bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lead occurrence in North Carolina well water: importance of sampling representation and collection techniques
Authors: Wilson Linnea , Hayes Wesley , Jones C Nathan , Eaves Lauren A , Wait Kory D , George Andrew , Freeman Brady , Mize Wilson , Fowlkes Jon , Currie Jefferson , Burchell Michael , Gray Kathleen , Fry Rebecca C , Pieper Kelsey J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Private wells often lack centralized oversight, drinking water quality standards, and consistent testing methodologies. For lead in well water, the lack of standardized data collection methods can impact reported measurements, which can misinform health risks. Here, we conducted a targeted community science testing of 1143 wells across 17 counties in North Carolina (USA) and compared results to state testing data primarily associated with new well construction compiled in the NCWELL database. The goal of our study was to explore the impacts of sampling methodology and household representation on estimated lead exposures and subsequent health risks. At the household scale, we illustrated how sampling and analytical techniques impact lead measurements. The community science testing first draw samples (characterizing drinking water) had a 90th percentile lead value of 12.8 μg l−1 while the NCWELL database flushed samples (characterizing groundwater) had a value below the reporting level of 5 μg l−1. As lead was associated with the corrosion of premise plumbing, flushing prior to collection substantially reduced lead concentrations. At the community scale, we examined how the lack of representation based on household demographics and well construction characteristics impacted the knowledge of lead and blood lead level (BLL) occurrence. When simulating representative demographics of the well populations, we observed that the 90th percentile lead level could differ by up to 6 μg l−1, resulting in communities being above the USEPA action level. This translated to a 1.0–1.3 μg dl−1 difference in predicted geometric mean BLL among infants consuming reconstituted formula. Further, inclusion of less common well construction types also increased lead in water occurrence. Overall, under- and overestimations of lead concentrations associated with differences in sampling techniques and sample representation can misinform conclusions about risks of elevated BLLs associated with drinking water from private wells which may hinder investigations of waterborne lead exposure.
A Case Study of Ground Settlement and Volume Loss from Pipe Jacking and Microtunelling Activities for Sewerage Pipe Installation in Ipoh, Perak.
Authors: Ahmran Muhammad Shafiq Aiman , Othman Idris b , Mohamad Hisham , Ghazali Muhammad Farid , Nasir Muhmmad Yusoff Mohd 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A case study of sewerage pipeline installation utilizing pipe jacking and MTBM in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia was conducted to analyse the ground response by quantifying the soil volume loss and ground surface settlement. The sewerage pipeline installation involves tunnelling and jacking beneath the KTMB railway track for 191m from jacking to receiving pit.The excessive horizontal and vertical deviation of MTBM when excavating through very loose sand and soft clay leads to an uncontrolled overcut and affecting the magnitude of the ground surface settlement where 100mm and 130mm for horizontal and vertical deviation respectively produce 49mm of ground surface settlement. The maximum settlement for the railway track was 12mm over 30m chords length (0.0004) after two months of project completion still within the allowable limit set by KTMB (11mm over 10m chords for intervention (0.001). The volume loss calculated from this project ranging from 0.80% to 12.68% contributes by the lowest and the highest ground surface settlement which is - 3mm and - 51 mm, respectively which varied from the 8mm estimated ground surface settlement by assuming 2% of volume loss. It was found that the trough width parameter K = 0.5 matches the settlement trough of collected field data. In conclusion, soil volume loss and ground surface settlement was affected by the MTBM deviation.
Exploring The Synergies between Flood Risk and Urban Needs - Floodplain Development In Aceh River.
