Engineering Commons^™

Green Chelation Strategy For Deashing Of Algal Biomass, Agyare Asante, George Daramola, Ryan W. Davis, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigated a green chelation strategy for deashing algal biomass using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and deionized water (DI) to enhance its suitability for biofuel and bioproduct applications. Solid-state algal turf scrubber (SS ATS), green algal turf scrubber (ATS), and Scenedesmus were analyzed, with Scenedesmus selected for detailed evaluation due to its high ash removal efficiency. The objective was to optimize a purification process that minimizes ash and heavy metal content while preserving biochemical integrity. Algal biomass underwent sequential washing with DI, NTA, and NTA+DI under varying temperatures (90-130 °C). Analytical techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled …

Laboratory Investigation Of Shape And Initial Orientation Effects On Surf Zone Object Migration, Temitope E. Idowu, Jack A. Puleo

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Discarded objects like munitions in marine environments pose public safety risks. The behavior of various density objects deployed at four cross-shore positions in the surf zone of a large-scale 120 m x 5 m x 5 m wave flume were observed under different forcing conditions. Net migration was predominantly directed offshore, with approximately 70 % offshore migration observed near the outer surf zone. Density, shape, and initial orientation were identified as important to object behavior, with density acting as the dominant driver in 67 % of the object pairing scenarios. The influence of shape and initial orientation on net migration …

The Pluralistic Natural Capital Values Of A Tropical City, Adrienne Grêt-Regamey, Justine Saunders, Peter Edwards, Daniel Richards, Jahson I. Alemu, Natasha Bhatia, Roman Carrasco, Zuzana Drillet, Tze Kwan Fung, Yan Feng Leon Gaw, Wanggi Jaung, Andrea Law, Rachel Ai Ting Leong, Aikeen Youu Ming Lim, Mahyar Masoudi, Yudhishthra Nathan, Rachel Rui Ying Oh, Wen Ting Ooi, Fairul Edros Ahmad Shaikh Shaikh, Xiao Ping Song, Claudia L.Y. Tan, Puay Yok Tan, Sergio Wicki, Lynn-Wei Wong, Yanyun Yan, Erik Yando, Alex Thiam Koon Yee, Jingyuan Zhang, Daniel A. Friess

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Nature in cities is essential for human well-being. Quantifying and valuing the goods and services provided by nature to city dwellers is missing in tropical contexts. Yet, as cities worldwide face similar challenges, understanding the services provided by tropical urban ecosystems becomes imperative for effective management. Here, we present the first Natural Capital Assessment of a tropical city, unveiling three critical insights. Firstly, we demonstrate the vital reliance of a developed tropical city on nature, particularly for climate change mitigation through regulating services. Secondly, we identify intact natural areas as Singapore’s most valuable assets, stressing the significance of the quality …

Fabrication Of Thylakoid Membrane-Based Photo-Bioelectrochemical Bioanode For Self-Powered Light-Driven Electronics, Amit Sarode, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

The transition toward sustainable and decentralized energy solutions necessitates the development of innovative bioelectronic systems capable of harvesting and converting renewable energy. Here, we present a novel photo-bioelectrochemical fuel cell architecture based on a biohybrid anode integrating laser-induced graphene (LIG), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and isolated thylakoid membranes. LIG provided a porous, conductive scaffold, while PEDOT enhanced electrode compatibility, electrical conductivity, and operational stability. Compared to MXene-based systems that involve complex, multi-step synthesis, PEDOT offers a cost-effective and scalable alternative for bioelectrode fabrication. Thylakoid membranes were immobilized onto the PEDOT-modified LIG surface to enable light-driven electron generation. Electrochemical characterization revealed enhanced redox …

Computational Assessment Of Vitrimers Self-Healing For Renewable Energy And Aerospace Structures, Walaaeldin Mohamed Ahmed Derbala

