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Due to a shortage of resources, exploring new biomass fillers has become critical for paper making. In this study, we reported an eco-friendly strategy for fabricating low-cost and efficient recycled paper with high mechanical properties using corrugated cardboard waste paper and harmless municipal sludge (HMS). First, the characteristics of HMS, including the particle size, pH, specific surface area, organic functional groups and organic component content, were analyzed. Then, the influence of the amount of HMS on the properties of the recycled paper was studied. Finally, the strengthening mechanism of biomass filling recycled paper was discussed. The results showed that HMS, a biomass filler for recycled paper preparation, exhibited excellent physical and chemical properties, with a median particle size of 6.395 μm, a surface area of 39.974 m2 g−1 and organic functional groups. The tensile index of the recycled paper with 30 % HMS was 13.10 Nm/g, which was 16.4 % greater than that of the unfilled paper and showed better thermal stability. This excellent performance could be attributed to the uniform distribution of HMS on the fiber surface, which improved the accessibility of hydrogen bond formation between fibers. Thus, this study proved that HMS was an excellent biomass filler for producing recycled paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in energy valorization of paper sludge and biomass waste through incineration results in a rise in waste paper fly ash (WPFA), often perceived as hazardous and requiring specific treatment. In this study, natural carbonation technology at a pilot scale was employed to mitigate the hazardous nature of WPFA by enhancing the stabilization of metal and metalloid trace elements (MMTE), particularly barium (Ba) and lead (Pb) leaching. Natural carbonation of WPFA was found to be optimal at a water/solid ratio of 0.3 L/kg under natural temperature and humidity conditions. Batch leaching tests based on thermodynamic equilibrium were used to assess MMTE solubility concerning pH in both non-carbonated and carbonated WPFA at natural pH. After 7 days of natural carbonation, the leaching concentration of Ba and Pb was below the legal limit in France. The concentration of Ba and Pb in carbonated samples decreased by 98.5% and 98%, respectively. Analyses using thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy demonstrated the increased formation and quantity of calcite (CaCO3) with longer carbonation times, along with the formation of new minerals as BaCO3 and PbCO3, confirming the immobilization of these elements post-carbonation. The leaching behavior and release potential of carbonated WPFA were further evaluated using the four-stage sequential extraction procedure proposed by the European Commission's Bureau of Reference (BCR). The speciation of Ba and Pb shifted significantly from the soluble substance (F1) at 17.6% and 14.8%, respectively, to the carbonate fraction (F2) at 0.49% and 0.02% after 90 days of carbonation. The percolation water collected during the carbonation process adheres to discharge standards into the sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main part of companies in Bulgaria are built, however in the 70s, and upgraded last decade. The country supplies around 80 % of its supplies of paper, paperboard and pulp with own production. Integrated treatment of wastes is a priority for realizing closed life cycle of materials. The aim of the present work is to investigate the composition and other important characteristics of biomass wood ash wasted from paper industry. The correlations and associations among the chemical characteristics are also studied to find some basic trends and important relationships between two similar wastes from different enterprises. It was proved that all samples taken contained Ba, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Al, Fe, Cu and Zn far below the legal limits for such type of products. A product has a certain anti-acidic effect. The other positive result was that the content of iron is between 34 to 60 mg per 1 kg dry waste. The microscopic photos confirmed that the particles are close to the nano-size materials. The content of the elements C, N, H is in good quantities and ratios, which is a prerequisite for their use as a soil improver. By the results of this study, it was confirmed that all samples produced as a result of the thermal treatment and final low water content achieved are free from pathogen microorganisms and different weed seeds, affecting the yield and soil sustainability. That allows determining the optimal ratio between the used components with a view to obtain products with desired thermal stability and physico-chemical properties as soil improvers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is a promising biomass-based platform compound that can be used for the removal of hemicellulose in pulp. In this study, a paper-grade pulp was treated using GVL to generate dissolving pulp for viscose production. The GVL concentration, treatment temperature, and reaction time had significant effect on the hemicellulose dissolution. The dissolving pulp with α-cellulose content of 92.3% and hemicellulose content of 5.45% was achieved with 60% GVL at 120 °C for 2 h. The Fock reactivity and intrinsic viscosity of the obtained dissolving pulp were 54.6% and 595 mL/g, which is comparable with the commercial product. In addition, GVL spent liquor was also recycled and reused to upgrade paper-grade pulp. By using purified recycled GVL to treat original pulp, the Fock reactivity of pulp was improved, and the cellulose content of as-prepared upgraded pulp increased to 92.1%, which was close to the cellulose content of dissolving pulp obtained from fresh GVL solution, while the intrinsic viscosity decreased significantly to 598 mL/g. Therefore, the efficient reuse of GVL not only ensured the high quality of dissolving pulp, but it also saved production costs and reduced environmental pollution.

