Feasibility of methanolic wastes treatment containing chlorophenol in experimental UASB reactors i.e. R-I and R-II working side by side constantly for a couple of almost 32 weeks were studied. UASB reactor R-I was initiated by utilizing the digested sludge alone, whereas, the UASB reactor R-II was startedup by adding an activated carbon of an effective size 1.5-2.5mm to the digested sludge with the volume-volume ratio of 3:2. At low loading rates d” 0.5g-TOC/L-d for R-I and d” 2.6g-TOC/L-d for R-II, it was observed that the effect of HRT on the TOC reduction was not prominent, and in both the reactors the TOC reduction effectiveness was noticed to be above 80%. An optimum OLR to accomplish 80-85% TOC and chlorophenol reduction effectiveness (at HRT e” 12hours) was observed to be 2.6g-TOC/L-day and 10.8g-TOC/L-day for reactor R-I and R-II, respectively. It was also observed that to attain more than 80% TOC removal efficiency at a constant OLR of 6.5g-TOC/L-day and at a HRT of 18-20hours, the maximum influent chlorophenol concentration should stay below 21mg/L and 29mg/L for reactor R-I and R-II, respectively. The average VFAs effluent concentration observed was 357mg/L and 230mg/L for the reactor R-I and R-II, respectively. Comparatively the production of biogas in reactor R-II was less. The overall gas conversation rate observed at greater than 80% TOC removal efficiency for R-I and R-II was found to be 0.28L/g-CODremoved and 0.17L/g- CODremoved, respectively, with 60-62% of methane content for both the reactors. The results of this study suggested that the use of methanol as a medium to biodegrade chlorophenol in the presence of an activated carbon in a UASB reactor is an effective and feasible method at mesophilic temperature and neutral pH.

The Marble Slurry Wastes (MSW) produced by marble industry is left unattended in the environment which causes serious environmental problems. In order to evaluate its potential usage in normal 1: 2: 4 concrete, this study was designed, where the partial replacement of cement with MSW was examined. Replacement of cement with MSW from 0 to 100%, and also its usage as an additive material 10% and 20% by weight of cement were the main objectives of this study. Various laboratory tests, like compressive strength test, splitting tensile test and slump test were conducted by using local available MSW. The primary chemical composition of the MSW indicated that it contains high contents, nearly 97% of lime (CaO). The laboratory results show that cement in structural concrete can be replaced by MSW up to 7% safely. The compressive and splitting tensile strength of concrete was observed to be increased by 15% and 6% by the addition of 10% MSW. A similarly increase in strength was also observed by adding the 20% of MSW additionally to the normal 1: 2: 4 concrete. However, by the addition of MSW in concrete, its slump strength i.e., its workability is found to be reduced.

Purpose The disposal of solid waste is a serious environmental problem for humanity. Vermicomposting is used as one of the methods for recycling of organic waste, resulting in a humified material of great agronomic potential which promotes carbon sequestration when applied to the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of vermicomposts from cattle manure (CM), orange peel (OP) and filter cake (FC).Methods Three compost piles were set up, 2: 1 OP+CM, 3: 1 FC+CM and CM. The piles were initially composted for 60 days. Thereafter, earthworms were added to the piles to initiate the vermicomposting process.Results The pH and the organic carbon contents were above the minimum recommended values for organic fertilizers. The N content was below the minimum value but the C/N ratio was in the required range. The C/N values where lower in OP+CM and FC+CM than in CM. Further, the N contents of treatments were different with OP+CM having the highest value. The C/N ratios of the piles were 9.52, 9.62 and 11.03 for OP+CM, FC+CM and CM, respectively, and were lower than the maximum recommended value by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (Ministry of Agriculture 2009).Conclusion Thus, co-vermicomposting of filter cake and orange peel with cattle manure has the potential for application sustainable agriculture.