Authors: Aidina Faiza , Hadinata T. Eka Panny 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A Floodplain is an area next to a riverbed that is more or less frequently covered with water in times of high-water discharges from adjacent rivers. It usually has a high environmental value because of its heterogeneous habitats for wildlife species. However, the condition of rivers in each country could be unique and different, because of their history and location thus creating a different nuance. The object study of this research is a constructed floodway and flood plain in Krueng Aceh (Aceh River) owned and managed by the local government. Since the last big flood in 2000, this wide flat land remained dry in several areas and was used by some villagers to make a living. In 2020 it had cleared from several illegal land uses, resulted a grassland floodplain with low-intensity use which in theory is in a good direction. Meanwhile, in the perspective of urban needs, river development could also bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to community. The objective of this study is to investigate the concept of ecosystem services and human-landscape connectivity. The method used in this research is semi-qualitative research that combines theories and observation. In the context of ecosystem services identification through activities monitoring, it shows that cultural and provision services is the highest while regulating and supporting services still need further research. As for human-landscape connectivity, there are more ‘rooms’/spaces to develop align with the availability of cultural services.
Effect of Calcination Processes on the Crystallite Size, Grain Size and Particle Size of Water-Washed Kaolin Particles
Authors: Shakrani Shahrul Azwan , Ayob Afizah , Rahim Mohd Asri Ab , Alias Salina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sustainable kaolin particles can be used as supplementary cementitious materials in the construction industry, helping to achieve the goal of promoting sustainability. To achieve it, kaolin particles must be calcined in order to change into the most reactive form of metakaolin. However, calcination processes can influence the crystallite, grain, and particle size of kaolin, affecting its reactivity degree. In this study, water-washed kaolin particles were calcined by using a general purpose furnace at various calcination processes (temperatures = 600°C, 700°C and 800°C, duration = 3 h and 4 h, and heating rate = 10°C/min). The effects of calcination processes to the crystallite, grain, and particle size of kaolin particles were investigated. The crystallite size was computed by using the Scherrer equation, the grain size was measured by using ImageJ software, and the particle size was determined using the Zetasizer particle size analyzer. The size of the crystallite increased from 302.94 nm to 680.93 nm, while the temperature was elevated from 600°C to 800°C for 3 h to 4 h. Similarly, as calcination temperatures and duration increased, the average grain size increased from 580.15 nm to 843.19 nm. Meanwhile, as calcination temperatures and duration increased, the average particle size increased from 4168.88 nm to 4295.35 nm. It can be seen that the gap value showed only a very slightly increase with increasing calcination processes in the crystallite, grain, and particle size of kaolin particles. However, this increased sizing can reduce the degree of pozzolanic reactivity of the kaolin particles.
Influence of Temperature and Blending Ratio on Product Yield for Co-gasification of Torrefied Palm Kernel Shell and Low-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Ibrahim Nur Rahimah , Ahmad Razi , Ishak Mohd Azlan Mohd 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the product yields produced from the co-gasification of torrefied palm kernel shell (TPKS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Prior co-gasification, PKS was undergo pre-treatment process at different temperature. The optimum parameter for torrefaction was found at 250 °C for 60 min reaction time with 4.89 wt. % moisture content and 10.48 wt.% fixed carbon. Thus, the result indicated that TPKS a suitable fuel feedstock for futher thermal conversion. Then, TPKS and LDPE were gasified at temperature of 600, 800 and 1000 °C and blending ratio of 10:90, 50:50, 90:10 (TPKS:LDPE) for 60 min reaction time. Based on the findings found that, temperature plays an important role in co-gasification. Higher gasification temperature increases the carbon conversion which improves gasification rate. By varying temperature from 600 to 1000 °C, the gas yield increased whilst tar yield decreased sharply. For the effect of blending ratio, through blending of TPKS and LDPE, the gas and char yield increase, while tar decrease with increase torrefied TPKS ratio. Furthermore, it was observed that the product yields obtained from the co-gasification of TPKS and LDPE at 50:50 blending ratios produce the highest gas yield with low char and tar yield than another blending ratio. Therefore, based on the effect of temperature and blending ratio on product yield shows that the optimum parameter to produce maximum gas yield with minimum tar and char yield are at 50:50 (TPKS:LDPE) blending ratio at 800 °C for 60 minutes reaction time.
