Comparative Study of Exhaust Emissions from Diesel and Syngas Powered 3.5 kW Compression Ignition Engine with and without Load

Despite diesel engines being highly efficient, with low fuel consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions, they emit relatively high levels of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) due to high exhaust gas temperatures. Engine emissions show the quality and completeness of combustion. This paper aims to present the results of a study comparing exhaust emissions from a diesel and syngas powered engine. Syngas was produced from co-firing coal and biomass in a gasifier then cleaned, cooled and applied as an alternative fuel in an engine operated from 0 - 100% load. Exhaust-emissions were monitored at this load conditions. The exhaust-temperature was measured using thermocouples and the emission gases were analyzed using Testo 350. The emissions were lower and decreased as the engine load increased, except for sulphur dioxide and NOx. The study shows that levels of carbon monoxide, were higher in a range of 46.5 - 80.2%, while carbon dioxide was 3.3 - 18% higher compared to those from diesel. Hydrocarbon emissions were 480 and 1250 ppm for diesel and syngas respectively. The study reveals that the engine operates optimally at higher loads since hydrocarbons and oxides of carbon are low due to complete combustion at higher temperatures. Exhaust gas temperature was higher in the syngas fuel and increased as the engine load increased in the range of 455.83 - 480.03˚C which influenced the formation of NOx. NOx from diesel was found to be higher, ranging from 32.5 - 40.5%, compared to those from syngas with an engine load of 75%. The study observed that relative to diesel, the emissions of sulfur dioxide at 50% engine load were lower in a range of 23.7 - 57.1%. Emissions of hydrocarbons depended on the degree of substitution of diesel and engine load. The study therefore shows that, relative to diesel, emissions decreased when syngas was used with upgraded syngas from Prosporis juliflora presenting as the best alternative followed by Hyphanae compressa, and lastly rice husk. For optimal performance of the syngas fuelled engine, the study reports that the engine should be operated at engine loads above 50% with strategies on NOx emissions considered.

Kinetics and Process Studies of the Potential for Transformation of Biogas to Biomethane and Liquefaction using Cryogenic Liquid for Domestic Applications

The present work dealt with the generation, purifying and liquefaction of biomethane to improve energy density using local materials for domestic applications. Cow dung was sourced at JKUAT dairy farm and experiments were conducted at JKUAT Bioenergy laboratory using biogas generated in laboratory scale 1 m3 bioreactors. Experiments were done in triplicates and repeated under different conditions to get the optimal conditions. The results showed that enhanced cow dung substrate displayed an improved fermentation process with increased biogas yields. Purified biogas optimized methane content from 56% ± 0.18% for raw biogas to 95% ± 0.98% for biomethane which was ideal for liquefaction.

Experimental Investigations of the Effects of Secondary Air Injection on Gaseous Emission Profiles (NOx, NO, NO2, CO) and Hydrocarbons (CxHx) in Cookstoves Using Charcoal from Eucalyptus glandis

Use of biomass in domestic cookstoves leads to the release of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons CxHx that can be detrimental to health of the public and the environment. Attainment of complete combustion is the best strategy for mitigating the release of these emissions. This study sought to experimentally determine the effects of secondary air injection on the emission profiles of NOx (NO & NO2), CO and CxHx in a charcoal operated cookstove. Charcoal from Eucalyptus glandis was bought from Kakuzi PLC. Composites from three batches were analyzed for chemical composition and the stoichiometric air equivalent. Proximate analysis data show that the charcoal composed 58.72% ± 3.3% C, 15.95% ± 1.2% Volatile Matter, 4.69% ± 0.55% Moisture, 20.7% ± 0.8% Ash, High heat value (HHV) of 30.5 ± 1.1 and 29.3 ± 1.3 Low heat value (LHV) (MJ/kg) with a chemical formula of C18H2O and a stoichiometric air requirement of 5.28 ± 0.6 with a fuel flow rate of 1 kg fuel/hr. Emission profiles for CO and CxHx reduced significantly by 70% and 80% respectively with secondary air injection whereas those of NOx increased by between 15% and 20% for NO2 and NO. The study reveals that secondary air injection has potential to mitigate on emission release, however other measures are required to mitigate NOx emissions.

