This work investigated whether the interaction between the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium and indigenous microorganisms could enhance polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) removal from historically contaminated soil in aerobic microcosms. The PCB mixture was composed mainly of 14\% tri-, 20\% tetra-, 9\% penta-, 17\% hexa-, 26\% hepta-, 11\% octa-, and 3\% nona-chlorobiphenyl (CB) congeners, determined by GC/MS. The fungus, which was grown on sugarcane bagasse and added via this solid substrate, successfully colonized the contaminated soil. The added fungi and the indigenous soil community biodegraded most PCB congeners, with removing efficiencies ranging from 13\% to 100\% for the 45-day incubation period. The interaction between the fungus and the microorganisms present in the added bagasse inhibited both heterotrophic activity (measured by CO2 evolution) and PCB degradation, suggesting a possible antagonism. In contrast, analysis of variance (ANOVA) inferred a synergistic effect between fungus and soil microorganisms, which resulted in a heterotrophic activity above 2.5 Mg-CO2/ g-initial dry matter/day. The statistical analyses also showed that the presence of fungus alone was particularly beneficial for the removal of penta- and hepta-CB.
Hemicellulose can provide excellent oxygen resistance for packaging film, which is considered to be able to solve the environmental burdens and natural resource consumption problems of traditional petroleum-based packaging. The extraction of hemicellulose from numerous agricultural and forestry wastes, together with its application in packaging materials, has attracted worldwide attention. In this study, the life cycle assessment method was used to qualify the potential environmental impact of ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction of hemicellulose, including alkali-soluble hemicellulose (AHC) and water-soluble hemicellulose (WHC). The results show that the washing and drying process of AHC extraction and the rotary evaporating together with sedimentation process of WHC extraction are the main contribution of environmental burdens. There are significant differences in ODP, COD, POFP, and NH3-N between AHC and WHC extraction, which are mainly caused by ethanol consumption during the washing and drying process of AHC extraction, while the sedimentation process of WHC extraction moderates the difference trend. From the results of normalization, the environmental implication of WHC is significantly lower than that of AHC. In the utopia scenario, the synergistic effect of ethanol recovery and clean energy substitution can reduce the environmental burdens by 77.4\%, and reduce environmental costs by 89\%. WHC can be preferred as the raw material of packaging film, but the premise is that the functions of the two kinds of hemicelluloses are consistent. The environmental footprint and cost of hemicellulose extraction process can be further reduced by recycling ethanol and using clean energy, especially in terms of GWP and AP indicators. In this study, quantitative evaluation of environmental profile and environmental cost can provide data support and a fresh perspective on the sustainable development of hemicellulose and biomass refining technology.
Biofuels are particularly attractive and play an increasingly important role in sustainable energy. However, biofuels originating from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) are extremely challenging because of their low carbon content, low stability, and high oxygen content. This work evaluates the supercritical methanol (scMeOH) co-liquefaction of rice straw and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) at temperature range of 240-340 degrees C for 0-2 h, to obtain hydrocarbons (HCs)-rich oil and carbon-rich solid product. Results show that reaction temperature dominated the yield and properties of products, but not the holding time. Among parameters tested, 30.07 wt\% oil yield with 75.79\% HCs content and 33.05 wt\% oil yield with 70.91\% HCs content were obtained at 300 degrees C for 1 h and 1.5 h, respectively. Simultaneously, the remaining solid products were still as high as 53.85 wt\% with a carbon content of 79.59\% and 48.28 wt\% with carbon content of 81.34\% under 300 degrees C for 1 h and 1.5 h, respectively. Ultimate analysis, FT-IR, TGA, and SEM show that solid products could be used as sustainable carbon resources, and solid fuel rather than soil amendment because of risk of micro plastic or adsorbent due to smooth surface without pores. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In this study a techno-economic analysis of the production of bioethanol from four lignocellusic (Sugarcane bagasse, Coffee cut-stems, Rice Husk, and Empty Fruit Bunches) residues is presented for the Colombian case. The ethanol production was evaluated using Aspen Plus and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer carrying out the simulation and the economic evaluation, respectively. Simulations included the composition of lignocellulosic residues, which was determined experimentally. It was found that empty fruit bunches presents the highest ethanol yield from a dry basis point of view (313.83 L/t), while rice husk produced less ethanol (250.56 L/t). The ethanol production cost was assessed for the standalone ethanol plant and the ethanol plant coupled with a cogeneration system. Moreover, ethanol production cost using EFB was the lowest with (0.49 US\$/L) and without (0.58 US\$/L) cogeneration scheme. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The objetive of this work was to evaluate modifications in the microbial biomass, metabolic quotient, types of mineral nitrogen, ON ratio, and total organic colloids concentration. The following variations in the substrate composition were utilized: pure cattle manure, pure cattle manure + sugarcane bagasse 1: 1 ratio, and pure cattle manure + sugarcane bagasse + leaves of Cajanus cajan 2: 1:1 ratio. The mixture was made on volume bases and the substrate composition filled boxes of 0.4 m(3). Three hundred earthworms of the species Eisenia foetida and 100 of Eudrillus eugeniae were introduced in the boxes. Every 20 days, approximately, samples were collected for analysis during a total period of 126 days. The experiment was placed in a randomized complete block design, with a factorial 3x8, with three replications and the following treatments: three types of substrate and eight sampling dates. Microbial biomass, metabolic quotient and types of mineral nitrogen concentrations were not good indexes to characterize the maturity point of the vermicomposting process. Based on C/N ratio, the pure cattle manure reached stability in 70 days and sugarcane bagasse and pure cattle manure + sugarcane bagasse + Cajanus cajan leaves in 90 days. The determination of organic colloids was a simple assay, but was not also a good index to characterize the maturity point of the vermicomposting process.
In this study, rice straw and sugar cane bagasse were pretreated using a novel imidazole:poly(ethylene glycol) (IPEG) solvent at temperatures between 120 and 200 degrees C for 1 h. The pretreatment using IPEG with molecular weight of PEG of 200 g/mol (IPEG200) resulted in 83\% and 92\% of xylan from rice straw and bagasse, respectively, being converted to furfural. The solubility of xylan was highest in IPEG200, which had higher hydrogen bonding acidity, hydrogen bonding basicity, and polarizability. The yield of glucose from pretreated residues via enzymatic hydrolysis was highest for rice straw treated with IPEG200 (27\%) compared to the untreated sample (9\%). Pretreatment of sugar cane bagasse using IPEG200 resulted in higher yield of furan derivatives (600 g/kg) compared to that from rice straw. The pyrolysates from the enzymatic hydrolysis residues contained a significantly lower amount of carboxylic acid and furan derivatives due to the removal of hemicellulose during the pretreatment process.
The viability of using the waste obtained in the manufacture of sugar from sugarcane for the production of biodiesel has been analyzed. Two fundamental stages are necessary to obtain biodiesel; the first stage is the extraction process from the waste oil materials and the second is the transesterification reaction. Four techniques, Soxhlet, orbital shaker extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction, have been analyzed. For Soxhlet, orbital shaker extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, the organic solvent (hexane) was maintained for all experiment. In supercritical fluid extraction two solvents were evaluated: pure CO2 and mixtures of CO2 and 5\% (v : v) methanol. The reaction kinetics of the transesterification reaction with an acidic catalyst and a basic catalyst were analysed. The results show that the supercritical extraction process produces a better product for the subsequent transesterification reaction. This finding is attributed to the high selectivity of carbon dioxide in the recovery of fatty acids and triglycerides in comparison with other solvents.
Acceptability indexes and food consumption pattern were measured in diets of type B sugarcane molasses and soybean meal, made with variable levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 \%) of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth foliage meal, were offered in a completely randomized way to 32 pigs of 30 kg live weight. When treatments were compared with each other, some depression in acceptability with the 15 \% diet of albizia was found (p = 0.039). The speed of intake and meal size decreased as the inclusion of albizia foliage increased (p < 0.01). Visits to the feeder (p = 0.007) and time eating increased (p = 0.001) as the meal content of this foliage in the feed increased. It is suggested that albizia foliage meal does not appear to contain substances that inhibit voluntary feed intake, at least in diets with sugar cane molasses, which may determine substantial changes in the acceptability and pattern of feed consumption of pigs.
This work demonstrated that bio-jet fuels can be directionally prepared from bagasse (a typical lignocellulose biomass) by integrating bio- and chemical catalysis reaction processes. This controllable transformation started with the preparation of acetone/butanol/ethanol (ABE) intermediates through the enzymolysis and fermentation of bagasse. Pretreatment of bagasse by deep eutectic solvent (DES) promoted the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation because it destroyed the structure of biomass and remove lignin in lignocellulose. Subsequently, the selective catalytic conversion of sugarcane derived ABE broth to jet range fuels was achieved through an integrated process: ABE dehydration to light olefins over the HSAPO-34 catalyst and olefin polymerization to bio-jet fuels over the Ni/HBET catalyst. The dual catalyst bed synthesis mode improved the selectively of bio-jet fuels.
In order to address society's concerns regarding the sustainability of sugar and ethanol production and use, this paper calculates the energy and greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions' balances of a non-vertically integrated sugarcane industry in Tucuman-Argentina. The essential operations involved in the sugar/ethanol production cycle were taken into account. Results show that this industry generated an energy balance of 3.4:1. GHG emissions during sugarcane production were 1824 and 2231 kg CO(2)eq. ha(-1) year(-1) for low and middle to high farms' technological levels, respectively. The mill process emitted 1187 kg CO(2)eq. ha(-1) year(-1). The main factors influencing these balances were gas-oil and nitrogen fertilizers used in the agricultural stage, natural gas consumed by the sugar mill, and sugarcane burning (only for GHG balance). The impact of ethanol use in reducing GHG emissions under the current production scheme (6.8 Mg ha(-1) of sugar + 380.9 kg ha(-1) of ethanol), in final blends of 95\% gasoline and 5\% ethanol in vehicles, is negligible. A sensitivity analysis indicates that switching to 100\% bagasse used as fuel in mill's boilers, ethanol being produced directly from sugarcane juice, and a final blend of 90\% gasoline and 10\% ethanol, an amount of 1746 kg CO(2)eq. ha(-1) year(-1) of GHG emissions could be avoided. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Biowastes (BW), the main raw materials for the composting installations in developing countries, are characterized for containing uncooked food wastes (FW), high moisture content, low porosity, acidic pH, and low C/N ratios which affects the overall composting process (CP). In this study, we evaluated the effect of adding sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and star grass (SG) (Cynodon plectostachyus (K. Schum.) Pilg.) as bulking materials (BM) over the quality of the substrate, progress of the process, and quality of the obtained product. In this sense, two pilot-scale experiments were performed. The first one contained a substrate formed by 78\% BW and 22\% SCB (pile A). The second experiment contained a substrate formed by 66\% BW and 34\% SG (pile B). For each experiment, control treatments (piles A' and B' respectively) were performed by using 100\% BW without BM. The results showed that in both cases the adding of BM improved substrate quality (pH, moisture, and total organic C content {[
Lignin is recommended to a tempting alternative precursor of petroleum for fabricating carbon nanofibers (CNFs) due to its high carbon content, low-cost and renewable resources. However, the property of lignin-based carbon nanofibers (LCNFs) is inferior owing to the heterogeneity and 3D-network structure of lignin, which hinders its application in supercapacitors. The latest developments in fractionation technology have shown great potential for overcoming the aforementioned shortcomings. However, most of fractionation methods mainly rely on expensive chemicals and complex reaction process, such as enzymes, multiple solvents, membranes, and dialysis tubes. Herein, we proposed a controllable and effective strategy to fractionate lignin by only changing the ratio of ethanol/water (V/V) as mixture solvent. This gradient extraction method effectively removed the part of lignin with small molecular and branching structure, thus selectively getting the fractionated lignin with high molecular weight, narrow polydispersity index, and good linear structure. Fortunately, when the ratio of ethanol/ water was 6:4, the corresponding LCNFs (LCNFs-L60) was obtained with large specific surface area, independent filamentous morphology networks and excellent electrochemical property. Its specific capacitance was up to 405.8 F/g. This way features controllable and sustainable for preparing high-quality LCNFs supercapacitors.
Purpose The purpose of this work is to investigate a new class of solvents for separating secondary agricultural residues, which have already been transported to processing centers, into individual biomass components. Using biocompatible deep eutectic solvents (DES) on secondary agricultural residues could valorize these wastes into bioproducts by separating lignin from cellulose. DES pretreatment to achieve this separation involves chemicals that are less hazardous for the environment than other pretreatments. Methods Five deep eutectic solvents that are biocompatible have been investigated for their ability to deconstruct rice hulls and sugarcane bagasse. Mass yield, enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated biomass, fiber analysis, pKa analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to explore the effect of the DES on these secondary agricultural residues. Results Experimental results confirmed that the DES formic acid:choline chloride (FA:CC), lactic acid:choline chloride, and acetic acid:choline chloride were effective in removing lignin, thus concentrating cellulose in both pretreated biomass. Addition of water precipitated lignin from the spent DES, as confirmed by FTIR. However, the higher pKa DES lactic acid:betaine and lactic acid:proline had little effect on rice hulls or sugarcane bagasse. FA:CC was the most effective of the DES tested in preparing the biomass for enzymatic saccharification. All the effectively pretreated samples had higher inorganic content compared to the relevant raw biomass. Conclusions DES with stronger acidity (lower pKa) were found to be more efficient for delignification, leading to higher glucose yield. Further work is required to determine how inorganics affect waste biomass pretreatment.
Microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) was employed to determine the concentrations of macro and micronutrients (Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Na) in products derived from sugarcane: sugars (refined, crystal, demerara and brown) and derived products (molasses and brown sugar candy) produced in the southern region of Brazil. The sample preparation was performed by acid decomposition with a reflux system under optimized conditions: 1000 mg of sample and 5.0 mL of concentrated nitric acid for 4 hours at 150 degrees C and addition of 1.0 mL of hydrogen peroxide. At the end we obtained a procedure that provides analytical solutions in accordance with the established parameters of acidity and dissolved solids as per the MIP OES spectrometer manufacturer's recommendations. The accuracy was evaluated by the analyte addition tests (80 to 119\%). The limits of detection, in mg kg(-1), were 0.03 (Ba); 0.03 (Ca); 0.04 (Cu); 0.08 (Fe); 0.18 (K); 0.03 (Mg); 0.02 (Mn) and 0.26 (Na). The concentrations of the analytes in the different samples varied according to the degree of processing, since higher values appeared for the less processed samples, i.e. brown sugar, molasses and brown sugar candy.
Non-wood fibers are projected as fast-growing resources and sustainable alternate materials to reduce deforestation and enhance efficiency in the pulp and paper industry. This paper addressed the paucity of data on the fiber morphological characteristics (Fiber Length, Diameter, Lumen Diameter, and Wall Thickness) and pulping properties (Slenderness Ratio, Rigidity Coefficient, Flexibility Coefficient, Runkel Ratio, Solids Factor, and Luce's Shape Factor) for Silk Cotton, leaves and stalk of Elephant Grass and Sugarcane Bagasse found in Ghana, especially, as environmental variations may cause differences in regional data. Observed values for the studied parameters were within the suitable range for paper production and differed from those reported for other regions. Elephant Grass (stalk) and Bagasse that had higher values of Fiber Length (4101.42 +/- 197.89 and 3960.20 +/- 194.35 mu m), Diameter (60.03 +/- 1.82 and 59.85 +/- 1.72 mu m), Lumen Diameter (33.33 +/- 1.76 and 35.97 +/- 1.38 mu m), Wall Thickness (13.35 +/- 0.83 and 11.94 +/- 0.55 mu m), Slenderness Ratio (70.8 +/- 4.2 and 67.2 +/- 3.4), and Flexibility Coefficient (55.7 +/- 2.3 and 55.7 +/- 2.3) would perform better during paper production. They would exhibit good physico-mechanical properties suitable for manufacturing flexible, high tearing, elastic, dense, smooth, and well-formed papers with high tensile and bursting strengths. Silk Cotton may also produce good papers with low tearing index, well-bonded, rigid, bulky, and coarse textured.
The aim of this paper is to present aspects about the energy balance of sugarcane crops and its carbon dioxide emissions. We calculate energy used in agricultural, industrial and distribution sectors by five sugarcane mills of Mato Grosso do Sul and we compare the yield with its energy delivery. The energy balance obtained, with an average 6.8, shows that is advantageous to produce ethanol in the lands of that Brazilian state. We have prepared a forecasting of electricity production from bagasse taking into account two types of technology. Finally, we present the potential value of CO2 emitted by the five mills to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions of the ethanol production valor chain. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The use of best fertilizer-management practices is one way to increase crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and to reduce environmental impacts. In sugarcane crops, due to the harvest season extension in southeast Brazil (April-November) N fertilization must be adjusted to optimize the N availability during the crop development. Our objective was to assess the influence of N-fertilizer application time and rates on sugarcane and sugar yield, sucrose content, N uptake, and NUE on fields harvested in distinct period (early, middle, and end) of sugarcane harvest season in Brazil. Three experiments were carried out with the same design (split plot) and evaluated for 1st and 2nd ratoon. The main plots consisted in different N-fertilizer application time (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after harvest-DAH), while the split plots were five N rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha(-1)). N-fertilizer application time influenced the sugarcane and/or sugar yield at three sites, which the best time to apply N was between 0-60 DAH, in early and 30-90 DAH, in middle period of the harvest season. The N rates that afforded the highest sugarcane yield were 130 (early), 140 (middle) and 100 kg N ha(-1) (end of the harvest season). N-fertilizer application time and rate adjustment optimized N uptake by the sugarcane stalk, reducing 20\% on N requirement in early and middle harvest season, and increasing NUE in sugarcane ratoon (10\%). This proposed new N management in sugarcane ratoon considers the application time and N rate.
Bioreactors operating in fed-batch mode improve the enzymatic hydrolysis productivity at high biomass loadings. The present work aimed to apply rational feeding strategies of substrates (pretreated sugarcane straw) and enzymes (CellicCtec2 (R)) to achieve sugar titers at industrial levels. The instantaneous substrate concentration was kept constant at 5\% (w/v) along the fed-batch. The enzyme dosage inside the bioreactor was adjusted so that the reaction rate was not less than a pre-defined value (a percentage of the initial reaction rate - r(min)). When r reached values below r(min), enzyme pulses were applied to return the reaction rate to its initial value (r(0)). The optimized feeding policy indicated a reaction rate maintained at a minimum of 70\% of r(0), based on the trade-off between glucose productivity and enzyme saving. Initially, it was possible to process a 21\% (w/v) solid load, achieving 160 g/L of glucose concentration and 80\% of glucose yield. It was verified that non-productive enzyme adsorption was the main reason for some reduction of hydrolysis yield regarding the theoretical cellulose-to-glucose conversion. An increment of 30 g/L in the final glucose concentration was achieved when a lignin-blocking additive (soybean protein) was used in the enzymatic hydrolysis.
Bioethanol production provides environmental, economic and social benefits, reduces dependency and preserves fossil energy sources. This investigation evaluated the performance of oxidative chemical pretreatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to increase the availability of cellulose, from mixtures of lignocellulosic biomasses such as bagasse from panelero cane, and litter, in proportion (90:10), carried out in order to evaluate the behavior of the biomasses when they are mixed, maintaining a greater proportion of sugarcane bagasse. Three variables were evaluated (time, temperature, and concentration) using an experimental design 23 with triplicate in the central point, a lignin removal of 70\% was achieved with reaction conditions at 60 min. 45 degrees C, 5\% peroxide hydrogen. The results obtained in the pretreatment stage show a good removal performance of insoluble lignin of 88.5\% with effect conditions at 80 min, 25 degrees C, 7\% hydrogen peroxide and a yield of 79.5\% removal under conditions at 40 min, 25 C, 3\% hydrogen peroxide. For soluble lignin with 58.8\% removal and conditions at 80 min. 25 degrees C, 7\% hydrogen peroxide, and a reagent yield of 61.67\% at 40 min conditions, 25 degrees C 7\% hydrogen peroxide. The experimental design shows by means of a statistical analysis the conditions of the process to reduce costs and time. identifying from the significant variables of the model that time, temperature and interaction 1 {*
Increasing awareness about sustainability has compelled the recent researchers to explore different methods for evaluation. Conventionally the sustainability of a process was majorly dependent on the economics feasibility. Recently need of incorporation of environmental and social concerns in overall sustainability assessment has been realized. Authors in their prior work has published a framework for performing sustainability assessment of biomass processing enterprises. The present work is on selection of sugarcane valorization pathways based on the sustainability index using the same framework. Six alternative routes are compared based on their economic, environment and social criteria. Life cycle assessment of each process is performed as per ISO 14040/44 to evaluate the environmental criteria. Integrated method of value function (MIVES) is used for consolidation of different indicators and criteria. Amongst the process alternatives considered for assessment, 1G2G ethanol route is observed to have highest sustainability index (0.864) owing to relatively lower environmental impact whereas first generation butanol production route (1GRS) had the least sustainability index of 0.090 on account of decreased yield and less products. Sensitivity analysis performed on the model showed no significant change in the ranking of the alternatives.
The global expansion of agricultural production increases agricultural waste ash (AWA). Accordingly, AWA should be disposed to preserve the environment. This study focuses on using AWA as a partial substitute for cement to produce ultrahigh-strength concrete (UHSC). This research investigated the effect of using sugarcane leaf ash (SLA) as a pozzolanic material on the properties of UHSC. The cement replacement rates by SLA were 10\%, 20\% and 30\% by weight. SLA was heat-treated at 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 degrees C for 2 h to improve its physical and chemical properties. The effects of the heat-treated SLA on UHSC mechanical properties such as, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, were studied. The effects of heat-treated SLA on UHSC durability such as, water permeability, chloride penetration and sorptivity of UHSC were also investigated. In addition to, microstructure analysis of several UHSC mixtures was presented. Results showed the efficiency of SLA as a partial substitute of the 20\% of cement weight with mechanical properties and durability higher than the mechanical properties and durability of the reference mixture. Compared with the reference mixture, the heat-treated SLA used as a partial substitute generally improved all properties. The UHSC containing SLA heat-treated at 700 degrees C and a 20\% substitution rate achieved the best results of 162.5, 17.78, 24.05 and 55,820 MPa for compressive strength, tensile strength, bending strength and modulus of elasticity at test age of 28 days.
High titer ethanol production from rice straw using Mucor indicus fungus was investigated through the solid-state simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSSF) process. The straw was pretreated with 0.5 M sodium carbonate solution for 3, 5, and 10 h to improve the efficiency of the process. Effects of the pretreatment on the composition, structural morphology, cellulose crystallinity, swelling capacity, and buffering capacity of the straw were studied. Moreover, the effects of SSSF reaction time, enzyme loading, and solid loading on glucose and ethanol production were investigated. Additionally, the nutritional value of the residue from the SSSF process, as an animal feedstock, was determined in terms of lipid and protein contents. The highest total sugar concentration was 89.2 g/L, obtained from the straw pretreated for 10 h after hydrolysis with 10 FPU/g straw at 15\% (w/w) solid loading. Total sugars concentration was not significantly improved by increasing the pretreatment time at low enzyme loadings, whereas it was significantly improved at high enzyme loadings. The highest ethanol concentration and SSSF yield were 99.4 g/L and 89.5\% (71.8\% based on the raw material), achieved from the straw pretreated for 10 h through the 72-h SSSF at 30\% and 15\% solid loading, respectively, using 20 FPU/g straw. The low enzyme loadings of 2.5 and 5 FPU/g straw yielded ethanol with concentrations as high as 66.3 and 90.9 g/L, respectively, after 120-h fermentation at 30\% solid loading from the straw pretreated for 5 h.
Cassava processing produces by-products such as brown bark, between bark, disposal, bran, fiber and bagasse. Cassava bagasse is characterized as a source of starch that can be converted into sugars to obtain biofuels. The objective of this work was to produce ethanol from this cassava processing residue and to evaluate its contribution potential in the Brazilian energy matrix. Cassava processing residues were obtained from four different starch manufacturers in Brazil. Analysis of the chemical compositions of these samples provided the content of starch, sugar, crude grease, moisture, ash and also their pH values. For the ethanol process, the samples were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis using the alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidases enzymes, followed by fermentation and distillation. The samples showed high starch indices, approximately 64\% on average. The average yield of ethanol obtained was 30\% after treatment of the sample like this. Considering the estimated volume of cassava bagasse in Brazil, it is possible to produce an average of 789 million cubic meters per bagasse, replacing about 24\% of the first generation ethanol. Cassava bagasse can be considered an interesting biomass for the production of biofuels, contributing to the expansion of the energy matrix.
The present paper aims to explore the rhizospheric bacterial communities associated withSaccharum arundinaceumgrown on organometallic pollutants-rich hazardous distillery sludge. The sequence analysis of 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable region with Illumina MiSeq platform showed 621,897 OTUs derived from rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric distillery sludge samples out of 1,191,014 and 901,757 sequences read, respectively. The major phyla detected in rhizospheric sludge sample wereProteobacteria(50\%),Bacteriodetes(33\%),Firmicutes(5\%)Gemmatimonad etes(2\%),Chloroflexi(2\%), andTenericutes(2\%). The dominant three genera were detected asRheinheimera(21\%),Sphingobacterium(17\%), andIdiomarina(8\%). In addition, other minor genera such as unculturedBacillus(4\%),Acidothermus(4\%),Bacillus(3\%),Pseudomonas(2\%) ,Flavobacterium(2\%), uncultured bacterium (2\%),Parapedobacter(2\%),Alcanivorax(2\%),Acholeplasma(2\%),Hyphomonas( 1\%), andAquamicrobiumwere also detected (1\%) in rhizospheric sludge. Our results suggested that rhizospheric bacterial communities associated withS. arundinaceumwere substantially different in richness, diversity, and relative abundance of taxa compared to non-rhizospheric sludge. Further, the comparative organic pollutant analysis from non-rhizospheric and rhizospheric sludge samples through GC-MS analysis revealed the disappearance of few compounds and generation of some compounds as new metabolic products by the activity of rhizospheric bacterial communities. The results of this study will be helpful in understanding the role of rhizospheric bacterial communities responsible for degradation and detoxification of complex organometallic waste and, thus, can help in designing appropriate phytoremediation studies for eco-restoration of polluted sites.
The power generation from renewable sources is an interesting alternative to the diversification of the energy matrix of a country. This paper presents a probabilistic valuation method for power generation projects from renewable sources. It focuses on biomass plants that use sugarcane bagasse. The main objective is to bring a wider knowledge surrounding projects for investors that participate in energy auctions. Therefore, the highlight is for the net present value that allows us to analyze the financial viability of projects. Two stochastic variables are involved in the problem, the power generation and the energy price in the short-term market. Monte Carlo Simulation and Discounted Cash Flow methods are employed. A case study is carried out for a biomass plant. Sensitivity analysis is presented for different values of investment, bid, and minimum attractive rate of return. For each simulated scenario, the probability distribution of the net present value, the average net present value, and the internal rate of return are calculated. For the analyzed case study, the return of the project is more sensible to the bid value than the investment cost. The proposed method can be used as a tool to assist investors in energy auctions from renewable sources. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
When this article was first published in Polymer Composites, 35:768-774, 2014; DOI: , the lead authors name was incorrectly supplied to the Publisher. His correct name appears above. The authors apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
HPLC-UV-MS (APCI-MS/MS and CID/MS) was utilised for the identification of eight additional flavone glycosides from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L., Gramineae) extracts of bagasse, leaves and juice ('garapa'). Relevant information about substitution patterns was obtained through UV detection using post-column addition of shift reagents, while tandem MS provided structural information confirming the proposed structures of the C-glycosides vitexin, orientin, luteolin-8-C-(rhamnosylglucoside), 4',5'-dimethyl-luteolin-8-C-glycoside and the isomeric pair schaftoside-isoschaftoside, besides the O-glycosides tricin-7-O-neohesperidoside and tricin-7-O-glycoside. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.
Biochar has a propitious role in the agricultural lands as a sustainable soil management and drought mitigation approach. The present research work aims at evaluating the structural characteristics of wheat straw, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and wood shaving biochar in clay loam and sandy loam soil at a rate of 0, 10, and 20tonsha(-1) and their comparative role for improving soybean growth, biomass water content, apparent water productivity, Zn, Mn, and Fe status under three moisture conditions (75\%, 50\%, and 40\% of field capacity). Wood shaving and sugarcane bagasse biochar amendments in sandy loam soils caused favorable adjustments in the BET surface area, pore surface area, pore volume, pore radius, water-holding capacity, EC, and pH. However, in clay loam soil, there was traced a decline in BET (N-2) surface area and other pore properties, while the highest soybean shoot and leaf fresh and dry biomass were recorded with 10tonsha(-1) wood biochar in both types of soils under optimum and moisture-deficit conditions. Apparent water productivity with 10tonsha(-1) wood biochar in soybean plants under 75\%, 50\%, and 40\% moisture was 77\%, 137\%, and 157\% higher, respectively, than that in control in the clay loam soil, while 153\%, 149\% and 135\% higher, respectively, than that in control in the sandy loam soil. In both types of soils, soybean leaves with 10tonsha(-1) sugarcane bagasse biochar under all three moisture regimes had the highest Zn concentration. Under deficit moisture leaf, Mn concentration was found to be increased in wood biochar amendments and the highest Fe concentration was found with 20tonsha(-1) rice straw biochar amendments in both types of soils, while under 40\% moisture with most biochar treatments, leaves had high Fe concentration.
Both coal - and biomass-fired electric power plants have an enormous negative impact on the environments in which they are situated. However, there is potential to recycle waste such as coal ash and biomass ash for the production of high-performance concrete, i.e., self-consolidating concrete (SCC). This innovative high-performance concrete can flow and become compact under its own weight without segregation. Thus, the need for tamping and vibratory compaction is eliminated, which improves the production process and the performance of concrete structures. This article reviews SCC in terms of several aspects, including its history, the processes through which it is produced, and the mix designs used. The article also discusses the incorporation of four main by-products fly ash (FA), bottom ash (BA), rice husk ash (RHA), and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA)-into the production of SCC. Due to the rapid expansion of industrial and agricultural operations, the disposal of by-products such as ash has become the subject of increasing environmental concern, and their use in the production of SCC constitutes a new material recycling and sustainability effort. The by-products act as filler materials and can participate in the pozzolanic reaction associated with cement hydration, often resulting in improved SCC performance. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In recent years, individuals have begun to pay more attention to non-traditional stabilizers due to the problems connected with traditional stabilizers. Traditional stabilizers have undergone extensive investigation, and the mechanisms by which they act are well understood. This paper presents findings of the effect of sugarcane vinasse wastewater (VI) and sodium alginate (SA) polymer on the compressibility behavior, and microstructural evolution of clay soil using mixing method. The premise of this paper is to eliminate waste material from nature and compare the performance of this material against the use of polymers that have recently been used in improvement. The additives were dissolved in water and then introduced to the dried stratified soil to produce improved soil samples using the mixing technique. Transported unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was examined for 1, 14, and 28 days of treatments with additive ranges of 3-15\% for VI and 0.25-1.25\% for SA. In clay with high plasticity, the findings show that VI significantly influences increasing the UCS. With the addition of 9\% vinasse to the soil at the age of 28 days, the UCS has increased by 78.8\%. Additionally, the introduction of 1.25\% SA to the soil has increased by 261.9\% for the 28-day treatment efficiency significantly. Microstructural and chemical examination revealed that the mineralogical and morphological contents of the stabilized soil were influenced due to the pozzolanic reaction. The results showed that waste by-product liquid was able to significantly increase the strength and compressibility of the clay soil. Using a large volume of waste by-product liquid to stabilize soil, the researchers discovered a straightforward application method.
In this study, the effect of mixed silage on the chemical composition, ensilability, in vitro cellulase digestibility and some of their plant secondary metabolites (PSM) were assessed. The lab-scale silage mixes were made in triplicate from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) stalk and Canavalia ensiformis or Mucuna pruriens beans (Santa Clara, Cuba). Sugarcane stalks and beans were mixed at a ratio of 40:60 (on DM basis), respectively, in combination with a mixture of microbial inoculants (Lactobacillus acidophilus, and two Kluyveromyces fragilis strains, 4 x 10(5) colony forming units (CFU)/g of fresh matter). Before and after ensiling, the chemical composition, ensilability and contents of some PSM (trypsin inhibitor, L-canavanine, total tannins, L-dopa and phytic acid) were determined. A complete factorial design to assess the effect of the ensiling time (30, 60 or 90 days), the legume type (LT) and their interactions on the assessed parameters were performed. A better silage fermentation quality of the M. pruriens-sugarcane mixed material {[
Concrete production utilizes cement as its major ingredient. Cement production is an important consumer of natural resources and energy. Furthermore, the cement industry is a significant CO2 producer. To reduce the environmental impact of concrete production, supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, blast furnace slag, and silica fume are commonly used as (partial) cement replacement materials. However, these materials are industrial by-products and their availability is expected to decrease in the future due to, e.g., closing of coal power plants. In addition, these materials are not available everywhere, for example, in developing countries. In these countries, industrial and agricultural wastes with pozzolanic behavior offer opportunities for use in concrete production. This paper summarizes the engineering properties of concrete produced using widespread agricultural wastes such as palm oil fuel ash, rice husk ash, sugarcane bagasse ash, and bamboo leaf ash. Research on cement replacement containing agricultural wastes has shown that there is great potential for their utilization as partial replacement for cement and aggregates in concrete production. When properly designed, concretes containing these wastes have similar or slightly better mechanical and durability properties compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. Thus, successful use of these wastes in concrete offers novel sustainable materials and contributes to greener construction as it reduces the amount of waste, while also minimizing the use of virgin raw materials for cement production. This paper will help the concrete industry choose relevant waste products and their optimum content for concrete production. Furthermore, this study identifies research gaps which may help researchers in further studying concrete based on agricultural waste materials.
Large amounts of tropical crop residues are produced and discarded or burned, causing a great waste of crop residue resources and serious environmental pollution. Pyrolysis is considered an environment-friendly technology to dispose of crop wastes. In the present study, in order to compare the impact of pyrolysis temperature on the yield and characteristics of tropical crop residues biochar, four tropical crop residues (sugarcane bagasse and cassava, pineapple, and banana straw) were pyrolyzed at 200, 300, 400, and 500 degrees C for 1 h. The results showed that with increased pyrolysis temperature, the pH and carbon (C), nitrogen (N), ash, and fixed carbon contents were significantly increased. In contrast, the yield, oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and volatile matter contents and the O:C, H:C, and (O + N):C ratios of the biochar were significantly decreased. Among the four biochar, sugarcane bagasse biochar had the lowest electrical conductivity value; cassava and banana straw biochar had the highest ash content; cassava straw biochar had the highest N content. Overall, tropical crop straw biochar has high pH and stability, and has the potential to improve tropical acidic soils.
This study utilized microwave irradiation to induce torrefaction (mild pyrolysis) of rice husk and sugarcane residues by varying different parameters, including microwave power level, processing time, water content, and particle size of biomass. Proper microwave power levels are suggested to be set between 250 and 300 W for the torrefaction of these two agricultural residues. With proper processing time, the caloric value can increase 26\% for rice husk and 57\% for sugarcane residue. Compared to dry rice husk, both maximum reaction temperature and mass reduction ratio increased with higher water content (not over 10\%). Moreover, the particle size of biomass needs not to be very small. The mass reduction ratios were 65 wt.\%, 69 wt.\%, and 72 wt.\%, when the sizes were 50/100 mesh, 100/200 mesh, and >200 mesh, respectively. Microwave-induced torrefaction reduces more oxygen/carbon ratio of biomass in comparison with traditional torrefaction. Microwave-induced torrefaction is considered as an efficient and promising technology with great potential. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This work presents the exploitation of waste industrial by-products as raw materials for the production of microbial lipids in engineered strains of the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii. A lipogenic xylose-utilizing strain was used to apply a metabolic engineering approach aiming at relieving regulatory mechanisms to further increase the biosynthesis of lipids. Three genomic manipulations were applied: the overexpression of a feedback resistant form of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase enzyme; the expression of a truncated form of Mga2, a regulator of the main Delta 9 desaturase gene; and the overexpression of an additional copy of DGA1 that codes for diacylglycerol acyltransferase. The performance of the engineered strain was evaluated in culture media containing mixed formulations of corn-cob hydrolysates, sugarcane molasses or crude glycerol. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of the engineered strains, which were able to accumulate about 40\% of cell dry weight (CDW) in lipid content using organic industrial wastes as feedstocks.
In this study, the evaluation of biogas production potential from 5 raw and processed agricultural wastes: soybean residues, papaya peels, sugarcane bagasses, rice straws and greater galangals were investigated. The experimental study was carried out into 2 parts. Firstly, the batch experiment was conducted in mesophilic conditions (30 degrees C), at five different hydraulic retention times (HRT): 15 days, 20 days 25 days 30 days and 35 days. The results revealed that soybean residue generated the highest biogas yield of 560.47 ml. at the HRT of 25 days. Papaya peels produced the highest biogas yield of 404.24 ml. at the HRT of 15 days. Bagasse generated the highest biogas yield of 263.04 ml. at the HRT of 25 days. Straw and greater galangal showed a very low biogas yield under the studied conditions. Secondly, the continuous experiment was carried out under an optimal HRT of each feedstock using a digester of 200 liters between 60 days. The average biogas production rate of soybean residue, papaya peel, bagasse, straw and greater galangal was 63.01, 54.63, 16.28, 13.94 and 0.68 L/days, respectively. Finally, the methane yield of biogas produced from different feedstocks was analyzed using a gas chromatography. The results shown that biogas from soybean residue, papaya peel, bagasse, straw and greater galangal precedes the methane yield of 57.14\%, 53.70\%, 49.12\%, 56.25\% and 73.50\%, respectively. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass (trash, depithed bagasse, whole bagasse from mills) and wheat straw were evaluated as substrates in five treatments for the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation. Sugarcane substrates were characterized according to TAPPI and AOAC methods to determine their chemical composition. The substrate mixture were sterilized and placed in polyethylene bags before being inoculated with the Pleurotus ostreatus spawn. Colonizing and fructification periods and biological efficiency were analyzed. The results showed colonizing and fructification periods similar to the control group with trash (RAC) treatments and RAC/BI (Trash and bagasse from mills), biological efficiency of 106\% and 103\%, respectively. Edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus showed 15.2 and 21.3\% of raw protein, 12.8\% of crude fiber, 5.8 and 6.7\% of ash, and 40 and 45\% of carbohydrates. Mushroom cultivation is an efficient biological process of food protein recovery from sugar cane lignocellulosic biomass.
Production of industrial solvents and chemicals from a renewable resource is quite appealing due to the dwindling fossil fuel reserves. It is essential to replace the utilization of plastic materials with biodegradable plastic materials like poly-lactic acid (PLA). In the current work, Pediococcus pentosaceus HLV1, a newly identified acetogenic strain, was used to produce LA from sugarcane field residue (SFR). One of the several lignocellulosic potential substrates that are readily available in tropical regions is SFR. SFR has a cellulose content of 40.3 3.5\%, a hemicellulose content of 28.5 3.0\%, and lignin content of 20.3 2.6\%. Around 69\% of the lignin and 73\% of the hemicellulose were solubilized after the sequential dilute alkali and acid treatments. Cellulase was used to perform enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated substrate at a concentration of 10\% (w/v), and produced 0.681of glucose per gram of pretreated biomass. 5 g/l of residual sugar and 61.5 g/l of LA were produced during the batch fermentation procedure. The actual fermentation procedure yielded a 1.12 g LA/g substrate used with a productivity of 0.86 g/L/h. HMF and furfural were reduced to 0.65 g/L and 0.15 g/L from 1.83 g/l to 0.91 g/l, respectively, after fermentation. In the polyphenols, the most inhibitory compounds vanillin and syringaldehyde were reduced to very low concentrations to 0.087 and 0.09 g/l from 0.284 to 1.536 g/l respectively. These compounds have not shown any inhibitory action on microbial growth and lactic acid production. The current study describes how SFR was sequentially acid pretreated and then enzymatically hydrolyzed to acquire the greatest amount of fermentable sugars, as well as how freshly isolated Pediococcus pentosaceus HLV1 was used it to produce lactic acid.
In this study we provide up-to-date cradle-to-gate information on the environmental footprint of polylactic acid (PLA) produced in Thailand at commercial scale, covering emerging topics such as water footprint and direct land use change. The enormous potential to further reduce the environmental impacts of PLA through improvements in feedstock production as well as in the PLA manufacturing process is also demonstrated. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed according to the ISO 14040/44 standard methodology. The 16 environmental impact categories from ILCD 2011 Midpoint+were considered for the hotspot analysis. As primary data actual industrial data were used for the sugar production, lactic acid production (Corbion) and PLA production (Total Corbion PLA), including various recently developed process insights. The agricultural feedstock production and the manufacturing process of PLA from sugar contributed most to the LCA impacts of PLA production. The sugarcane crop production particularly affected the environmental impact categories analyzed, including global warming potential (GWP), water, eutrophication, acidification, particulate matter and, inevitably, land use. However, when combined with the results of a sustainability risk assessment study, it becomes clear that land use and water-related impacts represent a low risk for the feedstock-sourcing area. The environmental impact categories of PLA manufacturing are mostly linked to energy and chemicals usage. Improvements in the environmental performance of PLA can be achieved through improvements in the sugarcane farming practices, higher efficiency bagasse boilers at the sugarmill, reduced usage of auxiliary chemicals and increased usage of renewable energy in the conversion process of sugar to PLA. From a cradle-to-gate perspective, considering the uptake of carbon dioxide in the PLA molecule, the GWP is 501 kg CO2 eq/ton PLA.