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Self-healing polymers, particularly vitrimers, are emerging as promising candidates in the development of advanced materials for renewable energy and aerospace structures. These materials exhibit dynamic covalent bond exchange mechanisms that enable reprocess ability, damage repair, and extended operational lifetime under harsh conditions. This study presents a density functional theory (DFT)-based computational investigation of the mechanistic pathways and energetics of bond exchange reactions in model vitrimer systems. We explore transition states, energy barriers, and thermodynamic features corresponding to associative and dissociative self-healing reactions in vitrimers. The study focuses on Diaminodiphenyl disulfide (AFD), a bifunctional molecule composed of two para-substituted aminophenyl rings …

Hydrogen Storage Density And Adsorption Energy Barriers On Li-Decorated Bc3 Nanosheet, Sri Venkat Pavan Upasi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen is considered an emerging carrier of clean energy with renewable capabilities. Widespread hydrogen energy utilization necessitates efficient storage strategies. Functionalized nanomaterials, such as Li-decorated BC3 nanosheets, are among the primary candidate materials for hydrogen storage. This research investigates the feasibility of hydrogen storage by estimating energy barriers and their dependence on storage density on Li-decorated BC3 nanosheet. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations provide estimates of adsorption energies and saddle points for hydrogen storage and compare corresponding reaction rates. The results are expected to help us understand the advantages and possible shortcomings of hydrogen storage on such nanomaterials.

Crop2cloud Platform: Real-Time Data Integration For Agricultural Water Monitoring, Bryan Nsoh, Abia Katimbo, Kendall Dejonge, Wei-Zhen Liang, Hongzhi N. Guo, Yufeng Ge, Derek M. Heeren, Yeyin Shi, Xin Qiao, Daran R. Rudnick, Hope Njuki Nakabuye, Birru Girma, Isa Kabenge, Joshua Wanyama

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Efficient water management is vital for sustainable agriculture, yet integrating real-time data for precise irrigation remains a challenge. This study designed the Crop2Cloud (C2C) platform, a system that leverages advanced sensors using Internet of Things (IoT), edge and cloud computing techniques, and computed Water Stress Indices (WSIs) and machine learning models (i.e., fuzzy logic), to provide scalable and real-time irrigation decisions. The C2C platform aggregates several data including Volumetric Water Content (VWC) from TDR sensors (Acclima Inc., US) installed at four multiple depths, canopy temperatures (Tc) measured by Infrared Radiometers (IRTs) (Apogee Instruments, US), as well as weather information and …

Cover Crops Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions From No-Till Maize In Southern Brazil: Insights From A Long-Term Field Experiment, Guilherme Rosa Da Silva, Adam J. Liska, Cimélio Bayer

Adam Liska Papers

Brazil is one of the countries that has the most agricultural area under no-till (NT) management. This research study aims to evaluate life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maize (M) grain production in agroecosystems that used different cover crops under NT management in southern Brazil. The data for this study were from a long-term 41-year field experiment in southern Brazil. The long-term experiment evaluated the effects of fallow (F) and cover crops (oat (O), vetch (V), cowpea (B), pigeon pea (P), and lablab (L)) on nitrous oxide and methane emissions and soil carbon (C) sequestration in maize agroecosystems. Five cropping …

Development Of An Quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle For Atmospheric Remote Sensing, Omar J. Addasi

Dissertations and Theses

This paper explores the development of a quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, a.k.a. drone) for atmospheric remote sensing of temperature, pressure, humidity, and PM2.5 particulate matter quantities. A 3-D printed drone body is designed and flight tuning is performed. An optimal length for an upward extending mast for the drone body is determined. Low cost, lightweight sensors are compared against higher precision sensors in both static and dynamic conditions. In addition, an initial investigation into the design of a pressure sensor based anemometer is performed.

