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Introduction: It has been decided to evaluate the possibilities of obtaining products derived from sugar cane in industrial facilities in the territory of Villa Clara also obtaining a benefit in the energy balance of the sugar factory. Objective: To evaluate the percent of filter juice that can be optimally extracted to improve the energy balance of a Villa Clara sugar factory, having as destination a Torula yeast production plant annexed to it. Materials and Methods: The effect of the extraction of a fraction of juice from the filters on the energy balance of the plant was studied using mass and energy balances. The design methods of chemical industry facilities were used. Results and Discussion: It was obtained that the optimal percent of juice extraction from the filters is 20 %, achieving a profit of 1824435.40 $/year needing to buy 9427 t/year of missing molasses. The investment cost for 20 % extraction is $7797596.34 is profitable the investment having a total production cost of 4371490.21 $/year with profit of 2636509.79 $/year, NPV is $12900494.64, IRR 40 % and 3.1 years of payback period. Conclusions: The extraction of the juice from the filters of the sugar production process allows an energetic benefit to the technological process that can be used in new productions, which increases as the extraction percent increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lignocellulosic biomass and especially agro-industrial by-products have ceased to be waste-problem products, to become potential raw material for various processes, being the production of bioethanol one of the most important. Objective: To analyze by process simulation the technological alternatives for bioethanol production from sugarcane bagasse so that the process will be technically, economically and environmentally efficient. Materials and Methods: It was started from the technological design of a plant for the production of bioethanol base and three technological alternatives were simulated: (1) the influence of bagasse humidity, (2) the influence of dilution speed and (3) simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. Results and Discussion: With the comparison of the technical, economic and environmental analyzes, it was determined that the best results were obtained with alternative 3, which includes the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process. Conclusions: Alternative 3 produces 1 275 279.0 L/year of bioethanol at 95.85% purity, a productivity of 2.51 g/Lh, a unit cost of 8.79 $/L with satisfactory environmental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In 2010, the Directive on undesirable substances in animal feed entered into force and for the first time was laid down a maximum limit for nitrite content in sugar industry feed materials such as molasses and beet pulp. Due to a lack of suitable analytical methods for nitrite determination, this study was developed with the aim to standardize a nitrite analytical method in by-products from sugar industry. In this study high performance anion exchange chromatography with conductometric detection was used for determining nitrite and nitrate content of sugar by-products included in feed material. The study confirms the usefulness of the applied ion chromatographic method for the evaluation of the content of nitrite and nitrate in sugar by-products. The results showed that in many samples of beet pulp and molasses the content of “undesirable substances for animal feed” was below 15 mg kg −1 (expressed as sodium nitrate at 12% of moisture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(lactic acid)/sugarcane bagasse fiber (PLA/SCBF) composites were prepared using melt compounding followed by compression molding. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was selected as plasticizer for the PLA/SCBF composites. SCBF was alkali-treated and ground into powder form with the size of approximately 100 μm (hereafter designated as SCBFP). The properties of the PLA composites were assessed using impact tests, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). DMA results showed that the addition of SCBF increased the storage modulus of PLA and the effect is more pronounced for the one containing SCBFP. The impact strength of PLA/SCBF composites was improved significantly by the addition of ESO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was the evaluation of anaerobic treatment for the soluble organics generated from a steam-explosion pre-treatment of sugarcane bagasse. The batch analysis revealed that about 50% of the organics was possible to be degraded into methane whilst the rest was biologically inert and composed of mostly lignin. Based on the experiment a kinetic model composed of 14 kinds of soluble substances and 5 kinds of anaerobic microorganisms was developed. The model was used to simulate the process performance of a continuous anaerobic bioreactor with MLSS concentration at 2500-15,000 mg/L. The simulation indicated that the bioreactor could receive the influent until 0.4 kg-COD/kg-MLSS/d of loading without significant deterioration of methane conversion. By addition of powdered activated carbon, the rest of unbiodegradable soluble organics and dark brown colour in the effluent were removed to 840 mg-C/L and 760 unit respectively at adsorption of 190 mg-C/g-PAC and 1200 unit/g-PAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduction in glycerol price has been observed in the last years, considering it is a byproduct of biodiesel production. This fact has motivated studies about alternative uses for this compound, as in pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass to produce ethanol, another biofuel of interest. In this context, glycerol acid-pretreatment of sugar cane bagasse (SCB) was evaluated in terms of temperature (80-120 °C), solid loading (2.5-7.5%), glycerol (85-95%) and acid concentrations (0.5-3%), and reaction time (10-60 min), using a 25-1 factorial design. The cellulose digestibility was further optimized for the variables temperature (120-130 °C), acid/SCB mass ratio (5-15%), and time (20-60 min). The optimal conditions were obtained at 130 °C temperature, 15% acid/SCB mass ratio, and 57.5 min reaction time, yielding a 68.5% digestibility. Moreover, a considerable amount of ethanol, 0.38 g/g biomass (0.57 g/L·h of productivity), was achieved using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which also shows the efficacy of this pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the use of succinylated twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse containing adsorbed Cu 2+ or Ni 2+ ions from spiked aqueous solutions (2MSBA-Cu and 2MSBA-Ni) as heterogeneous catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of n -hexane and n -heptane in gas phase. