Different techniques for the production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil

The production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil offers a triple-facet solution: economic, environmental and waste management. The new process technologies developed during the last years made it possible to produce biodiesel from recycled frying oils comparable in quality to that of virgin vegetable oil biodiesel with an added attractive advantage of being lower in price. Thus, biodiesel produced from recycled frying oils has the same possibilities to be utilized. While transesterification is well-established and becoming increasingly important, there remains considerable inefficiencies in existing transesterification processes. There is an imperative need to improve the existing biodiesel production methods from both economic and environmental viewpoints and to investigate alternative and innovative production processes. This study highlights the main changes occurring in the oil during frying in order to identify the characteristics of oil after frying and the anticipated effects of the products formed in the frying process on biodiesel quality and attempts to review the different techniques used in the production of biodiesel from recycled oils, stressing the advantages and limitations of each technique and the optimization conditions for each process. The emerging technologies which can be utilized in this field are also investigated. The quality of biodiesel produced from waste vegetable oil in previous studies is also reviewed and the performance of engines fueled with this biodiesel and the characteristics of the exhaust emissions resulting from it are highlighted. The overarching goal is to stimulate further activities in the field.     

Utilization of constructional lime as heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production from waste frying oil

Waste frying oil as valueless material which is disposed to environment can be used as a promising feedstock to produce biodiesel. In this study, constructional lime was used as alkaline heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production from virgin and waste frying oil. After determining the best activation temperature for the catalyst (600 °C), transesterification reactions were carried out at 65 °C, MeOH to oil molar ratio of 12:1, and 1 wt% of activated constructional lime under vigorous mixing for 5 h. Yield of reactions for virgin and waste frying oil (2.17 % free fatty acid) and pretreated waste frying oil (0.918 % free fatty acid) were 87, 93.9, and 94 %, respectively. Transesterification of virgin frying oil and pretreated waste frying oil were done at 65 °C, MeOH to oil molar ratio of 6:1, and 1 wt% of KOH as catalyst under vigorous mixing for 2 h, for comparison. Yield of the reaction was 98.6 and 95.1 %, respectively. Therefore, when constructional lime is used as catalyst pretreatment of waste oil is not necessary.     

Utilization of waste coral for biodiesel production via transesterification of soybean oil

In the present study, the waste coral was utilized as a source of calcium oxide for transesterification of soybean oil into biodiesel (methyl esters). Characterization results revealed that the main component of the waste coral is calcium carbonate which transformed into calcium oxide when calcined above 700 °C. The Box–Behnken design of experiment was carried out, and the results were analyzed using response surface methodology. Calcination temperature, methanol– soybean oil molar ratio and catalyst concentration were chosen as variables. The methyl ester content (wt%) was response which must be maximized. A second-order model was obtained to predict methyl ester content as a function of these variables. Each variable was placed in the three low, medium and high levels (calcination temperature of 700, 800 and 900 °C; catalyst concentration of 3, 6 and 9 wt%; methanol-to-oil ratios of 12:1, 18:1 and 24:1). The optimum conditions from the experiment were found that the calcination temperature of 900 °C, catalyst concentration of 6 wt% and methanol-to-oil ratio of 12:1. Under these conditions, methyl ester content reached to 100 wt%. The waste catalyst was capable of being reused up to 4 times without much loss in the activity.     

Modification of thermal and oxidative properties of biodiesel produced from vegetable oils

Trans esterification of three vegetable oils, sunflower oil, linseed oil and mixed oils as; sunflower-soyabean and olein were carried out using methanol, and potasium hydroxide as catalyst. The methyl esters of the corresponding oils were separated from the crude glycerol and characterized by physical-chemical methods to evaluate their thermal properties. This methods are determination of densities, cloud points, pour points, flash points, kinematic viscosities, hydrogen/carbon ratios, sulfur contents, ash contents and triglycerides. The physico-chemical characteristic of biodiesel treated with ozone showed improvement of pour point and flash point indicating higher degree of safety for fuel. Methyl esters mixed with their corresponding ozonated oil were subjected to comparison and evaluation for their thermal properties by the thermo gravimetric analysis differential thermal analysis from which the calculated heat of enthalpy and comparison with the heat of conventional diesel. The results showed that the oxygen content of biodiesel samples treated with ozone increased weight % and resulted in more extensive chemical reaction, promoted combustion characteristics and less carbon residue was produced. Gas chromatography appeared more suitable to address the problem of determining/verifying biodiesel methyl ester and showed that methyl ester content was impurity free. Ultra violet-detection was used for rapid quantization of triglycerols. From the analyses performed biodiesel treated with ozone modified the thermal and oxidative stability shown by the high combustion efficiency indicated by the high heat of enthalpy and reducing the emission of particulate matter.     

