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We present the synthesis of Activated Carbon (AC) by pyrolysis of Banana (Musa Acuminate) Stem Waste (BSW), and the ability of obtained AC for adsorptive removal of Pb(II) ions from water. Importantly, pyrolysis was performed at 750°C for 2.0 h in the presence of high surface area producing chemical activators such as NaOH, LiOH, H3PO4, ZnCl2, and KOH. BET-surface areas of AC produced with activators NaOH, LiOH, H3PO4, ZnCl2, and KOH were determined to be 908, 1531, 1670, 2245, and 2485 m2 g−1, respectively. Pore volume ascending order was determined as 0.59 (NaOH) < 0.68 (LiOH) < 0.86 (H3PO4) < 0.97 (ZnCl2) <1.18 (KOH) cm3 g−1. SEM and TEM images revealed the porous nature of the ACs. ACs produced with H3PO4, ZnCl2, and KOH exhibit type I adsorption isotherms, indicating their microporous nature. ACs prepared with NaOH and LiOH exhibit type II adsorption isotherms, indicating their macroporous nature. X-ray diffraction, X-Ray photoelectron, and Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed the graphitic structure of ACs. Pb(II) ion adsorption onto ACs surface obeyed the Langmuir model. It was found that the Pb(II) adsorption capacities of the ACs produced with NaOH, LiOH, H3PO4, ZnCl2, and KOH as the chemical activators were 220, 283, 326, 329, and 435 mg g−1, respectively, at the optimised conditions (pH = 6.6, contact time = 100 min, [ACs] = 0.125 g L−1, at 30°C). The interaction between surface functional groups of ACs and Pb(II) ions was confirmed by X-Ray photoelectron and FT-Infrared spectroscopy. The negative values of ΔGo and ΔHo reveal that the Pb(II) ion adsorption onto the ACs surface is spontaneous and exothermic. The Pb(II) ion adsorption capacity increased with an increase in BET-SA and pore volume of ACs, with AC obtained from BSW with KOH exhibiting the highest adsorption capacity of 435 mg g−1. Thus, the study highlights BSW, agricultural biomass waste is a low-cost and abundantly available carbon precursor to synthesise potential AC adsorbent for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant residue from ethanol and sugar industry, was used in its natural form (SB) and carbonised (CS) as adsorbent for removing acetylsalicylic acid from aqueous solutions. The surface area, porosity, functional groups and surface charges of the adsorbents were characterised by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and Barret–Joyner–Halenda methods, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and point of zero charge. Analysis indicated that C- and O-containing functional groups may be involved in the adsorption process. Batch experiments were also performed to evaluate the effects of pH, temperature and time on the sorption. The materials exhibited high adsorption efficiency at low pH. Results revealed that the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and pseudo-second-order provided the best fitting to the experimental data for biosorbent SB and biochar CS, respectively. Liu isotherm model describes the adsorption equilibrium for biochar suggesting that the carbonised surface had a heterogeneous nature with Qmax of 32.73 mg g−1 at 298 K. Besides, intraparticle diffusion model suggests that adsorption of ASA onto activated carbon was controlled by multiple steps. This study demonstrated that carbonised sugarcane bagasse is a potential adsorbent for removing acetylsalicylic acid from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion constitutes a sustainable method for waste management and renewable energy generation, addressing significant environmental and societal challenges. The growing global waste crisis and the increasing momentum toward sustainable energy solutions emphasize the critical need to enhance anaerobic digestion technology for improved efficiency and environmental advantages. This process mitigates waste accumulation, enhances energy security, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing a feasible solution within the framework of a circular bioeconomy. Here, we review the principles of anaerobic digestion and biogas production, focusing on agricultural waste and the utilization of biogas for energy within a sustainable framework. We specifically explore biogas applications in rural and industrial settings, assess the environmental impacts, and discuss the regulatory landscape with insights from China and Europe. This study reveals that the strategic implementation of anaerobic digestion can markedly improve energy yield and sustainability, demonstrating how focused policies and advanced technological practices can optimize biogas utilization. The review enhances comprehension of environmental impacts, emphasizing insights from China and Europe as key examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the possibility of using Citrus limetta peel powder (CLPP) as a filler in polymer composites was analyzed. The density of CLPP was fixed as 1310 ± 33.21 kg/m3. This lower density enables us to make lightweight composites. The higher cellulose percentage (60.46 ± 8.22 wt.%) in the CLPP was confirmed by a chemical analysis. Cellulose categories I and IV present in the CLPP were determined using X-ray diffractometry. The crystallinity index of the CLPP was calculated to be 34.77%. Thermal analysis proved that the CLPP could withstand temperatures up to 200 °C with cellulose degradation occurring at around 300 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that the surface of the CLPP was free from impurities. The lower average roughness (Ra) value of 14.882 nm confirmed the presence of a smoother surface in the CLPP. A comparison of 8 wt.% CLPP-filled composites with all other wt.% (0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 wt.%) showed that the former had increased tensile (59.21 MPa), flexural (68.38 MPa), and impact (113.61 J/m) strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the potentiality of renewable energy resources holds significant importance, with biomass emerging as a crucial alternative for both energy and material needs. Consequently, predicting the mechanical properties of these resources has become a focal point. This study focuses on the analysis of fundamental products resulting from the pyrolysis process, specifically char, extracted from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Char, Cashew biochar, and Sugarcane biochar and examining erosion performance of polyester composites. The polyester composites subjected to erosion tests to determine their wear resistance at various impact angles. Among the studied composites, those including cashew biochar shown enhanced erosion resistance, with the least erosive wear at a 60° impact angle. The investigation aims at optimizing the erosion performance of these biomass-based composites using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The ANN was trained to predict erosive wear behavior using input factors as biochar type, filler content, and impact angle. The model effectively found ideal conditions for decreasing wear, demonstrating the potential of Cashew biochar-filled composites for applications needing high erosion resistance. This work sheds light on the successful usage of biochar fillers in improving the durability of polyester composites, presenting a sustainable alternative for materials engineering. Article Highlights: Cashew biochar-filled composites showed the least erosive wear at a 60˚ impact angle, optimizing erosion resistance. ANN model effectively predicted erosion behaviour, identifying ideal conditions to minimize wear in composites. Biochar fillers, particularly Cashew biochar, enhance polyester composite durability, offering a sustainable material alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic pyrolysis of biomass is a promising process for the conversion of agricultural residues into renewable bio-oils, wherein zeolites play a key role in their upgrading. In this work, peanut shell pyrolysis was catalysed by micro/mesoporous ZSM-11 zeolites modified by the incorporation of zirconium. Mesopores were generated in the microporous zeolitic structure by post synthesis alkaline treatment using potassium hydroxide as basic medium. The effect of this treatment and its parameters were studied in detail. The obtained materials were extensively characterized. Results showed that micro/mesoporous ZSM-11 zeolites maintained their crystalline structure after the desilication process and presented excellent textural properties, such as 30% higher BET surface and 370% higher mesopore volume. Zirconium incorporation increased the amount of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. Pyrolysis tests in presence of Zr-zeolites produced 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), a potential biofuel with high energy density, among other high value products for the chemical industry. Particularly, micro/mesoporous zeolite modified with Zr resulted in 25 wt% selectivity to DMF in bio-oil, then is presented as an excellent catalyst for pyrolysis of agricultural wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous silica was synthesized from cornhusk using the sol–gel polymeric route and compared with ash obtained from the direct combustion process under laboratory conditions. The unmodified ash from the direct combustion process was dissolved in NaOH for 1 h to form sodium silicate, which was subsequently hydrolyzed with citric acid to yield a silica xerogel. The obtained xerogel was characterized using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), gas sorption techniques to determine their elemental constituents, functional groups, crystalline phases, thermal stability, and porosity, respectively. The results showed that the synthesized silica xerogel exhibited porous network structures with a high-specific surface area and mesopore volume of 384 m2/g and 0.35 cm3/g, respectively. The pore size distribution revealed a complete transformation of the pore network structures of the unmodified ash from a monomodal to a bimodal pore system, with micro- and mesopore peaks centered around 1.5 and 3.8 nm, respectively. The ICP-OES results showed that the silica content significantly increased from 52.93 to 91.96 wt.