Improper disposal of palm biomass wastes resulting from industrial palm oil production may contribute to the environmental issues in Indonesia. However, given their abundance and availability, empty fruit bunches (EFB) can be potentially considered as a raw material for unbleached pulp. In this study, unbleached pulp was produced from oil palm EFB by a pulping process with alkaline pretreatment. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose in the pulp, with absorption peaks at 3332 cm-1 corresponding to the O-H stretching and at 1029 cm-1 assigned to the stretching of the C-O-C bond, respectively. SEM images revealed the aspect of individual fibers, with a rigid appearance, in the pulp obtained from EFB biomass. The major crystalline peak was observed at 2θ of 22.41°, indicating the presence of cellulose. Brown paper was made from the unbleached pulp (A4 size, with a grammage of 134 g/m² and a thickness of 219.3 μm) and proved to have excellent mechanical strength. Therefore, unbleached pulp from oil palm EFB can be recommended to be used in the manufacture of brown paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of as-received biomass fly ashes (BFA) and green liquor dregs obtained from a pulp and paper plant in Brazil as substitutes for metakaolin in geopolymeric formulations. The properties of this type of waste material vary widely between different industrial plants. This study refrains from subjecting the waste materials to any form of pretreatment, taking into account their organic matter and particle size heterogeneity, requiring extensive characterization to evaluate their influence on the compressive strength, apparent open porosity, and water absorption of the geopolymeric samples. The objective was to assess their potential for upcycling purposes as an alternative to energy-intensive materials, such as ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and advanced ceramics. This potential arises from the ability of alkali-activated materials (AAM) to undergo curing at ambient temperatures, coupled with the possibility of compositions primarily derived from waste materials. To improve the sustainability of the products, the amorphous content of the raw material, which is more reactive than crystalline phases, was quantified and used as the base for mixture ratios. This approach aimed to reduce the requirement for alkaline activators, which have significant environmental impacts, while also increasing the waste content in the formulation. The incorporation of waste materials into the geopolymer matrix generally led to a reduction in the compressive strength compared to the benchmark metakaolin sample (19.4 MPa) but did not present a trend. The dregs led to values of 4.1 MPa at 25 wt% and 7.1 MPa at 50 wt%, a behavior that is somewhat counterintuitive, and BFA at 10 wt% presented 5.7 MPa. Nevertheless, the apparent open porosity remained at high levels for all the samples, close to 50%, and the compressive strength of most of them was over the values obtained for the metakaolin-only samples with mixture ratios calculated from the total composition instead of the amorphous composition. The decrease in strength and the increase in porosity were attributed to the specific characteristics of the waste materials, such as their high crystallinity, presence of organic matter, heterogeneous particle composition, and size. Overall, this study provides insight into the variations in geopolymerization based on the bulk and amorphous content of the aluminosilicate sources and how the characteristics of the waste materials influence the geopolymer matrix. It also highlights how calculating mixture ratios based on the amorphous composition improves the possibility of waste valorization through alkali activation. Additionally, it suggests that BFA and dregs might be effectively utilized in applications other than OPC substitution, such as adsorption, filtration, and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to discharge of hazardous organochlorine compounds and absorbable organic halogen compounds in the effluent, the pulp and paper industries are trying to alter the bleaching process to limit the use of chlorine compounds and comply with regulatory, environmental, and market demands. With progress in biotechnology, enzyme technologies can effectively pre-treat lignocellulosic biomass in the pulp and paper making process. Usually, these enzymatic processes reduce the environmental impact of traditional pulp and paper-making processes, lower the overall production cost, and enhance product quality. Microbial xylanases are the potential bio-bleaching candidate due to their renewable, mild operating, highly specific, and eco-friendly nature. Xylanase enhances the efficacy of the bleaching process by breaking the β-1, 4-glycosidic backbone of the re-precipitated xylan network and removing the trapped lignin from the pulp fibers. Xylanolytic action positively influences the kappa number, hexenuronic acid, chromophore compounds release, pulp crystallinity, morphology and many other attributes of pulp. The present review comprehensively highlights the microbial xylanolytic system, its mechanism, and its application in pulp bioleaching. With the recent development, the paper delineates the xylanase-aided bleaching effects on pulp, paper, and effluent attributes aimed to reduce bleaching chemical use, AOX formation, and energy use in the pulp refining process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid growing energy demands, innovative solutions are essential to power a variety of devices. Paper‐based microfluidic fuel cells (PμFCs), powered by eco‐friendly alcohols derived from biomass, present a promising option. While lightweight and disposable, they mainly rely on costly noble‐metal catalysts for high efficiency. In this context, the concept of photo paper batteries (pPBs), utilizing affordable sunlight‐activated semiconductors to drive alcohol oxidation on paper, opens the possibility to disposable and affordable energy solutions. Our review highlights recent progress in PμFCs fueled by alcohols like methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. We explore semiconductor advancements driving anodic reactions and envision the potential of pPBs. To achieve practical pPBs, refining semiconductors, electrode design, and microfluidic engineering are pivotal. This short review highlights the transformative potential of pPBs and beckons researchers to partake in shaping this new field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need for sustainable waste management strategies has led to the exploration of innovative approaches for the valorization of waste. In this study, a method is proposed for carbonizing waste biomass materials, particularly paper mill waste sludges (primary and biological) and knots, to produce porous carbonaceous supports. Through an initial hydrothermal carbonization followed by carbonization with nitrogen flow, porous carbon materials are successfully generated. The findings of this investigation validate the successful generation of effective carbonaceous supports utilizing waste biomass materials. These materials are then evaluated for their effectiveness as porous supports in the ionic liquid‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to styrene oxide, achieving a remarkable conversion rate of up to 98% and an impressive selectivity exceeding 99%. Additionally, the results underscore the significant impact of the selected IL on the overall conversion process. Overall, this study presents a promising pathway for the valorization of paper mill waste sludge through the production of porous carbon materials with potential applications in catalysis and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A positive effect of pulp and paper mill sludges as a rich source of organic substrates on soil properties was previously found for some types of sludge and soil. In this study, the effect of secondary pulp and paper sludge on water characteristics and thermal properties of Retisol, as well as the growth parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), was tested on the basis of a pot experiment when watering plants with a 20 or 40% sludge solution. The sludge application enhanced plant growth with an increase in biomass accumulation of 21 and 53%, respectively, for 20 and 40% sludge treatments. When the sludge dose was increased from 0 to 40%, the number of leaves increased by 25%, and the leaf mass per area value increased by 42%. Due to the accumulation of more biomass in the shoots than in the roots, sludge causes a change in the allocation of plant biomass. A significant effect of the sludge application on soil particle and microaggregate sized compositions, as well as on the saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, was not found in this study. However, fitted soil water retention curves showed an increased soil water content in sludge-treated soil at all water content values exceeding field capacity. Secondary sludge application led to an increase in the saturated water content from 0.50 to 0.56 cm3 cm−3. The 40% sludge solution increased soil thermal conductivity from 0.92 to 0.98 W m−1 K−1 under saturated water content and from 0.83 to 0.92 W m−1 K−1 under field capacity. The thermal conductivity was higher in the sludge-treated than untreated soil due to a more pronounced positive effect of increased saturated water content than the negative effect of the increased organic matter content on heat transfer. The positive impact of secondary sludge application