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In the fruit processing industry, a large volume of residue is generated, which is usually discarded. However, fruit residues may have appeal as functional ingredients due to the presence of bioactive compound. In this study, the drying of acerola residue in a medium‐sized conventional spouted bed was investigated. The residue was characterized; vitamin C and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were determined to evaluate the effect of drying on bioactive compounds. To overcome the difficulty of material fluidization, a mixture composed of in natura acerola residue and acerola residue previously dried in an oven as an inert material was used. The effect of air temperature (40 and 60°C) and velocity (28 and 36 m/s) and amount of in natura residue in the mixture (20% and 30%) was evaluated during drying. As expected, higher temperatures and air velocities and lower percentages of in natura residue favored the reduction of moisture. For a mixture containing 20% in natura residue, air velocity of 36 m/s, and temperature of 60°C, it was possible to achieve a final moisture content suitable for storage (14.23% w.b.) and the highest percentage of DPPH free radical capture activity (85.31%). Moreover, a mixture containing 30% in natura residue, velocity of 28 m/s, and temperature of 40°C conserved more vitamin C (48.30 mg of ascorbic acid/100 g). Finally, spouted bed can be considered a good technique for drying acerola residue as it was able to reduce a high amount of moisture content preserving bioactive compounds during short drying periods at low temperatures. Practical Applications: The acerola processing generates a residue that consists basically of the seeds, bagasse, and peels, which is rich in ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and organic acids. This residue can be used to generate new food products, which reduces the environmental problem of its disposal and the loss of raw material in fruit processing. To extend the residue shelf life, it must be subjected to a drying process. In this paper, the drying of acerola residue was investigated in a medium‐sized spouted bed. The spouted bed proved effectiveness in drying the acerola residue and in conserving bioactive compounds when operating for short periods and with low temperature. Thus, it can be considered as a promising technique for drying food products. Also, the data provided in this study can contribute to the solution of the scale‐up problem in spouted beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of sertraline hydrochloride (SER) has been detected in water bodies and wastewater, which encourages the search for alternative treatments for its control and removal. Agro-industrial residues are considered efficient adsorbents and functionalization with magnetic nanoparticles improve the adsorptive properties of these materials, in addition to facilitating their separation from a fluid by an external magnetic field. Thus, this study developed and characterized a new material via the functionalization of the banana peel with iron oxide nanoparticles (BANFunc) for the adsorption of SER in batch experiments. Physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques indicated that the BANFunc functionalization method was effective and improved the adsorption capacity (0.68 and 39.96 mg g−1 for BANPure and BANFunc, respectively). The adsorption studies revealed a maximum adsorptive capacity of 142.85 mg g−1 at 240 min and 318 K. Furthermore, the process presented spontaneous and endothermic behaviour, with a better fit to the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models for the kinetic and isothermal, respectively. The reuse of the biosorbent was effective for five cycles, and even in the 3rd cycle, the adsorbent showed more than 80% SER removal. The adsorption process can be explained by hydrogen bonds and π-interactions. In the synthetic mixture treatment, the biosorbent demonstrated a satisfactory removal rate, of 86.91%, and individual removals of 83.23%, 89.36% and 88.15% for SER, safranine orange and chloroquine, respectively. Therefore, BANFunc is a promising material for large-scale applications, considering its sustainable character and high treatment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of agro-industrial residues has increased considerably in recent times, including those from acerola processing. These residues can provide several nutrients necessary for health, such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, carbohydrates, proteins and can be used as raw material to obtain new products of high added value, promoting numerous possibilities for sustainable production. Fruit bars are versatile products, made from a variety of ingredients and, in this context, the use of flour from the by-product of acerola juice processing (ARF) is a viable option for adding value and improving product quality. Therefore, the present study aimed to elaborate and characterize fruit bars added with ARF. Four formulations were elaborated, being a control formulation (F1), without addition of ARF and three formulations with different concentrations of ARF in relation to the final mass: F2 (10%), F3 (15%) and F4 (20%). It is concluded that the proportion of 10% of ARF presented a good alternative for the elaboration of fruit bars, due to the greater global impression and purchase intention. However, it is suggested that further studies be carried out with ARF, not only in fruit bars, but also in other potential products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contaminant dyes that, even at low concentrations, may cause a series of adverse effects in humans and animals, and their removal by adsorption methods using alternative adsorbents as natural fibers, are regarded as a research topic that has become increasingly relevant. In this study, corn straw (CS), an agro-industrial residue, was used to remove dyes. The samples were characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDS, zeta potential, diffuse spectra, and colorimetry, before and after dye removal. The analyses allowed us to differentiate the morphology of CS after the treatment's fiber on the adsorbent surface. The zeta potential showed a negative surface charge, but the acidic or alkaline treatment affected the surface charge of the sample, influencing the adsorption of cationic or anionic dyes. Adsorption data presented an increased removal when alkaline treatment was applied for the methylene blue (MB; qmax = 16.7 mg g−1), and the acid treatment was more effective for the Congo red (CR; qmax = 2.13 mg g−1). After color stability tests, it was observed that the anionic dye CR was more easily desorbed due to the surface charge of the adsorbent. Due to the chemical treatment, corn straw proved to be a good sustainable adsorbent for removing anionic or cationic dyes from aqueous media, contributing directly to the objective of sustainable development (#6—drinking water and sanitation) and with SDG numbers 3, 11, 12, 14, and 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of micropollutants, such as caffeine (CAF), has been detected throughout the world, since conventional treatment plants are not able to properly degrade them. CAF is a widely consumed stimulant, and has been demanding the development of efficient methodologies for its removal. Aiming at the agriculture waste valorization, a new hydrochar was developed based on chemical and thermal modification of peach stones (mod-PS) for CAF removal from water and from a synthetic mixture. The morphology, functional groups and surface electrical charge of the adsorbent were characterized by SEM, FTIR and zeta