This study investigates the use of clay shale from the Settat-Khouribga region in Morocco as a sustainable substitute for sand in mortar, targeting improvements in thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and environmental impact. Mortar samples were prepared with varying clay shale contents (5%, 15%, and 25%), combined with CPJ45 cement and a 0.5 water-to-cement ratio. These samples were rigorously tested for thermal conductivity, diffusivity, specific heat, compressive strength, and flexural strength over curing periods of 1, 7, and 28 days. The findings indicate that incorporating clay shale significantly reduces the mortar’s thermal conductivity, with the 25% shale content achieving the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.6 W/m· K after 28 days, making it highly effective for insulation. However, the 15% clay shale mix emerged as the optimal balance, providing both enhanced insulation and structural performance, with compressive strength reaching 18 MPa at 28 days comparable to standard mortars. Flexural strength in the 15% mix also showed stability, suggesting suitability for structural applications. Environmentally, using clay shale decreases dependence on natural sand and lowers carbon emissions associated with mortar production. This research demonstrates that clay shale-modified mortars are a viable solution for sustainable construction, particularly in regions with readily available clay shale, supporting global efforts toward greener building practices.
The primary focus of the current investigation was to assess the removal of Rhodamine B dye (RhB) from aqueous solutions using pomegranate peel as a green adsorbent. The chemical and morphological characterization of pomegranate peel was conducted through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and SEM microscopy. The study also investigated various reactional parameters, kinetic, and adsorption isotherm in a batch system. The results revealed that RhB adsorption reaches equilibrium in about 2 hours, with an adsorption capacity of 19.41 mg/g observed at a 50 mg/L of initial RhB concentration. To model the kinetic of RhB adsorption, two well-known models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) were applied. The pseudo-second-order model yielded a superior fit for the kinetic data, as evidenced by analyses of R2 , RMSE, ARE, and χ2 values. Additionally, the findings suggest that the adsorption process is not solely governed by intraparticle diffusion. Furthermore, isotherm analysis revealed that the Langmuir model offered a more accurate fit to the equilibrium data, estimating the maximum removal capacity to be 47.17 mg/g. These findings suggest that pomegranate peel offers a promisingly eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for sustainable remediation of textile dyeing effluents.
This study explored the production of activated carbon from agricultural waste, specifically Punica granatum peel, and its application as an eco-friendly solution for removing copper (Cu2+) ions from industrial effluents, particularly those from copper-plating industries. The Punica granatum peel was chemically activated using ortho-phosphoric acid to produce activated carbon. The activation process involved impregnation followed by thermal activation at 500 °C. The resultant activated carbon was characterized using FTIR, TGA/DTA, and adsorption tests at room temperature and pH 5, which demonstrated a Cu2+ ion retention rate exceeding 95% within the first 15 minutes. The adsorption kinetics were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, while the adsorption isotherms was examined using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The study demonstrated that the activated carbon derived from Punica granatum peel exhibits high adsorption efficiency for Cu2+ ions, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 19.62 mg/g. The adsorption process was best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the nonlinear Langmuir isotherm model. The newly developed activated carbon exhibits a markedly higher adsorption efficiency compared to existing activated carbons, highlighting its innovative potential for adsorbing Cu2+ ions. Consequently, its use proves to be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for treating copper-contaminated industrial effluents. In fact, this research offers a dual benefit by providing a sustainable waste management solution for agricultural residues and an effective method for treating industrial effluents. Incorporating this activated carbon in post-copper plating rinsing water treatment ensures regulatory compliance and facilitates water reuse. This approach also supports copper recovery and reuse in new plating baths, promoting cyclic material circulation within the industry.
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