on both plant growth parameters and physical properties of Retisol, such as increased soil water-holding capacity and thermal conductivity coefficient confirms the possibility of using it to improve soil characteristics and plant productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the environmental pollution and harm to human health caused by the use of adhesives in traditional paperboard, the development of environmentally friendly mycelium paperboard has become a hot topic. Due to the high dipole moment and hydrogen bonding between macromolecules, hyphae can form clamp shaped connection structures for nutrient reproduction and transfer, and can grow on natural agricultural waste, forming a natural biocomposite material. This study determined the combination of Ganoderma weberianum/corn straw, and designed single factor cultivation conditions such as cultivation time, straw particle size, and fructose addition to explore the effects on the mechanical properties, waterproof properties, and thermal decomposition performance of the hyphal paperboard formed by hot pressing. The optimal cultivation process was obtained through orthogonal experiments. The experimental results indicate that various factors have varying degrees of influence on the edgewise strength, flexural stiffness, and static bending strength and waterproofness of paperboard. Firstly, when the cultivation time was 30 days, the flexural stiffness reached 16.63 mN/m, which was 21.2% higher than the flexural stiffness of kraft paper (13.10 mN/m). Moreover, with the increase of cultivation time, the water absorption (24 hours) had also decreased from 3.92% to 1.27%. Secondly, previous research results have shown that the addition of fructose, glucose, and sucrose increases the biomass growth rate of strains. In this study, fructose was chosen as an exogenous nutrient, and the results showed that when a mass fraction of 5% fructose was added, the mechanical properties were the best, with a flexural stiffness of 18.87 mN/m, which was 30.5% higher than that of kraft paper (13.10 mN/m). Thirdly, the particle size of the sbstrate has a significant impact on the appearance and properties of the material. The results show that, from the appearance perspective, the mycelium paperboard made of 0.165～0.250 mm particle size has the closest appearance and feel to kraft paper. At the same time, during the testing period, it was found that the mycelium paperboard made of 0.165～0.250 mm straw was the least prone to deformation and loosening, and the molding effect was significantly improved compared to other components. In terms of mechanical properties, the edgewise strength increased by 17.4%, the static bending strength increased by 14.9%, and the flexural stiffness increased by 57.3%. The experimental results show that the degree of influence of various factors on the edgewise strength, flexural stiffness, and static bending strength of paperboard is in the order of particle size, cultivation time,fructose addition amount. When the particle size is 0.165～0.250 mm, the cultivation time is 30 days, and the fructose addition of 5.0%, the edgewise strength of the prepared paperboard is 14.36 N/mm, the static bending strength is 10.89 MPa, and the flexural stiffness is 33.09 mN/m. As the particle size decreases, the water absorption rate and water thickness expansion rate of the paperboard after 24 hours of water absorption decrease to 0.86% and 0.59%. The mycelium paperboard prepared by different single factors has the same thermal decomposition process, starting at around 150 ℃ and reaching its maximum at 350 ℃. This study provides a reference basis for the development and application of mycelium composite materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This work proposes the use of a simple, inexpensive method for the hydrothermal synthesis of fluorescent carbon dot nanoparticles (CDs) from rice starch aimed at the determination of Hg2+ in water. The proposed method involved using a paper‐based analytical device coupled to a 3D plate, with a UV‐LED chamber and a smartphone for the acquisition and analysis of the fluorescence digital images of the CDs. RESULTS: The size of the carbon dots ranged from 0.5 to 3 nm, with an average particle size of ~1 nm. The functionalization of carbon dots with methimazole allowed a high selective for Hg2+ determination. The results obtained showed a linear response R2 of 0.997 and Hg2+ concentration in the range of 0.5–45.0 μmol L−1 with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 0.23 and 0.62 μmol L−1, respectively. The results of the study show that there were no significant differences, at 95% confidence level, between the data obtained from the application of the proposed method and the reference method. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is in line with the principles of green chemistry, as it involves the use of renewable sources for starch extraction and a hydrothermal synthesis process that does not employ toxic reagents. In addition, the method employs only 15 μL reagent/sample. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A positive effect of pulp and paper mill sludges as a rich source of organic substrates on soil properties was previously found for some types of sludge and soil. In this study, the effect of secondary pulp and paper sludge on water characteristics and thermal properties of Retisol, as well as the growth parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), was tested on the basis of a pot experiment when watering plants with a 20 or 40% sludge solution. The sludge application enhanced plant growth with an increase in biomass accumulation of 21 and 53%, respectively, for 20 and 40% sludge treatments. When the sludge dose was increased from 0 to 40%, the number of leaves increased by 25%, and the leaf mass per area value increased by 42%. Due to the accumulation of more biomass in the shoots than in the roots, sludge causes a change in the allocation of plant biomass. A significant effect of the sludge application on soil particle and microaggregate sized compositions, as well as on the saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, was not found in this study. However, fitted soil water retention curves showed an increased soil water content in sludge-treated soil at all water content values exceeding field capacity. Secondary sludge application led to an increase in the saturated water content from 0.50 to 0.56 cm3 cm−3. The 40% sludge solution increased soil thermal conductivity from 0.92 to 0.98 W m−1 K−1 under saturated water content and from 0.83 to 0.92 W m−1 K−1 under field capacity. The thermal conductivity was higher in the sludge-treated than untreated soil due to a more pronounced positive effect of increased saturated water content than the negative effect of the increased organic matter content on heat transfer. The positive impact of secondary sludge application on both plant growth parameters and physical properties of Retisol, such as increased soil water-holding capacity and thermal conductivity coefficient confirms the possibility of using it to improve soil characteristics and plant productivity.

A procedure for making a wooden heat-insulating product for construction applications through lignin removing is presented in this paper. The non-conventional procedure is almost similar to that known and used in the pulp and paper industry, but the technological purpose is clearly different. The type of tree wood chosen by authors (Romanian spruce wood) is a novelty compared to the rather large list of tree species tested so far and represents the originality of the work. The liquid alkaline environment was constituted of NaOH, Ca(OH)2, and distilled water and this has activated the spruce wood waste. By removing lignin from the wood structure, heat conductance of the wooden material decreased by comparison with conductance of the same type of non-treated wood. The heat treatment temperature into an electric oven was 95 °C for 8 hours. The results showed the possibility to obtain a product with denseness value of 0.14 g⋅cm-3 and heat conductance of 0.030 W⋅m-1⋅K-1, i.e. very good insulation properties. Analyzing the material quality, this was almost identical to high-performance wooden materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recycled paper fiber rejects have shown potential as a source of waste-to-resource carbohydrates for renewable chemicals production. This study examined three classes of recycled paper fines (old corrugated containers, old newspaper, and mixed office waste) and two industrial papermaking rejects streams from different recycling mills (one mill processes linerboard and the other old corrugated cardboard). The effect of chemical pretreatment using dilute sodium hydroxide, hot water and dilute sulfuric acid on enzymatic glucose and xylose yields was evaluated. Enzymatic hydrolysis results indicated that recycled fiber streams with more old corrugated cardboard have higher potential to produce carbohydrates. The recycled cardboard rejects produced more glucose and xylose per kilogram of rejects than the linerboard rejects under all untreated and pretreated conditions. The highest producing rejects sample was sodium hydroxide pretreated cardboard rejects with 373 g glucose and 61 g xylose produced per kilogram of rejects. However, a simple hot water pretreatment showed similar results, with 335 g glucose and 58 g xylose produced per kilogram of rejects. The hot water pretreatment is recommended due to its comparable yield and lower chemical addition.

