Indoor air quality is influenced by emissions from building materials, products, combustion, and outdoor pollution infiltrating indoors. Common indoor pollutants can cause health issues like headaches and breathing problems. Passive sampling is a cost-effective way to monitor indoor air quality over long periods by measuring pollutant levels without active air movement. Source control, ventilation, and air cleaning are strategies to improve indoor air quality, with source control being most effective by eliminating pollutant sources or reducing their emissions. Air cleaners use mechanical filters, electronic methods, or ion generation to remove particulate pollutants from indoor air.
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring and Assessment for Companies to Understand the current indoor air quality problems in the industry.
This will help us to:
Taking necessary action to reduce poor indoor air quality
Planning for the future to reduce indoor air pollution
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring and Assessment for Companies to Understand the current indoor air quality problems in the industry.
This will help us to:
Taking necessary action to reduce poor indoor air quality
Planning for the future to reduce indoor air pollution
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
Phycoremediation of malachite green and reduction of physico chemical paramet...eSAT Journals
Abstract
Water is the elixir of life, a precious gift of nature to all the living species on earth. It is rapidly becoming a scare commodity in most parts of the world. Only 0.35% of the total availability of water found in lakes and wetlands and 0.01% in rivers and streams which are likely getting depleted due to the discharge of the effluents such as dyes simultaneously increases the water quality parameters. Malachite green is a common textile dye being discharged in lake water situated near textile industries. The phycoremediation method employs the use of algae, say, Chlorella pyrenoidosa which helps in decolorizing the water and due to its growth in the lake water, the physico-chemical parameters higher in the polluted water found to be reduced and water can be used for various purposes. The trails were made using Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Malachite green at different concentrations. The optimum concentration for the degradation of dye was completely done at the concentration 15 mg confirming the decolorization capacity by Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The same experiment was performed with adjusting the pH at 6, 7 and 8. Optimum pH for the dye degradation was found as pH 7 at which all the concentrations Chlorella pyrenoidosa was able to degrade the dye with the decolourization capacity of above 95%. The phyico-chemical parameters checked after the decolorization by Chlorella were found to be within the limits and thus Chlorella which is available in nature can be used in the decolorization of effluent water by eco-friendly method.
Keywords: Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Malachite Green, Phycoremediation, Physico-chemical parameters
Phycoremediation of malachite green and reduction of physico chemical paramet...eSAT Journals
Abstract
Water is the elixir of life, a precious gift of nature to all the living species on earth. It is rapidly becoming a scare commodity in most parts of the world. Only 0.35% of the total availability of water found in lakes and wetlands and 0.01% in rivers and streams which are likely getting depleted due to the discharge of the effluents such as dyes simultaneously increases the water quality parameters. Malachite green is a common textile dye being discharged in lake water situated near textile industries. The phycoremediation method employs the use of algae, say, Chlorella pyrenoidosa which helps in decolorizing the water and due to its growth in the lake water, the physico-chemical parameters higher in the polluted water found to be reduced and water can be used for various purposes. The trails were made using Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Malachite green at different concentrations. The optimum concentration for the degradation of dye was completely done at the concentration 15 mg confirming the decolorization capacity by Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The same experiment was performed with adjusting the pH at 6, 7 and 8. Optimum pH for the dye degradation was found as pH 7 at which all the concentrations Chlorella pyrenoidosa was able to degrade the dye with the decolourization capacity of above 95%. The phyico-chemical parameters checked after the decolorization by Chlorella were found to be within the limits and thus Chlorella which is available in nature can be used in the decolorization of effluent water by eco-friendly method.
Keywords: Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Malachite Green, Phycoremediation, Physico-chemical parameters
Mt. Everest-eLearning & Gamification Innovation-KeynoteErwin E. Sniedzins
Make Mt. Everest into Your Stepping Stone - Keynote at ELICE eLearning & Innovation conference, Nairobi, Kenya. How to turn information into knowledge (iiK) 32% better and 3 times faster than traditional learning methods using AI Gamification of any content in real time.