Development and evaluation of biodiesel fuel and by-products from jatropha oil

Biodiesel is an environmentally friend renewable diesel fuel alternative. Jatropha seeds can be a feedstock to produce a valuable amount of oil to be converted to biodiesel using transesterification reaction. Jatropha plant has been successfully grown in southern Egypt using primary treated municipal wastewater for its irrigation. Abench scale production of biodiesel from Jatropha oil (using methyl alcohol and sodium hydroxide as catalyst) was developed with methyl esters yield of 98 %. Biodiesel was produced on a pilot scale based on the bench scale experiment results with almost the same methyl esters yield of 98 %. The produced biodiesel was evaluated as a fuel and compared with petroleum diesel according to its physical and chemical parameters such as viscosity, flash point, pour point, cloud point, carbon residue, acid value and calorific value. The experimental techniques and product evaluation results show that such properties of the produced biodiesel are near to that of petroleum diesel. A mass balance representing the transesterification process is presented in this study. Glycerol of 85 % purity was produced and evaluated as a valuable byproduct of the process. Free fatty acids and sodium phosphate salts which have industrial interesting are also produced and evaluated.     

Protection of biodiesel and oil from degradation by natural antioxidants of Egyptian Jatropha

Residue of methanolic extract of Egyptian Jatropha curcas contains bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds, which succeeded to be used as natural antioxidants for the protection of oils and their corresponding biodiesel against oxidative deterioration. In the present work, the residue of Jatropha roots were extracted with methanol and resulting residues, were investigated regarding their content of total phenolic compounds by folin-Cioalteau assay. Further, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were characterized by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical method and proved remarkable results. Oxidation stability of Jatropha oil, used fried oil and olive oil and their corresponding biodiesel obtained by conventional transesterification were tested using thermal oxidation. Natural antioxidants such as (α-trocopherol), synthetic antioxidants as butylated hydroxytoluene and natural Jatropha root extract were used in the present study in comparison to investigate their addition effect on the oxidative stability of oils and their corresponding biodiesel. In the rapied thermal treatment test, results showed that addition of butylated hydroxytoluene 0.25 % was able to stabilize Jatropha oil 6 h, but poorly stabiliz biodiesel. Addition of 0.25 % α-trocopherol to Jatropha oil showed less oxidation stability after 2 h thermal treatment. Crude root extract addition at 0.25% to Jatropha oil showed good stability up to 4 h thermal treatment while addition of root extract at 0.25 % to biodiesel showed better stability up to 6 h thermal treatment. Besides addition of 220 ppm crude root extract to biodiesel was enough sufficient to occure oxidative stabilization. Also Jatropha root residue addition at 400 ppm was effective antioxidant for fresh Jatropha oil.     

基于模糊综合优化模型的地下水质量评价

在应用模糊综合评判法进行地下水水质评估中,存在地下水质量标准与方法要求的分级标准不匹配以及隶属度绝对化的问题。文中在模糊综合评判法的基础上,引入相对隶属度概念表征评价指标与水质标准间的模糊关系,从而建立起模糊综合优化模型。应用该模型对青岛市大沽河地下水源地水质状况进行评价和分析对比,研究结果表明,地下水质量标准符合优化模型对评判标准类型的要求,克服了传统模型存在的标准不兼容问题。指标实测值介于某中间等级时,该等级与左右相邻等级的相对隶属度值均大于0。与绝对的隶属度分布相比,优化模型拓展了指标在各等级隶属度的分布,真实反映了其相对的特征。水源地南部地区(监测井S1和S3)地下水的总硬度、溶解性总固体与其他特征污染物的含量均超过Ⅳ类水质标准,优化模型判定的水质等级也为Ⅳ类水,评价结果符合研究区的实际情况,表明优化模型是可靠的。     

