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One-Pot Synthesis Green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Immobilized On Activated Carbon Derived From Pineapple Peel For Adsorption Of Pb(Ii), Vienna Saraswaty, Evyka Setya Aji, Ardi Ardiansyah, Ayu Hanifah, Nathania Puspitasari, Shella Permatasari Santoso, Sandy Budi Hartono, Chandra Risdian, Elsy Rahimi Chaldun, Henry Setiyanto

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The current study introduces a one-pot technique for synthesizing an environmentally benign and cheap composite adsorbent, namely ZnO-PPAC, for the adsorption of Pb(II). The designated adsorbent was prepared by incorporating green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on activated carbon-derived from pineapple peel. The prepared adsorbents were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and BET techniques. The XRD pattern verifies that the ZnO was successfully synthesized and immobilized onto the PPAC in a one pot synthesis system. The surface areas of ZnOPPAC and PPAC adsorbents were 13.62 m2/g and 961.96 m2/g, respectively. The FTIR evaluation of the ZnO-PPAC adsorbent revealed several …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Renewable Heterogeneous Catalyst Zno Supported Biogenic Silica From Pineapple Leaves Ash For Sustainable Biodiesel Conversion, Nadila Pratiwi, Suriati Eka Putri, Yulia Shinta, Arya Ibnu Batara, Diana Eka Pratiwi, Abd Rahman, Nur Ahmad, Heryanto Heryanto

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study reports on the first case of the low-cost and environmentally friendly ZnO/SiO2 heterogeneous catalyst from pineapple leaves ash (PLA). Catalyst shows excellent performance in catalyzing the transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) with methanol for biodiesel conversion. This study focuses on assessing the influence of Zn content on physicochemical characteristics, using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption methods. In addition, three different Zn content levels (20, 25, and 30 %wt) were applied. The results showed that all ZnO/SiO2 samples exhibited characteristics suitable for use as catalyst with an average crystallite size of 31.83-34.15 nm, and a surface area …

Valorization Of Spent Vetiver Roots For Biochar Generation, Sameer Neve, Dibyendu Sarkar, Manas Warke, Teresa Bandosz, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Vetiver root is widely used to produce essential oils in the aromatherapy industry. After the extraction of oil, the roots are disposed of as waste. The central objective of this research was to explore the conversion of this waste into a resource using a circular economy framework. To generate biochar, vetiver roots were pyrolyzed at different temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C) and residence times (30, 60, and 120 min). Analysis showed the root biochar generated at 500 °C and held for 60 min had the highest surface area of 308.15 m2/g and a yield of 53.76%, in addition to …

Lead In Paint-Contaminated Residential Soils With Varying Physicochemical Properties From Three Large Us Cities: Assessment Of Geochemical Forms And Recommendations On Amendments For Immobilization, Hadeer Saleh, Dibyendu Sarkar, Washington Braida, Steve Larson, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Lead in yard soils has been recognized as the principal source of excess lead absorption among young children. The hazard imposed by soil lead is dependent on the geochemical forms of lead in soils. Soil properties such as pH, soil organic matter, clay, and carbonate content influence the geochemical forms of lead in soil. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between soil properties and the geochemical speciation of lead in lead paint-contaminated residential soils from three major US cities. A comprehensive field survey was conducted, involving the collection of soils from ten houses in each of the cities: …

Hazards And Perceptions Of Cigarette And E-Cigarette Waste, Jossalyn Rogalski

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Eggshell-Alginate Composites (Eacs) As Eco-Friendly Adsorbents For Rhodamine B Uptake From Aqueous Solutions, Rusnadi Rusnadi, Mar’Atus Sholihah, Nurrahmi Handayani, Muhammad Ali Zulfikar

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The contamination of wastewater by Rhodamine B (RhB) poses a significant environmental concern due to its negative impacts on aesthetics, ecosystems, and human well-being. This study successfully synthesized eco-friendly egg-shell-alginate composites (EACs) as adsorbents by combining alginate solution, eggshell powder, and a 2% CaCl2 solu-tion. Characterization techniques including FTIR, SEM, TGA, and SAA were employed to analyze the EACs. FTIR analysis revealed characteristic absorption peaks corresponding to -OH groups, C=O groups, C-O groups, and the pres-ence of CO32-. The structural analysis confirmed the physical mixture of functional groups from eggshells and alginate, resulting in a homogeneous EACs mixture. TGA analysis …

