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Displaying Results 1 - 25 of 110 on page 1 of 5
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A comparison of conventional septic tank systems and alternative horizontal subsurface-flow reed bed systems in the treatment of domestic wastewater
(2007)
O'LUANAIGH, NIALL
A comparison of conventional septic tank systems and alternative horizontal subsurface-flow reed bed systems in the treatment of domestic wastewater
(2007)
O'LUANAIGH, NIALL
Abstract:
In Ireland, the most prevalent domestic wastewater treatment application in unsewered areas is the conventional septic tank system with percolation area. However, concern has been expressed over on-site effluent discharging into highly permeable soils which, although permitted in current Irish EPA guidelines, has generated debate as to whether an insufficient level of treatment in the subsoil?s unsaturated zone is being achieved. In situations where a septic tank installation is considered unsuitable according to a rigorous site assessment, some form of secondary treatment system can be installed to improve the effluent quality before discharge to the subsoil. Horizontal subsurface-flow reed bed systems are one such technology receiving significant attention recently, being deemed an effective and low-cost alternative for secondary treatment applications. On-site research was thus carried out to assess and compare the treatment capabilities of freely-draining sandy subsoils receivin...
http://hdl.handle.net/2262/36153
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A demonstration of wireless sensing for long-term monitoring of water quality
(2009)
Regan, Fiona; Lawlor, Antoin; O'Flynn, Brendan; Torres-Sanchez, Javier; Martínez-C...
A demonstration of wireless sensing for long-term monitoring of water quality
(2009)
Regan, Fiona; Lawlor, Antoin; O'Flynn, Brendan; Torres-Sanchez, Javier; Martínez-Català, Rafael V.; Ó Mathúna, S. Cian; Wallace, John
Abstract:
At a time when technological advances are providing new sensor capabilities, novel network capabilities, long-range communications technologies and data interpreting and delivery formats via the World Wide Web, we never before had such opportunities to sense and analyse the environment around us. However, the challenges exist. While measurement and detection of environmental pollutants can be successful under laboratory-controlled conditions, continuous in-situ monitoring remains one of the most challenging aspects of environmental sensing. This paper describes the development and test of a multi-sensor heterogeneous real-time water monitoring system. A multi-sensor system was deployed in the River Lee, County Cork, Ireland to monitor water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen. The R. Lee comprises of a tidal water system that provides an interesting test site to monitor. The multi-sensor system set-up is described and results o...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/180
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A non-classical LysR-type transcriptional regulator PA2206 is required for an effective oxidative stress response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(2013)
Reen, F. Jerry; Haynes, Jill M.; Mooij, Marlies J.; O'Gara, Fergal
A non-classical LysR-type transcriptional regulator PA2206 is required for an effective oxidative stress response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(2013)
Reen, F. Jerry; Haynes, Jill M.; Mooij, Marlies J.; O'Gara, Fergal
Abstract:
LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) are emerging as key circuit components in regulating microbial stress responses and are implicated in modulating oxidative stress in the human opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The oxidative stress response encapsulates several strategies to overcome the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species. However, many of the regulatory components and associated molecular mechanisms underpinning this key adaptive response remain to be characterised. Comparative analysis of publically available transcriptomic datasets led to the identification of a novel LTTR, PA2206, whose expression was altered in response to a range of host signals in addition to oxidative stress. PA2206 was found to be required for tolerance to H2O2 in vitro and lethality in vivo in the Zebrafish embryo model of infection. Transcriptomic analysis in the presence of H2O2 showed that PA2206 altered the expression of 58 genes, including a large repertoire of oxid...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/2395
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A novel erythromycin resistance plasmid from Bacillus sp strain HS24, isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona simulans
(2014)
Barbosa, Teresa M.; Phelan, Robert W.; Leong, Dara; Morrissey, John P.; Adams, Claire; ...
