Browsing by Author "Chitambwe, T"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Comparison of Vermicompost and Vermiwash Bio-fertilizers from Vermicomposting Waste Corn Pulp
    (World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 2013-07-07) Phiri, A; Muredzi, P; Manyuchi, M.M; Chitambwe, T
    —Vermicomposting is the conversion of organic waste into bio-fertilizers through the action of earthworm. This technology is widely used for organic solid waste management. Waste corn pulp blended with cow dung manure was vermicomposted over 30 days using Eisenia fetida earthworms species. pH, temperature, moisture content, and electrical conductivity were daily monitored. The feedstock, vermicompost and vermiwash were analyzed for nutrient composition. The average temperature and moisture content in the vermi-reactor was 22.5◦C and 42.5% respectively. The vermicompost and vermiwash had an almost neutral pH whilst the electrical conductivity was 21% higher in the vermicompost. The nitrogen and potassium content was 57% and 79.6% richer in the vermicompost respectively compared to the vermiwash. However, the vermiwash was 84% richer in phosphorous as compared to vermicompost. Furthermore, the vermiwash was 89.1% and 97.6% richer in Ca and Mg respectively and was 97.8% richer in Na salts compared to the vermicompost. The vermiwash also indicated a significantly higher amount of micronutrients. Both bio-fertilizers were rich in nutrients specification for fertilizers.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Separation of Cs-Sr through Ultrafiltration
    (International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2015-04-05) Chitambwe, T; Kavitha, E.; Prabhakar, S.
    Complexation - ultrafiltration is a new technique which can be used for the absolute separation of trace elements. We have attempted to separate a mixed metal system to their individual components using the technique. The isotopes (Cs-137 and Sr-90) are required to be isolated from the discharge streams for safe discharge. Chemical co-precipitation is presently practised but the method has many challenges. Ultrafiltration has been demonstrated to be effective but not much work has been reported. The first in the series of proposed studies, reported here aims at the demonstration of the potential of UF not only in the isolation of the trace contaminants but also in separating them. The results indicate that Cs can be effectively separated at pH6.5 as a ferrocyanide colloid and Sr as carbonate at pH9. The relative advantage of using UF over the chemical co-precipitation has been discussed.