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which a spent adsorbent material based on lignocellulose biomass is used in the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds. The adsorbent and spent adsorbent materials were characterized by FTIR, TGA and XRD. The amount of Cu 2+ and Ni 2+ adsorbed on 2MSBA was 0.49 and 2.49 mmol g −1 , respectively. The catalysts were active for total oxidation of n -hexane and n -heptane, even at low temperatures. 2MSBA-Cu exhibited higher catalytic activity than 2MSBA-Ni and surprisingly their performances were comparable or superior to those of some catalysts reported in the literature, including noble metal-based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of an ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C 4 mim][OAc]) pretreatment (110 °C for 30 min) in comparison to high severity autohydrolysis pretreatment in terms of delignification, cellulose crystallinity and enzymatic digestibility. The increase in severity of autohydrolysis pretreatment had positive effect on glucan digestibility, but was limited by the crystallinity of cellulose. [C 4 mim][OAc] pretreated sugarcane bagasse exhibited a substantial decrease in lignin content, reduced cellulose crystallinity, and enhanced glucan and xylan digestibility. Glucan and xylan digestibility was determined as 97.4% and 98.6% from [C 4 mim][OAc] pretreated bagasse, and 62.1% and 57.5% from the bagasse autohydrolyzed at 205 °C for 6 min, respectively. The results indicated the improved digestibility and hydrolysis rates after [C 4 mim][OAc] pretreatment when compared against a comparable autohydrolyzed biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work different biorefinery scenarios were investigated, concerning the co-production of bioethanol and electricity from available lignocellulose at a typical sugar mill, as possible extensions to the current combustion of bagasse for steam and electricity production and burning trash on-filed. In scenario 1, the whole bagasse and brown leaves is utilized in a biorefinery and coal is burnt in the existing inefficient sugar mill boiler. Scenario 2 & 3 are assumed with a new centralized CHP unit without/with coal co-combustion, respectively. Also, through scenarios 4 & 5, the effect of water insoluble loading were studied. All scenarios provided energy for the sugarmill and the ethanol plant, with the export of surplus electricity. Economic analysis determined that scenario 1 was the most viable scenario due to less capital cost and economies-of scale. Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results, scenario 2 outperformed the other scenarios, while three scenarios showed lower contribution to environmental burdens than the current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane vinasse is one of the main residues generated by the transformation of cane into ethanol. Because of the high organic content (COD), high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), low pH, the large amount that this residue is generated (15 l for every liter of ethanol produced) and their use as fertilizer on the sugarcane crop, this residue is potentially polluting to the soil ecossystem and by percolation to water ecossystem too. Thus, this study aimed to assess the toxicity of vinasse by analyzing Oreochromis niloticus gills exposed to different dilutions (1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%) in two bioassays. The gills were collected, fixed and analyzed using ultra morphological, histological, and histochemical techniques. After exposure to the vinasse, a statistically significant reduction of the ridges present on the surface of pavimentous cells was observed in one of the bioassays; such structures are responsible for mucus retention, which helps to protect the tissue. In addition, an intumescence of the cells was observed in the treatments with vinasse as well as an increase in the amount of chloridric cells. Some striking tissue changes detected in the treatments were epithelial detachment and loss of integrity of secondary lamellae, causing their rupture and consequent hemorrhage. In the first bioassay, the amount of these changes was statistically significant at the 5% dilution, and the focus of hemorrhage was significant at all dilution ratios. In the second bioassay, the epithelial disorganization was statistically significant only at the 2.5% dilution of vinasse. Moreover, for both bioassays performed, a significant increase in mucous cells was observed when compared with the control. Our results demonstrate the toxic action of sugarcane vinasse, which caused histopathological changes in the exposed animals at all four dilution tested. This highlights the need for caution in the disposal of sugarcane vinasse on the soil, especially due to its capacity for being leached or percolated into water resources, which could seriously damage aquatic fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) were produced from unbleached and bleached sugarcane bagasse pulps by classical H 2 SO 4 hydrolysis of fiber and pith fractions of pressed culms. Both the raw materials and final products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The advantages and disadvantages of using both unbleached and bleached pulps for the production of CNs were demonstrated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)/oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (OXCNC) nanocomposites films was prepared via casting and evaporation. OXCNC was used in ratios from 2.5 to 20% in HPC matrix. The prepared nanocomposites films were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), tensile strength properties (TS) and water vapor permeability (WVP). Significant increase in the crystallinity and tensile strength accompanied by an increase in WVP of HPC films occurred as a result of adding OXCNC. HPC/10% OXCNC film was found to possess the maximum tensile strength properties and that composition was chosen for coating bagasse paper sheets. Coating of paper sheets increased TS, WVP and decreased porosity of the paper sheets. The slight increase in WVP of the films and the coated paper sheets was attributed to the hydrophilic nature of OXCNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different