A novel erythromycin resistance plasmid from Bacillus sp strain HS24, isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona simulans
(2014)
Barbosa, Teresa M.; Phelan, Robert W.; Leong, Dara; Morrissey, John P.; Adams, Claire; Dobson, Alan D. W.; O'Gara, Fergal
Abstract:
A better understanding of the origin and natural reservoirs of resistance determinants is fundamental to efficiently tackle antibiotic resistance. This paper reports the identification of a novel 5.8 kb erythromycin resistance plasmid, from Bacillus sp. HS24 isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona simulans. pBHS24B has a mosaic structure and carries the erythromycin resistance gene erm(T). This is the first report of an erythromycin resistance plasmid from a sponge associated bacteria and of the Erm(T) determinant in the genus Bacillus.
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/2318
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A perspective on novel cascading algal biomethane biorefinery systems
(2020)
Bose, Archishman; O'Shea, Richard; Lin, Richen; Murphy, Jerry D.
A perspective on novel cascading algal biomethane biorefinery systems
(2020)
Bose, Archishman; O'Shea, Richard; Lin, Richen; Murphy, Jerry D.
Abstract:
Synergistic opportunities to combine biomethane production via anaerobic digestion whilst cultivating microalgae have been previously suggested in literature. While biomethane is a promising and flexible renewable energy vector, microalgae are increasingly gaining importance as an alternate source of food and/or feed, chemicals and energy for advanced biofuels. However, simultaneously achieving, grid quality biomethane, effective microalgal digestate treatment, high microalgae growth rate, and the most sustainable use of the algal biomass is a major challenge. In this regard, the present paper proposes multiple configurations of an innovative Cascading Algal Biomethane-Biorefinery System (CABBS) using a novel two-step bubble column-photobioreactor photosynthetic biogas upgrading technology. To overcome the limitations in choice of microalgae for optimal system operation, a microalgae composition based biorefinery decision tree has also been conceptualised to maximise profitability. ...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/9814
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A preparation for reuse trial of washing machines in Ireland
(2020)
Johnson, Michael; McMahon, Kathleen; Fitzpatrick, Colin
A preparation for reuse trial of washing machines in Ireland
(2020)
Johnson, Michael; McMahon, Kathleen; Fitzpatrick, Colin
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a “preparation for reuse” trial of washing machines in Ireland. For the trial, a methodology for the quantitative assessment of potentially reusable appliances in the waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) stream is developed and applied to a statistically significant sample allowing the study to quantify a theoretical potential for the “preparation for reuse” of washing machines in the WEEE stream in Ireland under current collection conditions. For a statistically significant sample size, data on preparation for re-use trials conducted on B2C (Business-to-Consumer) WEEE was collected and reviewed. From the 23,129 appliances which were accepted into the trial, the study found that 327 of these washing machines were successfully prepared for reuse and sold back into the Irish market, leading to an overall reuse rate of 1.5%. A quantitative analysis of the trial data is presented with a complimentary qualitative evaluation which provides insi...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/8652
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A quantitative assessment of policies to increase environmental sustainability of medium to large sized settlements in Ireland
(2012)
O'Doherty, Travis
A quantitative assessment of policies to increase environmental sustainability of medium to large sized settlements in Ireland
(2012)
O'Doherty, Travis
Abstract:
A major challenge facing the world is the need to enhance sustainability urgently as we face the inter-related challenges of climate change, dependence on fossil fuels, food shortages and growing population. The International Panel on Climate Change indicates very high confidence that the effect of human activities has been one of warming. If nations are to stabilise carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at 550- 590ppm, then global emissions need to peak between 2010 and 2030. Given the slow movement towards a more sustainable system, more radical and systematic policies are needed. While technological development is crucial, significant gains may be made through the wider adoption of existing proven technologies through improved planning and behaviour change, on the basis that if such technologies be used to their full effect there would be a large reduction in human impact on the environment and dependency on fossil fuels. It is however unclear to policy makers which technologies sh...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/5849
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A structure activity-relationship study of the bacterial signal molecule HHQ reveals swarming motility inhibition in Bacillus atrophaeus
(2015)
Reen, F. Jerry; Shanahan, Rachel; Cano, Rafael; O'Gara, Fergal; McGlacken, Gerard P.