To demonstrate the role of glucose oxidase (GOD) on the enzyme-catalyzed production of xylose from SCB hemicellulose, a variant of the GOD gene, which contains two amino acid substitutions, was cloned from Aspergillus niger CICC40179. Three-dimension structure modeling showed that the two variable amino acid residues were positioned on the surface of the protein molecule. The GOD gene was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Approximately 16.31 U/mL of GOD was obtained after 3 days of fermentation in the optimized medium. The catalytic characteristic of GOD was considered to apply in the production of xylose from hemicellulose. The pH value, temperature and the loading of GOD were optimized using the Box-Behnken design to improve the yield of xylose. The xylose yield was increased by 46\% in 16 h of hydrolysis by adding GOD when the reaction was conducted under the optimal conditions (pH 5.1, temperature 44.9 degrees C and 31.68U GOD per gram substrate). Glucose was not detected in the hydrolysis system supplemented with GOD. This is the first study demonstrating the application of glucose oxidase (GOD) on the enzyme-catalyzed production of xylose from SCB hemicellulose. The newly developed enzymatic hydrolysis system can contribute to the industrial production of xylose. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
In this study, polyurethane (PU)-based xerogels were synthesized by using the biobased polyol derived from chaulmoogra seed oil. These polyol was used for the preparation of PU xerogels using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate hard segment and polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) as soft segment with 1,4-diazabicyclo{[
This paper evaluated the mechanical and microstructural behavior of a clayey soil stabilized by an alkali -activated binder composed of two residues (sugarcane bagasse ash and hydrated eggshell lime) and sodium hydroxide. The sugarcane bagasse ash, an agro-industrial waste, contains high aluminosilicates content (64.74 \% silica and 13.25 \% alumina), needed for alkali-activation processes; calcium additions from the lime (72.90 \% calcium oxide) allow curing at room temperatures. An experimental design analyzed the mechanical behavior of soil-alkali activated binder, and soil-Portland cement mixtures. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), tensile strength (STS), stiffness (G0), durability (accumulated loss of mass, ALM), and matric suction tests, and XRD and SEM-EDS investigations were performed. Statistical analysis showed a higher influence of the dry unit weight over the binders' mechanical results. In addition, binders presented similar mechanical results for mixtures cured in room temperature (23 degrees C) (e.g., UCS around 5 MPa for high density-high binder content samples with 30 \% moisture content, and STS around 0.6 MPa for high density-high binder content samples with 28 \% moisture content). For both binders, the lowest ALM was 1.63 \% for high density-high binder content samples. The porosity/binder content index was a reliable parameter when evaluating soil stabilization. XRD and SEM analysis of alkali-activated samples showed, respectively, an amorphous hump attributed to disordered structures (C-S-H and (C,N)-A-S-H) and soil particles embedded in a cementitious matrix. Higher temperature (40 degrees C) and curing period (28 days) resulted in a denser structure.
In this work, the green synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with an efficient quantum yield of 17.98\% using sugarcane bagasse pulp as the precursor was conducted by a hydrothermal technique. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the CQDs were competently monodispersed with the particle size ranging between 0.75 and 2.75 nm. The structural properties of CQDs were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The UV-visible spectrum showed two absorption peaks due to the aromatic C=C transitions of pi-pi{*
This study presents a thermoeconomic and environmental assessment of the extraction of lipids and proteins from wet microalgal biomass in a 3G biorefinery by two different technologies: supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and low-pressure solvent extraction (LPSE). Simulation tools were used to study a sugarcane biorefinery producing ethanol from sugarcane juice (1G) and bagasse (2G); the microalgal growth in an open pond; and the processing of microalgal biomass into lipids, proteins and synthetic natural gas (SNG). Supercritical water gasification (SONG) of microalgal biomass enables an increase in biofuel production of 10.2\% MJ when no extraction process is considered and of 1.9\% MJ when LPSE is considered. The heat demand of the proposed biorefinery with LPSE was increased by 87.8\% compared with the demand of the sugarcane biorefinery without microalgal growth and processing. When the SFE process is considered, the heat demand of the overall process increased 3.2 times. SFE for wet microalgae processing is not economically attractive, as it increases the total investment by 71\%. The CO2 flow used in the SFE process demonstrated to be a key factor in the thermoeconomic viability of the process. Regarding the wet processing of microalgae prior to SCWG, the best alternative studied was the use of LPSE technology. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In this work, the growth of the yeast Candida utilis on different solid substrate (wheat bran) and supports (sugarcane bagasse and Amberlite resin) imbibed with a liquid culture medium was studied. Growth was followed by sugars consumption, carbon dioxide production rate (CDPR) and cell count. The results showed the ability of the yeast to grow on the three solid media with fairly good viability and total dextrose consumption in the case of sugarcane bagasse and Amberlite, and partial consumption of wheat bran sugars. After two or three days of culture, a five hundred fold increase in cell population was observed.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sonication on the biogas production dynamics of sugarcane straw and vinasse in an anaerobic digestion. Two different ultrasound pretreatments were evaluated namely 180 W of ultrasonic power irradiated at 37 kHz for 30 min (PBU) and 800 W of ultrasonic power irradiated at 19 kHz for 15 min (PSU). Significant differences were observed in the biogas compositions of the PBU and PSU pretreatments and their respective controls. A continuous increase in methane concentration of the biohythane (biohydrogen and methane combined) was recorded in the PBU reactors (60-80\% by volume). The main effect of ultrasound pretreatment was on the composition biohydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide (biohythane) produced.
Sugarcane is a source of roughage in animal feeding. It presents high production per unit of cultivated area, relatively easy cultivation and low cost of production per hectare, and better quality and a high dry matter (DM) yield in periods when forage is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) in sugarcane forage on chemical composition, in vitro digestibility values of DM, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergentfibre (ADF), and kinetics of thermal decomposition processes of weight loss and heat flow. Sugarcane was collected close to the ground and 50-kg heaps of the fresh material were formed and mixed with four doses of Ca(OH)(2) (0, 8, 16 and 24 g kg(-1) sugarcane). Concentrations of NDF and ADF decreased linearly with increasing amount of Ca(OH)(2), whereas concentration of hemicellulose increased linearly. In vitro digestibilities of DM, NDF and ADF were enhanced in a quadratic manner with increasing amounts of Ca(OH)(2). The release of heat, measured by Delta H, increased linearly with increased Ca (OH)(2) levels, likely due to enhanced digestibility of the fibre components. Weight loss decreased linearly between 272.2 degrees C and 397.7 degrees C with increased amounts of Ca(OH)(2) added to sugarcane, likely due to changes in cellulose structure, which became denser and thermodynamically more stable than native cellulose following the alkaline treatment. Calcium hydroxide changed chemical composition and digestibility of the fibrous fraction of sugarcane, resulting in better nutritional value. The greatest release of heat and highest in vitro digestibility of fibre were observed when adding 15.2 g Ca(OH)(2) kg(-1) sugarcane; therefore, this dose is recommended to enhance the nutritive value of sugarcane as ruminant feed.
Metagenomics has been widely employed for discovery of new enzymes and pathways to conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals. In this context, the present study reports the isolation, recombinant expression, biochemical and structural characterization of a novel endoxylanase family GH10 (SCXyl) identified from sugarcane soil metagenome. The recombinant SCXyl was highly active against xylan from beechwood and showed optimal enzyme activity at pH 6,0 and 45 degrees C. The crystal structure was solved at 2.75 angstrom resolution, revealing the classical (beta/alpha)(8)-barrel fold with a conserved activesite pocket and an inherent flexibility of the Trp281-Arg291 loop that can adopt distinct conformational states depending on substrate binding. The capillary electrophoresis analysis of degradation products evidenced that the enzyme displays unusual capacity to degrade small xylooligosaccharides, such as xylotriose, which is consistent to the hydrophobic contacts at the +1 subsite and low-binding energies of subsites that are distant from the site of hydrolysis. The main reaction products from xylan polymers and phosphoric acid-pretreated sugarcane bagasse (PASB) were xylooligosaccharides, but, after a longer incubation time, xylobiose and xylose were also formed. Moreover, the use of SCXyl as pre-treatment step of PASB, prior to the addition of commercial cellulolytic cocktail, significantly enhanced the saccharification process. All these characteristics demonstrate the advantageous application of this enzyme in several biotechnological processes in food and feed industry and also in the enzymatic pretreatment of biomass for feedstock and ethanol production.
The aim of this work was to compare the biohydrogen production potential of undetoxified and detoxified acid hydrolysates from A. tequilana bagasse. Detoxification was carried out with activated carbon at different concentrations and pH values. Results indicated that pH was not a significant variable, while the lowest evaluated concentration of activated carbon (1\% p/v) significantly promoted the highest removal of acetic acid (89\%) with minimal losses of fermentable sugars. Regarding dark fermentation experiments, central composite designs were used to optimize COD and pH variables for both substrates, undetoxified and detoxified hydrolysates (activated carbon 1\% p/v and pH 0.6). At optimal conditions, the detoxified hydrolysate produced 33\% more biohydrogen than the undetoxified one. Hydrogen molar yields were 1.71 and 1.23 mol H-2/molsugar, respectively. This improvement was correlated to changes in metabolic byproducts, since the detoxified hydrolysate produced only acetic and butyric acids, while lactic acid was detected in the undetoxified hydrolysate.
Three-dimensional (3D) aerogels based on in-situ growth of tetragonal molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS2) on hydrothermally acid-treated porous carbon (HAPC) derived from sugarcane bagasse and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were hydrothermally synthesized. The resultant composites, HAPC/MoS2/rGO (1:2:0.5) and HAPC/MoS2/rGO (1:1:0.5) were evaluated as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and as a supercapacitor, respectively. This HAPC/MoS2/rGO (1:2:0.5) composite delivers a high reversible discharge capacity of 952 mAh g(-1) after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g(-1) and outstanding high-rate capability as an anode for LIBs. While another composite HAPC/MoS2/rGO (1:1:0.5) reveals the best performance as a supercapacitor by delivering a specific capacitance of 385 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1). Such an excellent and stable performance of the composites in energy storage can be ascribed as the synergistic effect of three-dimensional aerogel consisting of 1T-MoS2 nanosheets, graphene sheets, and porous carbon. The 1T-MoS2 layered structured nanosheets are tightly lying on the surface of HAPC, making their strong contact with each other and therefore reducing the diffusion path for both electrons and lithium ions. While the electrical conductivity of the composite system is enhanced by the graphene sheets.
Synthetic dyes are commonly used for graphite depression in poly-metallic flotation circuits; however, these dyes can be very expensive. The aim of this study is to evaluate performance of certain low-cost alternative depressants for a complex lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) ore rich in graphite (Gr-C) on a conventional mini pilot-scale flotation circuit. The reagents used were commercial and industrial grade starch; agro-based waste-sugarcane bagasse and charred (burnt) bagasse powder. The primary evaluation criteria were quality (grades) of lead and zinc concentrates, their recoveries (\%), and graphite rejection (\%) in the tails. Benchmark tests using nigrosine as graphite depressant showed 94.3\% rejection of Gr-C. The results with commercial starch were found as effective with 93.8\% graphite rejection. Furthermore, bagasse powder showed potential in improving product quality (36.4\% and 65.6\% Pb grade and recovery) with an intermediate effectiveness in graphite rejection (85.6\%). The order of effectiveness in Gr-C rejection follows nigrosine approximate to commercial starch > bagasse > industrial starch > charred bagasse. In addition, the effect these depressants on silver (byproduct) grade and recovery was also investigated. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining \& Technology.
To date, information on biomass deconstruction and advanced biofuels production using pilot- scale pretreatments is scarce and typically derived from single feedstocks, making comparisons complicated. This work evaluates the effect of subjecting four different feedstocks ( agave bagasse {[
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the influences of 0, 5, 10, 15 Mg ha(-1) of wheat (Triticum aestivum) straw, composted sugarcane bagasse residue and farmyard manure on soil physical properties and yield of winter wheat. The experimental design was a split plot with four replicates. The considered physical properties, 1 year after organic matter addition, included aggregate stability, infiltration rate, water retention curve and dry bulk density. Wheat yield and chemical characteristics of wheat grains were measured. Application of organic materials significantly increased wheat yield and increased aggregate stability, infiltration rate, water retained at less than -100 kPa, and decreased soil bulk density. The effectiveness of different organic materials, farmyard manure, composted bagasse and wheat straw, on improving the soil physical properties was similar. Wheat grain and stubble yield progressively increased as the rate of the organic materials increased. The effectiveness of composted bagasse, farmyard manure and wheat straw on improving wheat grain yield was 22, 14 and 3\%, and wheat stubble yield was 26, 17 and 4\% over the control.
The adoption of mechanical harvesting of green cane gives rise to concerns as to whether systems developed under burnt cane harvesting are applicable to a green cane harvesting system. In particular, tillage, which is an integral part of the burnt cane system, may no longer be necessary, and the nitrogen fertilizer rates required may need to be replaced due to the large amounts of organic matter being returned to the soil after green cane harvesting. Mechanical harvesting is relatively new in Brazil and little is known about its effect on other sugarcane production strategies. This work aimed to evaluate sugarcane performance under not only different harvesting and cultivation systems, but also different nitrogen fertilizer rates over a 3-year period. The experimental design was a split plot with harvesting systems (burnt vs. green) as main plots, cultivation (interrow vs. no cultivation) as sub plots, and nitrogen rates as sub-sub plots. The harvesting systems produced similar sugarcane yields throughout the experimental period, which demonstrates that the harvest systems do not influence sugarcane yield. Mechanical tillage practices in interrow after harvesting had no impact on stalk yield or sugar quality, indicating no necessity for this operation in the following crop. Ratoon nitrogen fertilization promoted an increase of stalk and sugar yield, with highest yields obtained at the rate of 130 kg ha(-1) N. However, there was no interaction between harvesting system and nitrogen rate.
The exploration of microbiomes has been posited as one of the pillars for innovative technologies to improve plant health and production. Agriculture is a promising area for this exploration as soils harbor vast and diverse microbial communities. A better understanding of the drivers influencing microbial biogeographical patterns is necessary to properly exploit this resource. Here, we aimed to describe biogeographical patterns of bacterial communities across a broad spatial scale by sampling soils in 10 distinct farms (a total of 285 soil samples) located at the most important region for sugarcane production in Brazil. Bacterial communities were analyzed in terms of community structure and composition and further correlated with soil characteristics, agricultural practices and geographical distances. Distance decay patterns were found either at the bacterial community level (as determined by T-RFLP and sequencing analyses) and at the distribution of most bacterial phyla. Partial redundancy analysis revealed that soil characteristics (i.e., pH, granulometry, potassium and phosphorus contents) and agricultural practices (i.e., amendments of vinasse, charcoal and mechanical harvesting) explained the differential structuring of bacterial communities to a higher extend than did geographical distance. The co-occurrence/mutual-exclusion analysis suggested a role of biological connections in these assemblages, such as the co-occurrence of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria, both negatively correlated with Actinobacteria. Our data constitute the broadest assessment of biogeographical patterns of bacterial communities across agricultural soils. Collectively, it indicates that these bacterial assemblages are suitable for management, what support the development of microbiome-based strategies in agricultural settings. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND Selective hydrolysis of hemicellulose component from lignocellulose is one of the most vital steps for lignocellulose biorefinery. In this report, wheat straw, one of the largest output agriculture residues, was treated by high-pressure CO2-H2O in the presence of a low concentration of acetic acid to selectively hydrolyze hemicellulose. RESULTS Thein situformed carbonic acid and acetic acid catalyzed the selective hydrolysis of hemicellulose. The removal ratio of hemicellulose reached 82.3\% when the lignocellulose was treated in the high-pressure CO2-H2O-CH3COOH (C-acetic acid= 0.3 mol L-1) system at 180 degrees C for 1 h, and oligosaccharides and monosaccharide were the main products. After removing most of the hemicellulose component, the cellulose component was exposed with the increase of surface area. Additionally, the surface of treated wheat straw became rough. CONCLUSION High-pressure CO2-H2O with low concentration of acetic acid is effective in removing and hydrolyzing the hemicellulose component of wheat straw. Acetic acid improves the removal ratio of hemicellulose. (c) 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A thermophilic cellulase-producing bacterium, Bacillus velezensis strain MRC 5958, from Bakra natural hot Springs, India was characterized through genome sequencing. It has a genome size of 4,467,129 bp and a GC content of 45.7\%. A cellulase purified from its fermentation broth has a molecular weight of about 18 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH for carboxymethyl cellulase activity were at 55 degrees C and pH similar to 7.0. The enzyme is stable over a wide range of temperatures from 30 degrees C to 70 degrees C with maximum activity observed at 48 h of incubation. The strain produces cellulase on alkali-treated sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, rice husk, rice bran, and sawdust. The sugarcane bagasse exhibited the most effective carbon source for cellulase production at (85 U/ml) followed by rice bran (68 U/ml), rice husk (60 U/ml), rice straw (48 U/ml), and sawdust (39 U/ml). Therefore, this strain can be a potential thermostable cellulase-producing candidate for converting the waste biomass into biofuel and other industrial enzymes.
The selection of the most appropriate biomass material for maximum bio-oil conversion during pyrolysis is one of the critical issues and is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. There are different MCDM methods based on different conceptual approach, which gives different results and selection of appropriate MCDM method for biomass material selection process becomes an intrinsic task. The study elaborates a framework which uses different MCDM methods for solving the biomass material selection issue. The proposed MCDM technique integrates different MCDM approach and the ranking obtained from different MCDM methods are also compared with each other and Spearman rank correlation coefficient is calculated between the ranks obtained to select the best solution. This study comprises of seven alternatives such as rice straw, sunflower shell, hard wood, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn cop and palm shell and seven evaluation criteria namely lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, volatile matter, fixed carbon, moisture content and ash content to select the appropriate biomass. The results exemplified that sugarcane bagasse become the best choice for maximum bio-oil yield.
The effect of polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMAH) on the tensile properties and morphology of polypropylene (PP)/(recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) (NBRr)/(sugarcane bagasse) (SCB) composites has been studied. Six different composites (100/0/10, 80/20/10, 70/30/10, 60/40/10, 50/50/10, and 40/60/10), with fixed 5 wt\% of PPMAH compatibilizer and without PPMAH addition, were carried out. The composites were prepared through melt-mixing technique at 180(o)C for 9 min using a rotor speed of 15 rpm. The specimens were analyzed for mechanical properties and examined with scanning electron microscopy. The tensile strength was found to decrease with increasing filler content. However, tensile strength and Young's modulus of the PPMAH compatibilized composites were found to increase, while the elongation at break showed the opposite trend as compared with the control composites. The morphology results support the tensile properties and indicated a better interaction between the SCB filler and PP/NBRr matrices with the presence of PPMAH as a compatibilizer. This is due to the esterification bonding between the SCB filler and PP matrix in the presence of PP/NBRr matrices. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:228-233, 2017. (c) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sugarcane leaves were used to produce high-purity and low-density silica xerogels through a sol-gel method. The biogenic silica produced through a thermochemical method was reacted with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium silicate and the produced sodium silicate was titrated with 1 M citric acid to form silica gel. The formed silica gel was washed, subjected to a solvent exchange process and later dried at 80 degrees C to produce low-density and high-purity silica xerogels. The produced xerogels were characterized with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, elemental analysis (CHNS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The produced silica xerogels had an amorphous structure and purity of 99.9 wt\%. In addition, the textural properties analysis showed that the xerogel has a BET surface area of 668 m(2)center dot g(-1), an average pore diameter of 7.5 nm, a pore volume of 1.26 cm(3)center dot g(-1) and a density of 0.23 g center dot cm(-3).
Due to the depletion of conventional asphalt binder resources and price hiking, researchers are focused on introducing environmental friendly and sustainable materials as a replacement to the conventional binder. On the other hand, the production of a large quantity of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) leads to severe environmental problems. Therefore, effective utilisation of SCB bio-oil as a replacement to conventional binder can help in reducing the aforementioned problems. In this study, the conventional binder and mixture were modified at 5\% and 10\% SCB bio-oil. The rheological behaviour of the modified binder was analysed using conventional tests and dynamic shear rheometer. The performance of asphalt mixtures was then evaluated using dynamic modulus, cooper wheel tracker and four point beam fatigue test. The ability of modified mixtures against moisture damage was also assessed. The results indicate that the 10\% SCB bio-oil sample possessed better fatigue resistance among all samples with insignificant effect on rutting resistance. Further, the SCB bio-oil negatively influenced moisture resistance of modified mixtures. So it can be concluded that SCB bio-oil can potentially be used to modify conventional binder and mixture. However, there is a need to improve the moisture resistance of SCB bio-oil modified binder.
Producing sustainable concrete using waste materials has a noticeable impact on the environ-ment. From another aspect, understanding the effect of high temperature on concrete can help in reduce the environmental fire impact and lower rehabilitation costs. This study presents a sys-tematic experimental investigation to produce sustainable ultra-high-performance basalt fibre self-compacting concrete (UHPBF-SCC) using agricultural waste materials including nano sugar cane bagasse, nano cotton stalk ash and nano rice straw ash as cement replacement. The three dosages of nanoparticles are mechanically produced after heat treatment at 700C. The perfor-mance of the three dosages of nanoparticles (partially replacing 1-5\% of cement) was investi-gated in the presence of basalt fibre. This study also examines the effect of elevated temperatures of 300C and 600C on the behaviour of UHPBF-SCC. The physical properties, including passing ability, flowability and segregation resistance, were studied. Compressive strength, strength loss at elevated temperature, mass loss, ultrasonic pulse velocity, splitting, and flexure strength were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) analysis were conducted to show the microstructure of the mixes. Mechanical characteristics are significantly increased in the presence of nanoparticles, more than 18\% in compressive, 32\% in tensile strength and 28\% in flexure strength compared with the reference mix. SEM analysis showed compacted sections with high bonded matrix and high ITZ at normal conditions, but microcrack propagation appeared at 300C and 600C due to ettringite decomposition and evaporation of capillary and adsorbed water. EDX analysis showed high Ca/Si with the addition of nanomaterials.
Crop residues returned to the soil are important to preserve fertility and sustainability. This research addressed the long-term decomposition of sugarcane post-harvest residues (trash) under reduced tillage, therefore field renewal was performed with herbicide followed by subsoiling and ratoons were deprived of interrow scarification. The trial was conducted in the northern Sao Paulo State, Brazil during four consecutive crops (2005-2008) where litter bags containing N-15-labeled trash were disposed in the field attempting to simulate two distinct situations: the previous crop trash (PCT) or residues incorporated in the field after tillage, and post-harvest trash (PHT) or the remains of plant-cane harvest. Decomposition rates regarding dry matter (DM), carbon (C), root growth, plant nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S), lignin (LIG) cellulose (CEL) and hemicellulose (HCEL) contents were assessed for PCT (2005 ndash;2008) and for PHT (2006-2008). There were significant reductions on DM and C:N ratio due to C losses and root growth within the litter bags over time. The DM from PCT and PHT decreased 96\% and 73\% after four and three crops, respectively, and the higher nutrients release were found for K, Ca and N. The LIG, CEL and HCEL concentrations in PCT decreased 60\%, 29\%, 70\% after four crops and 47\%, 35\%, 70\% from PHT after three crops, respectively. Trash decomposition was driven mainly by residues biochemical composition, root growth within the trash blanket and the climatic conditions during the crop cycles. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Jaggery (unrefined sugar) is produced by evaporating water from sugarcane juice in steel pans situated over pit furnaces. While it delivers a health friendly sweetening agent with medicinal value (Singh et al., 2008; Sahu and Paul, 1998), its performance, both in terms of technical efficacy and financial sustenance, is being questioned. In India, jaggery is produced in batch operations, of about 1 ton per day capacity. Bagasse is used as fuel for the process. Improving the efficiency of bagasse utilization is of interest because surplus bagasse could be used elsewhere as a fuel. If all energy in the bagasse were used to heat and evaporate water from the juice, calculations show the rate of bagasse consumption would be 0.65 kg bagasse per kg jaggery. Heat losses in flue gas at 1000 K with no excess oxygen are calculated to decrease the efficiency to 72\% (0.90 kg bagasse per kg jaggery). In this study, two single-pan jaggery units were tested wherein, efficiencies varied from 53-76\% and 50-57\%. The higher efficiencies in each unit were obtained by blocking some of the air inlet holes to decrease the excess air flow. The second unit has a taller chimney than the first, which may contribute to greater air flow due to increased draft. Excess air contributes to lower combustion temperatures, causing a decreased rate of heat transfer to the juice. Minimizing excess air flow into the furnace is a possible strategy for increasing the efficiency of bagasse utilization and might be implemented quite easily by placing dampers at air inlets. This study also included tests of one four-pan jaggery unit Measured efficiencies were about 50\%. Radiative heat transfer to three of the four pans is calculated to be hindered substantially by a low view factor. (C) 2013 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.
Lactic acid (LA) is a platform chemical with diverse industrial applications. Presently, commercial production of LA is dominated by microbial fermentation using sugary or starch-based feedstocks. Research pursuits emphasizing towards sustainable production of LA using non-edible and renewable feedstocks have accelerated the use of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). The present study focuses on the valorisation of xylose derived from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and olive pits (OP) through hydrothermal and dilute acid pretreatment, respectively. The xyloserich hydrolysate obtained was used for LA production by homo-fermentative and thermophilic Bacillus coagulans DSM2314 strain under non-sterile conditions. The fed-batch mode of fermentation resulted in maximum LA titers of 97.8, 52.4 and 61.3 g/L with a yield of 0.77, 0.66 and 0.71 g/g using pure xylose, xylose-rich SCB and OP hydrolysates, respectively. Further, a two-step aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) extraction technique was employed for the separation and recovery of LA accumulated on pure and crude xylose. The LA recovery was 45 - 65\% in the first step and enhanced to 80-90\% in the second step.The study demonstrated an efficient integrated biorefinery approach to valorising the xylose-rich stream for cost-effective LA production and recovery.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of maize stover silage diets containing pig excreta (PE), poultry litter (PL) or urea as nitrogen (N) sources, and sugarcane molasses (MOL) or bakery by-products (BBP) as energy sources. The study was designed as a 6 x 6 Latin square with six ruminal cannulated Hampshire rams (56 +/- 5.7 kg body weight) in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The quality of silages was good because of acceptable pH (4.1), texture and odour. Gas production was higher for diets with silage containing PL than that containing PE (287 vs. 269 mL/g DM). The fermentation rate of diets with MOL was higher than with BBP (0.07 vs. 0.05/h). The in vitro degradation, feed intake and N excretion of diets that contained PL were higher than with PE silage. Feed intake for diets with silage that contained BBP and PL or PE was lower than that containing MOL. Rumen pH was increased in lambs fed diets with silage that contained urea (6.38) or PL (6.25), compared with lambs fed diets containing PE silage (6.04). Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) disappearances were higher for diets with silage containing PL compared with those containing PE or urea (650 vs. 606 and 594 g/g DM; 620 vs. 574 and 594 g/g OM, respectively). The N retention and total tract digestion were similar for all treatments. It was concluded that diets with PL and MOL silage had higher nutritive values than those containing PE or urea.
Bioaugmentation could be a useful strategy to convert directly lignocellulosic substrates to hydrogen via fermentation. In co-culture tests, different inoculation ratios of a hydrolytic member (Clostridium cellulovorans, Cc) to a fermentative member (Clostridium acetobutylicum, Ca) were tested for hydrogen production from wheat straw. Under sterile conditions, both strains established a synergistic relationship where the inoculation ratio 5:3 (Cc:Ca) resulted in the highest hydrogen production of 128 mL/L, a 2- to 3-fold improvement in comparison with single cultures. However, the synergistic relationship between Cc and Ca was lost in the bioaugmentation of a native wheat straw microbial community, and the single cultures reached the highest hydrogen potential of 115 mL/L. When four native microbial communities of wheat straw, corn stover, agave bagasse and sugarcane bagasse were bioaugmented with Cc, improved hydrogen production was observed only in the treatments of grass biomasses, but not of bagasses. In summary, positive interactions between the hydrolytic and fermentative members were only observed in co-culture tests when the substrate was sterilized. In the presence of a host microbial community, bioaugmentation of bacteria must be in a proper concentration that allows them to prosper in the host habitat.
Biomass has increasingly proven as a sustainable and important resource for the production of renewable fuels worldwide. The present study investigated the effect of cellulosic binders on thermal and resistive properties of biofuel briquettes produced from sugarcane bagasse. Biofuel briquettes were produced using an uniaxial cylindrical piston briquetting machine at 150 MPa and 100 degrees C from shredded and grinded bagasse samples. The binders used were recycled paper, recycled pulp, recycled fibers, and nanolignocellulose at three levels of 3\%, 6\%, and 9\%. Resistance tests showed that cellulosic binders were effective in forming strong bonds and increasing solid bridges between bagasse particles. The cellulosic binders also improved the resistance and thermal properties of the briquettes due to their specific chemical structure and high compatibility with raw materials. As the results showed, at the 9\% level, the highest compressive strength and calorific values were found to be 26 N/mm and 22.80 MJ/kg for recycled fibers and 34 N/mm and 22.80 MJ/kg nanolignocellulose, respectively.
Nowadays corrosion protection of reinforced concrete can be increased by improving the concrete structure, particularly the replacement of cement by mineral additives. In this study, the influence of a partial replacement of Portland cement (PC) on the corrosion behavior of HRB400 carbon steel rebar in 3.5\% NaCl solution was considered. The PC was replaced by a mixture of bagasse ash (BA) and ceramic waste dust (CWD) admixtures. The mechanical results indicated an increase in compressive strength for BCWD concrete samples containing both BA and CWD additives. The electrochemical findings indicated that the BCWD sample has considerably improved the structure of concrete as well as decreased corrosion resistance due to the decrease of water permeability and chloride ion. Scanning electron microscopy of the steel surface exhibited that the concrete structure including BA and CWD additives was more uniform and denser compared to the PC sample which was in agreement with electrochemical results.
Conventional binders in the particleboards formulation involve use of formaldehyde resins. Epidemiologic studies show that formaldehyde is carcinogenic. Efforts to reduce formaldehyde emissions by use of scavengers has not been proven to reduce the emission. Molecular bonding of biobased adhesive molecules with lignocellulose materials provides an alternative way of producing composite material. In this study, maize stalk (MS), rice husks (RH) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) were used as sources of lignocellulose materials for particleboard formulation. SB, MS and RH were collected from their respective sites, sorted and dried. MS and RH were ground. Lignin content determination was done by drying lignocellulose material at 105 degrees C. Lignocellulose materials were prepared by hydrolysis of dried lignocellulose material with sodium hydroxide. Oxidized starch was prepared by oxidation of cassava peel starch using alkaline hydrogen peroxide. Particleboards were formulated through starchlignocellulose polymerization at 60 degrees C compressed with 6.5 Nmm(-2) pressure. Characterization of raw materials and formulated particleboards was done using XRD for mineralogical analysis, FTIR and NMR for elucidation of functional groups transformation. The results showed that esterification is the main process of chemical bonding in the particleboard formulation due to reaction between -COOH from starch and and OH- from lignocellulose. Etherification between hydroxyl groups from starch with hydroxyl groups from lignocellulose material. RH combined more through silication process with cassava peels starch than RH and SB showing materials containing high cellulose and hemicellulose content are more compatible. Composite materials formulated were used to produce medium density particleboards that can be used for making furniture and room partitioning.
The composites were fabricated under a variety of different process conditions, ranging from a blend of a low-density polyethylene reinforced with agave bagasse fibers at concentrations of 5, 10 up to 20wt\%. The theoretical and experimental moduli were determined in conjunction with the fiber degradation. The results show that the moduli of the composites increased with fiber content but decreased linearly with increasing processing temperatures. The calculated theoretical module with the Cox model is significantly greater than that experimentally obtained due to the fiber degradation, poor interfacial fiber/polymer interaction, and structural defects in the interior of the composite generated by the thermal conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis shows an unexpected three-stage process of degradation of the fiber in the temperature range of 225-290?.
Oligosaccharides are polymers with two to ten monosaccharide residues which have sweetener functions and sensory characteristics, in addition to exerting physiological effects on human health. The ones called nondigestible exhibit a prebiotic behavior being fermented by colonic microflora or stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, playing roles in the immune system, protecting against cancer, and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic issues. The global prebiotics market is expected to grow around 12.7\% in the next 8 years, so manufacturers are developing new alternatives to obtain sustainable and efficient processes for application on a large scale. Most studied examples of biotechnological processes involve the development of new strategies for fructooligosaccharide, galactooligosaccharide, xylooligosaccharide, and mannanooligosaccharide synthesis. Among these, the use of whole cells in fermentation, synthesis of microbial enzymes (beta-fructofuranosidases, beta-galactosidases, xylanases, and beta-mannanases), and enzymatic process development (permeabilization, immobilization, gene expression) can be highlighted, especially if the production costs are reduced by the use of agro-industrial residues or by-products such as molasses, milk whey, cotton stalks, corncobs, wheat straw, poplar wood, sugarcane bagasse, and copra meal. This review comprises recent studies to demonstrate the potential for biotechnological production of oligosaccharides, and also aspects that need more investigation for future applications in a large scale.
Ex-situ co-pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse pith and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was investigated over zeolite-based catalysts using a tandem micro-reactor at an optimised temperature of 700 degrees C. A combination of zeolite (HZSM-5) and sodium carbonate/gamma-alumina served as effective catalysts for 18\% more oxygen removal than HZSM-5 alone. The combined catalysts led to improved yields of aromatic (8.7\%) and olefinic (6.9\%) compounds. Carbon yields of 20.3\% total aromatics, 18.3\% BTXE (benzene, toluene, xylenes and ethylbenzene), 17\% olefins, and 7\% phenols were achieved under optimal conditions of 700 degrees C, a pith (biomass) to PET ratio of 4 and an HZSM-5 to sodium carbonate/gamma-alumina ratio of 5. The catalytic presence of sodium prevented coke formation, which has been a major cause of deactivation of zeolite catalysts during co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics. This finding indicates that the catalyst combination as well as biomass/plastic mixtures used in this work can lead to both high yields of valuable aromatic chemicals and potentially, extended catalyst life time. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The feasibility of unconventional feed for ruminants must be analyzed for appropriate use as sources of energy or protein that contribute to a sustainable production system addressing concerns about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and food security. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of by-products including bean residue (BR), bean straw (BS), cassava bagasse (CB), corn straw (CS), orange bagasse (OB), peanut shell (PS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), soybean hull (SH), and sugarcane straw (SS). Chemical composition, in vitro degradability, and fermentative parameters were analyzed and subjected to multivariate and principal component analyses. Crude protein content was highly variable among by-products with BR and SH presenting the highest values (p < 0.001). These values did not differ between BR and SH, while the lowest values were observed in OB, PS, SB, SS, CS, and CB. Neutral detergent fiber content was higher in SB, PS, CS, and SS (p < 0.001), while greater in vitro degradability was found for CB, BR, OB, BS, and SH (p < 0.001). However, the in vitro gas production (p < 0.001) and total short-chain fatty acid concentration (p < 0.001) were higher in CB, BR, BS, and OB. Multivariate cluster analysis showed three distinct groups with the most degradable in group 1 followed by group 2. These results demonstrate that the by-products used in this study did not impair in vitro fermentation, and thus have the potential to be used in the diets of ruminants and to improve the sustainability of the livestock production sector.
Optimizing the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is essential to obtain high purity fractions, and particularly a lignin polymer which can be easily used for further high-value applications. To better understand the changes in the chemical structure of lignin during its extraction and its kinetics, wheat straw was pretreated at mild conditions (105 degrees C, atmospheric pressure) in an organic acid-based organosolv medium. Lignin, collected for extraction times 0 to 3h30, was analyzed by different techniques (GPC, GC-FID and 31P NMR) to determine its chemical structure and to quantify the modifications which could occur during the organosolv pretreatment (phenolic and total hydroxyl groups content, molecular weight, fragments condensation, esterification). The kinetics of lignin extraction was successfully assessed with the potential degree of delignification model.
Tanzania being a prospective producer and exporter of liquid biofuels, information on local contribution of this sector to the environmental burden of the country is highly required in order to ensure sustainable liquid biofuels. Therefore, this paper evaluates a life cycle carbon footprint (or greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions) of liquid biofuels (biodiesel produced from jatropha oil and bioethanol produced from sugarcane molasses as alternative to fossil fuels in Tanzania. The functional unit (FU) of the study is defined as 1 Giga Joule (GJ) of output energy when a biofuel is combusted in the engine. The study found a positive GHG emissions related to biofuels. A carbon footprint (in CO2 equivalents) of jatropha biodiesel is 23.9 kg FU-1 while that of molasses bioethanol is 17.4 kg FU-1. Biodiesel combustion found to be a major contributor to carbon footprint by 41\% which is attributed to methanol used during tansesterification of jatropha oil followed by the use of chemical fertilizers (31\%). Sugarcane production phase on the other hand found to be the highest contributor to carbon footprint of molasses bioethanol accounting for more than 80\%. This is due to the use of diesel fuel, chemical fertilizers and burning of sugarcane prior to harvesting. Sensitivity analysis indicates that higher market prices of molasses increases carbon footprint of bioethanol same as higher market price of biodiesel. For the same energy output of 1 GJ, molasses bioethanol observed to have lower carbon footprint than jatropha biodiesel by 272\%. Both biofuels observed to save GHG emissions by >70\% when used as fossil fuel replacement The study recommends further research on socio-economic implication of large scale biofuel production; impact of land use change and land use competition and sustainability of biofuels to be carried out in near future. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In recent times, agro-industrial wastes have been valorized as supplementary additives in soil treatment and improvement of soft and poor soils. One such agro-industrial waste viz. Cashew Nut Shell Ash (CNSA) was evaluated to comprehend its performance as a supplementary additive to lime in treating expansive soils. The experimental programme investigated the performance of stabilized soil composites (SSC), stabilized using combinations of 3\%, 5.5\% and 7\% lime modified with 0.25\%, 0.5\%, 1\% and 2 \% CNSA. The SSC were cast in to cylinders of dimensions 38 mm x 76 mm, air cured in sealed covers for seven days and tested for their uniaxial compressive strength. Comparison of the outcomes with the strengths developed by some other wastes like bagasse ash (BA), egg shell ash (ESA) and press mud (PM) available from literature was also done. It was revealed that CNSA as a supplementary additive to lime was able to boost the early strength of the lime SSC after seven days of curing but only when the lime dosage was 5.5\%. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Second International Conference on Engineering Materials, Metallurgy and Manufacturing.
The objective of this work was to study the increase in multiple lignolytic enzyme productions through the use of supplements in combination in pretreatment of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) by Coriolus versicolor such that enzymes act synergistically to maximize the lignin degradation and selectivity. Enzyme activities were enhanced by metallic salts and phenolic compound supplements in SSF. Supplement of syringic acid increased the activities of LiP, AAO and laccase; gallic acid increased MnP; CuSO4 increased laccase and PPO to improve the lignin degradations and selectivity individually, higher than control. Combination of supplements optimized by RSM increased the production of laccase, LiP, MnP, PPO and AAO by 17.2, 45.5, 3.5, 2.4 and 3.6 folds respectively for synergistic action leading to highest lignin degradation (2.3 folds) and selectivity (7.1 folds). Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated SSB yielded similar to 2.43 times fermentable sugar. This technique could be widely applied for pretreatment and enzyme productions. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This study investigates a comprehensive process for the production of methanol and electricity from bagasse. A total of four main scenarios (S1-S4) were considered in this study, they are bagasse gasification for methanol and electricity co-production with torrefaction (S1), and bagasse gasification for the production of electricity only with torrefaction (S2) while the other two (S3 and S4) are without torrefaction process respectively. The gasification process was modelled in Aspen Plus using a kinetic-free equilibrium model using steam and pure oxygen as the gasification agent. For the syngas cleaning, the Rectisol process was employed while for the methanol synthesis, hydrogenation reactions of CO2 and CO coupled with the water gas shift reaction were employed. From the result obtained, the process involving torrefaction has more syngas yield; hence, more methanol was synthesized (0.48kg(MeOH)/kg(Bagasse)) when compared to the process without torrefaction (0.41kg(MeOH)/kg(Bagasse)). The syngas from the torrefaction processes also has higher lower heating values (LHV) of 9.25 MJ/Nm(3) and 8.71 MJ/Nm(3) for S1 and S2, when compared to that without torrefaction (S3 and S4) with LHV of 9.00 MJ/Nm(3) and 8.49 MJ/Nm(3) respectively. In addition, the economics involved in the production process of the four scenarios were investigated in terms of the key economic parameters which include the net present value (NPV), the rate of return on investment (ROROI), and the discounted payback period (DPBP). The result showed that S1 is the most economically viable production route. The sensitivity analysis also shows that revenue from the sales of the main products (methanol and electricity), as well as the cost of raw material materials, was the most sensitive. These two will incur the highest risk on the total investments from the four scenarios.
Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) was isolated from bagasse using a modified sulfur-free and bio-refinery-based approach. For this purpose, a chemo-mechanical procedure was designed that consisted of depithing, de-waxing, autohydrolyzing, soda-anthraquinone pulping, elemental chlorine-free bleaching, refining, and ultrafine grinding. In order to obtain a high degree of final fibrillation, the most important parameters in the delignification process were optimized by response surface methodology. Samples were then characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), National Renewable Energy Laboratory procedure, ASTM (D1103-60 and D1104-56), Kappa number, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transition transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microscopic images as well as the results from chemical composition characterization and FTIR analysis indicated that the employed chemical treatments were effective in removing non-cellulosic materials from the fibers. In addition, XRD analysis showed that cellulose crystallinity increased during the treatments. Based on the DLS results, the hydrodynamic diameter of CNF ranged within 860 nm. TEM image analyses showed that a considerable percentage of the isolated CNF had an average diameter of about 11 nm, and the yield of fibrillation was found to be about 99 \%. Based on the results obtained, it may be claimed that the chemo-mechanical process developed in this study for the facile preparation of CNF is a promising technique for biocomposite preparation.