Renewable biomass-based activated carbon fiber paper (ACFP) possesses a three-dimensional network porous structure for high-efficient toxic gas purification. However, intelligently building high catalytic activity biomass-based carbon materials with superior flexibility remains a significant challenge. Herein, a series of paper-based catalysts (MnO 2 /ACFP) with varying MnO 2 loadings were fabricated by combining MnO 2 -loaded ACF and softwood (Pinales) fiber via a wet-papermaking process. The precursor derives from abundant and green biomass, meanwhile, the channels of plant fiber facilitate gas flow and the effective dispersion of active sites. Noteworthy, the introduction of softwood fiber imparts flexibility to the catalyst, enabling it to be folded, wound, and bent without compromising mechanical strength, thus exhibiting excellent processability. Formaldehyde (HCHO) removal in a static system was applied to evaluate their reactivities. Among all, MnO 2 /ACFP-1.7 (12.22 wt% Mn) shows 100 % removal of HCHO in 1 h with a turnover frequency value of 0.01526 min−1, being more than 10 times that of the bulk MnO 2 particles. The underlying mechanism for the enhanced catalytic performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of its stronger gas capture ability together with more exposed active sites. This work provides insight into the design of a flexible and environmentally friendly catalyst for the degradation of organic contaminants. [Display omitted] • MnO 2 -loaded ACF and softwood fiber were combined by the wet-papermaking process. • This catalyst exhibits excellent flexibility and good air permeability. • It can be applied as a paper-based catalyst for HCHO oxidation. • This catalyst presents superior catalytic activity and excellent recycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-pyrolysis of paper mill sludge (PS) and biomass has attracted significant attention due to its potential for simultaneous resource utilization and waste disposal. In this work, the co-pyrolysis of PS with corn stover (CS) was carried out in a fixed bed reactor to investigate the effect of temperature and PS to CS ratio on the product characteristics. A comparison between the experimental and calculated values of product yield and composition was performed to obtain a deeper understanding of the synergistic interactions. The results exhibited a positive synergistic effect on bio-oil production at lower CS proportions with higher temperatures. Higher temperatures and lower CS proportions were favorable for the formation of aromatics (up to 45.03%) in co-pyrolysis, while the synergistic interactions promoted the production of phenols and exhibited an inhibitory effect on aromatics production. The interactions also inhibited H 2 but promoted CO production due to the enhanced decarbonylation of co-pyrolysis intermediates in the presence of PS internal minerals. Additionally, the characterization of biochars indicated an increasing degree of aromaticity with higher temperatures and CS proportions. The synergistic interactions at higher temperatures facilitated the development of pore structures in the biochar, especially micropores. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between parameters, products, and synergies in the co-pyrolysis of PS and biomass wastes. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive study on the co-pyrolysis of paper sludge and corn stover was conducted. • Lower corn stover ratios with higher temperatures jointly promoted bio-oil yield. • The formation of phenols and CO was synergistically enhanced during co-pyrolysis. • Higher temperatures facilitated the development of micropores in the biochars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues are a serious problem towards agriculture, environment and food safety, so it is highly desirable to develop a swift, efficient and portable pesticide detection method. A fluorescence visual sensing method for glyphosine based on a nitrogen-doped biomass carbon quantum dot (N-CQD) paper-based sensor was developed. The fluorescence signal was quenched by Fe3+ in a static quenching process, and then the fluorescence of N-CQDs was recovered after adding glyphosine. Under the optimal experimental conditions and when tested with a fluorescence spectrofluorometer, the detection of glyphosine showed a two-stage linear pattern in the range of 0.1–0.6 μM and 0.6–1.6 μM with a detection limit of 0.075 μM. Then, the RGB values of different concentrations of glyphosine on the filter paper chip were detected by the software of the smartphone-color identifier. The logarithm of the glyphosine concentration was linearly related to the G value of RGB in the range of 0.25–10.00 mM and with a detection limit of 0.15 mM. The method was applied to measuring glyphosine-spiked juice and flour samples, and the recovery rates were 87.60–112.69% and 93.27–105.83%, respectively. The proposed N-CQDs/Fe3+ system had wide applications, and it was expected to be fast and effective at detecting pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulose material is the main natural resource for the pulp and paper industry, and for its application the material should have a degree of whiteness as high as possible. For this reason, different bleaching treatments were applied during time. In this paper, the photobleaching induced by solar light of a lignocellulosic biomass using NaClO was studied. The colorimetric measurements, UV spectra absorption, and FTIR spectra changes are evaluated and discussed in this paper. The changes of L*a*b parameters can be considered a proof of the reactions generated by hypochlorite radicals during solar light exposure, leading to a biomass whitening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forest products industries play a vital role in the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the Lake States in the United States. While various economic contribution analyses of forest products industries have been conducted to highlight the importance of such industries to regional economies, little effort has yet been made to parse out the contribution of activities in the value chain. The value chain is a series of steps involved in producing goods or services. This study used a matrix decomposition approach to estimate the economic contribution along the value chain through multiple pathways of four forest resource-based industries using wood as inputs: biomass power generation, sawmills, paper mills, and the construction of new single-family residential structures in the Lake States. The direct and indirect economic output values in 2017 resulting from the construction of new single-family residential structures were $19.1 billion, sawmills were $2.5 billion, paper mills were $17.6 billion, and the biomass power generation industry was $759 million. Of the direct and indirect economic output contributed by each industry, the highest percentage of output attributable to the logging industry was observed from the sawmills industry (12%), followed by biomass power generation (9%), paper mills (1.4%), and the construction of new single-family residential structures (<1%), respectively. The percentage of total economic output attributable to the stumpage industry in the region followed a similar trend as commercial logging for all value-chain industries. The relative economic contribution of the value-chain industries to the total economic contribution of the final industry varied based on whether the industry was a primary or secondary forest products industry and the pathways used for sourcing wood inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper sludge (PS), a by-product of paper mill wastewater treatment, has attracted increasing attention due to the dual nature of resources and pollution. This study focused on investigating the effect of temperature on the product properties and synergies of the co-pyrolysis process involving PS and corn stover (CS) using a fixed bed reactor. The results showed that co-pyrolysis led to an increase in the production of bio-oil, while reducing the formation of char and gases. Notably, the most significant synergistic effect was observed at 600 °C, where the experimental bio-oil yield surpassed the calculated value by 8.9%. At temperatures below 500 °C, ketones, aldehydes, and acids were the predominant products in the co-pyrolysis, which shifted towards phenols and aromatics as the temperature increased. Moreover, a promotion of CO content and an inhibition of CO 2 content with temperature were also observed during co-pyrolysis, suggesting that higher temperatures facilitated synergistic decarbonylation. The co-pyrolysis biochar exhibited a higher abundance of carbonyl and alkyl groups compared to the biochar derived from PS pyrolysis, and the synergistic effect at higher temperatures promoted the development of micropores within the co-pyrolysis biochar. These findings emphasize the temperature-dependent nature of the co-pyrolysis process, offering valuable insights into the potential resource utilization of PS and CS wastes. • Effect of temperature on paper sludge and corn stover co-pyrolysis were studied. • The most significant synergy for enhancing bio-oil production was observed at 600 °C. • Increasing temperature shifted low molecular compounds towards phenols and aromatics. • The synergy at higher temperatures promoted the development of micropores in biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled paper fiber rejects have shown potential as a source of waste-to-resource carbohydrates for renewable chemicals production. This study examined three classes of recycled paper fines (old corrugated containers, old newspaper, and mixed office waste) and two industrial papermaking