Analysis of environmental performance indicators for concrete block manufacturing: embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption.

Concrete block production significantly contributes to environmental degradation. A thorough understanding of its ecological implications is critical for sustainable development. This study investigates concrete block manufacturing's environmental impact by quantifying embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption via a comprehensive life cycle assessment. An extended life cycle assessment methodology is utilized to quantify the environmental indicators throughout the concrete block production lifecycle. Primary industry data and secondary research data ensure accuracy and reliability. Findings showed that concrete block manufacturing requires 2.5-4.1 times more embodied energy than equal clinker mass. Cement and aggregate production and transportation account for substantial energy needs. Limestone calcination during cement production causes significant CO2 emissions, 2.3-3.3 times higher than the minimum. Water consumption is concerning during curing and washing. Exploring alternative cementitious materials, optimized processes, and water recycling can reduce embodied energy by up to 75%, CO2 emissions by up to 67%, and water consumption by up to 80%. Concrete block manufacturing necessitates considerable energy and generates significant emissions. Implementing sustainable measures can minimize embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption, enabling environmentally responsible manufacturing. This research emphasizes adopting sustainability practices to mitigate environmental impact. Policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers can employ these insights to develop effective strategies promoting green manufacturing. The concrete block industry can contribute to a sustainable future through sustainable practices.

Enhancing Performance and Emission Characteristics of Biodiesel-Operated Compression Ignition Engines through Low Heat Rejection Mode and Antioxidant Additives: A Review.

Depending on the heat content and compression ignition (CI) engine combustion, biodiesel is a viable substitute fuel. Biodiesel is an oxygenated, safe, sulfur-free, biodegradable, and renewable fuel. It may be utilized in CI engines in any combination with diesel fuel without requiring the engine to be significantly modified. Many research studies have been made with several biodiesels as diesel substitutes, including Pongamia pinnata, Jatropha curcas, Mangifera indica, and Madhuca longifolia. The topic of the current review is the potential of renewable fuels to outperform diesel fuel in terms of performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. In the present study, CI engines are fueled with biodiesels made from Man. indica, Mad. longifolia, and pongamia seed oil. Adopting low heat rejection (LHR) mode CI engines and adding an antioxidant agent in addition to the biodiesel blends may resolve the issue of these biodiesels' poorer performance and increased NO emission. Both these additions may provide positive approaches in both performance and emission.