potential, respectively. Regarding CAF adsorption performance, the equilibrium time was reached at 480 min and the pseudo-second-order model presented the best fit for the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity was 68.39 mg g-1 (298 K) and the Langmuir model exhibited a better fit for the isothermal data. The thermodynamic properties confirmed that the process was exothermic, spontaneous and reversible. The main adsorption mechanisms were hydrogen bonds and π-interactions. The global removal efficiency was satisfactory in the synthetic mixture simulating real wastewater (67%). Therefore, the proposed new hydrochar has potential application as a low-cost adsorbent for CAF removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar-energy sector is key to the provision of food and energy worldwide. However, it can largely generate mill-run bagasse as an agro-residual biomass. The tradition of the sector is to put it back into the industrial process as an alternative fuel to co-generate steam and power for milling and biorefining factories. However, excessive ash in the mineral phase of this material typically makes it challenging for burning it in boilers cost-effectively, driving the need of developing a more suitable pathway for its disposal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze whether co-pelleting sugarcane bagasse with either pinewood sawdust or peanut shell could make it possible for transforming this low-technical-quality agro-residual biomass into a solid biofuel of superior quality. The production of pellets consisted of co-pressing sugarcane bagasse with either pinewood sawdust or peanut shell at the standard proportion of 50/50 on an automatic pelletizer at 200 MPa and 125°C. The blending improved the quality of biopellets. These products fulfilled the requirements of European standards for premium-grade solid biofuels. Blends proved to be highly energetic (15.1–15.35 GJ m−3) and durable (98.05–98.7%). They also emitted less of NOx (92.7–101.55 mg m−3), CO (59.05–63.2 mg m−3), and volatile organics (26.3–29.65 mg m−3), making it possible for the boiler to operate a clearer and safer way. Therefore, insights into the conceptual and technical ramifications of this study can provide further knowledge to progress the field's prominence in transforming sugarcane bagasse into a solid biofuel of greater quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supplementation of nutrients from agro-industrial residues is a sustainable strategy to improve cost-benefit microalgae production; nonetheless, developing the appropriate supplementation of residue for each microalgal strain is necessary. In this study, a supply strategy of fruit residue (such as mango, banana, apple, tomato, plum, melon, orange, tangerine, grape, strawberry, cherimoya, pear, pineapple, peach and cucumber) was developed to enhance Chlorella sp. CM18 growth and lipid production in a 5-L photo-bioreactor and simultaneously maximize the efficiencies of nutrient removal processes (chemical oxygen demand [COD], NO3−, PO43−, and SO42−) by this alga. This study demonstrates that the microalga attained the highest removal efficiencies when this residue was diluted at 10% (v/v) with MN medium, attaining 89.07 ± 0.31% (COD), 91.55 ± 0.94% (NO3−), 93.82 ± 0.61% (PO43−), and 76.01 ± 0.68% (SO42−). Under this condition, the highest growth rate of Chlorella sp. was 1.35 ± 0.004 day−1 with a lipid production of 15.60 ± 3.17 mg L−1, demonstrating the feasibility of the culture process with Chlorella sp. CM18 to obtain an effluent possessing characteristics that were below the regulatory limits for the concerned parameters and emphasizing the concept of the sustainable circular economy. Overall, this study establishes a method to valorize the nutrients of fruit residues with the aim of producing biomass and lipids through the cultivation of the microalga Chlorella sp. CM18. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A considerable number of grape pomaces are generated annually. It represents a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) has emerged as a green technology for recovering bioactive compounds from vegetal matrixes. In our study, PLE parameters (temperature, number of cycles, and rinse volume) have been studied to produce grape pomace extracts with high bioactive content using an experimental design. The experimental data obtained were adjusted to linear and quadratic models. The first-order model was better in predicting anthocyanins contents (TA, R2 = 0.94), whereas the second-order model was predictive for total phenolic compounds (TPC, R2 = 0.96). The main process parameter for the recovery of bioactive compounds was temperature, and the results showed opposing behaviors concerning TPC and TA, as it is difficult to optimize conditions for both. The extract containing the higher concentration of TPC (97.4 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g, d.b.) was encapsulated by spray-drying using maltodextrin as wall material. Particles presented with a spherical shape (~7.73 ± 0.95 μm) with a recovery yield of 79%. The results demonstrated that extraction followed by encapsulation of grape pomace extract is a good strategy to simplify future applications, whether for food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in natural antioxidants for the development of active food packaging is increasing, since lipid oxidation has a negative impact on food quality and people's living standards are changing. The aim of this work was to obtain Malpighia emarginata DC pomace extract (MEPE), as well as to develop poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based films with antioxidant activity, through the incorporation of MEPE. MEPE showed antioxidant activity through the DPPH and ABTS assays, 127.16 ± 9.70 μmol TEAC g−1 extract and 322.84 ± 19.38 μmol TEAC g−1 extract, respectively. The HPLC quantification revealed that quercetin and isorhamnetin were found at concentrations of 244.77 ± 8.42 and 707.20 ± 23.17 μg g−1, respectively. The properties of the films were influenced by the presence of MEPE, which caused a plasticizing effect on the PLA film, reducing the tensile strength and Young's modulus and increasing the elongation at break and water vapour permeability. The antioxidant property test (DPPH and ABTS) of the films was shown to be improved with the addition of MEPE. Despite changes in the film properties, they have potential for application as active food packaging. This work showed the potential utilization of agriculture pomace to produce antioxidant additive and its application as antioxidant in active food packaging, since they showed excellent antioxidant activity in radical scavenging activity tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical compounds present in liquid effluents have great environmental impact. Thus, the development of alternative adsorbent materials from agro‐industrial activities has received attention. This work aimed to adsorb ibuprofen onto activated carbon from olive pomace and evaluate the parameters of the adsorption system. The experiments were performed in batch and continuous flow. The mathematical models that best described the experimental data were the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models for kinetic and isothermal studies. The fixed bed experiments showed a good fit for the Thomas model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral red (NR) and safranin-O (SO) dyes are used in industrial processes, which their inappropriate disposal in surface waters causes negative impacts. Alternative techniques have been investigated for the complete removal of dyes, in which the adsorption presents