Search

Lignocellulosic materials are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin and are one of the most abundant biopolymers in marine environments. The extent of the involvement of marine microorganisms in lignin degradation and their contribution to the oceanic carbon cycle remains elusive. In this study, a novel lignin-degrading bacterial strain, LCG003, was isolated from intertidal seawater in Lu Chao Harbor, East China Sea. Phylogenetically, strain LCG003 was affiliated with the genus Aliiglaciecola within the family Alteromonadaceae. Metabolically, strain LCG003 contains various extracellular (signal-fused) glycoside hydrolase genes and carbohydrate transporter genes and can grow with various carbohydrates as the sole carbon source, including glucose, fructose, sucrose, rhamnose, maltose, stachyose and cellulose. Moreover, strain LCG003 contains many genes of amino acid and oligopeptide transporters and extracellular peptidases and can grow with peptone as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, indicating a proteolytic lifestyle. Notably, strain LCG003 contains a gene of dyp-type peroxidase and strain-specific genes involved in the degradation of 4-hydroxy-benzoate and vanillate. We further confirmed that it can decolorize aniline blue and grow with lignin as the sole carbon source. Our results indicate that the Aliiglaciecola species can depolymerize and mineralize lignocellulosic materials and potentially play an important role in the marine carbon cycle.

Residual lignocellulosic materials can be used as adsorbents for heavy metals present in water, promoting the adsorption of metal ions on the surface and active sites of biomaterials, resulting in a low-cost and efficient removal. In this case, the residues from the agroindustrial use of the fique (Furcraea macrophilla) and the agricultural process of the corn maize (Zea mays) were studied as adsorbing phases of chromium and lead metals, in order to assess their capacity as biosorbents of these metals present in water samples, determined by equilibrium time, type of isotherm and maximum adsorption capacity; finding that in a time of 12 hours, the fique fiber has an adsorption capacity of Cr and Pb of 7,81 ± 1,40 mg/g and 169,51 ± 1,37 mg/g respectively, observing, a form of Freundlich type adsorption isotherm; while the corn layer fiber has an adsorption capacity of 13,35 ± 3,28 mg/g for chromium and 15,01 ± 3,47 mg/g for lead, showing a behavior in its Langmuir-type adsorption isotherm, concluding that both fibers have potential for the removal of the metals studied, especially the fiber of fique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection and characterization of biomass feedstocks with the maximum biomaterial or biofuel yields need the accessibility of reliable and efficient methods for structural and compositional characterization of plant material. Understanding microstructure of lignocellulosic fibre is required to evaluate the heat and mass transfer phenomena, bond formation, fibre alignment and orientation, structural architecture and modelling of structure-property relationship, which are necessary for designing and developing cellulose-based products. Furthermore, the microstructural and compositional information can determine distribution of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose in the biomass, interaction of reinforced fillers and polymer matrix in the bio-composites. Many conventional standard analytical methods for biomass study are laborious, slow and use harsh chemical reagents that need certain remediation. This paper reviews the microstructural and compositional analyses of lignocellulosic materials through imaging and spectroscopic techniques (I&ST) such as X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray μCT), scanning electron microscope (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This review attempts to provide fundamental backgrounds, basic working principles, applications and technical limitations and possible solutions of I&ST for analysing lignocellulosic biomass, their products and changes acquired during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of flammability tests on polymer compositions with wheat bran (WB) as the applied filler, and polyethylene (PE) or poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) as the matrix material. Tests were conducted using samples of compositions containing 10, 30 and 50%wt wheat bran. The test samples were manufactured by injection moulding from compositions previously produced by extrusion pelleting. For comparative purposes, samples made only of the plastics used for the composition matrix were also examined. Flammability tests were carried out in accordance with the recommendations of EN 60695-11-10 Part 11–10 with horizontal and vertical positioning of the sample, using a universal flammability-test-stand. During the flammability tests, changes in the temperature field in the area of the burning sample were also recorded, using a thermal imaging camera. Sample residues after flammability tests were also examined with infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess their thermal destruction. The results of the study showed a significant increase in flammability with bran content for both PE and PBS matrix compositions. Clear differences were also found in the combustion behaviour of the matrix materials alone. Both the burning rate and maximum flame temperature were lower in favour of PBS. PBS compositions with wheat bran also showed lower flammability, compared with their PE matrix counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding the limited resources for fossil fuels and increasing global energy demands, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change, there is a need to find alternative energy sources that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, renewable, and economically viable. In the last several decades, interest in second-generation bioethanol production from non-food lignocellulosic biomass in the form of organic residues rapidly increased because of its abundance, renewability, and low cost. Bioethanol production fits into the strategy of a circular economy and zero waste plans, and using ethanol as an alternative fuel gives the world economy a chance to become independent of the petrochemical industry, providing energy security and environmental safety. However, the conversion of biomass into ethanol is a challenging and multi-stage process because of the variation in the biochemical composition of biomass and the recalcitrance of lignin, the aromatic component of lignocellulose. Therefore, the commercial production of cellulosic ethanol has not yet become well-received commercially, being hampered by high research and production costs, and substantial effort is needed to make it more widespread and profitable. This review summarises the state of the art in bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass, highlights the most challenging steps of the process, including pretreatment stages required to fragment biomass components and further enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, presents the most recent technological advances to overcome the challenges and high costs, and discusses future perspectives of second-generation biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of alternative raw materials to produce particleboards is an interesting strategy that adds value to lignocellulosic biomass and diversifies the forest products industry. This article reports evaluation of the potential of using Mauritia flexuosa wood along with Eucalyptus spp. wood for the production of