Production of biosurfactant from Iranian oil fields by isolated Bacilli

Crude oil and water samples were collected from selected Iranian oil reservoirs. Experimental works were carried out in laboratory conditions. The samples have been grown on PYG medium and incubated at 30–80 °C. Thirty-six mesophile and thermophile bacterial strains have been isolated. All the isolates were able to grow at aerobic condition. Batch growth kinetic studies were carried out in a 500 ml. shake flask. Out of 36 isolated strains from 24 crude oil and water samples, 35 strains were gram positive rod. Shaped spore forming bacteria and one strain was coccid form. Eight out to 35 bacillus species were capable of producing surfactant. Production of biosurfactant was found to be cell growth associated. The ability of surfactant producing bacteria indicated by reduction of surface tension (ST) and interfacial tension (IFT) of the supernatant. Eight strains obtained the IFT reduction in crude oil, hexadecane, sucrose, glucose, fructose and mannose medium as a sole source of carbon and energy at 40 °C by 15–30 mN/m. Results showed that all the bacteria are producing more surfactant when glucose is the carbon source. Further screening of biosurfactant producer showed that three of the isolated strains resulted the maximum ST and IFT. Effect of temperature on these three isolates investigated at 30–80 °C, above 50 °C surfactant production was dramatically reduced. The isolated strains had the capacity to produce the surfactant at 3–5% NaCl a wide rang of pH (6.5–8.5).     

Preoperational assessment of solute release from waste rock at proposed mining operations

Environmental assessments are conducted prior to mineral development at proposed mining operations. Among the objectives of these assessments is prediction of solute release from mine wastes projected to be generated by the proposed mining and associated operations. This paper provides guidance to those engaged in these assessments and, in more detail, provides insights on solid-phase characterization and application of kinetic test results for predicting solute release from waste rock. The logic guiding the process is consistent with general model construction practices and recent publications. Baseline conditions at the proposed site are determined and a detailed operational plan is developed and imposed upon the site. Block modeling of the mine geology is conducted to identify the mineral assemblages present, their masses and compositional variations. This information is used to select samples, representative of waste rock to be generated, that will be analyzed and tested to describe characteristics influencing waste rock drainage quality. The characterization results are used to select samples for laboratory dissolution testing (kinetic tests). These tests provide empirical data on dissolution of the various mineral assemblages present as waste rock. The data generated are used, in conjunction with environmental conditions, the proposed method of mine waste storage, and scientific and technical principles, to estimate solute release rates for the operational scale waste rock.Common concerns regarding waste rock are generation of acidic drainage and release of heavy metals and sulfate. Key solid phases in the assessments are those that dissolve to release acid and sulfate (iron sulfides, soluble iron sulfates, hydrated iron-sulfate minerals, minerals of the alunite–jarosite group), those that dissolve to neutralize acid (calcium and magnesium carbonates, silicate minerals), and those that release trace metals (trace metal sulfides, hydrated trace metal-sulfate minerals). Conventional mineralogic, petrographic, and geochemical analyses generally can be used to determine the quantities of these minerals present and to describe characteristics that influence their dissolution. A key solid-phase characteristic is the mineral surface area exposed for reaction, which is influenced by mode of occurrence (included, interstitial, liberated) and the extent of mineral surface coating. Short-term dissolution tests can estimate the extent of hydrated sulfate minerals present. Longer term dissolution tests are necessary to describe the dependence of drainage pH and solute release rates on solid-phase variation. The extensive data compiled from baseline pre-development definition, the operational plan, solid-phase characterization, and dissolution testing are ultimately synthesized by means of a modeling exercise requiring considerable technical and scientific expertise. The predicted rates (model outputs) are expressed as probability distributions to allow assessment of risk. This exercise must be technically defensible and transparent so that regulators can confidently assess the results and evaluate the operational plan proposed. Technical and non-technical challenges involved in implementing such programs are identified to benefit management planning for both industry and government.     

Joint optimization of oil well placement and controls

Well placement and control optimization in oil field development are commonly performed in a sequential manner. In this work, we propose a joint approach that embeds well control optimization within the search for optimum well placement configurations. We solve for well placement using derivative-free methods based on pattern search. Control optimization is solved by sequential quadratic programming using gradients efficiently computed through adjoints. Joint optimization yields a significant increase, of up to 20% in net present value, when compared to reasonable sequential approaches. The joint approach does, however, require about an order of magnitude increase in the number of objective function evaluations compared to sequential procedures. This increase is somewhat mitigated by the parallel implementation of some of the pattern-search algorithms used in this work. Two pattern-search algorithms using eight and 20 computing cores yield speedup factors of 4.1 and 6.4, respectively. A third pattern-search procedure based on a serial evaluation of the objective function is less efficient in terms of clock time, but the optimized cost function value obtained with this scheme is marginally better.     

