Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy最新文献

The present study accentuate the noteworthiness of ongoing research in evolving sustainable sugarcane juice evaporation technologies to help the non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) industry. Concentrated sugarcane juice (CSJ) is the raw material for the production of variety of value added products. A stepped solar still (SSS) could be one of the inexpensive solutions to evaporate water from sugarcane juice. In this study, a SSS having internal and external reflectors (SSS-IR-ER) is tested at 25 mL/min of sugarcane juice for obtaining CSJ. The thermo-enviro-economic performance of SSS-IR-ER unit is compared with SSS and SSS-IR (SSS having internal reflectors) units. The final brix content (^oB) of the CSJ obtained from SSS-IR-ER is found to be maximum (20.7 ^oB) which is respectively, 16.90% and 7.25% higher than those of SSS and SSS-IR units. The total distillate output (condensate) and heat transfer coefficients show similar trends as that of brix values, which proves thermal dominance of SSS-IR-ER unit. For SSS-IR-ER, the convective and evaporative heat transfer coefficients were found to be maximum as 3.89 and 73.78 W/m²°C, respectively. The average values of energy and exergy efficiencies for SSS-IR-ER were, respectively, evaluated as 55.25% and 2.7% which were also observed maximum among the tested units. SSS-IR-ER also found to command in environmental and economic aspects with maximum values of total productive cost ($0.218), CO₂ mitigation (14.93 tonnes) and carbon credit earned ($186.73). It is inferred that SSS-IR-ER is more economical and thermally efficient than SSS and SSS-IR units.

The application of a novel composite MIL88A(Fe)/TiO₂ for phenol removal in a new hexagonal photoreactor design was investigated. The unique hexagonal shape of the reactor increases the surface area available for irradiation, leading to more efficient removal of contaminants. The composite was characterized using X ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images to determine its properties. Photocatalyst dosage, reaction time, phenol concentration, pH, and mL H₂O₂/L PW (phenol wastewater) were chosen as effective parameters on the process. To plan an experiment and maximize phenol removal, the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied. Ideal conditions for optimum efficiency (95.96%) include initial phenol concentration of 58 mg/L, pH of 7.51, reaction time of 68.61 min, mL H₂O₂/L PW of 0.18, and catalyst dosage of 0.4 g/L PW. Trapping experiments prove that ˙O₂ and ˙OH produced in Fenton and photocatalytic processes are the predominant active radicals in this process. The kinetics was fitted with the first-order, second-order, n-order, and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models using nonlinear least squares techniques. The n-order model with n = 0.54 was found to be the most suitable model (R² 0.998), with a model constant of k = 0.11 (mol^0.46/L^0.46.s).

A promising optoelectronic device for light sensing in both the UV and Vis regions is fabricated. This device consists of a nanocomposite resembling coral reefs, termed AgI/polypyrrole-iodide (AgI/Ppy-I). The resulting nanocomposite exhibits a hierarchical structure wherein larger particles, comprising smaller particles ~45 nm and an optical bandgap measuring 2.4 eV, form a coral reef-like morphology. The sensitivity estimation of this constructed optoelectronic device relies on evaluating the current density (J_ph) values. Under illumination, a remarkable augmentation in current density (J_ph = 0.46 mA cm⁻²) with a promising value compared to the dark condition's 0.12 mA cm⁻². The optical characteristics of this nanocomposite make it highly conducive to efficient UV–Vis light sensing. The values of D (detectivity), reflecting the device's sensitivity, are notably high at 4 × 10⁸ and 3.82 × 10⁸ Jones in the UV and Vis regions, correspondingly. The potential of this photodetector is reinforced by the computed R-values, which denote the device's responsivity. With values of 1.8 and 1.72 mA W⁻¹ across these two optical regions, correspondingly, it showcases the nanocomposite's effectiveness in transforming incident light into electrical current. Moreover, the appeal of this photodetector extends beyond its performance characteristics. Its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, straightforward preparation methodology, scalability for mass production, and high stability collectively. The versatility of this material, coupled with its advantageous attributes, opens avenues for its widespread application, catering to the diverse needs of industries and contributing to the accessibility of efficient optoelectronic devices for a broader audience.

A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the factors that are effective in assessing people's attitudes toward e-waste pollution prevention. Reliability analysis, normality distribution analysis, correlation and regression analysis, independent sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed on the data obtained through IBM SPSS Statistics 25. In this way, it was determined to what extent the level of public awareness of e-waste, environmental concerns, empathy, and moral norms toward the environment are affected by socio-demographic factors. According to the study results, a significant relationship was found between environmental concerns, environmental pollution awareness, environmental responsibility, personal moral norms and educational status, and empathy and moral norms. In addition, limited growth, anthropocentrism, fragility of the balance of nature, educational status, and having children were also found to have a significant relationship with environmental concerns. However, a significant relationship was found between marital status and environmental concerns, empathy and moral norms. A significant relationship was also found between age group and empathy and moral norms.