itself as a feasible option, especially when low-cost adsorbents obtained from industrial waste are used, such as soybean hulls (SBH). This study proposed the use of SBH for the adsorption of NR and SO dyes. The characterization showed heterogeneous and porous morphology with predominantly negative surface charges, which favored the fixation of the cationic dyes. The comparative study of SO and NR adsorption onto SBH and commercial granular activated carbon confirmed the good performance of the biosorbent material. The maximum adsorption capacities were 287.30 and 221.74 mg g−1 for NR and SO onto SBH, respectively. The equilibrium time was reached in 90 minutes for both dyes. The experimental data was adjusted to the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. Thermodynamics inferred endothermic, spontaneous and reversible characteristics to adsorptive processes. The main proposed adsorption mechanisms were hydrogen bonds, π-interactions and electrostatic interactions. The regeneration study showed the possibility of reusing SBH for 6 cycles, and the effect of ionic strength found that the adsorption efficiency was not reduced. Therefore, SBH demonstrated versatility and efficiency in the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater, evidencing its industrial applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed electric field (PEF) is a non-thermal food processing technology that induces electroporation of the cell membrane, thus improving mass transfer through the cell membrane. The present study aims to evaluate the influence PEF intensity on the drying of mango peels at different temperatures. Mango peels were subjected to PEF at an intensity of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 kV cm−1, frequency of 10 Hz and total time of 600 µs and dried at temperatures or subjected to drying at 50, 60 and 70 °C at an air velocity of 1.0 m s−1. An evaluation was made of the influence of PEF intensity and drying temperature the thermodynamic properties, physical properties (water activity, hygroscopicity and solubility), temperature glass transition (Tg), total phenolic compound (TPC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), and starch digestibility (in vitro). The efficiency of PEF was verified, especially when applied to 4.5 kV cm−1 and dry at 70 °C, where the maximum reduction in drying time reached 67%, followed by the lowest degradation of TPC (24.30%), and higher solubility (78.478%) and Tg (59.97 °C). In addition, for this same condition, the antioxidant activity by the DPPH method showed the highest values (69.27 and 176.21 μmol Trolox/g) and at 120 min the digestibility was 26.04%. The results show that the use of non-thermal technologies in the pre-treatment of agro-industrial residues is viable for the drying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing legume intake through dietary diversification confers nutritional and environmental benefits. This study used life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of producing frozen green peas from conventional and organic farming. We explored two ways of treating farm data: modeling each farm (baseline) and using a uniform distribution of each farm parameter's average, maximum, and minimum values (alternative). We also assessed the indirect land-use change (iLUC) impacts by applying a deterministic model and used the EF 3.0 method to estimate the midpoint environmental impacts. The results of the two scenarios for pea cultivation (including iLUC) showed notable differences in absolute terms with minor discrepancies in the contribution analysis (e.g., climate change (CC) for the baseline and alternative were 0.98 and 2.09 kg CO2 eq./kg fresh peas, respectively). Generally, conventional peas had a higher environmental impact than organic peas, although this was not uniformly observed across all farms. When included, iLUC accounted for nearly half of the CC score. Pea cultivation was the most impactful phase due to emissions from fertilizers and field operations. The impacts of pea production can be reduced by anaerobic digestion of pea residues with energy and nutrient recycling. However, improvements in processing and nitrogen use efficiency could significantly enhance the overall environmental performance of frozen green peas. In summary, this study emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impact of frozen pea production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of secondary metabolites can be improved with the supply of precursors both in submerged and solid-state fermentation (SSF). Microorganisms assimilate the precursors and biotransform them to excrete compounds of commercial interest. The raw materials used in SSF, frequently agro-industrial residues, may contain molecules that serve as precursors for secondary metabolites. However, supplying a precursor can dramatically improve crop production. Commonly, precursors are added as part of the liquid with which the solid material to be fermented is moistened. However, recently it has been proposed to take advantage of the oxygen supply for the gradual supply of volatile precursors. It can help to avoid toxicity problems with the precursors. The present work reviews the strategies to supply precursors to improve the production of secondary metabolites in solid-state fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of water bodies by heavy metals is a continuously growing environmental issue. High concentrations of mercury (Hg) in river waters are a recognized environmental problem, because it is one of the most toxic heavy metal ions as it causes damage to the central nervous system. Its negative impact has led to the development of different methods for the treatment of effluents contaminated with Hg(II). The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of coffee ( Coffea arabica) residues as adsorbent of Mercury in an aqueous solution. Four kinetic models, including intraparticle diffusion, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models were applied to explore the internal mechanism of mercury adsorption. Results indicate that the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models could accurately describe the adsorption process. It means that chemical adsorption play an important role in the adsorption of mercury by activated carbon. Meanwhile, the external mass transfer process is more effective in controlling the activated carbon mercury adsorption according to the fitting result of the pseudo-first-order model. The fitting to Langmuir’s model suggested that the material surface is energetically homogeneous. The technique of contaminated biomass encapsulation proved to be safe for short-term disposal when metal recovery is not desired.

In this work, we evaluated the extraction of nanocellulose from agro-industrial residue of yerba mate (YM, Ilex paraguariensis, St.Hil) sticks through chemical (bleaching and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation), physical (steam explosion) and mechanical (ultra-fine friction grinding) treatments, divided into three distinct sequences for method comparison. The results showed that steam explosion as the initial treatment step makes an increase of up to 23% in the crystallinity index of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) in relation to the raw sample. The TEMPO-mediated oxidation resulted in more dispersed CNF, verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Samples treated by steam-explosion and ultrafine grinding showed a higher yield in relation to steam-explosion and oxidative treatment (24.3% versus 16.2% respectively). CNFs with a diameter of 6 nm and a length range of 2200 to 2600 nm were obtained.