particleboards. The basic density and chemical composition of the raw materials were evaluated before producing the particleboards. The boards were produced using particles of Eucalyptus spp. and Mauritia flexuosa in mass proportions of 100/0%, 90/10%, 80/20%, 70/30%, and 60/40%. The quality of the particleboards was evaluated by water absorption, thickness swelling, internal bonding, and static bending tests. The presence of Mauritia flexuosa particles reduced dimensional stability since the compression ratio increased due to the lower density of the Mauritia flexuosa particles. The substitution of 1% Mauritia flexuosa particles caused reductions of 10.49 MPa in the modulus of elasticity, 0.09 MPa in the modulus of rupture, and 0.01 MPa in internal bonding. The results demonstrated that it was feasible to replace up to 17.5% of Eucalyptus spp. wood with Mauritia flexuosa particles to have the appropriate physical and mechanical properties of particleboards that meet the marketing standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia, a major stress-inducing factor in aquaculture, contributes a significant challenge in maintaining sustainable fish production. Addressing this issue requires environmentally and economically sustainable solutions. This study explores the use of readily available and environmentally friendly porous lignocellulosic luffa sponge as a biostimulator, with a combination of three medicinal and aromatic plants(MAPs) viz. Asparagus racemosses (satavari) roots, Cammiphora wightii (guggal) stems, and Vitex negundo (nirgundi) stem for alleviating ammoniacal stress by biotransforming ammonia in aquaponics water/ aquaculture. A 45-day experiment was conducted using Pangasianodon hypophthalmus in tanks containing aquaponics water. The study consists of a control (C) and four treatments: L(Luffa), LS(Luffa + shatavari roots), LG(Luffa + guggal stem) and LN(Luffa + nirgundi stem). Ammonia was spiked weekly at different concentrations(2, 2.5, 3, 5, and 10 mgL -1 ). The L group showed significantly( p  < 0.05) higher ammonia removal of 86.06% ± 9.62(spiked 3 mgL -1 ) in 24 hrs, and 73.98%±2.6 and 86.35%±4.47(spiked 5 mgL -1 ) in 24 and 48 hrs, respectively, which may be attributed to a higher surface area of the substrate for microbial attachment. The MAPs upregulated fish's hematological and serum biochemical parameters under elevated ammonia, indicating ammonical stress mitigation. Treatment groups showed significantly ( p  < 0.05) higher fish yield than the control (165.66 ± 0.50 g), with L, LS, LG, and LN giving a yield of 174.76 ± 2.07, 175.41 ± 0.59, 179.07 ± 4.29, and 181.57 ± 0.45 g respectively, with no significant difference detected among them. Promising outcomes in ammonia removal and stress mitigation were demonstrated by incorporating the lignocellulosic biomass and MAPs in this study, which is beneficial in commercial aquaculture with prospects in aquaponics systems.

Environmentally friendly flexible materials with functionalities such as reversibly tunable wettability have become much sought after because of their great potential for biological, chemical and electronic applications. We prepared a flexible superhydrophobic material by coating the hydrophobic nano-TiO2 particles on lignocellulosic paper. The coated paper surfaces exhibited a reversible switching between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity through UV irradiation and heating, respectively. After the UV irradiation treatment for about 100 min, the wettability of the coated paper is switched from superhydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity. After the coated paper with superhydrophilicity is heated for 25 h, the water contact angle (WCA) recovers to the original superhydrophobic state. Compared to the literatures, the switching time between two kinds of superwettability is significantly reduced. SEM images and XPS spectra indicate that the change in chemical composition of the coated paper surface is responsible for the reversible switching of wettability. The coated paper developed in this study is an attractive smart material with reversibly switchable wettability which has significant potential application in many fields which require tunable wettability.

The effect of four lignocellulosic waste fillers on the thermal and mechanical properties of biocomposites was investigated. Powdered licorice root, palm leaf, holm oak and willow fillers were melt compounded with polypropylene at two different weight contents, i.e., 10 and 30, and then injection molded. A commercially available maleated coupling agent was used to improve the filler/matrix interfacial adhesion at 5 wt.%. Composites were subjected to chemical (FTIR-ATR), thermal (TGA, DSC, DMA) and mechanical (tensile, bending and Charpy impact) analyses coupled with a morphological investigation by scanning electron microscopy. Although similarities among the different formulations were noted, holm oak fillers provided the best combination of thermal and mechanical performance. In particular, at 30 wt.% content with coupling agent, this composite formulation displayed remarkable increases in tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, of 28% and 110%, 58% and 111%, compared to neat PP, respectively. The results imply that all these lignocellulosic waste fillers can be used successfully as raw materials for biocomposites, with properties comparable to those featured by other natural fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fossil fuels are the main sources of water, soil, and air pollution that threaten human life and other organisms on Earth. Nowadays, the climate change and pollution are critical issues; however, many countries still use polluting fossil fuels. Therefore, finding alternative and clean fuels is a concern for many environmental activists and scientists. One of these alternative fuels is ethanol, which ignites cleaner due to its higher hydroxyl groups and lack of sulfur and nitrogen in its formula. Ethanol can be produced both chemically and biologically. Till now, four generations of bioethanol have been introduced. In the second generation, lignocellulosic materials are used as the main source for bioethanol production. These materials are frequently found in plant biomasses and agricultural residues, which are inexpensive and environmentally sustainable. Therefore, it is of importance to improve the production process and find novel techniques that increase final yields and process efficacy. In this study, the structural properties of lignocellulosic materials, pretreatment techniques, the second-generation bioethanol production process, and the effective bacterial and fungal strains in this procedure are investigated. Materials and Methods: This review study is a narrative review in which a logical search approach was selected. For data analysis, a comparative approach between the different methods was expressed in each section. Results: Among four bioethanol generations, the second generation has received remarkable attention due to its non-competition with human food and its industrial potential rather than other generations. Therefore, it is of particular significance to improve the production process of bioethanol second generation. A deep understanding of lignocellulosic components, pretreatment methods optimization, and increasing hydrolysis and fermentation processes efficiency make bioethanol production industrially possible and cost-effective. Discussion and Conclusion: However, despite extensive studies to select the most suitable microorganisms during the fermentation stage, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis are still at the