Polypyrrole nitrogen porous carbon composite (PP/N-PCC) was prepared from molasses of the sugarcane industry. PP/N-PCC was characterized and used in the cadmium removal from the aqueous feed in a column system. The inlet metal concentration, flow rate, bed depth and pH were studied. Removal percent was reached 71.45\% with a sorption capacity of 233.54 mg/g at pH5, 10 ml/min, and 7.5 bed depths. The column system was modelled using Thomas, Adams-Bohart and Yoon-Nelson kinetic models. The higher R-2 > 0.98 indicates that the Thomas model appeared to a well-fitting with the experimental outcomes. PP/N-PCC adsorbent appeared well recycled up to 8 cycles indicating the economic feasibility of PP/N-PCC in the separation of Cd (II) ions from liquid wastes.
This study was conducted to assess the impact of some organic amendments on enzyme activities and soil organic carbon (SOC) content of a Calcaric Regosol. The organic amendments included poultry manure compost (CM), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse biomass (SBB), and its biochar (SBBC). Chemical soil properties and some enzyme activities were analyzed after 2, 4, 8, and 12 months (M-2, M-4, M-8, and M-12, respectively) of soil incubation. Five treatments including Control soil, SBB, SBBC, CM, and the mixture of SBBC + CM in the ratio of 1 : 1 were considered. There were three levels of organic amendments: L-1: 1.25\%, L-2: 2.5\%, and L-3: 5\%. The results indicated a considerable increase in SOC content and enzyme activities following the addition of organic amendments to the soil. Both the SOC content and enzyme activities were impacted by the type of organic amendments, levels of input, and the duration of incubation (p < 0.001). Compared to the control (untreated soil), the activity of alkaline phosphatase significantly increased from 221.2 (CML1M2) to 1094\% (SBBL3M12) and acid phosphatase activity varied from 108.2 (SBBCL3M2) to 1063\% (SBBL3M12) in the treated soils. The CML3M12 treatment had the highest impact on beta-glucosidase activity with a rise of 1256.5\% in comparison with the control. Similarly, the SBBCL3M8 treatment led to the highest Invertase activity. Application of organic amendments would be considered as a guaranteed strategy of restoring and increasing SOC storage in calcareous sandy soils.
A two-zone solar reactor concept for the steam-based gasification of biomass particles using concentrated solar energy has been developed and experimentally evaluated with particles of sugarcane bagasse at a 1.5 kW solar input scale. The gasifier has been designed with the objective to provide pyrolysis and gasification conditions yielding high carbon conversion into syngas and suppressing the formation of tars and gaseous hydrocarbons. It consists of two zones. In the upper drop-tube zone, a high radiative heat flux to the dispersed particles induces their fast pyrolysis. In the lower trickle bed zone, a structured packing provides the residence time and temperature required for the char gasification and the decomposition of the other pyrolysis products. A series of 20 min gasification experiments comparing the two-zone reactor vs. a drop-tube reactor were performed in a high-flux solar simulator with a maximum particle flux of 16 g/s m(2). It has been demonstrated that the former allows for more efficient decomposition of CH4 and C-2 hydrocarbons at comparable reactor temperatures. The LHV of the product gas leaving the two-zone gasifier was significantly higher than those typically obtained in conventional autothermal gasifiers. Solar energy was chemically stored in the product gas, resulting in energetic upgrade of the biomass by 5\% and a maximum energy conversion efficiency of 21\%. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A new Spinifex littoreus fibre-reinforced sugarcane bagasse biosilica particle dispersed epoxy resin hybrid composite was made and described. The major goal of this study was to develop a novel epoxy hybrid composite system that included surface-treated Spinifex littoreus fibre and sugarcane biosilica particle for sustainable material development. The fibre was treated with alkali and silane whereas the biosilica was treated with silane alone. The hand layup process was used to create the composites, which were then post-cured at 110 degrees C. The composites with base and silane-treated fibres have improved mechanical properties. The tensile and flexural strengths of the composite containing lvol\% powder were 148 and 155 MPa, respectively. Similarly, with a Shore-D value of 94, the composite designation SPS4 has the highest hardness. Moreover, 2 vol\% powder added composites explicated improved wear resistance. Composite fatigue behaviour has significantly improved with a fatigue life count of 26,822 for the composite designation SPS3. The water absorption \% of silane-treated biosilica particle in epoxy produced controlled water uptake. These improved composites might be used in structural, automotive, aerospace, residential and military applications.
Application of biochar from biomass pyrolysis to soil is gaining greater interest; this can ameliorate the soil quality, reduce fertilizer consumption, and sequestrate carbon. This study compares the characteristics of biochar produced by slow pyrolysis at 500 degrees C for agricultural residues: sugarcane bagasse, cocopeat, paddy straw, palm kernel shell (PKS) and umbrella tree. In the biochar yield, the influence of the inert and lignin contents was significant. The wood stem, bagasse and paddy straw had biochar yields of 24-28 wt.\% from the organic fraction while cocopeat had 46 wt.\%. The carbon content of biochar ranged from 84 wt.\% to 89 wt.\%, which corresponded to 43-63\% of carbon in the biomass. The biochar from wood stem and bagasse had well-developed pores of various sizes with large surface areas. Although the surface area was significant, PKS biochar had dense matrix with few large pores. The elemental composition and pH of biochars were also compared. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The aim of this study was to investigate the bioremediation potential of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil, mimicking three strategies: (a) mycoaugmentation: by the addition of Trametes sanguinea and Pleurotus sajor-caju co-cultures immobilized on sugarcane bagasse; (b) biostimulation: by supplementation of sugarcane bagasse; and (c) natural attenuation: no amendments. The experiments were done in microcosms using Ultisol soil. Remediation effectiveness was assessed based on pollutants content, soil characteristics, and ecotoxicological tests. Biostimulation and mycoaugmentation demonstrated the highest PCBs-removal (approx. 90\%) with a significant toxicity reduction at 90 d. The studied strains were able to survive during the incubation period in non-sterilized soil. Laccase, manganese-peroxidase and endoxylanase activities increased significantly in co-cultures after 60 d. Sugarcane bagasse demonstrated to be not only a suitable support for fungal immobilization but also an efficient substrate for fungal colonization of PCBs-contaminated soils. Mycoaugmentation and biostimulation with sugarcane bagasse improved oxidable organic matter and phosphorous contents as well as dehydrogenase activity in soil. Therefore, biostimulation with sugarcane bagasse and mycoaugmentation applying dual white-rot fungal cultures constitute two efficient bioremediation alternatives to restore PCBs-contaminated soils.
Photofermentative biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic waste is a potentially favorable approach for advance biofuel. Using raw sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as the main feedstock, this study resulted in 148-513 ml H-2/l produced by indigenous isolates of purple non sulfur bacteria (PNSB) in batch cultures. The maximum yield of 1.96 mol H-2/moles sugar was achieved at 30 +/- 2.0 degrees C, initial pH 7.0 +/- 0.2 and inoculum size 10\% (v/v) in the presence of light intensity 120-150 W/m(2). Glucose and fructose (1.5\%) was used as sole carbon source for comparison and 5.94 and 3.19 mol H-2/mole sugar were obtained, respectively. Biohydrogen production of up to 357.3 ml/l at 40 degrees C and 142 ml/l even at 50 degrees C by SS-8 revealed some thermophilic nature of the microorganism. Kinetic study revealed biohydrogen production by an isolate was a biomass concentration associated function. However, improvement of this ``one pot{''
Objective: Cost-effective production of industrially important enzymes is a key for their successful utilization on large scale. Present study was conducted to appraise Pleurotus sapidus WC 529 potential to produce oxidative (lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, laccase) and hydrolytic (endoglucanase, exoglucanase and beta-glucosidase) enzymes, grown on wheat straw, corn cobs, corn stover, rice straw, banana stalk and sugarcane bagasse in solid state fermentation (SSF) process. The crude extract thus produced was used for the delignification of various agro-industrial residues. Methods: Different agricultural wastes were assessed for lignocellulolytic enzymes production. The process parameters were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) for maximum enzyme production. Results: P. sapidus secreted lower levels of hydrolytic enzymes but expressed high laccase, MnP and LiP activities in SSF (228.25, 153.45 and 59.20 UmL(-1) respectively) of banana stalk. The optimal conditions for yielding highest enzyme activities were: initial pH, 4; temperature, 35 degrees C; moisture level, 60\%; inoculum size, 4 mL, and incubation time, 120 h. The enzyme extract removed 56.54, 51.08, 65.81 and 57.4\% lignin from rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn cobs and wheat straw, respectively, after 48 h at 35 degrees C. Conclusion: High ligninolytic activities were obtained in SSF of banana stalk by P. sapidus. The enzyme production was considerably improved by optimization through RSM. The results suggest that lignocellulolytic enzymes could be produced using cost-effective carbon sources and implicated to digest lignocellulosic biomass.
The production of high concentrations of ethanol from N-methylmorpholine N -oxide-(NMMO) and phosphoric acid-pretreated rice straw was investigated at high solid loadings (solid-state) using filamentous fungus Mucor indicus. The impacts of most influential factors on ethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), i.e., enzyme loadings (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 FPU/g substrate), solids loadings (15, 20, and 30\% w/w), and SSF time (72 and 120 h), were assessed. The highest glucose concentrations were 106.5 and 94.1 g/L gained from 72-h hydrolysis of the straw pretreated with NMMO and phosphoric acid at 15\% (w/w) solids loadings, respectively. The highest ethanol concentrations were 63.4 and 69.0 g/L, achieved by 30\% solids loading from 72-h SSF of the straw pretreated with NMMO and phosphoric acid at 20 and 10 FPU celluloses per g substrate, respectively. A prolonged SSF process at enzyme loadings less than 5 FPU/g straw could not improve ethanol concentration from NMMO-pretreated straw, while ethanol concentrations above 40 g/L (61.0 and 59.9 g/L) were achieved through 120-h fermentation of the straw pretreated with phosphoric acid at 30\% solid loading. The highest ethanol yields were 73.7 and 100\% of the theoretical yield gained from the straw pretreated with phosphoric acid and NMMO, respectively, at the lowest solids loading (15\%) and the highest enzyme loading (20 FPU/g substrate).
It is widely accepted that fish farms (FF) have important contribution to input of nutrients into water, however fundamental knowledge regarding the influence of land use and land cover (LULC) on the water quality of fish farms is still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the linkages between the LULC types and the water quality parameters in FFs. Three specific objectives were set: (1) to characterize the current water quality standards in four FFs (FF1, FF2, FF3, FF4) installed in the Ilha Solteira reservoir; (2) to delineate and analyze the LULC changes in sub-basins of tributaries where FFs are installed; (3) to elucidate the interactions between LULC and water quality in FFs. Results indicated signs of eutrophication in FF2 in both the dry and wet seasons. The mainly LULC was decrease of pasture and increase of sugarcane crops were observed in the four FFs' sub-basins between 2005 and 2018. Sugarcane land uses showed a significant positive correlation with SO4, Mg and K (r > 0.95, p < 0.005). The most likely source of these highlighted parameters may come from mineral fertilization, decomposition of the plinth in sugarcane and the application of vinasse to irrigate and fertilize crops. Concentrations of SO4, Mg and K observed in this present study do not cause direct toxic effects to Nile tilapia in fish farms. However, indirect impacts to water quality should be expected due to enhance primary production and promotes water eutrophication, as observed in FF2. Based on our results, we suggest that the criteria ``basin characteristics{''
An experiment was conducted to compare the efficiency of biofilm production in natural and artificial substrates and to study their effect on water quality and growth of Etroplus suratensis. Four different substrates were used for biofilm formation: paddy straw (T1), sugarcane bagasse (T2), polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe (T3) and plastic sheet (T4). The experiment was carried out in mud-bottomed fibre-reinforced plastic tanks (300 L) in triplicates. About 3000 cm(2) surface area (600 g) of each substrate was suspended in water supplemented with fertilizers. Only cow dung and urea were applied in control tanks. The tanks were stocked with 25 fishes with average weight of 9.1 +/- A 0.22 g. The overall mean value of heterotrophic bacteria in substrate was found higher in straw followed by bagasse, plastic and PVC. The dominant genera of bacteria in the substrate were Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus in that order of preponderance. The mean phytoplankton and zooplankton density on the substrates were higher in bagasse followed by straw, plastic and PVC. The biofilm developed on the substrate significantly reduced the ammonia nitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen content of water. The growth of fishes was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in substrate-based treatments than that in the control with better results in bagasse followed by straw, plastic and PVC. The conclusions of the present study are that biofilm produced on natural substrates, especially on bagasse, enhanced growth of E. suratensis and reduced the necessity of water exchange during the culture, which certainly decreases the cost of Etroplus production.
Pretreatment has been widely used to improve the anaerobic digestion (AD) efficiency of cellulosic substrates. However, intrinsic shortcomings of traditional pretreatment techniques limit their industrial applications. In this study, a solid-state alkaline pretreatment with KOH to improve the AD efficiency of corn straw was developed, which could largely decrease the chemical needed during pretreatment. In addition, it could be done during the feedstock storage without the need for liquid/solid separation before AD. Furthermore, the potassium added during pretreatment could be preserved in the AD digestate, which could benefit its utilization as a fertilizer. Results showed that the solid-state KOH pretreatment significantly improved the methane yield and AD efficiency that depended on KOH loading. Under 8\% KOH load, the maximum methane yield was obtained, which was 31.9\% higher than that of the original corn straw. Structural analysis showed that the intact structures (especially lignin) of corn straw were partly destroyed during pretreatment, which improved the AD performance of pretreated corn straw. The added K+ was well preserved in the digestate, more than 76\% of which was distributed in the biogas slurry as water-soluble K+. The economy of solid-state KOH pretreatment was strongly associated with the KOH loads during pretreatment as well as with the utilization pattern of the biogas digestate. Only pretreatment with 1\% KOH loading showed a positive net value of 0.16 USD/day without considering the value of the AD digestate.
Sugarcane fibre (SCF) is known as an insoluble dietary fibre and a by-product from sugar manufacturing industry. The physicochemical and structural properties of SCF were modified using microwave irradiation at 5\% and 10\% SCF for 5 and 10 min (MW5\%,15m, MW10\%,5m, MW10\%,15m), ultrasound at 30\% amplitude, 7\% SCF, for 1.5 h or 3 h (US1h, US2h), and high-pressure homogenization at 1\% SCF, 2000 bar for 1 and 2 passes (HPH1p, HPH2p). Different types of disruption on the morphology of SCF were observed with different physical treatments confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. HPH2p treated SCF exhibited the largest particle size, and highest water and oil-holding capacities. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that all physical treatments were able to reduce hemicellulose and enhance cellulose content in SCFs, especially for HPH treatments. After making dough and bread with treated and untreated SCF, HPH2p SCF incorporated bread had the firmest texture, followed by MW10\%,15m, while these two samples have the lowest specific volume. The maximum height of bread was significantly lower in breads incorporated with HPH2p, US1.5h and US3h. Subsequently, glycemic response decreased in all SCF-incorporated breads compared to white bread reference.
A new method of graphene oxide (GO) synthesis via single-step reforming of sugarcane bagasse agricultural waste by oxidation under muffled atmosphere conditions is reported. The strong and sharp X-ray diffraction peak at 2 theta = 11.6 degrees corresponds to an interlayer distance of 0.788 nm (d(002)) for the AB stacked GOs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) confirm the formation of the GO layer structure and the hexagonal framework. This is a promising method for fast and effective synthesis of GO from sugarcane bagasse intended for a variety of energy and environmental applications.
Bio-nanocomposite films based on polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) polymeric blend and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared by casting a homogenous and stable aqueous mixture of the three components. CNC used as nanoreinforcing agents were extracted at the nanometric scale from sugarcane bagasse via sulfuric acid hydrolysis; then they were characterized and successfully dispersed into a PVA/CS (50/50, w/w) blend to produce PVA/CS-CNC bio-nanocomposite films at different CNC contents (0.5, 2.5, 5 wt \%). Viscosity measurement of the film-forming solutions and structural and morphological characterizations of the solid films showed that the CNC are well dispersed into PVA/CS blend forming strong interfacial interactions that provide an enhanced load transfer between polymer chains and CNC, thus improving their properties. The obtained bio-nanocomposite films are mechanically strong and exhibit improved thermal properties. The addition of 5 wt \% CNC within a PVA/CS blend increased the Young's modulus by 105\%, the tensile strength by 77\%, and the toughness by 68\%. Herein, the utilization of Moroccan sugarcane bagasse as raw material to produce high quality CNC has been explored. Additionally, the ability of the as-isolated CNC to reinforce polymer blends was studied, resulting in the production of the aforementioned bio-nanocomposite films with improved properties. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42004.
In northeastern Brazil, the sugarcane expansion has occurred historically over the Atlantic Forest biome. However, little is known about the physical process and changes induced by sugarcane cultivation in this biome. Thus, a field study was conducted to evaluate changes induced by sugarcane cultivation on soil physical properties, processes and functions in the Atlantic Forest biome. For that, soil samples were collected at three sites in northeastern Brazil: AF - Atlantic Forest, SCratoon - successive sugarcane ratoon cultivation and Sc-till- tilled soil for sugarcane replanting. Quantitative and semi-quantitative soil properties {[
Nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse for reinforcement in polymer composites has isolated from formic acid (FA) with different concentration. This research was conducted with three level concentration of FA ei. 15, 30 and 50\%. The nanocellulose were successfully prepared with variations of total yields of 66.66, 67.33 and 69.33\% respectively with increase of FA concentrations at 6 hours of hidrolysis time. The obtained nanocellulose were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the introduction of carboxyl goups on the surface of cellulose. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra proved the existence of cellulose, with a highly crystalline of 62.466, 71.033, and 76.296\% with increase of FA concentrations. The size of crystallinity of nanocellulose were decreased with increased of FA concentration. The result investigated that size of crystallinity of nano cellulose reduced from 4.37, 4.15 and 3.94 nm.
This work aims to evaluate the adsorption potential of bentonite and sugarcane bagasse clay for the reduction of free fatty acids in cooking oil through batch technique, experimental planning with different operating conditions (temperature, adsorbent mass and agitation). After were carried out kinetic studies and thermodynamic studies. Thus, both adsorbents were characterized by nitrogen dispersion, scanning electron microscopy with coupled energy dispersion spectroscopy. The sugarcane bagasse provided higher reductions compared to the bentonite clay, 58 and 50\%, respectively. In the kinetic studies, it was observed that the pseudo-secunda model for both materials. Among the isotherms studied, the Langmuir model was better adjusted for sugarcane bagasse and Freundlich for bentonite clay. Thermodynamic parameters indicated spontaneous and endothermic adsorption at temperatures of 18 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 25 degrees C. Both materials showed an advantageous result with the reduction to the adsorption of free fatty acids in the residual oil, considering that they are low-cost materials, their pre-treatment is simple from the operational point of view and their physical and chemical characteristics are favorable to the adsorption process, sugarcane bagasse contains about 42\% hemicellulose, which is a hydroxyl-rich material that attracts the H+ ions from the medium.
Protic ionic liquids (PILs) are promising pretreatment agents that can efficiently deconstruct lignocellulosic biomass for 2G ethanol production. PIL synthesis is less costly than that of aprotic imidazoliumbased ILs thereby reducing the final ethanol price. However, a more comprehensive investigation is still necessary in order to better understand how PILs affect biomass during pretreatment. An investigation of process parameters was carried out for pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse using the PIL monoethanolammonium acetate, {[
Sugarcane has been used as raw material in crystal sugar industry. Sugar cane that contains high sugar will be utilized into crystals sugar. In addition, the productivity of sugarcane is large enough in 2016 approximately 360 713 tons/year. Crystal sugar itself is a daily necessity for its use in the food and beverage industry. Problem that occurs in Indonesia is the energy consumption. The sugar mills supposed to be an independent energy source which means it can produce its own energy by utilization the material that is available in the sugar mills such as by-product (bagasse, molasses, filter cake, etc.), the by product in every production stage are quite a lot in sugar industry especially in Indonesia. In this paper, a comparison between two sugar mills was examined between Ngedirejo sugar mill and Mauritius sugar mill which has the same geological state as Indonesia. The results of comparison between the two sugar factories demonstrated the difference in terms of productivity of the sugar that has been produced and the effectiveness of the production process in a sugar mill seen from the amount of waste and the by product.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are rising in the atmosphere as a result of the industrial revolution. CO2 emissions are a major contributor to climate change. In recent years, low-cost waste biomass material-based adsorbents have been used to adsorb CO2. In this work, using phosphoric acid as a chemical activator, extremely porous activated carbon was effectively generated from Saccharum spontaneum, i.e., wild sugarcane (WS), and it is employed for the CO2 capture. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) are used to analyze the prepared activated carbon characteristics. Enthalpy value of - 44.56 kJ/moles obtained from thermodynamic study confirms it as a chemisorption process. Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Temkin, and Sips adsorption isotherms were used to characterize the experimental isotherm data of activated carbon from WS. The Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area of 1010 m(2)/g and the iodine value of 980 m(2)/g were more reliable indicators of the adsorption process. The R-2 value of 0.988 and adsorption capacity of 3.223 x 10(-3) mol/g/min for the Langmuir model indicates that it is the best fit for CO2 adsorption. The Freundlich constant n value of 1.0811 indicates favorable adsorption of CO2 on WS. The actual and estimated q(e) values from pseudo-second-order kinetics are almost same, and a high R-2 value (0.9888) confirms that the system follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. At 90 min, the equilibrium point was reached. Three cycles of desorption investigations were carried out, and an efficiency of 80\% was achieved.
This study evaluated the technical viability and performance of two different production processes of 3-layer sugarcane-bamboo-based particleboard (3LP) (3LP-PL: pressing in each layer; and 3LP-NPL: non-pressing in each layer) throughout their thermal, physical, mechanical and microstructural properties. The thermal conductivity was determined according to the methodology established by ASTME1530: 2011. Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated following the ABNT NBR 14810:2013 Brazilian Standards recommendations. Microstructural properties of the 3LP studied was assessed by using the Micro-CT technique. Thermal conductivity values of both 3LP were lower than the value required by Brazilian Standards for wood-based particleboards. Physical results indicated that the non-pressing in each layer during the 3LP production resulted in less thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA). Modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the 3LP-NPL showed an increase of 38 and 29\% compared to the 3LP-PL respectively. Additionally, an increase of 31\% was found for the internal bond (IB) value of the 3LP-NPL compared to the 3LP-PL. Considering the results achieved for the 3-layer sugarcane-bamboo-based particleboard the non-pressing in each layer during production presented lower TS and WA values and higher MOR, MOE and IB values. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) has emerged as an extensive area of research in the last century. Owing to their instinctive properties like modifiable mesoporous structure, high surface area, adjustable pore size, and pore volume, SiNPs could be utilized in numerous fields like chemical, biochemical, catalysis, adsorption, and pollution control. Conventionally, SiNPs are produced by tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS), and sodium silicate, which are toxic and expensive. Therefore, the development of green, cost-effective approaches for the synthesis of SiNPs is highly desirable. In this course, during the last decade, silica-rich solid wastes (rice husk, corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, palm ash, fly ash, waste glass, waste packaging materials, photonic industrial wastes, etc.) were acknowledged as economical precursors to produce green SiNPs. In this respect, the present review focuses on reviewing several solid waste materials used for the synthesis of SiNPs, their properties, and different characterization techniques used for the analysis of SiNPs. The present review also accounts for the potential applications of such green SiNPs in several fields like catalysis, adsorption, biomedical applications, and energy storage. Moreover, despite the potential applications of SiNPs, still there is a lot to explore about their synthesis and utilization. Hence, in the last section of this review, future scope, challenges, and risk assessment of SiNPs have been discussed.
Anaerobic digestion applied to stillage usually results in treatment performances. However, effluents from anaerobic reactors still present a residual polluting load due to the presence of organic recalcitrant compounds. Additional treatment methods, such as coagulation-flocculation, may be utilized to improve the final effluent quality. In this study, we assessed the processes of coagulation and flocculation for sugarcane stillage samples previously submitted to anaerobic digestion, aiming to obtain optimal conditions for the physicochemical treatment. Natural corn starch and ferric chloride were tested as coagulants. While starch was considered as not suitable for the treatment for the tested conditions, ferric chloride assays presented satisfactory results. The investigated parameters included coagulant solution dose, rapid mixing gradient and time, flocculation gradient and time, and sedimentation time. Their adjusted values at which better performances obtained were, respectively, 1.6 g L-1, 325 rpm, 10 s, 65 rpm, 20 and 20 min. The best color, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies were 95, 97, and 65\%, respectively. Stillage pH variation to alkaline conditions did not result in improved removal efficiencies. Although relatively high removal efficiencies of constituents were obtained, the final effluent characteristics did not fit regulations of water reuse in the agriculture through fertigation. However, stillage can definitely become more easily managed if better final effluent quality control parameters are achieved, enabling for example effluents discharge in water bodies.
The influences of acidic (HZSM-5) and basic oxide (CaO/MgO) catalysts and their combinations on yield and quality of pyrolytic oil, derived from co-pyrolysis of rice straw (RS) and waste tire (WT), were investigated. The pyrolytic oil from non-catalytic co-pyrolysis of RS/WT was found to have 31, 27, and 36 peak area\% of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs), aliphatic hydrocarbons, and oxygenates, respectively. The yield of MAHs was increased by 43.63\% for RS/WT/HZSM-5 while that of oxygenates was decreased by 55.56\%. Superior surface area, abundant acidic sites, and selectivity of HZSM-5 towards aromatics render it more efficient than either of metal oxides catalyst (CaO/MgO) alone. Dual-catalyst bed of HZSM-5/CaO at mass ratio of 1:1 was superior to all other combinations with MAH yield of 59 peak area\% while the selectivity of benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) at the same ratio was 18.79\%, 33.81\%, and 41.85\%, respectively. Similarly, the optimum combination of HZSM-5/MgO was also 1:1 which was as equally efficient in deoxygenation as HZSM-5 alone. Moreover, all combinations of HZSM-5/CaO were superior in the terms of HC production and deoxygenation compared to their respective mass ratios of HZSM-5/MgO. Additionally, the application of a dual catalytic bed significantly upgraded the calorific value (HHV) and other physico-chemical characteristics of pyrolytic oil.
Co-pyrolysis of wheat straw (WS) and polystyrene (PS) at a weight ratio of 1:1 was conducted in a fixed bed reactor. The effect of ex-situ application of HZSM-5 and its metal modified versions (MZSM-5s) on organic liquid product (OP) upgradation was explored. MZSM-5s were synthesized by adding metal (Co, Ni, Zn, and Fe) oxides to parent HZSM-5 catalyst through wet impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEMEDS, and N-2 physisorption. In the first phase, the effect of co-pyrolysis temperature (500-650 degrees C) on product distribution was evaluated. The liquid yield varied in the range of 49-55 wt\%, with a maximum at 550 degrees C. In the second phase, results obtained from vapor catalyzed co-pyrolysis conducted at 550 degrees C showed that impregnation of HZSM-5 with metals resulted in relatively higher OP oil yield as compared to parent HZSM-5. Co-ZSM-5 produced maximum OP yield (39.0\%) followed by Zn-ZSM-5 (38.2\%), Fe-ZSM-5 (37.7\%) and Ni-ZSM-5 (36.1\%). Whilst, the coke yield was reduced for all MZSM-5s by approximately 50\%. Moreover, the addition of metals significantly favored the catalytic selectivity towards monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs). Fe-ZSM-5 proved to be most the effective catalyst exhibiting the highest de-oxygenation potential (97.4\%) and displaying maximum MAHs content (83.3\%). Simultaneously, MZSM-5s reduced undesirable polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) yield noticeably.
The presence of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in water above tolerable levels is a global concern, as both elements are extremely toxic and can compromise the health of millions of people. In this study, we evaluated biochars pyrolyzed at 350 (BC350) and 750 degrees C (BC750) and then modified with ferric chloride (FeCl3) to remove As and Pb from water samples contaminated by mining activity. The use of FeCl3-modified biochar was an efficient strategy to remove As and Pb from water. Sorption on biochars followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics, represented by two sorption speeds, being higher at the beginning of the reaction and falling over time. The modification with FeCl3 increased the specific surface area, removed the dissolved organic carbon, and increased the capacity of BC350 to sorb Pb. These physical and chemical alterations of the biochar played a significant role in the sorption capacity and speed of As and Pb.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the workhorse of fermentation industry. Upon engineering for D- lactate production by a series of gene deletions, this yeast had deficiencies in cell growth and D-lactate production at high substrate concentrations. Complex nutrients or high cell density were thus required to support growth and D-lactate production with a potential to increase medium and process cost of industrial-scale D-lactate production. As an alternative microbial biocatalyst, a Crabtree- negative and thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus was engineered in this study to produce high titer and yield of D-lactate at a lower pH without growth defects. Only pyruvate decarboxylase 1 (PDC1) gene was replaced by a codon-optimized bacterial D-lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA). Ethanol, glycerol, or acetic acid was not produced by the resulting strain, KM Delta pdc1::ldhA. Aeration rate at 1.5 vvm and culture pH 5.0 at 30 degrees C provided the highest D-lactate titer of 42.97 +/- 0.48 g/L from glucose. Yield and productivity of D-lactate, and glucose-consumption rate were 0.85 +/- 0.01 g/g, 0.90 +/- 0.01 g/(L center dot h), and 1.06 +/- 0.00 g/(L center dot h), respectively. Surprisingly, D-lactate titer, productivity, and glucose-consumption rate of 52.29 +/- 0.68 g/L, 1.38 +/- 0.05 g/(L center dot h), and 1.22 +/- 0.00 g/(L center dot h), respectively, were higher at 42 degrees C compared to 30 degrees C. Sugarcane molasses, a low-value carbon, led to the highest D-lactate titer and yield of 66.26 +/- 0.81 g/L and 0.91 +/- 0.01 g/g, respectively, in a medium without additional nutrients. This study is a pioneer work of engineering K. marxianus to produce D-lactate at the yield approaching theoretical maximum using simple batch process. Our results support the potential of an engineered K. marxianus for D-lactate production on an industrial scale.
Rice straw and sugarcane bagasse were co-pyrolyzed with polypropylene and polystyrene using microwaves, and the pyrolysis vapors were catalytically upgraded using HZSM-5 catalyst. The product yields, composition and properties of bio-oil from pyrolysis of individual feedstocks and equal composition mixtures before and after catalytic upgradation were thoroughly investigated. The pyrolysis oil yields from polypropylene (82 wt\%) and polystyrene (98 wt\%) were high compared to that from rice straw (26 wt\%) and bagasse (29 wt\%). Catalytic upgradation at weight hourly space velocity of 11 h(-1) resulted in higher selectivity to unsaturated aliphatics and aromatic hydrocarbons. Properties of upgraded bio-oil from biomass-polypropylene mixtures were similar to that of light fuel oil with high calorific value (43 MJ/kg), low viscosity (1 cP), optimum density (0.850 g/cm(3)) and flash point (70 degrees C). Oxygen content in catalytically upgraded co-pyrolysis bio-oil was low (< 5\%) as compared to upgraded pyrolysis bio-oil (14-18\%), and pyrolysis bio-oil without upgradation (20-24\%).
A rotary screw pyro-oil reactor was designed for powdery biomass for a feeding capacity of 40 kg h(-1) with a moisture content of <10\%. The pyro-oil reactor temperature was maintained at 450-550 degrees C. The pyro-oil vapors produced were quickly drafted out of the reactor for quenching to yield 16-24 L h(-1) from 40 kg h(-1) of biomass feed. The flash-pyrolysis technique, which is capable of directly turning biomass into a liquid fuel, was used to produce liquid fuel (bio-oil). It was carried out at a pressure at 0.03 bar and at a medium temperature of about 550 degrees C. The flash-pyrolysis technique converts the entire biomass matter, excluding the ash. In this method the powdery biomass is converted into three components: bio-oil (the yield is typically 70\% on an energy basis, a powdery biomass feed at a moisture content of 10\%); pyrolysis gas (typical yield 14\%) and char (typical yield 16\%). The temperature of the fixed bed was adjusted in the experiment, but the other variables remained constant, such as the amount of feed, the pyrolysis time of the gas product, the reactor pressure and the bed height. A biomass particle size range of 1-3 mm and a biomass residence time of 20 s in the reactor resulted in optimal bio-oil production of 70\%. This work demonstrated how precise pyrolysis mechanism processes and bio-oil yields can influence the maximal reaction temperature in the 450-550 degrees C range. The performance analysis reveals that the fixed bed reaction temperatures of biomass rapid pyrolysis give reliable control over the bio-oil reactor type and size. This paper provides an overview of the design and thermochemical liquefaction process used to convert powdered biomass to biofuel. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd
Waste lignocellulosic biomass is an abandoned agro-industrial by-product including wheat straw, barley straw, spruce sawdust, pine sawdust, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, etc. Lignocellulosics can be used as natural adsorbents for dyes, heavy metals and hydrocarbons in wastewater, seawater, rivers and lakes. The thermochemical modification of lignocellulosic waste biomass can provide relatively low-cost adsorbents with increased sorption capacity and biodegradability, appropriate for the removal of chemicals, heavy metals and oil spills from aquatic media. This work deals with the design and performance of measurements on the surface of original and modified wheat straw and spruce sawdust adsorbents, using Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) specific surface area analyser, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. For the evaluation of microporocity of the materials, non-destructive spectroscopic techniques were used, as Liquid Nitrogen Porosimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which were proved appropriate for the study of highly heterogeneous solid samples.
The current study evaluates the environmental impacts of electricity cogeneration from torrefied Dichrostachys cinerea (marabou) in a Cuban sugarcane industry, including electricity transmission and distribution (ET\&D) through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Four stages were studied as most representative of marabou cogeneration (management and forest exploitation, torrefaction, cogeneration, and ET\&D), identifying the most significant impacts. The environmental assessment was carried out employing OpenLCA software. Based on the ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment methodology, six impact categories were considered: fine particulate matter formation, fossil resource scarcity, freshwater ecotoxicity, freshwater eutrophication, global warming, and terrestrial ecotoxicity, represented in four stages. The results indicate that the management and forest exploitation stage was the main contributor in almost all the impact categories (ranging from 43.7 to 97.9\% depending on the impact), attributed to diesel consumption and its related emissions in biomass harvesting and transportation. In addition, cable reuse (ET\&D stage) was identified as a beneficial contributor (up to 49.6\%) to the total impact. According to the sensitivity analysis, a truck-railway hybrid transportation scenario for marabou carriage significantly improves the fuel consumption rate compared to the other scenarios, reaching a reduction of up to 191\% of the total environmental loads. Due to the relevance of the used technology on the global environment profile, the 72 possible combinations of the current cogeneration technologies (steam generator and electricity generator) in Cuba were evaluated.
A mixture of molasses and carbon black was pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere, which resulted in graphene of high quality, comprising of three to four layers on average with carbon black particles distributed over the graphene sheets. Molasses is the viscous dark colored slurry which is obtained at the last stage of refinement of sugar from sugarcane, in which sucrose is present as the major chemical component. Carbon black was also used as a substrate for the growth of graphene. The carbon black decorated graphene hybrid nanostructure was thoroughly characterized by different techniques and improved the failure properties of cured styrene butadiene rubber when incorporated into the rubber matrix. Bound rubber content increased by 50\% with the hybrid filler compared to carbon black at 45 phr filler loading. The hybrid filler displayed 63\% enhancement in the tensile strength at 2 phr filler loading and 86\% increase at 45 phr filler loading, compared to the carbon black filled rubbers at the same loading. The vulcanizates containing the novel filler also exhibited improved abrasion resistance, ice traction, and wet traction and decreased rolling resistance compared to the carbon black filled systems. The new filler exhibited fair value of specific capacitance, 127 F/g when incorporated in an uncured rubber latex matrix. The hybrid filler synthesized, characterized, and studied thus can be classified as a versatile smart filler for rubber nanocomposites with a range of functionalities from mechanical reinforcement to electrochemical properties.
The potential of sugarcane postharvest leaves for fermentable sugar yield and bioethanol production was analyzed using FeCl3 catalyzed gamma-valerolactone/water pretreatment in the present study. Widely cultivated Indian cane variety Co 86032 (Nayana) was selected for the analysis. Cellulose (52.7 +/- 5\%), hemicellulose (33.9 +/- 3.5\%) and lignin (18 +/- 0.3\%) were estimated in postharvest leaves. Optimized GVL/water/FeCl3 pretreatment (70\% GVL/300 mM FeCl3 in 30\% water at 120 degrees C for 3 h) resulted in high delignification (74\%) and hemicellulose dissolution (85.6\%). Extensive removal of ester-linked ferulic acid (94.2\%) and p-coumaric acid (84.4\%) was also observed after pretreatment. The pretreatment-induced changes were visualized through FESEM, FTIR, XRD and confocal imaging. Only trace amounts of furfural and HMF were detected in the pretreated slurry. At 96 h of saccharification, 82.5\% glucose was yielded. Fermentation of enzymatic hydrolyzate using S. cerevisiae MTCC-36 resulted in ethanol yield of 0.434 g/g glucose at 21 h. Current study revealed that, FeCl3 catalyzed GVL/water pretreatment causes effective deconstruction of cane leaves for bioethanol production.
This paper reports the feasibility of using various agricultural residues viz. sugarcane bagasse (SCB), maize corncob (MCC) and Jatropha oil cake (JOC) for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution under different experimental conditions. Effect of various process parameters, viz., initial metal ion concentration, pH, and adsorbent dose has been studied for the removal of cadmium. Batch experiments were carried out at various pH (2-7), adsorbent dose (250-2000 mg), Cd(II) concentration (5-500 mgl(-1)) for a contact time of 60 min. The maximum cadmium removal capacity was shown by JOC (99.5\%). The applicability of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm suggests the formation of monolayer of Cd(II) ions onto the outer surface of the adsorbents. Maximum metal removal was observed at pH 6.0 with a contact time of 60 min at stirring speed of 250 rpm with an adsorbent dose of 20 g l(-1) of the test solution. The maximum adsorption of cadmium (II) metal ions was observed at pH 6 for all the adsorbents viz; 99.5\%, 99\% and 85\% for JOC, MCC, and SCB, respectively. Order of Cd(II) removal by various biosorbents was JOC > MCC > SCB. JOC may be an alternative biosorbent for the removal of Cd(II) ions from the aqueous solution. Fr-IR spectra of the adsorbents (before use and after exhaustion) were recorded to explore number and position of the functional groups available for the binding of Cd(II) ions on to studied adsorbents. These results can be helpful in designing a batch mode system for the removal of cadmium from dilute wastewaters. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
This research paper presents the outcomes in terms of mechanical and microstructural characteristics of binary and ternary concrete when exposed to elevated temperature. Three parameter were taken into account, (a) elevated temperature (i.e., 200, 400, 600 and 800 degrees C) (b) binary concrete with cementitious material sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) replacement percentage (i.e., 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30\%) and (c) ternary concrete with cementitious material SCBA and GGBFS replacement percentage (i.e., 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30\%). A total of 285 standard cube specimens (150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm) containing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), SCBA, and GGBFS were made. These specimens then exposed to several elevated temperatures for 2 h, afterword is allowed to cool at room temperature. The following basic physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics were then determined and discussed. (a) mass loss ratio, (b) ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) (c) physical behavior, (d) compressive strength, and (e) field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). It was found that compressive strength increases up to 400 degrees C; beyond this temperature, it decreases. UPV value and mass loss decrease with increase in temperature as well as the change in color and crack were observed at a higher temperature.
Distillation is one of the most used separation techniques, despite its high heat demand and low thermodynamic efficiency. Although new distillation schemes have been developed for ethanol-water separation, most of them prescribe expensive sub-atmospheric columns. On the other hand, heat-integrated distillation columns allow significant steam savings since thermally integrated condenser/reboiler of different columns share the same heat duty. In this work, three innovative distillation schemes for large-scale sugarcane-ethanol biorefineries are analyzed aiming at less energy-intense processes, higher thermodynamic efficiencies and steam savings. Ethanol production, power production through bagasse-fired cogeneration, thermodynamic efficiency, heat demand, water usage, steam demand, carbon dioxide intake, and potential of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage are assessed for technical and thermodynamic comparisons of distillations schemes. Results of carbon emissions go beyond the biorefinery boundaries and include sugarcane supply-chain emissions. It is shown that heat-integrated distillation schemes promote huge steam savings compared to conventional ethanol distillation. Distillation Scheme No.2 - with five heat-integrated columns - showed highest steam savings of 63\% relative to conventional distillation, while distillation Scheme No.3, prescribing an innovative Petlyuk column for bioethanol distillation, attained the highest thermodynamic efficiency (11.1\%) outperforming distillation Schemes No.1 and No.2 (7.65\% and 7.03\%, respectively). Sankey diagrams express results of carbon dioxide equivalent flows, lost bioenergy with carbon capture and storage potential, water flow and equivalent power flows via the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Lipase production by Trichoderma harzianum was evaluated in submerged fermentation (SF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) using a variety of agro-industrial residues. Cultures in SF showed the highest activity (1.4 U/mL) in medium containing 0.5 \% (w/v) yeast extract, 1 \% (v/v) olive oil and 2.5 C:N ratio. This paper is the first to report lipase production by T. harzianum in SSF. A 1:2 mixture of castor oil cake and sugarcane bagasse supplemented with 1 \% (v/w) olive oil showed the best results among the cultures in SSF (4 U/g ds). Lipolytic activity was stable in a slightly acidic to neutral pH, maintaining 50 \% activity after 30 min at 50 A degrees C. Eighty percent of the activity remained after 1 h in 25 \% (v/v) methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or acetone. Activity was observed with vegetable oils (olive, soybean, corn and sunflower) and long-chain triacylglycerols (triolein), confirming the presence of a true lipase. The results of this study are promising because they demonstrate an enzyme with interesting properties for application in catalysis produced by fermentation at low cost.