Mining was considered as a dangerous job which has now turned into much safer employment with the development of automation and communication techniques in mines. In mining, the equipment, tools, and techniques have changed significantly and continue to transform. This review work explores numerous such emerging problems and opportunities in different mining circumstances. The occupational safety and health management methods, as well as risk control technology allied with the mining industry, includes day-to-day management of operations, identification and assessment of risks, premature warning and active risk monitoring, etc. The research work in the safe and sustainable environment reveals that the major accidents occur due to natural calamity, human error, the control of which would ensure a sustainable and safe working environment for miners to a considerable extent. The present study proposed a smart and sustainable framework for a safe and clean environment for emerging safety and ergonomics issues through automated mining concept. The proposed framework has been developed by reviewing the previous research work related to mine safety, mine hazard, health, ergonomic issues, and mine automation.

This study explores the adsorption potential of hydrothermally treated waste derived algal biomass for removing methylene blue (MB) dye. Synthesizing a modified hydrochar through hydrothermal carbonization (150°C, 35 bar) followed by NaOH modification, we observed enhanced thermal stability and distinctive chemical changes. Optimal conditions were determined at pH 6 and 1 h contact time. Soluble salts with cations were identified as impacting adsorption efficiency, with increased interference for higher cation charges. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) indicated a spontaneous and exothermic process, the calculated values (−5.417 to −6.907 kJ mol⁻¹, −29.0 kJ mol⁻¹, −73.8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹) aligned with this behavior. Adsorption isotherms favored the Freundlich model, revealing heterogeneous multilayer adsorption, with a maximum capacity of 97%. Kinetic studies supported the pseudo-first-order model. This detailed exploration provides insights into thermodynamics, kinetics, and the impact of adsorption parameters on MB removal, emphasizing the practicality of alkaline-modified hydrochar as an effective, sustainable adsorbent.

In winter, offices use heat pumps, electric heaters, and blowers to stay warm, but these use traditional energy that is not sustainable or eco-friendly. To meet the requirements of thermal comfort, an environmentally friendly and self-sustainable system was developed at Madhav Institute of Technology and Science in Gwalior, India. This system includes a heat exchanger, a flat plate collector, an evacuated tube collector, and a pump. Two versions of the system were tested: one with a heat exchanger and an evacuated tube collector (HEWETC) and another with a heat exchanger and a flat plate collector (HEWFPC). The results showed that the HEWETC system is better at heating the room and has higher efficiency compared to the HEWFPC system. The HEWFPC system is 12% efficient, while the HEWETC system is 21% efficient. The room stayed at a constant temperature of 26.3°C all day. The HEWETC and HEWFPC systems provided 0.46 and 0.55 MJ of heat to the room, respectively. During the heating season, the solar heat collected was 8030.38 kWh, and electricity used was 5229.7 kWh. The HEWETC system proved to be effective and suitable for heating the building.

Investigating the potential of magnesium oxide (MgO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and their composite nanoparticles as nutrient sources for enhanced microalgae biodiesel production formed the core of this study. Supplementing the growth medium with g-C₃N₄ and MgO/g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana) growth and lipid accumulation, culminating in a 58 mg/L lipid concentration. Interestingly, while MgO nanoparticles alone led to the highest biodiesel yield, the synergistic effect of MgO and g-C₃N₄ in the composite nanoparticles improved nutrient availability and facilitated optimal microalgae growth and lipid accumulation. These findings pave the way for further research and development of nanoparticle-based strategies to optimize microalgae-based biodiesel production, offering a promising avenue for a more sustainable and efficient future of biofuel generation. The results showed that the addition of 15 mg/L of MgO NPs produced the maximum biodiesel yield which reached 61.5 mg/L.

Solar thermal collectors, such as evacuated tube collectors (ETCs), are essential for harnessing renewable energy, yet their efficiency is often hindered by thermal losses and limited heat transfer. This study focuses on enhancing ETC performance for seawater desalination by using nanofluids as heat transfer fluids. These modifications aim to improve heat transfer rates, reduce thermal losses, increase the maximum temperature attainable, and minimize the collector area required. An experimental setup has been developed at Parul University in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Key parameters such as air mass flow rate, inclination angle, water mass flow rate, nanofluid volume percentage, and screw conveyor speed were optimized to achieve ideal temperature levels. Results indicate that the optimal configuration for steam generation includes a high air mass flow rate and a 40° inclination angle for the ETC. Additionally, a water mass flow rate of 10 LPH and a screw conveyor speed of 30 rpm are crucial for optimal performance. Data collected showed the highest solar energy levels between 12 PM and 1 PM, which significant decreases post this peak period. These findings highlight the potential of nanomaterial-based enhancements in improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar thermal systems for renewable energy applications.

The study aims to assess the feasibility of harnessing wave energy from the low-energy waves prevalent along the east coast of India, where wave energy converters (WECs) may not produce sufficient power economically. Vishakhapatnam port, located on the east coast, experiences such waves (period, T_p = 5 to 10 s, and wave height, H_s = 0.07 to 2.61 m). This study analyzes the performance of a two-body point absorber WEC and estimates the wave power using the parameters H_s and T_p. The hydrodynamic parameters were assessed in the frequency domain using the boundary element method, while the output power was estimated in the time domain using the open-source code WEC-Sim. The harvested power initially increased with the wave period, peaked at T_p = 7 s and H_s = 2 m, and subsequently decreased. This study highlights the potential of wave energy as a renewable resource for India, given its extensive coastline and untapped wave energy potential. It suggests that green energy firms should explore opportunities in regions abundant with wave energy to promote sustainable energy production and drive innovation in wave energy technology, thereby indicating avenues for future research in this domain.