% db after the sol–gel treatment. XRD diffraction confirmed the amorphicity of the silica particles obtained from the sol–gel extraction method. In addition, the STA data showed that the silica xerogel has high thermal stability compared to the unmodified ash, as the latter exhibited poor thermal stability and low textural properties. The high surface area and narrow pore cavity size distribution of the porous silica xerogel make it an ideal substrate for catalysts and an excellent template for growing other nanoparticles within the pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the production of activated carbon from agricultural waste, specifically Punica granatum peel, and its application as an eco-friendly solution for removing copper (Cu2+) ions from industrial effluents, particularly those from copper-plating industries. The Punica granatum peel was chemically activated using ortho-phosphoric acid to produce activated carbon. The activation process involved impregnation followed by thermal activation at 500 °C. The resultant activated carbon was characterized using FTIR, TGA/DTA, and adsorption tests at room temperature and pH 5, which demonstrated a Cu2+ ion retention rate exceeding 95% within the first 15 minutes. The adsorption kinetics were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, while the adsorption isotherms was examined using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The study demonstrated that the activated carbon derived from Punica granatum peel exhibits high adsorption efficiency for Cu2+ ions, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 19.62 mg/g. The adsorption process was best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the nonlinear Langmuir isotherm model. The newly developed activated carbon exhibits a markedly higher adsorption efficiency compared to existing activated carbons, highlighting its innovative potential for adsorbing Cu2+ ions. Consequently, its use proves to be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for treating copper-contaminated industrial effluents. In fact, this research offers a dual benefit by providing a sustainable waste management solution for agricultural residues and an effective method for treating industrial effluents. Incorporating this activated carbon in post-copper plating rinsing water treatment ensures regulatory compliance and facilitates water reuse. This approach also supports copper recovery and reuse in new plating baths, promoting cyclic material circulation within the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction is one of the economic sectors with the greatest influence on climate change. In addition to working procedures, the primary carbon footprint is attributed to the choice of materials and the energy required for their manufacturing. The underlying idea of this study is to minimize the effects and offer new solutions to emerging problems in the quest for materials that can be deemed as natural, such as gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) and rice straw (Oryza sativa). The acquisition of these materials involves a lower carbon footprint compared to the conventional materials. It is well known since ancient times that gypsum and cereal straw can be used in construction, with numerous examples still available. Cereal straw is one of the oldest construction materials, traditionally combined with earth and occasionally with certain binders, with it continuing to be employed in construction in many countries to this day. This work showcases the feasibility of producing stable prefabricated elements from straw waste with construction gypsum, addressing a significant environmental concern posed by the alternative of having to burn such materials. In this study, for the proposed bio-based material, specific tests, such as thermal conductivity, flexural and compressive strength, and fire resistance, were carried out to evaluate the principal physical and mechanical characteristics for different compositions of water, gypsum, and straw fiber samples. The results highlighted the good performance of the proposed materials in order to spread their use in the green building industry. The addition of straw fibers improved, in different ways, some important physical characteristics of these components so as to diminish environmental pollution and to obtain better material performance. The tests highlighted the different behaviors of the proposed material with respect to the different cuts of the straw and as well as the water/gypsum ratio; this is not very well understood and probably depends on the micro structure of the straw fibers. The blocks with raw straw showed a significant improvement in the breaking mechanism (1775.42 N) compared to the blocks with cut straw (712.26 N) when subjected to bending tests, and their performance in compression tests was also acceptable. Additionally, a very interesting reduction in thermal conductivity was achieved by incorporating rice straw (0.233 W/mK), and high fire exposure times were obtained, with gypsum preventing the spread of ignition in any type of fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess phosphorus (P) in agricultural runoff can cause eutrophication in nearby waterbodies. Therefore, it is crucial to remove P from agricultural runoff before it reaches aquatic environments. This study evaluated the P adsorption potential of adsorbents prepared via co-hydrothermal carbonization of multiple agricultural wastes, including dairy manure (DM), corn stover (CS), and eggshell (ES), followed by thermal activation. The performance of the prepared adsorbents was investigated by both batch and column experiments. The activated hydrochar (AHC) with a DM/CS/ES ratio of 1:0:1 showed the highest P adsorption capacity of 209 ± 0.6 and 65.97 ± 9.04 mg/g in batch and column experiments, respectively. The P adsorption mechanism was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.8802) and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model (R2 > 0.8989). The adsorbent indicated the longest breakthrough and exhaust time of 210 and 540 min, respectively, with an adsorbent dose of 1 g and an initial concentration of 25 mg P/L. The breakthrough curve was well described by the Thomas model (R2 > 0.971). Thus, this study indicates that AHC with eggshell has high potential for use as an adsorbent for P removal from agricultural runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Energy is a crucial element in the industrialization and socio-economic development process of any nation. While in developing economies, proactive measures are taken towards making for energy adequacy, the need to develop an alternative source of energy cannot be over-emphasized. This project suggests a way forward in exploiting and developing biogas from different substrates for rural communities. Biogas technology from animal dung is feasible for smallholders with livestock producing 5kg manure per day, an equivalent of 4 pigs or 2 cows. The size of the digester was focused on achieving the desired output which is the biogas itself using anaerobic digestion and the substrates used were cow dung, pig dung, and poultry droppings. This fabrication was made to show a simple demonstration of biogas production by decomposition of cow dung, pig dung, and poultry dropping. Three digesters were made from plastic tanks of 9-liter capacity. The digester was connected to the water displacement setup for the gas collection. Each substrate had two (2) replicas, so as to get average and more accurate results, making a total of nine (9) fabricated digesters. The water displacement method of gas collection was adopted. The mode of feeding used was batch feeding (discontinued feeding). From the comparisons, it was evaluated that 5kg of Poultry droppings produced approximately 0.0133 liters of biogas per day. An adult pig, which produces about 5kg of manure daily (out of which is 90% water, a 7% volatile solid), produces an average of 0.2301 liters of biogas daily, and 5 kg of Cow dung produces about 0.0052 liters of biogas - all under 30 days retention time, and same environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global population and subsequent demand for agricultural products have led to a surge in agricultural waste generation, posing significant disposal challenges. Conventional disposal methods such as burning and dumping not only harm the environment but also jeopardize human health and safety. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable waste management, researchers have increasingly focused on repurposing agricultural plant waste as a valuable resource. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the potential of agricultural plant waste in wealth creation and sustainable development. It highlights the detrimental impacts of current disposal methods and emphasizes the necessity for alternative approaches. By analyzing the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of plant fibers, particularly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, this review underscores their suitability for diverse applications. Moreover, it explores the emerging trend of utilizing pineapple leaf fiber, a sustainable and lightweight material, in structural applications, such as UAV construction. With its exceptional mechanical properties and biodegradability, pineapple leaf fiber holds promise as a viable alternative to traditional materials, contributing to a more sustainable future. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift towards embracing agricultural plant waste as a valuable asset for economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. It underscores the importance of continued research and technological advancements to unlock the full potential of agricultural waste in fostering a circular economy and driving sustainable development globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization and industrialization have increased dependence on the fast-depleting non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels. To mitigate this challenge, it is imperative to source an alternative, through the conversion of agricultural waste to other usable forms of energy. This study focuses on the production of alkali-pretreated solid biofuel from cabbage waste using cassava waste as binder. Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, calorific value, and physicochemical parameters of treated cabbage briquette (TCB) and untreated cabbage briquette (UCB) were assessed before and after delignification. Eco-friendliness and the presence of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in both UCB and TCB were evaluated using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). While surface modification and bond orientation of TCB and UCB samples were monitored using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, respectively, ultimate analysis recorded a mean carbon value of 47.98 ± 0.13 wt% (UCB) and 49.48 ± 0.06 wt% (TCB). The recorded mean density values of 0.58 ± 0.10 and 0.64 ± 0.22 g/cm3 were noted for UCB and TCB, respectively, with compressive strength of 0.62 ± 0.03 (UCB) and 0.69 ± 0.20 N/mm2 (TCB) at p < 0.05, while the calorific values were 10.20 ± 0.12 and 13.41 ± 0.02 MJ/kg for UCB and TCB, respectively, at p < 0.05. EDXRF results ascertained a reduction in PTEs concentration which aligns with the recorded low mean TCB ash content value of 1.94 ± 0.22% at carbon counts of 1000. The FTIR recorded a shift in C-O stretch of TCB and UCB with recorded values of 1006 and 1002 cm−1, respectively, signifying surface modification, while the SEM micrographs show a surface disruption and modification with flakes-like morphology. The finding of this study shows that delignification improves the combustion properties of the treated solid biofuel when compared to the untreated briquette samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a comprehensive study of Theobroma cacao pericarp (TCP) residues, which has been prepared, characterized, and tested as an inexpensive and efficient biosorbent of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of TCP obtained at optimal conditions (pH = 2, dose = 0.5 g L−1, C0 = 100 mg L−1) was qmax = 48.5 mg g−1, which is one of the highest values reported by the literature. Structural and morphological characterization has been performed by FTIR, SEM/EDX, and pHPZC measurements. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of O–H, –NH, –NH2, C = H, C = O, C = C, C–O, and C–C functional groups that would be involved in the Cr(VI) biosorption processes. The experimental equilibrium data of biosorption process were successfully fitted to non-linear Langmuir (R2 = 0.95, χ2 = 11.0), Freundlich (R2 = 0.93, χ2 = 14.8), and Temkin (R2 = 0.93, χ2 = 14.7) isotherm models. Kinetics experimental data were well adjustment to non-linear pseudo-2nd (R2 = 0.99, χ2 = 2.08)- and pseudo-1st-order kinetic models (R2 = 0.98, χ2 = 2.25) and also to intra-particle Weber-Morris (R2 = 0.98) and liquid film diffusion (R2 = 0.99) models. These results indicate that Cr(VI) biosorption on heterogeneous surfaces as well as on monolayers of TCP would be a complex process controlled by chemisorption and physisorption mechanisms. The thermodynamic results indicate that the Cr(VI) biosorption on TCP is a feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic process. TCP can be regenerated with NaOH and reused up to 3 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While gamma irradiation's damaging biological effects are well-established, the natural radioprotective agents from agricultural waste remain an underexplored area of significant potential. Aim of study: This study was to investigate the novel use of pomegranate peel ethanol extract (PE) as a radioprotective agent against gamma radiation damage. Methods: We pretreated Wistar rats with PE (100 mg/kg) for 14 days prior to 6 Gy gamma irradiation. We analyzed blood biochemicals, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. These included tests of red cell membrane integrity, lipid and protein oxidation, antioxidant enzyme levels, and cytokine profiles. Results: The study showed that PE demonstrated remarkable radioprotective effects across multiple parameters. Antioxidants were significantly enhanced, as evidenced by increased glutathione peroxidase activity (87.00 ± 6.11 mg/ml in PE-treated irradiated rats compared to 26.40 ± 1.21 mg/ml in irradiated controls). Oxidative damage was markedly reduced, with MDA levels dropping from 9.59 ± 0.24 nmol/ml in irradiated controls to near-control levels in PE-treated rats. Notably, PE treatment resulted in unprecedented maintenance of red blood cell membrane integrity post-irradiation. Furthermore, PE exhibited novel modulation of inflammatory cytokines, effectively reducing pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α while simultaneously boosting anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 levels. These multifaceted protective effects highlight PE's potential as a comprehensive radioprotective agent. Conclusion: This study presents PE as an effective new natural radioprotective agent. Its protective effect is due to its high polyphenol content, which enhances antioxidant defenses, reduces oxidative damage, and prevents inflammation. The findings open new avenues for sustainable, cost-effective radioprotection strategies and demonstrate the potential for repurposing agricultural byproducts for critical health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon (AC) synthesis and application have been extensively studied. However, reports on its deployment in smoke particle filters are limited. The present study synthesised AC from two agricultural wastes, namely coconut shell (CS) and palm kernel shell (PKS). The AC was incorporated into a custom-made smoke muffler to filter smoke from paddy straw combustion. Phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride were employed to produce the AC via a physicochemical method. CS and PKS were subjected to microwave radiation, a one-to-one (1:1) activation ratio, 30 min of impregnation time, and 4 min of radiation. Background studies were conducted on the starting materials, including lignocellulosic content and proximal and ultimate evaluations. The AC samples procured were characterised with Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses. The zinc chloride-activated CS (MZCS) produced the optimal AC under minimal conditions, documenting a 391.26 m2 g -1 BET surface area. Based on FESEM results, the MZCS distributed smoke particles evenly, demonstrating smoke adsorbent abilities. The results also indicated a favourable physical interaction between the surface and smoke particles. Conclusively, the MZCS possesses potential as a smoke filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, many tea seeds, the ripe seeds of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze), are discarded as agricultural waste. Therefore, the tea seed oil that could have been obtained from tea seeds has also been wasted. To fully understand the content and efficacy of the main active ingredients in tea seed oil (TSO), the chemical composition and activity characteristics of TSO in different areas of Guizhou, China were investigated. The results demonstrated that TSO had high content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and good skincare properties, such as antioxidation, anti-ultraviolet, moisturizing, whitening, and bacteriostasis. Furthermore, TSO showed a scavenging effect on reactive oxygen species in mouse fibroblasts cells (L929) and rat cardiomyocytes cells (H9C2). TSO exhibited high biocompatibility and promoted the proliferation and migration of L929. Southwest Guizhou (T4) and southern Guizhou (T6) might be used as high-quality producing areas for cosmetic oil by the weight analysis of each indicator. In summary, as the main producing area of tea in the world, this study helps to alleviate the problem of low oil self-sufficiency in China. The work offers a scientific basis for the in-depth development of TSO, especially in the field of skin care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yield attributes and nutrient compositions of Pleurotus pulmonarius under four different substrates (maize-kernel, Empty Palm Fruit Bunch (EPFB), Dry Banana Leaf (DBL), and the Control) were studied in a humid tropical environment. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with nine replications. Variations in the morphological, proximate, vitamin, and phytochemical attributes of the mushrooms were recorded. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. The result revealed a significant substrate effect on the studied attributes. The DBL substrate significantly improved the pileus circumference (39.07 cm), pileus area (124.6 cm), length of stipe (6.37 cm), pileus diameter (12.43 cm), and moisture content in P. pulmonarius, while the maize-kernel substrate had significantly higher protein (4.6%) and flavonoids (14.42%) contents compared to other substrates. The substrate from EPFB gave significantly higher levels of vitamin B1 (3.8 mg/100 g), vitamin B2 (5.7 mg/100 g), vitamin C (114 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (17.4 mg/100 g) than the other substrates. The correlation results reveal that the concentrations of phytochemicals in P. pulmonarius tend to decrease as the morphological attributes expand. This substrate effect can be harnessed to produce mushrooms for specific needs. EPFB substrates can be used to enhance dietary supplementation and antioxidant activity in human nutrition. Mushrooms grown on the substrate formulated with maize kernel could serve as an alternative for animal protein because of their high protein content, while mushrooms produced on the DBL substrate with the highest yield in most attributes are recommended for commercial cultivation of P. pulmonarius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining, particularly gold mining, is a lucrative industry. However, it poses significant environmental risks, such as releasing heavy metal elements into the soil and water. After gold mines are exhausted, whether they are small or large scale, the excavated sites often need to be repaired. This situation has led to a global concern regarding the presence of heavy metals from mining activities, which are known to be carcinogenic and harmful to living organisms. The concentration of heavy metals in these areas often surpasses safety limits, necessitating advanced treatment methods for their removal, especially lead (Pb) compounds from gold mining-impacted water. One effective treatment method is the adsorption process. This study examined POFA's inherent capacity to remove lead from water contaminated by gold mining without modification. This method was preferred due to its high efficiency and cost-effective option for removing heavy metal compounds. According to the experiment's results, the largest adsorption capacity of 0.816 mg/g was followed by the greatest removal efficiency of 91.837%. The isotherm analysis found that the Langmuir model provided an outstanding fit for the experimental data. Thus, this relationship suggested that on the surface of the POFA, a monolayer and an adsorption process suitable for physical adsorption took place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the potential of agricultural waste, specifically flax straw, as a sustainable raw material for eco-friendly packaging materials. This study investigates a three-stage delignification process involving nitric acid, alkaline treatment, and organosolvent solutions. This method effectively removes lignin from the straw, resulting in high-quality technical pulp with 67.7% α-cellulose and a significantly reduced ash content (8.5%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to