Alkaline pretreatment is a simple and effective method for removing lignin at low temperatures and normal pressure, but this process consumes large amounts of water and produces wastewater, both of which limit its industrial applications. To develop a process with zero discharge of black liquor and wastewater, in this study, KOH/urea-treated bagasse was directly subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis without detoxification or washing after adjusting the pH. Adaptive Laboratory Evolved (ALE) Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y2034, which can endure threefold diluted black liquor, was obtained. The results showed that SCB treated with 1.5\% KOH/urea (1.5\% KOH/ 1.5\% urea) for 4 h could be directly enzymatically hydrolyzed and fermented. The enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency and ethanol yield reached 89.9\% and 97\%, respectively. The cellulosic ethanol production method developed in this research provides a possibility for industrial application.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical attributes of a Rhodic Hapludox according to the sugarcane harvest system, with (CQ) and without burning (SQ), in long-term experiment. In 2009, after 14 years of establishment of a field experiment in Pradopolis, SP, Brazil, soil samples were taken at the planting row, at 0.25 m from the row, and between rows, at 0-0.05, 0.05-0.1, 0.1-0.2, 0.2-0.3, and 0.3-0.4-m depth. Total organic carbon content (TOC), exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+, and resin and Mehlich-1 available P were determined. In general, the SQ system had higher levels of TOC in the row, and at 0.25 from the row, to a depth of 0.3 m. Between lines, the accumulation of carbon was restricted to the first two layers of the soil. SQ system also favored cation exchange capacity and the values of Ca2+, Mg2+, and base saturation, regardless of sampling location, at the first two layers. Available contents of P were little affected by harvesting systems, with higher values found in the CQ system. Harvesting without burning increases carbon accumulation and soil fertility, except for available P.
A dynamic model of digestion and absorption of nutrients in cattle fed sugarcane-based diets is described. There are 11 rumen state variables, and four zero pools representing absorbed nutrients. The rumen state variables represent nitrogen, carbohydrate, long chain fatty acid, microbial and volatile fatty acid pools. The zero pools relate to absorbed amino acids, glucose, long chain fatty acids, and volatile fatty acids. The flux equations are described by mass-action and Michaelis-Menten forms. Wherever possible, data derived from trials with cattle fed sugarcane-based diets were used to parameterize the model. Sensitivity analyses revealed that stability and behaviour of the model was generally satisfactory. The model was most sensitive to changes in fractional passage and substrate hydrolysis rates and to the microbial maintenance requirement. Within the limited information available for comparison, the simulations agreed with observations of fibre flows and ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations in rumen fluid. Duodenal non-ammonia nitrogen flow was consistently underpredicted and reasons for this underprediction are suggested.
This work compares the calculated techno-economic performance for thermochemical and biochemical conversion of sugarcane residues, considering future conversion plants adjacent to sugarcane mills in Brazil. Process models developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory were adapted to reflect the Brazilian feedstock composition and used to estimate the cost and performance of these two conversion technologies. Models assumed that surplus bagasse from the mill would be used as the feedstock for conversion, while cane trash collected from the field would be used as supplementary fuel at the mill. The integration of the conversion technology to the mill enabled an additional ethanol production of 0.033 m(3) per tonne of cane for the biochemical process and 0.025 m(3) t(-1) of cane plus 0.004 m(3) t(-1) of cane of higher alcohols for the thermochemical process. For both cases, electricity is an important co-product for the biorefinery, but especially for biochemical conversion, with surpluses of about 50 kWh t(-1) of cane. The economic performance of the two technologies is quite similar in terms of the minimum ethanol selling price (MESP), at 318 \$ m(-3) (United States 2007 dollars) for biochemical conversion and 329 \$ m(3) for thermochemical conversion. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) are smart fluids made of magnetic particles in a viscous carrier fluid, and their rheological properties are controllable by an external magnetic field. However, MRFs suffer from serious sedimentation and redispersibility problems, which limit their effectiveness and feasibility in a wide variety of applications. Herein, we present a novel strategy to improve magnetorheological property and stability of MRFs using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), rapidly prepared from energy cane bagasse using microwave-assisted alkali-H2O2 and ultrasonic treatment. High delignification rate of 94.3\% was achieved by the microwave treatment for 15 min. Chemical structure analysis revealed that the removal of lignin and carboxylation of cellulose occurred simultaneously. The obtained CNFs exhibited a highly entangled network structure, and their suspension showed the gel-like viscoelastic behavior. In CNF-MRF, the magnetic particles were entrapped and suspended by the entangled network of CNFs, which is due to the physical entanglement and the electrostatic repulsion force between Fe3O4 and CNFs. CNFs helped suspend magnetic particles in CNF-MRFs, leading to improved stability and magnetorheological properties (i.e., viscosity stability after cycling, reversible rate of 95.57\% after 100 cycles). This work demonstrates a new path for the production of CNFs from energy cane bagasse wastes and their value-added utilization in MRFs.
Lignin was separated from wheat straw by NaOH cooking and enzymatic hydrolysis, obtaining yields of 86.2\% and 78.6\%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-HSQC) analyses indicated that the H units (p-hydroxyphenyl units) of the Enzymatic Hydrolysis Lignin (EHL) did not suffer much damage. The number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the EHL measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was 3348 g/mol, which was higher than that (3047 g/mol) of Alkali Lignin (AL). The Cr(VI) adsorption experiments demonstrated that the maximum removal percentages and maximum adsorption amount of the EHL and AL were 31.5\%, 88.9\%, 135.1 mg/g, and 271.7 mg/g, respectively. In addition, the adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and thermodynamics of Cr(VI) on these two lignins were reported in detail.
The impacts of enzyme pre-treatments on anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass were explored by using corn straw as a substrate for enzyme pre-treatment and anaerobic digestion and by utilizing starch and microcrystalline cellulose as substrates for comparative analysis. The cellulase pre-treatment effectively improved the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, decreased the crystallinity, and consequently showed 33.2\% increase in methane yield. The methane yield of starch increased by 16.0\% through amylase pre-treatment. However, when the substrate was corn straw, both the efficiencies of enzymes and methane production were markedly reduced by the lignocellulosic structure. The corn straw's methane yields were 277.6 and 242.4 mL center dot CH4/g center dot VS with cellulase and amylase pre-treatment, respectively, which was 11.7\% and 27.9\% higher than that of the untreated corn straw. It may imply that the lignocellulose should be broken up firstly, enzyme pre-treatments could have great potentials when combined with other methods.
Acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation were examined as suitable mechanical pretreatments for lignocellulosic biomass. Microcrystalline cellulose and lime-treated sugarcane bagasse were subjected to acoustic cavitation, whereas raw and lime-treated sugarcane bagasse were subjected to hydrodynamic cavitation. Acoustic cavitation successfully increased microcrystalline cellulose enzymatic digestibility by 37\% compared to no acoustic cavitation treatment; however, there was no significant effect on lime treated sugarcane bagasse. Hydrodynamic cavitation increased the enzymatic digestibility of both raw and lime-treated sugarcane bagasse. Best results were obtained using cavitation treatment of bagasse followed by lime treatment; the 3-d enzymatic digestion increased by 46\% when compared to lime treatment only. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A themophilic cellulase-producing bacterium was isolated from a hot spring district and identified as Geobacillus sp. HTA426. The cellulase enzyme produced by the Geobacillus sp. HTA426 was purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion exchange chromatography, with the recovery yield and fold purification of 10.14\% and 5.12, respectively. The purified cellulase has a molecular weight of 40 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH for carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity of the purified cellulase were 60 degrees C and pH 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was also stable over a wide temperature range of 50 degrees C to 70 degrees C after 5 h of incubation. Moreover, the strain HTA426 was able to grow and produce cellulase on alkali-treated sugarcane bagasse, rice straw and water hyacinth as carbon sources. Enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, which was regarded as the most effective carbon source for cellulase production (CMCase activity = 103.67 U/mL), followed by rice straw (74.70 U/mL) and water hyacinth (51.10 U/mL). This strain producing an efficient thermostable cellulose is a potential candidate for developing a more efficient and cost-effective process for converting lignocellulosic biomass into biofuel and other industrial process.
Cadmium (Cd) stress is a serious environmental hazard that has devastating impacts on plant growth and productivity. Moreover, the entrance of Cd into the human food chain by eating Cd-contaminated food also poses serious health issues. Organic amendments (OA) possess an excellent potential to reduce the adverse impacts of Cd stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential of different OA in improving the mash beans growth and yield grown under Cd-contaminated soil. The soil was spiked with different concentrations of Cd (0, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and subjected to different OA, i.e., control, cow manure (5\%), sugarcane press mud (5\%) and a combination of cow manure (2.5\%) and sugarcane press mud (2.5\%). Results indicated that Cd stress induced a significant reduction in growth and yield traits, leaf water status, photosynthetic pigments, protein accumulation and anti-oxidant activities. However, the application of OA appreciably reduced the Cd-induced toxic effects and caused a significant increase in growth and yield. The application of 5\% sugarcane press mud remained the top performer and it increased the mash bean growth and yield through improved photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status (56\%) and reduced Cd uptake (18\%), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production (38.52\%), electrolyte leakage (EL) (42.13\%) malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation (55.88\%) and increased accumulation of soluble protein (60.15\%) and free amino acids (54\%) through improved activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. Therefore, these findings suggested that the application of sugarcane press mud enhanced the growth and yield through reduced Cd accumulation, enhanced photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, protein and amino accumulation and reduced H2O2, EL and MDA accumulation through a stronger anti-oxidant defense system.
This research aimed to study the effect of natural additives on the physical properties and energy costs of bagasse pellets. The raw material used for the production of pellets was sugarcane bagasse. Two different natural additives were used in this research: tea grounds and coffee grounds. Various natural additives content were 1\%, 3\%, and 5\% by weight. Biomass pellets were produced using a flat-die pellet mill machine. The physical properties pellet were determined following the standard method of the Pellet Fuel Institute (PFI) Standard Specification. The results showed that the increase of natural additives at a 5\% increase in the bulk density of bagasse by 3.65\% for tea ground, and 4.24\% for coffee ground. Moreover, the significant increase in the heating value of pellets occurred with the amount of a natural additive greater than 3\% by 6.69\% for tea ground, and 8.02\% for coffee ground. Furthermore, the physical and thermal properties of bagasse pellets with additives as coffee grounds was revealed higher values than tea grounds. On the other hand, the addition of tea grounds and coffee grounds in bagasse pellets does not affect the durability of the pellet. The results indicated that the tea grounds and coffee grounds were able to improve bulk density and heating value of pellets, but it does not affect the pellet durability. Energy cost analysis, the amount of added natural additive at 5\% cased the decrease in energy costs for the production process of 4.47\% for tea ground and 7.34\% for coffee ground. Thus, the optimum amount of natural additive to improve bagasse pellets in this research was 5\%. From this research, the tea grounds and coffee grounds could be a suitable natural additive for bagasse pellets in the future.
Agricultural waste disposal and purification of polluted water are always the key issues of environmental restoration. In this work, thiourea-functionalized magnetic bagasse biochar (MFeBC) was prepared for tetracycline (TC) removal from aqueous solutions. Firstly, MFeBC was prepared by a combined impregnation and chemical coprecipitation method. Furthermore, MFeBC was characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the magnetic hysteresis curves. For the TC adsorption, the effects of different solution pH level, adsorbent dosage, initial TC concentration and temperature on the adsorption performance were studied respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that the Freundlich isotherm models appropriately described the adsorption process. The kinetic data were better fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum TC adsorption capacity of MFeBC reached 69.26 mg g(-1). Hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions played a dominant role in the adsorption process. Therefore, MFeBC can be used as an effective adsorbent for tetracycline removal from aqueous solution.
Four binders (coal tar, sugarcane molasses, sugar beet molasses, corn syrup) were mixed with three agricultural by-products (rice hulls, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse) in different combinations and these mixtures transformed into granular activated carbons (GACs). GACs were evaluated for the physical properties of burn-off/yield, surface area, bulk density and hardness and the chemical properties of pH and ash. These properties, except for burn-off/yield, were compared to the same properties of two commercial reference carbons made from bituminous coal with coal tar binder. The results show that GACs made with corn syrup as binder exhibited surface areas, bulk densities, hardness, pH and ash values closest to the reference carbons. The presence of a specific by-product appeared less important than the presence of a specific binder in determining the physical and chemical characteristics of the GACs. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail rights reserved.
In view of the methyl orange (MO) dye on everyday applications in the textile, food, leather, paper, printing, and pharmaceuticals industry, in addition to its toxic behaviour on human health, we have developed a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-based cerium dioxide (CeO2)-graphene oxide (GO) composite by means of a sol-gel technique and tested its efficacy. For the study, the PLA polymer obtained is of renewable agriculture waste origin (sugarcane bagasse) and was isolated by means of fermentation of the feedstock followed by the polymerization of lactic acid. The instrumental techniques such as the powdered x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy etc. were employed for the physical characterization of the material. The various parameters such as the kinetics, desorption, regeneration, pH, isotherm theories, and ionic strength were tested towards the adsorption of MO dye onto the surface of GO-PLA-CeO2 composite. The outcome of the study exhibited that the GO-PLA-CeO2 composite revealed promising behaviour for the dye removal, which was allocated to the efficacy of GO, PLA, and CeO2 properties. Also, the adsorption process of GO-PLA-CeO2 is completely dependent on the initial concentration of MO and the adsorption equilibrium fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm. In addition, the electrochemical characterization of the composite was studied by means of CV and impedance measurements. Based on the outcome of the results, it can be said that the GO-PLA-CeO2 composite may be applied as a suitable electrode material along with its efficient adsorption properties for the removal of MO dye from wastewater.
The production of sugar from cane involves losses, mainly at the crystallisation stage. This study aims at reducing them. The analysis of the products which circulate, and the setting of the preservation equations helps to establish the mass-balance of the process. It appears that losses are found in the molasses, the bagasses and the foams. This study shows that the devices and stages at which more losses are incurred are, in decreasing order of importance: refinery, A jet, purifying and C jet. Solutions are proposed to reduce these losses.
This article evaluated bioelectricity's evolving competitiveness and systemic complementarity benefits, both in comparison with other renewable sources. To do so, the results of several energy auctions were analysed, and a modelling exercise was developed using an optimisation model based on stochastic dual dynamic programming. The results indicate that wind and solar energies became the least cost expansions, and sugarcane bioelectricity lost significance and competitiveness in this environment. At the same time, the study shows that wind power's potential to be complementary to hydropower generation is greater than bioenergy in Brazil. These findings have relevant policy implications regarding the power sector and whether bioelectricity from sugarcane should still be incentivised along with wind power sources. It is worthwhile to point out that although the Brazilian case is explored in the article, it can be used as an example by other countries, especially developing ones, that can take advantage of Brazilian expertise on biomass exploitation aiming at integration with the power sector.
Ethanol-water (EW) and diluted sulfuric acid (DSA) pre-treatment have been studied for lignocellulosic biomass (corn stover, Cynara cardunculus L. stems and wheat straw). Both pre-treatments have been compared taken into account: solids recovery, glucans recovery, xylans removed, delignification and glucose yield. In all cases, the amount of energy involved has been taken as a criterion for sustainability. In general terms, EW is more efficient to remove lignin and DSA more appropriate to hydrolysate xylans. The combined effect of delignification and xylans removal is responsible for the improvement in the enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis. Under conditions of moderate-low energy inputs, EW pre-treatment yields better results than DSA with glucose yields in the range of 50-60\% for EW pre-treated corn stover and cardoon stems; while wheat straw pulps reach up to 80\%. So, multiple raw materials biorefinery needs a previous study to fit the type and conditions of the pre-treatment to each feedstock.
Seeking to provide essential information about sustainable tillage systems, this work aimed to assess the effects of liming and soil cultivation systems on the soil hydrophysical attributes of a long-term cultivated sugarcane field in the tropical region of southeast Brazil. Infiltration tests and soil sampling down to 0.10 m were performed in order to determine saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, soil bulk density, soil total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, and soil resistance to penetration. The studied areas include no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems with 0 (CT0 and NT0) and 4 (CT4 and NT4) Mg ha(-1) of lime, and an adjoining area with native forest (NF). The data analysis included an analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test to compare different systems, assessment of the Pearson correlation coefficient between variables, and a principal component analysis of the dataset. The lowest bulk density and highest soil total porosity, macroporosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity were found in the NF. The bulk density in CT4 and NT0 was higher than in other systems, indicating the need for amelioration. NT4 is suggested as the most viable system for conservation agriculture in sugarcane fields, combining the benefits of no-tillage and liming to enhance soil hydrophysical functions.
White-rot fungus Inonotus obliquus grown in submerged culture produces antioxidative phenolic compounds. In this study, addition of lignocellulosic materials into the liquid culture increased the production and antioxidant activity of extra- and intra-cellular phenolic compounds (EPC and IPC, respectively). The production of EPC and IPC was significantly enhanced by wheat straw (by 151.2 and 45.3 \%), sugarcane bagasse (by 106.9 and 26.1 \%), and rice straw (by 67.6 and 38.9 \%). Both of the EPC and IPC extracts from the three substrates showed a higher hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity than those from the control medium. The highly active polyphenols such as tea catechins of epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and phelligridin G in the EPC extracts increased by 113.1, 75.0, and 86.3 \% in the sugarcane bagasse medium. Davallialactone and inoscavin B in the EPC extracts were generated in large amounts in the lignocellulose media but not found in the control medium. The IPC extract from the wheat straw medium had the highest production of EGCG and ECG (17.6 and 18.1 mg/l). The different enhancement among the materials was attributed to the content and degradation rate of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The different antioxidant activity of the EPC and IPC extracts was related to their phenolic compositions.
The present study evaluates hydration of oil well cement containing sugarcane biomass waste. Thus slurries were cured at low temperature (22 degrees C) and ambient pressure for 28 days. Additional curing at high temperature (280 degrees C) and high pressure (17.2 MPa) for 3 days was evaluated. Slurries containing 10-40\% by weight of cement were evaluated by thermogravimetry. X-ray diffraction, compressive strength and permeability. The results revealed that sugarcane biomass waste reacts with calcium hydroxide present in cement slurries. Slurries containing 20\% of the residue and cured at 22 degrees C for 28 days depicted the reduction of similar to 49.9\% of the calcium hydroxide content. The addition of 40\% SBW and curing at 22 degrees C for 28 days and 280 degrees C/17.2 MPa for 3 days yielded the transformation of common C-S-H into silica-rich C-S-H. Sugarcane biomass waste can replace the silica flour as an additive for oil well cement, resulting in improved compressive strength and permeability of the slurries. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Increasing usage of foams in various industry sectors had causing serious disposal problems once it reaches the end of its life-cycle. Herein, PVA-MFC foam was prepared by freeze-drying using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as a reinforced material from sugarcane bagasse (SCB). In this study, the PVA-MFC foam was chemically silylated with Y-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The wetting ability and mechanical strength of the silylated (2,20)PVA-MFC foam was greatly enhanced compared with unmodified (2,20)PVA-MFC foam. The silane chemicals (MPS and TEOS) had been confirmed grafted on (2,20)PVA-MFC foam due to the presence of Si-C and Si-O-C stretching vibration as showed in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and cloud-like coating of porous pore was observed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The silylated (2,20)PVA-MFC foam (MPS and TEOS) exhibited a series of desirable properties such as lower swelling ratio and high absorption capacity of solvents and oils but had low thermal stability in thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The characterization of (2,20)PVA-MFC foam using TEOS was further investigated. A significant difference in morphology was clearly observed between the unmodified and silylated (2,20)PVA-MFC-TEOS foam through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. The X-ray photoelectron (XPS) analysis of silylated (2,20)PVA-MFC-TEOS foam confirmed the presence of C, O and trace amount of Si elements. These synthesized (2,20)PVA-MFC foam could be a promising material for broad range of polymer foam applications.
Because of the synergistic effect of the individual nanomaterials, nanocomposites are becoming an important class of materials, allowing the creation of end-products with different properties and greater performance than when used individually. This study aims to create magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) from iron ore and nanocellulose fibre (CNF) from sugar bagasse to make magnetite-cellulose nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to confirm the prepared nanomaterials, and scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of the nanomaterials. The nanocomposites were created using two methods: (1) adding CNF before the MNPs precipitated and (2) adding CNF after the MNPs precipitated. There was a difference in crystallite size, with the smallest being 23 nm for the one prepared before precipitation and 31 nm for pure MNPs. The magnetic properties of the as-prepared nanomaterials were also investigated using the vibrating sample magnetometer technique. MNPs and MNPs-CNF nanocomposites have superparamagnetic properties, with nearly zero coercivity for all samples and saturation magnetizations of 42.8, 30.7, and 23.2 emu g(-1) for pure MNPs, MNPs-CNF (before precipitation) and MNPs-CNF (after precipitation), respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to investigate the thermal behaviour of the nanocomposite. The incorporation of cellulose nanofibre prevented aggregation while having a negligible effect on thermal stability.
Sweet sorghum is a bioenergy crop that produces large amounts of soluble sugars in its stems (3-7 Mg ha(-1)) and generates significant amounts of bagasse (15-20 Mg ha(-1)) as a lignocellulosic feedstock. These sugars can be fermented not only to biofuels but also to bio-based chemicals. The market potential of the latter may be higher given the current prices of petroleum and natural gas. The yield and rate of production of optically pure d-(-)- and l-(+)-lactic acid as precursors for the biodegradable plastic polylactide was optimized for two thermotolerant Bacillus coagulans strains. Strain 36D1 fermented the sugars in unsterilized sweet sorghum juice at 50 A degrees C to l-(+)-lactic acid (similar to 150 g L-1; productivity, 7.2 g L-1 h(-1)). B. coagulans strain QZ19-2 was used to ferment sorghum juice to d-(-)-lactic acid (similar to 125 g L-1; productivity, 5 g L-1 h(-1)). Carbohydrates in the sorghum bagasse were also fermented after pretreatment with 0.5 \% phosphoric acid at 190 A degrees C for 5 min. Simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation of all the sugars (SScF) by B. coagulans resulted in a conversion of 80 \% of available carbohydrates to optically pure lactic acid depending on the B. coagulans strain used as the microbial biocatalyst. Liquefaction of pretreated bagasse with cellulases before SScF (L + SScF) increased the productivity of lactic acid. These results show that B. coagulans is an effective biocatalyst for fermentation of all the sugars present in sweet sorghum juice and bagasse to optically pure lactic acid at high titer and productivity as feedstock for bio-based plastics.
Ethanol as the promising alternative fuel in Indonesia fights against cost competitiveness with fossil fuel due to low productivity using a conventional batch process. Therefore, the production of ethanol employing continuous fermentation process in which it acquires higher productivity was investigated. The investigation was done using uncontrolled continuous process in the integrated aerobic-anaerobic baffled reactor for 168-340h at 30? and medium pH of 4-5. The substrate of sugarcane molasses-water was varied in three concentrations, i.e. 20, 30, and 45\% w/w. The productivity was indicated by ethanol concentration in the effluent stream and sugar to ethanol conversion (fermentation efficiency). The result showed that average ethanol concentration of 20, 30, and 45\% molasses was 50.43, 62.70, and 57.17g/l, respectively. Further, the fermentation efficiencies were 87.2, 80.3, and 46.7\% for each of the molasses concentrations. The productivity can be monitored as follows: 1.75g/l h (20\% molasses), 2.31g/l h (30\% molasses), and 2.01 (45\% molasses). Additionally, the steadiness of the process for long process duration was observed, and the result showed that the ethanol productivity was raised from 2.31g/lh (168h) to 2.71g/lh (340h).
In this study, ash fromsugarcane waste was used in the synthesis of biosilica using alkaline extraction followed by acid precipitation. Different parameters that could influence the silica particle synthesis were evaluated. The ash and synthesized biosilica were characterized by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical techniques such as XRD, XRF, SEM, particle size analyser, N-2 adsorption analysis, TGA, and FTIR. The best condition for biosilica production was achieved with fusion method and aging temperature of 80 degrees C for 1 h during gel formation. X-ray powder diffraction pattern confirms the amorphous nature of synthesized silica. The purity of the prepared silica was 99\% silica which was confirmed bymeans of XRF. Theexperimental data suggest that the sugarcane waste ash could be converted into a value-added product, minimizing the environmental impact of disposal problems.
The estimated sugarcane cultivated area in Brazil lies around 8 million hectares, 60\% of which are found within the state of Sao Paulo, unevenly scattered throughout its territory. In June 2007, the Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) and SMA-SP signed an AgrI-Environment protocol, designed to anticipate the end of straw burning in areas with slope under 12\% until 2014. The objective of this study is to perform an analysis of Sao Paulo municipalities' compliance with this protocol, considering the dynamics of burning practices, using spatial analysis techniques. Two study areas were selected according to Moran's index, and analyses on the harvesting practices changes during the period between 2006 and 2008 were performed. Transition matrices were calculated using a stationary model based on the Markov chain. A second model, prescriptive, was elaborated based on expert counseling. The results showed that there are clusters where the compliance with the protocol is higher, close to Barretos and Ribeirao Preto municipalities, while near Ourinhos and Jau, the practice of burning is still regularly kept. However, the analysis showed that in all study areas there is a strong trend to reduce the pre-harvest burning.
The consumption of waste materials in the construction sector is a sustainable approach that helps in reducing the environmental pollution and decreases the construction cost. The present research work emphasizes the mechanical properties of bituminous concrete mix prepared with crumb rubber (CR) and waste sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). For the preparation of bituminous concrete mix specimens with CR and SCBA, the effective bitumen content was determined using the Marshall Mix design method. A total of 15 bituminous concrete mix specimens with 4\%, 4.5\%, 5\%, 5.5\% and 6\% of bitumen content were prepared, and the effective bitumen content turned out to be 4.7\%. The effect of five different CR samples of 2\%, 4\%, 6\%, 8\% and 10\% by weight of total mix and SCBA samples of 25\%, 50\%, 75\% and 100\% by weight of filler were investigated on the performance of bituminous concrete. A total of 180 samples with different percentages of CR and SCBA were tested for indirect tensile strength (ITS) and Marshall Stability, and the results were compared with conventional bituminous concrete mix. It was observed that the stability values rose with an increase in CR percentage up to 6\%, while the flow values rose as the percentage of SCBA increased in the mix. Maximum ITS results were observed at 4\% CR and 25\% SCBA replacement levels. However, a decrease in stability and ITS result was observed as the percentages of CR and SCBA increased beyond 4\% and 25\%, respectively. We concluded that the optimum CR and SCBA content of 4\% and 25\%, respectively, can be effectively used as a sustainable alternative in bituminous concrete mix.
Over the last century, food demands were increased because of the global population quadruplication. Many strategies were used to increase the crop production, either by increasing the amount of agricultural land to grow crops or by enhancing productivity on existing agricultural lands through fertilizer and irrigation and adopting new methods like precision farming. Not only these strategies did not completely meet the food demands but also caused a significant amount of agricultural waste that created additional serious environmental problems. Although one of strategies in management of agricultural wastes such as rice husk, sugar cane bagasse, wood waste, and bamboo leaf is using them as a new input to increase the production growth as along as the population growth, considering limited potential to increase the use of conventional inputs, especially land, but still, a large part of agricultural waste is either burned or left in nature. It is clear that the previous strategies were not proportional enough to prevent environmental problems. It seems that entrepreneurs with relevant skills and knowledge in ecology and economy can solve the problem. This article focuses on how to use the innovative potential of such entrepreneurs, called ecopreneurs, to encourage more startups that would create the new jobs needed to address our environmental problems.
THE AIM of this research was to evaluate the effect of three sugarcane waste by-products (pressmud PM, bagasse ash BA and molasse MO) which used as soil amendments of for immobilizing some heavy metals such as Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb in a contaminated soil near industrial factors of Qena Governorate, Egypt. The applied wastes at three levels of 0, 2.5 and 5 \% (w/w) were incubated into the contaminated soil for a period of 120 days with wetting and drying cycles. The soil pH, organic matter content and DTPA extractable metals were determined after 30, 60 and 120 days of the incubation periods. The results indicated that BA addition to the contaminated soil have a high effective on reduce the soil content from DTPA-extractable of Cu, Ni and Pb compared with other treatments. Molasse (MO) application caused the best reduction in the mobility of Cd and Cr than BA and PM, while the application of pressmud (PM) had a moderate effect in reducing Ni and Pb of the soil.
Over the past decades, bioethanol has emerged as an important alternative to fossil fuels. Moreover, bioethanol reduces the overall CO2 emission (greenhouse gas emission) compared to petroleum fuels as these are plant derived. Bioethanol will also provide energy security in the regions/countries where fossil fuels are in scarcity. Bioethanol is produced widely using edible resources like sugarcane, rice, and corn grains, etc. It has been a concern that the edible sources may create problem in food security. With these concerns, non-edible feedstock such as rice paddy straw and corn straw-based lignocellulose biomass has drawn tremendous attention toward the second generation (2G) ethanol production as a sustainable bioenergy source for internal combustion (IC) engine. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents are higher in biomass, which can be used as a source of reducing sugar to produce ethanol. Higher concentration of lignin fibers in the non-edible raw materials makes the sugar extraction challenging. The use of acidic medium such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) makes it easier to break down the lignin fibers and enhances the sugar extraction. In this work, varying concentrations of HCl and H2SO4 were used to examine and maximize the sugar extraction from rice paddy straw. HCl was observed to provide higher yielding of sugar compared to H2SO4. Furthermore, a temperature-variation study (during the hydrolysis process) was also performed to evaluate the variation in sugar yielding with 2.0\% HCl (v/v).
In present protocol, we have a developed a mixed metallic Ag-Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on sugarcane bagasse ash silica through immobilization of 1-{[
To gain insight into the mechanical properties of crushed sugarcane tail leaves during stress relaxation, a self-made compression equipment was used in this study. The variation law of different factors on the stress relaxation process of crushed cane tail was explored and a stress relaxation model was established. The three-element and five-element generalized Maxwell models were selected to fit the regression analysis of the stress relaxation curve of the crushed cane tail. The comparison showed that the determination coefficient R2 of the five-element stress relaxation model was higher, and a three-factor and three-level response surface test was designed. Following the quadratic regression polynomial of the stress rapid decay time and the equilibrium elastic modulus, the final optimization results obtained are as follows: The moisture content was 60.8\%, the crushing particle size was 45 mm, the feeding amount was 150 g, and the stress rapid decay time was 14.0 s. The equilibrium elastic modulus was 129 kPa.
Ultrasound was shown to enhance pretreatment of lignocellulose for biofuel and biorefinery applications and can augment oxidative processes,. yet few studies have combined ultrasound with an oxidative environment for the pretreatment of lignocellulose. In the present Contribution, pretreatment of a wheat Straw; using a. combination of ultrasound with two oxidative pretreatments, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, as well as Water and acetic acid was tested. The experimentation was conducted in an ultrasonic-microwave reactor with a comparison to silent pretreatment with microwave heating alone. In : addition,thermal:heating was compared,to microwave heating for the water pretreatment:Ultrasound:produced a higher. purity solid,residue for all chemical Pretreatments: However, ultrasound pretreatment reduced delignification efficacy by up to 50\%, attributed to lignin condensation. The chemical, treatments Were affected by sonolysis reactions and altered the recoverability of :carbohydrates..
Crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane are major sources of high-calorific intake in form of carbohydrates to almost entire population of the world in one way or other. After harvesting these crops produce an abundant amount of crop residues like wheat straw, rice straw, husk, stalks, bagasse etc. which can be effectively utilized as a biomass energy resource. However, these crop residues are frequently burnt by the farmers in open fields causing air pollution. Crop residues being lignocellulosic biomass in nature falls under second-generation of biofuels. Lignocellulosic nature of crop residues needs to altered for efficient decomposition through anaerobic digestion. Physical pretreatment is an essential step which helps to increase the surface area of crop residue making the digestibility faster and more efficient. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the effect of size reduction of rice straw and bagasse on enhancement of biogas production. It has been observed that the biogas production increases by 3.18 times as the particle size of rice straw reduced from RS1 to RS2 and in case of bagasse enhancement of biogas production by 2.65 times was observed when particle size reduced from B1 to B2. Copyright (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Chemical Engineering Conference 2021 (100 Glorious Years of Chemical Engineering \& Technology).
Understanding how the type of biomass t and parameters of the pyrolysis process influence the characteristics of the biochar obtained, including its calorific value and potential as solid fuel, is important in generating alternative energy sources. In this context, this study assesses biochar production by pyrolysis of parent biomass (B), straw (S), and treated biomass (T, processed with H2SO4 0.5\% (w/v) at 140 degrees C for 15 min). The pyrolysis process of B at 450, 550, and 650 degrees C, S at 450 degrees C, and T at 450 degrees C was conducted in a bench-scale fixed-bed reactor at a heating rate of 10 degrees C/min. The higher yield of biochar (50.3 wt\% db) and bio-oil (26.0 wt\% db) for the B was observed at 450 degrees C. Furthermore, the biochar yields for S and T at 450 degrees C were 36.8 and 31.3 (wt\% db), respectively. The biochar produced from B, S, and T at 450 degrees C shows a higher heating value of 27.9, 25.4, and 27.0 MJ/kg db, respectively. The elemental analysis of the biochar produced from the different feedstocks showed a higher C (64.91-80.93\%) and a lower O content (22.58-30.5\%) than the parent biomass, indicating that the biochar has good stability and potential as an energy carrier. The approach followed in this work was to contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the valorization of subproducts of the sugarcane industry through pyrolysis to produce biochar that can be used as an energy vector or material for different environmental applications, contributing to the goals of a circular bioeconomy.
Production of fructosyltransferase by Aspergillus flavus NFCCI 2364 was exploited in solid state fermentation using low cost agricultural wastes for their ability to generate fructooligosaccharides. Among sixteen screened agro wastes, sugar cane bagasse was remarked as the most promising substrate suited for excellent growth and adequate production of fructosyltransferase (FTase) in 96 h of fermentation. The fermentation attempted in one variable executed yeast extract 0.2 g/gds (gram per gram dry substrate) as the most applicable nitrogen source and inoculum size 1 x 10(8) spores/gds resulted FTase activity of 197.10 U/gds (unit per gram dry substrate). The recuperated Flase activity of 423.18 U/gds was executed by rotable central composite design RCCD) approach of response surface methodology by validated process variables viz. pH 5.0, substrate particle size 2.5 mm, substrate moisture ratio 1:1.4 and substrate quantity of 7.0 g respectively. The study signifies excellent stability and compatibility of A. flavus NFCCI 2364 using sugarcane baggase as an economical substrate for industrial production of fructosyltransferase. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The present work introduces a new strategy for enhancing a sustainable biodiesel from Micractinium reisseri by combining mixotrophic nutrition with nutrients stresses. Cultivating of Micractinium reisseri in 25 mg/l promoted lipid yield reaching 206\%. While mixotrophic nutrition by 0.1 M glycerol promoted dry weight by 2.8 folds, 0.05 M glycerol enhanced lipid yield by 26\% only. However, supplementation algal culture by 1 g/l sugarcane molasses promoted lipid content by 61\% and total lipid yield by 31\%. While polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUSFA) reduced from 48\% to 31\%, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUSFA) increased from 14\% to 30\% and Oleic and Stearic acids increased by 383\% and 284\%, respectively under optimized conditions. Evaluation of the produced biodiesel by monetarystandard EN 14214 and ASTM D-6751 analysis exhibited high-quality products. Combining mixotrophic nutrition with salts and nitrogen stresses led to encouragement switching the metabolic pathways towards lipid output that used as a biodiesel source.
Clarified sugarcane juice (osmotic coefficient, phi, similar to 1.01) was efficiently dewatered through the spontaneous process of Forward Osmosis (FO) employing sea bittern as draw solution. Sea bittern is the mother liquor that remains after recovery of common salt from seawater. It is either discarded to sea or evaporated to higher densities in solar salt pans for recovery of other marine chemicals such as bromine, Epsom salt, potash and magnesium chloride. Compared to seawater (phi = 0.905) which has limited potential as draw solution, the 4 values of the sea bittern samples were in the range of 1.41 to 3.24, providing thereby a high osmotic drive. A polyamide thin film composite membrane was used in the study. With 1 bar applied pressure, room temperature operation, and 1 : 8 volume ratio of sugar cane juice to bittern (phi = 2.26; concentrations of main constituents (\% w/v): Na+ = 2.83, K+ = 2.03, Mg2+ = 7.42, Cl- = 23.48, SO42- = 8.42), sucrose concentration in the juice was enhanced from 10.5\% (w/v) to 40.6\% (w/v) over 4 h, with average flux of 13 L m(-2) h(-1). Sucrose loss was <3\%. Energy computations indicated a saving of 69 kg of bagasse per m(3) of raw juice, assuming all process energy (steam/electricity) is derived from bagasse. Epsom salt of high purity was recovered from the spent draw solution upon chilling.
Sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, and wheat straw are among the most available resources for the production of cellulosic ethanol. For these biomasses we study the influence of pre-treatment methods on the chemical composition, as well as on the subsequent reactions of enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation of cellulose. The applied pre-treatment methods are organosolv, hydrothermal, and alkaline. Hydrothermally pretreated wheat straw gave the highest cellulose conversion with 80\% glucose yield and 0.8\% oxidized cellulose products. Recent studies have shown that lignin is able to boost the activity of the cellulose oxidizing enzyme lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO). The highest activity of LPMO was observed for the hydrothermally pretreated biomasses, which also contained the highest level of lignin. All hydrolyses were done at high dry matter levels using a commercial enzyme preparation containing hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes.
We examine how land tenure arrangements affect Chinese crop farmers' adoption of straw retention, a key conservation practice promoted by the Chinese government in part to curb rising air pollution. Using data from a 2016 farmer household survey covering 1659 crop plots in Henan Province in central China, we analyze whether farmers are less likely to adopt straw retention on rented plots compared to own-contracted plots. To address the potential endogeneity of the choice of renting from others, we use an instrument exploiting the role of remittance income from household members migrated to cities in a bivariate probit model and a control function approach, respectively. Our main results reveal that the Chinese crop farmers' likelihood of adopting straw retention were almost cut in half on rented plots compared to their owned plots, assuming the assumptions for biprobit or control functions hold. This suggests greater attention is needed to examine the spillovers across agricultural and environmental policies as China pushes for both a nationwide land rental market and more sustainable agricultural practices.
The objective of the work described was to study the preparation of a novel polymer composite from gelatin (GT), natural rubber (NR) and bagasse cellulose (BC) using potassium persulphate as an initiator, and urea (U) as a plasticizer. The results showed that the moisture content, moisture absorption and swelling ratio decreased as a function of the BC content in the polymer composite. Further, the moisture content and the moisture absorption tended to increase with increasing U content, while the contact angle of the sample decreased with increasing U. The highest elongation at break was found with 2\% BC. Moreover, the elongation at break and swelling ratio was also enhanced after the addition of U, and good BC dispersion in the polymer matrix was also confirmed by SEM. Finally, the biodegradation of the GT/NR composite was around 60\% after burial in natural soil for 30 days.
Respirometry and gas chromatography showed that, in the presence of crude oil, the surfactants Corexit(R) 9527 and Corexit(R) 9130 were rapidly oxidized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone and by a mixed culture of bacteria. The addition of a mineral fertilizer to the oil was ineffective in increasing respiration or alkane breakdown. When cane sugar molasses was added to the oil, respiration increased markedly and was associated with significant n-alkane breakdown. The bacterial counts at the start and end of the respirometry showed no significant variations whichever substrates were metabolized by the bacteria, The significance of the addition of organic substrates to oil in relation to biodegradation of alkanes is discussed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd
The palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) as aggregates are widespread usage in construction mixes worldwide which improves the properties of concrete and mortar. The objective of the present investigation is to analyze the combined effect of POFA and SCBA with the additive eggshell powder (ESP) as additional cement material concerning the mechanical and durability properties of hardened concrete and to assess the maximum level of replacement. Two categories of products such as POFA, SCBA with five distinct contents of 0\%, 5.0\%, 10.0\%, 15.0\%, 20.0\% and 25.0\% were used for substitution of grade M25 concrete and for the addition of persistent 3.0\% eggshell powder at each substitution. The proportion used in this research work is 1:1.6:2.94, and the water/cement ratio is 0.5. The experimental investigation was divided into two phases. Mechanical properties were examined in the first stage at twenty-eight, fifty-six, and ninety days of age. Based on the investigation, an optimum combination has been determined for each hybrid fiber combination. The durability properties have been examined in the second phase. Compressive strength enriches with the growth in the blend ratio about 25\% at 28 days curing, 29\% at 56 days curing, and 33.3\% at 90 days. The phases were investigated through SEM/EDAX/XRD studies.
Siam weed {[
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)) biomass has been touted as an important bioenergy crop that can be converted into various biofuels. In order to minimize storage losses, and to optimize the processing parameters during biochemical or thermochemical conversion, the sorghum bagasse obtained after pressing the sugar-containing juice may need to be dried to specific moisture levels. In this study, the performance of a continuous microwave drying system using a traveling wave applicator was investigated with respect to moisture reduction, power consumption, and overall efficiency. The parameters investigated were microwave power level (0, 200, 600, and 1000 W) and ambient drying temperature (25 degrees C and 55 degrees C). A control test was performed using hot air alone (25 degrees C and 55 degrees C) during sample drying. The initial moisture contents were obtained through conventional hot air oven drying at 130 degrees C. The drying rate of microwave drying was compared to conventional oven drying and the control. It was determined that even though the highest drying rates were obtained at the highest power setting (1000 W), when accounting for the power consumed by the drying system, including fans, motors, and ambient air heater, the highest efficiency was obtained at a comparatively low power setting (200 W) and using just ambient temperature (25 degrees C). The drying rate for microwave drying was significantly higher than conventional drying. The results of this study can be used to design continuous microwave drying systems that can be more efficient and with higher throughputs than conventional air-blown systems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Culture-independent metagenomic gene discovery allows exploration of genetic resources from uncultured microorganisms. In this study, an endoglucanase gene (celB) was identified from metagenomic DNA derived from a structurally stable thermophilic microbial consortium isolated from sugarcane bagasse collection site. CelB endoglucanase was classified in glycosyl hydmlase family 8 with 99\% sequence identity to the homolog from Clostridium josui. The recombinant Ce1B was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified enzyme exhibited the maximum activity on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with a specific activity of 86.17 U/mg at 60 degrees C, pH 5.0. The recombinant CelB showed specific cleavage pattern by releasing cellobiose (C2) as the major product from cellooligosaccharides (C3 to C6) substrates while C2-C4 were produced from hydrolysis of polysaccharides. The enzyme effectively released reducing sugars with the highest yield from corn stover followed by rice straw and sugarcane bagasse. In addition, supplementation of CelB at 10 mg/g biomass to Accellerase (R) 1500 (1 mg/g biomass) led to an improved hydrolysis on alkaline-pretreated sugarcane bagasse with 47\% increase in glucose yield compared with using Accellerase (R) 1500 alone. Overall, the enzyme is a potential candidate for cellooligosaccharide production and saccharification of lignocellulosic materials in bio-industries.