A structure activity-relationship study of the bacterial signal molecule HHQ reveals swarming motility inhibition in Bacillus atrophaeus
(2015)
Reen, F. Jerry; Shanahan, Rachel; Cano, Rafael; O'Gara, Fergal; McGlacken, Gerard P.
Abstract:
The sharp rise in antimicrobial resistance has been matched by a decline in the identification and clinical introduction of new classes of drugs to target microbial infections. Thus new approaches are being sought to counter the pending threat of a post-antibiotic era. In that context, the use of non-growth limiting small molecules, that target virulence behaviour in pathogens, has emerged as a solution with real clinical potential. We have previously shown that two signal molecules (HHQ and PQS) from the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa have modulatory activity towards other microorganisms. This current study involves the synthesis and evaluation of analogues of HHQ towards swarming and biofilm virulence behaviour in Bacillus atrophaeus, a soil bacterium and co-inhibitor with P. aeruginosa. Compounds with altered C6-C8 positions on the anthranilate-derived ring of HHQ, display a surprising degree of biological specificity, with certain candidates displaying complete motil...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/2173
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A study of faculty perceptions and engagement with interdisciplinary research in university sustainability institutes
(2020)
Bolger, Paul
A study of faculty perceptions and engagement with interdisciplinary research in university sustainability institutes
(2020)
Bolger, Paul
Abstract:
It has long been argued that solutions to inform better decisions on environmental challenges require research at the boundaries of scientific disciplines. Research institutes and centers at universities can be key vehicles for the convergence of scientists from multiple disciplines and the development of integrated, interdisciplinary knowledge. Through a survey of over two hundred faculty in three sustainability research institutes based in the USA, this study explored faculty perceptions of interdisciplinary research, their levels of engagement in interdisciplinary work, and how they view the role of the research institute in enabling interdisciplinary research. The investigation shows that over 95% of faculty at the institutes studied are carrying out research with colleagues outside their own discipline, with half of the faculty spending more than two-thirds of their time on interdisciplinary work. Over half of faculty members are engaging in long-distance interdisciplinary rese...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/10380
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A study of selected environmental issues related o biopharmaceutical manufacturing using Escherichia coli to produce a recombinant protein
(2014)
Witt, Madlen K
A study of selected environmental issues related o biopharmaceutical manufacturing using Escherichia coli to produce a recombinant protein
(2014)
Witt, Madlen K
Abstract:
Escherichia coli expression systems remain a preferred choice for the production of recombinant proteins for therapeutic, diagnostic and industrial purposes. Low costs and simplicity of culturing as well as straightforward genetic engineering technologies ensure their continued use for laboratory investigations as well as in commercial activities. An E. coli expression system producing a recombinant protein was constructed for this research. The model strain, E. coli MC106 producing recombinant bacterial His6-tagged β-galactosidase, was developed via standard genetic engineering techniques and protein expression was optimised to achieve high concentrations of soluble product. Historically, during upstream processing little consideration was given to the potential environmental impacts of culture media ingredients which were often added in excess to achieve high cell density and hence product yields. The model E. coli strain was utilised to investigate the scope for reducing phosphor...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/4036
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Ab initio study of the atomic level structure of the rutile TiO2 (110) – titanium nitride (TiN) interface
(2017)
Gutiérrez Moreno, José Julio; Nolan, Michael
Ab initio study of the atomic level structure of the rutile TiO2 (110) – titanium nitride (TiN) interface
(2017)
Gutiérrez Moreno, José Julio; Nolan, Michael
Abstract:
Titanium nitride (TiN) is widely used in industry as a protective coating due to its hardness and resistance to corrosion and can spontaneously form a thin oxide layer when it is exposed to air, which could modify the properties of the coating. With limited understanding of the TiO2 – TiN interfacial system at present, this work aims to describe the structural and electronic properties of oxidized TiN based on a density functional theory (DFT) study of the rutile TiO2 (110) – TiN (100) interface model system, also including Hubbard +U correction on Ti 3d states. The small lattice mismatch gives a good stability to the TiO2 – TiN interface after depositing the oxide onto TiN through the formation of interfacial Ti – O bonds. Our DFT+U study shows the presence of Ti3+ cations in the TiO2 region, which are preferentially located next to the interface region as well as the rotation of the rutile TiO2 octahedra in the interface structure. Although the vacancy formation energies for Ti in...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4779
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Aerosol properties associated with air masses arriving into the North East Atlantic during the 2008 Mace Head EUCAARI intensive observing period: an overview
(2010)
Dall'Osto, M.; Ceburnis, D.; Martucci, G.; Bialek, J.; Dupuy, R.; Jennings, S. G.;...
