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S. Hilda Josephine ¹, A. S. S. Sekar ¹

Affiliations
1 Environmental Engineering Div., Department of Civil Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology (ACCET), Karaikudi-630 004, T. N., IN

Abstract

Azo dyes are synthetic in origin having complex aromatic structure and widely used in textile, paper, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Most of the azo dyes used in textile industry are xenobiotic compounds and recalcitrant to conventional degradation process. These dyes cause serious environmental problems because of their carcinogenic nature and reduced penetration of light in aquatic environment. In the present study, the efficiency of the two bacterial cultures on degradation of three different toxic azo dyes (acid, direct and reactive azo dyes) were analysed. The bacterial strains used in this study are Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida. To increase the degradation potential, the organisms were acclimatized to the dye environment for sufficient period by gradually decreasing the nutrient broth concentration and increasing the dye concentration so that it can effectively degrade dye rich textile effluent. The effect of concentration of dye, pH, temperature and agitation was studied to determine the optimal conditions for effective decolourisation and degradation. FT-IR and UV spectral analysis were performed to confirm the biodecolourisation.

Keywords

Azo Dyes, Biodegradation, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida.

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C. Elangovan ¹, A. S. S. Sekar ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University of Technology, Thiruchirappalli-620 024, T. N., IN
2 Deptt. of Civil Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi-630 004, T. N., IN

Abstract

The up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for the treatment of dairy wastewater is often reported to be an effective method of treatment. The objective of this paper is to summarize recent research efforts and case studies in up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for treating dairy effluents. The main characteristics of the dairy wastewater have been identified and the degradation mechanism of the primary constituents in dairy wastewaters, namely carbohydrates (mainly lactose), proteins and lipids has been described. Primary attention is focused on bench, pilot-scale up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for the treatment of dairy wastewater effluents. Finally, areas where further research and attention are required have been identified.

Keywords

Anaerobic Treatment, Dairy Wastewater, UASB Reacter.

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P. Kathirvel ¹, M. Galesh ², M. Shahul Hameed ³, A. S. S. Sekar ⁴

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Civil Engg., K.L.N. College of Engineering, Madurai-630 611, T. N., IN
2 B & F op, L&T, ECC Div., Chennai, T. N., IN
3 Dept. of Civil Engg., Sethu Institute of Technology, Kariapatti-626 106, T.N., IN
4 Dept. of Civil Engg., Alagappa Chettiyar College of Engineering & Technology, Karaikudi, T. N., IN

Abstract

Fly ash, which was once an environmental pollutant, has now found a good place in the construction industry, mainly in production of blended cement. Blended cement has replaced ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to a major extent, in lieu of its increased durability and lesser cost. In addition there is reduction in green house gases in the manufacturing of cement, thereby reducing pollution. The main aim of this work is to study the effect of sulphate attack in OPC and blended cement made by replacement of OPC with fly ash by 10%, 20% and 30%. When the analysis of concrete reveals a high sulphate content this does not necessarily indicate any deterioration although conversely, loss of strength or visibledeterioration accompanied by high sulphate content would be evidence of sulphate attack. The properties were monitored periodically to examine durability. Here, an attempt is made to know the effect of sulphate attack on blended cement bymonitoring the properties like densityvariation, compressive strength and water absorption.The test results discussed above conclude the effect of sulphate attack on OPC specimens and OPC specimens replaced with fly ash. The deterioration starts significantly after 60 days of curing in all cases. The concrete is good in sulphate resistant when fly ash is added. The fly ash added specimens performed better than OPC specimens. The result of the study indicated that the replacement of cement with 20% fly ash improved the durability of concrete to a larger extent. The final strength reduction for the specimens attacked by magnesium sulphate solution were higher than that those attacked by sodium sulphate solution.

Keywords

Blended Cement Concrete, Sulphate Attack, Fly Ash, Water Sorptivity.

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M. Shahul Hameed ¹, A. S. S. Sekar ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Sethu Institute of Technology, Kariapatti-626 106, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Alagappa Chettiyar College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Progress in concrete technology should necessarily take into account the widespread need for conserving resources and environment and for proper utilization of energy. Consequently, it can be expected that there will be major emphasis on the use of wastes and by-products in cement and concrete technology. Efforts will also be directed to use recycled materials such as quarry dust, marble powder and fly ash. The advancement of concrete technology can reduce the consumption of natural resources and energy sources and lessen the burden of pollutants on the environment. First, the physical and chemical properties of the waste were analysed. The strength development for various percentages of replacement of fine aggregate with quarry dust, marble powder and fly ash were compared to the strength development of normal concrete at various ages. Consequently, these contribute to improve the strength of concrete slump and air content of fresh concrete and absorption, compressive strength and flexural strength of hardened concrete were also investigated.

Keywords

Marble Powder, Fly Ash, Quarry Dust, Filler Materials, Green Concrete Slump, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength.

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P. Yogeswari ¹, A. S. S. Sekar ², N. Mahendiran ³

Affiliations
1 Deptt. of Civil Engineering, R.V.S. College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul-624 005, T.N., IN
2 Deptt. of Civil Engineering, A. C. College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, T.N., IN
3 Deptt. of Civil Engineering, P. S. N. A. College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul-624 622, T.N., IN

Abstract

The geomorphologic conditions are essential pre-requisites in understanding the water bearing characteristics of hard rocks. Hence, in the present paper efforts have been made to identify the spatial distributed nature of the Varaganadhi watershed using Geographical Information System (GIS). GIS has also been used to describe the various thematic layers such as physiography, landuse/landcover, geomorphology, soil, etc. The morphological parameters such as stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, form factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, drainage density, drainage frequency, ruggedness number, etc. were computed. Thematic maps pertaining to landuse/cover, geology, and geomorphology were colleted from PWD of Periyakulam, Theni, Tamilnadu. These maps were scanned and the images were georeferenced in Geomedia software and the basic morphometric parameters were calculated. Integration of base maps and morphometric parameters with geoprofessional techniques, has led into the delineation of the areas suitable for adapting soil and water conservation measures. In addition, usage of GIS in watershed management studies can help the planners in carrying out various watershed developmental activities like construction of culverts, design of spillways of small dams, construction of flood protection levees and agriculture, etc.

Keywords

Morphometric Analysis, Microwatershed, Varaganadhi Basin, GIS.

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A. S. S. Sekar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi-630 004, T.N., IN

Abstract

Colour removal of wastewater containing acid dye (Navitan Bordeaux MB) by ozone treatment has been studied in an attempt to abate pollution caused by leather dyeing houses. The Navitan Bordeaux MB dye is commonly used in commercial leather manufacturing. The effluent has been synthetically prepared using water with 100 ppm concentration of dye. Passing ozone in a bubble column reactor containing the dye solution carried out the decolourisation process of the premetallised acid dye. The effect of dye concentration, ozone dose and pH on the rate of decolourisation has been studied. The efficiency of the decolourisation has been evaluated by measuring absorbance of the dye solution.

Keywords

Tannery Dye Waste, Navitan Bordeaux MB, Ozone Treatment, Decolourisation.

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