Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1186

Abstract: Used cooking oil is the final product of oil used for frying or cooking in the manufacturing, restaurant and household industries which is often not utilized. Most users will throw the used cooking oil waste into inappropriate places such as in the kitchen, sink or so on, the used cooking oil can harden and clog the sewer pipe. This can also result in the formation of a thin layer on the surface of the water which can reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen needed by living things underwater. To reduce the impact of waste cooking oil that will occur in the water system, this study intends to develop magnetic charcoal from palm oil shells to process used cooking oil waste into a pretreatment for biodiesel production. The purpose of this study was to utilize magnetic charcoal from palm oil shells to reduce free fatty acids from waste cooking oil as a pretreatment for biodiesel production. The method used is pyrolysis and coprecipitation with the formation of magnetic charcoal from oil palm shells with the precipitation process with FeCl₃ (iron III chloride) and FeSO₄ (iron II sulfate). then tested the characteristics of the magnetic charcoal that had been produced using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Next is to test the absorption of free fatty acid reduction from used cooking oil using magnetic charcoal that has been produced by varying the time, concentration and dose of magnetic charcoal to get the maximum adsorption capacity. Then do adsorption 3 times to evaluate the efficiency of reduction of free fatty acids in used cooking oil as a pretreatment for biodiesel production.

Abstract: This study proposes an alternative formwork system using recycled plastic to reduce the use of wood in the construction of tie columns and tie beams in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The main objective is to develop a more sustainable and efficient solution to reduce wood consumption and the high costs that these formworks represent in projects. A geometric design was developed using reinforced recycled plastic boards, tailored to meet the structural needs of secondary concrete elements. The study applied a comparative methodology, evaluating the proposed system against traditional wooden formwork based on parameters such as assembly time, reuse potential, resistance, and material reduction. Results showed a 20% to 30% decrease in formwork assembly and disassembly time, along with an over 80% reduction in wood consumption. The recycled plastic formwork demonstrated greater durability and resistance to moisture compared to wood, offering improved performance in terms of lifespan and reusability. In conclusion, the proposed system proved to be a functional, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for the construction sector in Honduras. It also promotes the reuse of plastic waste in the development of modern, sustainable construction technologies.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to create a practical water filter to improve the quality of Muara Angke well water. There are three main steps in this research, namely initial testing of Muara Angke residents' well water, making water filters, and testing filtered well water. There are three types of tests carried out, namely resistivity, pH, and turbidity. The water filter uses sedimentation techniques using natural materials. The composition of the materials from top to bottom is gravel (30 cm), silica sand (40 cm), manganese zeolite (40 cm), and activated carbon (40 cm). Well water, whether filtered or not, still contains more dissolved ions which causes its resistivity to be lower than bottled water. The filtration process using silica sand, manganese sand, and activated carbon does not directly cause a significant decrease in pH. However, if the source water has certain chemical characteristics or there are reactions that result in increased acidity (such as from CO₂ or oxidation reactions), the pH of the water may decrease slightly. The filtration media used helps reduce water turbidity, but has not reached the desired standard.

Abstract: This study explored the feasibility of removing nickel (Ni) and Pb (II) from water solutions using the adsorption technique by cellulose recovered from office paper waste. Metal removal is required to reduce the direct or indirect exposure of industrial waste to the environment, due to its potential for harm to human health and ecosystems. The release criterion is maintained to keep the efficient wastewater treatment of the metals of concern, which are toxic to both humans and other organisms. The cellulose was first prepared from office paper waste. The removal values can be rationalized as follows: Lead removal efficiencies of were obtained upto %95.0632, while the removals of nickel were obtained as 54.3866%. The adsorption process was effective with the initial metal concentration and the adsorbent dose used. In addition, the study focused on the competition between the adsorption of lead and nickel ions, which inhibited their removal in a mixture. To sum up, in the present study, the prospects of removing heavy metals by low-cost renewable materials are demonstrated, and in general, those concerning the protection of the environment and the minimization of waste.

Abstract: Salinity, or accumulation of dissolved salts, is considered a significant problem affecting on agriculture section in Iraq generally and Basra particularly. Therefore, this research aims to explore the potential of eco-friendly materials to reduce soil salinity and enhance growing of plant. These materials are laboratory prepared and produced such as zeolite stone, humic acid and wood vinegar. Then, physical and chemical properties of saline soil were determined such as (pH, EC, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, PO₄ and SO₄) before and after adding the synthesized eco-friendly materials divided into four groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) with three various ratios (1, 3, 5 g) for each kilogram of saline soil placed in pots that planted with Cress seeds (Lepidium sativum) for observation and analysis. The results indicated remarkable improvements in soil characteristics. The best treatment was found in G4 combination of zeolite stone, humic acid and wood vinegar with added ratio (5g). The results showed a great achievement in reduction of electrical conductivity (EC) from approximately (~18 mS/cm to below 1.3 mS/cm) reflecting over 89% of salinity removal efficiency. Furthermore, pH levels of soil, which initially showed alkalinity (~8.3), were adjusted to be more optimal values around 6.8–7.2 depending on used material. Moreover, decrease the concentrations of elements that forms the main source for salinity in soil. Improvements were also recorded in growth of plants and nutrient retention. Statistical analysis by (one-way ANOVA test) showed a significant differences between groups with a significance level (P ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that integrated use of zeolite, Humic acid, and wood vinegar could holds high potential for restoring the health of saline soils in southern of Iraq, however, more research are needed to explain and analyse the chemical reaction between these synthesized eco-friendly materials and salts of.

Abstract: The oily sludge at the South Refineries firm in Basrah Governorate, Southern Iraq, was treated with biosurfactant made from native bacterial isolates. Consequently, 33 bacterial isolates were obtained from 11 samples of oily sludge, water, and soil obtained from various locations within the organization. These isolates were identified biochemically using the VITEK II system and genetically using 16sRNA. The bacterial species identified by the findings were Bacillus cereus, Aeromonas hydrophila/caviae, Staphylococcus lentus, and S. pseudointermedius. The biosurfactant was manufactured by selecting one isolate from each species. The bacteria and their biosurfactants showed a remarkable ability to break down oily sludge. Bacillus cereus was able to reduce 99.16% of the aliphatic fraction, and Staphylococcus lentus 99.69% of the aromatic fraction. These findings suggest that these bacteria could be utilized for bioremediation of environments polluted by petrochemical oily sludge, resulting in reduced pollution and increased industrial output.