地下水水质监测与评价

地下水由于分布广、水质好且开发费用低而成为全世界重要的供水水源。中国北方生活供水的一半来自地下水,地下水也是干旱期重要的农业灌溉水源。然而,地下水水质日益面临来自农业、工业和城市污染源的威胁。地下水水质监测是评价水质状况最可靠的方法,并可作为供水水源保护的早期预警系统。它为水管理部门和水用户提供可靠的科学数据以便更好地管理和保护地下水资源。世界上正在执行两个巨大的地下水质监测和评价项目:一个是欧盟的水框架计划;另一个是美国的国家水质评价计划。文章评述了地下水水质监测的现状,介绍了地下水易污性评价、地下水污染源分级和地下水污染风险评价的方法。地下水易污性分区图是土地利用规划和供水水源保护的基础。地下水污染源分级结果为污染源治理提供了优先顺序。地下水污染风险分区图圈划出地下水污染的高风险区,为地下水资源保护和地下水污染监测提供重要的依据。     

Facile sorbent from esterified cellulosic sago waste for engine oil removal in marine environment

This article reports on the utilization of chemically modified cellulosic sago (MCS) from sago bark as a highly potential material for remediating oil spills in marine environment. MCS was prepared via incorporation of hydroxyl-rich cellulosic sago bark (CS) with fatty acid derivative. The sorption capacity, hydrophobicity, and lipophilicity of MCS and CS were evaluated. MCS exhibited higher total pore volume (0.012 cm³/g) and high hydrophobicity (60%) compared to CS. The oil spills adsorption studies was compared in batch system both in deionized water and seawater. MCS showed higher oil sorption capacity in deionized water after 60 min (MCS 3.0 g/g, CS 2.4 g/g). The maximum oil sorption capacity of MCS in dynamic seawater system was 5.7 g/g which was higher than CS (5.0 g/g). The results suggested that MCS is a potential low-cost natural sorbent which work best in the removal of oil spilled from dynamic seawater environment than deionized water.     

Treatment of vegetable oil mill effluent using crab shell chitosan as adsorbent

In this study, a naturally available crab shell chitosan of low molecular weight (20?kDa) has been used as adsorbent to evaluate the pollution load in vegetable oil mill effluent. A series of batch experiment was conducted by varying chitosan dosage (100?C400?mg), pH (2?C9), stirring time (15?C90)?min and agitation speed (25?C150?rpm) to study their effects on adsorption and flocculation processes. The parameters considered for adsorption study are chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity and turbidity. The maximum reduction in chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity and turbidity is 74, 70, 56 and 92?% , respectively. The observed experimental result showed that crab shell chitosan could able to reduce significantly the chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, electrical conductivity and suspended matter. The optimum conditions were estimated as 400?mg/l chitosan, pH 4 and 45?min of mixing time with mixing speed of 50?rpm. Chitosan showed very good pollution removal efficiency and can be used for the effective treatment of vegetable oil mill effluent.     

Water quality impacts from on-site waste disposal systems to coastal areas through groundwater discharge

This report summarizes research studies linking on-site waste disposal systems (OSDS) to pathogen and nutrient concentrations in groundwater with the potential to impact coastal embayments. Few studies connect OSDS to coastal water quality. Most studies examined pathogen and nutrient impacts to groundwater and omitted estimations of contaminants discharged to surface water. The majority of studies focused on nitrogen, with little information on pathogens and even less on phosphorus. Nitrogen discharged from OSDS poses the greatest threat to water quality. Vertical distance of septic tank infiltration system from the water table, septic system design, and siting remain the key components in minimizing potential impacts from OSDS for control of both pathogens and nutrients. The most comprehensive information connecting nutrient contributions from OSDS to surface water quality was the study conducted on Buttermilk Bay in Massachusetts where 74% of nitrogen to the bay was attributed to onsite disposal systems. In conclusion, further studies on the viability and transport of pathogens and nutrients through the groundwater aquifer and across the groundwater/surface-water interface are needed. Additional research on the importance of septic system design on the availability of contaminants to groundwater as well as the minimum distance between the septic system and water table necessary to protect groundwater are also indicated.     