Comparative Analysis Of Soil Properties, Microbial Community Composition, And Yield Responses To Cover Crops In Different Ecoregions Of South Texas, Daphne Zapsas

Theses and Dissertations

Comprehensive understanding of soil properties, their interdependencies, and the effects of management practices is crucial for designing sustainable agricultural strategies. By adopting site-specific and need-based practices that enhance soil health, farmers can optimize crop growth, increase yield, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. Cover crops have been recognized for enhancing soil fertility, promoting microbial activity, and increasing organic matter content. However, while their effectiveness is well documented in temperate regions with readily available water, their impact in water limited systems in subtropical regions remains mixed. The aim of this study is to assess soil conditions in four different farms across …

Pleurotus Spp. As Agents Of Mycoremediation: A Review, Colin Innes

University Honors Theses

Elemental and molecular contaminants of anthropogenic origin represent an increasing threat to virtually all terrestrial and aquatic environments as well as their surrounding atmosphere. The decontamination and restoration of these environments pose a significant and expensive challenge. Although chemical treatment or physical removal of contaminated substrates often is the most direct response to eliminate contaminants, due to the complexity and sensitivity of many natural systems, technologies involving biological remediation can provide viable alternatives. While plant, bacterial, and fungal organisms have the abilities to accumulate or to metabolize toxic compounds, fungal organisms are uniquely suited to do so. Their fast growth …

Anaerobic Digestion Reduces Seed Germination And Viability Of Six Plant Species From The Upper Nile Valley, Egypt, Ahmed M. Abbas, Mohamed Abdelazeem, Stephen J. Novak

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves the breakdown of a substrate by mixed microbial communities in the absence of free oxygen. This process has many benefits leading to the production of bioenergy (biogas) and fertilizers (bio-fertilizers). Unfortunately, the bio-fertilizer made using AD may be contaminated with weed seeds and may have the potential of infesting the fields to which it is applied. Thus, the goal of this study is to determine the effects of AD on seed germination and viability of two undesirable crop plants (Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor) and four weed species of reclaimed agricultural land near Qena, …

Role Of Microorganisms In Horticulture To Improve Plant Quality, Domenico Prisa

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

One of the most anticipated challenges in the field of agriculture is to ensure high production levels while limiting the use of environmentally harmful synthetic chemicals. One of the most interesting strategies to overcome this challenge is the exploitation of the interactions between soil microorganisms and plants which result in stimulating plants’ natural activity. The interactions among mycorrhiza, growth-promoting microorganisms and plants play a crucial role in soil fertility, biocontrol and protection. The use of mixed microbial products can simulate interactions between fungi and bacteria, realising all the benefits that can be obtained from these associations in terms of quantity …

Optimized Production Of Second-Generation Bioethanol From A Spent C4 Grass: Vetiver (Chrysopogon Zizanioides), Sameer Neve, Dibyendu Sarkar, Zhiming Zhang, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications

Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is well-known for its contaminant phytoextraction potential and its capacity to reduce soil erosion, owing to its massive, dense root system. However, the shoots are not major contributors to either of these processes, and are either not utilized at all or they become part of the waste stream. It is well-recognized that lignocellulosic biomass can serve as a source of raw material to produce second-generation bioethanol. This study investigated the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of acid–alkali pretreated vetiver (VG) shoots by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Vetiver shoots were obtained from three sources: (1) shoots from VG grown …

Evaluation Of Novel Litter Amendments For Use In The Commercial Broiler Industry, Jorge A. Urrutia

Theses and Dissertations

Poultry litter amendments (LA) are commonly used to maintain good litter quality; the most common ones; are acidifiers. However, concern over the lifespan of LA acidifiers (d) and corrosive nature revealed a need for alternative LA. Products of interest include biochar (BC), superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), and alum mud (AM). Experiment 1 was a screening study (n=17 treatments, no birds) conducted to determine the optimal application rate/method of BC, SAPs, and AM vs.commercial LA and a control. Most SAPs treatments measured metrics may be similar (i.e., bacteria, water activity) or better (pH) vs. commercial LA (PLT). High inclusions of novel LA …