Integrating Sustainable Practices Into Lean Engineering: Applying The Engineering For One Planet Framework In Manufacturing Engineering Technology Education, Dalya Ismael, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Murat Kuzlu, Charles Lowe, Lisa Bosman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

A growing number of manufacturers are recognizing significant financial and environmental benefits from adopting sustainable business practices. Sustainable manufacturing refers to the production of goods through processes that are economically sound, minimize environmental impact, and conserve energy and natural resources. Lean engineering, a comprehensive approach to decision-making and leadership within manufacturing organizations, has proven effective in driving sustainable practices. Key strategies include waste elimination, value identification, value stream mapping, flow creation, pull system establishment, and continuous improvement. Both lean manufacturing and sustainability share a common focus on minimizing waste. Lean principles address seven types of waste: transport, inventory, motion, waiting, …

Advancing Sustainability In Civil Engineering Technology Through The Engineering For One Planet Framework, Dalya Ismael, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Murat Kuzlu, Charles Lowe, Lisa Bosman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

As global environmental challenges intensify, integrating sustainability into engineering technology education is increasingly critical. Yet, many programs lack comprehensive methods to embed sustainability principles, leaving graduates underprepared to address real-world environmental issues. Courses on sustainability often approach it in isolated or superficial contexts, unable to capture its complexity. The purpose of this study is to showcase one approach for embedding the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) framework into the Sustainable Building Practices course within the Civil Engineering Technology Department. The newly developed curriculum integrated learning outcomes from three EOP topics: Environmental Impact Assessment, Materials Selection, and Systems Thinking. Students were …

Streamer Discharge Modeling For Plasma-Assisted Combustion, Stuart Reyes, Shirshak Kumar Dhali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Some of the popular and successful atmospheric pressure fuel/air plasma-assisted combustion methods use repetitive ns pulsed discharges and dielectric-barrier discharges. The transient phase in such discharges is dominated by transport under strong space charge from ionization fronts, which is best characterized by the streamer model. The role of the nonthermal plasma in such discharges is to produce radicals, which accelerates the chemical conversion reaction leading to temperature rise and ignition. Therefore, the characterization of the streamer and its energy partitioning is essential to develop a predictive model. We examine the important characteristics of streamers that influence combustion and develop some …

Climate Variability Study For Arid Regions, Faisal Almutairi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Water is the primary source for all living species to thrive, and water scarcity has been a primary concern for biological species and plants in arid regions due to urban planning, population growth, poor water management, and overgrazing. The objective of this research was to study the climate variability in precipitation and temperature for an arid region. This research encompasses two distinct studies. The first study examined the impact of climate variability on precipitation in Phoenix. Precipitation data were acquired from NOAA from 1948 to 2023 and the study was broken down into three time scales: annually, seasonally, and monthly. …

Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Desertification Sensitivity And Influencing Factors Across The Western Inner Mongolia Plateau, China, Yang Chen, Long Ma, Xixi Wang, Tingxi Liu, Zixu Qiao

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Desertification remains a critical global ecological and environmental challenge that threatens sustainable development. Although our understanding of desertification dynamics and their underlying drivers has improved, continued research is needed due to the region-specific nature of these processes. This study focuses on the Western Inner Mongolia Plateau in China as a case study to examine the evolution of desertification and its driving factors using a multifaceted approach, including the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model. Results show that the desertification sensitivity index (DSI) across the plateau ranged from 1.12 in prairie regions to 1.87 in desert areas, with a spatial …

Mxene-Based Materials For Enhanced Water Quality: Advances In Remediation Strategies, Ali Mohammad Amani, Milad Abbasi, Atena Najdian, Farzaneh Mohamadpour, Seyed Reza Kasaee, Hesam Kamyab, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan, Mostafa Shafiee, Lobat Tayebi, Ahmad Vaez, Atefeh Najafian, Ehsan Vafa, Sareh Mosleh-Shirazi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Two-dimensional MXenes are promising candidates for water treatment because of their large surface area (e.g., exceeding 1000 m²/g for certain structures), high electrical conductivity (e.g., >1000 S/m), hydrophilicity, and chemical stability. Their strong sorption selectivity and effective reduction capacity, exemplified by heavy metal adsorption efficiencies exceeding 95 % in several studies, coupled with facile surface modification, make them suitable for removing diverse contaminants. Applications include the removal of heavy metals (e.g., achieving >90 % removal of Pb(II)), dye removal (e.g., demonstrating >80 % removal of methylene blue), and radioactive waste elimination. Furthermore, 3D MXene architecture exhibit enhanced performance in antibacterial …

