Sustainable Development in Energy and Environment

Globally utilized  gaseous fuels such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were found to be hazardous to handle which needs to be replaced by a renewable source of energy known as biogas. Biogas contains methane, carbon dioxide in larger proportion than nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, oxygen and methyl mercaptans making it comparatively eco-friendly. Normally, biogas is produced from sources like agro-wastes, household wastes and biological sources such as algae at domestic level using small bio-digesters and biogas plants. The production process of biogas is comparatively more economical than other fuels. Although the generation of biogas lessens the pollution caused in soil and water, some disadvantages like high water content and chemical composition do exist. This study focuses on the comparative analysis of the production of biogas from biological sources and results with an extensive detailing about diverse parameters that enhance biogas productivity, employment and its current analysis.

The present investigation aims to produce an alternative fuel in the form of biofuels from cassava and sweet potato by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Sweet potato and cassava are one of the richest sources of starch for production of bioethanol. The work highlights the novelty factor of coupled reaction stage in the production of bioethanol. Amylase-producing fluorescent pseudomonads was isolated, and the process parameters were optimized to get maximum ethanol yield. The dry matter ratio of cassava as well as sweet potato to water from 1:10 to 1:2 (w/v) was studied, respectively. Fresh raw materials were dried at 50 °C and assayed. At ratios of 1:6, similar results for both sources in terms of ethanol concentration (30–35 g/L), fermentation time (24 h) and complete sugar conversion were found. The results showed that sweet potato is a suitable source which showed significantly higher ethanol production yield.

In this research paper, the structural integrity of a laminated FRP composite shell is evaluated for certain types of applied loads and made the design of such structure reliable. The selected materials are CFRP, GFRP and KFRP. Finite element simulation is performed to model failure of FRP laminate loaded in-plane axial tensile load. The stacking sequence of the laminate is [90/-45/45/0]. Seven failure criteria modes (Tsai–Wu anisotropic, Tsai–Wu orthotropic, Tsai–Hill, Hoffman, modified Tsai–Hill, Azzi–Tsail–Hill and Norris) are used to predict the failure in the laminate composite. The analytical values of failure index and safety factor for certain failure criteria are calculated based on the theory. The analytical results of Tsai–Wu orthotropic, modified Tsai–Hill and Hoffman criteria, the failure index and safety factors are compared with COMSOL Multiphysics. The safety factor indicates how close the component is failed. The Hoffman safety factor at the mid-plane is close to failure as expected because of its orientation, where fibers are perpendicular to the loading direction.

Biodiesel has its unique role in the field of renewable, biodegradable and alternative source of energy due to energy crisis and fuel demand. Biodiesel consists of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) produced from various lipid sources in which municipal primary sewage sludge acts as a potential substrate for lipids. The primary sludge consists of the mixture of floating grease and solids collected at the bottom of the primary settling tanks after screening and grit removal. In this study, biodiesel is produced from municipal primary sewage sludge using CZO nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite is characterized under UV–VIS spectrophotometer, FTIR, XRD and FESEM. The synthesized copper-doped zinc oxide nanocomposite has an average size of 18.54 nm. The XRD pattern indicates the substitution of zinc oxide in the hexagonal lattice of copper nanocomposite. The maximum yield of biodiesel was 84% obtained. The concentration of nanocomposite was 8% (w/w) concentration at 60 °C temperature and 40 min reaction time considered as optimum. Hence, good catalytic activity and reusability of nanocomposite prove copper-doped zinc oxide as a potential heterogeneous nanocomposite for biodiesel production from sewage sludge.

Shape memory alloy has self-expansion capability to act as a stent in the medical application. It does not require the insertion and inflation of a balloon system to give them the desired shape. The finite element simulation has been done for the SMA stent at low stress levels. The SMA stent is prepared with a dimension more than the desired artery value. Due to the change in temperature, the SMA has the ability to adopt with the body temperature. The material partially transforms from austenite to martensite phase at low stress levels. The yield stress increases, so the force applied by the stent on the inner of the artery increases. After crimping, the stress is concentrated at the infer face of the bend. Comparing the phase change results that heating to body temperature of SMA has two effects: The maximum stress becomes far higher because the limit stress has increased and has the zone of transformation has reduced that reverse transformation has partially occurred.

