Engineering Commons^™

Ultrathin Graphene Oxide Membranes For The Removal Of Humic Acid, J. Song, Y. Huang, S.-W. Nam, Miao Yu, J. Heo, N. Her, Joseph Flora, Yeomin Yoon

Miao Yu

No abstract provided.

On The Importance Of Surface Chemistry And Composition Of Bone Char For The Sorption Of Heavy Metals From Aqueous Solution, Didilia I. Mendoza-Castillo, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Juan Jáuregui-Rincón

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

This paper reports new insights on the role of the inorganic composition of bone char on its sorption properties for the removal of heavy metals Cd2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions from aqueous solution. In particular, we showed the importance of both composition and surface chemistry of bone char on its sorption properties for the removal of these metal ions in aqueous solution. Results of physicochemical characterization and sorption studies suggest that the inorganic phase of bone char may contribute from 60 to 92% of the sorption process of heavy metals in aqueous solution. In particular, the ion exchange process of …

Neural Newtork Modeling Of Heavy Metal Sorption On Lignocellulosic Biomasses: Effect Of Metallic Ion Properties And Sorbent Characteristics, Didilia I. Mendoza-Castillo, Nellie Villalobos-Ortega, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Juan Carlos Tapia-Picazo

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

This study reports the application of a neural network approach for modeling and analyzing the sorption performance of different lignocellulosic wastes, namely jacaranda fruit, plum kernels and nutshell, for the removal of heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+) from aqueous solutions. This ANNs model was used to determine the relevance and importance of both sorbent and pollutant characteristics on the metal sorption kinetics and isotherms. Results of this study highlighted the role of acidic functional groups, lignin composition of tested biomasses, and the pollutant molecular weight in the sorption of heavy metals. The nutshell biomass showed the best …

Analysis Of Synergistic And Antagonistic Adsorption Of Heavy Metals And Acid Blue 25 On Activated Carbon From Ternary Systems, Rigoberto Tovar-Gomez, Ma. Del Rosario Moreno-Virgen, Jaime Moreno-Perez, Virginia Hernandez-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Carlos Duran-Valle

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

This article reports the antagonistic and synergistic adsorption involved in the multicomponent removal of acid blue 25 dye (AB25) and heavy metal ions (Zn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+) from ternary systems using an activated carbon modified with wastes of egg shell. Adsorption experiments were performed in ternary mixtures: Zn2+Ni2+ AB25, Ni2+Cd2+ AB25 and Zn2+Cd2+ AB25 where Taguchi experimental designs have been used to study the adsorbent performance and to identify the antagonistic and synergistic adsorption caused by the simultaneous presence of these water pollutants. Results indicated that these systems may show both competitive and synergistic adsorption. Dye AB25 enhanced the removal of …

Performance Evaluation Of Natural Iron-Rich Sandy Soil As A Low-Cost Adsorbent For Removal Of Lead From Water, Yee Sern Ng, Bhaskar Sen Gupta, Mohd Ali Hashim

Ng Yee-Sern

Technical feasibility of natural iron-rich sandy soil as a low-cost adsorbent for removal of lead from water was investigated . The soil, which had an iron content of 3,719 mg/kg, was collected from Hulu Langat, Malaysia, and was used for adsorption studies without any surface modification through chemical treatment. The effects of pH, solution: soil ratio and initial lead concentration on the adsorption efficiency were studied using response surface methodology based on Box–Behnken experimental design. The results showed that pH of the solution had the highest impact on the adsorption efficiency whereby adsorption efficiency of 97% could be achieved at …

Practical Performance Analysis Of An Industrial-Scale Ultrafiltration Membrane Water Treatment Plant

Faculty of Engineering University of Malaya

Common design and operational issues to evaluate the performance of an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane water treatment plant are highlighted with a case study on an industrial-scale drinking water treatment plant located in Malaysia. This treatment plant has been in operation since February 2013 using dead-end polyethersulfone UF membrane filtration system to produce up to 14 million litres a day of drinking water to a small township. Literature solutions are compared with the practised solutions and elucidated with the case study. Gaps between literature solutions which are mainly based on lab-scale research and industry practices are identified. Reducing this gap will …

Computer Simulation Of Lime-Soda Water Softening Process, J. C. Y. Chen, I. W. Wei

Irvine W. Wei

No abstract provided.