A Potentially Fruitful Path Toward A Cleaner And Safer Environment: Mxenes Uses In Environmental Remediation, Ali Mohammad Amani, Milad Abbasi, Atena Najdian, Farzaneh Mohamadpour, Seyed Reza Kasaee, Hesam Kamyab, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan, Hanieh Ardeshiri, Lobat Tayebi, Ehsan Vafa, Sarah Mosleh-Shirazi, Alireza Jahanbin, Saravanan Rajendran, Daniel Simancas-Racines

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The rapid industrialization of the world has resulted in severe environmental pollution, necessitating the development of new materials such as pollution remediation. Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have emerged as a promising family of materials due to their unique physicochemical properties, making them ideal for environmental remediation. The article sheds light on the new opportunities of MXenes in the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants, including organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, radionuclides, and gas pollutants. MXenes also show excellent performance in photocatalytic degradation, adsorption, and microbial inactivation with environmental safety. Moreover, their application in recovering valuable elements from waste streams is also …

Hydrogen-Enriched Lng As A Mid-Term Solution To Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Shipping, Kang-Ki Lee

World Maritime University Ph.D. Dissertations

In light of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious Initial GHG Strategy, the rise in international shipping’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2 percent in 2022 compared to 2019 poses a formidable challenge. This increase underscores the pressing need to address the limited availability of green hydrogen, prompting the exploration of mid-term solutions to bridge this critical gap. The IMO’s 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships attempted to tackle this challenge head-on, recognizing the urgency of reducing the industry’s substantial carbon footprint. While hydrogen offers a simple solution as a zero-carbon fuel, LNG remains the most widespread alternative …

Safety And Sustainability In The Domestic Ferry Sector : A Pci Framework For Esg-Aligned Maritime Governance, Mirza Zeeshan Baig

World Maritime University Ph.D. Dissertations

The domestic ferry sector is a significant component of maritime transportation. It strengthens social ties, supports economic growth and connects communities. Despites its importance, this industry faces ongoing challenges. These include fragmented governance, operational adequacies, safety risks and environmental concerns. The study deals with these issues by combining a systems-based approach with governance and change management theories. It examines the interplay between human, technical and organizational aspects. The study integrates the rule-based and rights-based maritime governance along with the Lewin’s three stage change management model (Unfreeze, Change, and Refreeze).

At the core of the study is the development of a …

Cfd Analysis Of Hydrodynamic Cavitation Through An Orifice: Influence Of Different Inlet Pressures And Number Of Orifice Holes, Lemthong Chanphavong, Vongsavanh Chanthaboune, Keophousone Phonhalath

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is considered an energy-efficient process with high potential for utilization in many chemical processes. This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of cavitating flow through an orifice with a constant flow area. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, coupled with turbulence and cavitation models, are employed to capture the complex flow behaviors. The effects of inlet pressures and number of orifice-holes on cavitation behavior are investigated. Result of the numerical simulation is validated with the existing experimental data from the literature. The CFD study revealed that cavitation initiates just behind the inlet edge of the orifice …

Bibliometric And Visualisation Analysis Of Biomass Burning Research In Thailand (1997-2024), Weerachon Sawangproh, Arika Bridhikitti

Applied Environmental Research

Biomass burning is a major driver of air pollution and climate-related impacts in Thailand, but a national-level synthesis of research efforts is lacking. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and qualitative review of 256 peer-reviewed publications from 1997–2024, using Scopus-indexeddata to explore research trends, thematic patterns, and existing gaps. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on atmospheric chemistry, air quality modeling, and remote sensing, which collectively account for more than 60% of the research landscape.Studies frequently focus on pollutants such as PM2.5,PAHs, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, with biomass burning identified as a dominant source, especiallyduring the dry season in …

Quantifying Biodiversity In The Absence Of Taxonomic Data: A Study Of Thailand’S Economic Development Zones, Nikorn Mahawan, Wanpen Charoentrakulpeeti