forefront of studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, biomass lignocellulosic materials extracted via chemical and physical treatments from bean and pistachio pod waste were used for the optimized elimination of Indigo Carmine (IC) from aqueous medium, using a design of experiments methodology. The physicochemical properties of the studied materials (raw and treated counterparts) used for the sorption of IC were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDX, and thermal analysis. Key variables influencing the adsorption of IC, namely the initial IC concentration, the pH of the solution, the stirring time and the mass of adsorbents, were optimized by the central composite design (CCD) with three center points, the measured response being the amount of IC adsorbed. The optimal conditions obtained from the statistical analysis for the removal of IC were as follows: maximum adsorbed amounts of IC: 1.81 mg/g, 2.05 mg/g, 3.56 mg/g; 7.42 mg/g, 8.95 mg/g, 15.35 mg/g, for raw bean pods (RBS), BST1 and BST2 (bean pods chemically treated), and for raw pistachio pods (RPS), PST1 and PST2 (pistachio pods chemically treated), respectively. The pseudo-second-order nonlinear kinetics model well described the IC adsorption kinetics for RBS, BST1 and BST2, while the Elovich model was properly fitted by RPS, PST1, and PST2 biomaterials data. The Freundlich isotherm best described the shrinkage of IC on different sorbents. The good correlation of the experimental data of the IC with respect to the Freundlich isotherm indicated a multilayer adsorption with heterogeneous adsorption sites and different energies. The interest of this work consisted in developing analytical methods for the treatment of water polluted by dyes by using biosorbents, local biological materials widely available and inexpensive. The results collected in this work highlighted the interesting structural, morphological, and physico-chemical properties of the agro-waste used in the study, which properties allowed an important fixation of the target dye in solution. The research showed that the agro-waste used in the study are possible precursors to locally manufacture adsorbents at low cost, thus allowing the efficient removal of waste and dyes in liquid effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how enzymatic activity (X1) and pretreated soybean straw concentration (X2) affect the production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars using the Composite Central Rotational Design (CCRD). The soybean straw is subjected to alkaline pretreatment with either 5% NaOH (PT1) or 17.5% NaOH (PT2), followed by bleaching (4% H2O2) and enzymatic treatment. The mathematical model generated by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) predicts that increasing X1 and X2 simultaneously is necessary to increase the nanocellulose yield. On the other hand, to increase the sugar yield, it is necessary to increase the ratio X1:X2. The model also predicts that the lowest concentration of soybean straw (1.17%) resulted in more stable nanofiber suspensions, regardless of the enzyme activity (−25.0 and −19.4 mV for PT1 and PT2, respectively). The optimal condition for the simultaneous production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars is 4.0 g of biomass and enzymatic activity of 600 CMCU, resulting for PT1 and PT2, respectively: 7.01 and 3.73 g of nanofibers/100 g of soybean straw; 11.34 and 14.30 g of reducing sugars/100 g of soybean straw. Therefore, the processing efficiency according to the pretreatment used can directly guide the production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrolytic enzymes play a significant role in hydrolyzing lignocellulosic polysaccharides into fermentable sugars. Due to the complex structure of lignocellulosic materials, developing robust processes for high titer production is a major challenge. The present study was investigated on xylanase production by filamentous fungi Aspergillus fumigatus strain JCM 10253 using agricultural residue ragi husk as a substrate for microbial fermentation. Central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the independent process variables and their effect on xylanase activity. Experimental results with optimized process variables showed 156.7 IU/mL activity under 1.24% substrate concentration and pH 2.0 at 49.9 °C after 120 h of the incubation period. The morphological study of isolate JCM 10253 was observed by scanning electron microscopy analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the crude enzyme for secondary protein helical structures. Thus, this study demonstrates that ragi husk could be a potential substrate for xylanase production and can be further used as value-added industrial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lignocellulosic materials (LMs) are abundant feedstocks with excellent potential for biofuels and biocommodities production. In particular, nut and coffee wastes are rich in biomolecules, e.g. sugars and polyphenols, the valorisation of which still has to be fully disclosed. This study investigated the effectiveness of ultrasounds coupled with hydrothermal (i.e. ambient temperature vs 80 °C) and methanol (MeOH)-based pretreatments for polyphenols and sugar solubilisation from hazelnut skin (HS), almond shell (AS), and spent coffee grounds (SCG). The liquid fraction obtained from the pretreated HS was the most promising in terms of biomolecules solubilisation. The highest polyphenols, i.e. 123.9 (±2.3) mg/g TS, and sugar, i.e. 146.0 (±3.4) mg/g TS, solubilisation was obtained using the MeOH-based medium. However, the MeOH-based media were not suitable for direct anaerobic digestion (AD) due to the MeOH inhibition during AD. The water-based liquors obtained from pretreated AS and SCG exhibited a higher methane potential, i.e. 434.2 (±25.1) and 685.5 (±39.5) mL CH 4 /g glucose in , respectively, than the HS liquors despite having a lower sugar concentration. The solid residues recovered after ultrasounds pretreatment were used as substrates for AD as well. Regardless the pretreatment condition, the methane potential of the ultrasounds pretreated HS, AS, and SCG was not improved, achieving maximally 255.4 (±7.4), 42.8 (±3.3), and 366.2 (±4.2) mL CH 4 /g VS, respectively. Hence, the solid and liquid fractions obtained from HS, AS, and SCG showed great potential either as substrates for AD or, in perspective, for biomolecules recovery in a biorefinery context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulases are a complex of enzymes necessary for the complete solubilization of cellulose in sugars, thus playing a key role in the natural carbon cycle through the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the increase in the capacity of Talaromyces amestolkiae CMIAT 055 to produce cellulases by optimizing the components of the culture medium containing banana pseudostem as an inducer, as well as in different agitation configurations in a bioreactor. Optimization was performed through statistical experimental design (Plackett–Burman and DCCR), a study of pH control in bioreactors, and a study of the agitation system by comparing impellers with different flow profiles in the liquid medium. For this purpose, a wild strain of Talaromyces amestolkiae CMIAT 055 was used. In the Plackett–Burman and DCCR statistical design, four components of the culture medium were significant and optimized for greater synthesis of FPase: banana pseudostem, CaCl2, KH2PO4, and urea. In bioreactors tests, these parameters were beneficial for greater enzyme activities: maintenance of pH at 5.0, use of Pitched blade impeller, and rotation speed at 300 rpm. Comparing