This paper reports the development and comparison of three optimized pretreatment models for xylose and glucose recovery from sugarcane leaf waste (SLW) using HCl, H2SO4 and HNO3. The input variables for each model consisted of acid concentration, temperature, solid to liquid ratio and heating time in the range of 0.5-5.0\% (v/v), 60-100 degrees C, 30-50\% (w/v) and 60-240 min respectively. All models showed high coefficients of determination (R-2) above 0.78. Process optimization gave xylose and glucose yields of 78 and 11.48 g/L, 50.75 and 7.15 g/L, 30.82 and 3.99 g/L for HCl, H2SO4 and HNO3 pretreatments respectively. The HCl-based model gave up to 160\% more sugar while simultaneously requiring a 2.5-fold lower heating time compared to H2SO4 and HNO3. The highest hemicellulose removal (93.15\%) was also observed with the HCl model. Preliminary assessment of sugars from the optimized HCl pretreatment on dark fermentation gave a peak hydrogen fraction of 40.11\% and a yield of 18.6 ml H-2 g(-1) fermentable sugar. The optimized pretreatments showed high efficiency at releasing xylose and glucose from SLW. In addition, the recovered sugars are excellent substrates for various fermentation bioprocesses and biofuel generation. (C) 2017 Karabuk University. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.
Soil amendment with biochar alleviates the toxic effects of heavy metals on microbial functions in single-metal contaminated soils. Yet, it is unclear how biochar application would improve microbial activity and enzymatic activity in soils co-polluted with toxic metals. The present research aimed at determining the response of microbial and biochemical attributes to addition of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCB) in cadmium (Cd)-lead (Pb) co-contaminated soils. SCBs (400 and 600 degrees C) decreased the available concentrations of Cd and Pb, increased organic carbon (OC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents in soil. The decrease of metal availability was greater with 600 degrees C SCB than with 400 degrees C SCB, and metal immobilization was greater for Cd (16\%) than for Pb (12\%) in co-spiked soils amended with low-temperature SCB. Biochar application improved microbial activity and biomass, and enzymatic activity in the soils co-spiked with metals, but these positive impacts of SCB were less pronounced in the co-spiked soils than in the single-spiked soils. SCB decreased the adverse impacts of heavy metals on soil properties largely through the enhanced labile C for microbial assimilation and partly through the immobilization of metals. Redundancy analysis further confirmed that soil OC was overwhelmingly the dominant driver of changes in the properties and quality of contaminated soils amended with SCB. The promotion of soil microbial quality by the low-temperature SCB was greater than by high-temperature SCB, due to its higher labile C fraction. Our findings showed that SCB at lower temperatures could be applied to metal co-polluted soils to mitigate the combined effects of metal stresses on microbial and biochemical functions.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential use of biomass-based adsorbents, such as sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and neem leaf, for the removal of malachite green from simulated and real effluent. The adsorbents prepared from bagasse are pretreated with formaldehyde, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid to improve the surface properties like porosity and surface area and its reflection on adsorption capacity. Neem leaf was used as an untreated adsorbent to compare the performance with that of treated adsorbents. The adsorption capacity of treated bagasse, sawdust, and untreated neem leaf adsorbent were compared with that of commercial powdered-activated carbon. The effect of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage and adsorbent surface modification on dye removal was examined for different contact time. It was observed that the adsorption efficiency of phosphoric acid-treated bagasse and neem leaf powder gives higher percentage of dye removal (97\%) as compared to sulfuric acid- and formaldehyde-treated adsorbents (89\% and 86\%). Experiments performed on a real effluent using PSB as the adsorbent indicated a maximum color removal of 79\% for an adsorbent dosage of 1 g/100 mL. Also equilibrium studies of the adsorption process were carried out and the adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is biodegradable and biocompatible, but some of its functional properties limit its commercial application. To improve the properties of PLA without destroying other useful characteristics, a composite film consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and PLA was prepared. In this research, MCC was obtained from bagasse bleached pulp by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. After being modified by a silane coupling agent (KH550), the MCC was used as reinforcement in the PLA matrix. The degradation performance of the composite film was explored using degradation experiments in which the film was buried in soil. According to the single-factor experiments, the best composite formulation was 3\% KH550, 20\% KH550-MCC and 15\% acetyl tributyl citrate. The results showed that the interfacial compatibility of the MCC/PLA composite films was improved after MCC was modified with KH550. This research showed that the addition of MCC can enhance the degradation rate of MCC/PLA composite films.
Aquatic worms are considered a suitable group to evaluate the effects of contaminants on the environment, although one of the main challenges is to use the species of local occurrence. Recently, Pristina longiseta was suggested to be used in acute bioassays. In this context, this study aimed to establish a chronic exposure for ecotoxicological bioassays using the cosmopolitan species of occurrence in Brazilian freshwater P. longiseta. Firstly, we tested three exposure times (4, 7, and 10 days) under the presence or absence of aeration for reproduction outputs. After determining the best configuration (7 days without aeration), we assessed the effects of the chronic exposures using the standardized reference substance potassium chloride (KCl), the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX), the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and the sugarcane vinasse. Our results showed suitability for applying the chronic exposure using P. longiseta and indicated the sensitivity of the offspring to KCl (EC50-7d = 0.51 g/L). Sulfamethoxazole and TBBPA caused a significant decrease in the offspring of P. longiseta (EC50-7d = 59.9 mu g/L and < 62.5 mu g/L, respectively). Sugarcane vinasse showed high toxicity for the species, and 4.26\% of vinasse was calculated as EC50-7d. Therefore, the described protocol was successfully applied as an ecotoxicological bioassay to evaluate the effects of environmental contaminants on the reproduction rate of the freshwater worm P. longiseta.
Geopolymer concrete in recent years has come up as an remarkable solution to reduce the carbon footprints of cement industry thereby reducing its production by completely replacing it with other binders alternatives and making use of polymerization process using alkaline activators such as Sodium silicate, Sodium Hydroxide which activates the alumino-silicate binder and forms a 3D polymeric chain which thereby helps in proper strength development of Geopolymer Concrete. Many cements like products which are mostly fine ashes are being brought into use to analyse their response of replacing it in the mix with cement to analyse their behaviour as to what makes the Geopolymer concrete mix more robust and also the noticing the change in the physiological and chemical aspect. After successful implementation of Fly Ash which is an industry by product, now the agricultural by-products which are fine to satisfactory level are being tested to make concrete strong, and durable. This crucial and necessary development has brought keeping in mind the environment's daily degradation because of the industries set up a carbon emitting source in their proximity which has to be readily dealt effectively over years. In this paper, we studied developments in Geopolymer concrete, design mixes and used agricultural as well as industrial by products for the use in the Geopolymer concrete and formulate all the research studies done on the production of most conclusive Geopolymer Concrete and make a standard comparison on what seems to be the most economical, durable and consistent mix of Geopolymer concrete, which comprises of various types of binders including Fly Ash, a byproduct of coal obtained from thermal power plant; Sugarcane Bagasse Ash, a byproduct of sugar mill industry; Rice husk ash, which is the ash obtained of the byproduct of rice mill industry. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
There have been many efforts to valorise lignin to produce bio-based chemicals and advanced materials. In this study, alkaline delignification was initially employed to recover lignin from the rind, pulp, and whole bagasse fractions of Moroccan sugarcane. The lignin fractions were subsequently modified via silanization and acetylation reactions. The modified lignin and raw lignin were then characterised to assess changes in their physicochemical properties via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solubility and thermogravimetric assessment, with both salinization and acetylation modification shown to enhance the solubility properties of the raw lignin of both polar and non-polar solvents. Preliminary investigations into the suitability of employing the modified lignin in hydrogel preparation were also undertaken. The preliminary hydrogels were developed using heating and freeze-thawing methods, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) were used as the matrix and the crosslinking agents, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rheological analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis were then used to characterize the different lignin-PVA hydrogels. The study showed that the swelling behaviour of the hydrogels was mainly influenced by the nature of the lignin (i.e., modified or raw), and the morphology of the hydrogel surfaces varied depending on the preparation methods. The study showed that the hydrogel based on silanized lignin and PVA had superior mechanical performance and swelling capacity compared to the acetylated lignin-PVA and raw lignin-PVA hydrogels.
Combining deep tillage (DT) with lime application at greater depths may improve sugarcane yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of conventional tillage (CT) and DT systems and liming on sugarcane productivity and soil physical attributes. The experiment was conducted in a clayey-textured Rhodic Hapludox soil cultivated with sugarcane for two growing seasons (first and third ratoons) using a randomized block design with four treatments and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of DT without liming (DT0), DT with liming (DT2), CT without liming (CT0) and CT with liming (CT2). In addition to sugarcane stalk and sugar yields, macroporosity (MA), microporosity (MI), total soil porosity (TP), weighted average diameter (WAD), aggregate stability index (ASI), soil penetration resistance (SPR), pH, potential acidity (H + Al), total soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were analysed. DT2 promoted the best soil conservation effect on sugarcane. In general, DT, regardless of lime application, reduced SOC and POC in soil surface layer. Nevertheless, in the long term, localized lime addition resulted in significant reductions in compaction, reaching values below 2 MPa. The soil fertility improvement provided by DT2 promoted increased sucrose concentrations and stalks yield. Considering that there was an improvement in the physical quality and fertility of soil for better plant development, the deep tillage with localized lime addition can be considered an effective alternative for sugarcane cultivation.
The integrated 1G + 2G ethanol production process seems to be a feasible strategy considering the Brazilian scenario, in which sugarcane molasses and bagasse are available substrates in biorefineries. However, such process imposes harsh conditions to yeasts, which must be able to simultaneously deal with several stresses from molasses and hydrolysate. In this work, improved hybrid strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with higher resistance for an integrated 1G + 2G ethanol production were obtained by hybridization technique. Initially, 663 wild S. cerevisiae strains were screened in microculture growth assays. Seven strains were pre-selected out of 40 based on their stress multi-tolerance traits. Subsequently, these pre-selected strains underwent evaluation in cell-recycling fed-batch fermentation conditions utilizing a medium containing molasses-bagasse hydrolysate. The two most successful strains from this evaluation were subjected to sporulation, yielding haploid cells. These haploid cells were then subjected to crossbreeding, employing direct and mass mating techniques. From the initial pool of 7 pre-selected strains, 3 hybrid strains were selected due to their enhanced resistance under the demanding conditions of cell recycling fed batch fermentation, particularly when utilizing a higher osmotic molasses-hydrolysate medium. These hybrid strains consistently exhibited high cell viability rates and effectively accumulated elevated levels of trehalose and glycogen over the course of five fermentation cycles. Remarkably, they maintained ethanol productivity at levels comparable to their respective parental strains. The genotyping molecular identification attested the difference between the hybrids and the parental strains. The 3 hybrids selected seem to present valuable backgrounds for metabolic engineering for lignocellulosic-derived xylose fermentation.
Improving bagasse pulp and paper properties using forest-byproduct biomass, native Acorn starch (NAS), was compared with conventional wet-end additive cationic corn starch (CCS). The extracted acorn starch was characterized by SEM, XRD, and GPC. The results clearly showed irregular granular shape (6-12 mu m) with rough surfaces, C-A-type XRD pattern, and 436.2 kDa molecular weights for NAS. The bagasse pulp retention and drainage as keys of operation performance and runnability were superior by NAS in comparison with CCS, while the lowest dosage of NAS (0.5\%) showed superior results than the highest dosages of CCS (1\% \& 1.5\%). The higher NAS adsorption onto the fiber surfaces compared to CCS could be concluded by higher water retention value (WRV) of the pulp together with higher density (up to 20\%) and mechanical properties of the produced paper, e.g., tensile (up to 63\%), burst (up to 37\%) and tear (up to 11\%) indices. NAS exploiting naturally as a papermaking additive would provide performance higher than commercial chemically-modified starch. {[
When using mechanical harvesting, the sugarcane trash can be partially recovered for use as feedstock for bioenergy. However, the amount of trash that can be removed without prejudicing the sustainability of the sugarcane production system has still been little studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of removing part of the sugarcane trash using enzymatic and microbiological soil quality indicators. We tested three rates of trash removal: 0\% (T0), 50\% (T50) and 100\% (T100). The microbial biomass C (C-mic) and N (N-mic), beta-glucosidase activity (GA) and the ratios C(mic)as a per cent of C(tot)and N(mic)as a per cent of N(tot)were highest for T100. The urease activity decreased with an increase in trash removal. The specific activity of beta-glucosidase did not differ between the treatments, while the specific activity of urease showed the same pattern as the absolute activity. The metabolic quotients (qCO(2)) were higher for T50 and T100 with no significant difference between them. The principal component analysis showed that the first component, which explained 77.66\% of the total variance, was significantly correlated with N-mic, basal respiration andGAand discriminated the three treatments. The results showed that the removal of part of the trash adversely affected some of the soil quality attributes. This suggests the need for monitoring over a period of years in sugarcane areas where part of the trash is removed for industrial purposes, in order to better understand the cumulative impact on soil quality and to ensure the sustainability of bioenergy production.
As a promising feedstock, alkali-extracted xylan from lignocellulosic biomass is desired for producing xylose, which can be used for renewable biofuels production. In this study, an efficient pathway has been established for low-cost and high-yield production of xylose by hydrolysis of alkali-extracted xylan from agricultural wastes using an endo-1,4-xylanase (XYLA) from Bacillus safensis TCCC 111022 and a beta-xylosidase (XYLO) from B. pumilus TCCC 11573. The optimum activities of recombinant XYLA (rXYLA) and XYLO (rXYLO) were 60 degrees C and pH 8.0, and 30 degrees C and pH 7.0, respectively. They were stable over a broad pH range (pH 6.0-11.0 and 7.0-10.0). rXYLO showed a relatively high xylose tolerance up to 100 mM. Furthermore, the yield of xylose from wheat straw, rice straw, corn stover, corncob and sugarcane bagasse by rXYLA and rXYLO was 63.77\%, 71.76\%, 68.55\%, 53.81\%, and 58.58\%, respectively. This study demonstrated a strategy to produce xylose from agricultural wastes by integrating alkali-extracted xylan and enzymatic hydrolysis.
The impact of various phenolic compounds, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid on anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass (hemp straw and miscanthus) was studied. Such phenolic compounds have been known to inhibit biogas production during anaerobic digestion. The different phenolic compounds were added in various concentrations: 0, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L. A difference in inhibition of biomethane production between the phenolic compounds was noted. Hydrolysis rate, during anaerobic digestion of miscanthus was inhibited up to 50\% by vanillic acid, while vanillic acid had no influence on the initial rate of biogas production during the anaerobic digestion of hemp straw. Miscanthus has a higher lignin concentration (12-30 g/100 g DM) making it less accessible for degradation, and in combination with phenolic compounds released after harsh pretreatments, it can cause severe inhibition levels during the anaerobic digestion, lowering biogas production. To counter the inhibition, lignin degrading enzymes can be used to remove or degrade the inhibitory phenolic compounds. The interaction of laccase and versatile peroxidase individually with the different phenolic compounds was studied to have insight in the polymerization of inhibitory compounds or breakdown of lignocellulose. Hemp straw and miscanthus were incubated with 0, 100 and 500 mg/L of the different phenolic compounds for 0, 6 and 24 h and pretreated with the lignin degrading enzymes. A laccase pretreatment successfully detoxified the substrate, while versatile peroxidase however was inhibited by 100 mg/L of each of the individual phenolic compounds. Finally a combination of enzymatic detoxification and subsequent biogas production showed that a decrease in phenolic compounds by laccase treatment can considerably lower the inhibition levels of the biogas production.
The application of systematic methodologies for the optimal design of integrated processes has seen increased interest in literature, namely for bioprocesses. The development and application of such a methodology to ethanol and power production from sugarcane and leaves, in a combined distillery and cogeneration plant is investigated in this article. The methodology breaks down as follows: process simulation, heat integration and thermo-economic evaluation, bi-objective multi-variable evolutionary optimization, and process selection. The objective functions are exergy efficiency and capital cost, whereas the selection criterion is the maximization of the Net Present Value (NPV). This choice was motivated by the variation in process related market parameters and their impact on profitability. Optimization generated 31 optimal trade-off solutions with better results than literature. Exergy efficiency ranged between 37.6\% and 41.7\% and capital costs between 155 M\$ and 210 M\$. Process selection led to a single configuration maximizing NPV for four economic scenarios. The configuration's exergy efficiency and capital costs were equal to 40.63\% and 163 M\$. This point presented an optimal compromise between heat integration and capital costs. This article provides a breakthrough in the application of this methodology, to the investigated process specifically. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Plant-derived renewable resources have the potential to enable the simultaneous generation of high-value-added products, such as foods, with energy, such as electricity and thermal power. Much of the heat cogenerated from renewables in power plants has been discarded because of the geographical and temporal gaps in heat supply and demand. In this study, we aim to devise an effective industrial symbiosis (IS) for a regional combined heating and power (CHP) plant utilizing local renewable resources. For the actual region of IS, the island of Tanegashima in Japan was adopted, where sugarcane is planted as a base industry. Through a thermodynamic analysis of the energy flows in a sugar mill, it was demonstrated that large amounts of heat were discarded from the sugar mill, even though the quality of heat was high enough for power generation or other energy demand. This is partly because some of the renewables have been regarded as wastes in the production of foods or other high-value-added products. At the same time, scenarios were defined and analyzed on the integrated use of locally available lignocellulosic biomass to increase the operation ratio of an existing bagasse-based CHP system. Through both periods with and without sugar production, additional heat and power can be made available by decreasing the energy loss and through IS.
In the present investigation, an actinobacterial strain of Streptomyces olivaceus (MSU3) was isolated from a rhizosphere sediment sample of a mangrove environment, and it was confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. The isolated strain saccharified various agro-residues such as vegetable, banana, mango peel, sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane juice, followed by bioethanol production. Among the tested residues, the actinobacterial strain exhibited the maximum percentage of saccharification and bioethanol production in sugarcane juice-substituted medium at the optimized culture conditions of pH 6, temperature 30 degrees C, innoculum size 2.5\% and incubation time 72 h, substituted with 2.5\% dextrose and 2.0\% urea, respectively, as carbon and nitrogen sources. The concentration of produced bioethanol was estimated through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and it was exhibited as 76\% with the retention time of 2.055 min and percentage area of 135694.91 mu V/sec. In Fourier transmission infrared (FT-IR) analysis, six functional groups (O-H, C-O, C=O, C=C, -C=C and C-Br) from the produced bioethanol were denoted between the wavenumber of 3264.27 and 551.35 cm(-1). Finally, the Gaschromatography-Massspectrphotometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed that the functional group similar to bioethanol was detected in the chromatogram with a retention time of 2.50 as well as 13.87 min. Based on the results, it could be confirmed that the actinobacterial isolate is a potent strain and can also be used to hydrolyze agro-residues and to convert the agro-residues into economically important byproducts like bioethanol.
The presence of mulch on the soil surface after the mechanical harvesting of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) enhances the cycling of nutrients, especially K, which can decrease K fertilizer recommendations for the crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of K addition to an Oxisol, with an initial concentration 0.07 cmol(c) K kg(-1), in first and second ratoon (no-till) sugarcane cultures by a conservationist system, i.e. rational use of fertilizers, use of alternative inputs and especially the maintenance of residues in soil that was previously burned to facilitate cutting. The following K doses were tested: 0, 32.5, 65, 130, and 195 kg K2O ha(-1), arranged in a randomized block design with five replicates. Potassium content in the soil and in the plant, as well as the yield and the quality of stalks were evaluated. Soil K application increased K concentration in soil and plant, and was reflected in the prodUction of stalks, with higher production (87.5 and 107.5 t ha(-1)) with the use of 120 and 123 kg K2O ha(-1) in first and second ratoon sugarcane, respectively. At the first 2 yr it was not possible to reduce the K fertilization in ratoon. Therefore, with the introduction of the conservationist system there was an increase (20 t ha(-1)) at the second ratoon regarding the first one with the same applied rate.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most sustainable methods for treating wastes and producing energy in the form of biogas. However, this process normally has a high content of water and low total solids (TS), which could be a challenge for regions with water scarcity or treating wastewater from the digestates. Dry fermentation or anaerobic digestion (Dry-AD) is a solid-state fermentation with high TS and is accelerating in the biogas industries. Dry-AD with high volumetric biogas productivity and high organic loading rate is an effective method for treating high solid content materials such as crop wastes. The present article is dedicated to reviewing methane production from industrial crops waste through Dry-AD. The major industrial crops such as corn stover, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse as well as their generated wastes, composition, and potential for bioenergy production are studied. Then, the Dry-AD process parameters, advantages, and challenges are described.
Industrial dyes are harmful compounds often present in wastewater. In this work, a magnetic nanohybrid material (HB) was hydrothermally synthesized from pyrolyzed sugarcane straw (CN) and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The material was characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA, and PZC, and tested for the adsorptive removal of congo red (CR) and indigo carmine (IC) dyes from aqueous solutions at pH 7.0 and 10.0, respectively. The kinetics of adsorption was well explained by both the pseudo-second order (PSO) model ( R-adj(2) similar to 0.99 for CR, 0.96 for IC) and the Elovich model ( R-adj(2) similar to 0.98 for CR, 0.98 for IC). After 24 h, the maximum adsorption capacities of the material were similar to 18.39 mg g(-1) for CR and similar to 1.46 mg g(-1) for IC. Adsorption isotherms were obtained at 25, 35, and 45 degrees C, and four different models were tested. The Sips model, which combines Langmuir and Freundlich, was used to fit the data. HB exhibited greater performance removing CR dye (\%R similar to 72\%) than IC (\%R similar to 27\%), therefore suggesting great potential as an adsorbent for CR from wastewater.
In this work, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are produced from bagasse pulps with differing hemicelluloses contents by ultrafine grinding and high-pressure homogenization. The results showed that hemicelluloses content in the range of 9.7-21.7 wt.\% led to nanofibrils with average diameter. A decrease in hemicelluloses content can enhance the crystallinity and improve the thermal stability of the CNFs. The activation energy of the CNF samples with hemicelluloses contents of 9.7 wt.\%, 12.72 wt.\%, 15.7 wt.\%, 18.76 wt.\%, and 21.7 wt.\% are 713.03, 518.93, 462.62, 421.78, and 211.11 kJ/mol, respectively, when the conversion rate is increased from 30\%-90\%. These results demonstrate that hemicelluloses content has a considerable influence on the properties of CNFs. This work provides a theoretical basis for high-value utilization of CNFs, and enriches useful information on the application of CNF materials.
In the present paper, endo-beta-1,4-xylanase production by Aspergillus fumigatus was evaluated in solid-state fermentation using low-cost substrates such as sugarcane bagasse (SCB), brewer's spent grain (BSG), and wheat bran (WB). The partial characterization of the crude enzyme was also performed. In the experimental conditions, the highest levels of endo-beta-1,4-xylanase production by A. fumigatus FBSPE-05 occurred within 8 days incubation when using SCB/liquid medium at 1: 2 ratio (219.5 Ug(-1)) and 4 days incubation when using WB/liquid medium at 1: 1 ratio (215.6 Ug(-1)). Crude enzyme from this last condition was used to enzyme characterization, showing best enzyme activity at 60 degrees C and pH 6.0, which suggests a thermophilic endoxylanase. The crude enzyme retained 73\% of its activity after 1 h at 60 degrees C, and zymogram has shown three bands of endo-beta-1,4-xylanase activity, with different molecular masses. A. fumigatus FBSPE-05 was able to grow and produce good levels of endo-beta-1,4-xylanase using agro-industrial by-products, making this strain worthy for further investigation. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the use of SCB and/or BSG as sole substrates for endoxylanase production by solid-state fermentation using A. fumigatus.
Little information is available about the Cd-phytoextraction mechanism by quail bush {[
This work conducts a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse in the Indian context. A cradle-to-gate system boundary was considered, and a functional unit of 1?MJ of energy from ethanol was used. Eight pre-treatment technologies and four hydrolysis-fermentation technologies were considered, thereby comparing 32 process combinations. Process data were collected from various published studies, government reports and also personal communication, and were used to perform LCA. The ReCiPe and TRACI models were used to perform the impact assessment using OpenLCA 1.6.1. The results show that the dilute acid pre-treatment (DA) with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSCF) processing route had lower impacts in most categories. The global warming potential for this combination was 0.132?kg CO2 eq. per MJ, with 85\% of the contribution due to steam generation. The impact can be reduced to 0.019?kg CO2 eq. per MJ by using a natural gas for steam generation. Ammonia fiber explosion (AFEX) pre-treatment had the highest impact in many categories, primarily due to ammonia production, implying the importance of ammonia recycling. DA had a lower impact due to higher yields and lower biomass requirements. The water footprint ranged between 232 and 672?L/L of ethanol and was mostly dominated by agricultural water.
Various agricultural residues, such as corn fiber, corn stover, wheat straw, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse, contain about 20-40\% hemicellulose, the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. The conversion of hemicellulose to fuels and chemicals is problematic. In this paper, various pretreatment options as well as enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars is reviewed. Our research dealing with the pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of corn fiber and development of novel and improved enzymes such as endo-xylanase, beta-xylosidase, and alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase for hemicellulose bioconversion is described. The barriers, progress, and prospects of developing an environmentally benign bioprocess for large-scale conversion of hemicellulose to fuel ethanol, xylitol, 2,3-butanediol, and other value-added fermentation products are highlighted.
Concrete is a highly consumed construction material. Cement is the first and foremost ingredient in the manufacture of concrete. Manufacturing of cement results in emission of an equal amount of carbon dioxide. These greenhouse gases cause global warming. The utilization of environment-friendly construc-tion materials has been identified to be most essential to overcome environmental issues. An ecofriendly concrete such as geopolymer concrete founds to be an alternative for cement concrete. Geopolymer con-crete (GPC) is a sustainable construction material as it can reduce carbon dioxide emission by utilizing industrial and agricultural waste by-products. Hence in this context, to reduce global warming, usage of cement can be minimized by replacing it with other materials such as Fly ash, Silica fume, Red mud, Ground granulated blast furnace slag, Metakaolin, Rice husk ash, Corncob ash, Sugarcane bagasse ash etc. These materials have been utilized to prepare geopolymer concrete with good mechanical strength, durability and thermal resistivity. A lot of research has gone into the development of sustain-able geopolymer concrete utilizing various industrial and agricultural waste. This review paper is on the research on the utilization of industrial and agricultural waste materials to produce sustainable geopolymer concrete.Copyright (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Confer-ence on Advances in Construction Materials and Structures.
This study aimed to produce bio-oils from various lignocellulosic biomass, namely palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm fiber (PF), sugarcane bagasse (SB), and sugarcane leaves (SL). Hydrothermal liquefaction, an environmentally benign process, was applied for converting wet bio-resources to bio-oils. The effect of Na2CO3 and La2O3 catalysts were investigated at 300 degrees C, the results showed higher bio-oil yield from Na2CO3 compared to La2O3. The use of glycerol solvent as a hydrogen donor substantially enhanced bio-oil yield for 300\% compared to aqueous solvent. Furthermore, the microwave-assisted wet torrefaction (800 W for 20 min) pretreatment employed for EFB helps to increase aliphatic and aromatic compounds and enhance the light and heavy bio-oils yields to 76.80 wt\%. SB and EFB are promising biomass for solvothermolysis liquefaction giving the highest energy ratio. A substantial amount of carbon nanodots and nanoflakes were produced from hydrothermolysis and solvothermolysis liquefaction of EFB with average mean diameters of 49.5 and 100.4 nm, respectively. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Alkaline pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass produced certain amounts of alkaline-soluble lignin and phenolic compounds in the hydrolyzate, which might bring a negative effect on the alkali reuse for continuous biomass pretreatment. In the present work, lignin recovery from the alkaline rice straw hydrolyzate by ceramic ultrafiltration was investigated in terms of lignin retention and fouling mechanisms. Results showed that over 75\% of lignin was retained using a ceramic membrane with the molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of 5000 Da. The relative higher cross-flow velocity and lower pressure led to less resistance and membrane fouling, and complete or intermediate pore blocking was the most possible fouling mechanism. The alkaline solution from an ultrafiltration permeate was recycled for the pretreatment of fresh rice straw after a simple pH adjustment. By comparing the composition of solid residues and its enzymatic hydrolyzate after pretreatments with fresh and recycled alkaline solutions, it was found that the alkaline hydrolyzate could be polished by ultrafiltration for further reuse (at least four cycles). Moreover, the alkali recycling from the hydrolyzate could retard the release of phenolic compounds during the pretreatment. The consumptions of NaOH and water were reduced by 42\% and 50\%, respectively, during pretreatments with reuse of alkali. Alkali recycling benefits lignocellulose biorefinery by decreasing the costs associated with water and alkali supplementation as well as wastewater treatment.
Petroleum prices are increasing day by day due to the essential requirement of fuel to run automobiles, agricultural engines and standby power plants. More utilization of fossil fuels leads to global warming, environmental pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change. The second-generation ethanol is produced from various feedstock, including agricultural wastes and lignocellulose biomass sources doesn't affect the food security in many countries and the blending of bio-ethanol in gasoline reduced the greenhouse gas emissions. As large quantity of Lignocellulose biomass is available in India; the present study aims to select sustainable Lignocellulose biomass for the production of second-generation ethanol in Indian context. Five Lignocellulose biomass (Sugarcane Bagasse, Rice straw, wheat straw, Moringa, and Vetiver) were identified and prioritized using MultiCriteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology. This study followed the Hybrid MCDM approach to prioritize the Lignocellulose biomass. Python-based Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (PyEDAS) MCDM algorithm was developed, and the final ranking is compared with COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) \& Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). From the results, Vetiver grass ranked as the best alternative, and Sugarcane bagasse ranked as the worst alternative among five Lignocellulose biomass sources.
In this study, alternative lignocellulosic biorefineries annexed to a typical sugarcane mill were investigated, to produce ethanol, lactic acid or methanol, or co-production of ethanol and lactic acid, all with surplus electricity for sale by conversion of sugarcane bagasse and harvesting residues (brown leaves) as accessible feedstock. In order to meet the energy demand of the sugar mill and biorefinery, burning a portion of feedstock or fossil source (coal) along with residues in the centralized combined heat and power unit were assumed as energy supplement strategies. A thorough Aspen Plus simulation was developed for each biorefinery scenario considering all required process units and supplementary units (i.e. combined heat and power, waste water treatment and evaporation). Furthermore, mass and energy balances along with costing data were applied to carry out techno-economic analysis, Monte Carlo finical risk study and life cycle assessment, in a multi-criteria desirability matrix. The lactic acid production biorefinery was found to be the most energy intensive process with highest chemical consumption and the highest conversion of biomass carbon input to products. Consumption of coal as an alternative source of energy enhanced the available biomass for valorization. Biorefineries with coal combustion producing ethanol or ethanol-lactic acid showed better environmental performance than methanol producing biorefineries, based on 1 ton of product. Although, the co-production of ethanol and lactic acid showed the largest likelihood of economic success, Methanol producing scenarios had a zero likelihood of an economic viability without substantial financial incentives or enhanced market prices.
Biobutanol production from cellulosic feedstock is considered promising and economically feasible. A highly efficient butanol-producing bacterial microflora (containing mainly Clostridial species) was obtained from hydrogen-producing sewage sludge. In this work, two types of agricultural waste (i.e. rice straw and sugarcane bagasse) were alkaline pretreated and then hydrolyzed using a cocktail of cellulases originating from Pseudomonas sp. CL3 and Clostridium sp. TCW1. The hydrolysates were used to produce biobutanol by the isolated mixture culture using either separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) or a combination of SHF with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SHF-SSF) processes. In the SHF process, the maximum butanol concentration, productivity, yield and ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) ratio from bagasse were 2.29 g/L, 1.00 g/L d, 0.52 mol butanol/mol reducing sugar and 0.12:1:0.06, respectively, and for rice straw were 2.92 g/L, 1.41 g/L d, 0.51 mol butanol/mol reducing sugar and 0.19:1:0.1, respectively. In the SHF-SSF process, the maximum butanol concentration, productivity, and yield for bagasse were 1.95 g/L, 0.61 g/L d and 0.37 mol butanol/mol reducing sugar, respectively, and for rice straw were 2.93 g/L, 0.86 g/L d and 0.49 mol butanol/mol reducing sugar, respectively. This work demonstrated a novel and feasible approach of converting agricultural waste into a valuable biofuel (i.e. butanol). (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Globally escalating ethanol demand necessitates the use of hybrid technologies integrating first- and second-generation biofuel feedstocks for achieving the futuristic targets of gasoline replacement with bioethanol. In present study, an optimized two-step sequential pre-treatment (first dilute alkali, then dilute acid) of Pine forest litter (PFL) was developed. Furthermore, the saccharification of pre-treated PFL was optimized through Response Surface Methodology using Box-Behnken Design, wherein 0.558 g/g of reducing sugar was released under the optimized conditions (12.5\% w/v of biomass loading, 10 FPU/g of PFL enzyme loading, 0.15\% v/v Tween-80 and 48 h incubation time). Moreover, during hydrolysate fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3288 strain, 22.51 +/- 1.02 g/L ethanol was produced. Remarkably, hydrophobic resin (XAD-4) treatment of PFL hydrolysate, significantly removed inhibitors (Furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and phenolics) and increased ethanol production to 27.38 +/- 1.18 g/L. Furthermore, during fermentation of molasses supplemented PFL hydrolysate (total initial sugar: 100 +/- 3.27 g/L), a maximum of 46.02 +/- 2.08 g/L ethanol was produced with 0.482 g/g yield and 1.92 g/l/h productivity. These findings indicated that the integration of molasses to lignocellulosic hydrolysate, would be a promising hybrid technology for industrial ethanol production within existing bio-refinery infrastructure.
The present work reports the production of laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase by the little studied white-rot fungus Phlebia floridensis under a variety of nutritional and physicochemical conditions. Among the different media and supplements the highest yields of laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase were recorded in the presence of sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw and rice straw, respectively. Laccase and manganese peroxidase activities were best expressed at a pH of 4.5 while lignin peroxidase was optimally active at a lower pH. Laccase proved to be much more thermostable as compared to the other two enzymes.
Silica nanoparticles (SiO(2)NPs) from renewable sources can be used in very different materials, such as paints, membranes for fuel cells, Li-ion batteries, adsorbents, catalysts, and so on. Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane and generates huge amounts of sugarcane waste ash (SWA), which is a Si-rich source. This study investigates a method to produce highly pure SiO(2)NPs from SWA. The SiO(2)NPs were characterized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analyses, specific surface area and pore distribution, UV and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses and applied as an adsorbent material in the removal of acid orange 8 (AO8) dye from aqueous solution. The SiO2 content was 88.68 and 99.08 wt \% for SWA and SiO(2)NPs, respectively. TEM images of SWA and SiO(2)NPs exhibit drastic alterations of the material size ranging from several micrometers to less than 20 nm. The SiO(2)NPs showed a specific surface area of 131 m(2) g(-1) and adsorption capacity of around 230 mg g(-1) for acid orange 8 dye. Furthermore, the recycling of the SiO(2)NPs adsorbent after AO8 adsorption was very satisfactory, with reuse for up to five cycles being possible. The results indicate that it was possible to obtain highly pure silica in a nanosize from the waste material and produce an adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and the possibility of reuse.
One hundred and thirty-seven samples of agricultural residue were taken from the study area of forty subdistricts in twenty districts of ten provines in the Northeastern region of Thailand. The samples were analyzed for major physical and chemical properties and subjected to simulated burning. Rice straw had the highest dry weight and bagasse the lowest. Bagasse had the highest moisture content and the highest carbon content. Results from simulated burning found that sugarcane leaf emitted more CO2 than the other residues. Weight loss on combustion was in the range of 75-92 \%, and the simulated burn of agricultural residues showed CO2 emission values at 67\% of the IPCC values.
A process for producing fluorescent Carbon Nanodots from sugarcane syrup is reported. The syrup is processed in a domestic microwave oven for 1.5 min, filtered and centrifuged, resulting in an orange stable suspension of nanoparticles capable of emitting visible (green) fluorescence when irradiated by ultraviolet (254 nm). The particles present dimensions ranging from 2 to 6 nm with distribution centered at similar to 5 nm, and maximum fluorescence intensity at 448 nm (violet) when excited at 360 nm. This work presents a green, fast and low-cost methodology for the obtention of luminescent carbon nanoparticles, with potential applications on optoelectronics, biomedicine, photocatalysis and renewable energy sources areas.
Conventional farming uses the soil intensively, modifying its attributes. The goal of this study is to evaluate the spatial variability of some physical attributes and soil organic carbon in red-yellow Anfissol cultivated with sugar cane, using geostatistics. The work was carried out at Maracanau - CE, in area with sugar cane production, managed by conservation tillage practices five years ago, which remained covered with sugarcane straw mulch. Soil samples were taken from 0.00 to 0.20 m de pth, in a mesh, with a regular interval of 10 m, totaling 100 points. For each sample, soil particle density, bulk density, organic carbon, porosity, macro pores, and micro pores were analyzed. The coefficient of variation indicated low variability for soil particles density, bulk density, total and average porosity for the variables of macro-and microporosiy, and organic carbon. The variables analyzed showed spatial dependence, which was observed in kriging maps. The pores distribution by size and total porosity indicate adequate physical conditions, with bulk density values slightly above the level considered suitable for this textural class of soil.
Attention has been drawn by researchers to offer potential opportunities for the economic utilization of agro-industrial residues. Sugarcane bagasse, which is also called as canechaff is a byproduct of sugarcane industry, has been used as a lignocellulosic material to prepare composites by polymerizing with either phenols or substituted phenols and formaldehyde in acid medium. The formation of the composites have been successfully reported from its structural information by their various spectral techniques like UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR. Thermogravimetric analysis of the composites have been taken in a nitrogen atmosphere with a heating rate of 10 C/min. The analysis of the thermograms have been done by a novel computerized Lotus package method. Various kinetic models have been used to know the thermal strength as well as the degradation mechanism of the composites at different temperatures. The report reveals that the composites with higher weight percentage of biomass show less percentage of decomposition, hence more stable.
Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are one of the classes of prebiotics obtained from lignocellulosic biomass, by hydrolysis of hemicellulose, abundant in agroindustrial residues. Several endoxylanases were studied in order to provide better conversion of the biomass to XOS. The resulting product presents multi-benefits, favoring the intestinal microbiota and maintaining the viability of probiotics in food. XOS production from sugarcane straw by action of thermostable recombinant endoxylanase of Cryptococcus fiavescens, expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 using vector pGAPZ alpha A, in synergic association with alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase (GH 51) (Megazyme (R)) was optimized using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), enabling 72.56\% of xylan conversion. The main products xylobiose and xylotriose are short chain oligosaccharides preferred by probiotics. Hydrolysis of xylan from sugarcane straw using endoxylanase and alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase has great potential for XOS production with high prebiotic activity, representing a possible sustainable way to reduce enzymatic and raw material costs.
In the present study, clarification of apple juice with tannase from S. marcescens IMBL5 produced using various agro-waste materials was carried out. Sugarcane bagasse was found to be the most suitable source for the augmented production of tannase enzyme by response surface methodology with the temperature at 40 degrees C, pH 4.5 and the incubation period of 96 hrs. The enzyme was quantified and partially purified through protein precipitation. The partially purified tannase with gelatin clarified about 62\% of the apple juice in 3 hr of incubation at room temperature and it was gently increased with the incubation period. The detannification was characterized by estimating tannin content of the clarified juice. The amount of total reducing sugar in the juice was increased almost 50 \% after 5 hours of incubation period. FTIR spectrum of the clarified juice revealed that the conformational changes that occurred in the functional groups. The spectrum absorptions between 500 and 1700 cm-1 mainly reflected the C=O stretch of the pectins and acids and C-O modes of the carbohydrates that correspond to the absorption zones of the sugars. The HPLC analysis of the clarified apple juice indicate the presence of phenolic compounds and sugar derivatives such as gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, epicatechin, glucose and sucrose which confirms the quality and clarity of the apple juice using the tannase enzyme.
Rapeseed straw, containing about 50\% of carbohydrates was used as a low-cost raw material for bioethanol production. Since xylose represents about 30\% of total sugars in this feedstock, the use of microorganisms capable of metabolizing both pentoses and hexoses is crucial. In this work, rapeseed straw was pretreated with sulfuric acid at previously determined optimal conditions. Then, the whole slurry obtained after pretreatment was enzymatically hydrolyzed and the resulting sugar solution was cofermented by Scheffersomyces stipitis CBS654 and Escherichia coli MM160. Prior to fermentation, different detoxification methods were tested in order to increase the fermentability of the hydrolysate. Only the detoxification by ion-exchange resins achieved a fermentable hydrolysate due to the almost complete removal of phenolics and acetic acid as well as high reduction in levels of furans and formic acid. The best results of ethanol production corresponded to the fermentation of rapeseed straw hydrolysate with E. coli after detoxification by ion-exchange resins. In this case, an ethanol concentration of 40 g/L was reached that corresponds to 85\% of the theoretical ethanol yield. The use of this new process configuration for rapeseed straw by enzymatic saccharification of the whole slurry and subsequent separation allowed the fermentation of all sugars in a single stage, avoiding the problems associated with the presence of solids in the fermentation.