rejects streams from different recycling mills (one mill processes linerboard and the other old corrugated cardboard). The effect of chemical pretreatment using dilute sodium hydroxide, hot water and dilute sulfuric acid on enzymatic glucose and xylose yields was evaluated. Enzymatic hydrolysis results indicated that recycled fiber streams with more old corrugated cardboard have higher potential to produce carbohydrates. The recycled cardboard rejects produced more glucose and xylose per kilogram of rejects than the linerboard rejects under all untreated and pretreated conditions. The highest producing rejects sample was sodium hydroxide pretreated cardboard rejects with 373 g glucose and 61 g xylose produced per kilogram of rejects. However, a simple hot water pretreatment showed similar results, with 335 g glucose and 58 g xylose produced per kilogram of rejects. The hot water pretreatment is recommended due to its comparable yield and lower chemical addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: biomass; carbonization; CO2 cycloaddition; ionic liquids; paper mill sludgeUpcycling Waste BiomassIn article number 2300655, Marcileia Zanatta, Marta C. Corvo, and co‐workers show that, by transforming paper industry waste into porous carbonaceous materials, these materials serve as effective supports in the ionic liquid‐catalyzed cycloaddition of CO2 to styrene oxide, achieving high conversion rates and selectivity..By Mónica Stanton Ribeiro; Maria M. R. A. Lima; Márcia Vilarigues; Marcileia Zanatta and Marta C. CorvoReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

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• Novel application of sidehill screen to remove ash from paper sludge. • Study of screening parameters yielded high pilot scale performance. • Process simulation of plant scale valorization demonstrated technical feasibility. • Techno-economic analysis yielded financial feasibility for sludge valorization. Paper sludge biomass represents an underutilized feedstock rich in pulped and processed cellulose which is currently a waste stream with significant disposal cost to industry for landfilling services. Effective fractionation of the cellulose from paper sludge presents an opportunity to yield cellulose as feedstock for value-added processes. A novel approach to cellulose fractionation is the sidehill screening system, herein studied at the pilot-plant scale. Composition analysis determined ash removal and carbohydrate retention of both sidehill and high-performance benchtop screening systems. Sidehill screening resulted in greater carbohydrates retention relative to benchtop screening (90% vs 66%) and similar ash removal (95% vs 98%). Techno-economic analysis for production of sugar syrup yielded a minimum selling price of $331/metric ton of sugar syrup including disposal savings, significantly less than a commercial sugar syrup without fractionation. Sensitivity analysis showed that screening conditions played a significant role in economic feasibility for cellulosic yield and downstream processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and thermal properties of natural fibers are the most critical variables that determine the overall properties of the fibers and influence their processing and use in different sustainable applications, such as their conversion into bioenergy and biocomposites. Their thermal and mechanical properties can be estimated by evaluating the content of cellulose, lignin, and other extractives in the fibers. In this research work, the chemical composition and thermal properties of three fibers, namely bagasse, kenaf bast fibers, and cotton stalks, were evaluated to assess their potential utilization in producing biocomposites and bioenergy materials. The chemical composition analysis followed the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Standards (TAPPI) methods. The total phenol content was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to assess the light absorption by the bonds. To evaluate thermal stability and higher heating values, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and bomb calorimetry were performed. The chemical analysis revealed that bagasse contained 50.6% cellulose and 21.6% lignin, kenaf bast fibers had 58.5% cellulose and 10% lignin, and cotton stalks exhibited 40.3% cellulose and 21.3% lignin. The FTIR curves demonstrated a notable similarity among the fibers. The TGA analysis showed degradation temperatures of 321°C for bagasse, 354°C for kenaf bast fibers, and 289°C for cotton stalks. The DSC analysis revealed glass transition temperatures of 81°C for bagasse, 66.3°C for cotton stalks, and 64.5°C for kenaf bast fibers. The higher heating values were measured as 17.3, 16.6 and 17.1 MJ/kg for bagasse, kenaf bast fibers, and cotton stalks, respectively. The three fibers have a high potential for biocomposites and bioenergy material manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melamine-impregnated paper waste (MIPW) is an unavoidable byproduct of the melamine-impregnated paper production process, and it must be urgently disposed. In this paper, due to its high N content, MIPW was used as a N source to co-pyrolyze with camellia oleifera shell (COS). By changing the proportion of MIPW in the raw materials, the migration path of the N was studied during the co-pyrolysis process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis (EA), total nitrogen analysis (TN) and ultraviolet spectrophotometry were used to determine the content and the types of N-containing components in raw materials and products. The results showed that during the co-pyrolysis process, the N in MIPW and COS would be converted into different types of N-containing components, and the proportion of MIPW in raw materials directly impacts the product distribution and the N migration path. With the increase in the proportion of MIPW from 10 to 50 wt.% (daf, mass ratio), the proportion of N in raw materials that migrated into the solid phase decreased from 27.58 to 16.31 wt.%, while that which migrated to the gas and liquid phases increased from 24.92 and 47.50 wt.% to 25.97 and 57.72 wt.%, respectively. The proportions of N in the raw materials that changed into pyridinic-N, pyrrolic-N and graphitic-N in the solid phase and N2-N in the gas phase were decreased. The proportions of NH3-N and HCN-N in the gas phase and NH3-N and organic-N in the liquid phase were increased. Moreover, synergies were observed during the co-pyrolysis process, which affected the N migration path in the raw material. This study will provide policy directions and theoretical support for the comprehensive utilization of MIPW and COS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from biomass through a "bottom-up" method has attracted a great deal of interest because of its outstanding environmental and economic advantages. However, the yield of biomass-based CQDs is still low due to the high polymerization of biochar. In this study, we propose a new approach for harvesting high-yield biomass-based CQDs by integrating mechanochemistry and strong chemical oxidation. Ball milling can reduce the particle size and resistance of biochar and increase the contents of C C, while the powerful oxidant HOO- produced by alkaline hydrogen peroxide can break C C to generate biomass-based CQDs. Using this two-step process, the yields of biomass-based CQDs reached 57.75% for blue-green algae, 65.8% for straw, 47.9% for corn protein meal, and 45.35% for Typha angustifolia. Based on the excellent sensitivity and selectivity for Fe3+ of biomass-based CQDs, CQDs paper-based sensors were prepared for expedient and precise detection of Fe3+ in surface water, wastewater treatment plant effluent, and tap water. When the Fe3+ content is between 0 and 60 μM, the R2 of Fe3+ detection by blue-green algae CQDs can reach 0.9956. This work provides a new and reliable method for the large-scale preparation of biomass-based CQDs and expands their environmental applications. [Display omitted] • A method was proposed to improve the yield of biomass-based carbon quantum dot (CQD). • Ball milling can reduce the resistance of biochar and increase the contents of C C. • This scalable method is applicable to other biomass wastes. • The CQDs has excellent sensitivity and selectivity for Fe3+. • The paper-based CQD sensors are applicable in different water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant biomass in the form of waste materials and by-products from various industries can be a valuable material for the production of composts and growing media for urban gardening. In this study, pulp and paper mill sludge, fruit-vegetable waste, mushroom spent substrate and rye straw were used to produce compost that was further used as a medium component in container cultivation of tomato. The plants were grown in containers with a capacity of 3 dm3 filled with three types of compost-based growing media supplemented with high peat, fen peat, pine bark and wood fiber. The tomato plants grown in 100% peat substrate served as controls. The plants grown in the compost-enriched media had a higher leaf greening index and percentage of ripe fruit, and exhibited an increased content of total polyphenols and flavonoids, potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper in fruit as compared with the control. The tomatoes grown in a medium consisting of 25% compost, 30% high peat, 15% low peat, 20% pine bark and 10% wood fiber reached the highest fresh fruit weight, total polyphenol content and L-ascorbic acid levels. This study demonstrated that the compost produced from natural materials from various sources was a valuable potting medium supplement with positive effects on tomato yield and nutritional value.