chemical and mechanical pre-treatments applied to pulp prior to nanofibrillation may also influence the characteristics of the fibrils and prepared films. In this work, the effects of the chemical composition and the degree of fibrillation of sugarcane bagasse pulps on the properties of the resulting nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) films were investigated. Several environmentally-friendly treatments that reduce cost and simplify processing were applied to the bagasse fibres. Ethanol-based organosolv pulps with different residual lignin contents (2.9%, 5.0%, and 9.4%) were refined by Jokro milling and Bauer disk refining. Nanofibrils were isolated through an enzymatic treatment followed by high-intensity sonication. NFC films with similar morphologies were obtained with high crystallinity without changes in thermal stability relative to those of the initial materials. The residual lignin content affects the nanofibrillation process, the mechanical properties of the NFC filmsand modifies the film-water interactions. The combination of mechanical refining and enzymatic treatment was successful applied to produce homogeneous nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective grinding was identified as a potential technology to reduce the content of quartz in sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA), so as to assist in developing an improved supplementary cementitious material. The selective grinding strategy comprised of a ball mill and two classifiers, where a quartz-rich waste is discharged as a coarse waste by the first one. The amenability of two distinct SCBA samples to selective grinding was first demonstrated on the basis of measurements of strength of individual particles. The samples were then analyzed with respect to chemical and mineralogical compositions and pozzolanic activity. Results showed that the quartz content decreased significantly as a result of selective grinding and classification, thus increasing the amorphous content and, consequently, the pozzolanic activity for both of the studied SBCA samples. Moreover, good correlations were observed between the amorphous content and SCBA reactivity considering electrical conductivity and pozzolanic activity index tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of the physical and mechanical properties of sugarcane trash pellets were necessary for the design considerations relating to storage, handling and processing equipment. The mixing ratios of ground sugarcane trash:cassava starch:water content (1.0:0.25:0.85 and 1.0:0.25:1.40 by weight) and pelleting speeds (100, 120, 140, and 160 rpm) were considered to determine their effects on bulk density, true density, porosity, durability and compressive strength. The results show that the mixing ratio by weight of 1.0:0.25:0.85 and pelleting speed of 120 to 140 rpm were optimum for producing the sugarcane trash pellets. At the moisture content of 12.01% (wb), the bulk density, true density, durability and compressive strength of biomass pellets were in the range of 330.93 to 365.00 kg/m³, 860.38 to 918.43 kg/m³, 99.34 to 99.46 % and 5.15 to 6.43 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the byproducts generated in the cane sugar production is molasses, which is used for ethanol distillation. However, one of the problems of distilleries is vinasse. Vinasse is highly water pollutant and is dumped untreated in lakes or rivers and damages the environment. The company FALA developed a pilot plant that uses vinasse to produce a type of livestock feed called MD60. In this paper, the impact of the pilot plant’s scale-up in the key processes of the company’s supply chain is analyzed. With the help of a sensitivity analysis, this study finds the values that would allow the company to improve its order fulfillment indicator and to increase profits, assuming an expected demand by the introduction of this new product into the market. The results show that (1) the pilot plant fulfills 32% of the orders, (2) according to the current vinasse storage capacity, it is possible to fulfill up to 77% of the orders by scaling up the pilot plant, (3) to satisfy 100% of the orders, it is necessary to use all the vinasse generated, and (4) the highest profit is reached by processing all the vinasse and by considering the upper sale price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraethylenepentamine-modified sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was prepared to improve its adsorption capacity and selectivity toward Cu. Adsorption performances of the modified sorbent for Cu were studied in batch system. Separation of Cu from Pb by the modified sorbent fixed-bed column were studied under dynamic system with initial molar concentration ratio $$\left( {C_{0}^{\text{Cu}} /C_{0}^{\text{Pb}} } \right)$$ ranging from 1:1 to 1:100. The amount of Cu and Pb adsorbed on the saturated column was calculated by the elution curve. Batch experimental results showed that the adsorption capacity of the sorbent for Cu increased from 0.12 to 0.21 mmol g after modification. Dynamic adsorption results showed that the modified SCB had higher adsorption affinity toward Cu than Pb. 0.07 mmol g of adsorbed Pb was pushed off by Cu during the competitive adsorption process at $$C_{0}^{\text{Cu}} /C_{0}^{\text{Pb}} = {\text{1:1}}.$$ The breakthrough curves and adsorption kinetics of Cu in the column could be fitted well by the Yoon-Nelson and modified Yoon-Nelson model, respectively. According to the elution curve, the amount of Cu adsorbed on the fixed-bed column were 0.16, 0.16 and 0.15 mmol g, while that of Pb were 0.0016, 0.0051 and 0.0094 mmol g when $$C_{0}^{\text{Cu}} /C_{0}^{\text{Pb}}$$ increased from 1:1 to 1:10 and 1:100. Cu could be selectively adsorbed and separated from Pb by using the modified sorbent fixed-bed column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the genotoxicity reduction in post vermicompost feed mixtures of bagasse (B) waste using earthworm Eisenia fetida. The genotoxicity of bagasse waste was determined by using Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay. Bagasse was amended with cattle dung in different proportions [0:100 (B) 25:75 (B), 50:50 (B), 75:25 (B) and 100:0 (B)] on dry weight basis. Genotoxic effects of initial and post vermicompost bagasse extracts were analysed on the root tips cells of Allium cepa. Root length and mitotic index (MI) was found to be increased in post vermicompost extracts when compared to initial bagasse waste. The maximum percent increase of root length was observed in the B bagasse extract (96.60 %) and the maximum MI was observed in B mixture (14.20 ± 0.60) 6 h treatment which was similar to the control. Genotoxicity analysis of post vermicompost extracts of bagasse revealed a 21-44 % decline in the aberration frequencies and the maximum reduction was found in B extract (44.50 %). The increase in root length and mitotic index, as well as decrease in chromosomal aberrations indicates that E. fetida has the ability to reduce the genotoxicity of the bagasse waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the development of nonwoven textile using sugarcane bagasse and its blends.