Adsorption Of Dyes With Different Molecular Properties On Activated Carbons Prepared From Lignocellulosic Wastes By Taguchi Method, Gabriela Duran-Jimenez, Virginia Hernandez-Montoya, Miguel A. Montes-Moran, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Norma A. Rangel-Vazquez

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

A design of experiments based in the Taguchi method was used to prepare activated carbons from different lignocellulosic residues with optimum properties for the removal of food and textile dyes (food yellow 4, food yellow 3, food red 17 and acid blue 74). A Taguchi L16 orthogonal array was devised for the design of experiments, using the dye removal percentage as response variable and several experimental factors, including the origin of the lignocellulosic precursor, type of chemical agent used for the impregnation of the precursors and other specific variables of the impregnation and thermal treatments. Statistical analysis of the results …

Chlorine-Ammonia Breakpoint Reactions: Kinetics And Mechanism, Irvine Wen-Tung Wei

Irvine W. Wei

No abstract provided.

Performance Of An On-Site Sewage Treatment System In Response To Revisions Of Title 5 Legislation In Massachusetts, Peter G. Annunziato, Irvine Wei

Irvine W. Wei

Regulations are being implemented by state and local governments to repress the effects of conventional on-site treatment systems that are contaminating ground and surface water reserves by infiltration of nitrogenous compounds. As of April 1995 effluent requirements have been mandated under 310 CMR 15.00, (Title 5), by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) for flows incorporates a septic tank in series with a modified trickling (Bioclere)™ and a soil absorption field. CBOD₅, TSS removal and nitrification occurred in the Bioclere, while denitrification was initiated by recirculating nitrified effiuent to the septic tank. Prior to the Bioclere installation, septic tank …

Greater Boston Drinking Water Quality - Comparison Of Full Scale And Pilot Study I: Monochloramine And Ph Change, Xin (Cindy) Huang, Irvine W. Wei, Windsor Sung

Irvine W. Wei

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has been providing drinking water for Greater Boston area since 1985. The new John J. Carroll Treatment Plant came online on July 27th, 2005. Ozone instead of chlorine is now used for primary disinfection. MWRA has been monitoring the water quality before and after the new treatment plant was online. In this paper, quantitative comparison is presented between full scale data and data from a pilot study, which was carried out two years ago to study the impact on water quality from this change in treatment.

Pilot Study Of Greater Boston Drinking Water Quality Changes - Monochloramine And Ph Change, Xin (Cindy) Huang, Irvine W. Wei, Windsor Sung

Irvine W. Wei

A pilot study was conducted from July 2001 to November 2003 to understand the impact of ozonation on monochloramine decay and pH change in the future Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's (MWRA1) drinking water system. The impact of the distribution system, which consists of old cast-iron pipes, was also investigated. Homogeneous and heterogeneous samples were taken from the Pipe Loop Pilot Plant (PLPP), which represented the best and the worst scenarios respectively, i.e. a very clean distribution system, or dead ends far from the main. The results suggested that corrosion and biological activity inside the pipe were the major causes of …

Reuse Of Municipal Wastewater As Makeup To Circulating Cooling Systems, D. Goldstein, Irvine Wei, R. Hicks

Irvine W. Wei

The reuse of municipal wastewater for industrial cooling is an excellent way of preserving clean waters for other uses. Details have been collected from several countries and there is no doubt that this is a thoroughly practical reuse option.

