Upgradation of chemical, fuel, thermal, and structural properties of rice husk through microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization

Abstract

The process parameters of microwave hydrothermal carbonization (MHTC) have significant effect on yield of hydrochar. This study discusses the effect of process parameters on hydrochar yield produced from MHTC of rice husk. Results revealed that, over the ranges tested, a lower temperature, lower reaction time, lower biomass to water ratio, and higher particle size produce more hydrochar. Maximum hydrochar yield of 62.8% was obtained at 1000 W, 220 °C, and 5 min. The higher heating value (HHV) was improved significantly from 6.80 MJ/kg of rice husk to 16.10 MJ/kg of hydrochar. Elemental analysis results showed that the carbon content increased and oxygen content decreased in hydrochar from 25.9 to 47.2% and 68.5 to 47.0%, respectively, improving the energy and combustion properties. SEM analysis exhibited modification in structure of rice husk and improvement in porosity after MHTC, which was further confirmed from BET surface analysis. The BET surface area increased from 25.0656 m²/g (rice husk) to 92.6832 m²/g (hydrochar). Thermal stability of hydrochar was improved from 340 °C for rice husk to 370 °C for hydrochar.

Production of mycotoxins by filamentous fungi in untreated surface water

Abstract

Several research studies reported that mycotoxins and other metabolites can be produced by fungi in certain matrices such as food. In recent years, attention has been drawn to the wide occurrence and identification of fungi in drinking water sources. Due to the large demand of water for drinking, watering, or food production purposes, it is imperative that further research is conducted to investigate if mycotoxins may be produced in water matrices. This paper describes the results obtained when a validated analytical method was applied to detect and quantify the presence of mycotoxins as a result of fungi inoculation and growth in untreated surface water. Aflatoxins B1 and B2, fumonisin B3, and ochratoxin A were detected at concentrations up to 35 ng/L. These results show that fungi can produce mycotoxins in water matrices in a non-negligible quantity and, as such, attention must be given to the presence of fungi in water.

A system dynamics model of China’s electric power structure adjustment with constraints of PM10 emission reduction

Abstract

Recently, Chinese state environmental protection administration has brought out several PM10 reduction policies to control the coal consumption strictly and promote the adjustment of power structure. Under this new policy environment, a suitable analysis method is required to simulate the upcoming major shift of China's electric power structure. Firstly, a complete system dynamics model is built to simulate China's evolution path of power structure with constraints of PM10 reduction considering both technical and economical factors. Secondly, scenario analyses are conducted under different clean-power capacity growth rates to seek applicable policy guidance for PM10 reduction. The results suggest the following conclusions. (1) The proportion of thermal power installed capacity will decrease to 67% in 2018 with a dropping speed, and there will be an accelerated decline in 2023–2032. (2) The system dynamics model can effectively simulate the implementation of the policy, for example, the proportion of coal consumption in the forecast model is 63.3% (the accuracy rate is 95.2%), below policy target 65% in 2017. (3) China should promote clean power generation such as nuclear power to meet PM10 reduction target.

Effect of mono and divalent salts on the conformation and composition of a humic acid and on atrazine adsorption

Abstract

We investigated the effects of sodium and calcium chlorides on the conformation and composition of a purified Aldrich humic acid (PAHA), as well as on the adsorption of atrazine. The PAHA was treated with 1, 10, and 100 mM NaCl, CaCl₂, or a mixture of NaCl and CaCl₂ (molar ratio 5:1) at pH 7.5 and 8.5. The conformation of treated PAHA was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectral changes of functional groups of PAHA by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). AFM and TEM images showed an increase in the aggregation of the PAHA as salinity increased. FTIR spectra revealed that changes in the aggregation of the PAHA were principally due to the formation of bridged interactions between calcium and carboxylate groups in the PAHA. The adsorption of atrazine on > 0.45 μm PAHA decreased as salt concentrations and pH increased. This reduction of atrazine adsorption was explained by the decrease in available adsorption sites due to agglomeration of PAHA.

The effect of simulated acid rain on the stabilization of cadmium in contaminated agricultural soils treated with stabilizing agents

Abstract

Stabilization technology is one of widely used remediation technologies for cadmium (Cd)-contaminated agricultural soils, but stabilized Cd in soil may be activated again when external conditions such as acid rain occurred. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of acid rain on the performance of different stabilizing agents on Cd-polluted agriculture soils. In this study, Cd-contaminated soils were treated with mono-calcium phosphate (MCP), mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), and artificial zeolite (AZ) respectively and incubated 3 months. These treatments were followed by two types of simulated acid rain (sulfuric acid rain and mixed acid rain) with three levels of acidity (pH = 3.0, 4.0, and 5.6). The chemical forms of Cd in the soils were determined by Tessier's sequential extraction procedure, and the leaching toxicities of Cd in the soils were assessed by toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). The results show that the three stabilizing agents could decrease the mobility of Cd in soil to some degree with or without simulated acid rain (SAR) treatment. The stabilization performances followed the order of AZ < MAP < MCP. Acid rain soaking promoted the activation of Cd in stabilized soil, and both anion composition and pH of acid rain were two important factors that influenced the stabilization effect of Cd.