Field burning of rice straw as a method of disposal by farmers is a major concern as the smoke and harmful emissions from it causes dangerous levels of pollution. Seven out of ten cities with the poorest air quality in the world are in India, and paddy field burning has been cited as one of the main reasons. Hazardous emissions from paddy field burning is combined with greenhouse gas emissions from coal fired power plants and cement manufacturing units, causing severe respiratory illnesses and other fatal health issues. The recent literature indicates an increased interest in rice straw valorisation, possibly in response to the increasing concerns over paddy field burning. However, a systematic study that compiles and compares various rice straw valorisation routes is lacking in the existing literature. This paper provides a comprehensive review of literature on various alternative uses of rice straw in energy and construction industries. Effective use of rice straw as a biomass fuel in energy sector not only reduces the field burning, but also decreases the dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels. Moreover, the proposed utilisation of secondary by-products from rice straw-based energy production in the construction industry can help to attain the goals of resource cascading. The availability of rice straw in major rice producing states of India and the feasibility of establishing rice straw-based power plants are also examined in this study. The potential reduction of harmful emissions from such resource recycling has been determined as per the guidelines issued by the intergovernmental panel on climate change. From the review of literature and the findings of the present study, a sustainable framework has been developed with well-defined cleaner production pathways to create a seamless material flow chain between the agricultural, energy, and construction sectors. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The study focuses on reducing the total polar materials (TPM) in used cooking oil (UCO) by adsorption using agro-waste ash such as coir pith ash (CPA), rice husk ash (RHA), and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA). The efficiency of adsorbents on UCO regeneration was studied by batch adsorption. The effect of process parameters treatment time, adsorbent quantity, UCO quantity, UCO quality, and oil type on reducing the TPM of UCO was analysed. The results indicate that RHA was most effective in reducing the TPM content. Increasing the adsorbent quantity and treatment time had a positive impact on TPM reduction, whereas the increase in UCO quantity leads to a decrease in the performance improvement (PI). Initial TPM percentage highly influenced the PI whereas the type of oil doesn't have a significant effect on the same. Further optimization of process variables on TPM reduction using RHA was studied using response surface methodology. Under optimized conditions, an 89.6\% reduction in TPM was achieved. The present study concludes that adsorption treatment using RHA was effective in improving the quality of UCO. This study provides valuable evidence regarding removal of TPM using agricultural wastes as adsorbents. The method presented is cost-effective and can be utilized in small scale food industries.
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the saccharification, followed by bioethanol production by an actinobacterium Streptomyces variabilis (MAB3) isolated from the sediment sample of mangrove environment using Modified Yeast extract-Peptone medium substituted with different concentrations of xylanase (50 to 400 IU) pretreated various agro-residues like vegetable, banana, mango, sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane juice through fermentation process. Among the tested residues, sugarcane juice substituted medium pretreated with 200.0 IU concentration of xylanase exhibited maximum level of reducing sugar (50.19 mg/g), degree of saccharification (59.49\%) as well as bioethanol (4.69 g/L) production. Further the organism expressed highest saccharification yield and bioethanol production at the optimized cultural conditions of pH 6, temperature 30 degrees C, inoculum size 2.5\% and incubation time 72 h substituted with 2.5\% dextrose and 2.0\% urea, respectively as carbon and nitrogen sources. The concentration of produced bioethanol (82.26\%) from the optimized medium was determined through HPLC analysis. Finally the bioethanol was evaluated through FT-IR and GC-MS analysis. The basic functional ethanol groups (O-H and C-O) from the optimized medium were denoted in both FT-IR and GC-MS analysis at the wavenumber of 3272.22 and 1077.15 cm(-1) with the retention time of 2.60 min, respectively. Based on the results, it could be confirmed that the selected isolate is a potent strain and it can able to hydrolyze the pretreated agro-residues and also it can able to convert the pretreated agro residues into economically important byproduct like bioethanol.
Brazilian bioethanol is one of the most prominent biofuels produced on a large scale, representing 30\% of the global fuel ethanol production share. Around 8.6 billion gallons were produced in 2019, second only to the US fuel ethanol production in the same period (15.8 billion gallons). Obtained from sugarcane in a highly energy-efficient process, the biofuel, which can be used in Brazil as 100\% ethanol (hydrated, minimum mass content of 92.5\%) or in a volume proportion of 27\% (anhydrous ethanol) in common gasoline, has contributed to the reduction of oil dependency and CO2 emissions, as well as to the development of an important economic sector. Pioneer biofuel policies and important advances in science and technology led to the establishment of a 46\% renewable energy matrix. In this manuscript, an overview of the impacts of ethanol production and utilization will be given, with respect to environmental and socio-economic concerns. The public policies and some technical aspects of sugarcane and ethanol production and energy cogeneration will be reviewed and discussed. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd
The concentration of 18 elements in different cane sugar products, i.e., cane sugar plants, crude and syrup juices, molasses, and the end products of the consumer sugar, were analyzed and processed. The samples were collected from five cities, i.e., Kom Ombo, Edfu, Armant, Deshna and Naga Hammady in Upper Egypt where the main Egyptian sugar industry factories are located. INAA was applied for the determination of Al, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn,Na and Sc, while Cu, Li, P, Sn, V and Zn were determined by ICP-AES and Pb and As were determined by AAS. These three analytical methods were applied to optimize the sensitivity and the accuracy of the measurements in order to provide a sound basis for the obtention of reliable clustering results.
Membrane filtration of sugarcane juice is a green technology with great development potential. The technology does not involve the use of chemical additives. Thus, the permeate without chemical residues can be obtained to produce high-quality sugar. However, retentate is a by-product produced by the ceramic membrane clarification process of sugarcane juice. The cost-effective treatment of retentate is the key industrial application of membrane technology in the sugar industry. The current study evaluated the microbial treatment of retentate. A wild PHB-producing strain was isolated from river sludge and designated as Bacillus aryabhattai S2 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The extract of B. aryabhattai S2 was characterized by GC-MS, FTIR, and H-1 NMR. HPLC was used to detect the content of sugar (12 mg/mL) in the retentate. PHB was produced by shaking flask fermentation with the retentate as the carbon source. PHB yield from retentate was 2.831 g/L, which was four times higher than PHB yield from glucose (0.647 g/L). The use of the retentate for the production of polyhydroxybutyrate by B. aryabhattai S2 was promising. In addition to provide carbon source, the retentate also provides 16\% water for the fermentation system, thereby saving on water resources for the duration of the fermentation.
This study aims to produce an efficient adsorbent derived from 4 different biomass and to study the characterization of blending hydrogel from 4 different biomass. Type of material used to produce biochar is corn husk, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and sawdust. These four materials are blending with fly ash with different ratios. For hydrogel preparation, Acrylamide (AAm) is used as the monomer, N, N' - methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker, and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. This hydrogel - biochar is then characterized by Brunauer - Emmet - Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and swelling test analysis. Seven samples are analyzed for each raw material: fly ash hydrogel and corn husk hydrogel. For example like SW: FA (1.0:0), SW: FA (0.8:0.2), SW: FA (0.6:0.4), SW: FA (0.5:0.5), SW: FA (0.4:0.6), SW:FA (02:08) and lastly SW:FA (0:1.0). Repeated with the same ratio for the other biomasses. For BET surface area analysis, samples with large surface areas and high pore volumes are suitable for the adsorbent. SW: FA (0.8:0.2) has the largest surface area, which is 6.9966 m(2)/g, while the total pore volume is the highest compared to the other samples. In a proximate analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) determined the moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon content, and volatile matter content. A sample with the high volatile matter, high carbon content, and low ash content is more economically attractive. Sample of SW :FA (0.8:0.2) has high moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and has the lowest ash content among all. All the samples showed a positive impact on the swelling test. Therefore, a sample of SW: FA (0.8:0.2) is the best and suitable to use as an adsorbent.
1,2,4 trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TrCB) is a persistent organic pollutant with chemical stability, biological toxicity, and durability, which has a significant adverse impact on the ecological environment and human health. In order to solve the pollution problem, bagasse cellulose is used as the basic framework and nano TiO2 is used as the photocatalyst to prepare composite carriers with excellent performance. Based on this, an intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) system combining photocatalysis and microorganisms is constructed. We use the combined technology for the first time to deal with the pollution problem of 1,2,4-TrCB. The biofilm in the composite carrier can decompose the photocatalytic products so that the removal rate of 1,2,4-TrCB is 68.01\%, which is 14.81\% higher than those of biodegradation or photocatalysis alone, and the mineralization rate is 50.30\%, which is 11.50\% higher than that of photocatalysis alone. The degradation pathways and mechanisms of 1,2,4-TrCB are explored, which provide a theoretical basis and potential application for the efficient degradation of 1,2,4-TrCB and other refractory organics by the ICPB system.
This paper presents a mathematical modelling of bio-oil production with the fast pyrolysis process. The Arrhenius equation and kinetic modelling were used in order to predict bio-oil production. From a modelling study, it was determined that the residence time of a process can be approximated by slip velocity in the plug flow mode which is between 0.83-1.31 seconds. The results showed that the temperature of the particles and the time residence of the process had had a significant effect on bio-oil production. Temperature and residence time are major parameters that can be used to calculate bio-oil yield. The parameters, affording maximum of bio-oil production, were found to be a temperature of 753 degrees K and a time of 0.83 seconds. This result was in accordance with the experimental results. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
As one of a agricultural provinces of China, Yunnan has abundant biomass resources such as crops straw, wood wastes and so on. However, the exact annual output of biomass resources has not been statistically calculated. Through carefully collecting and recalculating data from 2000 to 2008 year, the accurate main crops straw yield of Yunnan were calculated by using the Straw to Product Ratio (RPR) coefficient of different crops in this paper. Yunnan produced some 23 million tons of crops straw per year. The three largest contributions to the total output of crops straw were from corn, sugarcane and rice, which amounted to 39\%, 28\% and 16\% of the total crops straw respectively. This paper analyzed the present status of utilization of biomass in Yunnan and proposed that more than 60\% of crops straw were burnt in the field at present, which has caused serious environmental pollution. There was still 19 million tons of biomass from agriculture, forestry and flower industry each year can be used as biomass energy resources, which was equivalent to about 9.5 million tons of standard coal, and can provide about 2.76 x 10(14)KJ biomass energy.
Cellobiose and xylobiose are disaccharides composed of two glucose or xylose units with b-1,4 linkages. This study aimed to isolate a Trichoderma reesei mutant that lacks b-glucosidase and b-xylosidase activities for the simultaneous production of these disaccharides. Mutagenesis using Fe-ion beam resulted in a mutant strain, T. reesei T1640; the cellulase production in this strainwas as high as that in the parent strain. Genomic analysis revealed that T1640 lost both the beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activities owing to the translocation of the responsible genes. Hydrolysis of alkalitreated bagasse using the enzymes from T1640 leads to high yields (365 mg/g-biomass) and ratios (72.7\% of the total sugars) of cellobiose and xylobiose.
Cogeneration is a broader term associated with sugar industries. Cogeneration systems serve two purposes-generate electricity from steam using waste materials obtained during industrial process and also process heat for industry itself. In order to have a significant increase in generation capacity of electricity in sugar factories, advanced cogeneration systems are used. These systems comprise of high pressure direct combustion steam rankine cycle (SRC) systems and biomass integrated gasification combined cycle (BIG-CC) systems. This paper focuses on the use of BIG-CC system along with bagasse and other sugarcane residues like press mud in sugar industry in India. It is found that with the increase in temperature and pressure of cogenerator, the overall power output and hence the efficiency of the cogenerator unit increases gradually. However, over 60 bar pressure, in many high pressure systems there is a requirement of special construction techniques along with the materials that can withstand the high pressure as well as high temperatures (over 450 degrees C).
This work presents a technical, ecological and economic analysis of hydrogen production incorporation through ethanol steam reforming at a traditional sugarcane industry (sugar, ethanol). This proposal is reached through a reduction in the amount of fuel (bagasse) that is normally utilized to generate electricity without affecting the sugar and ethanol production processes, however. This surplus bagasse is utilized to produce steam for hydrogen production. In order to achieve this, it is calculated the available bagasse and maximum hydrogen amount and their inputs (hydrated and anhydrous ethanol). Based on the aforementioned, the investment needs are estimated, where the operation and maintenance cost, the operation period, the interest rate, and the annuity are considered. The incorporation of this new process is assessed through a comparison of this innovative plant with the traditional ones. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The aim of the current work was to assess the removal of direct and reactive dyes using biotic and abiotic agents. Removal of dyes and their derivatives from aqueous solutions was investigated using sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, rice straw, charcoal and fungal biomass as dye removing agents. Seven fungal strains known to have high capacity in removing textile dyes were used. Results of this study indicated that Penicillium commune, P. freii, and P. allii removed 96, 64 and 65\%, respectively, of direct violet dye after two hours of incubation. In addition, the use of rice straw was shown to be more efficient in dye removal, than was bagasse or sawdust. Rice straw was effective in removing 72\% of direct violet dye within 24 hours. However, with reactive dyes, removal activity was reduced to 27\%. Similar trends were recorded with the other tested biotic agents, fast removal of reactive dye was not found after 48 hours of contact time. Results of this study indicate that low-cost, renewable, bioadsorption agents are relatively effective in removing textile dyes from solution.
To study the influence of the content of hemicellulose on the absorbable organic halogen (AOX) formation in chlorine dioxide bleaching, a pH pre-corrected hot water pretreatment was developed. The influence of lignin on AOX formation was eliminated by the control of hot water extraction time, AOX formation was decreased by 33.27\% under optimal hot water extraction conditions. The chemical composition of bleaching effluent was analyzed by GC-MS, and the formation of chlorobenzene and chlorophenol was inhibited by removal of hemicellulose, the ring structures of which were degraded into chain macromolecules and small molecules. The hemicellulose structure of raw material and bleached pulp was characterized by ATR-FTIR and NMR. This finding revealed differences in the structures of the bagasse hemicelluloses and the solid residual hemicelluloses. AOX formation was affected by the structure of hemicellulose. A new process combining biorefinery and clean pulp and paper was developed through these experiments. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The processing of wheat straw using high-pressure CO2-H2O technology was studied with the objective to evaluate the effect of CO2 as catalyst on the hydrothermal production of hemicellulose-derived sugars either as oligomers or as monomers. Also, the reduction of the crystallinity of the cellulose-rich fraction was assessed. Over a range of reaction conditions (0 to 50 bar of initial CO2 pressure and 0 to 45 minutes of holding time, at T = 180 degrees C), the addition of CO2 to water-based processes led to the in situ formation of carbonic acid, which allowed us to obtain a higher dissolution of wheat straw hemicellulose. Furthermore, this approach led to a xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) rich fraction, yielding 79.6 g of XOS per 100 g of the initial xylan content (at 50 bar of initial CO2 pressure and 12 min of residence time) while the water-only process gave only 70.8 g of XOS per 100 g of initial xylan content. Furthermore, for higher pressures of CO2, a decrease in oligosaccharide content was found and was counterbalanced by production of monomer sugars, achieving a maximum of 5.7 g L-1 at the severest condition.
The rising demand of liquid transportation fuels and increased global energy consumption has compelled a switch from petroleum- to lignocellulosic biomass-based (LCB) biofuels. However, the foremost hindrance in bioconversion of LCB to fuels is the biomass recalcitrance, coercing pretreatment for enhancing the LCB hydrolysis efficiency via increased cellulose accessibility. In the present study, rice straw was used as feedstock owing to its renewability \& abundance and was pretreated with wet air oxidation (WAO), alkaline wet air oxidation (AWAO), alkaline peroxide-assisted wet air oxidation (APWAO) and Organocat pretreatment to enhance the cellulose accessibility. The efficiency was examined in terms of enhancement in cellulose recovery, hemicellulose solubilisation, lignin removal and limited generation of sugar and lignin degradation products. The structural and surface changes occurring post- pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were scrutinized through FT-IR and SEM which corroborated the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, thereby, increasing the cellulose accessibility. The comparative evaluation demonstrated that AWAO was advantageous owing to the increased cellulose accessibility, energy-efficiency, generation of limited carbohydrate \& lignin degradation products and minimum waste generation. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Intensive use of the chlorinated pesticide chlordecone from the 1970s to 1993 to prevent crop damage in banana plantations of Guadeloupe and Martinique led to diffuse pollution of soils and surface waters, affecting both fauna and human beings in the contaminated areas. Since 2001, drinking water production plants have been equipped with filters containing activated carbon that must be treated after saturation. The objective of this work is to produce a hybrid material composed of activated carbon and vitamin B12 (VB12) for the degradation of chlordecone (CLD). The preparation of such a hybrid material is carried out by non-covalent fixation to achieve an eco-friendly solution for the serious environmental problem of contamination by chlorinated pesticides. It is thus proposed to degrade CLD by a physico-chemical treatment allowing salvage of the catalyst, which is adsorbed on the carbon surface to generate less waste that is inexpedient to treat. Activated carbon (AC) is produced locally from available sugarcane bagasse subjected to phosphoric acid activation. The main characteristics of this material are a major mesoporous structure (0.91\%) and a specific (BET) surface area ranging from 1000 to 1500 m(2) g(-1). The experimental results showed that BagP1.5 has a high adsorption capacity for VB12 due to its large surface area (1403 m(2) g(-1)). The binding of VB12 to the bagasse-derived AC is favoured at high temperatures. The adsorption is optimal at a pH of approximately 6. The maximum adsorption capacity of VB12 on the AC, deduced from the Langmuir model, was 306 mg g(-1), confirming the high affinity between the two components. The hybrid material was characterised by FTIR, Raman, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and SEM analysis. CLD removal by this hybrid material was faster than that by VB12 or BagP1.5 alone. The CLD degradation products were characterised by mass spectrometry.
The use of ground cover in melon production could be an alternative in the region of the Sao Francisco Valley, where the challenge is to produce in quantity and quality in the off season. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of five soil cover types, with and without nonwoven blanket (TNT) cover on productivity and quality of melon fruits in non-traditional growing season in the Sao Francisco River region, Petrolina, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in 2009 and 2010, during June to August. Experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications in a factorial arrangement 6x2. Treatments included five types of soil cover (black polyethylene and black-silvery double face polyethylene film, coconut shell, buffelgrass straw and sugarcane bagasse), uncovered soil treatment, and the plant covers previously mentioned with or without TNT. The number of fruits per plant ranged from 1.11 to 1.70 fruits without significant differences between treatments, except for the treatment with coconut shell which showed a worse performance in 2010. The highest and lowest production of fruits per plant were obtained using black-silvery double face polyethylene film and uncovered soil (2.91 and 1.91 kg/plant, respectively). The soil covers black-silvery double face polyethylene film, buffelgrass straw and sugarcane bagasse showed higher marketable yield or similar to the other treatments ranging between 35.60 and 58.20 t/ ha. In general, the physical characteristics and fruit quality were little influenced by soil cover and TNT. In terms of water productivity index (iPA), considering the two crop cycles, black-silvery double face polyethylene film, sugarcane bagasse, buffelgrass straw, black polyethylene and coconut shell showed a better iPA, varying between 113.8 and 133.9 L/kg of fresh fruit, while uncovered soil showed a worse value (164.1 L/kg).
Two kinds of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CCNs) were prepared by using ultrasonic assisted 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy radical (TEMPO) mediated oxidation and one-step ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation, which were denoted as TEMPO-oxidized CCNs (TO-CCNs) and APS-oxidized CCNs (AO-CCNs), respectively. The effects of oxidant content on the yield, carboxyl content, degree of polymerization (DPv) and morphology of the oxidized celluloses in the two oxidation methods were studied. Furthermore, the chemical structure, crystallinity and thermal stability of TO-CCNs and AO-CCNs were evaluated and compared by Fourier transformed infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. The results showed that with increase of oxidant content in the two methods, the carboxyl groups on the surfaces of TO-CCNs and AO-CCNs were both improved. And a remarkable decline of the DPv of cellulose sample also appeared in the two oxidative treatments. In addition, AO-CCNs exhibited a higher crystallinity and an enhanced thermal stability compared with TO-CCNs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are among the most feasible allotropes of carbon-based nanomaterials with unique characteristics of photoluminescence, bio-compatibility, and high stability. Herein, a green and eco-friendly approach has been propagated for the fabrication of CQDs from different biomass waste materials including sugarcane bagasse (SCB), garlic peels (GP), and taro peels (TP) by using ultrasonic-assisted wet-chemical-oxidation method. This top-down approach involves oxidation of the carbonized biomass wastes by H2O2. Another purpose of our work is to make a comparative study on the three CQDs produced from the three different biomass wastes. The properties of the fabricated CQDs were evaluated by using High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The CQDs showed the characteristic photo-physical behaviours as evident from the UV-visible and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopic analyses. The CQDs are found to be highly water soluble possessing strong blue-fluorescence under UV light with excellent quantum yield around 4-27\%. The comparative study on the different physico-chemical properties of the three wastes biomass-derived CQDs are also discussed in the paper. The FL properties of CQDs derived from taro peels waste shows the best fluorescence quantum yield among the three and keeping in view of this, an on - off- on fluorescence nanoprobe was designed by using taro peels-derived CQDs (i.e. T-CQDs) and Eu3+ ion. The FL emission of T-CQDs was observed to be significantly quenched by Eu3+ leading to the formation of a CQDs-Eu3+ nanoprobe. The CQDs-Eu3+ nanoprobe was promisingly used for sensing of fluoride ions in water.
A gene construct encoding the mature region of Talaromyces minioluteus dextranase (EC 3.2.1.11) fused to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUC2 signal sequence was expressed in Pichia pastoris under the constitutive glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter (pGAP). The increase of the transgene dosage from one to two and four copies enhanced proportionally the extracellular yield of the recombinant enzyme (r-TmDEX) without inhibiting cell growth. The volumetric productivity of the four-copy clone in fed batch fermentation (51 h) using molasses as carbon source was 1706 U/L/h. The secreted N-glycosylated r-TmDEX was optimally active at pH 4.5-5.5 and temperature 50-60 degrees C. The addition of sucrose (600 g/L) as a stabilizer retained intact the r-TmDEX activity after 1-h incubation at 50-60 degrees C and pH 5.5. Bacterial dextran in deteriorated sugarcane juice was completely removed by applying a crude preparation of secreted r-TmDEX. The high yield of r-TmDEX in methanol-free cultures and the low cost of the fed batch fermentation make the P. pastoris pGAP-based expression system appropriate for the large scale production of dextranase and its use for dextran removal at sugar mills.
Ashes from sugarcane by-product incineration were used to synthesize silica powders through alkaline hot extraction, followed by ethanol/acid precipitation or the sol-gel method. Both production methods allowed amorphous spherical silica microparticles with sizes ranging from 1-15 mu m and 97\% purity to be obtained. Water absorption ranged from 135-155 mL/100 g and 150-250 mL/100 g for precipitated silica and silica gel, respectively, while oil absorption ranged from 305 to 390 and from 250 to 350 mL/100 g. The precipitation with ethanol allowed the recovery of 178 g silica/kg ash, with a lab process cost of EUR 28.95/kg, while the sol-gel process showed a yield of 198 g silica/kg ash with a cost of EUR 10.89/kg. The experimental data suggest that ash from sugarcane by-products is a promising source to be converted into a competitive value-added product, minimizing the environmental impact of disposal problems.
Agricultural residues, especially tropical biomass feedstock are a potentially sustainable source for the production of biorefinery products but these have different characteristic due to their specific lignocellulosic structures. Lignocellulosic pretreatment is a key step for the economic production of value added chemicals as the breakdown of cell walls can increase accessibility to the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Fungi provide natures solution to this problem through their novel enzymes. The brown rot Serpula lacrymans differs from other fungi as it utilises both enzymatic and non enzymatic Fenton reaction to generates hydroxyl radical and disrupt the recalcitrant structure of lignocellulose. In this study we compared changes in rice straw, cacao pod, corn cobs, corn leaves and sugarcane bagasse following conversion by this unusual fungus. This study revealed that the highest total soluble phenols (0.140 mg g(- 1)) was obtained from the extract of rice straw solid state fermentation while corn leaves produced high amount of total reducing sugars (207.37 mg g(- 1)), both of which were reached at 21 days cultured. The results of scanning electronic microscopy test emphasised the distinct changed on structural transformation of substrates before and after pretreatment. These finding indicate that the fungus Serpula lacrymans has a particular mode of action which has high potential application in bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstock.
The conversion of biomass from agro-industrial residues into bioproducts is of great interest, especially to Brazil, where bioenergy has a huge potential for development. Enzymes involved in biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass are those of the cellulase system, of which beta-glucosidase is a constituent. The production and characterization of beta-glucosidase by the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora heterothallica by solid-state cultivation on different agro-industrial residues (sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane straw, wheat bran and a mixture of these three materials (1:1:1 w/w) was evaluated. Solid-state cultivation were conducted in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, with 5 g of each substrate. Different culture parameters, such as supplementary nutrient solution to the substrate, supplementary nutrient solution pH, initial substrate moisture and fungus incubation temperature, were evaluated to establish conditions of higher enzyme production by the fungus The greatest production of enzymes occurred in a mixture of wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse and straw bagasse (1:1:1). The activity of beta-glucosidase was greater under the following conditions: nutrient solution composed of NH4NO3, MgSO4 center dot 7H(2)O and (NH4)(2) SO4 (0.1\%), at pH 4.5 or 6.0, fungus incubation at 40 degrees C or 45 degrees C, initial moisture of substrate at 80\%. Enzyme presented optimum pH at pH 5.0 and good pH stability. Best temperature was 65 degrees C and enzyme showed 100\% stability for 1h, up to 60 degrees C. The use of agro-industrial residues provided good production of beta-glucosidase by fungus, with enzyme having the characteristics desirable from the industrial application.
In this paper, the effect of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) addition to the brick making clay has been analyzed using spectroscopic techniques. For that, mixtures of brick making clay (BMC) with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) in proportions of 0-20 wt.\% were hydraulic uniaxially pressed and sintered at temperatures of 800-1100 degrees C. The partial replacement of the brick making clay with SCBA was studied with chemical and mineralogical analyzes (XRF and X-ray diffraction). The quantitative estimation of minerals was made by FTIR analysis. The results of FT-IR reveal that kaolinite, quartz, and lignin are predominant, whereas, cellulose and calcite are in moderate levels. In addition, magnetite and hematite are found in trace level. The overall results reveal that the brick making clay substituted with 15 wt.\% of SCBA can open up a new path for the fabrication of quality bricks at low cost. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The objective of this work was to evaluate watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivation in regeneration areas of a sugarcane field, under different soil management systems and N fertilization regimes. Two experiments were carried out in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 harvest seasons, in areas of sugarcane plantation in Andradina, in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cultivations were performed in a randomized complete block design, with plots and subplots, and four replicates. The plots represented the tillage systems (conventional, minimum tillage, and no-tillage), and the subplots, the different N fertilization rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha(-1)) applied as topdressing. In 2014/2015, the minimum tillage system resulted in the highest commercial yield of 70.2 Mg ha(-1). In 2015/2016, there were no differences for yield among tillage systems; however, yield differed among N treatments. The highest commercial yields of 64.1 and 31.1 Mg ha(-1) were achieved with the N doses of 253 and 209 kg ha(-1) as topdressing, respectively, in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Watermelon can be cultivated in regeneration areas of sugarcane field, and the demand of N by the plant does not depend on the soil tillage system.
Increasing use of petroleum, coupled with concern for global warming, demands the development and institution of CO2 reducing, non-fossil fuel-based alternative energy-generating strategies. Ethanol is a potential alternative, particularly when produced in a sustainable way as is envisioned for sugarcane in Brazil. We consider the expansion of sugarcane-derived ethanol to displace 5\% of projected gasoline use worldwide in 2025. With existing technology, 21 million hectares of land will be required to produce the necessary ethanol. This is less than 7\% of current Brazilian agricultural land and equivalent to current soybean land use. New production lands come from pasture made available through improving pasture management in the cattle industry. With the continued introduction of new cane varieties (annual yield increases of about 1.6\%) and new ethanol production technologies, namely the hydrolysis of bagasse to sugars for ethanol production and sugarcane trash collection providing renewable process energy production, this could reduce these modest land requirements by 29-38\%. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Purpose Two types of active acidic alumina derived from aluminum building wire scraps (AlBWS) and aluminum take-out food container waste (AlTFC), as well, two effective types of activated carbon prepared from potato peels (ACPP) and sugarcane bagasse (ACSB) for removal of nitrate ions were utilized in this study. Methods Adsorbent samples were prepared with highly porous structure and large specific surface area above 200 m(2) g(-1). Also, low calcinations temperatures and low-priced chemicals were used. Results The results showed that the adsorption of nitrates were rapid. The q(max) were found to be 12.4, 8.8, 7.1 and 3.9 (mg g(-1)) for AlTFC, AlBWS, ACPP and ACSB samples, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters showed the endothermic nature and adsorption of nitrate ions and are considered chemisorption. The total cost of the samples production were 13 USD kg(-1) for acidic alumina and 6 USD kg(-1) for active carbon. Conclusion The adsorption of nitrates were utilized in real and synthetic samples which give an excellent removing capability for nitrate pollution from groundwater samples.
The global sugarcane production is about 1.91 billion tons annually and is concentrated in tropical regions, particularly in developing nations in Latin America and Asia. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), there are over 100 countries producing sugarcane today. The increase in sugarcane production implies a proportional increase in sugar industry wastes. As a consequence of such increasing trend, sugar industries are facing severe environmental problems due to the lack of sustainable solutions for their waste management. Therefore, immediate attention is required to find a proper way of management to deal with sugar industry wastes and effluent in order to minimize environmental pollution and associated health risks. In this paper, different sources of solid and liquid wastes from sugarcane agriculture and associated sugar agro-industries are reviewed and valorization approaches of these different wastes are discussed. Some of the important resource recovery options from sugar industry wastes, which have been discussed in this review, include ethanol production, recovery of chemicals, use of bagasse and bagasse fly ash as adsorbents in water treatment and building materials. Technologies associated with the treatment of wastewater from sugar industries and efficient ways of utilization of this treated water in agriculture with special attention to measurement of crop water use efficiency are reviewed in view of our own research activities carried out in the past.
BackgroundLignocellulosic hydrolysates contain a mixture of hexose (C6)/pentose (C5) sugars and pretreatment-generated inhibitors (furans, weak acids and phenolics). Therefore, robust yeast isolates with characteristics of C6/C5 fermentation and tolerance to pretreatment-derived inhibitors are pre-requisite for efficient lignocellulosic material based biorefineries. Moreover, use of thermotolerant yeast isolates will further reduce cooling cost, contamination during fermentation, and required for developing simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SScF), and consolidated bio-processing (CBP) strategies.ResultsIn this study, we evaluated thirty-five yeast isolates (belonging to six genera including Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Candida, Scheffersomyces, Ogatea and Wickerhamomyces) for pretreatment-generated inhibitors \{furfural, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) and acetic acid\
2,3-Butanediol (BDO) is an important platform chemical with a wide range of applications in various industries. In the present study, a newly isolated wild Enterobacter sp. strain (FMCC-208) was evaluated towards its ability to produce BDO on media composed of sugars derived from sucrose refinery plant. Optimum values of temperature and pH as well as substrate inhibition were determined through batch experiments. The ability of the strain to convert various monosaccharides was also investigated. Maximum BDO concentrations of 90.3 and 10 g l(-1) of acetoin were obtained during a fed-batch bioreactor experiment with cane molasses and sucrose employed as substrates. A high volumetric productivity was noted in a fed-batch experiment using molasses and sucrose as carbon sources at T = 37 degrees C, in which 73.0 g l(-1) of BDO together with 12.4 g l(-1) of acetoin was produced where 1.15 g l(-1) h(-1) of diol/acetoin was produced. In previously pasteurized media, 70.0 g l(-1) of BDO and 5.0 g l(-1) of acetoin were produced (yield = 0.39 g g(-1)). Finally, besides BDO production, growth on molasses was accompanied by non-negligible decolorization (25-35\%) of the residue. Therefore, the strain is a promising candidate for the conversion of sucrose-based materials into BDO.
Adsorption performance and stability of the carboxyl groups modified straws and their extracts of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose for Pb2+ were investigated, and the optimum pH range for Pb2+ adsorption was determined by considering both the stability and capacity of the modified biosorbents for the first time. Results showed that adsorption capacity and stability of the straws and extracts were both improved significantly after modification. Adsorption capacities of the modified straws and extracts followed the order: modified hemicellulose > modified lignin, modified straw > modified cellulose, while stability of them followed the reverse order. In the optimum pH range from 4.0 to 5.0, modified rape and cotton straw showed better stability than the modified maize straw, and total organic carbon (TOC) values determined from the two modified straws and extracts were lower than 5.0 mg L-1 even after adsorption for 30 days, which reached the drinking water standard in China. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.
Whiskers have been used as a nanomaterial dispersed in polymer matrices to modify the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the polymer. These nanomaterials can be isolated from cellulose, one of the most abundant natural renewable sources of biodegradable polymer. In this study, whiskers were isolated from sugarcane bagasse and corn cob straw fibers. Initially, the cellulose fiber was treated through an alkaline/oxidative process followed by acid hydrolysis. Dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide were used to replace the aqueous medium for the dispersion of the whiskers. For the solvent exchange, dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide was added to the aqueous dispersion and the water was then removed by fractional distillation. FTIR, TGA, XRD, TEM, Zeta and DLS techniques were used to evaluate the efficiency of the isolation process as well as the morphology and dimensions of the whiskers. The dimensions of the whiskers are comparable with values reported in the literature, maintaining the uniformity and homogeneity in both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents.
This work aimed to study the hydrolysis of ionic liquid (IL) pretreated sugarcane tops (SCT) biomass with inhouse developed IL-stable enzyme preparation, from a fungal isolate Aspergillus flavus PN3. Maximum reducing sugar yield (181.18 mg/g biomass) was obtained from tris (2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium-methylsulfate ({[
Yeast cellulose-free xylanase was used for treatment of different agricultural waste residues including com cob powder raw jute fibers and sugarcane bagasse pulp. The high degree of hydrolysis (19.4\%) was achieved by using 22 IU ml(-1) yeast xylanase in the case of treated bagasse pulp. Corn cob powder and raw jute fiber showed a slower rare of hydrolysis under the same conditions. The enzymatic hydrolysis was carried our using citrate buffer (50 mM, pH 4.5) at 52-53 degrees C for different time intervals. The hydrolysis products were analysed by HPLC, and xylose was found to be the major end product with traces of xylobiose and xylotriose at the beginning of hydrolysis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fostered by environmental and economic drivers, liquid biofuels are expanding in the global energy matrix. However, many countries with biofuel potential, such as Guatemala, have yet to develop domestic biofuels markets. During the last decade, ethanol production in Guatemala has increased significantly, yet a domestic market does not appear to be in the horizon. It is a kind of paradox: a world class sugarcane producer and ethanol exporter does not use any blend of ethanol and gasoline in vehicles. This paper presents a techno-economic analysis and review of barriers that have delayed ethanol-gasoline blends in Guatemala. The cost assessment considers data from an existing distillery in Guatemala. Results show that Guatemala could produce annually a maximum of 250 million liters of ethanol from molasses, more than the amount required to introduce E10. For the current conditions, results from the modelling indicate that the cost of ethanol has minimal impact on the price of E10, but taxes could represent one third of the cost of E10 at the retail level. Since supply conditions are favourable and technical barriers are not relevant, strong government intervention and a coherent price structure for ethanol-gasoline blends is needed to create an ethanol market in Guatemala.
Sugarcane filter cake is a by-product of the sugarcane industry and its accumulation without use may increase the risk of environmental pollution. Filter cake valorization to be used as a soil amendment is of special interest due to its high content of nutrients and organic matter. However, little is known about its effect on soil health and productivity of mango (Mangifera indica L.) plants. Laboratory and 2-year field studies were conducted to investigate the effect of fresh (FC) and composted filter cake (CFC) in combination with plant growth stimulating bacteria (PGSB) on soil quality and fruit yield of mango. The field experiment contained two factors: the first one was the inoculation with plant growth stimulating bacteria {[
Vinasse is a residue of the sugarcane industry. It can be biodigested or not, in this case referred as conventional. The conventional or biodigested vinasses have high content of organic matter and mineral elements, leading to their common use as soil fertilizer for the sugarcane crop. However, vinasses are toxic residues and they can salinize the soil if used too much. On the other hand, the production of photosynthetic microalgae is costly and using a residue to support its growth may contribute to cost reduction. However, because of the vinasse dark color and toxicity, high dilution is necessary to accomplish microalgal growth. Here we present results on the growth and biomass yield of Chlorella vulgaris in conventional and in biodigested vinasses that have been treated by filtration or centrifugation before their use as microalgae culture medium. A concentration range of 10 to 100 \% was tested and microalgal growth occurred in vinasse concentration as high as 80 \%, with no nutrient addition. We evaluated pH, electrical conductivity, absorbance at 570 nm, and cell density every 24 h in a 6-day incubation experiment. Specific growth rates were calculated and the results showed that in 60 \% filtered conventional and 80 \% biodigested vinasses, C. vulgaris performed as well as the controls in nutrient rich synthetic culture media, with growth rates of up to 1.2 day(-1). Thus, we propose the use of treated vinasse as culture medium for lowering the costs of microalgae production, with the advantage of increasing the residue value.
This study aimed at optimizing a liquid ammonium hydroxide pretreatment for energy cane bagasse for maximum sugar yields (glucose and xylose) via response surface methodology. Optimized pretreatment parameters included temperature (160-220 degrees C), ammonium hydroxide to biomass ratio (0-0.5:1) and residence time (30-60 min). Temperature was found to be the dominant pretreatment parameter followed by ammonium hydroxide to biomass ratio. High temperatures and long residence times had a negative effect on sugar yields. Sugar yields had the highest correlation with lignin removal. Based on our quadratic models fitted on the experimental results, optimum pretreatment conditions for maximum glucose yield were 208 degrees C, for 36 min and at an ammonium hydroxide to biomass ratio of 0.4:1. A glucose yield of 30.77 g glucose/100 g (dry weight) untreated biomass and a xylose yield of 3.99 g xylose/100 g (dry weight) untreated biomass were predicted by the model. Optimum pretreatment conditions for maximum xylose yield were 160 degrees C, for 60 min and at an ammonium hydroxide to biomass ratio of 0.31:1. These conditions resulted in a predicted xylose yield of 9.10g xylose/100 g (dry weight) untreated biomass and a glucose yield of 23.34g glucose/100 g (dry weight) untreated biomass. The low xylose yields observed were attributed to the high amounts of xylan lost due to solubilization. The quadratic models were found to be reliable for the prediction of sugar yields within the design space. All predicted values were experimentally confirmed with 95\% confidence of the predicted values. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Corrosion is one of the main issues affecting service life of reinforced concrete structures. The Open Circuit Potential (OCP) technique is a non-destructive method used to survey and monitor this problem. This test can also be used in laboratory environment and provide valuable information supporting the selection process of supplementary materials for durable concretes. Although this qualitative technique is commonly used, there is still a lack of consensus on the suitability of specific procedures for experimental analysis, such as type of reference electrode and influence of accelerated aging procedures (adoption of wetting/drying cycles and level of immersion of specimens). Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the method for prediction of early steel corrosion activity in the accelerated OCP tests. The paper is focused on testing ecoefficient cementitious composites containing industrial wastes, such as sugarcane bagasse ash sand (SBAS) and water treatment plant sludge (WTPS), in replacement of natural sand. The results showed that an adoption of combined wetting/drying cycles, together with a partial (rather than total) immersion of specimens in NaCl solution, leads to earlier appearance of corrosion. This allows to shorten the period of testing by almost 10 weeks. It is due to higher access to oxygen and higher concentration of free chlorides from the saline solution accumulated in a porous system. The type of reference electrode is of lesser importance. Moreover, incorporation of 30\% SBAS and 3\% WTPS results in higher protection for steel corrosion, confirming wide applicability of the OCP technique to any cementitious matrices with or without industrial wastes.
Biomass is the most abundant and versatile form of renewable energy in the world. The bioenergy production from crop residues is compatible with both food and energy production. Currently, several technologies are available for transforming crop residues into utilizable energy such as direct combustion and fermentation. Mexico is the third largest country in LAC in terms of the cropland area and would become a central focus of attention for the production of biofuels. In this paper we examined the type, location and quantities of various crop residues in Mexico to evaluate their potential for conversion into bioenergy through combustion and fermentation. It was estimated that 75.73 million tons of dry matter was generated from 20 crops in Mexico. From this biomass, 60.13 million tons corresponds to primary crop residues mainly from corn straw, sorghum straw, tops/leaves of sugarcane and wheat straw. The generation of secondary crop residues accounted for 15.60 million tons to which sugarcane bagasse, corncobs, maguey bagasse and coffee pulp were the main contributors. The distribution of this biomass showed that several Mexican municipalities had very high by-product potentials where each municipality could have an installed capacity of 78 MW (via direct combustion) or 0.3 million m(3) of bioethanol per year (via anaerobic fermentation). The identification of these municipalities where the biomass potential is high is important since it constitutes the first step towards evaluating the current biomass availability and accurately estimating the bioenergy production capacity from crop residues. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Response of adults of the West Indian sugarcane weevil, Metamasius hemipterus sericeus, to various semiochemical treatments and physical trap designs was studied in southern Florida in field-grown banana and Canary Island date palms. Ethyl acetate released alone at 860-1007 mg/day was as effective for the capture of M. h. sericeus as a combination of ethyl acetate (844-919 mg/day), ethyl propionate (348-362 mg/day), and ethyl butyrate (117-137 mg/day) and in one trial was more effective than fermenting sugarcane (250 g), ethyl propionate alone (353-384 mg/day), ethyl butyrate alone (123-174 mg/day), or no treatment. Ethyl acetate released alone at 675-683 mg/day was as attractive as 250 g of fermenting sugarcane or the racemic blend of the male-produced aggregation pheromones {[
This review discusses the history and evolution of solid-state fermentation (SSF) in Brazil in the last 15 years. SSF processes and applications are presented here pointing out the advantages and perspectives for the use of this technique. Brazilian economy is strongly dependent on the various kinds of agro-industrial production such as coffee, sugar cane, soybean, etc., which also generates huge quantities of agro-industrial residues such as sugarcane bagasse, apple pomace, coffee husk and pulp, soybean defatted cake and declassified potatoes. Following the global trends on SSF research, since last 15 years the Laboratory of Biotechnological Processes (LPB) of Federal University of Parana (UFPR) started a very promising journey through the development of SSF processes using agro-industrial residues for protein enrichment, biological detoxification, production of biomolecules such as enzyme, organic acids, food aroma compounds, biopesticides, mushrooms, pigments, xanthan gum, hormones (gibberellic acid (GA3)), etc. The basic aim has been to develop a laboratory scale bioprocess and optimize the production applying biochemical engineering principles. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The kinetics of sugar cane bagasse cellulose saccharification and the decomposition of glucose under extremely low acid (ELA) conditions, (0.07\%), 0.14\%, and 0.28\% H2SO4, and at high temperatures were investigated using batch reactors. The first-order rate constants were obtained by weight loss, remaining glucose, and fitting glucose concentration profiles determined with HPLC using the Saeman model. The maximum glucose yields reached 67.6\% (200 degrees C, 0.07\% H2SO4, 30 min), 69.8\% (210 degrees C, 0.14\% H2SO4, 10 min), and 67.3\% (210 degrees C, 0.28\% H2SO4, 6 min). ELA conditions produced remarkable glucose yields when applied to bagasse cellulose. The first-order rate constants were used to calculate activation energies and extrathermodynamic parameters to elucidate the reaction mechanism under ELA conditions. The effect of acid concentration on cellulose hydrolysis and glucose decomposition was also investigated. The observed activation energies and reaction orders with respect to hydronium ion for cellulose hydrolysis and glucose decomposition were 184.9 and 124.5 kJ/mol and 1.27 and 0.75, respectively.