Awareness of the Seismic Effect on Existing High-rise Building in Georgetown Penang
Authors: Anudai@Anuar Shamilah , Salleh Nurul Nabila Mohd , Rahim Mustaqqim Abdul , Bawadi Nor Faizah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A seismic event is unpredictable and may occur worldwide depending on the movement of the fault line. The impact of this phenomenon on society, structures, sources and surroundings is significant to be investigated. Thus, this study aims to investigate the seismic awareness level and input information among Malaysians. Several far-field seismic activities in Malaysia have triggered some high-rise buildings, including residential and commercial ones. Due to this situation, the occupants started to worry about their safety living in high-rise buildings designed without seismic considerations. The most important initial step is to investigate the awareness level among the occupants. A survey has been conducted in Georgetown, Pulau Pinang area involving 208 respondents. Findings indicate the respondents have limited experience with seismic events in Malaysia and were never exposed to seismic information. Less than 50% declared to have adequate knowledge about seismic. Only 31.25% of the respondents were exposed to the seismic information. Respondents agree that Malaysia should apply a seismic code of practice for all construction buildings. Most respondents believe that preparation for upcoming seismic activities is still insufficient, and all new buildings should have seismic safety certificates in the future for seismic resistance.
Distribution and Characteristic Sediment Material of Watershed Deli River-Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Pane Yunita , Ridwan Fahmi Muhammad , Hassan Zulkarnain 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Rivers are a source of surface water and bring benefits to human life. River water quality changes along with the development of the river environment which is influenced by various activities and human life. Deli River is one of the rivers used by the people of Medan-North Sumatra as a provider of clean water and various other daily activities and is also used as a transportation route for fishermen. This study aims to determine the flooding conditions that often occur in the Deli River, this is caused by the shallowness and narrowness of the river body. In this study, the quantitative method was taking sediment samples at several points along the river starting from upstream, middle, and downstream with research time on 7 July 2023. The results obtained from this study were river sediment material along the Deli River from upstream to downstream generally has a grain size of 65% sand, a grain size of 26% clay, a grain size of silt 6.3%, and a grain size of gravel 3.7%. The upstream sediments are dominated by sand-sized sediments and in the middle (between the upstream and downstream) the sediments are dominated by clay-sand-sized sediments, while the downstream sediments are predominantly sandy loam. The flooding of the Deli River is caused by the reduced capacity of the river, high intensity of rainfall in the upper reaches, and narrowing of the river and high sediment deposits in the middle to lower reaches so flooding often occurs along the Deli River.
Manganese Detection and Removal from Surface Water: A case study from Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Adib Muhammad , Shams Shahriar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The study of water contamination, especially in developing countries, has become more crucial in recent years as the demand for clean, drinkable water has increased. Brunei Darussalam’s primary water supply comes from surface waters, and each year, BND $ 9 to 10 million is spent on chemicals for water treatment. Recently, the Mengkubau dam, which supplies water to the Brunei Muara District, has been upgraded in terms of its height to meet the increased demand. Because of this, the amount of manganese in raw water went up, especially during the rainy season. This caused problems for the Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant (MWTP). So, a study was done to find out where the extra manganese was coming from and how it could be stopped to help solve the problems in a more cost-effective and long-term way. Rock samples from the dam and rainfall data, as well as the data for manganese concentration in the raw water, were collected to understand the source of manganese. The results showed that the rocks contributed to the manganese concentration in the raw water, which increased by almost nine folds. Furthermore, rainfall influences manganese concentration because concentration is higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Also, an experiment was done to see if water lettuce, or Pistia stratiotes, could be used as a sustainable and cost-effective treatment. The efficiency of manganese removal through water lettuce varies depending on the exposed weather condition. The highest removal efficiency of 97% was achieved when the water lettuce was placed in the shade.