Makeup waters successfully used fall in the range 10-30 mg/l BOD, 30-50 mg/l o-PO₄, 1000-1500 mg/l TDS and 30-70 mg/l NH₃. The major problems are phosphate scale and biological fouling. Usual treatments are lime clarification and chlorination.

Most of the industrial users are power plants, which use high alloy metals to avoid corrosion, but industries using carbon-steel heat exchangers have not …

Municipal Wastewater Reuse As Makeup To Cooling Towers, David Goldstein, John Casana, Irvine Wei

Irvine W. Wei

At the first Water Reuse Symposium in March 1979 we presented a literature survey on the reuse of municipal wastewater as makeup to circulating cooling systems. We concluded that the wastewater was useable and not excessively costly. Since then we have corresponded with most of the plants in the world who are reusing water this way (we have received information from seven plants). About half the plants surveyed use extensive chlorination and half use no chlorination at all and encourage biological activity. No plants report problems with corrosion even when ammonia is present. The old problem of foam is dying …

Identifying The Source Of Pressure Filters' Mudball Problem Leads To A Simple Solution: An Investigation Of Media Failure In Pressure Filtration, Fawn L. Sances, Irvine Wei

Irvine W. Wei

Within the first 17 months of operation the pressure filters at a 1.8 MGD (78.91/s) water treatment plant began having trouble. The operator first observed problems by a shortening of the filter run. When one of the hatches blew out, the operator had his first look at what was going on inside of his filters. He saw an orange slime coating the interior walls of one of the filters. Further inspection of the filters showed an accumulation of fine sediment on the top of the media and mud balls. In spite of corrective actions by its second year the plant …

Leachability Of Metals From Five Sludges, Somnath Basu, Irvine W. Wei, Paul H. King

Irvine W. Wei

No abstract provided.

Cyclic Heating To Inhibit Bacterial Growth In Activated Carbon Point-Of-Use Treatment Devices, Irwin Silverstein, Irvine W. Wei

Irvine W. Wei

The effectiveness of using heat treatment on a cyclic basis as a means of inhibiting bacterial growth in activated carbon point-of-use treatment devices was examined. Heat treated and non-heat treated devices were compared in a controlled experiment with respect to parameters such as standard plate count, total organic carbon, total residual chlorine and head loss. The results of the study indicated that cyclic heat treatment can inhibit bacterial growth on the surface of granular activated carbon without compromising total organic carbon and total residual chlorine removal efficiencies or accelerating head loss. Microbiological testing verified that the control device had become …

Modeling Of Fixed-Bed Adsorption Of Fluoride On Bone Char Using A Hybrid Neural Network Approach, Rigoberto Tovar-Gómez, Ma. Del Rosario Moreno-Virgen, José Alonso Dena-Aguilar, Virginia Hernández-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Miguel A. Montes-Moran

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

This study introduces a hybrid model based on the Thomas equation and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the modeling of unsymmetrical breakthrough curves obtained from the fluoride adsorption on bone char. Experimental results of kinetics, isotherms and breakthrough curves of fluoride adsorption on two commercial bone chars have been used for analyzing the capabilities and limitations of this hybrid ANN model. Performance of this hybrid model has been studied and compared with respect to the results of traditional linear regression of the Thomas breakthrough equation at different operating conditions of packed-bed adsorption columns. Results showed that an improvement in the …

Optimization Of Pyrolysis Conditions And Adsorption Properties Of Bone Char For Fluoride Removal From Water, Karina Rojas-Mayorga, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Ismael A. Aguayo-Villarreal, Virginia Hernandez-Montoya, Ma. Del Rosario Moreno-Virgen, Rigoberto Tovar-Gomez, Miguel A. Montes-Moran

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

This study reports the optimization of pyrolysis process for the synthesis of bone char for fluoride removal from water. Specifically, we have performed a detailed analysis of the adsorption properties of bone char samples obtained at different operating conditions of pyrolysis. Results show that the pyrolysis temperature plays a major role to synthetize an effective bone char for water defluoridation. In particular, a pyrolysis temperature higher than 700 °C may cause the dehydroxylation of the hydroxyapatite of bone char affecting its fluoride adsorption capacities. The best adsorption properties of bone char for fluoride removal are obtained with those samples synthetized …