Aerosol properties associated with air masses arriving into the North East Atlantic during the 2008 Mace Head EUCAARI intensive observing period: an overview
(2010)
Dall'Osto, M.; Ceburnis, D.; Martucci, G.; Bialek, J.; Dupuy, R.; Jennings, S. G.; Berresheim, H.; Wenger, John C.; Healy, Robert M.; Facchini, M. C.; Rinaldi, M.; Giulianelli, L.; Finessi, E.; Worsnop, D.; Ehn, M.; Mikkila, J.; Kulmala, Markku; O'Dowd, Colin D.
Abstract:
As part of the EUCAARI Intensive Observing Period, a 4-week campaign to measure aerosol physical, chemical and optical properties, atmospheric structure, and cloud microphysics was conducted from mid-May to mid-June, 2008 at the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station, located at the interface of Western Europe and the N. E. Atlantic and centered on the west Irish coastline. During the campaign, continental air masses comprising both young and aged continental plumes were encountered, along with polar, Arctic and tropical air masses. Polluted-continental aerosol concentrations were of the order of 3000 cm(-3), while background marine air aerosol concentrations were between 400-600 cm(-3). The highest marine air concentrations occurred in polar air masses in which a 15 nm nucleation mode, with concentration of 1100 cm(-3), was observed and attributed to open ocean particle formation. Continental air submicron chemical composition (excluding refractory sea salt) was dominated by organi...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/2952
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An evaluation of the general composition and critical raw material content of bauxite residue in a storage area over a twelve-year period
(2019)
Cusack, Patricia B.; Courtney, Ronan; Healy, Mark G.; O'Donoghue, Lisa M.T.; Ujacz...
An evaluation of the general composition and critical raw material content of bauxite residue in a storage area over a twelve-year period
(2019)
Cusack, Patricia B.; Courtney, Ronan; Healy, Mark G.; O'Donoghue, Lisa M.T.; Ujaczki, Éva
Abstract:
The full text of this article will not be available in ULIR until the embargo expires on the 9/10/2020
Bauxite residue, the by-product produced in the alumina industry, is being produced at an estimated global rate of approximately 150 million tonnes per annum. Currently, the reuse of bauxite residue is low (∼2%), due to limitations associated with its alkalinity, salinity, low solid content, fine particle size and potential leaching of metal(loid)s. It has been identified as a potential secondary source for critical raw materials such as vanadium, gallium and scandium, which currently have an associated supply risk and high economic cost within Europe. However, there is an uncertainty regarding the possible variation in these and other physico-chemical, elemental and mineralogical parameters within bauxite residue disposal areas. This paper aimed to address this knowledge gap by examining the variation of these parameters in a bauxite residue disposal area (BRDA) over a twelve-...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/7809
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Anadromy, potamodromy and residency in brown trout Salmo trutta: the role of genes and the environment
(2019)
Ferguson, Andrew; Reed, Thomas E.; Cross, Tom F.; Mcginnity, Philip; Prodöhl, Paulo A.