Congenital Accessory Palpebral Fissure and Eyelid in a Newborn: A Case Report

The occurrence of an accessory palpebral fissure and eyelid is an extremely rare phenomenon. An isolated accessory palpebral fissure and eyelid have been reported only twice in the literature, and in one case as an extension of Delleman syndrome, or oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome. The authors report a case of a full-term newborn who presented with an accessory palpebral fissure and eyelid associated with microcornea, skin polyps and tags, cutis dysplasia, and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum with an otherwise normal systemic workup and negative genetic screening. Detailed surgical management and histopathological analysis of the accessory findings are also described. Accepted for publication February 21, 2018. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose Address correspondence and reprint requests to Robert A. Goldberg, M.D., Stein Eye Institute, 300 Stein Plaza, 1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90095. E-mail: Goldberg@jsei.ucla.edu © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Similarity in Bilateral Isolated Internal Orbital Fractures

Purpose: In evaluating patients sustaining bilateral isolated internal orbital fractures, the authors have observed both similar fracture locations and also similar expansion of orbital volumes. In this study, we aim to investigate if there is a propensity for the 2 orbits to fracture in symmetrically similar patterns when sustaining similar trauma. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed studying all cases at our institution of bilateral isolated internal orbital fractures involving the medial wall and/or the floor at the time of presentation. The similarity of the bilateral fracture locations was evaluated using the Fisher's exact test. The bilateral expanded orbital volumes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess for orbital volume similarity. Results: Twenty-four patients with bilateral internal orbital fractures were analyzed for fracture location similarity. Seventeen patients (70.8%) had 100% concordance in the orbital subregion fractured, and the association between the right and the left orbital fracture subregion locations was statistically significant (P

Frontalis Muscle Flap Versus Maximal Anterior Levator Resection as First Option for Patients With Severe Congenital Ptosis

Purpose: To compare 2 surgical techniques (frontalis flap versus maximal anterior levator resection) as first surgical options for the treatment of congenital ptosis with poor levator function in patients younger than 2 years of age with a follow up of 10 years. Methods: A retrospective study of 58 patients (71 eyelids) with severe ptosis and poor levator function who underwent frontalis muscle flap (FMF = 47) or maximal anterior levator resection (ALR = 24) for correction of their ptosis. Eyelid measurements were taken at baseline, 1, 5, and 10 years after surgery. The presence of complications, need for reoperations, and palpebral contour were evaluated. Results: Most patients in both groups required only one surgical procedure with a stable average margin-reflex distance 1 over the 10-year follow-up period in both groups, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 techniques in achieving an adequate palpebral height after one single procedure. Eleven eyelids treated with FMF (23%) and 12 treated with ALR (50%) needed a reoperation, with a statistically significant difference between the 2 techniques. Five ALR patients (21%) and 6 FMF patients (13%) had alterations of eyelid contour. Pop-eyelid and eyelash ptosis were observed in 8% of patients operated with FMF. Conclusion: Good functional and aesthetic results were obtained with both surgical techniques. FMF required fewer reoperations compared with maximal ALR, offering a better long-term result without residual ptosis. Accepted for publication February 4, 2018. Presented at the XXVI SECPOO meeting (Bilbao, 2016), 35º ESOPRS meeting (Athens, 2016), Barcelona Oculoplastics (Barcelona, 2017), BOPSS (London, 2017). The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Address correspondence and reprint requests to LuzMaria Vasquez, M.D., Josep María Lladó 3, Salida 7 Ronda de Dalt. 08035, Barcelona, Spain. E-mail: vasquez@imo.es © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Orbital Inflammatory Syndrome Secondary to Flea Bite

A 34-year-old previously healthy Hispanic male presented to the emergency room complaining of progressive left upper eyelid swelling and pain for more than 2 weeks. He was previously diagnosed and treated for a "pink eye" but failed to improve. He reported a previous "bug bite" around the left lateral canthus a few weeks prior to admission. Computer tomography orbit with contrast showed left exophthalmos, an enhancing left lacrimal gland and orbital inflammatory signs suggestive of possible intraorbital abscess. Intravenous antibiotics did not improve his symptoms. Surgical debridement showed no abscess but inflamed soft tissues and lacrimal gland. Intravenous steroids failed to improve his symptoms. On postoperative day 3, the patient reported that an insect had "jumped" out from his left orbit. Identification of the specimen proved to be a mature flea. Biopsy of the lacrimal gland showed degranulation of eosinophils and foreign body material consistent with probable insect leg parts. Accepted for publication February 19, 2018. Disclosure: Collection and evaluation of protected patient health information was HIPAA-compliant. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Amina I. Malik, M.D., Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6560 Fannin Street, Suite 450, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: aimalik@houstonmethodist.org © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.