Comparative Analysis Budgetary of Method Sampling and Testing Dioxin and Furan
The long-term environmental persistence and high toxicity of dioxins and furans are characteristics of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Because of their detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health, accurate analysis of these substances is essential, but it calls for complex, resource-intensive methods. In this study, the method 1613 and Method 8290, two approaches advised by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), were compared to emphasis on their capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). Despite having a lower initial CAPEX, Method 1613 primarily uses manual processes, which raises OPEX because of labour costs, processing time, and increased reagent and consumable usage. However, while having a higher CAPEX, Method 8290 combines automated systems for extraction, cleanup, and concentration, resulting in lower OPEX, a lesser risk of contamination, and a higher throughput. To evaluate actual cost structures and operational procedures, data was gathered through questionnaires and questions from labs and industry participants. For both approaches, a thorough analysis of CAPEX and OPEX was created, considering factors like staff needs, energy consumption, equipment expenses, consumables, and waste disposal. The results show that Method 8290 considerably lowers per-sample costs and increases analytical efficiency through automation, although requiring a larger initial expenditure (about RM3.55 million). It provides a more efficient workflow with higher accuracy and compliance possibilities, and its yearly operating cost is somewhat less than that of Method 1613.In the end, for routine dioxin and furan analysis, Method 8290 is the more scalable and financially viable option for labs and businesses. It meets the requirements of high throughput testing environments, improves regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025), and permits long-term savings. These observations offer helpful direction for budgetary allocation and strategic planning in environmental monitoring activities, especially for facilities looking to develop or improve their analytical capabilities for POPs detection
Smart Home Agriculture: Harnessing IoT for Sustainability and Productivity
In this project , digitalization is implemented where various software such as Blynk, Wokwi, Marvin JS, Avogadro and design experts were used. IoT, which includes Blynk and Wokwi, simulates the parameter used in terms of coding, while design experts offer analytical and graphical techniques for model fitting and interpretation. Meanwhile, Marvin JS and Avogadro represent the chemical structure of the compound. The issue that leads to this project is that the food source is insecure due to lack of space for agricultural use and increasing price of food supplies. Digitalization is implemented where a sensor is used to detect the soil moisture level and pH level by embedding it into the hydrogel inside the soil. The importance of this project is to improve the efficiency in agriculture and reduce the workload of workers. In this project, strategy is used where the moisture level and pH level of the soil is detected by sensors that will send signals to the monitor or mobile phone. This strategy helps in reducing workload and minimizes water usage that produces more crops while minimizing cost to hire workers and water bills. This project leads to various discoveries such as the suitable types of sensors used and types of chemicals that can be detected by the sensors. The importance of these discoveries is that it specifies the materials and apparatus used that would both save the cost in industrial application and the environment.