Economic Assessment of Selected Regulatory Ecosystem Services (RES) in the Elgeyo and Nyambene Watersheds Ecosystems in Kenya

Evidence of increased valuation of ecosystem services (ES) globally is significant. However, most of these studies focus on marketed subsets of ES at national and international levels. Ecosystems differ in spatial scale, biophysical and ecological structure, and functionality. This requires conducting studies at the local level to understand how, for example, the watershed ecosystem contributes to humanity locally and nationally. This study focuses on selected regulatory ecosystem services (RES) in Kenya’s catchment area ecosystems (Elgeyo and Nyambene). Field-based sampling and Landsat imagery with secondary information were used to generate biophysical and ecological data. The study used market price-based, cost-based, and unit transfer methods for RES valuation. The study estimates the total value of the six selected regulatory ecosystem services (RES) at KES 41.4 billion (US$386.7 million) and KES 14.73 billion (US$137.71 million) for Elgeyo and Nyambene, respectively. This equates to KES 1.64 million (US$15,331.19) and KES 2.72 million (US$25,375) per hectare per year. Extrapolating the study estimates to the national level, the country’s regulatory ecosystem services would range from US$18.4 billion to US$30.45 billion annually. This equates to between 16.7% and 27.7% of Kenya’s GDP in 2021, underscoring the importance of watersheds to the national economy.

Distribution and Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Tropospheric Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10) In Nairobi City, Kenya

Air pollution present the greatest threat to human health and welfare in urban environments. Population growth, industrial activities, expanded transport system, vehicular traffic, poor road planning, poor land use and traffic congestion contribute to the problem. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) has become the principal pollutants due to increased material use, energy demand and use as a result of global economic growth. This study assessed the levels of PM10 in ambient air and heavy metal composition in Nairobi city. Sampling sites were classified into three categories namely;controlled areas, industrial and residential areas as proscribed in the EMCA Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Portable Mini-Vol ambient air samplers were used for fine particulate monitoring. The concentrations of manganese, lead, and cadmium was determined in PM10 samples from all sampling sites. The lead concentration mean was 0.07 ± 0.06 μg/m3, 0.34 ± 0.35 μg/m3 and 1.10 ± 0.59 μg/m3 for residential, controlled and industrial areas respectively. Generally, all afternoons had high particulate matter while the lowest concentration levels of PM10 were recorded at night.

Mesophilic Process and Kinetics Studies of Selected Biomolecules as Potential Enhancers of Biomethanization of Cow Dung in an Anaerobic Tubular Batch Reactor

Mesophilic biogas production and substrate decomposition is one of the significant limiting steps in biogas generation. The rate of generation and quality often affect the viability of biogas systems. This study assessed the potential for biogas process catalysis using powdered Sorghum bicolor L., Zea mays, and Pennisetum glaucum. The kinetics and biogas generation processes were studied. Experiments were conducted in 1 m3 tubular batch reactors, where batches were dosed with various organic biomolecules. Results show that the use of P. glaucum L. and S. bicolor L. reduced the biogas retention times significantly. Biogas generation commenced after the first day for digesters fed with S. bicolor L. and P. glaucum L. while one with Z. mays and control occurred on day two. The rate of biomethanation and methane content were enhanced. S. bicolor L. led to the highest methane content. Findings reveal that locally available organic biomolecules improved biogas quality and quantity.

Biogas Production Using Water Hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) for Electricity Generation in Kenya

Water hyacinth, E. crassipes, an invasive water weed thrives in fresh water bodies causing serious environmental problems. In Kenya the weed has invaded Lake Victoria and poses great socioeconomic and environmental challenges. Currently the weed is harvested from the Lake and left in the open to rot and decay leading to loss of aesthetics, land and air pollution. There is therefore need for development of value addition and economic exploitation strategies. The aim of the study is to assess the potential for utilization of the weed as a renewable energy resource for biogas production. Samples were collected from Lake Victoria, pulped and blend with cow dung at a ratio of 3:1 as inoculum. The resultant mixture was mixed with water at a ratio of 1:1 and fed into a 6 m3 tubular digester. The digester was recharged with 20 kg after every three days. The temperature, pH variations, gas compositions, upgrading and gas yields were studied. The temperature ranged between 22.8°C - 36.6°C and pH 7.4 - 8.5. Biogas was found to contain 49% - 53% methane (CH4 ), 30% - 33% carbon dioxide (CO2 ), 5% - 6% nitrogen (N2 ) and traces of hydrogen sulphide (H2S). The biogas was upgraded using solid adsorbents and wet scrubbers increasing the methane content by up to 70% - 76%. The upgraded gas was used to power internal combustion engines coupled with an electricity generator and direct heat applications. The study concludes that E. crassipes is a potential feedstock for biogas production especially in areas where it is abundant.

