All publications

From Deforestation to Resilience: Pathways for Sustainable Community Development in Ratuwa River Basin Nepal

Sita Ram Kandel, Wirach Taweepreda, Kuaanan Techato, Hari Prashad Joshi

International Journal of Advances in Signal and Image Sciences · 2026

The Churia region of Nepal represents one of the most ecologically fragile landscapes in the Himalayan foothills, providing critical ecosystem services including water regulation, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity habitat. This study examined land cover alterations and their effects on ecosystem services in the Ratuwa River System from 1990 to 2025, employing an integrated approach combining remote sensing analysis, ecosystem service modeling using InVEST and RUSLE, hydrological modeling with SWAT, and socio-economic surveys with 300 households. Findings reveal significant land cover transformations: forest cover declined by 35%, wetlands by 20%, while agricultural land expanded by 25% and settlements more than doubled. These changes severely degraded water regulation services with a 40% increase in surface runoff, 30% reduction in groundwater recharge, and 50% rise in flood frequency. Soil erosion increased from 18.7 to 32.4 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, with agriculture contributing 76.5% of total soil loss. Carbon storage declined by 30.5% from 12.8 to 8.9 million tons, and habitat quality decreased from 0.72 to 0.51. Communities face declining agricultural yields, water scarcity, and heightened flood vulnerability, with marginalized households disproportionately affected. While community-led restoration demonstrates promise, long-term sustainability requires sustained institutional support. The study concludes that an integrated landscape governance framework prioritizing forest restoration, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement is essential for building resilience and achieving sustainable development in Nepal's Churia region.

A study of developing the structural, thermal, and electrochemical properties of plasticized chitosan/ZnO-based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes

Qamber Ali, Taweesak Boonsod, Kanoktip Boonkerd, Rojana Pornprasertsuk, Wanwisa Limphirat, Wirach Taweepreda

Next Materials · 2026

This work presents the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performance plasticized chitosan/ZnO-based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes (NC-PEMs), using a solution casting technique. Results demonstrate that new hydrogen bonds between the chitosan (CS) matrix, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and ethylene carbonate (EC) are confirmed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) reveals uniform dispersion of additives in the CS matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra verify the impact of ZnO-NPs and EC on the crystallinity of the CS matrix. The water uptake capacity (WUC) increased from 125 % (for pristine CS) to 378 % with the addition of nanoparticles and plasticizer. Similarly, the ion exchange capacity (IEC) improved from 0.77 to 4.3 meq.g −1 , oxidation stability increased from 28 to 92 h, and proton conductivity enhanced from 3.04 × 10 −3 to 98.53 × 10 −3 S.cm −1 . These findings suggest that such NC-PEMs show strong potential for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). As such, the membrane containing CS (2 wt%), and ZnO and EC at 1 wt% (CS/ZnO1/EC1) is seen to achieve the highest IEC and proton conductivity of 4.3 meq.g −1 and 82–98.53 × 10 −3 S.cm −1 , respectively. This approach paves the way for high-conductivity polymer electrolytes for the practical application of PEMFCs. • Sustainable plasticized chitosan (CS)/ZnO-NP nanocomposite membranes are developed. • New hydrogen bonds between CS, ZnO-NP, and ethylene carbonate (EC) enhanced proton conductivity. • Additives improved tensile strength and elongation at break of nanocomposites. • XRD showed reduced CS crystallinity, improving water uptake and ion exchange. • CS/ZnO-NP/EC membranes exhibited the highest proton conductivity for PEMFCs.