Evaluation of the indoor air quality of beato angelico building of the univer...University of Santo Tomas
This research work on the Evaluation of the Indoor Air Quality of Beato Angelico Building of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila was made possible through a grant provided by the university.
iAir is a wearable necklace air quality detector. It is able to detect temperature and many contaminating gases of low concentrations including CO, alcohol, volatiles of cosmetics, acetone etc. Then visualize the information by changing LED color and on mobile phone through Bluetooth. iAir is a combination of fashion & design, physical computing, circuit design, and mobile & server development.
iAir is the project after half-semester research of indoor air pollution. With the idea of quantifying self and monitoring health, it is targeted to provide the easiest way to detect air quality surround you.
Effective Techniques to control gaseous & particulate pollutionShristi Soni
This powerpoint has been made in context to briefly describe about the congtrol methods for gaseous and particulate pollution. This Presentation also briefly describes about the control devices seperately for Gaseous pollution as well as Particulate Pollution.
Hence, this PPT can be very effective way of studying and analysing this Topic
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals in District Ban...Open Access Research Paper
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular zoonotic protozoan parasite, infect both humans and animals population worldwide. It can also cause abortion and inborn disease in humans and livestock population. In the present study total of 313 domestic animals were screened for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Of which 45 cows, 55 buffalos, 68 goats, 60 sheep and 85 shaver chicken were tested. Among these 40 (88.88%) cows were negative and 05 (11.12%) were positive. Similarly 55 (92.72%) buffalos were negative and 04 (07.28%) were positive. In goats 68 (98.52%) were negative and 01 (01.48%) was recorded positive. In sheep and shaver chicken the infection were not recorded.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
1. Indoor Air Quality
Sadhana S. Rayalu and Vaishali Khaparde
Air Pollution Control Division, NEERI, Nagpur - 440020
Introduction :
Indoor air pollutants are unwanted sometimes harmful materials in the air.
They range from dusts to chemicals to radon and are emitted from an incredible
variety of sources from the printer or photocopier, from building materials,
cigarette smoke etc. The result is often termed as "Sick building syndrome".
Typical symptoms may include headaches, unusual fatigue, itching or burning of
eyes, skin irritation, nasal congestion, dry or irritated throats, asthma attacks,
breathing problems, dizziness, memory loss, depression, sinus infections, colds,
flue and viruses. The EPA states that health effects from indoor air pollutants
may be experienced soon after exposure or possibly years later. EPA report also
says that "Indoor air is on average 2 to 10 times as polluted as worst outdoor air".
Indoor air quality is influenced due to emission of new materials and
products from building materials, insulation, bonding resins, fabrics, cleaning
materials, personal care products, pesticides, and in addition, from the
combustion process of cooking, fuel heating and tobacco smoking. Contaminants
originating outdoors infiltrate into the buildings and also affect the indoor air
quality. Human beings are exposed to elevated levels of a wide spectrum of
chemicals, many of which have been found to be even carcinogenic. Air quality
problems depend largely on climate and the economic requirements. In colder
and temperate zones of developed country, buildings, normally, have central
heating systems. To conserve energy both for economic and environmental
reasons, energy-efficient building construction has resulted in significant
reductions of the outdoor-indoor air exchange rate with an increase in indoor
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2. contaminant levels. Further, outdoor pollution is minimized to a greater extent
due to dispersion and dilution. From a health perspective, indoor health quality is
more important as people spend more that 80% of their time indoors such as
homes, schools, office buildings, and shopping centres.