This paper discusses the synthesis of magnetic adsorbents from agricultural waste and their applications in heavy metals removal. The general methods for preparing magnetic adsorbents and the mechanisms of heavy metal sorption are also reviewed in detail. These mechanisms are related to the utilization of magnetic adsorbents, particularly sugarcane bagasse in heavy metals removal, such as nickel, cadmium, lead, and arsenic. Converting sugarcane bagasse into magnetic adsorbents could solve environmental problems, such as agricultural waste and water pollution. A brief summary of the synthesis of magnetic biochar from sugarcane bagasse and its applications in heavy metals removal is also presented. Thus, this study proposes magnetic-based materials as potential candidates for wastewater treatment, and this adds new dimensions to numerous applications of the carbon family. (C) 2017 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
This work aimed to evaluate the particle chemical compositions, biological resistance and wettability of sugarcane particleboard. Panels with 0.50 and 0.85mm particle sizes were treated and untreated in hot water (control) and glued with urea formaldehyde resin with 10\% solids in relation to the dry particle mass. Three rotting fungi were tested: two white rots and one brown rot. Two solvents were used for the wettability (water and ethylene glycol). Chemical analysis of treated and control particles was performed. The results obtained for the chemical analysis evidenced a decrease in total extractive contents due to the treatment in hot water. Panels manufactured with control particles and having greater granulometry exhibited improvements in resistance to G. trabeum and T. versicolor fungi. All tested panels were classified as moderately resistant. The contact angles (wettability) obtained with the solvents were not influenced by the treatments, and the panel surfaces were classified as non-wetting and partially wetting.
Many industrial wastewaters contain an appreciable amount of toxic copper (Cu(II)) that needs to be properly treated before discharging into receiving water body. Adsorption can effectively remove Cu(II) with optimized parameters. This study investigates the critical pyrolysis parameters of biochar derived from agricultural waste. Optimized biochar showed maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacity of 60.7, 36.8, and 35.5 mg g-1 by PLB, SBB, CWB at pyrolysis temperatures of 555 degrees C, 559 degrees C, 507 degrees C, respectively, compared with commercial activated carbon (CAC, 40.8 mg g-1). Surface characterization confirmed surface complexation, electrostatic interaction, and cation exchange capacity as Cu(II) removal mechanisms. The presence of humic acid reduced the Cu(II) removal of both CAC and optimized biochars. Optimized PLB displayed high reusability (87\% Cu(II) removal efficiency) after five consecutive cycles using pressure cooker regeneration. With excellent Cu(II) adsorption
Data for source apportionment estimation was obtained from combustion of 11 types of biomass (rubber wood, palm kernel, palm fiber, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane leaves, maize residue, rice stubble, rice straw, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Avicennia alba Blume and Rhizophora mucronata) and bituminous coal. Combustion was carried out in a tube furnace and emitted particulate matter (PM) was collected using a nanosampler that segregated particle sizes down to 0.1 mm. Emission factors of PM < 0.1 mm were in the range of 0.11-0.28 g kg(-1) (similar to 1-8\% of total PM), except in the case of Rhizophora mucronata, which had an emission factor of 0.071 +/- 0.004 g kg(-1) (similar to 18\% of total PM). The dominant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found on PM < 0.1 mu m were chrysene from combustion of rubber wood, palm kernel, palm fiber, maize residue, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Avicennia alba Blume, Rhizophora mucronata and bituminous coal; benzo{[
The aim of this work was to optimize the production of lignocellulolytic enzyme cocktail by a plant endophyte Chaetomium globosum DX-THS3 under solid-state fermentation, and to evaluate the saccharification efficiency of this enzyme cocktail on raw rice straw. The process variables, including substrate type, substrate size, initial moisture content of substrate, culture temperature and fermentative time, were optimized using One-factor at a time approach and Response surface methodology. The results showed that the maximum CMCase, FPase and xylanase production reached 237.04 U/g, 54.8 U/g, and 987.33 U/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the lignocellulolytic enzyme cocktail exhibited good thermal stability between 30 degrees C and 60 degrees C, and excellent tolerance to acidic pH values of 3-6. Subsequently, the saccharification of raw rice straw by the enzyme cocktail was performed. After 24 h hydrolysis of raw rice straw, high reducing sugars yield (294.36 mg/g) and hydrolytic rate (47.58 \%) were achieved. Furthermore, scanning electron micrograph also indicated that the enzyme cocktail had high hydrolysis performance for raw rice straw. Overall, our result provides a novel class of lignocellulolytic enzyme cocktail with a capacity for high-efficient and eco-friendly saccharification of raw rice straw, and strongly suggests plant endophytic fungi as excellent candidates for the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes.
The effect of substrate orientation on the growth of Labeo fimbriatus in periphyton-based culture system was evaluated through an on-farm growth trial conducted for 90 days in 4x4x1.2 m soil-based, fertilized out-door cement tanks. The treatments consisted of triplicate tanks receiving no feed (NF), receiving feed (F), and those receiving sugarcane bagasse as periphyton substrates vertically suspended in the water column (SV) or applied directly to the tank bottom (SB). Bagasse used at 2 t/ha was hung vertically in SV tanks, while it was spread at the tank bottom in SB. Fish in F treatment tanks were fed daily with a 25\% crude protein diet. No significant effect of periphyton substrate on growth performance and production of L. fimbriatus was observed when compared with the group receiving feed. Survival was not affected by the treatments. Production did not vary between the substrate orientations. Carcass of fish in F, SV, and SB had similar proximate composition. Activity of gut digestive enzymes was higher in treatments with substrate as compared to no substrate treatments.
This research study reports on the extraction of nanocellulose followed by structural and thermal analysis and application of nanocellulose in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) nanocomposite films. The cellulose nanocrystals were isolated from Artemisia scoparia straw through an alkaline treatment and bleaching process, followed by sulphuric acid hydrolysis. The HPMC nanocomposite films were prepared by a solution casting method and dried at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared-ray (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to analyze the structural and thermal properties of the materials, including the cellulosic material, the nanomaterial, and the nanocomposites. The FTIR spectra indicated that the extraction procedure was adequate, demonstrating the removal of lignin and hemicellulose and the preparation of nanocellulose. The TGA results revealed the thermal degradation pattern of the cellulose and showed that the HPMC films had enhanced thermal stability. This research demonstrates that A. scoparia straw has potential for the extraction of cellulosic nanomaterial and a wide range of applications in nanocomposites.
In this paper, two different types of solar thermal collector are compared on an exergy basis in the context of a sugarcane cogeneration power plant in Colombia. The analysis is conducted considering the use of solar energy as a way to preheat the boiler feedwater and thereby reduce the fuel consumption and exergy destruction of the power plant. The energy and exergy analyses of the power plant are conducted under real and steady-state conditions. A parabolic trough collector and a linear Fresnel collector are compared, and their exergy performances are assessed. The comparison is conducted considering both solar fields are sized to preheat the boiler feedwater from 95 degrees C to 150 degrees C. The inclusion of the solar thermal collectors reduces the fuel consumption by 1.1\% during a typical meteorological year, equivalent to 6400 tons of bagasse per year. Furthermore, the PTC generated 35\% more heat per m2 of aperture area during the year than LFC. A better solar exergy harvesting was achieved for the PTC. However, the results do not show significant differences in terms of exergy destruction and fuel savings between the PTC and the LFC. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The emphasis of the present study is to investigate the potential of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using bagasse from sugarcane (M-NIOB). M-NIOB was infused onto the modified batch reactor (M-BR) stirrers using mesh structures for the adsorption of Cr6+ contained in effluent from the leather industry. M-NIOB exhibited supermagnetic properties under an external magnetic field with a saturation magnetization value of 9.192 emu/g at room temperature. M-NIOB nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The size of the M-NIOB particles ranged from 50 to 200nm. The most favorable time, pH, and temperature for the application of M-NIOB to Cr6+ removal from tannery effluent was found to be 180min, 5, and 318 K, respectively. M-NIOB adsorbent performed its best at an adsorbent dosage of 800mg/150mL with a particle size of 150nm. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies have been conducted. The applicability of various adsorption models for the Cr6+ adsorption data was tested. Moreover, the desorption studies carried out at 60 degrees C proved the capability of M-NIOB for regeneration and reuse. Hence, M-NIOB could be potentially applied for the treatment of effluent that has Cr6+ as a major constituent. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46683.
Here we examine the effects of different carrier based bioinoculants on the growth, yield and nutritional value of chickpea and on associated soil nutrients. A consortium of two taxonomically distinct endophytic bacteria-Ensifer adhaerens MSN12 and Bacillus cereus MEN8-have promising plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes. We demonstrate their delivery from the laboratory to the field via the formulation of an effective bioinoculant with economic and accessible carriers. Sugarcane straw ash (SCSA) was found to be an efficient carrier and bioformulation for enhancing viability and shelf-life of strains up to 12 months. A bioformulation containing an SCSA-based consortium (MSN12 + MEN8) increased seed germination by 7\%, plant weight by 29\%, length by 17\%, seed-yield by 12\%, harvesting index by 14\% and proximate nutritional constituents by 20\% over consortium treatment without SCSA. In addition, the bioformulation of post-harvest treated soil improved the physico-chemical properties of the soil in comparison to a pre-sowing SCSA-based bioformulation treated crop, being fortified in different proximate nutritional constituents including dry matter (30\%), crude protein (45\%), crude fiber (35\%), and ether extract (40\%) in comparison to the control. Principal component analysis and scattered matrix plots showed a positive correlation among the treatments, which also validates improvement in the soil nutrient components and proximate constituents by T6 treatment (MSN12 + MEN8 + SCSA). The above results suggest efficiency of SCSA not only as a carrier material but also to support microbial growth for adequate delivery of lab strains as a substitute for chemi-fertilizers.
Hydrolysis enzymes can be produced from Aspergillus niger using solid state fermentation method. This research aimed to understand the fermentation efficiency of A. niger with different variety of the biomass waste substrates, i.e. rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and corn cob, to produce alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase. The optimum fermentation time for each substrate was 6 days. The highest activity unit for alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase were 81.86 U/ml and 95.02 U/ml using substrate corn cob respectively. Activity units were 73.94 U/ml and 82.35 U/ml measured for dry alpha-amylase and dry beta-glucosidase respectively. This dried enzyme was stable for hydrolysis process at 30-50 degrees C. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 4th International Conference on Energy and Environment Research.
Agro-industrial wastes are rich sources of some nutrients. Thus, utilization of wastes seems to be ecologically sound and economically advantageous. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential usage of various agro-industrial wastes as fermentation medium for pullulan production by a domestic strain; Aureobasidium pullulans AZ-6. In this study, different agro-industrial wastes; various citrus peels, grape pomace, the hydrolysates of hazelnut and chestnut shells, sugarcane molasses residue, dried and fresh hazelnut husks and pumpkin peel, were used as fermentation media without adding any extra nutritional component for pullulan production by A. pullulans AZ-6. As a result, among the tested media, the maximum pullulan concentration was obtained as 33.59 gL(-1) using the sugarcane molasses residue, and followed by the corresponding value of 30.02 gL(-1) obtained in the dried hazelnut husk hydrolysate medium. Therefore, the usage of agro-industrial wastes as fermentation media is considered to make pullulan production cost effective. In addition, waste treatment from this aspect solves a relevant environmental problem. In this study, sugarcane molasses residue and dried hazelnut husk hydrolysate were used directly as fermentation media for pullulan production for the first time. Pullulan production from sugarcane molasses residue and dried hazelnut husk hydrolysate media might be a promising substrate for economical point of view.
India is one of leading consumable of energy in world. It consumes large amount of oil and natural gas to fulfill its demand of energy. The gap between energy supply and demand is increasing day by day. So there is urgent need to reduce this gap, which demands for the other sources to produce energy. The solution for this problem is biomass. India produce large amount of biomass waste like sawdust, woody residues, animal waste, peanuts shell, rice husks, wheat straw, rice straw, energy grass, corn cobs, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane leaves etc which can generate huge amount of energy. The dry sugar cane leaves as a biomass is studied in present work. This paper high light on effect of mechanical comminution (physical treatment) on lignin percentage and calorific value of dry sugar cane leaves. The ball mill which works on principle of impact is used to study the effect on lignin percentage and calorific value of dry sugar cane leaves. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The present work was aimed to secure biological neutralization and biosorption of dyes of an alkaline textile industrial effluent (ATIE) using an alkaliphilic bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis strain R-16 isolated from Gujarat coast. The isolate was capable and competent to bring down the pH of ATIE from 12.1 to 7.0 within 2 h in the presence of carbon and nitrogen sources. Carboxylic group concentration (CGC), NMR and FT-IR analysis revealed production of carboxylic acid as a result of neutralization. The unconventional carbon and nitrogen sources like Madhuca indica flowers or sugar cane bagasse supported the growth of bacterium with effective neutralization and biosorption of dyes from ATIE. The process proved to be efficient, inexpensive and eco-friendly as compared to conventional chemical neutralization process. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In the present study, an attempt was made to benchmark the hydrolytic potential of cellulase cocktail obtained from stable mutant UV-8 of Talaromyces verruculosus IIPC 324 (NFCCI 4117) with three commercially available cellulases. With two experimental approaches, acid-pretreated sugarcane bagasse was subjected to hydrolysis for 72h, where all the enzymes were dosed on the basis of common protein or common cellulase activity /g cellulose content. Concentrated fungal enzyme (CFE) of mutant UV-8 resulted in 59\% and 55\% saccharification of acid-pretreated sugarcane bagasse after 72h at 55 degrees C and pH 4.5 with respect to reducing sugar release, when dosed at 25mgprotein/g and 500IU CMC'ase/g cellulose, respectively. On the other hand, at similar dosages, the performance of Cellic CTec2 was best resulting in 77\% and 66\% saccharification, respectively. When enzyme desorption studies were undertaken by carrying out cellulase activities in saccharified broth after 72h CFE of UV-8 emerged as the best cellulase cocktail. A minimum of 90\% endoglucanase and 60\% cellobiohydrolase I was successfully desorbed from residual biomass, thereby increasing the probability of enzyme recycle and reuse for next round of hydrolysis.
One of the approaches for recycling and reusing agricultural and animal wastes is to pyrolyse the residues and subsequently use them as soil amendments. The prevalence of several feedstocks suggests that it is necessary to investigate the optimal combinations of feedstocks and pyrolysis temperature for use as soil amendments. This study was done to evaluate five combinations of raw materials (sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, cow manure and pine wood) and their biochars produced by slow pyrolysis at 300 degrees C and 500 degrees C for soil amendment. Several physicochemical properties (electrical conductivity (EC), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), total organic matter content (C) total porosity (TP), total nitrogen (N), particle density (PD) and bulk density (BD)) were investigated. Comparison among feedstocks showed that the highest PD, BD and CEC were observed in WM (cow manure-pine wood). The pyrolysis process increased the PD, TP, N and monovalent cations and decreased EC, CEC and BD. Compared to the feedstock, pyrolysis increased the N content, but higher temperatures lowered the N content. Pyrolysis at 500 degrees C reduced the EC, N, CEC and biochar yield by 18\%, 13\%, 21\% and 24\% respectively, compared to 300 degrees C. Pyrolysis at 500 degrees C increased the pH, Na+ and K+ by 17\%, 12\% and 22\%, respectively, compared to 300 degrees C. Considering the physicochemical properties of biochar and the costs, the bagasse-wood-rice (BWR) combination and temperature of 300 degrees C are suggested for biochar production for soil amendment.
Sustainability is a global mandate and has set agendas for regions, nations, sectors, and corporations. Because of the globalized nature of the economy, the pursuit of sustainability in one place has implications for others. The aim of this paper is to describe how a sector-the Guatemalan Sugarcane Agro-industry (GSAI)-can make progress toward sustainability and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the country in which it operates. The methodology used was a case study description, based largely on data reported by the GSAI. The main findings of the study show that the contributions of the industry to water and sanitation in its area of operations have been important, but limited, due to several factors that include issues such as: lack of political will, lack of technical capacity, financing, and appropriate legislation. On the other hand, the contributions of the GSAI to energy have been remarkable for the Guatemalan energy matrix, highlighting that cogeneration from sugarcane bagasse represents up to 30\% of the electricity demand in the country during the 6-month harvest season. Building on social corporate responsibility theory, the actions related to the goals on water and energy are explained. What was found is that the contributions of a sector, though important, are possibly not outstanding at the national scale, and that the conditions of the country limit the reach or pace of progress of the sector. An exception is the contributions toward sustainable energy and associated emissions, which are noteworthy. The interplay of actors at different scales needs to be understood if globally we are to achieve the goals. This understanding is key to put in place policies and enabling conditions for sectors to make progress faster, helping their country advance as well as contributing to sustainability of buyers in other countries or regions.
Celluloses were extracted from teff straw (TS), enset fiber (EF), sugarcane bagasse (SB) and coffee hull (CH), agro-industrial byproducts generated in large quantities in Ethiopia. The present study aimed to explore these plant byproducts as alternative sources of cellulose for potential industrial applications, using various eco-friendly chlorine-free treatment conditions to obtain an optimum cellulose extraction condition. The byproducts and the as-extracted celluloses were analyzed for chemical compositions, yield, chemical functionality, crystallin-ity, thermal stability and morphology. EF yielded the highest cellulose content (60.0\%), whereas CH the least (35.5\%). FTIR spectra and ESEM morphological studies of the celluloses indicated progressive removal of non-cellulosic constituents. XRD analyses showed EF cellulose had the highest crystallinity index (CrI) (85.56\%), crys-tallite size (5.52 nm), and proportion of crystallite interior chains of 200 plane (0.629), exhibiting unique phys-icochemical properties. The byproducts and the as-extracted celluloses showed Cellulose I-beta crystal lattice, while celluloses from EF and SB also displayed (partial) polymorphic transition into Cellulose II. TGA studies revealed enhanced stability of the as-extracted celluloses. On the basis of the physicochemical characteristics of the cellu-loses, all the byproducts studied could be considered as alternative sources of cellulose for potential value-added industrial applications. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: Laccases represent a very powerful tool to improve biorefining processes from lignocellulosic feedstocks. These enzymes are being investigated not only for potential use as pretreatment agents in bioethanol production, mainly as a delignifying agent, but also as a biotechnological tool for removal of inhibitors (mainly phenols) of subsequent fermentation processes. RESULTS: In this work, the treatment of the water insoluble solids (WIS) fraction from steam-exploded wheat straw with Pycnoporus cinnabarinus laccase and different laccase-mediator systems (LMS) did not decrease the lignin content, resulting in lower glucose recoveries during the subsequent saccharification. In combination with an alkaline extraction, the treatment with laccase/LMS produced no synergistic effect enhancing the delignification or saccharification of WIS. In contrast, laccase reduced the soluble phenols (95\% of the total phenols identified) of the whole slurry from steam-exploded wheat straw, improving the yeast performance during the fermentation and enhancing the ethanol yields. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of P. cinnabarinus laccase with or without mediators as a delignifying agent on steam-exploded wheat straw for bioethanol production was not observed, whereas its detoxification ability was shown. Thus, new laccases or designing laccases with ability to delignify and detoxify simultaneously needs to be explored in order to produce major ethanol global yields. (C) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel approach in promoting the valorisation of fruit waste as potential bio-ingredients in food applications is gaining research attention in recent times. In the present study, hog plum bagasse (HPB) treated with citric acid alone (0.12 dm(3), 99.0\% purity) and in synergistic treatment with ultrasound (40 KHz, 400 W, 0.348 W/cm(3), 60 min, 80 degree celsius). Treated samples were evaluated for proximate and lignocellulose composition, functional, bioactive, structural, morphology and microbial properties, while the untreated samples served as control. HPB showed varied proximate values with treatment effect. Notably, a significant reduction (42.06\%) was observed in fibre content. A similar reduction was observed in the hemicellulose and lignin fraction but improved the yield of the cellulose component. Furthermore, treatment increased bulk density (0.120-0.131 g/cm(3)), water absorption capacity (5.60-6.35 g/g), swelling power (8.85-9.94 g/g) and solubility index (1.01-2.32\%) but reduced oil absorption capacity (7.50-4.15 g/g). All colour parameters were reduced with treatment, while the total phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity of treated bagasse improved by 24.70\% and 45.37\%. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy alterations were observed in the absorption spectra with treatment, while scanning electron microscopestructure in treated samples showed cavity formation. Also, the microbial population was reduced to a non-detectable level after treatment. Ultrasound-assisted treatment of HPB holds a valorisation potential for its food application by relevant agro-based industries.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has diverse physiological functions, but its production by lactic acid bacteria is costly due to the culture medium. This study aimed to enhance GABA production by L. futsaii CS3 using low-cost substrates and agri-food industries by-products. Optimal culture conditions were determined using response surface methodology with a central composite design (CCD). Batch and fed-batch fermentation techniques were employed. In the MRS medium with 2\% (w/v) monosodium glutamate (MSG), L. futsaii CS3 produced 6.84 g/l of GABA. Further optimization revealed that 2\% (w/v) cane sugar resulted in a maximum GABA production of 9.6 g/l, while cane molasses yielded 7.4 g/l. The modified MRS medium with 2\% (w/v) MSG, 2\% (w/v) cane sugar, 3.06\% (w/v) tuna condensate, and 2.5\% (w/v) surimi washing water exhibited the highest GABA concentration of 11 g/l. Surimi washing water had a lower GABA concentration of 4.12 g/l. Critical factors identified through CCD analysis were cane sugar, tuna condensate, and MSG. The optimized modified MRS medium consisted of 3.48\% (w/v) cane sugar, 3.84\% (w/v) tuna condensate, and 10.77\% (w/v) MSG, resulting in an actual GABA concentration of 18.27 g/l. Under flask-scale and batch fermentation conditions (initial pH 5, temperature 37 degrees C), GABA concentrations of 20.63 g/l and 17.24 g/l were obtained after 48 h, respectively. In fed-batch fermentation, GABA concentrations reached 23.01 g/l at 72 h. The addition of cane sugar and tuna condensate effectively enhanced GABA production in L. futsaii CS3, highlighting their suitability as cost-effective substrates for industrial-scale GABA production.
The recycling of waste materials for production of innovative materials is considered as an interesting point of research and urged the scientists to deal with. This study focuses on the preparation of activated carbon (AC) from sugarcane bagasse waste material. Also, AC/magnetite nanocomposite was prepared by chemical precipitation of magnetite on the prepared AC. The synthesized AC and AC/magnetite were utilized as adsorbents for removal of crystal violet basic dye (CV) from wastewater. The prepared AC and AC/magnetite were investigated by surface area analyzer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. To investigate the adsorption of CV by synthesized AC and AC/magnetite, batch adsorption process was conducted with varying different parameters as pH, contact time, and the dose of adsorbents. The equilibrium isotherm was examined by Langmuir and Freundlich models. Moreover, the adsorption kinetic was explored using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The results showed that the AC and AC/magnetite nanocomposite were successfully prepared by the proposed methods. AC/magnetite composite exhibited higher removal percentage (95.6\%) for CV from wastewater than AC alone (92\%) and the adsorption process proceeded by Freundlich isotherm. The obtained adsorption kinetic data indicated that the process fitted with pseudo-second-order model. The findings of this study recommend that AC and AC/magnetite nanocomposite could be used successfully for the removal of CV from wastewater.
In the context of avoiding the use of non-renewable energy sources, employing lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol production remains a challenge. Cellulases play an important role in this scenario: they are some of the most important industrial enzymes that can hydrolyze lignocellulose. This study aims to improve on the characterization of a thermostable Aspergillus fumigatus endo-1,4--glucanase GH7 (Af-EGL7). To this end, Af-EGL7 was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris X-33. The kinetic parameters K-m and V-max were estimated and suggested a robust enzyme. The recombinant protein was highly stable within an extreme pH range (3.0-8.0) and was highly thermostable at 55 degrees C for 72 h. Low Cu2+ concentrations (0.1-1.0 mM) stimulated Af-EGL7 activity up to 117\%. Af-EGL7 was tolerant to inhibition by products, such as glucose and cellobiose. Glucose at 50 mM did not inhibit Af-EGL7 activity, whereas 50 mM cellobiose inhibited Af-EGL7 activity by just 35\%. Additionally, the Celluclast((R)) 1.5L cocktail supplemented with Af-EGL7 provided improved hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse in natura, sugarcane exploded bagasse (SEB), corncob, rice straw, and bean straw. In conclusion, the novel characterization of Af-EGL7 conducted in this study highlights the extraordinary properties that make Af-EGL7 a promising candidate for industrial applications.
Aims: This study focuses on the development of a new strategy xylooligosaccharide (XOS) production from aqueous ammonia-pretreated rice straw (A-PRS), followed by beta-xylosidase hydrolysis produced by the newly identified strain Weissella cibaria FB069. Methods and Results: We report a higher efficiency of A-PRS, including the removal of lignin and increase in cellulose and xylan content, compared to that of the alkali and stream explosion methods. Using the ammonia pretreatment method, rice straw was used to obtain 32.4\% xylan. The crude xylanase from W. cibaria was used to hydrolyse A-PRS over different hydrolysis times. The highest XOS yield (131 mg XOS per gram rice straw) was observed after 10 h. XOS produced from the PRS was tested on stimulation effect on Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Conclusion: The possibility of XOS production from PRS using beta-xylosidase with strong prebiotic properties. Significance and Impact of the Study: We investigated the new strain for signification production of XOS. The two-stage process here described could help to further explore the optimization conditions for prebiotic production. Additionally, the stimulation effect of XOS from alternative source has a promising prospect in functional food.
This work investigates the glycosyl hydrolase (GH) profile of a new Trichoderma harzianum strain cultivated under controlled bioreactor submerged fermentation. The influence of different medium components (delignified steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse, sucrose, and soybean flour) on GH biosynthesis was assessed using experimental mixture design (EMD). Additionally, the effect of increased component concentrations in culture media selected from the EMD was studied. It was found that that a mixed culture medium could significantly maximize GH biosynthesis rate, especially for xylanase enzymes which achieved a 2-fold increment. Overall, it was demonstrated that T. harzianum P49P11 enzymes have a great potential to be used in the deconstruction of biomass. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Integrated strategies using fixed bed columns can facilitate the recovery of protic ionic liquids (PILs) used in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, we investigated the adsorption of 2-hydroxyethylammonium acetate {[
Faced to the possibility of shortage of fossil fuels, researchers have focused their research for alternative production of biofuels. However, in order to guarantee an increase in the energy matrix, it is necessary to ensure that the process can be scaled up until it reaches the level of trade. In this sense, this study evaluated the production of second-generation ethanol using industrial sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate (non-detoxified) fermented by Wickerhamomyces sp. strain UFFS-CE-3.1.2, in bioreactor. For this, we carried out a fermentation without pH adjustment and another one with pH constantly controlled (7.00). The fermentation process conducted with adjusted pH favored the consumption of xylose and glucose and led to a production of 9.25 g L-1 of ethanol. The results indicate that the inhibitory effect of acetic acid can be reduced with the increase in pH, favoring the consumption of xylose levels by the yeast Wickerhamomyces sp. UFFS-CE-3.1.2. The production using a bioreactor brought similar results to those obtained in previous fermentation processes conducted in flasks, indicating the possibility of enlarging the system to commercial level. The mathematical model proposed led to an adequate fit when compared to experimental data. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Inspired by hierarchical structures of natural species, we developed a facile and inexpensive approach to synthesize a novel hierarchical modified porous carbon/graphene (MPC/RGO) composite material. The porous carbon was obtained from sugarcane bagasse and later combined with reduced graphene oxide by using a hydrothermal method to produce the MPC/RGO. The obtained MPC/RGO composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As an anode for lithium-ion battery, it delivers a high reversible discharging capacity of 617.3 mAh g(-1) after 600 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1), which is significantly higher than 272.5 mAh g(-1) of the mechanical mixture of the modified porous carbon (MPC) and RGO at the same testing condition. This impressive electrochemical performance showed by the MPC/RGO composite is attributed to the chemical bonds formed between the reduced graphene oxide sheets and the hierarchical porous carbon. This simple synthesis approach and the high performance of the product is a dream combination in the development of novel and smart materials. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The aim of the current case study is to sequentially assess the heavy metals (HMs) cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in five products (raw juice, bagasse, mud-cake, refined sugar and molasses) along with the effluents of the selected sugar industry (SSI) Sindh, Pakistan. Estimations of daily intake and possible toxic risk of HMs by the consumption of sugar of SSI to end-user (families of SSI workers) of age group of 2.0-5.0, 6.0-15.0, 16.0-30.0 and 31.0-50.0 years were conducted. The high contents of HMs were observed in molasses followed by mud-cake and bagasse (raw waste). The raw juice of sugarcane and refined/white sugar showed the lowest levels of these HMs. The low levels of HMs in effluents of SSI might be to their separation at different stages of sugar processing and refining into the mud-cake, bagasse and molasses. The calculated daily intake of Fe and Zn from refined/white sugar to various study groups was found to be adequate based on the recommended levels by Food and Nutrition Board (FNB). The estimated weekly intake (WI) for Cd and Pb by the consumption of SSI sugar was significantly lower (2-5 times) than the provisional acceptable WI of Cd and Pb by WHO from foodstuff. The potential toxic risk study of Cd and Pb revealed that the studied subjects were not at potential toxic risk by the consumption of SSI sugar.
Lignocelluloses featuring complicated structure and poor degradability usually require pretreatment before its utilization. In this study, an ultrasonic-assisted pretreatment by using quaternary ammonium hydroxide was introduced to enhance biodegradability of lignocellulosic biomass. The synergistic chemical and mechanical pretreatment were supposed to be responsible for both external surface destruction and internal structure disruption of lignocelluloses. High-efficient lignin removal accompanied with obvious structural (crystallinity) transformation was achieved in the pretreated straws. Process analysis indicated that factors of time, temperature, concentration of solvent, and ultrasound power intensity turned out to be significant for pretreatment, and a 4-fold increased saccharification yield of around 92.4\% as compared to untreated straw was obtained from the wheat straw pretreated by 15\% solvent at 50 degrees C for 0.5 h in power intensity 344W/cm(2). All results suggest that the combined chemical and mechanical treatment can significantly improve the bio-accessibility of lignocelluloses, leading to the enhanced utilization efficiency. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The aim of this project was to improve the Aspergillus terreus strain and pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse as carrier substrate for bulk production of lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, in solid state fermentation. Sugarcane bagasse was treated with alkali (1-3\% NaOH) for the conversion of complex polysaccharides into simple sugars for better utilization of carrier substrate by microorganism for maximum lovastatin production. Ethidium bromide (time of exposure 30-180 min) was used to induce mutation in Aspergillus terreus and the best mutant was selected on the basis of inhibition zone appeared on petri plates. Fermented lovastatin was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The fermented lovastatin, produced by parent and mutant Aspergillus terreus strain, was checked on body weight, blood glucose and serum cholesterol, ALT, AST, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and TC levels of rats for their cholesterol lowering capacity. Our results indicate that selected strain along with 2\% NaOH treated sugar cane bagasse was best suitable for bulk production of lovastatin by fermentation and fermented lovastatin effectively lower the cholesterol level of rats.
In the Philippines, biomass-fueled cogeneration plants use sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, or a mix of agricultural residues as feedstock. Burning these residues results in the continuous generation of ash, accumulating over time and needing appropriate disposal. As a preliminary, the annual potential amount of rice husk and rice straw generation, the available energy that could be recovered, and potential ash generation in the Philippines were estimated in this study. More specifically, the contribution of generated ashes toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when used to displace part of the required cement in cement-based industries was assessed and evaluated. Residues from paddy rice could provide up to-10,444 GWh of electrical energy when used as fuel. Utilization of the generated fly ashes (-634 kt rice straw fly ash and-267 kt rice husk fly ash) alone could, on average, reduce-681 kt CO2\_eq annually. The transportation of the ashes before their utilization entails sig-nificant GHG emissions. However, transporting the ash within the critical distance of 2,995 km would ensure a positive net reduction. In addition, the handling and transportation cost of coal, rice, and sugarcane ashes within the archipelago was also evaluated and compared. The resulting costs (0.94-6.8 USD/40-kg bag) of different ashes are competitive with the current cement retail price (4.00-7.45 USD/40-kg bag). Potential applications, impacts, limitations, and foreseen challenges in using rice residue ashes are also discussed.
In this paper a techno-economic analysis for bioethanol production in Africa for Tanzania case is presented. It is shown conversion pathways from sugar cane juice and molasses, at three levels of technological schemes, where the first one includes a selection of widely conventional technologies, the second level with a more sophisticated fermentation technology and the third level using a different broth and solid treatment for ethanol production. A simulation procedure was taking into account in order to evaluate the conversion pathways schemes using different scenarios of raw material pretreatment, using Aspen Plus software, that include productivity analysis and energy requirements for each process configuration. Also an economical evaluation of each technology level and each scenario is shown. A comparison and discussions for each technological level and each scenario for bioethanol production in Tanzania is presented. These results served as the basis to draw recommendations on technological and economic feasibility aspects for the implementation of a national biofuel production programme in Africa. The study helped to identify the best technological schemes for producing fuel-grade alcohol from the various raw materials analysed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bostrycin, a red antibacterial agent produced by Nigrospora sp. no. 407, is considered for meat processing. To optimize production, the culture conditions of submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) were investigated. The optimal SmF conditions were a medium containing 1.0\% cane molasses and incubation at 30 A degrees C and 150 rpm for 6 days. In SSF, other than bostrycin, less pigment was produced and the optimal ratio of bagasse to water was 1:2 for 10 days. The production and recovery rate of bostrycin by SmF were 120 mg/L and 40\%, respectively. Bostrycin exhibited thermostable, pH-dependent color change and dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Clostridium botulinum. Bostrycin-modified meat turned strong red for at least 24 h and could not be removed by washing; bostrycin maintained its antibacterial activity with a bacteriostasis rate of 91\% on Staphylcoccus aureus. This is an easy and inexpensive means of acquiring bostrycin from molasses and sugarcane.
In Thailand, sugarcane bagasse is used as a major energy source for power generation, which creates large quantities of fly ash resulting from the combustion of biomass. In this study, the characteristics of fly ash from five bioelectric power plants in Thailand (labelled A, B, C, D and E) was studied and its application for brine water treatment has been tested. Microscopic observations of treated fly ash (TFA) identified carbon as the principal element and revealed a porous structure resulting from the rectangular shape of the plant cells in the precursor material. Furthermore, BET surface area analyses indicated that among all investigated samples, the TFA originating from factories B, C and E exhibited high surface areas (307, 251 and 247 m(2)/g, respectively), while the adsorption isotherms corresponded to those of microporous adsorbents. Consequently, the performance in colour removal from brine wastewater was compared among five TFAs and Norit 1240 Plus, a commercial granular activated carbon used, as reference. The percentages of colour removal from brine wastewater at an adsorption time of 24 h were of 80\%, 48\%, 85\%, 87\%, 96\% and 96\% for TFA from factories A, B, C, D, E and Norit 1240 Plus, respectively, while the maximum dosage for colour removal from brine wastewater using TFA was determined as 12\% w/v. Our results suggest that TFA has great prospect for industrial scale application, depending on its chemical and physical characteristics, and may improve the process of brine recycling as well as prevent potential environmental hazards of brine leakage into the soil of agricultural areas.
It is well known that dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of the lignicellulosisc biomass is an effective approach used for the production of the ethanol. However, there are less studies on the biogas production from the pretreated lignocellulosics and hardly data available on the codigestion of cattle manure with the pretreated lignocellulosisc material. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomethane production potential of codigestion of cattle manure with dilute acid pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Sugarcane bagasse and rice husk was pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid at 121 degrees C for 20minutes and subsequently subjected to anaerobic digestion alone or codigested with cattle manure.The results showed that codigestion of 1\% phosphoric acid pretreated rice husk with cattle manure led to the highest methane production of 115Nmlg(-1)VS while monodigestion of cattle manure and phosphoric acid pretreated rice husk produced 98 and 87Nmlg(-1)VS, respectively. An inhibition was observed in anaerobic digestion of sulfuric acid pretreated rice husk and sugarcane bagasse during monodigestion and codigestion with cattle manure.The study concludes that dilute phosphoric acid pretreated lignocellulosics like sugarcane bagasse and rice husk can be used as a cosubstrate with cattle manure in anaerobic digestion for enhanced methane production. Dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment, which is effective method for the bioethanol production, causes inhibition during anaerobic digestion of the pretreated lignocellulosics.
Alkali-activated binders are sustainable alternatives to carbon-intensive conventional cements. A comprehensive review of the potential of different agro-waste ashes and their performance as precursors in alkali-activated binders are essential to enable their acceptance in the construction sector. Hence, the present study focusses on a systematic review of the alkali-activation of bagasse ash, rice husk ash, corn cob ash, palm oil fuel ash, wheat straw ash, and sugarcane straw ash. Moreover, their influence on the mechanical and durability characteristics of alkali-activated concrete is also presented. Based on the review, it is found that except for rice husk ash, all the other agro-waste ashes have almost similar silica content as that of fly ash. The morphologies of the different agro-waste ashes are found to be distinct. Incorporation of agro-waste ashes in fly ash-based binders results in better resistance to acid attack than slag-based binders. Addition of agro-waste ashes brought down the drying shrinkage of slag-based binders significantly. Ambient curing is beneficial for bagasse ash-based alkali-activated mortar specimens. Water absorption is higher for agro-waste ash based alkali-activated binder specimens due to the porous cellular structure of agro-waste ashes. Enhanced performance at elevated temperatures is observed for agro-waste ash based alkali-activated binders. Rice husk ash-based binders are remarkably stable at elevated temperatures. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The thermotolerant yeast strain isolated from sugarcane juice through enrichment technique was identified as a strain of Pichia kudriavzevii (Issatchenkia orientalis) through molecular characterization. The P. kudriavzevii cells adapted to galactose medium produced about 30\% more ethanol from sugarcane juice than the non-adapted cells. The recycled cells could be used for four successive cycles without a significant drop in ethanol production. Fermentation in a laboratory fermenter with galactose adapted P. kudriavzevii cells at 40 degrees C resulted in an ethanol concentration and productivity of 71.9 g L-1 and 4.0 g L-1 h(-1), respectively from sugarcane juice composed of about 14\% (w/v) sucrose, 2\% (w/v) glucose and 1\% (w/v) fructose. In addition to ethanol, 3.30 g L-1 arabitol and 4.19 g L-1 glycerol were also produced, whereas sorbitol and xylitol were not formed during fermentation. Use of galactose adapted P. kudriavzevii cells for ethanol production from sugarcane juice holds potential for scale-up studies. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
CO2 utilization by conversion into useful chemicals can contribute to facing the problem of increasing CO2 emissions. Among other alternatives, hydrothermal transformation stands out by the high conversions achieved, just using high-temperature water as the solvent. Previous works have demonstrated that several organic compounds with hydroxyl groups derived from biomass can be used as reductants of NaHCO3 aqueous solutions as inorganic CO2 sources. Formate was obtained as the main product as it was produced by conversion both of the inorganic carbon and of the organic reductants, whose transformation into formate was promoted by the addition of NaHCO3. Based on these results, in this work, the hydrothermal conversion of NaHCO3 is performed together with the liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass (sugarcane bagasse and pine needles) in a one-pot process. Results show that yields to formate of 10\% wt/wt (with respect to the initial concentration of biomass) are achieved by hydrothermal treatment of NaHCO3 and lignocellulosic biomass at 250 degrees C with a residence time of 180 min. Other products, such as acetic acid and lactic acid, were also obtained. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the hydrothermal reduction of CO2 combined with the hydrothermal liquefaction of residual biomass in a simultaneous process.