The utilization of waste materials in concrete manufacture provides a satisfactory solution to some of the environmental concerns and problems associated with waste management. Agro wastes such as rice husk ash, wheat straw ash, hazel nutshell and sugarcane bagasse ash are used as pozzolanic materials for the development of blended cements. India being one of the largest producers of sugarcane in the world, produces 300 million tons per year and large quantity of sugarcane bagasse is available from sugar mills. Sugarcane bagasse is partly used as fuel at the sugar mill. In the present paper, sugarcane bagasse was burned at 600oC and the ash obtained is known as sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and characterized by using different techniques. SCBA was mixed with OPC in different proportions and the hydration studies were made. Mechanism of hydration has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the potential of lime in the manufacture of stabilized soil blocks and the valorisation of a solid waste, Bagasse Ash (BA), in its manufacture. A locally available soil was collected from a field and characterized in the soil laboratory as a clay of intermediate plasticity. This soil was stabilized using lime, the quantity of which was determined from the Eades and Grim pH test. The soil was stabilized using this lime content, amended with various BA contents during mixing, and moulded into blocks of 19 cm x 9 cm x 9 cm. The blocks were then moist cured for a period of 28 days, following which they were subjected to compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence tests. The results of the tests revealed that the addition of BA resulted in enhanced compressive strength of the blocks, increased the water absorption marginally, and resulted in no efflorescence in any of the combinations, although the limited combinations in the study could not produce enough strength to meet the specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The study revealed that BA can be effectively valorised in the manufacture of stabilized soil blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinasse is the main wastewater from the ethanol fermentation–distillation process, generated in large volumes during industrial sugarcane processing.Desmodesmusis a green algae genus with recognized ability to treat wastewater containing organic matter and to consume nutrients under heterotrophic growth conditions. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluateDesmodesmussp. growth in sugarcane vinasse. Results indicated slight elevation of pH, low oxygen, and low carbon dioxide consumption. Nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were 52.1 and 36.2%, respectively. Specific growth rate of 0.15 h−1and high yield of COD to biomass at first hour (0.5 mg mg−1) suggest the feasibility of biomass production of this green algae in sugarcane vinasse. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Plant-derived renewable resources have the potential to enable the simultaneous generation of high-value-added products, such as foods, with energy, such as electricity and thermal power. Much of the heat cogenerated from renewables in power plants has been discarded because of the geographical and temporal gaps in heat supply and demand. In this study, we aim to devise an effective industrial symbiosis (IS) for a regional combined heating and power (CHP) plant utilizing local renewable resources. For the actual region of IS, the island of Tanegashima in Japan was adopted, where sugarcane is planted as a base industry. Through a thermodynamic analysis of the energy flows in a sugar mill, it was demonstrated that large amounts of heat were discarded from the sugar mill, even though the quality of heat was high enough for power generation or other energy demand. This is partly because some of the renewables have been regarded as wastes in the production of foods or other high-value-added products. At the same time, scenarios were defined and analyzed on the integrated use of locally available lignocellulosic biomass to increase the operation ratio of an existing bagasse-based CHP system. Through both periods with and without sugar production, additional heat and power can be made available by decreasing the energy loss and through IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article was to evaluate and establish microfiltration (MF) operating conditions for vinasse (ethanol industries wastewater also known as stillage, slop, distillery effluent or dunder) concentration aiming to improve the use of its nutritive potential. The operating conditions influence permeate flux that has been evaluated by monitoring the flow rate profile during the operation on bench scale in different conditions (feed pH, aeration condition and recovery rate). From the results found, the process scale up was then effected. The bench scale findings showed that the vinasse microfiltration under air flow of 0.5 m³.h-1 between membrane fibers, with no pH adjustment, and recovery rate of 93% produced two flows, one of permeate that may be used to wash the sugarcane during the ethanol production processing, and the other of concentrate that contains a high organic compounds and nutrients concentration. This concentrate has additional potentiality of being used as organic compound supplement in contaminated soil bioremediation, and as a supplier of microbial biomass or substrate for biosurfactant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous work has demonstrated that glycerol organosolv pretreatment can effectively improve the hydrolyzability of various lignocellulosic substrates. This pretreatment process strategy is ideal to integrate a commercially successful lignocellulosic and vegetable oil biorefinery industry. However, industrially relevant high-solid-loading hydrolyzability and fermentability of