The sugarcane industry generates vinasse waste that could have serious environmental effects if not properly disposed of. This study investigated the use of vinasses generated in the sugarcane industry in Arequipa, Peru, as a growth medium for the microalga Chlorella sp. and lipid production. The results demonstrate that the best culture conditions for this microalga in a 4-L photobioreactor included a pretreatment of crude vinasse and an inoculum size of 1.0 × 106 cells mL−1. In these conditions, Chlorella sp. attained a growth rate of 1.19 day−1, showing high efficiency in nutrient removal from this residue and attaining a lipid content of 11.5 mg L−1 when cultured with a vinasse concentration of 10%. However, the highest lipid productivity (2.6 mg L−1 day−1) was recorded in cultures of 20% vinasse. Overall, our results suggest that it is possible to integrate microalgae culture as a biological strategy to properly dispose of the vinasse generation of Arequipa's sugarcane industry; thus, modern technologies can be used for the purpose of valorizing this agro-industrial residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] press cake (PNC) is a co‐product of pressing to produce oil, that has low cost and is nutritionally rich, but still little explored. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of PNC flour (PNCF) (0%, 15%, and 30%) to obtain nutritious gluten‐free cookies based on rice flour and corn starch, and upcycling the high‐quality pecan press cake. Results: The addition of the PNCF significantly increased the cookies lipids, insoluble fibers, and protein contents, and led to a significant reduction of the carbohydrates content. Texture profile analysis showed that the addition of PNCF in the samples formulation increased hardness and decreased cohesiveness of dough, showing better behavior for technological processing. After baking, the cookies added with PNCF showed no significant difference in the expansion factor, and required a much higher cutting force than cookies without PNCF (control formulation), due to the higher concentration of insoluble fibers of the former. Conclusion: The use of up to 30% PNCF allowed formulating gluten‐free cookies with a suitable proximate composition and desired texture characteristics. The findings can help the food industries to develop technologically viable formulations to meet the consumers´ demands and nutritional requirements of individuals with gluten restrictions, as well as to upcycle an oleaginous co‐product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe has increased its production, processing, and export of vegetables in recent decades due to changing dietary patterns supporting a greater consumption of vegetables high in nutrition. The growing interest in environmental issues has led to advocacy for sustainable vegetable production and consumption. Thus, this study assessed the ecological impacts of producing 1 kg of frozen spinach (functional unit) by a food processor in central Italy (cradle-to-factory gate approach). We evaluated the global warming potential (GWP) for distributing the final to different destinations. We also compare the potential environmental credits for different spinach residue management strategies, residue reduction through improved process efficiency, and as a feedstock for biogas production (avoided maize silage) based on the total volatile solids content. The life cycle assessment was used following the CML_IA impact assessment method based mainly on primary data related to 2019/2020. The GWP was 1.55 kg CO2eq. with respect to the functional unit. Excluding the dominant cultivation phase, packaging, particularly corrugated board boxes, electricity, and wastewater treatment were significant contributors across the midpoint impact categories assessed. The GWP for distributing the packaged frozen to Australia was 24 times more impactful than regional inland distribution. When spinach residue is reduced to 20% and 10%, total impacts for all impact categories also decrease by 12% and 22%, respectively. The benefit of using the current amount of spinach residue to produce biomethane was less than 7% across all impact categories except terrestrial ecotoxicity (13%). Therefore, reducing spinach waste along the processing line and efficient end-of-packaging life management through recycling and reuse by the manufacturer can considerably reduce the environmental impacts of frozen spinach.

A considerable number of grape pomaces are generated annually. It represents a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) has emerged as a green technology for recovering bioactive compounds from vegetal matrixes. In our study, PLE parameters (temperature, number of cycles, and rinse volume) have been studied to produce grape pomace extracts with high bioactive content using an experimental design. The experimental data obtained were adjusted to linear and quadratic models. The first-order model was better in predicting anthocyanins contents (TA, R2 = 0.94), whereas the second-order model was predictive for total phenolic compounds (TPC, R2 = 0.96). The main process parameter for the recovery of bioactive compounds was temperature, and the results showed opposing behaviors concerning TPC and TA, as it is difficult to optimize conditions for both. The extract containing the higher concentration of TPC (97.4 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g, d.b.) was encapsulated by spray-drying using maltodextrin as wall material. Particles presented with a spherical shape (~7.73 ± 0.95 μm) with a recovery yield of 79%. The results demonstrated that extraction followed by encapsulation of grape pomace extract is a good strategy to simplify future applications, whether for food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical fields.

Contamination of water bodies by heavy metals is a continuously growing environmental issue. High concentrations of mercury (Hg) in river waters are a recognized environmental problem, because it is one of the most toxic heavy metal ions as it causes damage to the central nervous system. Its negative impact has led to the development of different methods for the treatment of effluents contaminated with Hg(II). The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of coffee (Coffea arabica) residues as adsorbent of Mercury in an aqueous solution. Four kinetic models, including intraparticle diffusion, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models were applied to explore the internal mechanism of mercury adsorption. Results indicate that the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models could accurately describe the adsorption process. It means that chemical adsorption play an important role in the adsorption of mercury by activated carbon. Meanwhile, the external mass transfer process is more effective in controlling the activated carbon mercury adsorption according to the fitting result of the pseudo-first-order model. The fitting to Langmuir's model suggested that the material surface is energetically homogeneous. The technique of contaminated biomass encapsulation proved to be safe for short-term disposal when metal recovery is not desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we evaluated the extraction of nanocellulose from agro-industrial residue of yerba mate (YM, Ilex paraguariensis, St.Hil) sticks through chemical (bleaching and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation), physical (steam explosion) and mechanical (ultra-fine friction grinding) treatments, divided into three distinct sequences for method comparison. The results showed