Presence of toxic heavy metals in air, soil, and water are growing threats to the environment. In this study, removal of divalent nickel from aqueous solutions has been investigated by utilizing a low cost pomegranate peel activated charcoal (PPAC) adsorbent. Adsorption capacity of the prepared charcoal at various parameters such as pH, contact time, metal ion concentration and adsorbent dose has been studied. Batch equilibrium experiments showed that maximum nickel adsorption takes place at neutral pH, while the maximum adsorption capacity for PPAC was 10.82 mg g −1. It was also found that percentage removal of nickel is directly proportional to the adsorbent dose with maximum adsorption at an adsorbent dose of 0.5g/50 ml for various concentrations (10-150 ppm) and contact time of 50 minutes. Experimental equilibrium data was verified for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models to establish the adsorbate-adsorbent interaction phenomena. The values of regression coefficient for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm are found to be 0.942 and 0.931 respectively which showed that data fitted well in both models.

No abstract

No abstract

The world around us is a gift of God. A thrust to know and reconnoiter the environment around us is innate. Man has drastically explored and utilized the resources hidden in nature, but unfortunately in this sprint of development, the natural environment is severely affected. It is the need of the hour to focus on methodologies for environmental remediation. Many technologies have been developed to reduce the pollution causing factors. Use of nanotechnology for the sake of saving environment is an emerging field. Nano-technology is based on nano-sized (smaller than 1 micron) materials. Nanosize particles have initiated the advancement in new and low cost techniques for environmental pollution control including air pollution.

T HIS study demonstrated that some bacteria could form biofilms and detect microbial residues. Two broiler housing facilities at Giza Governorate were investigated for microbiological status during production cycle days 7, 21, and 31, and after disinfection. 27 water samples were taken: 18 using the sponge stick method from water lines, 3 from major water sources, and 6 from the cooling pad water. Additionally, 25 dust samples were collected from fans and house floors. The samples were analyzed for aerobic bacteria, coliforms, pseudomonas, fungi, and yeast. After disinfection, 18 swab samples were taken from water lines, floors, and fans to assess residual microbial counts and biofilm. Generally, the counts of microorganisms were higher at the entrance of water lines compared to the end. Total colony counts (TCC) were 342 and 23.99 CFU per 10 6 /20 cm2, total coliform counts (TCFC) were 36 and 0.97 CFU per 10 6 /20 cm2, pseudomonas counts were 257.50 and 12.61 CFU per 10 6 /20 cm2, and fungal counts (TFC) were 10.65 and 1.97 CFU per 10 5 /20 cm2, respectively. Additionally, the highest number of colonies was discovered at 31 days (3,375 and 2,145 CFU per 10 6 g from the floors and fans, respectively). After disinfection, a variety of bacteria were found; the predominant bacteria were identified using VITEK 2, and they included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis. Forty-five percent of the isolates that created a moderate biofilm were P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, which could pose a risk to animal health in subsequent production cycles.