the pretreated substrates have yet to be considered for enzyme-based lignocellulosic biorefineries. Results: In this study, an AGO pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse was evaluated with regard to the component selectivity, structural modification, hydrolyzability, and fermentation of pretreated substrates. The results showed that the AGO pretreatment presented good component selectivity, removing approximately 70% lignin and hemicellulose, respectively, from sugarcane bagasse with a near-intact preservation (94%) of the overall cellulose. The pretreatment deconstructed the recalcitrant architecture of natural lignocellulosic biomass, thereby modifying the structure at the macro-/micrometer level (fiber size, surface area, average size, roughness) and supermolecular level (key chemical bond dissociation) of lignocellulosic substrates towards good hydrolyzability. Notably, extraordinarily few fermentation inhibitors (<0.2 g furfural and 5-hydromethyl furfural/kg feedstock) were generated from the AGO pretreatment process, which was apparently due to the prominent role of glycerol organic solvent in protecting monosaccharides against further degradation. The 72-h enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated substrates at 15% solid content achieved 90% completion with Cellic CTec2 at 10 FPU/g dried substrate. With a simple nutrition (only 10 g/L (NH4)2SO4) addition, the fed-batch semi-SSF of AGO-pretreated substrates (30% solid content) almost reached 50 g/L ethanol with cellulase preparation at 10 FPU/g dried substrate. These results have revealed that the pretreated substrate is susceptible and accessible to cellulase enzymes, thereafter exhibiting remarkable hydrolyzability and fermentability. Conclusion: The AGO pretreatment is a promising candidate for the current pretreatment process towards industrially relevant enzyme-based lignocellulosic biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are used as prebiotics in food industries. XOS with high purity is required for effective prebiotic function. All crude xylanases exhibit β-xylosidase, which forms significant amount of xylose and reduces the yield and purity of XOS. Here, we describe the use of crude xylanase of Bacillus subtilis devoid of β-xylosidase to produce high-pure XOS from ammonia pretreated sugarcane bagasse. MALDI-TOF-MS and HPLC analysis of XOS showed the formation of xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetraose with xylobiose as the major product. The conversion of bagasse to XOS was >99% with negligible amount of xylose (0.4%). NMR analysis of XOS mixture indicated the presence of arabinosyl and glucuronyl substituted XOS. The relative content of substituted XOS in the mixture was 32%. The XOS mixture supported growth of probiotic bifidobacterial strains under anaerobic conditions. The bifidobacterial strains completely utilized XOS with production of short chain fatty acids indicating their prebiotic function. The concentration of fatty acids formed was in the order of acetate, formate and lactate. Hence, the present method would be useful for further development of low-cost process for production of high-pure prebiotic XOS from lignocellulosic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry PROBICID® is obtained in Cuba10 plant of the Cuban Research Institute of Sugarcane By-products (ICIDCA), by a process that lost 99% of cell viability in the drying operation spray. In order to eliminate this stage and minimize losses, in the study was obtained probiotics formulations using chemicals repressors of water activity, with the application of a design of experiments 3². The adsorption isotherms of the formulations were determined by fitting models to experimental data. The influence of water activity over viability and stability as dependent variables was studied, yielding no statistically significant difference between the values taken by the response variables for levels of the analyzed factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two technological alternatives were analyzed for the production of ethanol in order to diminish the vinasse volume at the exit of the distilling column. Also environmental effects and energy efficiency of the process were discussed, making a proposal for the treatment of residuals. A simulation model was elaborated in Microsoft Excel using process analysis techniques. By means of mass and energy balances, actual process behavior and its technological changes were simulated. The alternatives proposed of adding a bottom reboiler to the distilling column and to recirculate vinasses to the molasses dilution tank decrease the flow obtained at the bottom of the distilling column, showing the best results when combining the alternatives. The alternatives are economically feasible, they obtain higher IRR (Rate of return on investment) than the interest rate used, and the investment is recovered in less than four years, showing liquidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: litter provides comfort to animals while improving productive performance and carcass quality. Objective: this study evaluated broiler performance, incidence of contact dermatitis, and quality of poultry litter of wood shavings and/or sugarcane bagasse (SB) after five consecutive flocks. Methods: two thousand birds were raised in five consecutive flocks composed of 400 chicks each. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of substituting wood shavings with different levels of SB (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Results: litter density, pH, dry matter content, total nitrogen, and phosphorus did not vary between treatments. However, substituting wood shavings with SB increased moisture retention capacity of the litter and ammonia production. Neither carcass lesions nor productive performance, with the exception of weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the fifth flock, differed between treatments. Conclusions: substituting 75% of wood shavings with SB maintained litter quality and improved poultry performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article presents a study on the mechanical and water absorption properties of bagasse fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Bagasse fibers are subjected to chemical treatment with 1% sodium hydroxide followed by 1% acrylic acid at ambient temperature to enhance the bonding strength between the fiber-polymer, resulting in high values of the mechanical properties and a reduction in the water absorption properties