Investment in research and development for AMR solutions: A comprehensive review

Wirach Taweepreda, Kyu Kyu Tin, Yein Oul, Hnin Wutyi Phoo

Elsevier eBooks · 2026

Unraveling the Chemical Transformation Pathway of Palm Oil Mill Effluent in Removing Sulfate via Synthesized Natural Earth‐Compound Coagulant

Nurul Afifah Md Shukri, N. A. Lutpi, Y. K. Wong, Soon An Ong, Farrah Aini Dahalan, Naimah Ibrahim, Norashikin Ahmad Kamal, Wirach Taweepreda

Water Environment Research · 2026

ABSTRACT This study unravels the intermolecular mechanistic degradation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) in sulfate removal, utilizing a distinctive coagulant derived from naturally abundant limestone (CaCO 3 ), which was activated into calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH) 2 ] through calcination and exothermic reactions. Sulfate was reduced from POME by 88.76% with the optimal conditions (pH 5, 200 g/L Ca(OH) 2 dosage, and 135 min settling time) with strong correlation ( r = 0.8237) and statistically significant ( p = 0.0064) of Pearson's correlation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed an ideal morphology and elemental composition with reduction of 4.4753 m 2 /g surface area in Ca(OH) 2 to slurry. Kinetic studies evaluated that sulfate removal at 4400 mg/L strongly followed the second‐order model with a high coefficient of determination ( R 2 = 0.9883). Analysis using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) detected the formation of 2‐isopropyl‐5‐methyl‐1‐heptanol (C 11 H 24 O). Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of Ca(OH) 2 from CaCO 3 as an efficient material for POME additional treatment, helping reduce VOCs and improve the value of industrial wastewater.

Role of hygroscopic nanofillers and plasticizer in enhancing ionic transport and structural stability of plasticized chitosan-based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells

Qamber Ali, Taweesak Boonsod, Rojana Pornprasertsuk, Wanwisa Limphirat, Wirach Taweepreda, Kanoktip Boonkerd

Materials Chemistry and Physics · 2026

Eco-Functional PVDF Mixed Matrix Membranes: Characterization and Regeneration in Natural Rubber Skim Latex Purification

Rianyza Gayatri, Rendy Muhamad Iqbal, Wirach Taweepreda, Muzafar Zulkifli, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya

Polymers · 2026

Concentrated natural rubber skim latex is a sustainable, value-added product derived from natural rubber latex processing, offering high rubber content, fine particle size, and shorter polymer chains compared to pure latex, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications. This study employed an environmentally friendly ultrafiltration method using composite membranes composed of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to concentrate skim latex without hazardous chemicals. The process generated two fractions: concentrated skim latex and skim serum. Membrane performance and fouling behavior were evaluated using FESEM-EDX and FTIR. Post-filtration analysis revealed significant latex particle deposition on the membrane surface, with elemental mapping confirming the presence of organic and inorganic residues. FTIR spectra indicated interaction between latex components and membrane functional groups, though the membrane’s structural integrity remained intact. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was assessed as a cleaning agent and demonstrated the effective partial restoration of membrane performance, as confirmed by flux recovery (PVDF-PVP-TiO2 membrane recovered to a slightly higher flux of 7.35 L/m2h). These results highlight the membrane’s durability, fouling characteristics, and cleaning potential, supporting its reusability in latex processing. This study contributes to the development of sustainable separation technologies in the rubber industry, promoting circular economy and zero-discharge practices.

A high-performance nanofiltration membrane synthesized by embedding amino acids and ionic liquids in cellulose acetate for heavy metal separation

Debasis Nayak, Vinoth Kumar Raja, G. Arthanareeswaran, Tran Dang Khoa, Wirach Taweepreda

RSC Sustainability · 2025

Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes incorporated with amino acids (AAs) and ionic liquids (ILs) fabricated using phase inversion technique have been proven to be efficient and effective for nanofiltration to treat heavy metal ion solutions.

Calamity and Treatment Approach of Sulfate in Palm Oil Mill Effluent: A Mini Review

Nurul Afifah Md Shukri, Nabilah Aminah Lutpi, Yee‐Shian Wong, Soon‐An Ong, Farrah Aini Dahalan, Wirach Taweepreda, Nur Izzati Iberahim, Abdul Haqi Ibrahim, N R Rahmat