Effect of Aeration Rate on Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) in Treating Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in Domestic Wastewater
Authors: Zubir Arina Azmina Ahmad , Dahalan Farrah Aini , Kamarudin Nur Salsabila , Ibrahim Naimah , Ong Soon-An , Lutpi Nabilah Aminah , Hasan Masitah , Parmin Nor Azizah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) is significant parameter to determine the microbial activity and examined the effluent quality in biological wastewater treatment. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is the major indicator in monitoring the effluent quality in relation on its removal mainly depends on the microbial activity in the activated sludge. So, this research is conducted to study the effect of aeration rate on SOUR and determined the best oxygen requirement in removing COD in domestic wastewater. The procedure was carried out by using domestic wastewater as the seed sludge in sequencing batch reactor. The reactor with working volume of 2L was operating 6 cycles in 24 hours with five phases (feeding, aeration, settle, draw and idle). The aeration time is fixed to 2.5 hours. The dissolved oxygen and COD readings were recorded with four types of aeration rate adjusted at 1L, 2L, 3L and 4L / min daily for 7 days. The result indicates that, 3L/min gives the highest SOUR which reflects that the high activity of microbial in this condition. Besides, the effluent also shows the highest COD removal efficiency on 3L/min of aeration rate. So, as a conclusion the best oxygen requirement for the microbial to carry out their activities on aeration rate of 3L/min.
Investigation of Biosand Filter (BSF) on the Treatment Performance of Industrial Latex Wastewater
Authors: Rashid N A , Abdul Rani A L , Omar M F , Zainol N A , Mohd Zaini Makhtar S , A b Wahab M , Lutpi N A , Dahalan F A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Biosand Filters (BSF) has great potential to improve the water quality. BSF is used extensively in the treatment of drinking water in rural areas because it is affordable, simple to use, and has a high removal efficiency. This study used actual latex effluent to examine the effectiveness of SBR. The growth of the biolayer in the BSF is also observed. This study analyzes consistent and stable results for COD, DO and NH4-N+. With removal performance ranging from 87 % to 99 %. DO value for BSF varied from lowest value of 1.5 mg/L to 8mg/L. Overall, the BSF was capable of producing treated water for water reclamation.
Investigation of Evaporation Rate for Covered and Uncovered (using recycled materials) Conditions in UiTM Shah Alam
Authors: Rahman Fatma Fatimah , Mohd Zaki Zaizatul Zafflina , Mohamad Irma Noorazurah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The evaporation rate varies according to temperature, humidity, and wind. The evaporation rate tends to be higher in the hot, dry months and lower in the wetter ones. This may affect the nation’s energy use, indoor air quality, and water availability. This study conducted experiments under three conditions—uncovered, partially, and fully covered to ascertain the evaporation rate at UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia. Recycled materials such as bottle caps were used in the experiment. The study examined the evaporation rate at UiTM Shah Alam in Selangor. The study discovered that the uncovered surface area evaporated at the highest rates in the morning, noon, and afternoon due to direct solar exposure. As some or all of the surface was shielded from the sun’s rays, partially covered and fully covered surface areas had lower evaporation rates. It shows the evaporation rate for fully covered condition reduced 22 – 50 percent from uncovered condition. Meanwhile, evaporation rate for partially covered condition decreased by 10 – 17 percent compared to uncovered condition. The study offers important information about the variables influencing evaporation rate, which can be used to enhance understanding of evaporation processes and optimize evaporation in various applications. The findings may shed important light on the evaporation process and the variables that influence it, such as temperature, humidity, and cover material. The research results can be used to enhance building design and construction methods, increase building energy efficiency, and guide water management and conservation policies.
Small Scale Wastewater Treatment Method for Rainwater Garden Based on Photovoltaic Photocatalysis Technology
Authors: He Qian , Ng Jing Lin , Noh Nur Ilya Farhana Md , Lee Jin Chai , Hong Xiaojiang , Li Qiansha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Conventional small-scale sewage treatment mostly adopts the principle of biological contact oxidation process, which has limited scope of application, low degradation rate of pollutants in sewage, and poor sewage treatment effect. Based on this, a new small-scale sewage treatment method was proposed by introducing photovoltaic photocatalysis technology and taking S sponge community in Ningnan County, Liangshan Prefecture as an example. First, hydrothermal method is used to prepare photocatalyst to provide basic guarantee for sewage treatment. Secondly, the rainwater garden model is simulated and designed to obtain the composition and content of small-scale sewage. On this basis, a rainwater garden photovoltaic photocatalytic water purification system is designed, which establishes an A/O integrated process by connecting the anoxic zone (A section) and aerobic zone (O section) in series to fully achieve the goal of sewage treatment. Experimental analysis shows that the new method can significantly improve the degradation rate of organic pollutants in rainwater garden wastewater, with a degradation rate of over 99% and a maximum degradation time of 10.97 seconds, indicating that the application effect of this method is good.