of the composites. We analyzed the optimum value of fiber treatment, and it was found that 15% treated fiber loading yields enhanced the mechanical properties together with a reduction in water absorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of kissiris as promoter (culture immobilization carrier) in anaerobic acidogenesis of sucrose, raffinose and vinasse is reported. Initially, the effect of pH (4–8) and fermentation temperature (18–52 °C) on the accumulation of low molecular weight organic acids (OAs) during sucrose acidogenesis, was evaluated. The promoting effect of kissiris was confirmed compared to free cells, resulting in 80% increased OAs production. The optimum conditions (pH 8; 37 °C) were used during acidogenesis of sucrose/raffinose mixtures. A continuous system was also operated for more than 2 months. When sucrose and sucrose/raffinose mixtures were used, lactic acid type fermentation prevailed, while when vinasse was used, butyric acid type fermentation occurred. Total OAs concentrations were more than 14 g/L and ethanol concentrations were 0.5–1 mL/L. Culture adaptation in vinasse was necessary to avoid poor results. The proposed process is promising for new generation ester-based biofuel production from industrial wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the behavior of sugarcane bagasse submitted to cutting, as a function of its moisture content, angle of the blade edge and cutting speed. The specific cutting energy and peak cutting force were measured using an experimental facility developed for this series of experiments. An analysis of the results of the full factorial experimental design using a statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. The response surfaces and empirical models for the specific cutting energy and peak cutting force were obtained using statistical analysis system software. Low angle of the blade edge and low moisture content are, in this order, the most important experimental factors in determining a low specific cutting energy and a low peak cutting force respectively. The best cutting conditions are achieved for an angle of blade edge of 20.8° and a moisture content of 10% w. b. The results of this work could contribute to the optimal design of sugarcane bagasse pre-treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt was undertaken for treatment and reuse of highly concentrated textile dyebath effluent. Ceramic microfiltration membrane prepared from a cost effective composition of alumina and clay was used in combination with a biosorbent prepared from sugarcane bagasse. The combined process was highly effective for removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, colour and total suspended solids. For the concentrated dyebath effluent with initial COD value of 2220 mg/L, COD reduction was about 91%. Dye removal was about 99%, turbidity removal was > 99% and TSS reduction was > 90%. The treated samples were utilized in the dyeing process of cotton fabric under different conditions. The reusability study showed high potential with respect to water reclamation, as well as, reduction of the associated chemicals consumption. Dye uptake using membrane treated water was more compared to that of freshwater in case of light and medium shade dyeing. Toxicity effect of treated and untreated effluent on environment was observed onChanna punctatus(Bloch) in terms of various antioxidant enzymes, bioassay, comet assay, micronucleus, etc. It was observed that 48-h acute toxicity tests resulted in LC50value of 43.5%. Untreated effluent at 25% dilution resulted in considerable increase in antioxidative enzymes with formation of comet cells and micronuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Compacted lateritic soil treated with up to 16% bagasse ash content was subjected to one-dimensional consolidation test using the British Standard Light (BSL) compactive effort; prepared at -2%, 0% and +2% of the optimum moisture content (OMC). The study showed improvement in index properties, lower maximum dry density (MDD) and higher optimum moisture content (OMC) with increased ash treatment. In a pattern similar to natural clay, the void ratio decreased and increased with pressure increase and decrease, respectively. An increase in the gross yield stress was recorded with increased bagasse ash content and water content relative to optimum; a reduction in compression index was recorded with increase in bagasse ash treatment and water content relative to optimum. Coefficient of volume compressibility decreased with increased loading pressure, while bagasse ash content did not show any established trend. The coefficient of consolidation decreased with increased loading pressure and bagasse ash treatment. These results show an overall improvement in the consolidation properties suggesting the suitability of the material in fills for embankment and low lying marginal land for foundation works; also solving the environmental problems associated with waste bagasse disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the conditions for obtaining an anionic exchanger based on the chemical modification of the fibrous fraction of bagasse by etherification in basic medium are studied. It evaluates the influence parameters concentration of sodium hydroxide, the molar ratio cellulose/diethylaminoethylamine hydrochloride and the reaction time in the substitution. In each case a degree of substitution estimated by determining the nitrogen content was obtained. It has been demostrated that the product removed 40-60 % of color in sugar solutions, therefore can be used in the sugar industry for the removal of ionic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic ecosystems are the main receptors of toxic substances from human activities. With the increase in sugar cane production, vinasse – the main residue of ethanol production – is a potential contaminant of water resources, due to its high organic matter content. This study was aimed at evaluating the toxicity of vinasse by examining the liver of the fish Oreochromis niloticus exposed to different dilutions of sugar cane vinasse (1%, 2%, 5%, 5% and 10%) in laboratory bioassays. Portions of liver were collected and fixed for histological and histochemical techniques to detect total proteins, polysaccharides and lipids. In the histological analysis, the groups treated with vinasse exhibited significant alterations, such as loss of cytoplasmic integrity, loss of cell limit and tissue disorganization. Protein and lipid profiles were not