study, we review the physicochemical composition and valorization of PP. In addition to being used as a dietary fiber or medicine, the value-added products obtained by the fermentation of PP have multiple uses, including their use as adsorbents, biocomposites and packaging materials. These products can also be used in energy production, biopolymer film development, corrosion inhibition and the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals. The biorefinery approach for PP will increase the value of this waste by producing an array of value-added products and reducing extensive waste generation.

Utilization of an Agro Waste, Groundnut Shell Ash, for Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

The work highlights efficient utilization of groundnut shell ash (GSA) for various applications. The production groundnut seeds average about 45,654 metric tons across the globe. Those seeds are used as a food material and for extraction of edible oil. The shells of groundnut seeds are waste, having a high calorific value so its potential is tapped in industries and boilers. Subsequently upon the utilization of biomass, the ash, which is produced, is of ample quantity needs to be addressed properly for its chemical, physical properties and its potential application. GSA is a rich source of micronutrients and improves yield, and is spread on agriculture lands as a soil additive. Groundnut shells are a rich source of fuel. From literature study it is evident that the GSA is used for various applications like stabilization of black cotton soil, adsorption, as a concrete admixture. For the first time, GSA has been evaluated as an adsorbent for 2,4-D removal from aqueous solutions and as a soil additive. GSA was characterized extensively by X-ray fluorescence, BET surface area and SEM image. Results of XRF analysis showed that GSA can be used as a rich source of micronutrients such as MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, K2O and CaO. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a commonly used pesticide, was chosen as a representative adsorbate for studying the effects of various parameters in batch adsorption. BET surface area is found to be 22 m2/gm. SEM image shows a very rough and irregular structure of the GSA surface. Batch adsorption experiment studied to find the effect of adsorbent dose, initial 2,4-D concentration, and equilibrium time. Based on the batch results dosages of GSA/hectare have been recommended for different crops to serve the dual purpose i.e., as an adsorbent and a soil additive.

Fundamentals of 2, 4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Herbicides are widely used in farmlands worldwide. However, after their application on farmlands, they accumulate in high amounts in continental and marine waters. Herbicides are endocrine disruptors, and are known to cause toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Besides, they also spoil the taste and odor of water bodies. To prevent these effects, it is necessary to perform an in-depth study on various herbicide removal methods. This review discusses the various methods of herbicide removal from aqueous body, using a commonly used herbicide (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) as a representative chemical. This paper includes a systematic tabulated review of all reported removal methods with important parameters and their mechanism. Adsorption, biological degradation, electrochemical treatment, Fenton degradation, oxidation, ozonation and photocatalytic degradation are investigated and compared for removal of 2,4-D. The advantages and disadvantages and the factors influencing selection of the aforementioned processes are discussed.

Use of Biomass Ashes in Agriculture with Reference to Farming Practices in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, India

As a regular farming practice in India, especially in Vidarbha, biomass ashes (BMAs) are spread on farmland. BMA forms a protective layer on the soil surface and acts as a barrier, thereby preventing direct contact between pesticides and soil. BMA acts: (i) as an adsorbent for removal of pesticides; (ii) as a soil additive and water enhancer, and (iii) as a micronutrient source for plants. In this study, paraquat, a representative chemical was selected to prove the hypothesis that BMAs are the most efficient adsorbents of herbicides used in Vidarbha. The adsorption capacity (mg/m) of BFA for removal of paraquat was found to be greater than that reported for natural adsorbents. Based on adsorption capacity, RHA and BFA dosages per hectare of land are recommended for different crops and fruits.