-
The Potential of Minjingu Phosphate Rock for Water Defluoridation
Francisco Lucas Olambo,
Joseph Yoeza Naimani Philip,
James Epiphan Gabriel Mdoe
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
1-6
Received:
1 January 2016
Accepted:
11 January 2016
Published:
25 January 2016
Abstract: In some parts of Tanzania, fluoride ion concentrations in potable water are higher than recommended by WHO. Consequently, searches for economically and technically viable strategies are required to address this problem. This work aims to determine the potential of phosphate rock mined from Minjingu area in Northern Tanzania as water de-fluoridatant. The results obtained are reported herein. The rock particles were chemically activated and then characterised by XRF, XRD and nitrogen physisorption. Results showed that the main component of chemically activated rock particles was calcium hydroxyapatite with Ca/P ratio of 1.55 whereas the main component of non-activated particles was calcium fluoroapatite (Ca/P ratio of 1.66). The results also indicated that activated rock material was mesoporous with a BET surface area of 57.4 m2/g. Results for water defluoridation showed that the material had a fluoride ion percentage removal of about 90%, when the adsorbent dose was 8 g, contact time of 30 minutes, initial fluoride ion concentration 5 mg/L, pH values of 6.0 to 7.2 and batch volume of 50 mL. The material could be regenerated using 1% NaOH and reused in the water defluoridation process. Therefore, Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR) is potential water de-fluoridatant.
Abstract: In some parts of Tanzania, fluoride ion concentrations in potable water are higher than recommended by WHO. Consequently, searches for economically and technically viable strategies are required to address this problem. This work aims to determine the potential of phosphate rock mined from Minjingu area in Northern Tanzania as water de-fluoridatant...
Show More
-
Best Bet Technology Package Development to Improve Sorghum Yields in Ethiopia Using the Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer (DSSAT) Model
Fikadu Getachew,
Gizachew Legesse,
Girma Mamo
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
7-13
Received:
9 November 2015
Accepted:
21 November 2015
Published:
16 February 2016
Abstract: Sorghum is grown mainly in the semi-arid areas. In spite of the fact that there was observed high climate variability in the last few decades, rain fed sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production is still an important source of food and feed in the semiarid regions of Ethiopia. Although sorghum is realized as crop tolerant to water deficit, compared with other semiarid crops in Ethiopia, climate variability and change has been challenging its production and no intensive crop simulation modeling was done as it was desired. In this study the CERES-Sorghum Model of Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer (DSSAT) has been tested over the north Rift Valley of Ethiopia. We have checked what would be the best combination of management options under research and farmers’ practice conditions for each sites for the historical climatological periods (1980-2010) in which we have found that the model performs well in assimilating the real situation in our sentinel sites in both research and farmers’ management practices. The potential grain yield from the DSSAT model would go up to 2.5T/ha under best scenario rainfall seasons without applying the developed technology package application (which we call it farmer’s condition). The same sorghum variety has a potential yield of 6.2 T/ha if one can apply the recommended best bet technology packages (planting date, planting population, sowing data, fertilizer application rate and time) within the same season. Hereby we can assert that the application of the developed technology packages would make a difference of up to 3.7 T/ha of grain sorghum yield under the same season. Even though applying the technology packages according to the prevailing seasons would significantly matter the expected grain yield, the worst possible grain yield lose would be minimized by applying the best bet technology packages that fits the specific season. Moreover, the selected sentinel sites were few, the result can be extrapolated using the calibrated crop simulation modeling to larger areas to develop strategic plans to improve grain yield of sorghum in Ethiopia.
Abstract: Sorghum is grown mainly in the semi-arid areas. In spite of the fact that there was observed high climate variability in the last few decades, rain fed sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production is still an important source of food and feed in the semiarid regions of Ethiopia. Although sorghum is realized as crop tolerant to water deficit, co...
Show More
-
Interdisciplinary Interation in Design – Relation Between Graphic and Interior Design
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016
Pages:
14-20
Received:
14 January 2016
Accepted:
25 January 2016
Published:
16 February 2016
Abstract: Nowadays the concept of “identity” is worked on diligently as a marketing strategy and deemed as an important tool in concept works of design disciplines of different scales through physical space, which reaches out to consumers. In this study, through the literature review, impacts of identity on spatial design are discussed in terms of interdisciplinary communication and tools used for transferring the meaning, which transforms identity into image are listed. Besides, the impact of spatial design on users’ perception is explained in connection with graphic design, architecture and interior architecture. Tools used for meaning transfer, which play a role in defining and developing design based on identity, are evaluated together with identity and image creating processes.
Abstract: Nowadays the concept of “identity” is worked on diligently as a marketing strategy and deemed as an important tool in concept works of design disciplines of different scales through physical space, which reaches out to consumers. In this study, through the literature review, impacts of identity on spatial design are discussed in terms of interdisci...
Show More