Anadromy, potamodromy and residency in brown trout Salmo trutta: the role of genes and the environment
(2019)
Ferguson, Andrew; Reed, Thomas E.; Cross, Tom F.; Mcginnity, Philip; Prodöhl, Paulo A.
Abstract:
Brown trout Salmo trutta is endemic to Europe, western Asia, north‐western Africa and is a prominent member of freshwater and coastal marine fish faunas. The species shows two resident (river‐resident, lake‐resident) and three main facultative migratory life histories (downstream–upstream within a river system, fluvial–adfluvial potamodromous; to and from a lake, lacustrine–adfluvial (inlet)–allucustrine (outlet) potamodromous; to and from the sea, anadromous). River‐residency v. migration is a balance between enhanced feeding and thus growth advantages of migration to a particular habitat v. the costs of potentially greater mortality and energy expenditure. Fluvial–adfluvial migration usually has less feeding improvement, but less mortality risk, than lacustrine–adfluvial–allacustrine and anadromous, but the latter vary among catchments as to which is favoured. Indirect evidence suggests that around 50% of the variability in S. trutta migration v. residency, among individuals withi...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/8256
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Analysis of an 18O and D enhanced water spectrum and new assignments for HD18O and D218O in the near-infrared region (6000–7000 cm−1) using newly calculated variational line lists
(2012)
Down, Michael J.; Tennyson, Jonathan; Orphal, Johannes; Chelin, Pascale; Ruth, Albert A.
Analysis of an 18O and D enhanced water spectrum and new assignments for HD18O and D218O in the near-infrared region (6000–7000 cm−1) using newly calculated variational line lists
(2012)
Down, Michael J.; Tennyson, Jonathan; Orphal, Johannes; Chelin, Pascale; Ruth, Albert A.
Abstract:
An experimental infrared spectrum due to Orphal and Ruth (2008) [10] recorded using isotopically enriched water in the 6000–7000 cm−1 region is analysed and assigned. The assignment procedure is based on the use of known transition frequencies for H216O and H218O, existing variational line lists for HD16O and D216O, and newly calculated variational line lists for HD18O and D218O. These new variational line lists are presented herein. The main absorption comes from HD16O and HD18O, for which there are few previous assignments in the region. Assignments to 426 new HD18O lines are presented. In all 3254 of the 4768 lines observed in the spectrum are assigned, resulting in a number of newly determined energy levels. These assignments are in agreement with the recent work of Mikhailenko et al. (2012) [41].
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/888
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Application of KOH modified seaweed hydrochar as a biosorbent of vanadium from aqueous solution: characterisations, mechanisms and regeneration capacity
(2020)
Ghanim, Bashir; O'Dwyer, Thomas F.; Leahy, James J.; Willquist, Karin; Courtney, R...
Application of KOH modified seaweed hydrochar as a biosorbent of vanadium from aqueous solution: characterisations, mechanisms and regeneration capacity
(2020)
Ghanim, Bashir; O'Dwyer, Thomas F.; Leahy, James J.; Willquist, Karin; Courtney, Ronan; Pembroke, Tony; Murnane, John G
Abstract:
Vanadium exists as a mobile and toxic trace metal in many alkaline residue leachates. Its removal and recovery not only reduces a global environmental risk but is also critical to the emergence of innovative technologies and the circular economy. In parallel, the use of treated biomass feedstock is receiving increased attention as a low cost adsorbent for toxic metals in wastewater. This study investigated the adsorption of Vanadium (V) from aqueous solution by KOH modified seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) hydrochar (HCKOH). The results showed that HCKOH is an effective V(V) adsorbent, achieving maximum uptake of 12.3mgg−1 at solution pH 4, 60min contact time and temperature 293K. The kinetics followed a pseudo second order model with film diffusion controlling the overall adsorption rate. The type I adsorption isotherm was well fitted to a Langmuir model (qm=12.3mgg-1,R 2=0.970, RMSE=0.66) and a thermodynamic study indicated that the V(V) adsorption was both exothermic and spontaneous....