that steam explosion as the initial treatment step makes an increase of up to 23% in the crystallinity index of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) in relation to the raw sample. The TEMPO-mediated oxidation resulted in more dispersed CNF, verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Samples treated by steam-explosion and ultrafine grinding showed a higher yield in relation to steam-explosion and oxidative treatment (24.3% versus 16.2% respectively). CNFs with a diameter of 6 nm and a length range of 2200 to 2600 nm were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work evaluates the production of wood–cement particleboards (WCBs) with addition of coconut-husk fibers. Trees of a Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrid were used as wood source. Boards were produced with addition of five coconut-fiber levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) to replace the original wood, in a completely randomized design. From each board, specimens were taken to perform physical–mechanical tests (density, water absorption, thickness swelling, static bending, compression strength, and internal bond strength). The chemical characterization of the coconut fiber – in particular the total amount of extractives – in cold and hot water and an organic solvent, along with determination of lignin, holocellulose and ash amounts. The results showed that the addition of coconut fibers significantly affected the physical–mechanical properties of the boards. For the physical properties, the addition of coconut fibers improved the dimensional stability with the respective decrease in water absorption and thickness swelling. For mechanical properties, a decrease in the MOR and MOE was observed as the percentage of coconut fibers increased, most likely due to a poor interaction between the particles and the cementitious matrix. The resulting WCBs were suitable for nonstructural and indoor uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safranin orange (SO) is a cationic dye widely used in industrial sectors. It becomes a threat to the aquatic ecosystem once it reaches water resources, directly affecting photosynthetic activity and dissolved oxygen rate. In view of this scenario and considering the large production of agro-industrial waste, which provides significant disposal costs and environmental impacts, the agricultural by-products such as mandarin peels (MP) are being used as biosorbent materials. Thus, this work proposed the use of MP for SO adsorption. The material was characterized by SEM, zeta potential, and FTIR analysis, in which it was possible to verify heterogeneous porous morphology, predominantly negative surface, and organic functional groups that facilitate adsorption. The results were promising, wherein the maximum adsorption capacity was 464 mg g–1 (318 K), 0.4 g L–1 adsorbent concentration, 120 min equilibrium time and removal percentage of 84.75%. The experimental data showed a better fit to the Langmuir and pseudo-second order mathematical models. The thermodynamic analysis inferred spontaneous, endothermic, and reversible character for SO adsorption onto MP. The main proposed adsorptive mechanisms were hydrogen bonds, π-interactions, and electrostatic interactions. In addition, the reuse of MP showed good efficiency since the adsorption capacity was maintained above 50% after four cycles (from 77.90 to 41.55 mg g–1). Moreover, when evaluating the effect of pH and ionic strength, it verified that the adsorption efficiency was not reduced. Therefore, when compared with other materials, the versatility and potential applicability of MP as a low-cost adsorbent for wastewater treatment is notable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate castor bean cake as alternative input in the control of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep raised on irrigated pasture under continuous stocking. The treatments consisted of sheep supplemented with standard diet and pasture fertilized with urea; sheep supplemented with alternative diet and pasture fertilized with urea; sheep supplemented with standard diet and pasture fertilized with in natura castor bean cake; and sheep supplemented with alternative diet and pasture fertilized with in natura castor bean cake. A randomized complete block design (CBD) was used, with 16 replications (sheep), with repeated measures over time, the plots being the treatments, and the subplots the collection times. Infective nematode larvae in the pasture (L3.g DM−1), number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG), globular volume (GV), and total plasma protein (TPP) were evaluated. For adult gastrointestinal parasite counts, CBD was also used with six replications. Except for FAMACHA© grade, all variables had effect (P < 0.01) of the time factor. The average number of L3.g DM−1 and EPG were 126 and 841, respectively, with no effect (P > 0.05) of the treatment factor. The values observed for GV and TPP were higher than 25.9% and 6.4 g·dL−1, respectively, which were considered normal. As organic fertilizer, the fractionated application of in natura castor bean cake does not reduce the contamination of pastures by nematode larvae. The evaluated feeds improve the resilience of the sheep to infection by gastrointestinal parasites. The treatments using castor bean cake reduced the adult parasites present in the abomasum of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the production of carboxymethylcellulose from different raw materials is commercial, its preparation from agro-industrial residues has still been poorly explored in terms of performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Here, sugarcane bagasse was used as raw material for the carboxymethylcellulose (CMCb) synthesis within the biorefinery context. Sequential treatments were used for the removal of hemicellulose and lignin and the isolation of cellulose, whose conversion into CMCb was carried out through treatments with NaOH and monochloroacetic acid (MCA). The chemical modifications led to a CMCb with a substitution degree of 0.44, purity of 71.3 %, and 32 % crystallinity. Our residue-based CMCb was adequate for microorganism encapsulation, a high-value application, promoting viable conidia after 5 months of storage in equivalent conditions of high-purity, commercial CMC. Our findings show a route for the preparation of valuable polysaccharides from waste in future biorefineries, which, depending on their characteristics, can be applied in different processes. Here we use them for the encapsulation of a bioagent, although they can easily be used in other applications such as packaging and coating., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The production of secondary metabolites can be improved with the supply of precursors both in submerged and solid-state fermentation (SSF). Microorganisms assimilate the precursors and biotransform them to excrete compounds of commercial interest. The raw materials used in SSF, frequently agro-industrial residues, may contain molecules that serve as precursors for secondary metabolites. However, supplying a precursor can dramatically improve crop production. Commonly, precursors are added as part of the liquid with which the solid material to be fermented is moistened. However, recently it has been proposed to take advantage of the oxygen supply for the gradual supply of volatile precursors. It can help to avoid toxicity problems with the precursors. The present work reviews the strategies to supply precursors to improve the production of secondary metabolites in solid-state fermentation.