Environmental Quality Management · 2025

ABSTRACT The palm oil industry is booming, with a projected market valuation of $100 billion by 2030, driven by its diverse applications in food, cosmetics, and biofuels. However, the industry's rapid growth is accompanied by a significant environmental concern: the presence of sulfate in palm oil mill effluent (POME). Sulfate in POME poses a calamity to the ecosystem, leading to eutrophication and toxicity to aquatic life, also contributing to acid rain formation and higher hydrogen sulfide biogas formation. This mini‐review highlights the severity of sulfate pollution in POME, its environmental implications, and the challenges associated with its treatment. Various treatment approaches, including chemical, biological, and integrated methods, are discussed, focusing on their efficacy, feasibility, and scalability. On top of that, to guarantee total pollution removal, prevent treated effluents from contaminating the environment, and design more efficient treatment techniques, it is essential to analyze the intermolecular breakdown of compounds during wastewater treatment. Thus, this review intends to comprehend the significance of performing and analyzing intermolecular breakdown, as a promising validation for the end‐product of wastewater treatment. The review underscores the need for sustainable and efficient treatment technologies to mitigate the environmental impacts by sulfate in POME, ensuring a systematic pretreatment of POME toward a safe final discharge from excessive sulfate.

Evaluation of integrated polysaccharide, biopolymers and clay composite membranes for clarification process of citrus fruit (sweet lime) juice

G. Arthanareeswaran, Karthikumar Sankar, U Shameera Parvin, Wirach Taweepreda, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules · 2025

Potential of Lipids from Polymer-Based Dewatered Sewage Sludge as Feedstock for Biodiesel Production

Nor Afifah Khalil, Mohd Faizar Banjar, Fatin Najwa Joynal Abedin, Ahmad Noor Syimir Fizal, Norkhairi Ahmad, Muzafar Zulkifli, Wirach Taweepreda, Md. Sohrab Hossain, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya

Sustainability · 2025

Municipal wastewater treatment plants produce vast amounts of sewage sludge as waste, with more than 80% dewatered sludge (DS). DS is a polymer-based sludge containing flocculant and extracellular polymeric substances, including lipids. Lipids can be converted into biodiesel as an alternative energy that reduces dependency on fossil fuels while helping cities manage waste more sustainably. Past studies explored the potential of lipids from various sewage sludges in biodiesel production. However, the potential of DS remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the lipid extracted from DS and the potential of its fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) to be used as biodiesel. Lipid extraction was conducted under varying parameters, including temperatures of 70, 80, and 90 °C, extraction time of 2, 4, 6, and 8 h, and sludge-to-solvent (S/L) ratios of 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, and 0.175 g/mL. The optimal extraction conditions of 70 °C for 4 h at S/L of 0.175 g/mL yielded 1.71 ± 0.10% lipid. FTIR and TGA revealed that the DS lipids contain triglycerides, fatty acids, glycerol, and proteins. Transesterification of DS lipids produced DS FAME with a fatty acid profile ranging from C4:0 to C22:0. The evaluation of DS FAME revealed a high ester content (94.7%) of fatty acids ranging from C14:0 to C24:1, surpassing the minimum standard of 90% for biodiesel. The elevated proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in DS FAME is expected to result in a low melting point, reducing the solidifying effect and enhancing its performance as biodiesel.

Exploring possibilities for capturing and utilizing biogas derived from zoo waste

Kyu Kyu Tin, Wirach Taweepreda, Namrata Agrahari, Akanksha Singh, Anil Kumar

Environment Development and Sustainability · 2024

As a source of renewable energy through biogas production, this review explores the untapped potential of zoo-derived waste which encompasses uneaten food, bedding materials, and animal excreta, as a viable substrate for anaerobic digestion, producing biogas rich in carbon dioxide and methane. The transformation of this biogas into energy forms suitable for heating, cooking, fuel or electricity contributed to a sustainable energy ecosystem. This study demonstrates the feasibility of on-site biogas application or its integration into the energy grid, addressing operational, technical, and maintenance aspects of biogas plant installation with zoological environments. Through project studies, this review contributes insights into the practicality and advantages of utilizing biogas systems as a core center of zoos’ sustainability initiatives. Recommendations for advancing research and development in this criterion are supported. The overarching aim is to leverage biogas implementation technology to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, increase resource efficiency, and elevate environmental responsibility between zoological institutions.