Removal Of Heavy Metals From Stormwater Runoff Using Granulated Drinking Water Treatment Residuals, Viravid Na Nagara, Dibyendu Sarkar, Evert J. Elzinga, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications

Stormwater runoff is a significant source of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), which pose ecological and human health problems. Various filter media have been evaluated for heavy metal removal from stormwater via adsorption, most involving chemical- or energy-intensive processes. Aluminum-based drinking water treatment residuals (WTR), a non-hazardous byproduct of drinking water treatment, are an inexpensive sorbent for heavy metals. However, the low permeability of WTR is a problem and requires mixing with sand and carbon materials to improve flow; but such amendments also reduce its sorption capacity. To overcome this problem, a granulated WTR sorbent …

Correlation Of Phosphorus Adsorption With Chemical Properties Of Aluminum-Based Drinking Water Treatment Residuals Collected From Various Parts Of The United States, Roxana Rahmati, Virinder Sidhu, Rosita Nunez, Rupali Datta, Dibyendu Sarkar

Michigan Tech Publications

Over the past several decades, the value of drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs), a byproduct of the coagulation process during water purification, has been recognized in various environmental applications, including sustainable remediation of phosphorus (P)-enriched soils. Aluminum-based WTRs (Al-WTRs) are suitable adsorbent materials for P, which can be obtained and processed inexpensively. However, given their heterogeneous nature, it is essential to identify an easily analyzable chemical property that can predict the capability of Al-WTRs to bind P before soil amendment. To address this issue, thirteen Al-WTRs were collected from various geographical locations around the United States. The non-hazardous nature of …

Chemically Induced Phytoextraction Of Lead (Pb) Contaminated Soil By Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.), Assisted With Bap And Nta Applications, Genna Hart

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

The accumulation of lead (Pb) deposits in soil is a growing global concern. Phytoextraction of Pb-contaminated soil can be enhanced by soil chelation to increase the bioavailability of Pb. In the initial study nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) 5mM, the alkylpolyglucoside (APG) Triton X-100 (2%), and nano-silica were applied to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) growing in 5L pots of Pb-contaminated soil. The second experiment used 10mM NTA, the alkylpolyglycoside Triton X-100 (2%), foliar application of the plant growth regulator 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) twice per week, Triple-12® nutrients, and Infuse™ a soil fungicide which were applied to switchgrass Plants were grown in a controlled …

Fire And Periodical Cicadas: Impacts On Soil Nutrients And Understory Plant Germination, Andrea Gamache

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

Purpose

A compound disturbance, composed of a prescribed fire and a periodical cicada emergence, occurred in northern Georgia in the summer of 2021. Independently these disturbances have substantial effects on the surrounding ecosystems. This study investigated the collective impact on soil composition and seed germination.

Methods

Through the soil analysis of cicada turrets, burned soil, and unburned soil, we hope to understand the composition of each soil type. Additionally, a 2 x 2 factorial study was performed with those same samples, providing insight into the impact on seed germination these disturbances have. The two factors were between burned and unburned …

Efficient Removal Of Common Organic Pollutants From Water By Zn-Doped Tio2 Nanoparticles With Different Applications, Khaled Elgendy, Ibrahim Elmehasseb, Saleh Kandil

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Water purification via adsorption without energy consumption was considered a green process. Zn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by the Sol-gel method and characterized by different analysis techniques. Zinc doping of TiO2 increases the surface area to 26.7m2g-1 with adsorption results, 75.1%, 71.1%, and 68.2% for methylene blue, ofloxacin, and SLS, respectively. Variable affecting factors on adsorption have been studied. The adsorption behavior fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich equations than Temkin isotherm, indicating the preferred heterogeneous adsorption at equivalent adsorbent sites. The application of nanoparticles in many synthetic specimens of pollutants gave excellent removal results, which exceeded 75% of detoxification.