Adsorbents were prepared from agro-industrial wastes for the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions from a binary mixture. Of all the adsorbents prepared, that activated with H 3 PO 4 obtained from peanut shell (AQ ps) had the highest adsorptive capacity as regards the removal of both metal ions. The operating conditions established were: pH 5.0; 2 g adsorbent L solution ‐1 and 50 rpm. The kinetic showed rapid adsorption, and the equilibrium was reached in 3 min. Both pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models represented the experimental data with R2 values > 0.91 and χ2< 0.0001 for all the concentrations studied. The extended Langmuir model fitted the experimental data, obtaining R2 = 0.90, with q max of 0.7 ± 0.3 mmol g‐1 and K EL of 5.0 ± 3.6 L mmol‐1 for Cd2+ and q max of 0.7 ± 0.1 mmol g‐1 and K EL 40.5 ± 14.9 L mmol‐1 for Pb2+. A decreasing trend in adsorptive capacity was also observed when the temperature was increased, indicating exothermic adsorption. During the evaluation of adsorbent recovery, when the volume of the eluent was five times smaller than that of the adsorbate, maximum desorption of 84.5 % for Cd2+ and 73.3 % for Pb2+ was obtained. In view of the above, AQ ps showed potential for simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous media. [Display omitted] - Adsorbents were prepared from soursop seeds and peanut shells. - The coal was used for the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions from a binary mixture. - Competition of the Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions by the active sites was observed. - Adsorption occurs in monolayer represented by the Extended Langmuir model. - Factorial design 23 was applied to evaluate the desorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater by adsorption from agro-industrial residues remain an attractive option since combines reasonable cost with the quality of effluents treated. This paper employs of parboiled-rice husk ash (RHA) and parboiled-rice husk ash chemically treated (RHAH+) as adsorbents for Cr(VI). The RHA and RHAH+ were characterized. It was studied the adsorption efficiency on adsorbent dosage, pH, chromium concentration, and interaction time. RHAH+ presented superior Cr(VI) removal, although both adsorbents have shown satisfactory results. The best results are obtained at pH 1.0, presenting 90.9% and 97.7% of Cr(VI) removal for RHA and RHAH+, respectively, in 5 mg L−1 of Cr(VI) concentration at about 30 minutes. The adsorption of RHAH+ is governed by the Freundlich isotherm (R2adj = 0.989) and kinetically by the pseudo-second order model (R2adj = 0.991). The rice rusk ash represents an alternative low-cost and environment-friendly material that efficiently removes Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon rainforest has a rich biodiversity, and studies of Basidiomycete fungi that have biomolecules of biotechnological interest are relevant. The use of lignocellulosic biomass in biotechnological processes proposes an alternative use, and also adds value to the material when employed in the bioconversion of agro-industrial waste. In this context, this study evaluate the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes (carboxymethylcellulases (CMCase), xylanase, pectinase, laccase) as well as phenolic compounds and proteases by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using the fungus Lentinus strigosus isolated from Amazon. The guarana (Paullinia cupana) residue was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SSF was carried out with 60% humidification of the residue, at 30 °C, for 10 days. The lignocellulosic biomass presented fragmented structures with irregular shapes and porosities, and was mainly constituted by cellulose (19.16%), hemicellulose (32.83%), and lignin (6.06%). During the SSF, significant values of CMCase (0.84 U/g) on the 8th day, xylanase (1.00 U/g) on the 7th day, pectinase (2.19 U/g) on the 6th day, laccase (176.23 U/mL) on the 5th day, phenolic compounds (10.27 μg/mL) on the 1st day, soluble proteins (0.08 mg/mL) on the 5th day, and protease (8.30 U/mL) on the 6th day were observed. In general, the agro-industrial residue used provided promising results as a viable alternative for use as a substrate in biotechnological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the alternative proteins aimed at replacing those of animal origin, fungal proteins stand out as a promising resource capable of meeting environmental, health, and ethical demands. Fungal biomasses, or mycoproteins, are indeed rich in proteins and other macro- and micronutrients, while low in fats. However, their production is an ongoing challenge. This study focused on submerged fermentation, a highly controllable process that can couple high yields and agro-industrial by-products exploitation as growth media. Five medicinal mushrooms (Ganoderma resinaceum , Pleurotus ostreatus , Cordyceps militaris , Pleurotus eryngii , and Lentinula edodes) were tested for their biomass growth, protein content, and antioxidant properties on several agro-industrial by-product-based media. Among the experimental lines, the highest biomass production and protein content (51%) were achieved in P. eryngii grown in black solider fly (Hermetia illucens) exuviae-media. Concerning the antioxidant properties, the production of fungal extracts through microwave-assisted maceration was as performing as, if not better than, ethanolic extraction. • By-products were used to grow Medicinal Mushrooms in Submerged Fermentation. • For the first time, insect-based liquid media were used to sustain fungal growth. • P. eryngii grown in H. illucens gave the highest biomass yield and protein content. • MAE (Microwave-Assisted Extraction) was comparable, or better, than maceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The fruit processing industries generate a large amount of residual biomass that could be reused. Considering the high volume of residues produced by the disposal of avocado seeds and highlighting the high content of bioactive compounds. Aim: To evaluate the centesimal composition of avocado seed flour and the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of its extracts. Methodology: The extracts were obtained by macerating the avocado seed flour dehydrated at different temperatures (4,25 and 60 °C) using n-hexane and ethanol as solvents. Results: The flour is an excellent source of carbohydrates, with a high content of fibers, proteins and minerals (N, K, Mg and Ca, among others). The extraction temperature has influence in the yield and the content of total phenols, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts. The ethanolic extracts obtained at 60 °C showed high yield (18%) and content of total phenolic compounds (~840 mg GAE/g). In addition, ethanol extracts showed high antioxidant activity (IC50= 0.013 mg/mL and 0.018 mg/mL) at lower extraction temperatures, 4 °C and 25 °C, respectively. Hexanoic extract obtained at 4 °C, on the other hand, showed greater antimicrobial activity for the four tested bacteria (L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, S. choleraesuis and E. coli). Conclusion: The flour obtained from avocado seeds has a high biological value and can be used as supplements in human food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study evaluated the lactose hydrolysis by immobilized β-galactosidase, which was produced by Kluyveromyces marxianus using porungo cheese whey as substrate. Initially, the yeast was cultivated in porungo cheese medium at 30 °C and 200 rpm, showing a maximal β-galactosidase production of 14.19 U mL-1. The crude extract obtained was used to evaluate the enzymatic hydrolysis in lactose solution. The optimal pH and temperature of the free and immobilized enzyme was investigated, whereas the lactose hydrolysis was carried out using two enzyme solutions (total activities of 2 U and 6 U) for both forms of the biocatalyst. Ca-alginate immobilization of β-galactosidase increased optimal temperature range to 40 °C, compared to the value for the free enzyme, which was 37 °C. The optimal pH was also increased by immobilization to 7.0, from pH 6.5 observed for the free enzyme. The highest lactose hydrolysis conversion was 15.82% using 6 U of free enzyme and 13.77% for 2 U of immobilized enzyme. Although, free enzyme showed higher conversion rates in the initial reaction time, the immobilized enzyme kept operational stability throughout reaction time, suggesting the advantage of using this technology. The use of porungo cheese whey allowed to aggregate value to this agro-industrial by-product, with the concomitant production of β-galactosidase to be used in the food industry chain itself.