Effect of polyvinylidene fluoride concentration in PVDF-TiO2-PVP composite membranes properties and its performance in bovine serum albumin rejection

Rianyza Gayatri, Ahmad Noor Syimir Fizal, Erna Yuliwati, Muhamad Zulhilmi Zailani, Juhana Jaafar, Md. Sohrab Hossain, Muzafar Zulkifli, Wirach Taweepreda, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya

Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering · 2024

In the present study, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was incorporated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to prepare PVDF-TiO2-PVP composite membrane for Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) rejection from protein contaminated wastewater. The preparation of PVDF-TiO2-PVP composite membrane was conducted by a non-solvent phase inversion (NIPS) process with varying PVDF weight percentages ranging from 16 to 19 wt%. The polymer concentration plays a critical role in the formation of composite membranes that is commonly overlooked. The primary goal of this study is to examine how the concentration of polymers affects the process of membrane creation, the ensuing structure, and the properties of these membranes. Presently, there is a restricted comprehension concerning the impact of PVDF polymer concentration in the fabrication of membranes using the NIPS approach, particularly for PVDF-TiO2-PVP composite membranes. FE-SEM analysis revealed the lowest skin layer thickness and the number of macro-void formations in a PVDF composite membrane were at 16 wt% PVDF, compared to composite membranes over higher PVDF concentrations from 17 to 19 wt%. There were only slight variations in the percentages of individual elements across all PVDF-TiO2-PVP membranes, yet the values were identical for C, O, F, and Ti. The viscosity was lowest at 16 wt percent PVDF (576.5 MPa s) and greatest at 19 wt percent PVDF (2054.3 MPa s). It showed that 19%wt PVDF viscosity increased fourfold higher than 16%wt. As the concentration of PVDF was increased, a related decrease in the surface porosity of the membrane was observed. The highest hydrophobicity with the contact angle of 79.62° of the composite membranes were detected at 19 wt% of PVDF loading. The maximum water flux (265.43 L/m2h) and BSA flux (250.31 L/m2h) were obtained at 19 wt% of PVDF loading. The lowest PVDF concentration of 16 wt% rejected BSA with 91.01 % efficiency. At 19 wt% PVDF, the rejection rate dropped nearly sixfold to 16.34 %.

Peat Soil Classification Study: A Case Study in Ayer Hitam, Muar, Johor

Nurul Zuhairah Mahmud Zuhudi, Ahmad Fiqhri Lajuliadi, Muzafar Zukifli, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya, Nor Azizi Yusoff, Wirach Taweepreda

Journal of Advanced Research Design · 2024

Peatland in Malaysia are unique and important ecosystems characterized by the accumulation of organic matter in waterlogged conditions, resulting to formation of peat. The classification of peat soil is important to identify the degree of decomposition of the peat soil and the presence of the dominant plant species, affecting its stability and suitability for various applications. This study focusing on the peat classification work using von Post scale and peat physical properties using ASTM Standards for the samples taken from Ayer Hitam, Muar, Johor. The degree of humification of the sample collected in Ayer Hitam is observed to be dark brown in color and is classified with the von Post scale level of H6 to H7. The study also presents preliminary results on the pH level, moisture content level and ash content, which are obtained at 3.65 ±0.072, 81.02%±1.04% and 2.36% respectively. This preliminary work outlines an identification for classification method to be used for the future works about the peat treatment and modification to improve its properties.

Multifaceted Impact of Lipid Extraction on the Characteristics of Polymer-Based Sewage Sludge towards Sustainable Sludge Management

Nor Afifah Khalil, Ahmad Fiqhri Lajulliadi, Fatin Najwa Joynal Abedin, Ahmad Noor Syimir Fizal, Sairul Izwan Safie, Muzafar Zulkifli, Wirach Taweepreda, Md. Sohrab Hossain, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya

Polymers · 2024

Dewatered sludge (DS) is a sewage sludge with a unique property due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and polymer flocculants. These components form a stable 3D polymer network to increase dewatering efficiency, leaving behind valuable materials such as lipids. This article explored the influences of DS particle size on lipid yield and the effects of extraction on the chemical, morphological, and thermal properties of the residual dewatered sludge (RDS). Lipid yields with unimodal distribution were observed across the particle size ranges (<0.5, 0.5-1.0, 1.0-2.0, 2.0-4.0, and 4.0 mm). The highest lipid yield of 1.95% was extracted from 1.0-2.0 mm after 4 h at 70 °C and 0.1 g/mL sludge-to-solvent ratio. Efficiency was influenced by the DS's morphology, facilitating solvent infiltration and pore diffusion. The extraction process reduced water and organic fractions, resulting in higher thermal stability. Bibliometric analysis of "extraction*" and "sewage sludge" shows increasing research interest from 1973 to 2024. Five research clusters were observed: heavy metal speciation and stabilization, sludge and its bioavailability, extraction techniques and resource recovery, contaminants remediation, as well as phosphorus recovery and agricultural applications. These clusters highlight the diverse approaches to researching DS and RDS while promoting sustainable waste management.

Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Composite PVC-ZnO Membrane for Ciprofloxacin Removal by Polymer-Enhanced Ultrafiltration

Sirisak Seansukato, G. Arthanareeswaran, Wirach Taweepreda

Polymers · 2024

Water pollution is a major global issue, and antibiotic drugs released into aquatic environments by the pharmaceutical industry, such as ciprofloxacin, have negative consequences on both human health and the ecosystem. In this study, the performance of PVA as a polymer ligand for ciprofloxacin (CPFX) removal is evaluated through polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration using a novel composite PVC-ZnO membrane. The initial concentration of the ciprofloxacin solution, pH, ionic strength, ideal polymer concentration, duration, and maximum retention capacity were among the factors that were examined. In order to remove ciprofloxacin from water, PVA is utilized as a polymeric binding agent in a complex manufacturing process. In this instance, the PVC-ZnO membrane with 1.0 weight percent ZnO had a 96.77% ciprofloxacin clearance rate. PVA polymer has a high clearance rate of 99.98% in 1wt% of ZnO in this composite membrane when added to the ciprofloxacin solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the production and features of composite PVC-ZnO membranes. It is anticipated that this study's discussion will be crucial to the development of higher-quality membrane technologies that remove pharmaceutical active chemicals from wastewater in an environmentally responsible manner without endangering the ecosystem. This investigation showed that composite PVC-ZnO membranes were effective materials for efficient removal of ciprofloxacin (CPFX).

Polymer-based nanocomposite membranes for industrial wastewater treatment: A review

Rianyza Gayatri, Erna Yuliwati, Juhana Jaafar, Ahmad Noor Syimir Fizal, Md. Sohrab Hossain, Muzafar Zulkifli, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya, Wirach Taweepreda

Journal of environmental chemical engineering · 2024

Characterization of Uncoated and Coated Fungal Mycelium-Based Composites from Water Hyacinth

Puangpetch Sakunwongwiriya, Wirach Taweepreda, Siwapong Luenram, Juntima Chungsiriporn, Jutarut Iewkittayakorn

Coatings · 2024

Mycelium-based composites are a promising avenue for innovating sustainable materials from the hyphae of fungi. This study focuses on the use of fibers from four local fungal species, namely, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr. Singer), Auricularia auricula-judae, and Schizophyllum commune Fr., to produce mycelium-based composites from water hyacinth. An inoculum of each of the mushroom species was cultivated on PDA medium at 25 and 30 °C to determine the optimal temperature based on the growth rate. The obtained optimal condition was used to grow the fungi on water hyacinth (WH) mixed with rice bran in different proportions (100% WH, 70% WH, and 50% WH) with various numbers of fungal inocula (10, 20, and 30 plugs). The obtained composites were coated with a solution of either starch, chitosan, or epoxy resin. Schizophyllum commune Fr. exhibited the highest growth rate and fiber density, with a growth rate of 1.45 ± 1.92 mm/day at 30 °C. Ten inocula of Schizophyllum commune Fr. incubated at 30 °C for seven days on a mixture of 50% WH and 50% rice bran gave the optimal composite. Coating the obtained composite with chitosan improved its mechanical properties, but coating it with epoxy resin improved its water absorbency. Buried in soil, the composite coated with a chitosan solution decomposed within 30 days. The results indicate that Schizophyllum commune Fr. can be used as a binder to produce mycelial composites on a substrate of WH mixed with rice bran. The implications of these results will enable the further development and tuning of mushroom-based materials, especially for the production of sustainable bio-construction materials derived from local mushrooms and bio-waste.