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/9119
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Area estimations of cultivated organic soils in Ireland: reducing GHG reporting uncertainties
(2016)
Donlan, J.; O'Dwyer, J.; Byrne, Kenneth A.
Area estimations of cultivated organic soils in Ireland: reducing GHG reporting uncertainties
(2016)
Donlan, J.; O'Dwyer, J.; Byrne, Kenneth A.
Abstract:
Cultivated organic soils, which are a large source of CO2 emissions, are of particular interest in the Republic of Ireland where peatlands cover 20 % of the landscape. For accurate accounting and national reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, there is a need to calculate the total land area used for cultivation activity on drained organic soils. Peatlands (organic soils) in Ireland are also used for arable farming, which results in particularly high greenhouse gas emissions per unit area. However, the Irish National Inventory Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change lacks mention of this type of land use. The actual area of organic soils under arable land use (cropland) in Ireland has, thus far, not been quantified. Here we provide a first estimate of the area of organic soil that is used for arable farming in Ireland. Through map overlay analysis using GIS in combination with probability sampling and ground truthing, we estimate the area of organi...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/5473
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Backcasting to identify food waste prevention and mitigation opportunities for infant feeding in the maternity services
(2017)
Ryan-Fogarty, Yvonne; Becker, Genevieve; Moles, Richard; O'Regan, Bernadette
Backcasting to identify food waste prevention and mitigation opportunities for infant feeding in the maternity services
(2017)
Ryan-Fogarty, Yvonne; Becker, Genevieve; Moles, Richard; O'Regan, Bernadette
Abstract:
Food waste in hospitals is of major concern for two reasons: first, healthcare needs to move toward preventative and demand led models for sustainability and second, food system sustainability needs to seek preventative measures such as diet adaptation and waste prevention. The impact of breast-milk substitute use on health services is well established in literature in terms of healthcare implications, cost and resourcing, however as a food demand and waste management issue little has been published to date. This paper presents the use of a desk based backcasting method to analyse food waste prevention, mitigation and management options within the Irish Maternity Service. Best practice in healthcare provision and waste management regulations are used to frame solutions. Strategic problem orientation revealed that 61% of the volume of ready to use breast-milk substitutes purchased by maternity services remains unconsumed and ends up as waste. Thirteen viable strategies to prevent and...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/5512
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Can acid pre-treatment enhance biohydrogen and biomethane production from grass silage in single-stage and two-stage fermentation processes?
(2019)
Deng, Chen; Lin, Richen; Cheng, Jun; Murphy, Jerry D.
Can acid pre-treatment enhance biohydrogen and biomethane production from grass silage in single-stage and two-stage fermentation processes?
(2019)
Deng, Chen; Lin, Richen; Cheng, Jun; Murphy, Jerry D.
Abstract:
Grass silage is an excellent feedstock for biofuel production, however, the recalcitrant cellulosic structure may limit its biodegradability. In this study, the effect of acid pre-treatment with mild thermal treatment conditions on biohydrogen and biomethane production from grass silage was assessed through single-stage (CH4) and two-stage (H2 + CH4) fermentation. Microstructural characterisation showed that pre-treatment significantly reduced the recalcitrance and enlarged the specific area of grass silage. The optimal pre-treatment with 2% H2SO4 at 135 °C for 15 min achieved a total reducing sugar yield of 333.79 mg/g volatile solid (VS) of grass silage. The pre-treated silage led to a hydrogen yield of 68.26 ml/g VS in the first stage hydrogen fermentation, a 3-fold increase compared to untreated silage. The production of volatile fatty acids accordingly increased by 29.2%. In the second stage anaerobic digestion, untreated silage achieved the highest biomethane yield of 392.84 m...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/8025
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Can power to methane systems be sustainable and can they improve the carbon intensity of renewable methane when used to upgrade biogas produced from grass and slurry?