the first test using banana pseudostem in an Erlenmeyer flask to the last fermentation process in bioreactors, it was observed that the total cellulase activity increased from 424.7 to 2172.8 FPU/L. This fact showed that the strategies adopted in this study are a pertinent way to reduce the cost of enzyme production through the use of lignocellulosic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic residues have been receiving growing interest as a promising source of polysaccharides, which can be converted into a variety of compounds, ranging from biofuels to bioplastics. Most of these can replace equivalent products traditionally originated from petroleum, hence representing an important environmental advantage. Lignocellulosic materials are theoretically unlimited, cheaper and may not compete with food crops. However, the conversion of these materials to simpler sugars usually requires cellulolytic enzymes. Being still associated with a high cost of production, cellulases are commonly considered as one of the main obstacles in the economic valorization of lignocellulosics. This work provides a brief overview of some of the most studied strategies that can allow an important reduction of cellulases consumption, hence improving the economy of lignocellulosics conversion. Cellulases recycling is initially discussed regarding the main processes to recover active enzymes and the most important factors that may affect enzyme recyclability. Similarly, the potential of enzyme immobilization is analyzed with a special focus on the contributions that some elements of the process can offer for prolonged times of operation and improved enzyme stability and robustness. Finally, the emergent concept of consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) is also described in the particular context of a potential reduction of cellulases consumption.

The global production of fossil-based plastics has reached critical levels, and their substitution with bio-based polymers is an urgent requirement. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biopolymer that can be produced via microbial cultivation, but efficient microorganisms and low-cost substrates are required. Halomonas boliviensis LC1, a moderately halophilic bacterium, is an effective PHB producer, and hydrolysates of the residual stalks of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) can be considered a cheap source of sugars for microbial fermentation processes in quinoa-producing countries. In this study, H. boliviensis LC1 was adapted to a cellulosic hydrolysate of quinoa stalks obtained via acid-catalyzed hydrothermal pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification. The adapted strain was cultivated in hydrolysates and synthetic media, each of them with two different initial concentrations of glucose. Cell growth, glucose consumption, and PHB formation during cultivation were assessed. The cultivation results showed an initial lag in microbial growth and glucose consumption in the quinoa hydrolysates compared to cultivation in synthetic medium, but after 33 h, the values were comparable for all media. Cultivation in hydrolysates with an initial glucose concentration of 15 g/L resulted in a higher glucose consumption rate (0.15 g/(L h) vs. 0.14 g/(L h)) and volumetric productivity of PHB (14.02 mg/(L h) vs. 10.89 mg/(L h)) than cultivation in hydrolysates with 20 g/L as the initial glucose concentration. During most of the cultivation time, the PHB yield on initial glucose was higher for cultivation in synthetic medium than in hydrolysates. The produced PHBs were characterized using advanced analytical techniques, such as high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). HPSEC revealed that the molecular weight of PHB produced in the cellulosic hydrolysate was lower than that of PHB produced in synthetic medium. TGA showed higher thermal stability for PHB produced in synthetic medium than for that produced in the hydrolysate. The results of the other characterization techniques displayed comparable features for both PHB samples. The presented results show the feasibility of producing PHB from quinoa stalks with H. boliviensis.

After acidic and high-temperature pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, researchers find that some lignin-like substance appeared on the surface of cellulose, which is called pseudo-lignin. Pseudo-lignin can be formed through carbohydrate degradation or substitution reactions on the aromatic ring of lignin. Pseudo-lignin is identified as Klason lignin in compositional analysis, whereas in Py-GC-MS analysis, it is recognized as material derived from carbohydrates. Pseudo-lignin is an aromatic substance. Similar to lignin, it also affects enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency by blocking the enzymatic reaction sites of cellulose and non-productive adsorption with cellulases. In order to offer theoretical guidance and technical support for the advancement of cost-effective and efficient new pretreatment technology, this review summarizes the latest advancements in research concerning the origins of pseudo-lignin, its effects on enzymatic hydrolysis, and the strategies that inhibit pseudo-lignin formation. • Different pretreatment methods that result in the formation of pseudo-lignin are reviewed. • The specific mechanism of pseudo-lignin formation is clarified. • The deposition of pseudo-lignin inhibits enzymatic hydrolysis. • Measures to hinder the formation of pseudo-lignin are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Market of building biomaterials is a dynamically developing branch of the construction sector. The design of buildings and the use of building biomaterials should take into account all factors influencing biomaterials throughout the life cycle of an engineering facility, so that the building can be characterized by high strength and durability. Many political organizations and others promote ecological houses made of building biomaterials as future-proof solutions in construction sector. Building biomaterials are a basic element of green construction, they enable safe disposal, reuse and they are a storehouse of carbon dioxide, which is emitted in the production of conventional materials. Diversified directions of development of ecological and new building materials create potential prospects for their application. The main factor that limits this development is the conservativeness of the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mechanical properties of kenaf cement composite were investigated using different amounts of kenaf particles (mixture of kenaf core and bark and kenaf core particles). Kenaf-cement composites were manufactured at different levels (10, 15 and 20%) of different kenaf particles. Also, Portland cement and calcium chloride (as cement accelerating additive) were used in this research. Calcium chloride and water were mixed well and then kenaf particles were added to the mixture. At next stage, cement was added to the prepared mixture and all component were mixed well. Prepared mixture was molded to the wooden mold and kenaf cement composites were produced. The results obtained from mechanical evaluation of kenaf-cement composites showed the highest bending strength in 10% kenaf bark-cement composites. Also results revealed that highest modulus of elasticity of 10% kenaf core-cement products were obtained. The results of this research revealed the potential of kenaf particles as reinforcement in cement composite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomass conversion technologies, especially different types of pyrolysis, have been intensively studied to