Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1113

Abstract: Calculated carbon dioxide emission from WPT, using equations derived from the UNFCC report, found that the average amount of CO₂ emitted from the decomposition of WPT annually for 2011-2032 is equivalent to 14.19 million tonnes. The amounts of CO₂ that can be sequestered from the manufacture of the potential products were also calculated. Assuming 50% of the annual availability of WPT in Malaysia from year 2011-2032 is converted into products such as plywood/flooring, bio-ethanol from OPT sap, timber, animal feed and micro-crystalline cellulose, GHG emissions would be reduced by 8.11%; 1.95%; 21.35% and 20.50% respectively. The conversion of WPT into biofuel such as fuel pellets and bio-ethanol could provide more impactful effect through indirect and direct carbon offsets from the displacement of fossil fuel use. Up to 48.26 percent CO₂ reduction may be achieved.

Abstract: This paper investigates the capability of running a system which uses hot fluid from solar evacuated tube collectors to boost the temperature and overall heat storage of the solar pond. The system is circulated by a solar powered pump, producing heat energy entirely from the incoming solar radiation from the sun. Solar evacuated tube collectors use a renewable source of power directly from the sun to heat the working fluid to very high temperatures. Solar ponds are emerging on the renewable energy scene with the capacity to provide a simple and inexpensive thermal storage for the production of heat on a large scale. The results of the performance of the system show a significant heat energy increase into the solar ponds lower convective region, increasing the overall performance of the solar pond.

Abstract: Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) systems have been proven as an effective technology for water treatment and have been used for Biochemical Oxygen Demand/Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD/COD-removal), as well as for nitrification and denitrification in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS), in particular, has been extensively used in wastewater treatment since decades ago. In this study, physical performance results for both MBBR and CAS were compared and evaluated on laboratory scale basis. The study aims to identify the best system performance in terms of constituent removal efficiency for effective management of the river purification plant. A novel parallel MBBR and CAS pilot plant were fabricated and operated to compare the physical performance of MBBR and CAS. Analysis of the performances for MBBR and CAS show, MBBR has higher COD (85%), AN (75%) and TSS (80%) removal rate compared to CAS COD (53%), AN (53%) and TSS (69%). For BOD removal rate, CAS shows 68% removal rate whereas MBBR shows only 65%. Thus CAS has shown slightly higher removal rate than MBBR. In terms of sludge production, MBBR sludge is less than CAS. Overall performance proves that MBBR has better rate of constituent removal efficiency compared to CAS in the laboratory basis study.

Abstract: Cement industry is one of the highest contributor in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. With that, this paper proposes the development of a systematic optimization model where minimized production cost is anticipated within the CO₂ reduction target and fuels mixture. The optimization models consider co-processing measures which replaces parts of carbon rich fuels with lower carbon fuels in order to achieve lower carbon emissions. The proposed models are executed using General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). With highest carbon reduction of 3.2%, the minimum manufacturing cost went from €59.748/t clinker for a 0% carbon reduction target to €65.737/t clinker.

Abstract: Water is the most precious natural resource and it is impossible to live without it. However, the potential beneficial uses of water are lost due to changes in its composition as a result of human activity especially from industrial effluents. It is estimated about 22% of the total volume of industrial wastewater is produced by the textiles industry, one of the largest industrial producers of high volume wastewater primarily in the dyeing and finishing operations. This industry engenders a huge contribution to Malaysia’s economy development due to high demands locally and abroad. However, little awareness on the importance of clean practices in the production of Batik among Batik entrepreneurs has caused them to take improper actions by discharging the effluents without proper treatment. Currently, many technologies are available to solve the problems caused by textile industry. However, the best methods differ from plant to plant depending on size, type of waste and degree of treatment needed. This article reviews the available technologies and suggests an effective, cheaper alternative for dye removal and decolorisation applicable on large scale.

Abstract: A membrane-less and mediator-less system was designed and tested with wastewater sample as fuel to generate electricity. Microorganisms were first isolated from the wastewater sample to pure culture and were used as the ‘machinery’ that converts wastewater into energy. The wastewater samples were treated either by sterilization or non-sterilization methods. These tests were run using a modified air-cathode single chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). By sterilizing the wastewater, the calculated power density was much lower compared to non-sterilized wastewater indicating a significant role of microbial activity in the SCMFC system and substrate availability. Furthermore, mixed culture was observed to give larger power density compared to an individual microbe (18.42 ± 5.84 mW/m² for mixed culture and 8.82 ± 4.56 mW/m² to 9.46 ± 4.87 mW/m² for individual microbe, Bukholderi capecia and Acidovorax sp. respectively) to prove that larger power value could be achieved with a mixed microbial system. In addition, the system proved to remove 68.57% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater sample tested. In conclusion, the designed SCMFC has been proven capable of power generation and wastewater treatment comparable to other SCMFCs to date.

Abstract: AbstractPurpose: The aim objective of this paper is to identify the current scenario of refurbishment activities/projects in Malaysian context.Problem Statement: From the literature review and initial research among the construction authorities, it was found that refurbishment activities have not looked into by the relevant agencies though Malaysia has embarked on construction for the past 50 years. Therefore, there is an urgent need for Malaysian construction authority and industry to conduct detailed study in refurbishment area specifically on a lack of comprehensive and accurate data on the value number of refurbishment projects in Malaysia and reducing the refurbishment waste generation.

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of a research that examined eco-efficiency on ISO14000 certified polypropylene firms. Polypropylene poses pollution threat to air, water and landfill due to its non-biodegradable products. Polypropylene firms are expected to demonstrate continual improvements in their environmental performances, objectives and targets, controls on environmental impacts and promote best practices. Environmental programs and innovations are needed not only for eco-efficiency and environmental performances, but also to comply with the global and market pressures towards sustainable green technology and businesses. Findings of the research revealed that employees’ involvements, innovations integration in the production systems towards eco-efficient production processes, producing substituted environmentally-friendly products, minimization of wastes and reducing environmental impacts are crucial for polypropylene industries in Malaysia. Additionally, organizational compliances towards government regulations and corporate social responsibility have implications on EMS and organizational performances towards green technology and business sustainability. In conclusion, innovations in EMS support eco-efficiencies in polypropylene industries and simultaneously protect the environment for future generation

Abstract: Industry has become an essential part of modern society, and waste production is an inevitable outcome of the developmental activities. A material becomes waste when it is discarded with impunity and may pose a potential hazard to the human health or the environment (soil, air, waste) when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed off or managed. In other words, scheduled waste contributes a major share towards environmental degradation. Scheduled and hazardous waste is the most difficult waste to be managed due to the dangerous elements not only for the environment but also for public health. In Malaysia, in the last two decades, the waste management has been a major concern. Malaysia has developed a comprehensive set of legal provisions related to the management of toxic and hazardous wastes. In this work, an evaluation of the scheduled waste management in Malaysia is made: in term of legislation framework, type of wastes and waste volume production.