(2018)
Vo, Truc T. Q.; Rajendran, Karthik; Murphy, Jerry D.
Can power to methane systems be sustainable and can they improve the carbon intensity of renewable methane when used to upgrade biogas produced from grass and slurry?
(2018)
Vo, Truc T. Q.; Rajendran, Karthik; Murphy, Jerry D.
Abstract:
The recast of the renewable energy directive (RED recast) considers power to gas (P2G) an advanced transport biofuel if a 70% greenhouse gas savings as opposed to the fossil fuel displaced is achieved. Power to methane systems can store electricity as gas and the system can be optimised in sourcing CO2 from biogas to upgrade biogas to biomethane. The crucial question in this work is whether P2G systems can be sustainable and if they can improve the sustainability of biomethane systems using traditional upgrading systems. This work evaluates a comparative lifecycle assessment of grass and slurry (50:50 wet weight equivalent to 80:20 volatile solid weight) biomethane using P2G and/or amine scrubbing as an upgrading method. The sustainability of P2G upgrading systems is heavily dependent on the carbon intensity of the source of electricity. Using a 41% decarbonised electricity mix the sustainability was reduced using P2G and would not be deemed sustainable under criterion set by the RE...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/6489
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Carbon nanocages as heavy metal ion adsorbents
(2011)
Burke, David M.; O'Byrne, Justin P.; Fleming, Peter G.; Borah, Dipu; Morris, Micha...
Carbon nanocages as heavy metal ion adsorbents
(2011)
Burke, David M.; O'Byrne, Justin P.; Fleming, Peter G.; Borah, Dipu; Morris, Michael A.; Holmes, Justin D.
Abstract:
Heavy metal ion contamination in drinking water poses a major risk to human health, whilst contamination in wastewater streams can cause damage to the wider environment. In this study carbon nanocages, synthesised using a supercritical fluid deposition method, were examined as adsorbents of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Through careful selection of the catalyst and the carbon deposition temperature and pressure, high yields of nanocages with surface areas up to 1175 m2 g−1 were synthesised. These high surface area materials were subsequently tested for their ability to absorb Pb2+ ions, as a function of pH, from simulated wastewater. The nanocages were found to be effective at removing the Pb2+ ions at levels of 11.1 mg g−1, compared to 7.6 mg g−1 for commercially available activated carbon. The kinetics of metal ion adsorption by the nanocages and activated carbon can be described by a pseudo-second-order kinetics model, with a rate coefficient (k2) of 4.8 × 102 g mg−1 min−1.
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/6691
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Characterization of elemental ratios and oxidative ratio of horticultural peat
(2020)
Byrne, Kenneth A.; Efretuei, Arit; Walz, Killian; Clay, Gareth D.
Characterization of elemental ratios and oxidative ratio of horticultural peat
(2020)
Byrne, Kenneth A.; Efretuei, Arit; Walz, Killian; Clay, Gareth D.
Abstract:
The full text of this article will not be available in ULIR until the embargo expires on the 11/07/2021
Peatlands occupy 20% of the land area of Ireland and store over half of soil carbon stocks. Over 80% of these peatlands have been disturbed by human activity such as drainage for peat extraction, afforestation and agriculture. In this study, peat samples were collected from 12 horticultural peat extraction sites in the Irish midlands. The carbon (C), nitrogen (N), hydrogen, and sulphur content were determined, and from these the carbon oxidation state (Cox) and oxidative ratio (OR) were calculated. The carbon oxidation ratio reflects organic matter synthesis and degradation, and is thus an important parameter in understanding terrestrial carbon cycling, whilst OR represents the molar ratio of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes associated with net ecosystem exchange. Elemental concentrations and ratios were typical for Irish horticultural peat (e.g. carbon concentrati...
http://hdl.handle.net/10344/9198
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Characterization of primary organic aerosol from domestic wood, peat, and coal burning in Ireland
(2017)
Lin, Chunshui; Ceburnis, D.; Hellebust, Stig; Buckley, Paul; Wenger, John C.; Canonaco,...