This study aims to compare and investigate the efficiency of different membrane filters used in the clarification of the ready to drink Grape juice. Various membranes like Whatman 41, Whatman 1, nylon membrane, syringe polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane were compared with the electrospun nanofiber membrane. The use of these membranes showed a huge difference on their physical, chemical, biological and nutritional value of the grape juice. The filtrate collected was tested for the formation of sediments as it affects the nature and quality of the juice. The consumability of the pasteurized and unpasteurized juice was analyzed by the physical and chemical properties like specific gravity, total soluble solids (TSS), sediment analysis, total color difference (TCD) and pH, total phenols, anthocyanins, total acidity and vitamin C, respectively. The electrospun nanomembrane can be commercialized as it retains the visible and bioactive properties during filtration and reduces the sediment formation during pasteurization of the grape juice.

This paper analyses composite laminate failure mode under various environmental conditions. The FRP laminate is subjected to forced vibration. The composite laminate of CRFP, GFRP, and KFRP has been compared for better utilization of composites. The laminate is made up of three-layer sequence [90/45/0]. The delamination occurs between second and third layers of the laminate modeled using the layerwise theory. The frequency response analysis of the composite plate is performed under bending and twisting loads and the response of the plate in terms of impedance and transverse velocity is measured at different points on the plate. The finite element simulation is carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics^® tool. The impedance at any point in the structure under forced vibration is calculated as the ratio of the force to the velocity of that point. At lower frequencies, there is no much changes in the impedance level. At higher frequencies, the impedance of the delaminated plate is deviated from the intact plate. This gives the ample guidance to identify the structural impedance using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques using high frequency waves.

In the present-world scenario, synthetic dyes play a major role in most of the industrial sectors for various purposes. Although they meet up higher demands, they equally pose a threat by increasing the rate of water pollution and several environmental risks due to lack of proper treatment methods for the disposal of these dyes. One of the most effective replacements for these dyes are the natural pigments produced from eco-friendly and degradable biological sources. Thus, the production of natural pigments have an increased demand in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and textile industries. These natural pigments can be produced from various sources like plants, microorganisms, and marine-algae which contain bioactive compounds that have been used for the treatment of chronic diseases. This review investigates the production of natural pigments using current technologies and summarizes the challenge towards natural pigment production. It also discusses the biological properties of natural pigments with its application in different fields.

Sprouted millets are excellent sources of energy-yielding compounds, and their nutrients are highly bioavailable. Also, herbs and spices are best known for their health-benefitting properties and give flavors aroma and taste, respectively. By combining all the three basic raw materials of the product along with natural gluten substitutes like Xanthan gum or wheat flour itself would serve as a better valuable option to substitute unhealthy maida noodles. The preliminary experiments were conducted with the ratios of millet flour and wheat flour as 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:3, 3:2, 2:1, 3:1 which were found from one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT). Also, 30 different trails obtained from response surface methodology (RSM) were performed. From the results of the above experiments conducted, further tests were carried out by mixing two parts of the millet flour along with three parts of the wheat flour as this ratio was found to have better sensory attributes and more nutritional values (majorly protein, fiber, fat, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamins). The sensory evaluation was conducted among individuals and groups by using 9-point Hedonic scale. Proximate analysis was carried out for the optimized nutrient-rich herbal noodles.

Mycotoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolic products of molds, which affects a twenty-five percentage of the world’s food crops, including many foodstuffs and animal feed. Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic, mutagenic, immunosuppressive, and carcinogenic toxins. Analysis of aflatoxins forms an important tool in the control strategy, as these toxicants can never be removed hundred percentage from the food supply. Earlier aflatoxin detection is critical to prevent this toxin from entering the food chain and improve food safety. Hence, this present study was taken up to develop a PCR-based method for identification of aflatoxin in groundnut samples. Groundnut samples were checked the presence of the aflQ gene. PCR assay revealed the presence of aflatoxin producing aflQ gene in 12 out of 55 samples tested. The occurrence of aflatoxin in the groundnut samples was confirmed by LC-MS analysis.

In this research paper, the laminate composite structure is analyzed using first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT-ESL). This model is treated as a heterogenous laminated composite as a statically equivalent single layer. It reduces a 3D continuum problem to an equivalent 2D problem. The CFRP and GFRP composite materials have been selected for analysis. The laminated composite shell is modelled using a layered linear elastic mode. The different boundary conditions and point loads are applied to the configuration. We have verified the material properties of bending stiffness, flexibility matrices, mid-plane strains in case of unit loading and response to unit change in temperature is verified. The laminate has [0/60/-60/0/0/-60/60/0] stacking sequence. Both layered linear elastic model and first-order shear deformation theory have been verified with the finite element simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics software tool.