characterize the treated flax straw. XRD analysis revealed changes in the cellulose structure, while TGA indicated enhanced thermal stability compared to untreated straw. Microscopic analysis of the pulp fibers shows a parallel and aligned arrangement, suggesting a high fiber content and a strong paper lattice. The particle size distribution of the ground pulp, influenced by fiber size, has implications for the packing density and mechanical properties of the final product. This study demonstrates the potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable source for packaging materials, contributing to the circular economy and waste reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal is a non-renewable energy supply, exerting environmental threat by generating fly ash and toxic gases. As a renewable energy source, bio coal briquettes made from agricultural waste have a tremendous potential to replace coal. Using bio coal-based fly ash (BFA) as Geopolymer mortar, authors of the current study have discovered a novel, environmentally friendly method for controlling carbon emissions, raw material consumption, and land degradation caused by building materials. This research provides a mechanical and micro-structural analysis of fly ash, a by-product of burning bio-coal briquettes as fuel. Three bio coal briquettes from various farm wastes, including cotton, maize, and groundnut shells, were examined. SEM–EDX on BFA to show mimicking characteristics compared to coal-based fly ash is a significant study of micro-structural property (CFA). Fly ash samples from CB, MB, and GB contained 3.55%, 5.38%, and 10.36% of alumina, 11.40%, 14.24%, and 31.39% of silica 20.35%, 18.82%, and 5.39% of calcium, respectively. Cast, cured, and analysed for compressive strength with various alkaline activator ratios of CB, MB, and GB-based BFA with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), sand, and alkaline activators. Samples CB-BFA, MB-BFA, and GB-BFA had maximal compressive strengths of 35.79 N/mm2, 36.98 N/mm2, and 37.67 N/mm2, respectively. The observed results of various BFA samples were significantly good, indicating that it has a high potential for use as a construction material in a variety of applications such as paver blocks, bricks, concrete, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, vermicomposted corn waste was applied to the organic cultivation of cherry tomato seedlings under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Brazilian semiarid region, and the effects were evaluated in the soil-plant system. Method: The vermicomposts were prepared by mixing corn waste in an organic substrate. The experiment was divided into two parts: sowing in trays and growing seedlings in pots. In both steps, the following biometric attributes were evaluated: plant size, root length, root weight, aboveground biomass, leaf weight, and leaf area. Three vermicompost concentrations were assessed: 1.5%, 3.0%, and 6.0% (m/m). As a control, a soil sample without vermicompost was also evaluated. Results: In general, plants that grew in a substrate containing vermicompost developed more when compared to the sample control (19.2-22.0 vs 15 cm). Furthermore, in general, plants cultivated with higher vermicompost concentrations presented better results in all evaluated parameters. In addition, a sample composed of a mixture of corn straw and cob showed the best results, indicating that joint management of both residues is advantageous for all assessed attributes. Conclusion: The results confirm the expectation that it is possible to apply vermicomposted corn residues in the organic cultivation of cherry tomatoes and that the strategy of carrying out germination in a tray, followed by transplantation into pots, had a positive effect on the development of seedlings. When compared to other studies, the climatic and edaphoclimatic conditions experienced in this work did not interfere with plant development, since the seedlings showed good development results in all evaluated parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The determination of the potentiality of renewable energy resources holds significant importance, with biomass emerging as a crucial alternative for both energy and material needs. Consequently, predicting the mechanical properties of these resources has become a focal point. This study focuses on the analysis of fundamental products resulting from the pyrolysis process, specifically char, extracted from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Char, Cashew biochar, and Sugarcane biochar and examining erosion performance of polyester composites. The polyester composites subjected to erosion tests to determine their wear resistance at various impact angles. Among the studied composites, those including cashew biochar shown enhanced erosion resistance, with the least erosive wear at a 60° impact angle. The investigation aims at optimizing the erosion performance of these biomass-based composites using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The ANN was trained to predict erosive wear behavior using input factors as biochar type, filler content, and impact angle. The model effectively found ideal conditions for decreasing wear, demonstrating the potential of Cashew biochar-filled composites for applications needing high erosion resistance. This work sheds light on the successful usage of biochar fillers in improving the durability of polyester composites, presenting a sustainable alternative for materials engineering.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The livestock sector contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions generated from livestock mainly originate from enteric fermentation, which is strongly influenced by feed quality. The utilization of fermented rice straw as a source of crude fiber for animal feed is one solution for providing high-quality feed. Central Java is one of the centers of cattle farming and rice production in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from fermented straw feed formula commonly practiced by cattle farmers in Central Java.METHODS: Greenhouse gas production was conducted in vitro using three formulas arranged in a completely randomized design with six replications. The three feed formula treatments were: 30 percent king grass + 35 percent rice bran+ 35 percent wheat bran (treatment one), 30 percent fermented rice straw + 35 percent rice bran + 35 percent wheat bran (treatment two), and 30 percent fermented rice straw + 70 percent concentrate (treatment three). Feed nutrient content and enteric gas production were analyzed to determine the quality of the feed formula as well as to determine feed digestibility and greenhouse gas production during the digestion process. The gas production was measured at regular intervals of 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide contents were analyzed using gas chromatography. Data on nutrient content and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were analyzed using analysis of variance, and the estimated greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using the ideal gas equation approach.FINDINGS: The quality of the feed formula influences the amountof greenhouse gases emission produced by enteric fermentation processes. The feed quality of treatment one was equivalent to that of treatment two. The treatment three feed formulation had a crude protein content approximately 3 percent higher than that of treatment one and treatment two. The digestibility of dry matter and organic matter values did not show significant differences between the treatments. The feed formula treatment two can reduce potential greenhouse gas emissions by 1.81 percent from treatment one, whereas treatment three can reduce potential greenhouse gas emissions by 27.78 percent from treatment one and by 26.4 percent from treatment two. These results indicate that feed formulas with higher crude protein content have greater potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This finding can be used to mitigate and develop strategies to improve feed quality by utilizing agricultural waste as a broader low greenhouse gas emission livestock management effortCONCLUSION: Utilization of fermented straw has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from enteric fermentation and contamination of unutilized straw waste and has the opportunity to reduce land use and greenhouse gas emissions from forage plants. Efforts to utilize fermented straw as a low greenhouse gas emission feed need to be followed by improvements in feed quality. More comprehensive studies need to be carried out on the variations in feed formulas based on differences in regional resources, the economic feasibility of utilizing fermented straw combined with various feed ingredients, and the life cycle assessment of straw utilization as a feed ingredient based on geographical, social, economic, technological, and environmental dimensions.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) pellets derived from agricultural waste and assess their potential as feed for Rex rabbits. The research employed an experimental approach, utilizing agricultural and plantation waste to produce TMR pellets. The study was conducted in two stages: pellet production and rabbit feeding trials. Three formulations of TMR pellets were developed with varying concentrations of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB): P1 (5% EFB), P2 (10% EFB), and P3 (15% EFB). The optimal formulation was subsequently used for the feeding trials. Rabbit feed treatments included T0 (60% commercial pellet + 40% forage), T1 (40% commercial pellet + 20% TMR pellet + 40% forage), T2 (30% commercial pellet + 30% TMR pellet + 40% forage), and T3 (60% TMR pellet + 40% forage). Results from the pellet analysis indicated no significant differences in organoleptic properties among the formulations. The durability test yielded the highest value of 98.77%, while the proximate analysis of the P1 formulation showed a dry matter content of 85.67%, ash content of 10.35%, organic matter of 89.65%, crude protein of 18.65%, crude fat of 18.72%, and crude fiber of 19.18%. In the rabbit feeding trials, there were no significant differences in rabbit performance when compared to those fed with commercial pellets. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that agricultural waste can be effectively utilized as a raw material for rabbit feed pellets, offering comparable quality to commercial alternatives. This research highlights the potential of agricultural waste in reducing environmental pollution while providing an economically viable alternative for animal feed.