基于信息熵的水文站网优化准则的应用与评价

将基于信息熵的四类水文站网优化准则,即熵-互信息(H-T)准则、联合熵-总相关(H-C)准则、联合熵-互信息-总相关(H-T1-C/H-T2-C)准则以及信息传递指数(TI)准则,应用于太湖西南山丘区雨量站网,对四类准则进行对比和评价。以2007—2016年日降水序列为样本,根据各优化准则,分别采用3种数值离散化方法计算站点秩次,分析秩次相关性、对多目标准则中指标权重的敏感性以及秩次年际变化。结果表明,H-C准则对应秩次的代表性最好,对指标权重的敏感度最低,秩次年际变化小;H-T2-C准则对指标权重最敏感,秩次年际变化显著。H-C准则有利于反映基于信息熵的基本优化原则(增大信息量和降低冗余度),而H-T2-C准则有利于体现决策偏好。     

Development of industrial waste disposal scenarios using life-cycle assessment approach

In this study, environmental impacts of industrial waste disposal of used lubricating oils and sulphur wastes scenarios have been investigated and modeled. The life-cycle assessment methodology was selected among the environmental impact assessment methods. In this method environmental issues and burdens were quantitated in order to facilitate the comparison. In this regard, options with the least adverse impacts were suggested. Functional unit of the study has also been defined as amount of used lubricating oils and sulphur wastes in terms of kilograms based on capacity of transitional barrel. Accordingly, the system boundaries were selected for life cycle of the wastes produced in sulphur unit of Tehran Oil Refinery. Since the main disposal method applied in Tehran Oil Refinery was transference to the municipal landfill, two incineration and landfilling scenarios were modeled for used lubricating oils and sulphur wastes by means of Simapro-7.1 software. Then, the outputs of these scenarios were compared in terms of the least environmental impacts by EDIP 2003 and Ecoindicator 99 methods. Finally, incineration scenarios were recommended as the most efficient ones.     

基于信息熵的水文站网优化准则的应用与评价

将基于信息熵的四类水文站网优化准则,即熵-互信息(H-T)准则、联合熵-总相关(H-C)准则、联合熵-互信息-总相关(H-T1-C/H-T2-C)准则以及信息传递指数(TI)准则,应用于太湖西南山丘区雨量站网,对四类准则进行对比和评价。以2007—2016年日降水序列为样本,根据各优化准则,分别采用3种数值离散化方法计算站点秩次,分析秩次相关性、对多目标准则中指标权重的敏感性以及秩次年际变化。结果表明,H-C准则对应秩次的代表性最好,对指标权重的敏感度最低,秩次年际变化小;H-T2-C准则对指标权重最敏感,秩次年际变化显著。H-C准则有利于反映基于信息熵的基本优化原则(增大信息量和降低冗余度),而H-T2-C准则有利于体现决策偏好。     

A social assessment of the Hebei-Spirit oil spill

This paper examines the early social consequences of the largest oil spill in Korea from December 2007 up to May 2008. The focus is on the social impact of the oil spill and its social implications in three major areas of oil spill response: (1) clean-up operations, (2) compensation, and (3) ecological impact. The paper highlights both the positive and negative consequences of the spill and the significance of the early social assessment to understand subsequent responses and adaptation in the long run.     

Multivariate water quality assessment from the Tamiraparani river basin,Southern India

The hydrochemistry of a perennial river has been investigated with multivariate cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA). The aim was to investigate parameters responsible for spatial and temporal variations of river water quality. Water quality was monitored along the river basin at 20 different sites over a period of 1 year from July, 2008 to June, 2009. Multivariate statistics revealed that Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, H₄SiO₄, SO₄ ^2?, NO₂ ^?, and PO₄ ^3? were influenced by seasonal and spatial variations and that water quality was in the first place determined more by natural weathering processes than by anthropogenic activities. We could prove by (a) Box and Whisker plot, (b) matrix scatter score mean plot, (c) ternary plot, and (d) Gibbs plot that the chemistry of river water is controlled by lithogenic weathering processes. The higher concentration of dissolved silica during summer and the pre-monsoon season is explained by natural and tropical climatic conditions of the environment.