Industrial effluents are the most pivotal contributor of liquid pollution. Inorganic heavy metal-based pollution is espoused with deleterious effect on surface water bodies and groundwater environment. One of the major heavy metal in effluent, Chromium and cadmium possesses significant higher levels of toxicity than other valence states and are critical pollutant as they causes various health issues. Some aquatic plants have been studied for their application in bioaccumulation of heavy metals from wastewater. In this study, the most common aquatic plants includes Anubias barteri, Hydrilla verticillata and Ceratophyllum demersum were chosen. We found that apart from H. verticillata, A. barteri and C. demersum also removes both chromium and cadmium with a considerable efficiency. They can help in revegetating our freshwater sources.

This study reports a novel approach for improved biomass with an altered fatty acid profile in Myxosarcina sp., freshwater cyanobacterium by the supplementation of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD). Experimental investigations showed a noticeable increase in biomass productivity (1.5 folds) than normal BG-11 medium with no significant changes in the total lipid content. Also, the fatty acid profile of Myxosarcina sp. grown in α-CD supplemented BG-11 medium resulted in a total increase (1.2 folds) of monounsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, a significant increase (13.4 folds) in NADP-IDH specific activity was found with 3 mM α-CD supplemented BG-11 medium. In addition, homology modeling-based predicted 3D structure of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) of Myxosarcina sp. and molecular docking of α-CD to IDH revealed molecular interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this work reports a simple strategy for improving biomass using α-CD as an effector an with altered fatty acid profile in Myxosarcina sp. for the first time.

In this paper, a generic experimental investigation procedure was developed on mechanical characterization and testing of glass fabric/epoxy material under uniaxial tensile loading condition. The problem faced with the current alloys was cost and weight are high, and it has less corrosive resistance. Their weight to strength ratio is low. In order to eradicate that problem, composite should be replaced for that application mainly due to low density, low cost, renewable, biodegradability and also have the comparable higher mechanical strength. To understand the material characteristics, the composite material is fabricated as per the ASTM standards using hand layup method, and it is tested on Universal Testing Machine (UTM) for getting mechanical properties. The unidirectional elastic properties such as elastic modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio and strength parameter like ultimate tensile strength, shear strength values were calculated from the experimental data, and it is compared with the other metallic and polymer materials, and the results were correlated with Finite Element Tool ABAQUS^®. The results show the considerable improvement in the mechanical strength.

Bitumen of VG-30 grade is a common satisfactory binder for flexible pavement in tropics. Bitumen when mixed with other additives exhibits poor performances under moist and temperate conditions. Under varying temperature, traffic loads and volume and wet conditions, the pavement becomes less durable. The addition of polymers to bitumen has shown increased performances in interfacial properties of flexible pavements and also become cost effective. The local milk pouches used by Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation’s (OMFED) are of low-density polyethylene display excellent additive properties of bitumen as a good stabilizer for flexible roads made of bituminous concrete, bituminous macadam roads and mastic asphalt for stones. Present study envisages the optimization of polythene percentage in bituminous concrete using Marshall’s technique applying 5, 10 and 15% replacement with shredded OMFED pouches. The tests conducted are to find maximum specific gravity, penetration, ductility, softening point and flash and fire tests. It is observed at 10% replacement of the shredded OMFED polythene pouches give the optimum result. The search also stresses upon logical and advanced method for augmenting the use of the OMFED polythene garbages, reduces polythene waste and helps in maintaining a sustainable environment.

Dyes are extensively used in textile, leather tanning, pigment, and other sectors. Discharges from these industries put the environment and human health at risk. So, there arises a need for effluent remediation and research in this field has gained a huge attention in recent times. A number of conventional methods are available viz., biological, chemical, and physical methods, each with its own share of merits and demerits. Nanotechnology has significantly gained momentum in the dye effluent treatment and has emerged as a fast-developing promising field. Nanomaterials for dye treatment are being considered because of their efficient and reliable way.

The present study explores the applicability of endoskeleton powder from cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) as an adsorbent for removal of chlorpyrifos, a noxious pesticide which causes neuronal disorders in human by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. The physiochemical properties such as surface area, particle size, elemental analysis, functional group analysis of the adsorbent were studied. The maximum adsorption capacity of cuttlebone powder was 131.5 mg g⁻¹. It was found that intra-particle diffusion is not a rate limiting step in adsorption. In fixed bed column adsorption studies, the effect of initial chlorpyrifos concentration, column bed height and feed flow rate on breakthrough curve was analyzed. The breakthrough point and exhaustion point appeared faster at higher column bed height and lower flow rate. Higher initial chlorpyrifos concentration reduced the time of breakthrough and exhaustion point. The experimental data fitted very well with Yoon–Nelson and Thomas models than that of Adams–Bohart model. Overall, 98% of pesticide removal was achieved at initial chlorpyrifos concentration, 0.4 mg L⁻¹, bed height, 10 cm and flow rate, 1.0 mL min⁻¹