Abstract Background While gamma irradiation’s damaging biological effects are well-established, the natural radioprotective agents from agricultural waste remain an underexplored area of significant potential. Aim of study This study was to investigate the novel use of pomegranate peel ethanol extract (PE) as a radioprotective agent against gamma radiation damage. Methods We pretreated Wistar rats with PE (100 mg/kg) for 14 days prior to 6 Gy gamma irradiation. We analyzed blood biochemicals, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. These included tests of red cell membrane integrity, lipid and protein oxidation, antioxidant enzyme levels, and cytokine profiles. Results The study showed that PE demonstrated remarkable radioprotective effects across multiple parameters. Antioxidants were significantly enhanced, as evidenced by increased glutathione peroxidase activity (87.00 ± 6.11 mg/ml in PE-treated irradiated rats compared to 26.40 ± 1.21 mg/ml in irradiated controls). Oxidative damage was markedly reduced, with MDA levels dropping from 9.59 ± 0.24 nmol/ml in irradiated controls to near-control levels in PE-treated rats. Notably, PE treatment resulted in unprecedented maintenance of red blood cell membrane integrity post-irradiation. Furthermore, PE exhibited novel modulation of inflammatory cytokines, effectively reducing pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α while simultaneously boosting anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 levels. These multifaceted protective effects highlight PE’s potential as a comprehensive radioprotective agent. Conclusion This study presents PE as an effective new natural radioprotective agent. Its protective effect is due to its high polyphenol content, which enhances antioxidant defenses, reduces oxidative damage, and prevents inflammation. The findings open new avenues for sustainable, cost-effective radioprotection strategies and demonstrate the potential for repurposing agricultural byproducts for critical health applications.

Mining, particularly gold mining, is a lucrative industry. However, it poses significant environmental risks, such as releasing heavy metal elements into the soil and water. After gold mines are exhausted, whether they are small or large scale, the excavated sites often need to be repaired. This situation has led to a global concern regarding the presence of heavy metals from mining activities, which are known to be carcinogenic and harmful to living organisms. The concentration of heavy metals in these areas often surpasses safety limits, necessitating advanced treatment methods for their removal, especially lead (Pb) compounds from gold mining waste. One effective treatment method is the adsorption process. This study examined POFA's inherent capacity to remove lead from water contaminated by gold mining without modification. This method was preferred due to its high efficiency and cost-effective option for removing heavy metal compounds. According to the experiment's results, the largest adsorption capacity of 0.816 mg/g was followed by the greatest removal efficiency of 91.837%. The isotherm analysis found that the Langmuir model provided an outstanding fit for the experimental data. Thus, this relationship suggested that on the surface of the POFA, a monolayer and an adsorption process suitable for physical adsorption took place.

Background: Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) are vegetables with a high waste index mainly related to stems and leaves. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from these wastes were proposed to be used as plant biostimulants. Life cycle assessment methodology was also applied to evaluate environmental performances related to cauliflower and artichoke byproducts. Results: Hydrolysates (HYs) were chemically and biologically characterized. Amino acids, organic acids, amines, polyols, mineral elements, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and sulfur compounds were identified and quantified by means of NMR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV–visible analyses. Cauliflower leaf and flower HYs showed the highest concentration of free amino acids, whereas stems showed the highest concentration of Ca. Regarding artichoke, asparagine, glutamine and aspartic acid were exclusively detected in stems, whereas artichoke leaves showed the highest Mg and Mn levels together with the highest antioxidant activity. The HYs diluted in water were tested as biostimulants. The impacts of five concentrations of HYs (0.00, 0.28, 0.84, 2.52 and 7.56 g L−1) on seed germination and early seedling growth of crimson clover, alfalfa, durum wheat and corn were investigated. Conclusions: The application of artichoke biostimulant (0.28 g L−1) positively influenced the coefficient of velocity of germination in alfalfa, crimson clover and durum wheat, whereas cauliflower biostimulant significantly improved corn germination speed. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant food‐related risk factor, posing potential threats to human health through dietary intake and the food chain. This review comprehensively analyses the impact of MPs as a novel food safety risk factor on human health (in particular on the gastrointestinal route). Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanisms by which dietary fibers (DFs) may alleviate the health risks associated with MPs. The impact of DFs on human health is intricately linked to factors such as their size, concentration, and composition. We characterize current knowledge and highlight gaps. Although DFs may be a potential strategy to reduce the impact of MPs on organism health, more in‐depth studies are needed to determine their practical effects and application prospects. In particular, research on MPs that actively reduce intake in vivo remains relatively limited and needs to receive more attention from the scientific community.

Abstract The global shift towards using biomass for biofuels and chemicals is accelerating due to increasing environmental concerns and geopolitical strategies. This study investigates a biorefinery model using citrus-processing-waste, specifically citrus pulp, to produce high-value products for various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flavours, fragrances, and food packaging. In Italy, particularly Sicily region, citrus processing generates significant amounts of waste, often improperly disposed of, contributing to environmental problems. Researchers have demonstrated that citrus waste can yield commercially valuable compounds. This study specifically focuses on orange peel waste (OPW), which constitutes about half of the fruit's weight, aiming to extract pectin and limonene through a combined process. The extraction process was carried out on a laboratory scale, and its sustainability was evaluated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) with SimaPro 8.1 software and the Impact 2002 + method. The functional unit adopted for this study is 300 g of OPW, obtained after the pre-treatment phase, from which 0.14 g of limonene and 8.22 g of pectin were extracted. The LCA results revealed that pectin extraction has a significantly higher environmental impact compared to limonene extraction, primarily due to the use of ethanol as a solvent, followed by electricity consumption. To mitigate this impact, the LCA assessed alternative, more sustainable solvents, resulting in a 73.4% reduction in the environmental footprint of the pectin extraction process. These findings underscore the critical role of LCA, even at the laboratory scale, in identifying environmental hotspots and providing insights for improving and optimizing processes for potential industrial-scale applications.