Thermal Gasification of Rice Husks from Rice Growing Areas in Mwea, Embu County, Kenya

Thermal gasification of biomass provides a potential renewable energy resource in rural areas in Kenya. Rice husks are a key byproduct of rice production that are not considered of economic value to millers. Rice husks obtained from Mwea, Embu County, Kenya were converted into syngas using a locally assembled modified updraft gasifier. The syngas production was produced at temperatures between 450°C and 750°C with injection of limited supply of air and purified using series of gas cleaning and cooling devices. Proximate analysis shows that rice husks have a mean content of 21.9% ± 0.3% ash, 9.5% ± 3.3% moisture, 78.8% ± 0.3% volatiles and 91.8% ± 1.3% total solids. Carbonized rice husks have mean contents of 37.8% ± 1.2% ash, 3.1% ± 0.4% moisture, 62.3% ± 1.2% volatiles and 96.5% ± 0.4% total solids. The study shows that feedstock is consumed at a rate of 25 - 32 Kg/Hr with gas generation rate of 7.76 - 7.78 m3/hr;this translates to a gas yield of 0.31 - 0.35 m3/Kg. Process water was re-circulated at a rate of 2.2 m3/hr within the plant. The total electricity consumption per hour was 1.1 - 1.3 kWh. Carbon monoxide (CO) and temperature were monitored in the working area to assess the safety of the workers and were found to be in the range of 35 - 50 ppm and 24°C - 29.5°C respectively. The two were found to be within safe limits;however, the CO concentrations increased when leakages occurred. Syngas was found to be composed of 16.5% - 17.55% CO, 14.5% - 16.1% CO2, 4.1% - 4.5% H2, 6.8% - 7.2% CH4 and 17.9% - 45.7% N2 among others. The gas was used for direct heating applications and to run modified petrol engines. Carbonized husks were used to make energy briquettes and partly applied to the rice growing pads to improve soil properties. The technology provides energy solutions and aids in the abatement of climate change mitigation and abatement since it provides a permanent carbon sink. The technology provides a value addition chain for rice growers.

Green Chemistry Preparation and Characterization of Rice Husk Derived Silica Gel in Kenya

Rice is a grass seed from Oryza glaberrima species also known as the African rice.In Kenya,rice is mostly grown in Central(Mwea)and Nyanza(Ahero,West Kano,Migori and Kuria)areas.Milling rice produces rice husks as by-products which can be sources of valuable chemical products(silica gel,sodium silicate).In trials to produce silica gel from rice husks,rice husks were charred in a combustion chamber(30 min)then ashed in a Muffle furnace(Advantec KL-420)at different temperatures.The ashes were then leached with distilled water/acids to remove metal oxides.Sixty grams(60 g)of the leached RHA(Rice Husk Ash)was mixed with 300 mL of 3 M NaOH solution in a Pyrex 500 mL beaker and boiled at 100℃(1 h).The silica gel samples were characterized using several methods.Elemental analysis was done using TXRF(Total X-Ray Fluorescence),while FTIR(Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)was used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption of the silica sample.Results of the analysis conform to local and international quality standards.The rice husks had an average moisture content of 7.07%and 1.00-2.00 mm diameter.And 1.74%of the rice husk had pore sizes of about 0.710 mm.The average ash content was 22.65%.At 600℃,leaching with water yielded 98.2%silica compared with 99.1%(H2SO4)and 96.9%(HCl).At 500℃,leaching with HCl/H2SO4 causes a decrease.At 500℃,the availability of SiO2 is more for water leached samples.At 400℃,water leaching gave 98.49%silica while HCl leaching was 97.85%silica and H2SO4 was 99.41%.Silica is a precursor of silica gel.Statistical analyses imply water leaching RHA instead of acid leaching at 500℃ will produce a significant amount of silica gel.The open burn samples produced equal or better SiO2(silica gel precursor)yields compared with the incineration samples.FTIR analysis of the silica gel sample compared well with adsorption peaks of silica gel in literature.XRD(X-Ray Diffraction)analysis produced a pattern consistent with other XRD patterns of silica gel published by other researchers.