Herein, we demonstrate a microwave-assisted chemical reduction technique to exfoliate a few layers of graphene from the natural waste material, ‘coconut shell’. The microwave irradiation coconut shell is subjected to structural, morphological and functional groups characterization methods including SEM, Raman, FTIR and XPS spectroscopic analyses. The formation of biomass reduced graphene (BRG) has been confirmed through Raman and FTIR spectroscopic analyzes with the presence of D, G and 2D and other functional spectral bands, respectively. The surface topography of the BRG exhibits two-dimensional mat structures with wrinkle topography, imaged by electron microscopic techniques. The metallic behaviour of the BRG is evaluated by band structure calculation using density functional theory. The synthesized nanostructure has been evaluated for exhaled diabetic breath sensing application by fabricating sensor device on the paper-based substrate by roll-to-roll coating technique. The BRG sensor exhibited enhanced sensing response at a very lower concentration of diabetic biomarker with long term stability and rapid response/recovery time of 1.11 s/41.25 s, respectively. Based on our findings, the microwave-assisted BRG is a potential candidate for fabricating highly scalable, inherently safe, economically viable and excellent sensing performance to detect exhaled diabetic breath at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyanobacteria Nostoc commune contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity and high potential to control of phytopathogens. The objective of this work was to determine the in vitro effect of sonicated biomass of these cyanobacteria on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum. The biomass of N.commune was dissolved in sterile distilled water and subjected to centrifugation processes and ultrasound-assisted cell rupture. The antifungal effect was evaluated using the disk diffusion technique (Kirby-Bauer) in a PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. In the center of the Petri dish, an agar disk (0.7 cm) with pure mycelium of the fungus was placed in the center of the Petri dish and, around it, four filter paper disk impregnateed with the algae extract (0.7 cm) were placed. The radial growth of the pathogen was measured in the presence and absence of N. commune, until the control covered the entire Petri dish to assess the Percentage of Radial Inhibition of the pathogen (PICR %). The growth rate of the fungus was lower in the initial stages of measurement and the PICR fluctuated between 33 and 58%. However, there were no inhibition halos in the growth of the fungus, it is assumed that the antifungal effect of the cyanobacteria was not permanent over the time, but it could be potentiated by improving the extraction process of the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work describes the combination of granulated biomass fly ash (G BFA) with Fenton process to enhance the removal of adsorbable organic halides (AOX) from pulp bleaching wastewater. At optimal operating conditions, wastewater's chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD 5 , respectively) and colour were also quantified, and operating cost of treatment assessed. For the first time, raw pulp bleaching wastewater was used to granulate BFA, instead of water, reducing the water footprint of the treatment. Five wastewater treatment setups were studied: (i) conventional Fenton process; (ii) G BFA application; (iii) simultaneous application of G BFA and Fenton process; (iv) sequential treatment by G BFA followed by Fenton process; (v) sequential treatment by Fenton process followed by G BFA. The latter yielded the highest AOX removal (60–70%), whilst COD was also reduced (≈15%) and wastewater biodegradability (BOD 5 /COD) was enhanced from 0.075 to a maximum of 0.134. Another positive feature of the proposed solution was that G BFA were successfully recovered and reused without regeneration, yielding similar AOX removal compared with fresh G BFA. The operating cost of removing 1 g of AOX from the pulp bleaching wastewater by the optimal treatment setup (60–70% removal of AOX) was 14–26% lower than the operating cost of conducting Fenton process alone (50% removal of AOX). [Display omitted] • Biomass fly ash was unprecedently granulated with raw pulp bleaching wastewater. • Granulated biomass fly ash (G BFA) was coupled with Fenton process to degrade AOX. • Sequential treatment of Fenton followed by G BFA yielded AOX removals of 60–70%. • COD was reduced (≈15%) and wastewater biodegradability (BOD 5 /COD) was enhanced. • Sequential coupling process was 14–26% cheaper than conventional Fenton process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the boilers of pulp mills the fuel blends used vary because they are essentially composed of residual forest biomass. Consequently, the physical-chemical properties of the produced ash streams can exhibit high temporal variability, making their proper management and recycling difficult. This study aims to characterize the ash from the incineration of biomass samples used as fuel in order to understand its influence on the properties of the generated ash fluxes. This can anticipate suitable blending procedures that minimize the variability of the ash characteristics. For this purpose, typical biomass samples (eucalyptus bark, treetops and knots, pine treetops, silver wattle, Sydney golden wattle, white poplar, and grey willow) were incinerated (at 550 and 825 °C) and the resulting ashes were characterized. The thermal behavior of the biomass was evaluated by TG/DTA and the generated ash content was determined. The particle size distribution (laser diffraction), morphology (SEM), mineralogy (XRD), and chemical composition (XRF) were other evaluated properties. From the results obtained it is concluded that the ashes cannot be used as raw materials for clinker production. However, they can be used in concrete and mortar formulations, as a cement substitute or as filler. The maximum incorporation amount depends on the type of biomass used, ranging from 54 wt% for pine treetops to 100 wt% for eucalyptus bark. This knowledge is fundamental to understand how to optimize the biomass blends used in industrial combustion systems to obtain ashes with suitable properties to be used as secondary raw materials in building materials formulations. [Display omitted] • Eight types of biomass fuels used in two bubbling fluidized bed boilers were studied. • The ashes generated after biomass incineration at 550 and 825 °C were characterized. • Slagging and fouling are forecast to happen in the combustion systems under study. • The obtained ashes cannot be used as secondary raw material for clinker production. • Maximum ash incorporation in cementitious formulations ranges from 54 to 100 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on investigating a novel category of paper actuators, aiming to attain a favorable equilibrium between substantial electrically actuated force and extended service lifetime (Ts) for the soft electric-responsive artificial muscle. Consequently, the present research has developed an Electro-responsive Biomass Paper Actuator (ERBPA) utilizing calcium alginate hydrogel, employing absolute ethanol (CH3CH2OH) as the slow-release agent, through a straightforward and viable preparation procedure. Moreover, a comprehensive investigation was carried out on the electro-mechano-chemical behaviors and strengthening mechanism of the ERBPA with varying volume fractions of CH3CH2OH, under the electrical actuation of 4 V DC voltage. The experimental findings revealed a gradual decrease in the density of electrically actuated force, elastic