Applied Environmental Research

The biodiversity status measures the ecological capacity of a given area. However, biodiversity assessments in developing countries are limited by the absence of taxonomic data on plants and animals. By developing methods to evaluate biodiversity via alternative data, it is now possible to quantify the ecological carrying capacity in areas where taxonomic data are lacking. The relationship between forest ecosystem health and biodiversity values can be used to estimate biodiversity values by considering the proportions of different land use types that are associated with forest ecosystem abundance. The biodiversity value of the area can be assessed by adding the abundance …

Low-Temperature Catalytic Oxidation Of White Spirit Vapor In Air By Binary Oxides Of Feo-Mnox Supported On Oms-2 Material, Ngo Quoc Nguyen, Pham Duy Quang, Nguyen Ha Nhu, Le Thi Van Anh, Nguyen Thi Thuy, Vo Thanh Hang, Le Van Thang, Nguyen Thi Le Lien, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Nguyen Nhat Huy

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, catalysts of iron and manganese oxides supported on OMS-2 were prepared and applied to remove white spirit (WS) in air. Among the fabricated catalysts, the FeO-MnOx/OMS-2 catalyst with a surface Fe+Mn loading of 15% (Fe:Mn = 6:4) exhibited the highest catalytic performance, achieving a high WS removal efficiency of 97.91% at 200 °C. The catalyst retained the cryptomelane-type tunnel structure of OMS-2 and possessed enhanced redox activity due to the synergistic interaction between surface Fe and Mn species. The physico-chemical properties were characterized via BET, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The suitable conditions for WS oxidation were …

Spatial And Temporal Dynamics Of Water Use Efficiency And Climate Influence In The Central Highlands Of Vietnam Via Satellite Time Series, Thi Nguyen Quang, Hoang Van Hung

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of water use efficiency (WUE) anomalies across the Central Highlands of Vietnam from 2001–2024 via MODIS time series data, with a focus on seasonal differences and climatic drivers. The results revealed pronounced interannual and spatial variability in the WUE, with significant improvements observed during 2004, 2015, and 2021–2024 and substantial declines during 2005–2008, 2010–2013, and 2016–2017, which coincided with major drought events in the region. Seasonal analysis indicated that WUE was lower during the early dry season and peaked during the postmonsoon months (October–November), reflecting the interplay between water availability and vegetation …

Using A Water Quality Index To Assess The Impacts Of Heavy Metals Contamination For Sustainable Water Management: A Case Study Of The Bang Pakong River, Thailand, Khin Yadana Soe, Pokchat Chutivisut, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat

Applied Environmental Research

Anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, excessive fertilizer use, and industrial effluents cause heavy metal contamination in water, soil, and the atmosphere. Herein, the water quality index (WQI) was used to characterize heavy metal (i.e., cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) contamination in the Bang Pakong River, Thailand. Specifically, water samples were collected during the dry season from four stations along the river from 2012–2022. The heavy metal concentrations in the samples were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and WQI values were calculated on the basis of standard water quality parameters. At the four sampling stations, high As …

Halotolerant Biodegradation And Detoxification Of Synthetic Dyes By Marine-Derived Penicillium Oxalicum M6a: Metabolite Profiling And Ecotoxicity Assessment, Ugochukwu Okechukwu Ozojiofor, Mohammed Sani Abdulsalami, Nkechi Eucharia Egbe, Ahmed Ali Haroun, Yakubu Magaji

Applied Environmental Research

The complex aromatic structures of synthetic dyes in contaminated water bodies make them difficult to degrade, posing a serious environmental challenge and representing a significant emerging pollutant that warrants urgent intervention. This study evaluated the biodegradation and detoxification potential of a halotolerant, marine-derived fungal strain, Penicillium oxalicum M6A, isolated from the Nigerian coastline, against Indigo carmine (IC) and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). The effects of pH, temperature, salinity, and dye concentration on degradation efficiency, alongside enzymatic activity, were assessed. FTIR and GC‒MS analyses were employed to identify degradation products and predict metabolic pathways, whereas toxicity was evaluated in three …