Understanding The Influence Of Zinc On Grain Cadmium Accumulation And Bioaccessibility In Rice, Michael A. Tavarez

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The effect of cadmium and zinc on mineral concentrations in three cultivars of rice

Interactions between the essential mineral zinc (Zn) and the toxic heavy metal cadmium (Cd) play an important role in regulating transport of both minerals to rice grains. Understanding these interactions is crucial for limiting cadmium and increasing zinc transfer to the food chain. Previous studies on the matter have had conflicting results suggesting synergistic and antagonistic relationships between the minerals. The goal of this work was to identify the effect of external cadmium and zinc on the uptake and translocation of both minerals from roots to …

Responses Of Soil Surface Greenhouse Gas Emissions To Nitrogen And Sulfur Fertilizer Rates To Brassica Carinata Grown As A Bio-Jet Fuel, Dwarika Bhattarai, Gandura O. Abagandura, Thandiwe Nleya, Sandeep Kumar

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun), a non-food oilseed crop and an alternative bio-jet fuel feedstock, has received attention for its potential as a low-input option for production in the semi-arid region of the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Research addressing the impacts of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers on soils and greenhouse gas (GHG; CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄) emissions from carinata production are limited. Thus, objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different rates of N and S fertilizers applied to carinata on soil properties and GHG …

The Effect Of Biochar Feedstock On The Remediation Of Acidic Soils And Improvement Of Pisum Sativum V. Saccharatum Growth, Ridha Fatima

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Growing Biofuel Feedstocks In Copper-Contaminated Soils Of A Former Superfund Site, Virinder Sidhu, Dibyendu Sarkar, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications

Copper mining in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the mid-19th century generated millions of tons of mining waste, called stamp sand, which was deposited into various offshoots of Lake Superior. The toxic stamp sand converted the area into barren, fallow land. Without a vegetative cover, stamp sand has been eroding into the lakes, adversely affecting aquatic life. Our objective was to perform a greenhouse study, to grow cold-tolerant oilseed crops camelina (Camelina sativa) and field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) on stamp sand, for the dual purpose of biofuel production and providing a vegetative cover, thereby decreasing erosion. Camelina and field …

Evaluation Of The Symbiotic Relation Between Endophyte And Poplar Trees Exposed To Landfill Leachate, Catalina Vega Hurtado

Masters Theses

“The contamination of soil and groundwater from leachate leakage from landfill has turned, nowadays, into a global public issue. One of the main concerns about this pollutant is the potential threat to human and ecosystem health. The current research studied endophyte bacteria in association with poplar trees (Populus sp.), as a method of bioremediation of landfill leachates. The objective of the project was to identify treatment strategies that may improve plant performance (survival rates, plant fitness, and degradation efficacy) with the purpose of being implemented in phytoremediation plots, aimed to intercept and treat landfill leachate, before the contamination of watershed. …

Influence Of Soil Water Content And Soil Amendments On Trace Metal Release And Seedling Growth In Serpentine Soil, Viraj Gunarathne, Nishanta Rajakaruna, Udaya Gunarathne, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Zach A. Raposo, Meththika Vithanage

Biological Sciences

This study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effects of organic amendments and soil water status on trace metal release from serpentine soil.

Arabidopsis Thaliana Transformed With Streptanthus Farnsworthianus Metal Tolerance Protein 1 (Sfmtp1) Or The Native A. Thaliana Metal Tolerance Protein 1 ( Atmtp1) Cdna And The Effects On Sod Enzyme Activity Upon Nickel Treatment, Selina Urbina Fernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Superoxide Dismutase enzyme activity was analyzed in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, a non-accumulator weed plant species of the Brassicaceae family, that was transformed with Streptanthus farnsworthianus Metal Tolerance Protein1 (SfMTP1) or A. thaliana Metal Tolerance Protein 1 (AtMTP1 ). The transgenic A. thaliana was exposed to a 12 day treatment of 100 ?M Nickel Acetate in 1/10 X Hoaglands solution in hydroponics. Analysis of Super Oxide Dismutase activity determined that transgenic A. thaliana transformed with the AtMTP1 cDNA and treated with 100 µM Nickel showed a significant increase in Super Oxide Dismutase activity compared to A. thaliana …

Plant Stimuli-Responsive Biodegradable Polymers For The Use In Timed Release Fertilizer Coatings, Spencer Heuchan