Background: Grape pomace, the main winemaking by-product of the wine chain generated after the pressing of grapes in the production of white wine and/or after the fermentation stage in red winemaking. Grape pomace is rich in phenolic compounds, which possess several physiological effects, directly linked to their pharmacological, technological, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Here we address the most relevant techniques to extract and conserve phenolic compounds and reuse grape pomace. Scope and approach: Specifically, in this review we discuss the importance of the extractive technologies applied to grape pomace that make up the principles of green chemistry such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), and ohmic heating (OH) for food industry as they are environmental-friendly processes more ecologic, economic and innovative. These techniques show benefits like reduction at the extraction time, number of unit operations, energy consumption, environmental impacts, economical costs, quantity of solvent and waste production, aiming to guarantee safe and quality extracts and/or products. Summed to the green extraction methods the microencapsulation technologies spray drying, spray cooling, lyophilization, extrusion, and coacervation can be applied to the obtained extracts to improve their shelf life, giving a wider and more sustainable use of them. Key findings and conclusions: Therefore, here we address the importance of reusing and valuing grape pomace, as well as describing extractive technologies that make up the principles of green chemistry and show a wide range of alternatives for preserving these compounds, sensitive to heat, light and oxygen through microencapsulation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was successfully synthesized from sugarcane bagasse using a rapid, low-temperature hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas treatment. The primary aim was to develop an energy-efficient "green" cellulose extraction process. Response surface methodology optimized the liquid-phase hydrolysis conditions to 3.3 % HCl at 117 °C for 127 min to obtain MCC with 350 degree of polymerization. An alternative gas-phase approach utilizing gaseous HCl diluted in hot 40 °C air was proposed to accelerate MCC production. The cellulose pulp was moistened to 15–18 % moisture content and then exposed to HCl gas, which was absorbed by the moisture in the cellulose fibers to generate a highly concentrated acidic solution that hydrolyzed the cellulose. The cellulose pulp was isolated from depithed bagasse through soda pulping, multistage bleaching and cold alkali purification. Hydrolysis was conducted by saturating the moist cellulose fibers with gaseous HCl mixed with hot air. Extensive analytical characterization using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC, particle size, and porosity analyses verified comparable physicochemical attributes between MCC samples prepared via liquid and gas phase methods. The gas-produced MCC revealed 85% crystallinity, 71 Å crystallite dimensions, and thermally stable rod-shaped morphology with an average diameter below 200 μm. The similar material properties validate the proposed gas-based technique as an equally effective yet more energy-efficient alternative to conventional aqueous acid hydrolysis for fabricating highly pure MCC powders from lignocellulose. This sustainable approach enables the value-addition of sugarcane bagasse agro-industrial residue into cellulosic nanomaterials for wide-ranging industrial applications. In summary, the key achievements of this work are rapid MCC production under mild temperatures using HCl gas, optimization of liquid phase hydrolysis, successful demonstration of gas phase method, and extensive characterization verifying equivalence between both protocols. The gas methodology offers a greener cellulose extraction process from biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant cell wall is the most abundant carbon reservoir in nature and is a renewable source of biofuels. To break down this biomass and convert it into fermentable sugars, a set of multiple enzymes is needed. Here, we characterize the enzymatic repertoire necessary for the degradation of sugarcane bagasse "in natura" and pre-treated using Aspergillus clavatus as a model. 135 unique peptides were identified by Mass Spectrometry MS/MS. 23 of these proteins belong to classes of enzymes involved in biomass degradation and were differentially expressed on various substrates. Each pretreatment changed the sugarcane bagasse composition, which, in turn, led to the differential expression of A. clavatus holocellulases. The deconstruction of "in natura" bagasse demanded the largest set of enzymes due to the structural complexity of this material. Not only different sources of biomass but also different pretreatments of the same source will determine the enzymes required for the most efficient biomass conversion, avoiding the use of non-essential enzymes and consequent financial expense. Understanding A. clavatus nutritional strategies by proteomic analysis of secretome can improve the technology applied to biomass conversion and by-product synthesis. Image 1 • Sugarcane bagasse pretreatments promoted the holocellulases' differential expression. • 23 unique peptides belong to classes of plant cell wall degrading enzymes. • Complex lignocellulosic biomass required the largest enzyme set to be deconstructed. • The sugarcane bagasse breakdown happens via a hierarchical enzymatic attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of olive trees is expanding in Brazil, mainly in Rio Grande do Sul in order to meet the demand for olive oil, the main product of the industrialization of olives. However, from the extraction, there is a significant generation of waste. This residue has high moisture and an appropriate destination is necessary given its environmental and economic importance. The chemical composition of the residue is similar to other products used in animal feed, such as corn silage or sorghum, in relation to DM, CP and NDF, the differential being high levels of EE and ADL. In order to evaluate the replacement of corn silage by the extraction residue of olive oil (olive pomace), eight Holstein dairy cow, between 90 and 100 days of lactation, were used, making a double Latin square (4x4). Analyzes were made regarding animals, feed and milk product in order to verify the feasibility of the substitution. The inclusion of olive pomace, conserved as silage, to replace corn silage, in the diet of lactating cows up to 15% (dry basis) does not alter milk production, as well as its composition and feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of olive trees is expanding in Brazil, mainly in Rio Grande do Sul in order to meet the demand for olive oil, the main product of the industrialization of olives. However, from the extraction, there is a significant generation of waste. This residue has high moisture and an appropriate destination is necessary given its environmental and economic importance. The chemical composition of the residue is similar to other products used in animal feed, such as corn silage or sorghum, in relation to DM, CP and NDF, the differential being high levels of EE and ADL. In order to evaluate the replacement of corn silage by the extraction residue of olive oil (olive pomace), eight Holstein dairy cow, between 90 and 100 days of lactation, were used, making a double Latin square (4x4). Analyzes were made regarding animals, feed and milk product in order to verify the feasibility of the substitution. The inclusion of olive pomace, conserved as silage, to replace corn silage, in the diet of lactating cows up to 15% (dry basis) does not alter milk production, as well as its composition and feed efficiency.

