Many agrowastes are being used for energy production by combustion in power plants. This process generates huge amounts of ash, which has a potential pozzolanic activity for blending with Portland cement or hydrated lime. In this paper, the ash obtained from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum var. purple) leaves (EGLs) was studied, including the silicon content and its distribution, the presence of other compounds, and in addition, the presence of silica bodies (phytoliths). Combustion temperatures of 450 and 650°C produced an unaltered inorganic skeleton (spodogram), whereas at 850°C, there is a sintering process because of high potassium content in the ash. Phytoliths and different types of hairs were identified, and they contained high percentages of silica. Magnesium (mainly as periclase) was distributed in the most porous parts in the interior of the leaves. The silica can react with calcium hydroxide (pozzolanic reaction) forming calcium silicate hydrates (observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis). Fixed lime percentages at 28 curing days (63%) indicated the high reactivity of EGL ashes in calcium hydroxide pastes due to the pozzolanic reaction. This study demonstrates the possibility of the reuse of ashes from EGLs for the production of environmental-friendly cements.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1431927618015192 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
High-loaded tidal flow constructed wetlands coupled with microbial fuel cells: effects of the vegetation and filling material size.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
December 2024
Federal University of Viçosa, Ave PH Rolfs Sn, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570900, Brazil.
The sanitation resource recovery is a contemporary strategy fully in line with the concept of the circular economy. The by-products from constructed wetlands technology include treated water, nutrients, biomass and energy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sewage treatment and resources recovery in constructed wetlands operating in a tidal flow configuration, coupled with microbial fuel cells (MFC).
View Article and Find Full Text PDF"The Giant Black Elephant with white Tusks stood in a field of Green Grass": Cognitive and brain mechanisms underlying aphantasia.
Conscious Cogn
November 2024
Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address:
Aphantasia, a spectrum of inabilities creating and perceiving mental images, is becoming more of a focus in continued research to better understand functions of sensory perception and imagination. Current research on aphantasia is still in an era of exploration to find its underlying neural mechanisms, comorbidities and comparing levels of visual imagery to other cognitive functions. Through a systematic review, this article explores the most influential developments in aphantasia research.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnveiling the Hidden Causes: Identifying the Drivers of Human-Elephant Conflict in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, Southern India.
Animals (Basel)
November 2024
Mammalian Biology Lab, Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, India.
Article Synopsis
- The growing human population is causing more interactions with wildlife, leading to increased conflicts, particularly with Asian elephants in the Western Ghats of India.
- The study analyzed six years of human-elephant conflict (HEC) data alongside ecological factors to identify causes and patterns of crop damage, property damage, and human casualties.
- Key findings indicate that HEC is influenced by habitat conditions such as grass biomass and human activities, suggesting that reducing anthropogenic pressures could alleviate conflicts.
First report of causing leaf spot in elephant grass in Brazil.
Plant Dis
November 2024
Avenida Rio Grande do Sulnúmero 2500Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil, 77400-000;
Article Synopsis
- - Elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus) is an efficient CO2 sequester and a promising source for biodiesel and cattle feed, but it has recently shown signs of a disease causing necrotic leaf spots in Brazil's Tocantins state, affecting both young and mature leaves significantly during the rainy season.
- - Infected leaves were collected and processed in a lab, revealing fungal colonies that exhibited distinct morphological characteristics, such as greyish coloration and curved conidia, indicating a specific type of fungal infection.
- - DNA analysis identified the fungal isolate as Curvularia chiangmaiensis, with a high genetic similarity to known reference sequences, suggesting a potential link to the observed disease impacting elephant grass in the region.*
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Bardia-Banke Complex: Patterns of Human Fatalities and Injuries Caused by Large Mammals.
Ecol Evol
October 2024
National Trust for Nature Conservation Lalitpur Nepal.
Article Synopsis
- Human-wildlife conflicts in western Nepal, particularly involving elephants, leopards, and tigers, lead to human casualties and a negative perception of conservation efforts.
- A study analyzed 76 incidents of human deaths and injuries from 2019 to 2023, finding that tigers were responsible for 75% of attacks, predominantly occurring near forest edges during the day.
- To improve coexistence, strategies such as community patrols, habitat restoration, electric fencing, and insurance for local farmers were recommended to mitigate future conflicts.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!