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers continues to accelerate with human population growth and increases in global food requirements. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) have been developed to improve the synchronization between nutrient supply and crop nutrient demand. However, many of the current controlled release fertilizers are coated with non-degradable polymers that contribute to accumulation of microplastics within ecosystems. This thesis describes research towards the development of a new class of fertilizer coatings using a self-immolative polymer known as poly (ethyl glyoxylate) (PEtG). PEtG itself does not have suitable properties to produce a viable coating but once blended with another degradable polyester …

The Role Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi In Urban Brownfield Soils, Jennifer Rosalia Balacco

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

AMF are symbionts to a majority of terrestrial plants and can improve plant nutrient uptake, water relations, and stress tolerance. This study evaluated the effects of AMF in heavy metal contaminated soils via a growth chamber experiment to determine the interactions between soil and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affecting plant growth. Rye grass was grown in two contaminated soils from Liberty State Park, an urban brownfield, and one non-contaminated commercial soil, to which half of the treatments received AMF inoculum. Dried plant biomass, root:shoot ratio, and soil phosphatase activity were measured at the completion of the experiment. Soil contamination was …

The Effects Of Soil Suffused With Cool-Fire Ash On The Germination And Early Growth Of Radish Seedlings, Ryan Dalforno, Braden Ritchey, Jay Ogle

Featured Research

In this study, the effects of cool fire ash in soil with varying amounts of water were observed in terms of the germination and early growth of garden radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) seedlings. Measurements regarding plant growth, field capacity, and seedling leaf quantum yield were taken and compared between four (4) trios of pots separately containing radish seedlings planted in ashy and frequently-watered soil (A_w), ashy and infrequently-watered soil (A_d), normal unmodified garden soil that was watered frequently (N_w) and normal soil that was watered infrequently (N_d). While the …

Role Of Woody Biochar And Fungal-Bacterial Co-Inoculation On Enzyme Activity And Metal Immobilization In Serpentine Soil, Tharanga Bandara, Indika Herath, Prasanna Kumarathilaka, Mihiri Seneviratne, Gamini Seneviratne, Nishanta Rajakaruna, Meththika Vithanage, Yong Sik Ok

Biological Sciences

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the effect of biochar (BC) and fungal bacterial co-inoculation (FB) on soil enzymatic activity and immobilization of heavy metals in serpentine soil in Sri Lanka.

Materials and methods

A pot experiment was conducted with tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) at 1, 2.5, and 5 % (w/w) BC ratios. Polyphenol oxidase, catalase and dehydrogenase activities were determined by idometric, potassium permanganate oxidisable, and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were assessed by 0.01 M CaCl₂ and sequential extraction methods.

Results and discussion

An increase in BC application reduced polyphenol oxidase, …

Enhancing The Industrial Potential Of Filamentous Cyanobacteria, Tylor J. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this project were to improve the industrial potential of filamentous N2-fixing cyanobacteria by increasing its biofuel tolerance, and to evaluate the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of a theoretical, cyanobacteria-based biofuel production facility. To develop a method to quantify filamentous cyanobacteria in dilute culture media, a dual-stained fluorescence assay was evaluated. While the viable cell stain (SYTO® 9) was accurate, the non-viable cell stain (propidium iodide) also bound to viable cells. Additional non-viable cell stains were evaluated, but none were accurate at quantifying viability. Thus we concluded that the viable cell stain SYTO® 9 is a reliable …

Biochar Amendment Of Grassland Soil May Promote Woody Encroachment By Eastern Red Cedar, Ramesh Laungani, Kenneth Elgersma, Maria Juarez, Kristin Mcelligott, Tyler Kuhfahl

Faculty Publications

Although carbon (C) additions to soil have been used in restoration to combat invasive species through changes in soil nitrogen (N) availability, carbon amendments to soil derived from plant material can impact soil N availability in a species-specific manner. As such, amendment-driven feedbacks on N may impact invasive species success and woody encroachment. Soil amendments like biochar, which is often added to soil to increase C storage in grassland systems, may unintentionally encourage woody encroachment into these grasslands by changing soil N dynamics. Few studies have examined biochar impacts on non-agricultural species, particularly invasive species. Woody encroachment of Eastern Red …