Blue Carbon Stock Assessment Of The Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve In Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines, Renz Morales Lanaban, Yves Paul M. Montero, Hilario L. Wong, Jr., Marnie Grace I. Sonico

Applied Environmental Research

Mangrove ecosystems are vital carbon sinks, yet they are threatened by anthropogenic pressures and natural disturbances, causing significant carbon stock losses. Given the limited data for Baganga, Davao Oriental, this study quantified the aboveground biomass (AGB) and blue carbon stock in the Lucod mangrove swamp forest reserve. We identified mangrove species, measured AGB and carbon content via allometric equations, and compared storage among species. The results indicated that the mangrove forest AGB was within typical ranges for tropical wet regions and the Asia-Pacific region, but its overall carbon content did not reach highly productive ecosystem levels. Nonparametric analysis revealed significant …

Investigating Spatial And Temporal Changes In Vegetation Via Remote Sensing Indicators And Revealing Their Trends In The Central Desert Of Iran, Peyman Akbarzadeh, Shima Nikoo, Mehran Akbarzadeh

Applied Environmental Research

Vegetation changes can significantly affect the conditions and productivity of ecosystems. Consequently, studying vegetation dynamics across various temporal and spatial scales has emerged as a critical environmental concern. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in vegetation cover via vegetation indices, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), ratio vegetation index (RVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and difference vegetation index (DVI), derived from multitemporal Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images processed via the Google Earth Engine. The study area is located in the Damghan arid and desert watershed, which represents the central desert of Iran. Furthermore, …

Assessment Of Metal Contamination And Potential Health Risk Of Roadside Vegetables Along The Sayre Highway, Province Of Bukidnon, Philippines, John R.N. Labajo, Junesa U. Cristobal, Myrna G. Pabiona

Applied Environmental Research

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in roadside vegetables (Ipomoea batatas and Moringa oleifera) across five urbanized localities in Bukidnon, Philippines, and evaluated potential human health risks. Metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were analyzed via atomic absorption spectro-photometry and compared against FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The results revealed severe contamination, with Mn (575.27–862.17 mg kg-1) and Fe (256.46–706.68 mg kg-1) dominating natural soil mineralogy (Adtuyon series) and anthropogenic inputs. Toxic Cr (16.20–21.93 mg kg-1) exceeded permissible limits by nine and a half times in Quezon. Health risk assessments revealed negligible noncarcinogenic risks (THQ …

Spatial Distribution And Potential Ecological Risk Of Microplastics In Surface Sediments Of The Inner Gulf Of Thailand, Sarayut Suanluang, Pathompong Vibhatabandhu, Sarawut Srithongouthai

Applied Environmental Research

The global surge in plastic usage during the COVID–19 pandemic raised concerns about increased microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic environments. This study assessed the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of MPs in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand during the post–COVID–19 period (April 2021). The sediment samples were analyzed via density separation, stereomicroscopic examination, and polymer identification via micro–FTIR. The mean MP abundance was 196.07 ± 85.60 pieces kg-1, with concentrations ranging from 73.08 to 351.19 pieces kg-1. PTFE and PP were the dominant polymer types, comprising 50% and 32% of all the MPs, respectively. Fibers (34%) and …

Health Risk Assessment Of Copper Exposure Through Hand-To-Mouth Activities In The Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Industry, Adisorn Phungkum, Worawat Meevasana, Khanidtha Marungrueang

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to evaluate the occupational exposure levels of copper (Cu) among workers in a battery manufacturing facility by analyzing the Cu concentrations on hand surfaces at three distinct time periods: before work (BW), before lunch (BL), and after work (AW). A total of 30 workers involved in 13 different workstations or tasks—such as battery cell preparation, spot welding, soldering, and labeling—were included in the study to reflect diverse exposure scenarios. Surface wipe sampling was conducted according to NIOSH Method 9102, and the Cu concentrations were quantified via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Additionally, the hazard quotient (HQ) was …