Catalysts in the rubber industry: a mini review

Kyu Kyu Tin, Wirach Taweepreda

Journal of Rubber Research · 2024

Effect of Viscosity and Air Gap within the Spinneret on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Hollow-Fiber Polymer Membranes for Separation Performance

Sirisak Seansukato, Sathish Kumar Ramachandran, Sivamesh Lamlong, Wirach Taweepreda, G. Arthanareeswaran

Polymers · 2024

Hollow-fiber membranes for nanofiltration were prepared from the blending of Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) with Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) with different PEG molecular weights (400 and 4000 g/mol) and PVC via a dry/wet spinning process. In the spinning process, the effects of air gap, wind-up speed, dope extrusion rate, and bore extrusion rate were examined. In addition, the different lengths of the center tube, which acted as the inner-side fiber diameter during the preparation of hollow-fiber membranes, were studied. This research was investigated in order to observe the morphological, dielectric, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties to identify a suitable preparation of a hollow-fiber membrane for feasible applications. The morphology of the PVC-580 blended PEG-400 5 weight percent hollow-fiber membrane was seen to have a dense skin on both the inner and outer fiber surface, along with a suitable dope viscosity. Moreover, it offered finger-like substructures that could provide a high applicable feed-stream permeability and selectivity. Finger-like substructures were present on the near inner fiber surface at the controlled center-tube length of 0.3 cm, more so than at the center tube of 1 cm. This was because the solvent and non-solvent in the lumen tube exchanged more quickly than they did in the coagulant bath. The effect of the wind-up speed during the spinning process was significantly influenced by an affordable hollow fiber that can be indicated by the drawing ratio (λ). It was found that the drawing ratio of 3.3 showed a thickness thinner than 2.6 and 2.0, respectively. In summary, a controlled wind-up speed, an acceptable dope viscosity, and—most importantly—an agglomerated time resulted in membrane preparation.

Advancements in sludge-to-energy strategies for rubber processing industries: a comprehensive review

Kyu Kyu Tin, Wirach Taweepreda, A. Singh, Anil Kumar

International Journal of Energy and Water Resources · 2024

Author response for "Fallen Leaves to Sustainable Energy Solution: Review on Hydrogen Production"

Kyu Kyu Tin, Wirach Taweepreda, Akanksha Singh, Naresh Kumar Wagri, Anil Kumar

2024

Photocatalytic bio‐inspired PDA‐RGO / g‐C3N4 nanocomposite incorporated PES membrane for removal of environmental antibiotic pollutants

B. Govardhanan, S. A. Gokula Krishnan, G. Arthanareeswaran, M. Ashok, Yong‐Song Chen, Wirach Taweepreda

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology · 2024

Abstract BACKGROUND Membrane technology makes it more suitable for the treatment of environmental polluted organic wastewater. Membrane fouling is one of the major concerns in commercial membranes. To overcome this issue, photocatalytic nanomaterials are embedded into the membrane to enhance its surface nature and reusability. In this investigation, polydopamine functionalized graphene oxide (PDA‐RGO), graphite carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4 nanomaterials were incorporated within polyethersulfone membrane fabricated via a phase inversion technique. These as‐prepared membranes’ functional groups and surface morphologies were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission electron microscopy (FESEM). These as‐prepared membranes were investigated for photocatalytic activity under visible‐light‐driven photodegradation by environmental pollutants such as Rhodamine B (RhB) and Norfloxacin (NOR). RESULTS Compared with pristine PES membrane, the PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4‐PES nanocomposite membrane showed higher photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B 94.6% and Norfloxacin 96.8%, also reached greater water flux 189 L m−2 h−1. Therefore, the bio‐inspired nanocomposite‐modified PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4 photocatalytic membrane could have huge potential in processing environmentally polluted water. CONCLUSIONS PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4‐PES nanocomposite membrane improved the membrane hydrophilicity, water flow, anti‐fouling performance, rejection studies and photocatalytic degradation than the pristine membrane. The synergistic result of PDA‐RGO and g‐C3N4 exhibits better photodegradation efficiency of the membrane towards environmental pollutants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Unravelling the kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and mass transfer behaviours of Zeolite Socony Mobil - 5 in removing hydrogen sulphide resulting from a dark fermentative biohydrogen production process