improve biomass energy transformation suggesting a low impact on the environment. In particular, fast pyrolysis of biomass is considered to be a thermal process in which the starting material is converted to bio-oil, char and gas products. In this work, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the gaseous fraction of peanut shells fast pyrolysis were collected and identified at atmospheric pressure. Aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons, furans and other oxygenated compounds were identified using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (CG-MS) as a detection system. The composition of volatiles was analyzed and compared with the constituents of liquid fraction for comparative purposes. Atmospheric implications of the main compounds identified in the gases fraction were assessed by determining tropospheric lifetimes of the VOCs identified and its impact on environment at the local, regional or global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particleboards produced with other lignocellulosic materials, beyond wood, are promising products for the furniture and building construction components, as doors, lining, floor, partitions, and coverings. However, there is little information about the resistance of them to xylophagous organisms. This is important due the different uses of particleboards, where they will be subject to attacks by decaying organisms, which can affect a structure and put people at risk. The present study aims to determine the biological resistance of particleboard produced with pine, sugarcane bagasse and malva particles to xylophagous organisms. The particleboard was produced with different proportions of pine wood heat treated at 200 °C and malva fiber (outer layers) and sugarcane bagasse core glued with an adhesive based on polyurethane from castor oil. No-choice and choice feeding tests with dry wood (Cryptotermes brevis) and conehead (Nasutitermes corniger) termites were carried out for the resistance test to xylophagous organisms, in addition to a test with rotting fungi which cause brown (Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta) and white rot (Irpex lacteus and Trametes versicolor). The trial with dry wood termites showed low mass losses, regardless of the proportions applied. The mass losses were accentuated for the test with conehead termite, having the particleboard composed of 100% pine been the most resistant among the boards tested. The greatest mass losses for fungal resistance were caused by Gloeophyllum trabeum. The particleboard produced with 100% pine (outer layer) showed the highest resistance to the tested xylophagous organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the energy demand and environmental issues by applying ecofriendly techniques to produce green energy are getting high attentions in these days. Lignocellulosic materials are the most abundant resource of biomass on earth and these materials have become vital for anaerobic digestion. However, the structure of lignocellulosic materials is difficult to degrade during anaerobic digestion. Physical, thermal, chemical and thermochemical techniques have been widely used for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials, which might facilitate the degradation of pretreated lignocellulosic materials during anaerobic digestion. Further, in recent years many updated and advanced techniques have also been developed for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials. Therefore, this study systematically summaries the novel techniques and chemicals used for physical, thermal, chemical and thermochemical pretreatments of lignocellulosic materials for the enhancement of anaerobic digestion. In addition, the mechanism, applications, advantages and disadvantages and challenges of each type of the pretreatment have also been identified. Finally, this study will provide new ideas for the development of new pretreatment techniques.

Lignocellulosic biomass is an important raw material which has been extensively studied for biotechnological applications, but research on its use for the production of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is rarely reported. The present study aimed to improve the release of xylose and glucose from corncob for γ-PGA production using the strain Bacillus subtilis SCP010-1, which could metabolize xylose. The effectiveness of the three chemical reagents NaOH, NH3 and H2O2 pretreatments was investigated by the response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that maximum glucose and xylose yields of 11.8 ± 0.3 and 17.36 ± 0.6 g/L, respectively, as determined by phloroglucinol-acid and enzymatic methods, were obtained when using 0.986% of NaOH for 2.07 h. Then, the pretreatment solution was subject to further optimize conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis, and the content of glucose and xylose in the corncob hydrolysate reached respectively 15.3 ± 0.3 and 22.34 ± 0.17 g/L under synergism of hemicellulase and cellulase. Finally, the fermentation conditions for γ-PGA production by B. subtilis SCP010-1 were also optimized, and after adding supplemental nutrients to the corncob hydrolysate, a maximum γ-PGA production of 30.035 ± 0.49 g/L was achieved by fed batch fermentation with feeding corncob hydrolysate. Considering the cost of the materials used in this study, nearly 85% of reduction in cost could be achieved, hence indicating that this production plan offers good prospects for industrial production of γ-PGA. More importantly, this process allows the use of environmental-friendly biological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PNS is a sustainable filler to develop cost-effective PLA biocomposites. • PNS enhanced PLA thermal stability, viscoelastic response, and crystallinity. • High filler loading did not cause significant decay in mechanical properties. • Ball milling of PNS further improved PLA thermal properties and melt fluidity. • Thermal annealing enhanced HDT, stiffness and strength of biocomposites. Biodegradable polymer composites reinforced with agri-food lignocellulosic biowaste represent cost-effective and sustainable materials potentially able to replace traditional composites for structural, household, and packaging applications. Herein, the preparation of polylactic acid (PLA)/pecan (Carya illinoinensis) nutshell (PNS) biocomposites at high filler loading (50 wt%) is reported, alongside the effect of two environmentally friendly physical treatments, namely ball-milling of the filler and thermal annealing on biocomposites. PNS enhanced the thermal stability, the viscoelastic response, and the crystallinity of the polymer. Furthermore, filler ball-milling also increased the melt fluidity of the biocomposites, potentially improving melt processing. Finally, the presence of PNS remarkably enhanced the effect of thermal annealing in the compounds. In particular, heat deflection temperature of the biocomposites dramatically increased, up to 60 °C with respect to the non-annealed samples. Overall, these results emphasize the potential of combining natural fillers and environmentally benign physical treatments to tailor the properties of PLA biocomposites, especially for those applications which require a stiff and lightweight material with low deformability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of lignocellulosic wastes reduces dependence on fossil fuel resources, contributes to sustainable waste management, and reinforces the circular economy model of continual use of resources. Typically, the second generation of bioethanol production involves several steps to transform lignocellulosic material into bioethanol. The more complicated step of the overall process is to define a tailor-made to each lignocellulosic material available with a wide variety of complex structures of the lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. However, the thermochemicals are the most frequently reported pretreatments, and they have the bottleneck of producing an additional waste stream with a high charge of pollution owing to chemical products implicated. This problem harms on the zero waste policy that we must include in our technological process to be considered sustainable and ecological processes. Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) is a viable alternative to produce bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials, using a single microorganism, in one-step, and no chemical products are implied. Three agro-industrial wastes with lignocellulosic characteristics were evaluated as a substrate for bioethanol production with a Mexican native white-rot fungus Trametes hirsuta CS5 in a one-step process. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of lignocellulolytic enzymes produced by native fungus were carried out. Instead, Trametes hirsuta is a lignin degrader white-rot fungus; it was capable to produce until 500 U/L of cellulase titers and a maximum xylanase activity of 45 U/mL when it was cultivated in orange peel substrate. Substantial ethanol yields were achieved using lignocellulosic materials like brewer's spent grain (BSG), orange peel (OP), and wheat bran (WB) as a carbon source in fermentation with no chemicals, which represents a zero waste environment-friendly ethanol production system. Ethanol yield on wheat bran was the highest of all evaluated substrates, reaching value of 34.9% at 7 days, being T. hirsuta able to degrade other hexoses and pentoses present in the structural polymers of cellulose and hemicellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totora (Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Soják) is a sedge that grows in lakes and marshes in America and some of the Pacific Islands. The hypothesis tested was that the rind and pith of totora stems have different chemical characteristics. A higher ash content on the pith (7.81% vs. 6.36%) may indicate strategies of the plant to reinforce the aerenchyma tissue and clarify the storage mechanism of compounds by bio mineralization. Almost double acid-insoluble lignin content in the rind (16.42% vs. 8.90%) may indicate the potential optimization of industrial procedures such as paper production by using specific tissues of the plant.

Fossil fuel substitutes are being developed to combat the ecological impact and rapid exhaustion of petroleum-based products. Being the most abundant polymer on Earth, cellulose-based products are renewable and sustainable. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are derived from cellulosic-based materials, have good physicochemical properties, and can be used to produce numerous products. CNC synthesis and their applications have been extensively studied; however, they remain limited to laboratory-scale as several challenges hinder its commercial-scale production. Herein, the suitability of nanocrystalline isolation methods, including chemical, enzymatic, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents, for mass production is evaluated. Poor re-dispersion of CNCs is a major challenge that hinders its utilization in many applications. Hence, surface chemistry modification of CNCs have also been reviewed. It has been concluded that the CNC isolation method and surface modification technique significantly impacts its cost, morphology, and physicochemical properties. This review paper presents the challenges often faced in the conversion of bench-scale studies into commercial production of nanocrystalline cellulose. Hence, this paper gives all the necessary information on the important aspects of raw material selection, nanocellulose isolation process selection, and suitable surface modification method together in a single review article. Readers will be able to identify the possible research gaps for future research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four lignocellulosic materials (walnut shell, chestnut shell, pine wood and burnt pine wood) were analyzed as biosorbents to remove nickel ions in aqueous solution. The optimal pH condition was determined. Due to this, a range of different pHs (3.0 to 7.5) was tested. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics were established. To plot Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, batch adsorption tests were made with variable nickel concentrations (5 to 200 mg L−1). The pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models were used to describe the kinetics, batch adsorption tests were carried out with 25 mg L−1 of nickel solution and agitation time varied from 10 to 1440 min. The specific surface area of the different materials was between 3.97 and 4.85 m2g−1 with the exception for wood with 1.74 m2g−1. The pore size was 26.54 nm for wood and varied between 5.40 and 7.33 nm for the remaining materials. The diffractograms analysis showed that all the lignocellulosic materials presented some crystalline domains with the exception of burnt pine wood which was completely amorphous. The best pH was found to be around 5.0. At this pH the adsorption was higher for chestnut shells, walnut shells, burnt pine wood and wood, respectively. All samples fitted the Langmuir model well, with R2 of 0.994 to 0.998. The sorption kinetics was well described by the pseudo-second order equation with R2 between 0.996 and 1.00. No significative differences on the surface of the materials before and after adsorption could be observed by SEM. Finally, all materials tested were able to remove nickel ions in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic materials have arisen as a sustainable alternative in microextraction techniques during the last 10 years. As they are natural materials, their use fits into some of the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Their inherent porosity, narrow shape, and rigidity permit their use in ambient ionization mass spectrometry techniques. In particular, the combination of wooden‐based materials and direct analysis gives birth to the so‐called wooden‐tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry technique. This approach has been used for the direct analysis of complex samples, and as a streamlined tool for fingerprint quality analysis. Also, wooden‐based materials can be superficially modified to boost the interaction with target compounds, allowing their isolation from complex samples. This review describes the potential and applicability of direct analysis using lignocellulosic materials, as well as other alternatives related to their use in microextraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coagulation–flocculation technique is usually employed in wastewater treatment by applying conventional inorganic materials such as alum and ferric chloride. Due cost to environmental challenges associated with the use of inorganic flocculants, biopolymers are gaining ground as alternative water treatment materials. In the present study, native cellulose and hemicelluloses isolated from sugarcane bagasse were used in the removal of turbidity and biological oxygen demand from industrial wastewater. Isolated native cellulose was modified to form regenerated cellulose (RC). Also, native cellulose, hemicellulose and RC were carboxymethylated using Na-chloroacetate. Thereafter, the functional groups on the carboxymethylated biopolymers were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the carbon–hydrogen–nitrogen–sulfur–oxygen elemental analysis. The degree of substitution (DS) for regenerated and carboxymethylated cellulosic materials was measured using recommended standard methods. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with 1.3 DS reduced turbidity and biological oxygen demand by 62.2 and 64%, respectively. Carboxymethyl regenerated cellulose (CMC-II) at 1.1 DS reduced turbidity and by 55.6 and 60%, respectively. Carboxymethyl hemicellulose (CMH) with 1.4 DS was capable of reducing turbidity and biological oxygen demand by 45.7 and 47%, respectively. Carboxymethyl cellulose and hemicellulose have rarely been used in the treatment of brewery wastewater. In the present study, these two novel materials showed a good prospect in removing biological oxygen demand and turbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biocontrol agents to control soilborne diseases is a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, however, obtaining a homogeneous distribution and incorporation of conidia of fungal biocontrol agents into the soil is often difficult. Several carriers/formulations have been proposed over time, unfortunately without offering an ultimate solution. We propose the use of wood pellets as a carrier of conidia of a saprophytic fungus that has good biodegradation and biocontrol properties (Trichoderma atroviride SC1). The coating process is based on the direct spraying of wood pellets with a conidial suspension at different rates. Beech, fir, and chestnut wood pellets were compared in terms of relevant physicochemical traits and efficacy in supporting the growth of the fungus. Beech wood pellets displayed the best characteristics in terms of water holding capacity, swelling properties, and disintegration time. T. atroviride SC1 grows best on beech and fir wood pellets and reaches a plateau after nine days of incubation, regardless of the initial coating concentrations. The addition of small quantities of a nitrogen source as tryptone or soy flour, soy proteins, and a mixture of animal proteins used as pet food to the conidial suspension can increase the growth by ten-folds on all types of wood pellets. Our results demonstrate that beech and fir wood pellets could be suitable carriers to deliver and sustain the growth of T. atroviride SC1. • New method for coating wood pellets with a conidial suspension of Trichoderma spp. • Beech wood showed the best physicochemical characteristics. • Trichoderma atroviride SC1 can grow on soft wood (fir) as well as hardwood (beech). • Adding tryptone (1 g/L) can enhance the growth of T. atroviride SC1 on wood. • Tryptone can be substituted by soy protein isolates for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled release systems of agrochemicals have been developed in recent years. However, the design of intelligent nanocarriers that can be manufactured with renewable and low-cost materials is still a challenge for agricultural applications. Lignocellulosic building blocks (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose) are ideal candidates to manufacture ecofriendly nanocarriers given their low-cost, abundancy and sustainability. Complexity and heterogeneity of biopolymers have posed challenges in the development of nanocarriers; however, the current engineering toolbox for biopolymer modification has increased remarkably, which enables better control over their properties and tuned interactions with cargoes and plant tissues. In this mini-review, we explore recent advances on lignocellulosic-based nanocarriers for the controlled release of agrochemicals. We also offer a critical discussion regarding the future challenges of potential bio-based nanocarrier for sustainable agricultural development.

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly, renewable, and potential liquid biofuel mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel has been produced initially from vegetable oils, non-edible oils, and waste oils. However, these feedstocks have several disadvantages such as requirement of land and labor and remain expensive. Similarly, in reference to waste oils, the feedstock content is succinct in supply and unable to meet the demand. Recent studies demonstrated utilization of lignocellulosic substrates for biodiesel production using oleaginous microorganisms. These microbes accumulate higher lipid content under stress conditions, whose lipid composition is similar to vegetable oils. In this paper, feedstocks used for biodiesel production such as vegetable oils, non-edible oils, oleaginous microalgae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria have been illustrated. Thereafter, steps enumerated in biodiesel production from lignocellulosic substrates through pretreatment, saccharification and oleaginous microbe-mediated fermentation, lipid extraction, transesterification, and purification of biodiesel are discussed. Besides, the importance of metabolic engineering in ensuring biofuels and biorefinery and a brief note on integration of liquid biofuels have been included that have significant importance in terms of circular economy aspects.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of animal manure converts only half of the organic material into biogas due to the presence of a significant amount of lignocellulosic materials in manure. In this study, alkaline thermal pretreatment was used for improving anaerobic digestion of residual manure fibers after AD. Anaerobic digestion of pretreated manure fibers was done in batch culture under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The results of the study showed that degradation of manure fibers was improved ca. 43.6% as a result of alkaline thermal pretreatment with 3% w/w NaOH added. Methane yield improved by 143.5 and 180.2% under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, respectively. Compositional analysis of the effluent after AD showed the percentile conversion of 50.8% of cellulose, 59.5% of hemicellulose, 39.9% of acid-soluble and 21.7% of acid-insoluble lignin to methane under mesophilic conditions. Under thermophilic conditions, 57.3% of cellulose, 70.1% of hemicellulose, 39.4% of acid-soluble and 19.4% of acid-insoluble lignin were converted to methane. The result showed that alkaline thermal pretreatment of manure fibers can enhance the performance of AD while shortening the time needed to recover the maximum amount of biogas from AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly, renewable, and potential liquid biofuel mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel has been produced initially from vegetable oils, non-edible oils, and waste oils. However, these feedstocks have several disadvantages such as requirement of land and labor and remain expensive. Similarly, in reference to waste oils, the feedstock content is succinct in supply and unable to meet the demand. Recent studies demonstrated utilization of lignocellulosic substrates for biodiesel production using oleaginous microorganisms. These microbes accumulate higher lipid content under stress conditions, whose lipid composition is similar to vegetable oils. In this paper, feedstocks used for biodiesel production such as vegetable oils, non-edible oils, oleaginous microalgae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria have been illustrated. Thereafter, steps enumerated in biodiesel production from lignocellulosic substrates through pretreatment, saccharification and oleaginous microbe-mediated fermentation, lipid extraction, transesterification, and purification of biodiesel are discussed. Besides, the importance of metabolic engineering in ensuring biofuels and biorefinery and a