altered. Higher accumulation of polysaccharides was detected in fish exposed to lower concentrations of vinasse, with a gradual decrease in animals treated with vinasse in higher concentrations. We concluded that vinasse has a dose-dependent toxic and cytotoxic potential in water bodies and that the liver is strongly affected when acutely exposed to this contaminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A field experiment was conducted during the year 2011-12 at the experimental field of Quaid-e-Awam Agriculture Research Institute Larkana to assess the effect macro- and micronutrients at various concentrations on cane yield and recovery of sugarcane variety Larkana-2001. The treatments included: Recommended dose of NPK fertilizers 225-112-168 ha-1 (control), NPK+Zn @ 5.0 kg ha-1, NPK+Zn @ 7.0 kg ha-1, NPK+B @ 1.5 kg ha-1, NPK+B @ 2.0 kg ha, NPK+Zn-B @ 5.0- 1.5 kg ha-1, NPK+Zn-B @ 5.0-2.0 kg ha-1, NPK+Zn-B @ 7.0-1.5 kg ha-1 and NPK+Zn-B @ 7.0-2.0 kg ha-1. The experiment was conducted in a three replicated Randomized Complete Block Design. The crop receiving recommended dose of NPK + 7.0+2.0 kg ha-1 Zn-B produced 75.54 percent germination, 303.00 cm cane length,3.33 cm cane girth, 6.33 tillers stool-1, 17.09 internodes cane-1, 16.24 kg weight of 10 canes, 101.06 t ha-1 cane yield and 11.05% sugar recovery. Sugarcane fertilized with NPK+Zn-B @ 7.0-1.5 kg ha resulted in 75.09 percent germination, 302.00 cm cane length, 3.32 cm cane girth, 6.31 tillers stool-1, 17.04 internodes cane-1, 16.19 kg weight of 10 canes, 100.37 t ha-1 cane yield and 10.92% sugar recovery. The remaining treatments as well as control resulted relatively in lower values for all the cane yield and recovery contributing characters. Hence, it is concluded that Zn-B @ 7.0-1.5 kg ha-1 was an optimum level for achieving economically maximum cane yield (100.37 t ha-1) and recovery (10.92%); and the differences were non-significant (P>0.05) when boron application was increased to 2.0 kg ha-1 with same zinc level (7.0 kg ha-1) in addition to NPK fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to improve the properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS) by using treated bagasse fiber as a reinforcing agent. Glycerol was used as a plasticizer. The morphology of the fractured surfaces, thermal decomposition temperatures and XRD pattern of the TPS and TPS/treated bagasse fiber composites were investigated using SEM, thermal gravimetric analysis, and XRD, respectively. After immersion in 1% NaOH, the smooth surface of bagasse fiber changed to a rough surface to cause the strong adhesion between the fiber and the TPS matrix was obtained. The treated bagasse fiber decreased the ability to absorb water and also improved the stability of the TPS during storage for a long period of time. The temperature at the maximum weight loss was increased up to 345°C when using the treated bagasse fiber 20 wt%. In addition, the treated bagasse fiber can prevented the retrogradation of starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study from India identifies optimal dosages and pH [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bagasse was pretreated with ozone to increase the enzymatic hydrolysis extent of potentially fermentable sugars. Through a 3x4 factorial design, this research studies the influence of operating parameters (moisture content and retention time) on ozonization pretreatment of bagasse in a fixed bed reactor under room conditions. Enzymatic hydrolysis yields of up to 67% were obtained compared to 20% in non-ozonized bagasse. Moisture content and retention time showed significant effect on ozonolysis. And the most efficient conversion was obtained in 50% w/w humidity and 3.5 h retention time. The study also revealed that smaller particle size in the raw bagasse improved the performance of ozonolysis as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some aluminosilicates, for example mullite and wollastonite, are very important in the ceramic and construction industries. The most significant glass-ceramic for building applications has wollastonite as the main crystal phase. In this work we report on the use of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) to produce glass-ceramics with silicates as the major crystalline phases. The glasses (frits) were prepared by mixing ash, limestone (calcium and magnesium carbonates) and potassium carbonate as the fluxing agent. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine the chemical composition of the glasses and their crystallization was assessed by using thermal analysis (DTA/DSC/TGA) and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that glass-ceramic material can be produced with wollastonite as the major phase, at a temperature lower than 900 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis was optimized by dilute-acid pretreatment and subsequent enzymatic treatment. The studied parameters were microwave heating temperature, residence time, and enzyme dosage as the main factors in a central composite design. The amount of released total reducing sugars, glucose, pentose, phenolic compounds, and furfural were measured after each stage. The optimum conditions with suitable concentrations of inhibitors and reducing sugars were applied for bioethanol production. As an example, ethanol was obtained from reducing sugars by Pichia stipitis without detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposition of lignocelluloses by cooperative microbial actions is an essential process of carbon cycling in nature and provides a basis for biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals in biorefineries. In this study, structurally stable symbiotic aero-tolerant lignocellulose-degrading microbial consortia were obtained from biodiversified microflora present in industrial sugarcane bagasse pile (BGC-1), cow rumen fluid (CRC-1), and pulp mill activated sludge (ASC-1) by successive subcultivation on rice straw under facultative anoxic conditions. Tagged 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing revealed that all isolated consortia originated from highly diverse environmental microflora shared similar composite phylum profiles comprising mainly Firmicutes, reflecting convergent adaptation of microcosm structures, however, with substantial differences at refined genus level. BGC-1 comprising cellulolytic Clostridium and Acetanaerobacterium in stable coexistence with ligninolytic Ureibacillus showed the highest capability on degradation of agricultural residues and industrial