In most of developing countries, due to warm climates, natural ventilation is
preferred via open windows and by fans. Thus the quality of indoor air depends
to a lesser extent on the indoor sources and more on the quality of the outdoor
environment. The outdoor quality is also worsening due to an increased number
of industries and vehicles. To minimize the pollution effective control measures
are to be taken, to protect human exposure to these pollutants both from
outdoors as well as from indoor sources. To address this problem of national
significance two important issues need to be addressed and are as follows:
a) Indoor air quality monitoring
b) Indoor air quality control
a) Indoor air quality monitoring:
A passive sampler is a device which is capable of taking samples of gas or
vapour pollutants from the environment at a rate controlled by a physical
process such as diffusion through a static air layer (therefore the expression
of diffusive sampling is used frequently) which does not involve the active
movement of the air through the sampler. The large and ever-growing number
of pollutants makes it difficult to associate health and comfort problems with
specific compounds. To conduct large studies, passive sampling is a suitable
technique as it is a simple, reliable and cost effective method. Due to the light
weight, the samplers are portable and they are often reusable and inherently
safe for use in flammable atmosphere. In principle sampling requires no pump
and it makes no noise. With the active sampling methods the sample is drawn
from a limited time only. Thus by using active sampling only concentration for
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3. the particular time of sampling can be obtained. Therefore, subsequent active
sampling can favorably be used to determine peak exposure in real
atmosphere with fast variations in concentrations. Diffusive samplers adsorb
the pollutants (several days to several weeks) of the entire study period and
thus can be used for the risk assessment studies of long term exposure. In
the past, most validation studies for diffusive sampling have dealt with the
analytes, concentration levels and sample composition encountered in
ambient and workplace air.
b) Indoor Air Quality Control:
The three strategies (in order of effectiveness) for reducing pollutants in
indoor air are source control, ventilation, and air cleaning. Source control
eliminates individual sources of pollutants or reduces their emissions, and is
generally the most effective strategy. Some sources, like those that contain
asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed; others, like combustion appliances, can
be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions. Unfortunately, not all
pollutant sources can be identified and practically eliminated or reduced.
Ventilation brings outside air indoors. It can be achieved by opening windows
and doors, by turning on local bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans, or, in some
situations, by the use of mechanical ventilation systems, with or without heat
recovery ventilators (air-to-air heat exchangers). However, there are practical
limits to the extent ventilation can be used to reduce airborne pollutants.
Costs for heating or cooling incoming air can be significant, and outdoor air
itself may contain undesirable levels of contaminants. Air cleaning may serve
as an adjunct to source control and ventilation. However, the use of air
cleaning devices alone cannot assure adequate air quality, particularly where
significant sources are present and ventilation is inadequate.
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4. Air Cleaners as effective control measure
Indoor air pollutants are generally of three kinds viz.; particulate, gaseous
and radon and its progeny. Gaseous pollutants have been discussed briefly
herein.
Gaseous pollutants include combustion gases and organic chemicals
which are not associated with particles. Hundreds of different gaseous pollutants
have been detected in indoor air. Sources of combustion gases (such as carbon
monoxide and nitrogen dioxide) include combustion appliances, cigarette
smoking, and the infiltration of vehicle exhaust gases from attached garages or
the outdoors. Gaseous organic compounds may enter the air from sources such
as cigarette smoking, building materials and furnishings, and the use of products
such as paints, adhesives, dyes, solvents, chaulks, cleaners, deodorizers,
personal hygiene products, waxes, hobby and craft materials and pesticides.
Air cleaners are usually classified by the method employed to remove
particles of various sizes from the air. There are three general types of air
cleaners in the market: mechanical filters, electronic air cleaners, and ion
generators Devices such as air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers may
technically be considered air cleaners because they may reduce some pollutants
present in indoor air through condensation, absorption, and other mechanisms.
The addition of adsorbents such as carbon, zeolite and potassium
permanganate will assist an air filter in removing various gasses and odors from
the air by adsorbing these gasses into the media or through a process called
chemisorption. Activated carbon has incredible porosity and a large and highly
active surface area. One pound of activated carbon has the surface area equal to
125 acres. The activated carbon filter works by adsorption and physical
screening of contaminants. The carbon adsorbs gaseous molecules by physically
binding them to the porous structure. Activated carbon is best suited to remove
compounds with high molecular weight such as volatile organic compounds
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5. (V.O.C.s) like benzene, toulene and xylene. Zeolites are a class of a naturally
occurring minerals derived from volcanic ash. Zeolites can also be reproduced
synthetically because of their consistent and predictable porous structure. One
gram of zeolite can have up to several hundred square meters of surface area.