brief note on integration of liquid biofuels have been included that have significant importance in terms of circular economy aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotherms of the adsorption methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions by sulfate lignin, aspen wood, and wood samples pretreated with ozone are recorded and analyzed. The adsorption isotherms are described in terms of the Langmuir model. Adsorption capacity, specific surface area, and values of adsorption interaction constants are determined. It is found that ozone pretreatment of wood reduces the constant of dye bonding to a surface, while the sorption capacity remains almost unchanged. IR spectroscopy data show that ozonized lignocellulosic materials are characterized by high contents of carbonyl and carboxyl groups capable of electrostatic interaction and ion exchange, and low contents of aromatic structures. It is concluded that the presence of lignin in the plant sorbent contributes to an increase in the efficiency of dye sorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Successful heterologous expression of T. thermophilus CDH in A. nidulans. • CDH demonstrating inter-domain electron transfer in slightly alkaline pH. • CDH oxidize cellooligosaccharides from various degree of polymerization. • Cell-free system for CBA production using hydrolytic and oxidative cocktail. • Sustainable production of CBA from lignocellulosic materials. The fungus Thermothelomyces thermophilus is a thermotolerant microorganism that has been explored as a reservoir for enzymes (hydrolytic enzymes and oxidoreductases). The functional analysis of a recombinant cellobiose dehydrogenase (MtCDHB) from T. thermophilus demonstrated a thermophilic behavior, an optimal pH in alkaline conditions for inter-domain electron transfer, and catalytic activity on cellooligosaccharides with different degree of polymerization. Its applicability was evaluated to the sustainable production of cellobionic acid (CBA), a potential pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredient rarely commercialized. Dissolving pulp was used as a disaccharide source for MtCDHB. Initially, recombinant exoglucanases (MtCBHI and MtCBHII) from T. thermophilus hydrolyzed the dissolving pulp, resulting in 87% cellobiose yield, which was subsequently converted into CBA by MtCDHB, achieving a 66% CBA yield after 24 h. These findings highlight the potential of MtCDHB as a novel approach to obtaining CBA through the bioconversion of a plant-based source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the rapid increasing demand for electrical energy in the world, the research on electrical energy storage becomes urgent and crucial, especially for these ones with the features of cost-effectiveness, high safety and outstanding performance. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as environmentally friendly, safe, reliable, and promising devices for electrochemical energy storage systems. However, a variety of challenges such as zinc dendrite formation, corrosion and hydrogen evolution must be addressed for the practical, widespread application of AZIBs. Recently, there has been notable interest in utilizing renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective lignocellulosic materials to address these challenges, as they have the potential to significantly improve the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic summary, as well as a gap in theoretical analysis, on the role of lignocellulosic materials in improving AZIBs performance. The present review covers the development, concept, advantages, and challenges of AZIBs. The most recent advancements and progress on the lignocellulosic materials (including cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses) as electrodes, electrolytes and separators for AZIBs applications are summarized. A perspective on existing challenges, potential solutions, and promising prospects of lignocellulosic materials is outlined, aiming to provide the research community with essential technical insights that could drive the commercialization of green and sustainable lignocellulosic materials in high-performance AZIBs. [Display omitted] • The advantages and current challenges of AZIBs have been systematically discussed. • The recent progress of developing lignocellulosic materials for AZIBs has been reviewed. • The strategies for improving the performance of AZIBs via incorporating lignocellulosic materials have been summarized. • The challenges and perspectives in developing lignocellulosic materials for advanced AZIBs have been addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The implementation of biorefineries based on lignocellulosic materials as an alternative to fossil-based refineries calls for efficient methods for fractionation and recovery of the products. The focus for the biorefinery concept for utilisation of biomass has shifted, from design of more or less energy-driven biorefineries, to much more versatile facilities where chemicals and energy carriers can be produced. The sugar-based biorefinery platform requires pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials, which can be very recalcitrant, to improve further processing through enzymatic hydrolysis, and for other downstream unit operations. This review summarises the development in the field of pretreatment (and to some extent, of fractionation) of various lignocellulosic materials. The number of publications indicates that biomass pretreatment plays a very important role for the biorefinery concept to be realised in full scale. The traditional pretreatment methods, for example, steam pretreatment (explosion), organosolv and hydrothermal treatment are covered in the review. In addition, the rapidly increasing interest for chemical treatment employing ionic liquids and deep-eutectic solvents are discussed and reviewed. It can be concluded that the huge variation of lignocellulosic materials makes it difficult to find a general process design for a biorefinery. Therefore, it is difficult to define “the best pretreatment” method. In the end, this depends on the proposed application, and any recommendation of a suitable pretreatment method must be based on a thorough techno-economic evaluation.

This work focused on the valorization of local lignocellulosic materials for analytical purpose. The electrode-modifying material was prepared by chemical activation of rice husks with phosphoric acid and calcined at 450 °C. The activated carbon obtained was characterized by different physicochemical and electrochemical techniques, namely yield and burn off during carbonization, apparent volumetric mass, Boehm titration, iodine number, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), CHN elemental analysis, pH at zero-charge point and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). These characterizations enabled us to have information on the functional groups present at the material surface, the mass percentage of the elements, the surface load of the material and the charge transfer resistance. The activated carbon thus obtained was used to develop a voltammetric sensor for the analysis of paraquat herbicide. Several parameters which assign the voltammograms to square wave voltammetry (SWV) were studied in order to optimize the developed sensor. The results obtained at optimal conditions are as follows: 10% of activated carbon in the carbon paste, electrolysis potential of −0.9 V, accumulation time of 8 minutes, pH of 8 and the pH at zero load point of 3.45. The results showed that the modified electrode is more sensitive and stable, thus can be used in electroanalysis of xenobiotics.