Characterization of primary organic aerosol from domestic wood, peat, and coal burning in Ireland
(2017)
Lin, Chunshui; Ceburnis, D.; Hellebust, Stig; Buckley, Paul; Wenger, John C.; Canonaco, Francesco; Prévôt, André Stephan Henry; Huang, Ru-Jin; O'Dowd, Colin D.; Ovadnevaite, Jurgita
Abstract:
An aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) was deployed to study the primary nonrefractory submicron particulate matter emissions from the burning of commercially available solid fuels (peat, coal, and wood) typically used in European domestic fuel stoves. Organic mass spectra (MS) from burning wood, peat, and coal were characterized and intercompared for factor analysis against ambient data. The reference profiles characterized in this study were used to estimate the contribution of solid fuel sources, along with oil combustion, to ambient pollution in Galway, Ireland using the multilinear engine (ME-2). During periods influenced by marine air masses, local source contribution had dominant impact and nonsea-spray primary organic emissions comprised 88% of total organic aerosol mass, with peat burning found to be the greatest contributor (39%), followed by oil (21%), coal (17%), and wood (11%). In contrast, the resolved oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) dominated the aerosol compo...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4921
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Characterization of urban aerosol in Cork city (Ireland) using aerosol mass spectrometry
(2013)
Dall'Osto, M.; Ovadnevaite, J.; Ceburnis, D.; Martin, D.; Healy, Robert M.; O'...
Characterization of urban aerosol in Cork city (Ireland) using aerosol mass spectrometry
(2013)
Dall'Osto, M.; Ovadnevaite, J.; Ceburnis, D.; Martin, D.; Healy, Robert M.; O'Connor, Ian P.; Kourtchev, Ivan; Sodeau, John R.; Wenger, John C.; O'Dowd, Colin D.
Abstract:
Ambient wintertime background urban aerosol in Cork city, Ireland, was characterized using aerosol mass spectrometry. During the three-week measurement study in 2009, 93% of the ca. 1 350 000 single particles characterized by an Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (TSI ATOFMS) were classified into five organic-rich particle types, internally mixed to different proportions with elemental carbon (EC), sulphate and nitrate, while the remaining 7% was predominantly inorganic in nature. Non-refractory PM1 aerosol was characterized using a High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Aerodyne HR-ToF-AMS) and was also found to comprise organic aerosol as the most abundant species (62 %), followed by nitrate (15 %), sulphate (9 %) and ammonium (9 %), and chloride (5 %). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to the HR-ToF-AMS organic matrix, and a five-factor solution was found to describe the variance in the data well. Specifically, "hydrocarbon-like" ...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/2946
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Climate change risk for Irish timber power pole networks
(2019)
Hawchar, Lara; Stewart, Mark G.; Nolan, Paul; Sweeney, Fergus; Ryan, Paraic C.
Climate change risk for Irish timber power pole networks
(2019)
Hawchar, Lara; Stewart, Mark G.; Nolan, Paul; Sweeney, Fergus; Ryan, Paraic C.
Abstract:
The latest IPCC report states that warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and this warming may lead to increased risk of breakdown of infrastructure networks due to extreme weather. Before appropriate action can be taken for power infrastructure in this regard, we must first understand existing risk, and then try to predict potential climate related changes in risk. The work described in this paper examines both existing vulnerability, and potential future vulnerability, for a notional network of Irish timber power poles. These power pole networks represent important critical infrastructure assets, both nationally, and internationally. There are currently approximately two million timber power poles in service in Ireland, five million timber power poles in service in Australia, worth over $10 billion, and approximately 200 million treated power poles in service in the United States. The impacts of climate change on Irish power poles will be examined herein using a Monte-Carlo...
http://hdl.handle.net/10468/10014
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