Development of Novel Products from Agro-Wastes(Rice Husks)and Characterization in Kenya

Rice growing is a popular agricultural activity in some areas in Kenya.The challenge is in the disposal of RH(Rice Husks).Rice production results in 20%RH as byproduct.Simple incineration of RH results in RH ash which is a source of valuable chemical products.The ash is 87-97%silica,highly porous and light weight,with a very high external surface area.The end product of RHA(Rice Husk Ash)after chemical treatment,sodium silicate,is a precious commodity that has myriad applications especially in detergent manufacture and soap production.The objective was to determine the best conditions to synthesize silica from agro-wastes(RH)in Kenya.The yield(%SiO2)of the HCl(Hydrochloric Acid)leached RH at 500°C was the highest at 99.2%.Overall these conditions were the best in producing silicate.Percentage(%)removal of each metal is different due to its chemical form in RH.The removal percentage of K is especially remarkable.And 0.5 M HCl leaching followed by thermal treatment of 600°C gave the best increase in%silica dioxide.The same process removed the most metallic impurities(P2O5,K2O,CaO,Mn and Zn).Leaching with 0.5 M HCl followed with thermal treatment of 500°C gave the best overall yield in%silica dioxide.An increase in temperature from 600°C slightly reduced the%silica dioxide content.The 0.5 M HCl used in these trials was able to produce 99.17%silica content from the Mwea RH.The SiO2 obtained with the water washed RH sample is 97.37%as compared 99.17%(HCl-washed)and 99.02%(H2SO4(Sulphuric Acid)-leached).The FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)spectra indicates HCl leaching avails more silica content than H2SO4 leaching.

Elemental Analysis of Fly and Bottom Ash from Burners/Incinerators in Selected Health Care Facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya

Medical waste incinerators emit a wide range of pollutants like heavy metals, dioxins and furans. These include Pb （lead）, Hg （mercury）, Cd （cadmium）, fine dust particles and PICs （products of incomplete combustion）. The objective was to determine the elemental composition of medical waste residue after incineration in selected hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya. Bottom/fly ash samples were collected from the burners/incinerators in the selected health care facilities visited. The concentrations of the metals in the fly ash and bottom ash were determined using an XRF （X-ray fluorescence） spectrometer after acid digestion. The concentrations of heavy metals in the fly and bottom ash were as follows： Ti （titanium） 62-839 mg·kg^-1 and a mean of 202 mg·kg^-1 and 344 mg·kg^-1 in fly ash and bottom ash, respectively. Ca （calcium） was 37,753-204,475 mg.kg1 with means of 27,132 mg.kg-1 in fly ash and 131,185 mgg·kg^-1 in bottom ash. Zn （zinc） was 297-6,605 mg·kg^-1 with means （2,307 mg·kg^-1 in fly ash, 4,359 mg·kg^-1 in bottom ash）, Pb （13-1,819 mg·kg^-1） had means of 280 mg·kg^-1 in fly ash and 291 mg-kg-1 in bottom ash. Cu （copper） （9.5-250 mg·kg^-1） had means of 83.47 mg·kg^-1 in fly ash and 98.8 mg·kg^-1 in bottom ash. The wide variations in results can be attributed to the different burners/incinerators used and different segregation methods of the medical waste. The results show that the reported levels of heavy metals could pose a health risk due to possible leaching after disposal.

Performance of a Modified Trickling Filter Packed with Different Substrates in Polishing Aquaculture Wastewater

Sustainable use of natural resources is one of the most critical aspects in today’s world,water monument being one of them.There is a high demand for water in domestic,agricultural and industrial sector.As a result of these there is an increased rate of wastewater generation.To ensure sustainable use of the resource,there is need for wastewater management that will ensure reuse and reduce pollution to the water resource.The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of different locally available substrate materials in polishing aquaculture wastewater before it is discharged to the receiving bodies and to determine the substrates’optimal treatment conditions in a modified trickling filter system.The wastewater was characterized with high levels of nitrates,nitrites and phosphates which are nutrients responsible for the degradation of water resources through eutrophication.A modified trickling filter system was fabricated and woodchips,maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse were each packed in three different reactor tanks.These substrates were subjected to similar operating conditions of substrate column heights of 14 cm,18 cm and 22 cm,varied HRT(Hydraulic Retention Time)at 12 h,24 h,48 h and 60 h respectively.Wastewater was collected from a fish pond and passed through the modified trickling filter system for a specified period of time.Samples of the effluent were collected and tested for nitrates,nitrites and phosphates using a UV VIS(Ultraviolet-visible)spectrometer.The results obtained showed that the contaminant with the highest concentration was nitrates.Nitrites was converted into nitrates during the treatment process hence it was not a suitable parameter to be used to make conclusions.Phosphate was present in lower concentrations compared to nitrates hence the desired level was achieved.The most suitable substrate in the removal of all the contaminants was the woodchips with an efficiency of 94%at an operating condition of 18 cm and 22 cm substrate column height for the small and large woodchip particles at 48 and 60 h HRT respectively.Maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse both yielded an efficiency of 92%at 22 cm substrate column height and 60 h HRT.