Research Works

• Research Objectives –To build an effective solar evaporator device for chromium recovery from tannery waste chrome-liquor and reuse it in the tanning process.

• Research Methodology – A solar device is made using local photochemical materials such as parabolic satellite disc, steel stand, screw, glass, aluminum bowl, aluminum foil paper, etc. The evaporation Rate and Basicity of the tannery effluent was determined; the basicity of solid chrome was adjusted; applied the recovered chrome in tanning process and finally Physical and Chemical Test of the Manufactured Leather was determined.

• Research Challenges – To build an effective solar device in Bangladesh's perspective and adjusting the basicity of the recovered chrome.

• Research Findings – The average evaporation rate was calculated and found 38.69 mL/hour; The highest temperature observed during the process was 108 °C and 62°C in the focal region and condenser respectively; The shrinkage temperature and Physical characteristics such as tensile strength and percentage of elongation test, stitch tear strength, ball bursting strength and flexing endurance showed better results than conventional methods.

• Future Research Prospects – This new kind of research offers a promising solution that can reduce the environmental impact of the tanning industry- while also providing a sustainable source of chromium for a low-cost strategy and high-performance evaporation approach.

• Research Objectives –To evaluate the potential of Psidium guajava leaves as a sustainable source of vegetable tannins for leather tanning, comparing its performance with traditional vegetable tannins such as those from Mimosa and Quebracho.

• Research Methodology – Vegetable tannins were extracted from Psidium guajava leaves using various solvents, including water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The extraction efficiency was compared, and methanol, yielding the highest efficiency (17.36%), was selected for detailed chemical characterization. The tannin extract was analyzed using UV-Vis, FT-IR, and HPLC spectroscopy to identify bioactive compounds such as gallic acid and rutin hydrate. Physical and chemical properties of the tanned leather, including shrinkage temperature and pollutant load, were also assessed.

• Research Challenges – Optimizing the extraction method for large-scale industrial applications and ensuring the methanol-extracted tannins provide adequate performance for commercial tanning processes.

• Research Findings – Methanol-extracted Psidium guajava tannin demonstrated a pH of 4.08, 3.98% moisture content, and 45.26% condensed tannins. The leather tanned with this extract exhibited a shrinkage temperature of 83°C, comparable to traditional tannins, and lower pollutant loads. The results showed the potential of Psidium guajava tannins as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional vegetable tannins.

• Future Research Prospects – Further research is needed to optimize extraction methods for large-scale industrial use and assess the long-term sustainability of using Psidium guajava tannins in commercial leather production, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impacts in the tanning industry

• Research Objectives –To explore the use of keratin extracted from cattle hair waste as a sustainable raw material for bioplastic film production, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic plastics.

• Research Methodology – The keratin extraction process involves breaking down disulfide bonds and purifying the protein. The purified keratin is then used to form bioplastic films through solvent casting, incorporating plasticizers and additives to enhance film properties. The resulting bioplastics were analyzed for biodegradability, tensile strength, and thermal stability.

• Research Findings – The keratin-based bioplastics exhibited promising features such as biodegradability, tensile strength, and thermal stability. These bioplastics show potential as viable alternatives to conventional synthetic plastics, providing a sustainable solution for reducing pollution from keratin waste.

• Future Research Prospects – Further research is needed to refine the keratin extraction process and optimize bioplastic production techniques, aiming to maximize the use of keratin waste and promote sustainable industrial practices in packaging and other applications.

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical factor for public health. In hilly regions, such as those inhabited by Indigenous communities in Bangladesh, the unique geographical and socio-economic contexts pose significant challenges to ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water. Many Indigenous communities rely on natural water sources such as springs, streams, and ponds, which are vulnerable to contamination due to poor sanitation, agricultural runoff, and inadequate infrastructure. Perceptions of water quality among Indigenous residents play a crucial role in shaping their behavior, attitudes, and practices toward water usage and management. Understanding these perceptions is essential for designing targeted interventions and policies that address the specific needs and concerns of these marginalized groups.

This study seeks to explore how Indigenous residents perceive the quality of their drinking water, identify associated problems, and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve water quality and access in these communities.