Abstract Background Pineapple is the third most important tropical fruit produced worldwide, and approximately 24.8 million tons of this fruit are produced annually throughout the world, including in Thailand, which is the fourth largest pineapple producer in the world. Pineapple wastes (peel and core) are generated in a large amount equal to approximately 59.36% based on raw material. In general, the anaerobic digestion of pineapple wastes is associated with a high biochemical oxygen demand and high chemical oxygen demand, and this process generates methane and can cause greenhouse gas emissions if good waste management practices are not enforced. This study aims to fill the research gap by examining the feasibility of pineapple wastes for promoting the high-value-added production of biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from the available domestic raw materials. The objective of this study was to use agro-industrial residue from the canned pineapple industry for biodegradable PHB production. Results The results indicated that pretreatment with an alkaline reagent is not necessary. Pineapple core was sized to − 20/+ 40 mesh particle and then hydrolyzed with 1.5% (v/v) H2SO4 produced the highest concentration of fermentable sugars, equal to 0.81 g/g dry pineapple core, whereas pineapple core with a + 20 mesh particle size and hydrolyzed with 1.5% (v/v) H3PO4 yielded the highest concentration of PHB substrates (57.2 ± 1.0 g/L). The production of PHB from core hydrolysate totaled 35.6 ± 0.1% (w/w) PHB content and 5.88 ± 0.25 g/L cell dry weight. The use of crude aqueous extract (CAE) of pineapple waste products (peel and core) as a culture medium was investigated. CAE showed very promising results, producing the highest PHB content of 60.00 ± 0.5% (w/w), a cell dry weight of 13.6 ± 0.2 g/L, a yield ($$Y_{{{P \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {P S}} \right. \kern-0pt} S}}}$$ YP/S ) of 0.45 g PHB/g PHB substrate, and a productivity of 0.160 g/(L h). Conclusions This study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing pineapple waste products from the canned pineapple industry as lignocellulosic feedstocks for PHB production. C. necator strain A-04 was able to grow on various sugars and tolerate levulinic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, and a detoxification step was not required prior to the conversion of cellulose hydrolysate to PHB. In addition to acid hydrolysis, CAE was identified as a potential carbon source and offers a novel method for the low-cost production of PHB from a realistic lignocellulosic biomass feedstock.

The lack of adequate treatment for the removal of pollutants from domestic, hospital and industrial effluents has caused great environmental concern. Therefore, there is a need to develop materials that have the capacity to treat these effluents. This work aims to develop and characterize an activated charcoal from olive pomace, which is an agro-industrial residue, for adsorption of Nimesulide in liquid effluent and to evaluate the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium using experimental design. The raw material was oven dried at 105 °C for 24 h, ground, chemically activated in a ratio of 1:0.8:0.2 of olive pomace, zinc chloride and calcium hydroxide and thermally activated by pyrolysis in a reactor of stainless steel at 550 °C for 30 min. The activated carbon was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) method, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), density and zero charge potential analysis. The surface area obtained was 650.9 m2 g−1. The kinetic and isothermal mathematical models that best described the adsorption were PSO and Freundlich and the highest adsorption capacity obtained was 353.27 mg g−1. The results obtained showed the good performance of activated carbon produced from olive pomace as an adsorbent material and demonstrated great potential for removing emerging contaminants such as Nimesulide.

Empty fruit bunches (EFBs) are an agro-industrial residue discarded in the environment when the fresh palm fruits are removed for oil extraction. EFBs are abundant in palm-oil-producing countries and cause environmental problems. Besides their content in lignocellulosic, EFBs also contain amounts of residual lipids from the separation process. Because the palm fruit has two main types of oil from the pulp (palm oil) or the seeds (kernal oil), the residual EFBs lipids may have different compositions. Thus, this work aimed at characterizing the lignocellulosic content and the residual lipids in two EFBs from different palm oil producers. The EFBs were classified as Type 1 and Type 2 according to their source. The results showed that Type 1 EFBs had higher lignocellulosic and fatty acid compositions, similar to palm and kernel oils, while Type 2 EFBs had lower lignocellulosic content and fatty acid composition, similar to palm oil.

The valorization of agro-industrial residues using yeasts as biocatalysts requires efficient methods for biomass separation. Filtration with ceramic membranes is suitable for this task, however, the challenge of flux decline and the unavoidable cleaning must be taken into account. We investigated the filtration of fermentation broth and its components using tubular microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes, and hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membranes, with cut-offs of 30 and 200 nm. The steady-state flux was limited by fouling under comparable wall shear stress conditions but increased when the wall shear stress was higher. Single-component filtration with two 30 nm tubular ultrafiltration membranes, whose average surface roughness ranged from 1.0 to 3.9 µm, showed that smoother surfaces experience less biomass fouling under more intense hydrodynamic conditions. Furthermore, we showed experimentally and by scanning electron microscopy in filtration with 30 nm tubular membranes that the thickness of the first separation layer is responsible for the degree of irreversible resistance caused by the deposition of organic material in the membrane pores. The thickness of this layer should therefore be minimized without compromising mechanical stability.

The characterization and manipulation of solid residues according to their types can enable different ways of efficient and specialized applications in the development of products. In particular, the sugarcane bagasse ash, a solid agro-industrial residue resulting from the burning of the bagasse in boilers for energy cogeneration, attracts attention due to its high availability. This study aims to systematically characterize the bottom, fly and mixed ashes, submitted to low-cost processings, in order to do a better directioning of their applicabilities in civil construction products. The processings of the ashes consist basically in stages of sieving and reburning at 600 °C. The results showed that the chemical and physical properties of the bottom and mixed ashes are similar between them and are especially recommended for applications in replacement of fine aggregates in civil construction products. The fly ash sample, without reburning and with amorphous structural organization, satisfies prerequisites for evaluations of pozzolanic applications in partial replacement of cementitious materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]