International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research

Biostimulation potentials of pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff on a diesel fuel polluted soil

Uko Gift, Oriakpono Iris Okunwaye, Obemeata Emmanuel Oriakpono — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The study was carried out to examine the biostimulatory effect of pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff on remediation of soil contaminated with diesel fuel. Different rates (0, 1 and 2kg) of pig dung and 1kg of oil palm fruit chaff and were applied to diesel fuel contaminated soils at (0, 1litre and 2litre /ha) of diesel fuel respectively were used. A total of twelve (12) treatments combination with three (3) replicates each summing to thirty-six (36) plots were used. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design. The soil physicochemical parameters that were examined are pH, total organic content (TOC), nitrogen (N), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N), phosphorus (P) CEC, TPH and PAH. The results for soil physicochemical parameters showed significant variations (P<0.05) in the levels of pH, phosphorus, Cation Exchange Capacity, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) associated with pollution and biodegradation occurring within the soils, the result shows high levels in total organic carbon (TOC) and Nitrogen. Soil analysis during the experiment revealed a general negative correlation coefficient implying enhanced remediation during the trial periods. The research has shown that pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff are good biostimulatory agent in the remediation and restoration of diesel fuel polluted soil.

Homemade copper-silver plates as an alternative for cleaning mercury-contaminated tailings from artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Colombia

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Over 300,000 artisanal and small-scale gold mining operate in almost all Colombia. Despite the poverty alleviation characteristic of the operations in rural regions, these practices have been affecting the environment and health of operators as well as neighboring communities, mainly due to the misuse of mercury and cyanide. The most impacting activity is when processing centers use cyanide to leach Hg-contaminated tailings. This generates toxic mercury-cyanide complexes that are not frequently removed from effluents, and it is very toxic for aquatic life. A study to remove metallic mercury from tailings before cyanidation was conducted with 300 to 500 kg tailings from 15 different mining sites in Colombia using homemade copper plates covered with an electrolytic layer of silver. The experiments resulted in an average of 63% of Hg removed, and a maximum of 85%. The final Hg concentrations in the tailings reached an average of 27 to 47 ppm (depending on the analytical method) from the original grades of 75 to 125 ppm. Mercury droplets from old tailings, with acid generation, were difficult to trap by the plates. The article gives a detailed description on how to make these homemade plates and set up a zigzag cascade configuration for better results. Additional methods to adsorb or precipitate mercury from the cyanide solutions are necessary and they have been discussed.

A preliminary study of direct observation and selected water quality monitoring in Putrajaya Lake: the status between October-December 2022

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The objective of this study was to provide the status of water quality based on a direct observation and selected water quality parameters (nitrite, ammonia, and pH) monitoring study between October-December 2022. Between October and November 2022, the levels of the above three surface water quality parameters were measured in 6 different sites throughout Putrajaya Lake. Observational pictures of the sites were also taken, and water samples were collected. In addition to the above observation and water quality monitoring study, the rainfall data was collected from 17th October 2022 to 11th December 2022, cited from the official website of Public Infobanjir (https://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my/?lang=en) at stations Sg. Anak Gajah and Sg. Limau Manis, was also used to understand the possible correlation. However, further studies are needed. It was found that the water quality status was in good condition, making Putrajaya Lake a safe and suitable lake for aquatic life and recreational activities between October -December 2022. This could be due to the sustainable practices and rainwater harvesting system already implemented at Putrajaya Lake. Putrajaya Lake's water quality monitoring and sustainability practices were well implemented. However, regular maintenance to provide acute monitoring of water quality data at Putrajaya Lakes is necessary in the future.

Environment risk and impact assessment of the use of mercury for gold mining in the Santurban Paramo area, Colombia

Angie Tatiana Ortega -Ramirez, Daniela Garcia Moreno — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Gold mining in the Santurban Paramo in Colombia contributes to the development and growth of the region by generating employment and income for the inhabitants. However, the benefits of this activity may be offset by the use of mercury in the amalgamation stage of gold production. Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic and harmful to the health of people who are directly or indirectly involved in gold mining and causes damage to the environment, such as deterioration of vegetation cover, harmful effects to flora and fauna in the Paramo, disappearance of endemic species, and reduced quality of natural resources (water, soil, and air). This research seeks to analyze the different environmental impacts and risks of inadequate handling of mercury in gold mining. To do so, the mining activity process and the area of influence were first characterized and evaluated. Next, soil and air mercury concentrations were measured in the mining areas considered under this study. In the municipalities of California and Surata in the Santurban Paramo, values between 160– 226 g/t of mercury were measured in the production plants. Finally, the environmental impacts were evaluated with the help of an environmental risk matrix, obtaining higher risk indexes in natural resource quality and effects on flora and fauna of the Santurban Paramo.