pulp waste with CMCase, xylanase, and β-glucanase activities in the supernatant. Shotgun pyrosequencing of the BGC-1 metagenome indicated a markedly high relative abundance of genes encoding for glycosyl hydrolases, particularly for lignocellulytic enzymes in 26 families. The enzyme system comprised a unique composition of main-chain degrading and side-chain processing hydrolases, dominated by GH2, 3, 5, 9, 10, and 43, reflecting adaptation of enzyme profiles to the specific substrate. Gene mapping showed metabolic potential of BGC-1 for conversion of biomass sugars to various fermentation products of industrial importance. The symbiotic consortium is a promising simplified model for study of multispecies mechanisms on consolidated bioprocessing and a platform for discovering efficient synergistic enzyme systems for biotechnological application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penicillium echinulatum was evaluated as a cellulolytic enzyme producer in shaking flasks and bioreactor submerged culture using sugarcane bagasse as carbon source. Sodium hydroxide delignified steam-exploded pretreated bagasse (SDB) and hydrothermal pretreated bagasse had a maximum filter paper activity (FPase) of 2.4 and 2.6 FPU/mL, respectively. Delignified acid pretreated bagasse and Celufloc 200TM (CE) carbon sources displayed maximum FPase of 1.3 and 1.6 FPU/mL while in natura bagasse (INB) provided the lowest enzyme activity, ca. 0.4 FPU/mL. Measurement of surface specific area of lignocellulosic material and scanning electron microscopic images showed a possible correlation between fungal mycelia accessibility to lignocellulosic particles and obtained cellulolytic enzyme activity of fermentation broth. Fed-batch experiments performed in a controlled bioreactor attained the highest value of FPase of 3.7 FPU/mL, enzyme productivity of 25.7 FPU/L h, and enzyme yield from cellulose equal to 134 FPU/g with SDB. Enzyme hydrolysis of steam-pretreated bagasse accomplished with the obtained supernatant of fermentation broth (10 FPU/g of biomass and 5 % w/v) performed better than commercial cellulose complex. The results showed that P. echinulatum has potential to be used as an on-site enzyme platform aiming second bioethanol production from sugarcane lignocellulosic residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large scale sugarcane bagasse storage in uncovered stockpiles has the potential to result in adverse impacts on the environment and surrounding communities through hazards associated with nuisance dust, groundwater seepage, spontaneous combustion and generation of contaminated leachates. Managing these hazards will assist in improved health and safety outcomes for factory staff and reduced potential environmental impacts on surrounding communities. Removal of the smaller fibres (pith) from bagasse prior to stockpiling reduced the dust number of bagasse by 50% and modelling suggests peak ground level PM[sub 10] dust emissions would reduce by 70%. Depithed bagasse has much lower water holding capacity (~43%) than whole bagasse. This experimental and modelling study investigated the physical properties of depithed and whole bagasse. Dust dispersion modelling was undertaken to determine the likely effects associated with storage of whole and depithed sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the rate expressions of the acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse using sulfuric acid, obtaining the approximate kinetic models is presented. For the experimental design to acid pretreatment a 2² factorial design was elaborated, varying the reaction temperature (175-185 °C) and the sulfuric acid concentration (0-1.25%). For acid pretreatment a 2³ factorial design was elaborated, varying the reaction temperature (175-195°C), ethanol concentration (10-30 %) and NaOH concentration (1.5-3.0%). For the determination of the rate expressions the differential method of data analysis is applied through of least squares technique. The values of activation energy in reactions of xylose liberation in the acid pretreatment and lignin liberation in basic are determined and compared with those reported in the literature. The influence of the acid concentration variation is studied, as well as the temperature variation through Arrhenius equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High consumption of refined carbohydrate, in particular sugar, has been identified as a possible contributory factor in greater risk of excess weight gain. In spite of data limitations, one recent paper suggests that Australian sugar consumption has decreased over the same time period that obesity has increased, a so called 'Australian Paradox'. Given the significant public health focus on nutrition, we aimed to estimate Australian sugar supply and consumption over recent decades, to determine whether these data could be used to make any conclusions about sugar's role in obesity. Methods: Foods high in sugar were identified. Data relating to sugar supply and consumption from 1988 to 2010 were obtained from multiple sources. Using these data we attempted to generate a time series estimate of sugar in Australia's food supply. Results: Australia produces and exports sugar from sugar cane and the sugar in imported foods has received little attention. We were unable to produce a reliable and robust estimate of total sugars in the Australian diet due to data limitations and a lack of current data sources. However, available Import data showed large increases in the volume and value of imported sweetened products between 1988 and 2010 to over 30 grams of sugar per person per day. Value estimates of local production of sweetened products also show substantial increases in this period. Conclusion: The Australian Paradox assertion is based on incomplete data, as it excludes sugar contained in imported processed foods, which have increased markedly. A major Australian public health target is to improve the quality of the food supply, and actions have been set in terms of achieving broader environmental changes. However, evaluation of progress is hampered by lack of high quality data relating to supply and consumption. We recommend the regular collection of comprehensive food supply statistics, which include both local production and imports. This would provide an inexpensive addition to survey data and could assist in monitoring sugar consumption trends in food supply. Such information would also help inform public health policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]