Synergic Adsorption In The Simultaneous Removal Of Acid Blue 25 And Heavy Metals From Water Using A Ca(Po3)2-Modified Carbon, Rigoberto Tovar-Gomez, Dulce Rivera-Ramirez, Virginia Hernandez-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Carlos Duran-Valle, Miguel A. Montes-Moran

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

We report the simultaneous adsorption of acid blue 25 dye (AB25) and heavy metals (Zn2+, Ni2+ and Cd2+) on a low-cost activated carbon, whose adsorption properties have been improved via a surface chemistry modification using a calcium solution extracted from egg shell wastes. Specifically, we have studied the removal performance of this adsorbent using the binary aqueous systems: AB25 - Cd2+, AB25 - Ni2+ and AB25 - Zn2+. Multi-component kinetic and equilibrium experiments have been performed and used to identify and characterize the synergic adsorption in the simultaneous removal of these pollutants. Our results show that the presence of AB25 …

Competitive Sorption Of Pb, Cd And Ni From Binary Aqueous Solutions By Chicken Feathers, Hilda Elizabeth Reynel-Avila, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Guadalupe De La Rosa

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

In this paper, we report the competitive removal of Pb, Cd and Ni ions from binary metal solutions using chicken feathers. These heavy metals are very toxic for human being and are present in wastewaters of several industrial activities. Therefore, multi-component sorption studies are required to identify the capabilities and limitations of chicken feathers as low-cost sorbent for the simultaneous removal of these metal ions from wastewaters. To the best of our knowledge, sorption equilibrium studies involving chicken feathers and Pb, Cd and Ni in binary aqueous solutions have not been reported. Therefore, the binary sorption data for systems Pb …

Applications Of Activated Carbons Obtained From Lignocellulosic Materials For The Wastewater Treatment, Ma. Del Rosario Moreno-Virgen, Rigoberto Tovar-Gomez, Didilia I. Mendoza-Castillo, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

This chapter provides an overview of the application of activated carbons obtained from lignocellulosic precursors for wastewater treatment. Analysis and discussion are focused on the performance of different activated carbons obtained from several precursors and their advantages and capabilities for the removal of relevant toxic compounds and pollutants from water.

Lignocellulosic Precursors Used In The Synthesis Of Activated Carbon: Characterization Techniques And Applications In The Wastewater Treatment, Virginia Hernández-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

The activated carbon is the universal adsorbent used in the removal of water pollutants such as dyes, heavy metals, fluoride and arsenic, among others. The commercial activated carbons are generally obtained from wood and coconut shell. However, in recent years, other lignocellulosic materials have been used as precursors in the synthesis of this adsorbent for specific applications. This book discusses and analyzes key aspects concerning to the preparation, characterization and application of activated carbons obtained from different lignocellulosic materials. Based on the fact that the activated carbon is used in a broad variety of treatment systems, this book will be …

Batch And Column Studies Of Zn2+ Removal From Aqueous Solution Using Chicken Feathers As Sorbents, Ismael Alejandro Aguayo-Villarreal, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Virginia Hernández-Montoya, Miguel A. Montes-Morán, Hilda Elizabeth Reynel-Avila

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

We report the removal of zinc ions from aqueous solution by raw chicken feathers using both batch and continuous systems. Specifically, kinetic and sorption isotherms have been determined considering the effect of temperature, pH and metal concentration. Batch sorption data were fitted to various sorption models and results indicate that Zn2+ sorption process using raw chicken feathers followed the pseudo-second order rate model, while sorption isotherms were described properly by Sips isotherm. Sorption isotherms show that the experimental maximum sorption capacity of Zn2+ was found to be 4.31 mg/g at 30 °C and pH 5 and that chemisorption may play …