modulus, and yield strength with the increasing volume fraction of CH3CH2OH. Specifically, at a volume fraction of 30%, these properties reached their respective minimum values of approximately 15.152 mN/g, 6.5 MPa, and 0.0999 MPa. In contrast to the internal resistance (Rg) of the ERBPA, the specific capacitance (Cp) and the Ts exhibited an initial improvement followed by a reduction, while the rise time (Tr) demonstrated a positive correlation with the volume fraction of CH3CH2OH but a negative correlation with the reaction velocity (Vf). Specifically, at a volume fraction of 25%, Cp, Ts and Tr reached their maximum values of 96.2 mF/g, 1287 s, and 170 s, respectively, whereas Rg and Vf attained their minimum values of 2.39 Ω and 0.044 mN/g·s, respectively. The slow-release effect of CH3CH2OH inherently contributed to the protection of certain free Ca2+ ions, thereby causing a gradual and consistent coordination process with sodium alginate molecules. This, in turn, greatly enhanced the internal structure of ERBPA, resulting in exceptional Ts stability and operational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring alternative options to address the impending global energy crisis while taking into account environmental concerns and climate change mitigation and addressing the sky-rocketing energy demand has become urgently essential. This need is further highlighted by the significant reliance of the Republic of Serbia on imported energy sources so that the focus of its energy sector strategy is rational use of energy resources, use of renewable energy sources (RES), and waste management with satisfying environmental regulations. The use of low-calorific and waste materials in conjunction with fluidized bed combustion technology is a method to achieve all the above goals synergistically. This paper presents experimental results of combustion of several solid wastes (coal mining waste from the “RB Kolubara” complex, Serbia, paper sludge and hazelnut shells), conducted in an industrial prototype and experimental bubbling FB boiler (capacity up to 500 kW). Burning these wastes has a variety of advantages, including recovering substantial energy remaining in the waste and minimizing the overall waste volumes. The work focused on determination of furnace temperature profiles, composition of the flue gas at the furnace outlet as well as fluidization air and fuel flowrates, the minimum fluidization rate, fluidization number, maximum heat output and the transferred heat of the tested fuels. Based on the obtained results, potentials of FBC of waste fuels and the possibility of utilization of their energy potential are evaluated.

Globally, greater than 30% of waste is disposed of in some form of landfill, and it is estimated that annual waste-related emissions will increase by up to 76% by 2050. Emissions arising from fossil fuel-derived products and waste disposal in landfills have prompted the development of alternative technologies that utilize renewable resources. Biomass feedstock is being investigated globally to produce renewable fuels and chemicals. Globally, crop-based biomass and waste biomass are the major feedstocks for chemical production, and the market value of crop-based biomass is expected to increase at the fastest rate. South America, Europe, and North America are currently the global leaders in renewable or bio-based chemical production. In South Africa (SA), the country is still heavily reliant on landfilling as a waste solution. Wastes from agricultural production processes in SA are considered promising feedstocks for beneficiation opportunities to produce bio-based chemicals. The second-generation (2G) agricultural feedstocks that can be used in SA include fruit waste; sugarcane by-products and waste; forestry, timber, pulp, and paper waste; and invasive alien plants. Fermentation, or "green chemistry" technologies, can be used to convert various feedstocks into bio-based chemicals. Bio-based chemicals may be used as drop-in substitutes for existing petrochemical products, for use in end-user industries such as automotive and transportation, textiles, pharmaceuticals, consumer and home appliances, healthcare, and food and beverages. Bioethanol, specifically, can be used in transport fuel, as feedstock for power generation, as an energy source for fuel cells along with hydrogen, and as feedstock in the chemicals industry. Bio-butanol, an olefin derivative, can be used as a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based butanol in all its applications. Different monomers of bio-based chemicals can be used to produce biopolymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polylactic acid (PLA), which are subsequently used to produce bioplastics. A total of 25 bio-based chemicals and the technology used to produce them are summarized in this paper. Overall, bioethanol remains the dominant sugar platform product globally. Drawing on global trends, the potential options for the South African market include bioethanol, n-butanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid. It is estimated that the conversion of 70% of the lignocellulosic biomass available in SA would meet 24% of the country's liquid fuel requirement as a bioethanol equivalent. The most feasible sources of lignocellulosic biomass or waste for beneficiation in SA are generated by the agricultural sector, including sugarcane by-products and waste. Taking into consideration the abundance of lignocellulosic biomass, adequate market segment sizes, and socio-economic factors, it is apparent that there are potential opportunities to investigate the co-production of bioethanol with lactic acid or other bio-based chemicals on an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows a comparative techno-economic analysis of the integration of biomass gasification for generation of producer gas to be used in electricity production and to replace natural gas in the lime kilns of the pulp and paper industry. Three study cases with alternative configurations of the energy system integrating biomass gasification were analysed, including or not the co-generation of electricity and thermal energy, namely: i) Case I, for generation of electricity from residual forest biomass (RFB) in an integrated gasification combined cycle system, ii) Case II, generation of producer gas by RFB gasification for replacement of natural gas in the burners of a lime kiln, and iii) Case III, as an integration of Cases I and II for combined production of electricity and heat. Residual forest biomass from eucalyptus logging activities for feedstock processing for the pulp and paper industry was considered as fuel for direct (air) gasification in bubbling fluidized bed. The analysis made is supported on review reports, namely, the evaluation of the existing literature on investment projects in biomass power plants, and on experimental investigation for determining the composition of the producer gas from gasification of the selected feedstock. An economic model was developed that combines the net present value, internal rate of return and payback period. The main results of the energy system analysis show that the net electricity generation is between 72 and 83 GWh/year, while the production of CaO in the lime kiln supported by combustion of producer gas, is 82.12 kt/year, and a global energy efficiency between 21.70 and 34.17 % is achieved for the analysed configurations of the energy system. The results of the economic analysis show a positive NPV, an IRR greater than the discount rate and a PBP less than the useful life of the plant. The sensitivity analysis shows quite favorable investment projections given the low probability that the NPV will reach negative