These minerals are effective at removing V.O.C.s and ammonia compound
odors. Like carbon, gasses are trapped in the voids of the porous zeolite
structure. Chemisorbents work through binding gasses and a chemical reaction
process. These odor control substances are best for the removal of low
molecular weight gasses such as formaldehyde, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
A binder such as activated alumina is impregnated with Potassium
Permanganate to create a chemically active media. This non-toxic media first
physically traps selected gas molecules and then chemically destroys them
through a process called oxidation .This oxidation process is media based and
no oxygen or ozone is generated. The effectiveness of odor removing media is
related to the amount and type of gasses present in the air and the quantity and
depth of the adsorbent material and the velocity of the air traveling through the
media. The location of the odor adsorbing media relative to the particle filtration
media is also important. If the odor adsorbing media is placed first, then particles
in the air will cover the porous structure of the odor adsorbing media and reduce
its effectiveness at trapping odors.
The effectiveness of air cleaners in removing pollutants from the air
depends on both the efficiency of the device itself (e.g. the percentage of the
pollutant removed as it goes through the device) and the amount of air handled
by the device. For example, a filter may remove 99% of the pollutant in the air
that passes through it, but if the air flow rate is only 10 cubic feet per minute
(cfm), it will take a long time to process the air in a typical room of 1000 cubic
feet. Although there is no universally accepted method for comparing air-cleaning
devices, several investigators of portable air-cleaning units have expressed their
results as a "clean air delivery rate" or CADR. The CADR is the product of the
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6. unit efficiency and the air flow rate, and is a measure of the number of cfm of air
it cleans of a specific material.
The factors for selection of indoor air cleaner include the following:
a Estimated capital and maintenance cost
* Installation requirements (e.g. power, access)
* Possible production or redispersal of pollutants such as ozone,
particles formulated and trapped gaseous pollutants
a Possible health effects
a Potential effectiveness of the device under the existing conditions
tv Need for routine maintenance including cleaning and replacement of
filters and sorbent.
The various factors influencing efficiency of filters include:
•ft Air flow rate through the sorbent
a Concentration of the pollutants
a Presence of other substances or vapors (e.g. humidity)
Physical and chemical characteristics of both the pollutants and the
sorbent (e.g. weight, polarity, size and shape)
•ft Configuration of the sorbent in the device
a. Quantity of sorbent used and the sorbent depth
Conclusions
Indoor air pollutants can be grouped into three categories viz; particles,
gaseous pollutants and radon and its progeny. Passive sampling appears to be
technically feasible option for monitoring indoor air pollutants. Zeolites are
proving to be the adsorbents of choice for many cost effective air pollution control
technologies treating the hazardous air pollutants and listed VOCs. The need for
technologically improved air purification systems has been indicated by keen
client interest in the use of zeolites in controlling indoor air pollutants. The issues
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7. to be addressed are the types of air cleaners available to the consumer,
effectiveness of air cleaners in removing indoor air pollutants, factors to consider
in deciding whether to use an air-cleaning unit etc.
1 7 R
8. Reference:
1. Humphreys MP 1987. Performance testing of residential indoor air cleaning
devices. Presented at the 1987 EPA/APCA Symposium on Measurement of
Toxic and Related Air Pollutants, Research Triangle Park, NC, May 3-6, 1987
2. National Academy of Science. 1981. Indoor pollutants, Washington, DC :
National Academy Press.
3. Wadden RA, Scheff PA. 1983. Indoor air pollution. New York : John Wiley
and Sons
4. Ramanathan K, BeblerVL, Kosuko M, Sparks LE. 1988. Evaluation of control
strategies for volatile organic compounds in indoor air. Environmental
Progress 7(4): 230-235.
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