A cellulose-based aerogel has been synthesized from rambutan peel to mitigate environmental pollution caused by agricultural waste, rendering it an eco-friendly material with potential applications in oil spill remediation as well as enhancing the value of this fruit. The objective of this study was to extract cellulose from rambutan peel using chlorination and alkalization processes, followed by optimizing the synthesis conditions of cellulose-based aerogels from rambutan peel through experimental designs to improve oil removal efficiency. In this research, cellulose-based aerogel material was synthesized using the sol-gel method, utilizing waste from rambutan peel as the substrate and polyvinyl alcohol as the cross-linking agent, followed by freeze-drying. A central composite design with 30 different experimental setups was employed to investigate the influence of cellulose content (1.0–2.0%), cross-linking agent (polyvinyl alcohol) content (0.1–0.3%), ultrasonic time (5–15 min), and ultrasonic power (100–300W) on the oil adsorption capacity (g/g) of cellulose-based aerogels from rambutan peel. The research findings demonstrated successful extraction of cellulose from rambutan peel through chlorination, followed by softening with 17.5% (w/v) sodium hydroxide. Response surface plots indicated that maximizing the cellulose component could lead to a maximum diesel oil adsorption capacity of up to 52.301 g/g. Cellulose-based aerogel exhibits ultra-lightweight properties (0.027±0.002 g/cm3), high porosity (97.88±0.19), hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 152.7°), and superior oil selective adsorption compared to several commercially available materials in the market, demonstrating promising potential for application in treating oil-contaminated water in real-world scenarios.

Abstract Background Discarded potato is the most abundant potato waste and represents a worldwide disposal problem to the potato industry. This agricultural waste contains valuable nutrients that could be used as substrate to obtain diverse high value-added microbial products, such as biopigments. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of discarded potato as a sole substrate source for producing blue pigments by Streptomyces lydicus PM7 through submerged fermentation. Results Initially, the traditional culture medium ISP2 was established as suitable for inoculum preparation, as it allowed high growth rates and consumption of ~ 75% reducing sugar, leading to 1.3 g L−1 dry biomass at 72 h of incubation. The formulated discarded potato broth (DPB) medium was evaluated together with five other traditional liquid culture media (potato dextrose broth, ISP2, ISP3, ISP4, and ISP5) for producing blue pigments by S. lydicus PM7. The highest blue pigment production was obtained by using DPB medium, reaching ~ 0.97 g L−1, followed by ISP5 (~ 0.36 g L−1). In terms of evaluating the concentration of discarded potato powder, the highest concentration of blue pigments was obtained with 16 g L−1, compared to concentrations of 4, 8, and 32 g L−1. In general, a notable increase in total proteins (~ 14 g L−1 in biomass; ~ 8 g L−1 in medium) and reducing sugars (~ 5 g L−1) on the fifth day of DPB fermentation was observed, at which time the production of blue pigments began. These data proved that S. lydicus PM7 is able to degrade potato wastes during submerged fermentation and to direct metabolism towards the formation of biopigments. Chromatographic analysis revealed that the main blue pigment produced by new strain in this complex medium is actinorhodin. Conclusions Discarded potato favored the production of blue pigments by S. lydicus PM7 under submerged fermentation, leading to final product concentration almost three times higher than others traditional Streptomyces culture media. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the production of actinorhodin by the specie S. lydicus, as well as on this pigment synthesis based on an agricultural waste as a sole nutrient source for fermentation process. The findings showed that potato waste could be a potential byproduct for replacement of commercial culture media using for this same purpose. Graphical Abstract

AbstractSalt stress, which impairs plant growth and induces oxidative stress, presents a major challenge in agriculture. In response, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment, capable of enhancing plants’ stress tolerance mechanisms. This study investigated the impact of rice husk biochar (RBC), derived from rice husks, on enhancing salt stress tolerance in lettuce plants grown under greenhouse conditions. Molecular and chemical characterization of the biochar samples was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Salinity reduced the fresh and dry weights of the plants from 25.0 g plant−1 and 1.83 g plant−1 to 20.4 g plant−1 and 1.42 g plant−1, respectively. The application of RBC recovered the growth decline caused by salinity, increasing the fresh and dry weights of the plants to 28.1 g plant−1 and 1.83 g plant−1, respectively. While the concentrations of sodium and chloride in plants decreased with RBC application, potassium and silicon concentrations significantly increased. As a result of salt stress, hydrogen peroxide levels (H2O2) increased in plant tissues, and a decrease in H2O2 levels was observed with an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities. Consequently, RBC proved to be effective in enhancing salt tolerance in lettuce plants. In conclusion, while RBC demonstrates significant potential for enhancing salt tolerance, its successful application depends on several factors such as biochar dosage, application method, soil type, and plant species, underscoring the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms at play and optimize its use for sustainable soil management in saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large amount of agricultural waste is produced annually in China, and these agricultural wastes include crop residues and the manure generated from poultry and livestock farming. But there is still a considerable portion of agricultural waste that is not recycled and disposed of or directly burned. Therefore, if these agricultural wastes can be reasonably utilized, it will generate significant socio-economic and environmental benefits. Soil salinization has become one of the main threats to soil health, and agricultural waste is considered an effective tool for improving saline alkali land due to its unique properties. Utilizing agricultural waste to improve saline alkali land has advantages such as wide material sources, low cost, and low environmental risks. This article reviews the effectiveness and potential physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms of agricultural waste in improving soil health in saline alkali soils. Agricultural waste is mainly used to improve saline alkali land through a direct return to the field, burial of salt barriers, pyrolysis and carbonization into biochar, and composting, which can play a positive role in physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Finally, the problems existing in the improvement of saline alkali land with agricultural waste were discussed, and future research directions and hotspots in this field were proposed. It is believed that the improvement of ecological service functions is the key to its sustainability. This article can provide a theoretical basis for the study of agricultural waste in the improvement of saline alkali land, and help to further explore the resource utilization pathways of agricultural waste in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption using biochar is a high-efficient method for removing dyes from wastewater, and it has become a hot research topic in recent years. Biochar produced from organic wastes through pyrolysis is a promising way to combine bioenergy recovery and dye removal. In this study, durian shell (DS) was used as a feedstock for biochar and bio-oil production under different pyrolysis temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C) for bioenergy recovery. Then, the biochar was applied as the absorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from wastewater under batch and continuous experiments. It was found that the bio-oil production was slightly affected by temperature, while the productivity of biochar decreased from 42.05% to 30.65% with the increase in pyrolysis temperature from 400 to 600 °C. Compared with the biochar produced at 500 °C (DS-500) and 600 °C (DS-600), the biochar obtained at 400 °C (DS-400) exhibited higher MB removal efficiency and adsorption capacity under various pH conditions due to the superior microstructure. A high pH condition was beneficial for the adsorption process with DS-400. Additionally, the MB removal efficiencies increased with the increase in biochar dosage by providing more activated sites. A high MB content can promote the adsorption process, but a too high MB content negatively affects the removal efficiency due to the sorption saturation. Adsorption processes are more likely to match a pseudo-second-order model by chemical reactions. In the long-term continuous experiment, MB can be effectively removed to match the discharge standard by DS-400. This study provided a sustainable pathway for organic waste disposal and dye wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia shells are the main by-product of camellia seed processing and are usually incinerated or disposed of as agricultural waste. In this study, camellia shells were employed in the Pleurotus pulmonarius cultivation process using five distinct formulae substituting for cottonseed shells. Our results show that as the substitution rate of camellia shells increased from 0% to 35%, the protein content in P. pulmonarius significantly increased from 34.05% to 53.35%. The polysaccharide content reached a peak value of 5.62% at 30% substitution of camellia shells. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate reached its maximum of 82.70% at 20% substitution of camellia shells. Furthermore, increases in the total amino acid contents in P. pulmonarius were positively correlated with the substitution rate of camellia shells. Considering the yield characteristics, the formula of 20% camellia shell substitution tested in this study appears to be optimal for P. pulmonarius cultivation. These findings not only provide a substrate to enhance the nutritional quality of P. pulmonarius but also demonstrate a novel approach for the ecological utilization of camellia shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global shift towards using biomass for biofuels and chemicals is accelerating due to increasing environmental concerns and geopolitical strategies. This study investigates a biorefinery model using citrus-processing-waste, specifically citrus pulp, to produce high-value products for various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flavours, fragrances, and food packaging. In Italy, particularly Sicily region, citrus processing generates significant amounts of waste, often improperly disposed of, contributing to environmental problems. Researchers have demonstrated that citrus waste can yield commercially valuable compounds. This study specifically focuses on orange peel waste (OPW), which constitutes about half of the fruit's weight, aiming to extract pectin and limonene through a combined process. The extraction process was carried out on a laboratory scale, and its sustainability was evaluated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) with SimaPro 8.1 software and the Impact 2002 + method. The functional unit adopted for this study is 300 g of OPW, obtained after the pre-treatment phase, from which 0.14 g of limonene and 8.22 g of pectin were extracted. The LCA results revealed that pectin extraction has a significantly higher environmental impact compared to limonene extraction, primarily due to the use of ethanol as a solvent, followed by electricity consumption. To mitigate this impact, the LCA assessed alternative, more sustainable solvents, resulting in a 73.4% reduction in the environmental footprint of the pectin extraction process. These findings underscore the critical role of LCA, even at the laboratory scale, in identifying environmental hotspots and providing insights for improving and optimizing processes for potential industrial-scale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed at investigating the effect of edible coatings based on the combination of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) containing 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% w/v of nanoencapsulated pistachio green peel extract (PGPE) on the chemical and microbiological properties of raw pistachio of Kale Ghoochi variety during 18 weeks of storage at 27 ± 1°C. Moisture content (MC), acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), total phenol content (TPC), total viable count (TVC), and total fungi count (TFC) were tested at 21‐day intervals. PGPE contains phenolic compounds (48.73 mg GAE/g) with antioxidant activity (IC50 = 10.83) which increased MC (19.51%) and TPC (75.62%) of coated samples with 3% PGPE compared with control, whereas AV (41.12%), PV (53.16%), TVC (44.64%), and TFC (35.01%) reduced (p < 0.05). The results of this research suggested that the edible coatings based on the combination of CMC and SPI containing nanoencapsulated PGPE have the ability to reduce the oil oxidation reactions and microbial growth in raw pistachio. Therefore, the concentration of 2.0% nanoencapsulated PGPE due to its better properties can be used to extend the shelf life of raw pistachio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights There has been growing interest in using sustainable and eco‐friendly products to produce engineering materials. For this purpose, composite material applications obtained from agricultural wastes are gaining popularity. This study examines the synergistic effect of rice husk and rice stalk wastes on the fade and recovery performance of brake friction composites. Brake friction materials were developed using rice husk and rice stalk separately and in two different weight percentages as a 5–10 ratio in the formulation. For comparison purposes, a reference brake pad using copper as a substitute and a commercially available brake pad were used. Various physical, mechanical and thermal properties were analyzed. The tribological behavior of friction composites was evaluated on the Krauss test device in line with the ECE R90 procedure. The worn surface properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Tribo test results of friction composites were taken as criteria for performance optimization. While the importance weight of the criteria was determined by AHP, the VIKOR method was used in the sorting of alternatives. The experimental results have revealed that rice husk‐added friction composites had a good coefficient of friction value with better fade and recovery performance compared to rice stalk‐added ones. Increasing the amount of rice husk and rice stalk in the formulation tended to decrease the fade performance; however, it has increased the wear rate and recovery properties. Optimization results have shown that the brake friction composite containing 5 wt % rice husk ranks first in meeting the desired tribological criteria. Cu‐free rice husk and rice stalk‐added friction composites were developed. Fibrous structure in the matrix developed the contact plateaus. Rice husk‐based tribo‐layer protected the composite from further wear damage. The addition of agro‐waste to friction composites exhibited good potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to identify the economic returns from recycling date palm waste into compost by studying financial and economic evaluation criteria and indicators such as the net present value and the internal rate of return of cash flows. The research relied on a questionnaire form specifically prepared to fulfill this purpose. The study reached many results, the most important of which are:(1) The internal rate of return reached about 155%. This is a very high rate of return on investment and much higher than the lending rate in commercial banks, which indicates a high rate of return on investment in that project. This is due to the project’s reliance mainly on the use of agricultural waste as a raw material in the production of compost, which is considered a relatively cheap material, in addition to the high economic value of the project’s output, which is compost. (2) The ratio of benefits/costs in the project was about 1.23 pounds, and this indicates a high economic feasibility of the project, as every pound spent in the project gives a total benefit of about 1.23 pounds. (3) The net present wealth of the project during its production life amounted to about 45.462 million pounds, with an annual average of about 2.273 million pounds as present wealth. (4) The speed of capital turnover in the project during its productive life was about 0.6 years, and this indicates a high speed of capital turnover in agricultural projects. By conducting the financial evaluation of the study project through a sensitivity analysis of the project, that is, assuming the occurrence of some negative changes, such as changes in the prices of fuel and oils, the prices of chemical fertilizers (urea and phosphate), and municipal fertilizers, as well as changes in the wages of human resources (labor and management), as agricultural projects face risks. Significant impact on profitability and investment efficiency due to changes in the prices of inputs for these projects from year to year or from season to season. The project's ability to bear these risks and maintain its economic viability has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have grown in popularity due to their low cost and the abundance of resources. However, there has been little research into the development of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) for high voltage and capacity ZIBs. The use of agricultural waste as a polymer electrolyte (PE) is gradually increasing in order to support a circular economy. This study focuses on the utilization of cellulose derived from coffee silverskin (CS); coffee silverskin is a by-product generated during coffee roasting. We employ a reasonable approach to create the coffee silverskin cellulose (CSC)/polyacrylamide (PAM) GPE, with the goal of achieving good properties and improved battery performance. An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of CSC content in GPEs on ZIB characteristics. The cellulose derived from CS had a crystallinity index (CrI) of 64.60%. The optimal amount of cellulose added to the acrylamide monomer (AM) for the GPE of ZIB was found to be 2.5 mg (CSC/AM/salt weight ratio of 0.01/6/23). This amount resulted in the highest electrochemical stability and a cycling time of approximately 226 h. Furthermore, the PAM/Cellulose 2.5-based GPE exhibited increased Young's modulus and tensile strength compared to the pure PAM. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test revealed a diffusion resistance of 27.47 Ω and an ionic conductivity of 9.10 mS/cm at a temperature of 25 °C. Additionally, the use of cellulose in GPEs does not affect the electrochemical window. When the pure PAM-based GPE was compared to the CSC/PAM-based GPE, the biocomposites demonstrated electrochemical stability for a cycle life of over 200 cycles in the ZIB application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of the global production printing and dyeing industry has led to an increase in the demand for various dyes. Crystal violet (CV), a versatile dye, is widely used in the textile industry and other applications. The reason for its widespread use is its effectiveness and the vivid color it gives to fabrics.CV dye is a water-soluble, toxic, resistant organic dye that is quite dangerous for the ecosystem and causes environmental pollution. Therefore, it must be removed before being released into the recipient environment. This study synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) from agricultural Prunus avium L. (PaL.) wastes and removed CV dye. In batch adsorption tests, the effects of pH, amount of adsorbent, time, initial concentration, and temperature were investigated. In this study, where 3 different kinetic and isotherm models were tested, it was determined that the most suitable kinetic and isotherm models for the removal of CV dye with PaL-Se NPs were Pseudo second order (R2:0.999) and Langmuir (R2:0.997), respectively. Additionally, the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) was calculated as 142.61 mgCV/g PaL-Se NP. Accordingly, it can be said that low-cost PaL-Se NPs synthesized by environmentally friendly methods are a suitable alternative for the removal of CV dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural waste and trash are a universal issue which requires extensive working to reduce the impact. Improper management of agricultural waste can lead to serious environmental problems such as soil contamination, water pollution and air pollution. Lipases (protein-based catalyst) were produced with industrial and agriculture by products through solid-state fermentation. Among indigenously isolated strains, procured from Mycology and biotechnology research laboratory, Aspergillus niger (MBL-14) exhibited the highest lipase production, i.e., 7.5 ± 0.63a U/ mL. Various cultural conditions were optimized for maximum production of extracellular lipases. Among various basal substrates, rice bran supported the highest yield of 8.67 ± 0.29a U/mL, ammonium nitrate 6.1 ± 0.95a U/ mL, with the use of sodium chloride 6.1 ± 0.95a U/mL, sucrose 8.0 ± 0.87aU/ mL, the beef extract 9.1 ± 0.84a U/ mL. Maximum extracellular lipases production (9.3 ± 0.55a U/ mL) was achieved through fermentation optimization over a 48-h period, and an increased lipases output (9.6 ± 0.34aU/mL) was obtained at a moistening agent's pH level of 8. Incorporation of oil additives revealed that coconut oil yielded the maximum production (11.0 ± 0.91aU/ mL). Finally, the enzyme was subjected to characterization, at pH 9 after a 1-h incubation period, the enzyme activity was highest, and enzyme was stable. After 40 °C (10.6 ± 0.88aU/mL), the enzyme activity starts decreasing and reaches its lowest at 70 °C. When exposed to the cadmium chloride, the crude enzyme exhibited the highest lipase production (10.1 ± 0.76a U/mL and 10.72 ± 0.85a U/mL) before and after a 1 h of incubation, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper handling of waste in the agricultural sector of the economy leads to significant financial losses and harmful effects on the environment and human health. The purpose of the study is to substantiate scientific and methodological provisions and develop practical recommendations for the formation of a production waste management system in the agrarian sector of the economy based on the effective use of resources and stable and sufficient financing of the sector. In the process of research, the authors used such general scientific methods as system analysis; comparative analysis; abstract-logical; as well as tabular and graphic as a type of special methods. The paper analyzes a number of indicators regarding the amount of agricultural production waste generated, including waste of I-IV hazard classes and agricultural production waste by material categories; the danger of these wastes both for the environment due to contamination of soil, water bodies, etc., and for the population living in the given territory is substantiated. Based on the conducted research, it was determined that the main method of handling agricultural waste in Ukraine is disposal, which does not contribute to effective waste management; an assessment of the volume of investments directed to environmental protection by types of environmental protection measures and investments in environmental protection in the agrarian sector of the economy is given, and it is determined that the problems of inefficient waste management are also related to insufficient funding of both the agricultural sector and the field of ecology. Based on the generalization of the experience of European countries regarding waste management methods, methods of handling them and sources of investment in the agricultural production sector and environmental protection, directions for effective waste management are proposed: prevention of waste generation as the simplest method of management, ensuring compliance with the rules and conditions of agricultural waste management, sorting and separating waste from the agrarian sector of the economy by materials, timely disposal of agricultural waste, strengthening control and increasing the level of responsibility for violations of waste legislation, financial support for activities in the field of waste management; formation of the environmental behaviour of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the production of amylase, a crucial enzyme with wide-ranging industrial applications, using locally sourced substrates from Kachchh, Gujarat. The research employed the Bacillus licheniformis strain and substrates such as coconut, rice husk, wheat bran, paddy straw, and maize straw. The study found paddy straw to be the most promising substrate for amylase production. The research also systematically optimized various process parameters for amylase production in Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) using the One Variable at a Time (OVAT) method. These parameters included incubation period, temperature, inoculum level, additional carbon sources, starch concentrations, additional nitrogen sources, initial pH, different mineral salt ions, initial moisture level, and surfactants. The results showed that the optimal conditions for maximum amylase yield were an incubation period of 48 hours, an incubation temperature of 35°C, an inoculum level of 10%, starch as the additional carbon source, a starch concentration of 2.5%, yeast extract as the additional nitrogen source, an initial pH of 7, NaCl as the mineral salt, an initial moisture level of 75%, and Tween 80 as the surfactant. This research provides a reliable and sustainable approach to enzyme production, offering valuable insights for the optimization of the solid-state fermentation process for maximum amylase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk (RH) and straw are common agricultural wastes in Asian countries, and they are potential bioresources for building materials. RH contains a large amount of SiO2, and many studies have burnt RH to ash and then used it as a silica supplement in cement and concrete. However, the combustion of RH has an additional cost and exacerbates CO2 emissions and air pollution. RH inherently has a low bulk density and porous structure; therefore, it should be possible to directly use RH as a lightweight additive in concrete. The purposes of this study were to use RH in the production of autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC) and to examine the effects of RH on ALC properties. Four RHs with different particle sizes, i.e., >1.2 mm, 0.6–1.2 mm, 0.3–0.6 mm, and <0.3 mm, were used as lightweight additives, and the ALC specimens were prepared with 0–20 wt.% RHs by autoclaving at 189 °C for 12 h. The >0.3 mm RH was applicable to prepare the ALC specimens, and the decomposition effect of <0.3 mm RH was significant. Both the bulk density and the compressive strength of the ALC specimens decreased with increasing RH size. RH with a particle size larger than 1.2 mm seems more appropriate for ALC production than RH with a smaller particle size because of the lower bulk density and higher compressive strength. The Ca/Si ratio decreased with increasing RH size, which affected the formation of tobermorite and thus reduced the compressive strength of the ALC specimens. With a suitable water-to-solid (W/S) ratio, the use of RHs as lightweight additives can yield ALC specimens that meet the requirements of commercial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to demonstrate how biochar, derived from agricultural wastes can improve soil physical and chemical properties, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to increased agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability. In this review, we analyze the effects of biochar on various soil parameters, including soil bulk density, soil porosity, microbial activity, nutrient content, cation exchange capacities, pH, water holding capacity, and infiltration rates. The results highlight the practical importance of utilizing biochar to improve soil physical and chemical properties. Additionally, the results show that biochar is a practical strategy for improving the growth and yield of crops and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It can be concluded that biochar can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security in Jordan by improving soil health, enhancing water retention, and mitigating salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers are focusing on the development of bio-fillers through different approaches for dental purposes. The present work reports a relatively simple and faster chemical approach for synthesising composites using silica from waste rice husk along with PEGMA, PNIPAm, HEMA, APS, and MBA. The synthesis includes no harmful chemical reagents and focuses on the effective management of waste. The X-ray diffraction revealed the crystalline nature of composite and with an average crystallite size of 35 nm for the silica particles. The average particle size for silica was found in the range 200–230 nm from dynamic light scattering having a stable structure with −18.23 ± 0.5 mV as the zeta potential. The porosity was analysed using scanning electron microscopy and the stoichiometric composition by energy-dispersive spectroscopy with the pore size from 95–350 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of different functional groups. The thermal stability of silica was analysed through Thermogravimetric analysis. The antibacterial activity of the composite against E.coli and S. aureus demonstrated its efficacy against bacterial growth inhibition. The porous composite can be effectively used as a filler material in potential biomedical applications including dental composite for sustained drug loading and release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]