Role Of The Pericarp Of Carya Illinoinensis As Biosorbent And Precursor Of Activated Carbon For The Removal Of Lead And Acid Blue 25 In Aqueous Solution, Virginia Hernández-Montoya, Didilia I. Mendoza-Castillo, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, María Ana Pérez-Cruz, Miguel A. Montes-Moran

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

The pecan nuts are widely cultivated in states of north of Mexico and the residues generated during nut processing are abundant and not reused. In the present study, the pericarp of pecan (PP) was physicochemically characterized and their use as low cost biosorbent of lead and acid blue 25 was studied in batch systems at different experimental conditions. Also, the PP was used as precursor of activated carbon and a natural modifier agent extracted from egg shells was used in the synthesis of the carbons. Results suggest that the pericarp of pecan (PP) has an acidic character due to the …

Improving The Adsorption Of Heavy Metals From Water Using Commercial Carbons Modified With Egg Shell Wastes, Alejandro Guijarro-Aldaco, Virginia Hernandez-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Miguel A. Montes-Moran, Didilia I. Mendoza-Castillo

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

We introduce the application of hen egg shell waste to improve the adsorption capacities of heavy-metal ions using commercial carbons via the modification of their surface chemistry. Specifically, a calcium solution extracted from egg shell waste has been used as a low-cost activation agent to improve the adsorption properties of three commercial carbons. An orthogonal array of the Taguchi method has been applied to identify the optimal conditions for the adsorbent modification process using the Zn batch adsorption, at 30 °C and pH 5, as the response variable. Our results show that maximum adsorption capacities of Cd, Ni, and Zn …

Recycling Poultry Feathers For Pb Removal From Wastewater: Kinetic And Equilibrium Studies, Guadalupe De La Rosa, Hilda Elizabeth Reynel-Avila, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Irene Cano-Rodriguez, Carlos Velasco-Santos, Ana Laura Martínez-Hernández

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Chicken feathers were used as biosorbent for Pb removal from aqueous solution. In this paper, the kinetics and equilibrium studies at several pH, temperature, and metal concentration values are reported. For tested conditions, the Pb sorption capacity of this poultry waste ranged from 0.8 to 8.3 mg/g. Optimal conditions for Pb removal by chicken feathers have been identified. Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations were used to analyze the experimental data. In addition, the sorption isotherms were fitted to classical Langmuir and Freundlich models. Finally, thermodynamic parameters for the sorption process have been determined. In summary, the results showed that …

Recycling Poultry Feathers For Pb Removal From Wastewater: Kinetic And Equilibrium Studies, Guadalupe De La Rosa, Hilde Elizabeth Reynel-Avila, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Irene Cano-Rodriguez, Carlos Velasco-Santos, Ana Laura Martinez-Hernandez

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Chicken feathers were used as biosorbent for Pb removal from aqueous solution. In this paper, the kinetics and equilibrium studies at several pH, temperature, and metal concentration values are reported. For tested conditions, the Pb sorption capacity of this poultry waste ranged from 0.8 to 8.3 mg/g. Optimal conditions for Pb removal by chicken feathers have been identified. Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations were used to analyze the experimental data. In addition, the sorption isotherms were fitted to classical Langmuir and Freundlich models. Finally, thermodynamic parameters for the sorption process have been determined. In summary, the results showed that …

Efficient Wastewater Treatment Process For Brine Water, Carl Vavra, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

The objective of this project is to develop a simple, economically feasible process for purifying salt water (brine) solutions. It involves choosing the best membrane for optimum performance, while reviewing durability, membrane service life, separation capabilities and costs. Scale-up data are collected to evaluate the commercial feasibility of this technology. The optimization of processing parameters (pressure, flow, temperature and concentration) is reviewed to maximize the performance of the membrane. Cleaning and sanitizing the membrane after use for storage and reuse will also need to be studied.