values and compromise the economic viability of the project. • The technical-economic viability of the forest biomass residues gasification is addressed. • Integration of IGCC concepts in the pulp and paper industry is reviewed. • The opportunities and drawbacks of IGCC in the pulp and paper industry are discussed. • Replacement of natural gas for producer gas for electricity generation and lime production is analysed. • A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging global environmental pollution issues have caused a reduction in coal utilization, leading to an increased research focus on biomass use as an alternative. However, due to the low heat values of biomass, studies in this field are still in progress. Biomass primarily comprises cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. To determine the composition of these three components, the measurement methods recommended by TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) and NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) are typically employed involving equipment such as HPLC. However, these methods are time consuming. In this study, we proposed a model for predicting cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents based on elemental and industrial analyses. A dataset comprising 174 samples was used to develop this model. This was validated using 25 additional samples. The R2P values for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were 0.6104–0.6362, 0.4803–0.5112, and 0.7247–0.7914, respectively; however, the R2CV values obtained from the validation results were 0.7387–0.7837, 0.3280–0.4004, and 0.7427–0.7757, respectively. The optimal models selected for cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose were C1, L2, and 100-(C1-L2) or H2, respectively. Our predictions for woody and herbaceous biomass, including torrefied samples, should be applied with caution to other biomass types due to the potential accuracy limitations. To enhance the prediction accuracy, future research should broaden the range of biomass types considered and gather more data specifically related to woody and herbaceous biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Filter paper is used as carbon source to prepare highly porous N-doped carbon. • KHCO 3 is chosen as the activator because it is safe and non-corrosive. • Addition of urea at the activation step significantly improves the surface area. • At 0 °C and 20 bar, the carbon shows high CO 2 uptake of 19.65 mmol/g. Herein, we presented the preparation of N-doped porous carbon from lab used filter paper. Filter paper was first carbonized at 500 °C. The obtained carbon was then pyrolyzed with KHCO 3 and urea. Effects of KHCO 3 activation on the carbons' physicochemical properties were thoroughly investigated. The derived carbon materials were also tested for CO 2 adsorption with pressure up to 20 bar. The carbons exhibited very high CO 2 uptake of 19.65 mmol/g at 0 °C and 20 bar. The correlations between adsorption performances and the carbons' physicochemical properties at 1/20 bar were analyzed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant biomass in the form of waste materials and by-products from various industries can be a valuable material for the production of composts and growing media for urban gardening. In this study, pulp and paper mill sludge, fruit-vegetable waste, mushroom spent substrate and rye straw were used to produce compost that was further used as a medium component in container cultivation of tomato. The plants were grown in containers with a capacity of 3 dm3 filled with three types of compost-based growing media supplemented with high peat, fen peat, pine bark and wood fiber. The tomato plants grown in 100% peat substrate served as controls. The plants grown in the compost-enriched media had a higher leaf greening index and percentage of ripe fruit, and exhibited an increased content of total polyphenols and flavonoids, potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper in fruit as compared with the control. The tomatoes grown in a medium consisting of 25% compost, 30% high peat, 15% low peat, 20% pine bark and 10% wood fiber reached the highest fresh fruit weight, total polyphenol content and L-ascorbic acid levels. This study demonstrated that the compost produced from natural materials from various sources was a valuable potting medium supplement with positive effects on tomato yield and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this research was to treat the organics enriched Paper and Pulp Industry (PPI) effluents using multi-metal tolerant predominant indigenous bacterial species. In addition, assessing the potential of treated bacterial biomass as a single cell protein (SCP). The multi-metal tolerant Streptomyces tuirus OS1 was enumerated from the Paper and Pulp Industry (PPI) effluents was identified through standard molecular characterization. S. tuirus OS1 proficiently ameliorated organic contaminants in PPI effluent in the in study at 35 °C, 45 °C, and 25 °C. Fortunately, the S. tuirus OS1 considerably increased the dissolved oxygen level in treated PPI effluent in 30 days of bioremediation process. Interestingly, at 35 °C of bioremediation process the S. tuirus OS1 demonstrated increased dried biomass (7.1 g L−1) with the total crude protein (SCP) as 5.3 g L−1 (78.79%) in 30 days of bioremediation process. These findings suggest that S. tuirus OS1 is capable of reducing organic pollutants in PPI effluents and producing biomass with enriched protein content. [Display omitted] • Novel report about the bioremediation efficiency of S. tuirus OS1 on PPI effluent. • Physicochemical properties of PPI effluent beyond the permissible limits. • S. tuirus OS1 possess fine multi-metal tolerant and degradation potential. • S. tuirus OS1 actively reduced the most of the physicochemical properties at 35 °C. • The dried biomass of S. tuirus OS1 contained 78.79% of total protein as SCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the trend toward sustainable management of by-products from the pulp and paper industry as well as plant waste, practical and economical methods are being developed to use them in a way that does not pose a threat to the environment. The main aim of the research was to study the possibility of using lignin and plant biomass as biosorbents for the removal of zinc ions from aqueous solutions. The secondary aim was to build an optimal multilayer system made of biosorbents selected during the research in order to obtain the highest sorption efficiency and to determine the best conditions of the sorption process. The effectiveness of zinc ion sorption was assessed using an appropriate combination of sorbents such as lignin, oat bran, rice husk, chitosan, pectin, sodium alginate, pine bark, coconut fiber and activated carbon, selected on the basis of literature data and the preliminary results of tests carried out using FTIR and AAS. The main component of the sorption system was lignin separated from black liquor. Results indicate that the best Zn sorption system was based on coconut fiber, lignin, and pine bark, for which the maximum sorption efficiency was 95%. The research also showed that the increase in the process temperature, the mass of biosorbents used and the alkaline pH are the factors that increase the efficiency of the sorption. It can be concluded that lignin and plant biomass can be used as ecological sorbents of zinc ions from water solutions. They are safe for the environment, produced from renewable sources, and are by-products or waste materials, which is part of the sustainable development and circular economy currently promoted in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]