Evaluation,characterization and analytical application of a new composite material for removing metal ions from wastewater

A new organic/inorganic composite based on polyacrylonitrile and stannic molybdophosphate (PAN–SMP) as an adsorbent was synthesized under various conditions. The physicochemical properties of this material were specified by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry studies. The synthesized material was found to be stable in demineralized water, in dilute acids, under gamma radiation up to the total radiated of 100 kGy doses and in high temperature up to 500 °C. Ion exchange capacity of the synthesized composite and its distribution coefficient (K _d) for several metal ions were determined. The results showed that PAN–SMP has a great affinity toward some metal ions such as T^l+, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, UO₂ ²⁺ and La⁴⁺. Based on the determined K _d values, two binary quantitative separations of metal ions (Cr⁶⁺ from Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ from Cu²⁺) have been achieved on columns of this ion exchanger. The ability of PAN–SMP to decontaminate low-level liquid waste was also investigated.     

Experimental study on the mechanical behaviour of a heat exchanger pile using physical modelling

This study aims to provide knowledge on the thermo-mechanical behaviour of heat exchanger piles, through a laboratory scale model. The model pile (20 mm in external diameter) was embedded in dry sand. The behaviour of the axially loaded pile under thermal cycles was investigated. After applying the axial load on the pile head, the pile temperature was varied between 5 and 30 °C. Seven tests, corresponding to various axial loads ranging from 0 to 70 % of the pile estimated bearing capacity, were performed. The results on pile head displacement show that heating under low axial load induced heave and cooling induced settlement; the pile temperature-displacement curve was found to be reversible and compatible with the thermal expansion curve of the pile. However, at higher axial loads, irreversible settlement of the pile head was observed after a few thermal cycles. The axial load profile measured by the strain gauges evidenced that the pile head load was mainly transferred to the pile toe. Nevertheless, thermal cycles modified significantly the mobilised skin friction along the pile. The total pressure measured at various locations in the soil mass was also slightly influenced by the thermal cycles.     

Reduction of environmental pollution through optimization of energy use in cement industries

Industrial development has lead to higher energy consumption, emission of greenhouse gases, as well as air pollutants. Cement factories play an important role in over all greenhouse emissions. This study aims to investigate the role of Iranian cement industries and their contribution of greenhouse gases contribution. The measured emission factors for oil and fuel gas shows that carbon dioxide contribution from fuel oil based cement industries is almost 2.7 times higher than gas based cement factories. The strength, weakness, opportunity and threat technique analysis showed that the best strategy to combat greenhouse gases from Iranian cement factory is to implement energy efficiency measures. Further, strategic position and action evaluation matrix analysis indicates that Iranian cement industries fall within invasive category. Therefore, exploitation of opportunities must carefully be used. One of these opportunities is the utilization of financial assistance provided by clean development mechanism. The results show that replacement of ball mills with vertical roller mill can reduce the electricity consumption from 44.6 to 28 kWh/ton. As a result of such substitution about 720 million kWh/y of electricity would be saved (almost a power plant of 125 MW capacities). Though implementation of new mills may not be economic for the cement industries’ owner, but the overall gain for the government of Iran will be about US$ 304 million. If the duration of such efficiency measure is considered as about 12 y, then the overall CO₂ reduction/phase-out would be around 4.3 million tons.     

Assessing and Modeling the Impacts of Wetland Land Cover Changes on Water Provision and Habitat Quality Ecosystem Services

Natural Resources Research - Understanding the spatial–temporal dynamics of wetland land cover (LC) changes and their impacts on ecosystem services (ESs) is essential for wetland conservation...     

The plane symmetric vacuum solutions of modified field equations in metric f(R) gravity

The f(R) theories of gravity have been interested in recent years. A considerable amount of work has been devoted to the study of modified field equations with the assumption of constant Ricci scalar which may be zero or nonzero. In this paper, the exact vacuum solutions of plane symmetric spacetime are analyzed in f(R) theory of gravity. The modified field equations are studied not only for R=constant but also for general case R≠constant. In particular, we show that the Novotný-Horský and anti-de Sitter spacetimes are the exact solutions of the field equations with the non-zero constant Ricci scalar. Finally, the family of solutions with R≠constant is obtained explicitly which includes the Novotný-Horský, Kottler-Whittaker, Taub and conformally flat spacetimes.     

Application of the FMEA in insurance of high-risk industries: a case study of Iran's gas refineries

The purpose of this paper is to categorize and analyze various risk factors in Irans gas refineries for insurance purposes. Using the failure modes and effects analysis method as a subset of probability risk assessment technique and gas refineries data for the period March 2011 till March 2012, risk priorities numbers are calculated from the perspectives of both the insured party (gas industries) and the insurer (insurance companies). Our empirical results indicate that various property damage risk factors embodied in gas refineries including fire, explosion, error and omission, and machinery breakdown are insurable risks. Risks of pressurized vessels defects are in safe category and can be tolerated by the industry owner. The policy implication of this paper for Iranian policy makers in the energy sector is that, gas refineries are insurable in the market with reasonable risk premium. Insuring gas refineries will definitely reduce capital losses which can otherwise be enormous for the economy in general and for oil and gas industries in particular.     

Collapse of a nonductile concrete frame: Evaluation of analytical models

The current paper presents nonlinear dynamic analyses that simulate shaking table tests performed on a four‐column reinforced concrete frame described in a companion paper. The frame consists of two ductile and two nonductile columns interconnected by a stiff beam. In order to validate existing analytical models for nonductile concrete columns, a blind comparison of the test data and results of the analysis is performed. The analysis adequately captures the drift response and correctly detects collapse of the structure; however, strength degradation due to cover spalling is exaggerated in the analytical model. Refinement of the analysis by changing the concrete cover model results in an excellent agreement between the test data and analysis results at the initiation of shear failure and collapse of the frame. The experimental data are further compared with lumped‐plasticity nonlinear models used in engineering practice. The results suggest that the sudden strength degradation used in ASCE/SEI 41‐06 results in an exaggerated estimate of the displacement demands. It is also observed that ignoring the strength degradation, using an elastic‐perfectly‐plastic model, provides a good estimate of the displacement demands when strength degradation is not severe. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sediment yield and soil erosion assessment by using empirical models for Shazand watershed,a semi-arid area in center of Iran

Natural Hazards - In Kuwait, the transport sector is facing a daily traffic congestion pandemic. The traffic congestion is significantly influencing the economy and obstructing the development and...     

Biomonitoring of Ni and V Contamination Using Oysters (Saccostrea cucullata) at Lengeh Port,Persian Gulf,Iran

Vanadium and nickel are two important indicators of oil pollution. Lengthy exposure to these elements causes serious harmful effects in human health, different harsh allergies being examples. The accumulation of two heavy metals (Ni and V) in sediment and the soft and hard tissues of Saccostrea cucullata were analyzed at three sampling sites along the coast of Lengeh Port, Persian Gulf. Results indicated at all the sampling sites; the Ni levels in soft tissues (STs) were higher than in the shells (SHs) and sediments, whereas the V levels were higher in the sediments. In addition, meaningful relationship (r = 0.65; p < 0.05) was observed across Ni levels in ST of S. cucullata and sediment, while for V concentrations a strong relationship (r = 0.83; p < 0.01) was found in SH of S. cucullata and sediment. This indicates that ST and SH of oyster can be considered as a biomonitoring agent for Ni and V levels, in coastal waters, respectively. The exposure of the consumer is compared directly to minimal risk level and provisional maximum tolerable daily intake. Result indicated that levels of Ni and V were within the safety limits for human consumption.