Muhammad Khairul Adha Asman, Nabilah Aminah Lutpi, Yee‐Shian Wong, Soon‐An Ong, Muhammad Adli Hanif, Naimah Ibrahim, Farrah Aini Dahalan, Wirach Taweepreda, Raja Nazrul Hakim Raja Nazri

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics · 2024

hexose consumed after adsorption at a temperature of 25 °C. The Avrami kinetic model was fitted for hydrogen sulphide removal on Zeolite Socony Mobil - 5. The process is explained well and fitted using the Temkin isotherm model and the investigation into thermodynamics reveals that the adsorption behaviour is exothermic and non-spontaneous. Furthermore, the gas molecule's freedom of movement becomes random. The adsorption phase is restricted by intra-particle diffusion followed by film diffusion during the transfer of hydrogen sulphide into the pores of Zeolite Socony Mobil - 5 prior to adsorption on its active sites. The utilisation of Zeolite Socony Mobil - 5 for hydrogen sulphide removal offers the benefit of reducing environmental contamination and exhibiting significant applications in industrial operations.

Effect of particle size, solvent to sludge ratio and solvent temperature on the extraction of lipids from sewage sludge cake using methanol

Nor Afifah Khalil, Afef Azri, Aida Syafiqah Abd. Rahman, Mohd Faizar Banjar, Ahmad Noor Syimir Fizal, Norkhairihairi Ahmad, Muzafar Zulkifli, Wirach Taweepreda, Md. Sohrab Hossain, Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya

AIP conference proceedings · 2024

Municipal wastewater treatment plant generates a large amount of sludge each year with a generation rate of up to 30.8 kg per population equivalent per year. These sewage sludge cakes contain an abundant amount of lipids that can be extracted, and their compound can be utilized in the production of value-added products. The separation of lipids subsequently reduces the volume of sludge to be managed and disposed of. Lipids can be separated using the conventional Soxhlet extractor, and the yield depends on process parameters such as solvent to sludge ratio, temperature, extraction time, and particle size. Among these parameters, particle size was scarcely studied while extraction time shows an insignificant effect on lipids yield. Therefore, this paper focuses on the impact of the particle size as effective extraction size as well as significant extraction parameters; temperature and sludge-to-solvent ratio on the lipids yield of extraction from the sewage sludge cake using methanol as solvent. Four sludge particle size ranges (x) were selected as the effective extraction size (x0.425mm, 0.425 4.00mm), five solvents to sludge ratio (7, 8, 10, 13, and 20mL/g) and solvent temperature ranging from 60 to 90 were studied with the percentage of lipids yield as the response. The results show that the fine treatment region of x2.00mm resulted in higher lipids output compared to the coarse treatment region of x>2.00mm. The highest lipid of 9.70% was obtained at an effective size range of 1.00<x2.00mm and it is considered as the critical particle size range for lipid extraction in this study. Short-ranged particle size as an effective size of 1.00<x2.00mm resulted in higher lipids yield compared to a wider range of particle size of x<2.00mm. A lower solvent to sludge ratio of 10 mL/g was optimal for a better lipid yield, hindering an excessive usage of solvent. Extraction only occurred with a solvent temperature of more than 65 with the highest yield at 75. In conclusion, the optimum parameters of lipid extraction using Soxhlet extraction by methanol as a solvent in this study were the particle size range of 1.00

Fallen leaves to sustainable energy solution: review on hydrogen production

Kyu Kyu Tin, Wirach Taweepreda, Akanksha Singh, Naresh Kumar Wagri, Anil Kumar

RSC Sustainability · 2024

The potential of fallen leaves for hydrogen production via steam gasification is underexplored, highlighting sustainability, environmental benefits, and their role in the global shift towards renewable energy for sustainable development.