A Comparative Study of Porous Asphalt Strength Reinforced with Expanded Polystyrene Foam and Ash-Based Fillers: Cantabro Test Findings
Authors: Rachman Firmansyah , Syammaun Tamalkhani , Febiranda Harits 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research sought to evaluate the effects of incorporating extruded polystyrene (XPS) into porous asphalt mixtures and to understand the role of various filler combinations, specifically coconut shell ash (CSA) and rice husk ash (RHA), on the mixture’s performance. For this purpose, asphalt mixtures were subjected to the Cantabro test under both unconditioned and conditioned modes. Mixtures were treated with XPS in varying proportions ranging from 7% to 11%. The filler combinations were further varied, with mixtures containing 7% XPS showing Cantabro loss results of 35.71% for 1SD:3CSA and 43.44% for 1SD:1RHA, and those with 11% XPS demonstrating significant reductions to 19.24% and 18.93% respectively. The findings indicate that introducing XPS notably enhances the mixture’s stability and resistance to abrasion and disintegration. CSA-based mixtures generally showcased a more pronounced positive effect on stability than those with RHA. When subjected to moisture conditioning, all mixtures exhibited an increased sensitivity, though the 1SD:1RHA mixture showed the highest resilience against moisture damage. In conclusion, integrating XPS in porous asphalt mixtures can lead to significant performance improvements. The choice of filler, its proportion, and its interaction with XPS are critical factors in determining the mixture’s overall performance, especially its resistance to moisture and abrasion.
Residents’ Attitudes, Behaviour, and Willingness to Recycle E-waste in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Idris Rusydina , Shams Shahriar , Kura Kabiru Maitama , Yusof Ismawi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Today, the electronics industry is the largest and fastest-growing manufacturing sector in the world. The rapid expansion of this industry coupled with the brief product lifespan generates an enormous amount of e-waste. Increasing amounts of waste from the electronics industry pose a significant problem for many lower-middle income nations today. For proper disposal and routing of e-waste, consumer cognizance plays a crucial role in directing e-waste to its authorised collection centres and authorised recyclers. Financial constraints, inadequate storage facilities and information on e-waste, lack of awareness on the impacts of e-waste, the absence of rules and regulations, and the lack of an appropriate description of roles and responsibilities pertaining to e-waste management, among other factors, may be impeding e-waste management. In this research, a primary survey is conducted to determine consumers’ awareness and preferences regarding the disposal of electronic waste. The survey was conducted in Brunei Darussalam with 351 consumers using a structured questionnaire. This survey questionnaire’s demographic profile includes gender, age group, employment status, household size, and income range. Knowledge of e-waste, awareness of e-waste, willingness to recycle, and consumer preference regarding the appropriate disposal and management of e-waste were identified using exploratory factor analysis. The study reveals that 57.3% of respondents comprehend the definition of e-waste, with 89.9% of respondents using a mobile phone daily and 86.6% using a computer daily. 58.1% of respondents do not know what to do with their e-waste, so the majority retain it at home. The primary concern regarding e-waste disposal is a lack of knowledge about recycling facilities. Approximately 66% of respondents are willing to pay between BND $ 1 - 10 for the disposal or recycling of e-waste, and 38% are willing to travel between 1 and 5 kilometers for disposal or recycling. 76% of respondents concurred that the government should subsidise e-waste disposal. By comprehending attitudes, behaviour, and willingness to recycle e-waste, a comprehensive e-waste management policy can be formulated.