Pakistan has limited indigenous resources of fossil fuel and the deficit is being filled through imports of crude oil and petroleum product. The country presently produces bio ethanol predominantly from molasses, a byproduct of the refining of sugarcane. Since promotion of 1st-generation biofuels appears unsustainable because of the potential stress on food commodities, crop residues present a major opportunity for cleaner production through promotion of 2nd generation bio ethanol. Based on the evaluation of the availability of lignocellulosic biomass in Pakistan, this study forecasts the annual yield of five lignocellulosic feedstocks i.e. cotton stalks, sugarcane tops, rice straw, maize stalks and wheat straw from 2013 to 2030 in Pakistan with the help of Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interface System Model. Based on the availability of biomass feedstock, the study forecasts the maximum theoretical potential for production of bio ethanol from these crop residues up to 2030. Our study also analyses the parameters affecting the basic price for the crop residue collection. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
High cost of ionic liquids (ILs) restricts the industrial application of IL-mediated lignocellulose pretreatment. In this study, a simple and economic technology for the pretreatment of natural lignocellulose was developed. The delignification capacity of aqueous choline ornithine ({[
Wood and agricultural bio-residues are the main natural sources of cellulose available on the earth. Cellulose is the world's most abundant biopolymer in nature and possesses properties such as low cost, high strength, good biocompatibility and good thermal stability by chemical treatment. In the present work, nanocellulose was obtained from native rubber wood powder, maize husk and sugar cane bagasse. Cellulose was obtained after bleaching with sodium chlorite and alkali treatment by NaOH to remove lignin and hemicellulose. Obtained cellulose is treated with ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ({[
Coal is the predominant global energy source, where its consumption as metallurgical coke from fast-depleting prime coking coal is vital. In India, the complete depletion of prime coking coal and ultimate dependence on low-grade low-volatile coking coal reserves are the primary concern, so the need to explore alternative fuels, pref-erably with less climatic concern. Accordingly, a process for the synthesis of bio-coke, a novel product, using varying blending ratios (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50) of such inferior grade coal and biochars (derived at 550 degrees C) of coconut shell (CSC), groundnut shell (GSC), sawdust (SDC), and sugarcane bagasse (SBC) in presence of starch and molasses binders was developed via carbonization (at 800-1100 degrees C). Obtained bio-cokes from coal and biochars with molasses possess better strength and plastic properties for metallurgical applications than those prepared with starch, and can be a sustainable substitute for metallurgical coke.
The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial to ensure a sustainable future. Although the sugar and ethanol industries benefit from this transition, there are untapped opportunities to utilize the waste generated from the sugar and ethanol process chains through two-stage anaerobic digestion (TSAD). This review comprehensively discusses the utilization of various sugarcane-based industrial wastes by TSAD for sequential biohydrogen and methane production. Factors influencing TSAD process performance, including pH, tempera-ture, hydraulic retention time, volatile fatty acids and alkalinity, nutrient imbalance, microbial population, and inhibitors, were discussed in detail. The potential of TSAD to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases is demon-strated. Recent findings, implications, and promising future research related to TSAD, including the integration of meta-omics approaches, gene manipulation and bioaugmentation, and application of artificial intelligence, are highlighted. The review can serve as important literature for the implementation, improvement, and advance-ments in TSAD research.
Recently, metal nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated widely as heterogeneous catalysts in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB). However, the method is severely challenged by the dispersion and particle size of metal NPs, and needs efficient carbon materials as supports. Herein, we describe a facile two-step synthesis strategy that takes advantage of hydrothermal synthesis and solid-phase carbonization to fabricate N-doped bagasse-derived carbon materials (BC-hs). The Ru particles can disperse well on the BC-hs carbon matrix to form Ru/BC-hs catalyst. It is found that the Ru/BC-hs catalyst, under optimized conditions (3.5 wt\% Ru loading), shows a high performance for the catalytic dehydrogenation of AB, with a TOF of 354 mol H-2(mol(Ru)min)(-1). The high catalytic performance of Ru/BC-hs may be ascribed to the large surface area of BC-hs (2250 m(2)/g) with abundant surface nitrogen and oxygen species, and more catalytically active Ru atoms are provided with the fine-grained and uniformly distributed Ru NPs. This study exhibits a universal method to design and prepare high-performance dehydrogenation catalysts, in which metal NPs are supported on biomass-derived carbon from a highly recyclable and available plant.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) and the carbon management index (CMI) after different periods of soil tillage for sugarcane implantation. The study was carried out in a clayey Oxisol after 1, 3, and 5 years from soil tillage for crop plantation, with burning of the straw and manual cutting for harvest. As a reference, the soil of a native forest adjacent to the studied area was used. Soil samples were collected at the 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20-m soil layers, in order to quantify the CMI, as well as total organic C, particulated C, C associated with minerals, and C in the free light, occluded light, and heavy fractions of SOM. Soil tillage associated with previous burning of straw reduced the input of fresh organic matter to the soil and accelerated the decomposition of the SOM labile compartment, negatively affecting the stocks of soil physical fractions. The highest C proportions were observed in the fraction associated with minerals. The SOM density fractions were more sensible to detect changes in the stocks, lability, and the CMI, in the different crop implantation times. The cultivated areas had CMI lower than 100, which indicates the negative impacts of cropping on the stocks of organic matter and on soil physical quality.
The present study targeted towards the feasibility of various agricultural residues for bio-hythane production by anaerobic digestion (AD) process without pre-treatment. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) analysis was carried out for mixed fruit waste (MFW), mixed vegetable waste (MVW), sugarcane bagasse (SB), rice husk (RH), and wheat straw (WS). The analysis of gas was carried out in gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD). The BMP test results in the study for SB, MFW, and MVW reveal that the average percentage value of bio-hythane production was 53.64\%, 43.54\%, and 40.92\% and that of RH and WS was 16.74\% and 29.75\%, respectively. The result also shows that agricultural biomass, such as WS and RH produces less \% of bio-hythane due to the presence of lignocellulosic components. The main contribution of this study is to highlight the bio-hythane potential with reference to the bio-methane and bio-hydrogen productions from the agricultural residues.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of particulate (granule-shaped) SCB on bone repair relating it to its biocompatibility and bone neoformation. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were submitted to a one 7-mm-diameter defect and divided equally into three experimental groups, with two different postoperative times of evaluation, 90 and 120 days. Each calvaria defect was filled up with clot (control group), particulated autogenous bone or granulated SCB. Five animals of each group were assessed at 90 and 120 days after surgery. In these two periods, histological and histometric analysis were obtained. RESULTS: The clot group showed a bone resorption trend while the autogenous bone group a bone repair trend. However in the SCB group, the critical defect filled up only with fibrous connective tissue and presented none bone neoformation. CONCLUSION: The sugarcane biopolymer when used in critical size defects was a biocompatible material and proved to be a good material to fill bone cavities, keeping them as uniform areas filled with soft tissue and avoiding the tissue shrinkage.
Removal uptake of cadmium Cd (II) from aqueous solution using keratin magnetic froth carbon (KMFC) prepared from molasses of the sugarcane industry was studied in the batch and column system. KMFC was characterized by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (BET), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. In the batch system, the maximum sorption capacity (198.80 mg/g) was obtained at pH 5 and equilibrium sorption time (80 min) and the sorption results are well-fitting with Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models. Whereas the maximum removal efficiency (65\%) with sorption capacity (236.2 mg/g) was obtained at column operational circumstances of 15 mL/min flow rate, 6 cm bed depth and 100 mg/L Cd (II) concentration. The higher values of R-2 > 0.98 with relatively lesser values of Error analysis EA <= 0.66 x 10(3) indicated a well-fitting of the Thomas model with the experimental sorption outcomes than Adams-Bohart and Yoon-Nelson kinetic models. Renewal and recycling of KMFC indicate that KMFC has a reputable efficiency of up to 7 cycles. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
In this study, the optimal conditions for production of cellulolytic enzymes by Trichoderma reesei NRRL-6156 using the solid-state fermentation were assessed in conical flasks and validated in a packed-bed bioreactor. Afterwards, the crude enzymatic extract obtained in the optimized condition was used for hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse in water and ultrasound baths. The enzyme activities determined in this work were filter paper, exocellulase, endocellulase, and xylanase. The optimized condition for production was moisture content 68.6 wt\% and soybean bran concentration 0.9 wt\%. The crude enzymatic extract was applied for hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, being obtained 224.0 and 229 g kg(-1) at temperature of 43.4 degrees C and concentration of enzymatic extract of 18.6 \% in water and ultrasound baths, respectively. The yields obtained are comparable to commercial enzymes.
The present work highlights the extraction and isolation of different lignins from hardwood biomass and their use as a sustainable feedstock to produce bio-based fuels. Four different kinds of lignins were extracted using different strategies namely Kraft, Soda Anthraquinone, Formic Acid and Acetic Acid and were isolated under desired operating conditions. Further, thermal pyrolysis was performed on all the extracted lignins, and a detailed investigation was done under different operating conditions. Structural characterization was explored using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and C-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR) which reveals the structural features of lignins. Maximum liquid yield was obtained at 700 degrees C for all the extracted lignins, i.e. 53.98\% for Kraft lignin; 55.17\% for Soda Anthraquinone; 35.69\% for Acetic acid and 27.49\% for Formic acid lignin. Moreover, phenol alkoxy ketones such as vanillin and dimethoxy-hydroxy benzaldehyde were found at lower temperatures (< 450 <degrees>C). At higher temperatures, phenol content in Kraft and Soda Anthraquinone lignin was higher compared to phenol alkoxy ketones. Further, catalytic thermal degradation with the incorporation of Cerium over Al2O3 enhances the product yield. Maximum yield was found to be with Ce/Al2O3:15 catalyst, i.e. 69.71\% (liquid yield), 27.74\% (gaseous yield) using Soda AQ lignin. The proposed study resolves direct utilization of lignin and widens the correlation between thermal decomposition and its chemical structure.
The magnetic nanomaterials Mg-Al-La LDH/Fe3O4/C were prepared using Fe3O4/C as a precursor by hydrothermal and co-precipitation method, and served as adsorbents for the efficient uptake of phosphorus from aqueous solutions. The effects of adsorbent dosage, pH and co-existing ions on the adsorption of phosphate were studied. The adsorption performance of the material was described by the adsorption kinetic model, isothermal model and thermodynamic model. When the pH value of the solution is in 4-7, it shows a high phosphate removal rate (>98.7\%). The maximum phosphate removal rate (99.43\%) was obtained at pH=6. The phosphate adsorption process by Mg-Al-La LDH/Fe3O4/C was best described by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudosecond-order reaction kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity for phosphate was evaluated as 106.21 mg/g. The optimization of phosphate adsorption was carried out by response surface design. The adsorption mechanism of Mg-Al-La LDH/Fe3O4/C for phosphate could be explained by ion exchange, electrostatic attraction and ligand exchange. Experiments have proved that Mg-Al-La LDH/Fe3O4/C nanocomposite can be used as a potential material for adsorbing phosphate in polluted water.
Using originally isolated xylan-type hemicelluloses for material application suffers from poor mechanical properties including low tensile strength and brittleness. The subsequent chemical modifications of hemicelluloses are facing the problems of high costs and toxic chemicals. Consequently, this study tried to investigate the factors affecting the film-forming properties of the originally isolated xylan-hemicelluloses and promoting their material properties from the extraction step. Two different extraction methods, a one-step alkali or alkaline peroxide solution method and a two-step alkali extraction-delignification method were used to extract the hemicellulose with different chemical structures from sugarcane bagasse. For the two-step alkali extraction-delignification method, hemicelluloses were first extracted by alkali solution and then delignified by dioxane/water, hydrogen peroxide solution or sodium hypochlorite solution. The lignin contents of all the extracted hemicelluloses ranged from 1.6\%-9.5\%, of which the lowest value was obtained through delignification by sodium hypochlorite. The number average molecular weight ranged from 8200 to 26800, while the xylan/arabinan ratio ranged from 5.0 to 9.1. The hemicelluloses were characterized and processed into films. Tensile strength of films could be considerably improved up to similar to 52\% when using sodium hypochlorite solution as the delignification agents and the lignin content was greatly reduced for the hemicellulose fraction. Statistical models were generated between film mechanical properties and hemicellulose structural characteristics. The models predicted that hemicellulose with higher molecular weight, more linear structure and lower lignin content would result in better mechanical properties.
An experiment was carried out in a commercial sugarcane plantation area in Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from August 2008 to June 2009 to evaluate the effect of herbicides applied in preemergence and postemergence, alone and combination, during the dry and wet seasons, for poinsettia control (Euphorbia heterophylla). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design in split-plot, and four replications. Three herbicide treatments {[
Various surveys carried out by the government and scientific projects on the availability of direct and indirect waste biomass in South America have reported that Brazil and Colombia produce 97\% of the total waste biomass in the region, directly obtained from their extensive plantations of sugarcane. In addition, Argentina generates 45\% of the total indirect biomass, followed by Brazil, Peru, Chile and Paraguay. The major source of those residues comprises sub-products of the wood (43\%) and alimentary industries (20\% from sugarcane and 11\% from tea). Meaningful quantities of agricultural waste originate from soybean and corn, as the continent produces 50\% and 11\% of the global harvest of these crops. The higher content of cellulose in eucalyptus and willow waste (49\%), among woody residues, along with their low lignin levels, makes them more suitable for delignification and exploitation as a biorefinery feedstock. Regarding the remains of agroindustrial activities, sugarcane bagasse (53\%), corn cob (40\%), wheat straw (49\%) and banana hulls (38\%) are the remarkable ones. In this context, the latest research concerning the use of commercial enzymatic cocktails for cellulose and hemicellulose deconstruction and the consequent feedstock hydrolysis is reviewed. In addition, we introduce the potential applications of cellulases isolated from native Latin American microbiota explored by South American research groups.
Clostridium tyrobutyricum can utilize glucose and xylose as carbon source for butyric acid production. However, xylose catabolism is inhibited by glucose, hampering butyric acid production from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates containing both glucose and xylose. In this study, an engineered strain of C. tyrobutyricum Ct-pTBA overexpressing heterologous xylose catabolism genes (xylT, xylA, and xylB) was investigated for co-utilizing glucose and xylose present in hydrolysates of plant biomass, including soybean hull, corn fiber, wheat straw, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse. Compared to the wild-type strain, Ct-pTBA showed higher xylose utilization without significant glucose catabolite repression, achieving near 100\% utilization of glucose and xylose present in lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates in bioreactor at pH 6. About 42.6 g/L butyrate at a productivity of 0.56 g/L.h and yield of 0.36 g/g was obtained in batch fermentation, demonstrating the potential of C. tyrobutyricum Ct-pTBA for butyric acid production from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Four different agro wastes, that is, rice hull, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and soybean dregs, were used to partially replace the sawdust of substrate components for the cultivation of Hericium erinaceus and H. laciniatum in order to explore their influence on biological efficiency, bioconversion rate, and yield. Among 10 experimental substrates, the biological efficiencies of those with the addition of 250 g kg(-1) or 500 g kg(-1) (dry wt) of sugarcane bagasse were 78.1\% or 80.4\% for H. erinaceus and 74.8\% or 77.5\% for H. laciniatum, respectively, whereas that of the control was 80.7\% or 76.7\% in the second flush. Both species of Hericium displayed higher cellulolytic and ligninolytic capabilities in the two above-mentioned substrates than in other experimental substrates during cultivation, and the bioconversion rates of the substrates that had formed fruiting bodies were near that of the control. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions, including temperatures, inoculation levels, aeration conditions, and equilibrium relative humidity (ERH), for the cultivation of the two species of Hericium on a substrate containing 500 g kg(-1) sugarcane. The highest yields and biological efficiencies of these mushrooms were obtained by cultivation at 23 degrees C, inoculation level of 30-mg dry mycelium weight, no-forced aeration, and 90\% ERH. The results showed that it is feasible to use some agro wastes to partially replace sawdust in the cultivation of the two species of Hericium. H. erinaceus exhibited higher biological efficiency and yield than H. laciniatum.
Purpose Rice straw is a waste product from the harvesting of Oryza sativa L. It is recurrently burned resulting in producing overheating, soil degradation, and air and water pollution. Methods A pot experiment was designed under polyhouse conditions to evaluate the effects of rice straw as a substrate with Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Hordeum vulgare L. and Triticum aestivum L. as different host on mass multiplication of Glomus mosseae. Results AM fungi multiplication was greatly influenced by the presence, concentration (0, 25, 50 or 100 g/pot) and type of substrates. Soil amendment with compost rice straw proved more suitable for AM fungal multiplication over dry substrate. Sorghum bicolor acts as a suitable host and produced the most inoculum followed by Triticum aestivum. Conclusion Assessment of the effects of substrates and hosts on the multiplication of pure culture of AM Fungi is an important prerequisite condition for large-scale agricultural application and exploration as biofertilizers.
Herein, the xylanase and feruloyl esterase domains of the xylanase/feruloyl esterase bifunctional enzyme (Xyn-Fae) from Prevotella ruminicola 23 were identified using N- and C-terminal truncation mutagenesis. In addition, a novel and more efficient xylanase/feruloyl esterase bifunctional enzyme XynII-Fae was constructed, and its synergistic action with a commercial cellulase for lignocellulose hydrolysis was studied. When 40\% cellulase was replaced by XynII-Fae, the production of reducing sugars increased by 65\% than that with the cellulase alone, and the conversions of xylan and glucan were increased by 125.1\% and 54.3\%, respectively. When 80\% cellulase was substituted by XynII-Fae, up to 43.5 mu g/mL ferulic acid and 418.7 mu g/mL acetic acid were obtained. The XynII-Fae could also accelerate the hydrolysis of wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse with commercial cellulase. These results indicated that the synergistic action of XynII-Fae with cellulase could dramatically improve the hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulose, showing the great potential for industrial applications.
The use of synthetic dyes for laccase induction in vivo has been scarcely explored. We characterized the effect of adding different synthetic dyes to liquid cultures of Pycnoporus sanguineus on laccase production. We found that carminic acid (CA) can induce 722 \% and alizarin yellow 317 \% more laccase than control does, and they promoted better fungal biomass development in liquid cultures. Aniline blue and crystal violet did not show such positive effect. CA and alizarin yellow were degraded up to 95 \% during P. sanguineus culturing (12 days). With this basis, CA was selected as the best inducer and used to evaluate the induction of laccase on solid-state fermentation (SSF), using sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as substrate, in an attempt to reach selective delignification. We found that laccase induction occurred in SSF, and a slight inhibition of cellulase production was observed when CA was added to the substrate; also, a transformation of SCB under SSF was followed by the C-13 cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Results showed that P. sanguineus can selectively delignify SCB, decreasing aromatic C compounds by 32.67 \% in 16 days; O-alkyl C region (polysaccharides) was degraded less than 2 \%; delignification values were not correlated with laccase activities. Cellulose-crystallinity index was increased by 27.24 \% in absence of CA and 15.94 \% when 0.01 mM of CA was added to SCB; this dye also inhibits the production of fungal biomass in SSF (measured as alkyl C gain). We conclude that CA is a good inducer of laccase in liquid media, and that P. sanguineus is a fungus with high potential for biomass delignification.
Scalable synthesis of SO3H functionalized carbon from sugar industry waste (bagasse) and detailed structural characterization and activity were reported. The incorporation of SO3H functionality groups on the carbon surface and the growth of the aromatic carbon framework was supported by FT-IR and 13C CP-MAS NMR analysis. The hydrothermally synthesized carbon exhibited total acidity of 5 mmol/g and uniform distribution of sulphur on the surface of carbon. The synthesized catalyst was found to be efficient for the acetalization, alkylation and alcoholysis reactions and exhibits excellent stability during the reactions. Various bio-derived carbonyl compounds were demonstrated by the solvent-free acetalization of bio-derived glycerol gives 50-100\% conversion and 52-98\% selectivity towards solketal derivatives at room temperature. The synthesized catalyst's reactivity was better than the commercially used Bronsted/Lewis acids. Furthermore, the SO3H functionalized carbon was also used for alcoholysis followed by ring-opening of furfuryl alcohol, giving 67-98\% selectivity towards alkyl levulinates with complete conversion of furfuryl alcohol. The mechanistic pathway suggests that the alcoholysis reaction goes through three different intermediates (2-alkoxymethylfuran, 4,5,5-trialkoxypentan-2-one, and 5-hydroxy-4,5-dialkoxypentan-2-one) to produce the alkyl levulinates. Additionally, the catalyst was tested for solvent-free condensation of 2-methylfuran with various carbonyl compounds to selectively produce an excellent yield of fuel precursors (for C12-C15 hydrocarbons) at 60 degrees C. The catalyst was reused up to four cycles with 14\% loss in the conversion of furfural for acetalization of glycerol, and negligible losses in the alkylation of 2-methylfuran were observed.
Sulfur availability depends upon the distribution of S forms in soil, interaction among them, and soil microbial properties. Organic amendments play a vital role in maintaining adequate S reserves in soil. However, two important questions in this regard are (i) the effect of microbial activity on sulfur oxidation in soil, and (ii) the relationship of sulfur fractions to available S pool in soil. The present experiment was designed to assess the effect of organic amendments on sulfur fractions, availability, and microbial properties in soil. Two alkaline subtropical soils belonging to Missa (silt loam Typic Ustochrept) and Kahuta (sandy loam Udic Haplustalf) soil series were amended with organic amendments, viz. farmyard manure (FYM), poultry litter (PL), and sugarcane filter cake (SF), at 1\% w/w and incubated at 25 degrees C for 56 days maintaining soil moisture at 50\% WHC. CO2-C evolution rate, the n-ary sumation CO2-C, and also the n-ary sumation CO2-C to microbial biomass C differed with the soils and were higher in poultry litter-amended soils. Dissolved organic C (DOC), microbial biomass C (MBC), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were also higher in poultry litter while the microbial biomass S (MBS) and arylsulfatase activity (ASA) were higher in the sugarcane filter cake-amended soils. Organic amendments significantly increased plant-available SO(4)(2-)and enhanced C-bonded S, and inorganic S fractions in the following order: sugarcane filter cake > poultry litter > farmyard manure. Organic amendments significantly improved microbial activity and S availability in soil depending upon their labile organic C, organic S, and available S contents.
Superabsorbent polymers based on ubiquitous agricultural residues: sugarcane, water hyacinth, rice straw, coconut shell and palm fruit bunch substrates, were successfully synthesized. Gamma radiation from Co-60 was employed to graft acrylic acid (AA) onto the substrates. Rice straw exhibited the highest equilibrium swelling ratio of 78.90 g/g at 6 kGy of absorbed gamma ray dose and 14\%v/v AA concentration. The rate of water absorption was rapid at the beginning and became reduced with increasing immersion time. After about 3.5hours, the absorption reached approximately 90\% of the saturation value. Temperature plays a critical role on the rate of water evaporation from the superabsorbent. As for the one experiencing 35 degrees C-40 degrees C temperature, the weight of the saturated superabsorbent reduced to approximately 50\% of the original value in 13hours. However, for the one experiencing room temperature (24.2 degrees C-27.7 degrees C), approximately 58hours were needed to reduce the weight by half. The superabsorbent polymer was able to absorb about 203\% of the polymer's dry weight and did not release urea when eluded by water. Moreover, the polymer was able to hold water very well for at least 3 weeks and did not degrade until at least 6 weeks, ensuring biodegradability.
Local pyrolusite ore from Waykanan regency (Lampung Province, Indonesia) has been treated by sulfuric acid leaching process using various reducing agents to produce manganese sulfate. The ore was detected as pyrolusite ore by XRD and contained Mn (36.8\%), Fe (6.6\%), and Si (4.1\%). Various reducing agents such as molasses, glucosse, fructose, cane sugar, sodium sulfit, tannic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, black tea, green tea, cellulose, sawdust of candlenut shell, sawdust of Acacia wood, sawdust of coconut shell, sawdust of Albizia chinensis wood, and H2O2 were used. From the experimental results, it can be found that tannic acid and oxalic acid were the most effective reducing agents for manganese leaching in sulfuric acid medium. The manganese recoveries were 100\% when tannic acid and oxalic acid used as reducing agent, using 1 M of sulfuric acid and 5\% of pulp density at 30 degrees C of leaching temperature, 150 rpm of shaker speed, atmospheric pressure, and 8 hours of leaching period.
This study aimed to assess the heavy metals accumulation patterns by some native plants such as Achyranthus aspera L., Amaranthus viridis, Basella alba L., Sesbania bispinosa, Pedalium murex L., and Momordica doica, which have been traditionally employed for medicinal and food purposes. The plants were grown on complex distillery waste containing a mixture of organometallic compounds. Results revealed bioaccumulation of Mn, Cd, Fe, Cr, Cu, As, Se, Mo, and Co in their roots, shoots, and leaves in levels higher than the surrounding sludge. A. aspera was noted as root accumulator for Mn (16.95 mg kg(-1)), Zn (30.12 mg kg(-1)), Fe (240.40 mg kg(-1)), Co (3.19 mg kg(-1)), while Se (4.07 mg kg(-1)), Mo (4.36 mg kg(-1)), was accumulated selectively in the shoot of the plant. Similarly, S. bispinosa, P. murex, and M. doica were found as root accumulators for Mn, Fe, and Ni. A. viridis accumulated Cd, Zn, and Cu in the shoot and leaves of the plant. The high bioconcentration factors (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) observed in these native plants (>1) suggested their tendency to hyperaccumulate heavy metals. The findings highlighted that these plants as a potential metal accumulator may pose health hazards and deteriorate the medicinal property if grown on such wastes. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Cultivation on selective media revealed that the oil-sorbents, wheat straw, corncobs and sugarcane bagasse harbor hydrocarbonoclastic, diazotrophic and heavy metal-resistant microorganisms. Nitrogen-free media containing 1.0\% crude oil lost between 32.2 and 37.5\% of this oil, after 8 months when they have been inoculated with such microorganism-loaded sorbents. The used wheat straw, corncobs and sugarcane bagasse samples, 1.0 g each, absorbed respectively, 1.9, 1.1 and 2.5 g oil samples, and lost 24.3-39.2\% of these amounts, after they had been incubated for 8 months. Total genomic DNA's from culture media and sorbents revealed various nitrogenase-coding nifH-genes. Pure hydrocarbonoclastic microbial isolates tolerated certain concentrations of, Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, AsO43- and AsO33-. Some of those isolates even grew excellently with up to 1000 ppm of Pb2+ and 36,000 ppm of AsO43- also in the presence of oil. Tested strains removed the tested heavy metals, Hg2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ from the media and thus, reduced their toxicity against the hydrocarbon-degraders. It was concluded that plant-based sorbents, not only remove oil physically, but also harbor microbial communities effective in spilled oil-bioremediation under multiple stresses. Although each community consisted of one to three species only, the consortia which reached in numbers millions of CFU ml(-1) enrich the oily media with fixed nitrogen, and remove heavy metals which otherwise inhibit the oil-degrading microorganisms.
This study evaluates the effects of particle size on the preparation of sugarcane bagasse, banana pseudostem, and orange bagasse for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The biomasses were selected from five different granulometry, namely 850, 600, 425, 250, and 106 mu m, and analyzed in natura form, extractive-free, and extractive/pectin-free materials. According to the results, particle size influenced the extractive content mainly between 850 and 106 mu m, with variations of 8.40\% for orange bagasse (OB), 33.96\% for sugarcane bagasse (SB), and 44.72\% for banana pseudostem (BP). There was a significant influence on the pectin removal between 850- and 425-mu m particles of 24.14\% and 25.86\%, respectively. The FTIR spectra showed an increase in the intensity of the bands when the particle size was reduced. The SEM images showed typical surfaces of lignocellulosic materials and modifications after extractives removal. From the XRD analysis, it was observed a high influence of granulometry on the crystallinity, mainly for SB samples. Overall, the particle size effects are more significant for materials with a large granulometry range, which is advantageous for industrial processes since no grinding is necessary for more homogeneous materials.
In the present work, acrylonitrile removal from wastewater was investigated using an agri-based adsorbent-sugarcane bagasse fly ash (BFA). The effect of such parameters as adsorbent dose (w), temperature (T) and time of contact (t) on the sorption of acrylonitrile by BFA was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken surface statistical design at an initial acrylonitrile concentration, C-0 = 100 mg/l as a fixed input parameter. The results of RSM indicate that the proposed models predict the responses adequately within the limits of input parameters being used. The isotherm shows a two-step adsorption, well represented by a two-step Langmuir isotherm equation. Thermodynamic parameters indicate the sorption process to be spontaneous and exothermic. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The frequent oil spill accidents in nowadays has aroused great attention all over the world. Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic grafted on various substrates have attracted much attention to treat oil and water mixture because of their unique performance that can effectively separate oil and water mixture. At the same time, ceramic membrane also shows potential substrates to be used in treating oil and water mixture. However, conventional ceramic membrane that made from alumina show drawbacks in term of its high cost production. Herein, we report a new ceramic membrane that derived from agricultural-sugarcane bagasse waste and modified into superhydrophobic and superoleophilic to act as hybrid oil sorbent and separator. In this study, we successfully treat three types of real oil and water mixture from palm oil mill effluent (POME), restaurant and car wash with oil rejection and flux up to 99\% and 134 L/m(2)h, respectively. In summary, this work demonstrates a facile, economic and effective method to fabricate superhydrophobic and superoleophilic substrates for oil and water separation. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The effect of glucose, cellobiose and xylose on the regulation of cellulolytic activity in Cellulomonas sp. IIbc was investigated. The addition of 1\% glucose, cellobiose or xylose to actively growing bagasse pith cultures repressed the cellulose system. No enzyme inactivation by sugar concentrations up to 1.5\% was detected. Both cellobiose and xylose, at concentrations ranging form 0.005 to 0.02\%, served as inducers of the cellulolytic complex in resting cell experiments, while a basal level of constitutive synthesis occurred without any cellulosic substrate or derivative in the culture medium. (C) 1996.
Agricultural residue based rectangular microwave absorbers at different thickness (2mm, 4mm, and 8mm) arc designed and absorption performance of these absorbers is studied in terms of return loss profile under X-band frequency. This study reveals that size is one of the main parameters that affect the performance of the rectangular microwave absorber. The microwave absorber is simulated in CST microwave studio suite 2018 using the reported value of dielectric permittivity and loss tangent of rice husk, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and banana leaves.
Utilization of abundantly available biomass to develop advanced materials and products has become an utmost priority these days. Herein, we developed a sustainable route for the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles loaded on N-doped carbon nanosheets using underutilized sugarcane bagasse, urea and NiCl2 center dot 6H(2)O as the carbon, nitrogen and Ni source. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using different analytical techniques; FESEM, elemental mapping and HRTEM analysis revealed the formation of flower-like carbon nanosheets containing uniformly distributed nickel nanoparticles with average particle size of 2.4-10 nm. The synthesized nanocatalyst was used for the one-pot reductive amination of different bio-derived aldehydes with the nitroarenes at 100 degrees C for 4 h. The complete conversion of the variety of nitroarenes with the formation of imines and benzimidazole products was obtained under optimized reaction conditions. The catalyst was recyclable up to five times with negligible loss in selectivity towards imines.
Lignocellulosic materials are abundant, renewable and are emerging as valuable substrates for many industrial applications such as the production of second-generation biofuels, green chemicals and pharmaceuticals. However, the recalcitrance and the complexity of cell wall polysaccharides require multiple enzymes for their complete conversion to oligo- and monosaccharides. The endoglucanases from GH45 family are a small and relatively poorly studied group of enzymes with potential industrial application. The present study retorts cloning, heterologous expression and functional characterization of two GH45 endoglucanases from mesophilic fungi Gloeophyllum trabeum (GtGH45) and thermophilic fungi Myceliophthora thermophila (MtGH45), which belong to subfamilies GH45C and GH45A, respectively. Both enzymes have optimal pH 5.0 and melting temperatures (Tm) of 66.0 degrees C and 80.9 degrees C, respectively, as estimated from circular dichroism experiments. The recombinant proteins also exhibited different mode of action when incubated with oligosaccharides ranging from cellotriose to cellohexaose, generating mainly cellobiose and cellotriose (MtGH45) or glucose and cellobiose (GtGH45). The MtGH45 did not show activity against oligosaccharides smaller than cellopentaose while the enzyme GtGH45 was able to depolymerize cellotriose, however with lower efficiency when compared to larger oligosaccharides. Furthermore, both GHs45 were stable up to 70 degrees C for 24 h and useful to enhance initial glucan hydrolysis rates during saccharification of sugarcane pith by a mixture of cellulolytic enzymes. Recombinant GHs45 from diverging subfamilies stand out for differences in substrate specificity appearing as new tools for preparation of enzyme cocktails used in cellulose hydrolysis.
Applying biochar as a soil remediation source can improve soil fertility and physico-chemical properties, there by impacting crop yields. Therefore, the objective of this field study was to assess rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) production benefits of sugarcane bagasse biochar at five application rates (0, 5, 10, 15, and 25 t ha- 1) in a Dundee silt loam soil in 2019-2021. The effects of biochar on rainfed corn growth, grain yield, and grain quality were examined. Biochar significantly improved grain yields in the second and third years of application. Grain yield increases varied between 5.4 \% and 12.6 \%, and 8 \% and 16.0 \% in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In the third year, grain yields were 10.64, 11.50, 11.97, 12.14, and 12.35 t ha � 1 at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 25 t ha � 1 biochar levels, respectively. Grain quality was impacted by biochar application for protein and oil content. This study demonstrated that successive biochar applications at 5 t ha � 1 and higher rates can enhance corn grain yield under rainfed conditions by improving the plant available water in the root zone, benefiting corn growers. These improved grain yields with biochar did not translate to increased net returns due to the disproportionate increase in production costs, mainly due to the costs associated with large quantities of biochar application. However, the potential benefits of longer-term continuous use of biochar in corn production merit further investigation as producers are concerned about the availability, distance between the field of application and source, and quantity required for a significant impact on farm returns.
This study focused on the utilization of sugarcane bagasse for the removal of Direct Yellow 50 dye from aqueous solution. Sugarcane bagasse was used in native, modified and immobilized forms. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used as the modifying agent and modified biomass depicted the enhanced biosorption capacity as compare to native and immobilized forms. Batch mode experiments were conducted to explore the biosorption potential of sugarcane bagasse at different operating conditions. The best conditions for the maximum dye removal were found to be lower pH (2.0), low biosorbent dose (0.05 g) and low temperature (30 degrees C). Maximum dye removal with native, PEI treated and immobilized biomass was 43.17, 65.8 and 15.7 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic studies were carried out and results showed the best fitness of pseudo-second-order kinetic model on the experimental results. Experimental results were also interpreted by different equilibrium isotherms. Thermodynamic study was carried out to evaluate Gibbs free energy (Delta G degrees), enthalpy (Delta H degrees) and entropy (Delta S degrees). Continuous mode experiments were conducted to check the optimized conditions of bed height, flow rate and initial dye concentration for maximum dye removal. Maximum dye removal in continuous study was 10.4 mg/g at 4 cm bed height and 50 mg/L initial dye concentration. Thomas and bed depth service time (BDST) models were applied on the experimental results of column study. The results prove that sugarcane bagasse can be used as a potential biosorbent for the removal of Direct Yellow 50 dye from aqueous solutions. (C) 2014 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean meal by increasing levels of sugarcane yeast and urea on the energy, enzymatic, protein, mineral, and hormonal profiles of buffalo heifers. Twenty Murrah heifers with an average body weight of 168 +/- 2.0 kg and 1 year old were used in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of the replacement of soybean meal by increasing levels of sugarcane yeast and urea (0, 33, 67, and 100\% dry matter). The animals were weighed at the beginning and end of the experimental period, and blood was collected on the final day. The replacement of soybean meal with sugarcane yeast influenced the performance and metabolic dynamics, with total weight gain (P = 0.005) and average daily gain (P = 0.015), presenting, for both variables, a quadratic effect. Considering the biochemical profile, there was an influence on the serum concentration of triglycerides (P = 0.055), the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05), in addition to the serum concentration of phosphorus (P = 0.007) and potassium (P = 0.053), which showed positive linear effects. The hormonal profile was not influenced by diets (P > 0.05). The elements copper, iron, and zinc were able to be quantified at all levels of sugarcane yeast and urea in the diets offered. The use of sugarcane yeast with urea promotes adequate metabolic response of buffalo heifers and can replace up to 100\% of soybean meal in the concentrate.
The xylanase gene (xynA) of Bacillus licheniformis 9945A was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) using pET-22b(+) as an expression vector. The recombinant xylanase enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by single-step immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography with a 57.58-fold purification having 138.2 U/mg specific activity and recovery of 70.08 \%. Molecular weight of the purified xylanase, 23 kDa, was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The enzyme was stable for up to 70 A degrees C with a broad pH range of 4-9 pH units. The enzyme activity was increased in the presence of metal ions especially Ca+2 and decreased in the presence of EDTA, indicating that the xylanase was a metalloenzyme. However, an addition of 1-4 \% Tween 80, beta-mercaptoethanol, and DTT resulted in the increase of enzyme activity by 51, 52, and 5 \%, respectively. Organic solvents with a concentration of 10-40 \% slightly decreased the enzyme activity. The xylanase enzyme possesses the ability of bioconversion of plant biomasses like wheat straw, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse. Among the different tested biomasses, the highest saccharification percentage was observed with 1 \% sugarcane bagasse after 72 h of incubation at 50 A degrees C with 20 units of enzyme. The results suggest that recombinant xylanase can be used in the bioconversion of natural biomasses into simple sugars which could be further used for the production of biofuel.
The use of biomass for energy generation has aroused great attention and interest because of the global climate changes, environmental pollution and reduction of availability of fossil energy. This study deals with pyrolysis of four agricultural wastes (sawdust, sugarcane straw, chicken litter and cashew nut shell) in a fixed bed pyrolytic reactor. The yields of char, liquid and gas were quantified at 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 degrees C and the temperature and pressure effects were investigated. Pyrolytic liquids produced were separated into aqueous and oil phases. XRF spectroscopy was used for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of the liquids and solids produced at whole temperature range. Calorific value analysis of liquids and solids were also performed for energy content evaluation. Experimental results showed sawdust, sugarcane straw and cashew nut waste have very good potential for using in pyrolysis process for alternative fuel production.
The chemically modified lignin was synthesized based on rice straw and the adsorption properties of AuCl (4) (-) were investigated in this paper. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electronic microscope and thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The chemically modified rice straw lignin was of excellent thermal stability and had plenty of primary amines and hydroxyls. Many influence factors such as initial concentration of AuCl (4) (-) , adsorption time and concentration of hydrochloric acid on AuCl (4) (-) were optimized. The maximum adsorption capacity was 783.94 mg center dot g(-1). The equilibrium adsorption time was 600 min. The equilibrium isotherm fitted well with the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was suitable for describing the adsorption of AuCl (4) (-) . Low hydrochloric acid concentration could promote the selectivity of adsorption on AuCl (4) (-) . Combination of ion exchange and reduction was the mechanism. AuCl (4) (-) was adsorbed by ion exchange first and then reduced from hydrochloric acid medium in the form of Au(0) by phenolic hydroxyl.
This study presents the taxonomic characterization and fermentative activity of bacteria and fungi present in four plant-associated microbial communities: corn stover (CS), wheat straw (WS), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), and agave bagasse (AB). Fiber soaking, fermentation number, and organic loading rate (OLR) were studied in semicontinuous reactors fed with untreated substrates under a consolidated bioprocessing approach. WS, SCB, and AB communities converged to a core microbiome with the predominance of Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Enterobacter, and the fungus Pichia. After the fourth fermentation, hydrogen productivity became stable and similar among microbial communities (1.62 L-H-2/kg-day), except for the CS community. The OLR increase promoted the hydrogen production from lactate and acetate. Lactobacillus positively correlated with H-2 productivity and polysaccharide degradation, and Clostridium positively correlated only with polysaccharide degradation. Results demonstrated that Lactobacillus played a key role in producing high hydrogen productivities from lignocellulosic substrates. While the OLR increase promoted metabolic pathways that favored fermentative hydrogen production. (C) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The performance of a newly designed column bed device packed with chemically modified agro-waste (sugarcane bagasse) is evaluated for efficient removal of two textile dyes, Optilan yellow and Lanasyn brown and textile industry dye effluent. The parameters used for performance evaluation are removal efficiency (R\%), adsorption capacity (q), and breakthrough (C-e/C-0). The column exhibits >90\% removal of both the dyes and >80\% removal of textile industry dye effluent. The experimental data are fitted to three models, viz., Thomas, Adams-Bohart, and Yoon-Nelson for understanding the kinetic behavior of adsorption. The results reveal that the Yoon-Nelson model is the best-fitted model for both the dyes with R-2 values 0.995 and 0.905 for Optilan yellow and Lanasyn brown, respectively. However, Thomas and Yoon-Nelson fit the best for textile industry effluent. Overall, this investigation provides baseline information about the column mode removal of textile dyes using the agro-waste material as an adsorbent. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra show the characteristic vibrational mode of C-H stretching of hydroxyl group around 2800-3000 cm(-1). The change in the vibrational pattern is evident after alginic acid treatment, indicating delignification of the bagasse after treatment.
5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be obtained from the dehydration of monosaccharides present in biomass, which helps add value to the raw material. The present work sought to study the relationship between the parameters of biomass characterization, including the content of reducing sugars, total soluble solids and the mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectra, and the formation of HMF after synthesis. A thorough analysis was conducted in order to evaluate the residual agricultural biomass samples from sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, cassava branch, banana pseudostem and mango fruits after the drying (45 degrees C maximum) and ball mill grinding pre-processing procedure. HMF synthesis was performed using 0.50 mol L-1 HCl and n-butanol as extracting solvent. The analytical quantification of HMF and furfural (co-product of synthesis) was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD). The highest efficiency of the synthesis of HMF was observed for the mango fruits (55.0 kg ton(-1)) and sugarcane bagasse biomass (47.5 kg ton(-1)) samples. The application of data fusion and principal component analysis (PCA) allowed us to identify the samples with greater potential for HMF synthesis.
Organic matter plays many roles in the soil ecosystem. One property of the substance concerns the metal complexation and interaction with organic contaminants. In this sense, the humic substances (HS), a heterogeneous mixture of compounds, naturally derived from degradation of biomass, have been widely studied in environmental sciences. Recent advances showed a new way to produce humic-like substances (HLS) through hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the HLS of hydrochars, produced by using a mixture of sugarcane bagasse and vinasse with sulfuric acid added (1 and 4\% v/v), and to assess their interactions with metal ions, (Fe(III), Al(III), Cu(II) and Co(II)) using EEM-PARAFAC and a two-dimensional FTIR correlation analysis. The results were compared to the humic substances extracted from the Amazonian Anthrosol, as a model of anthropogenic organic matter. NMR analysis showed that humic-like extracts from hydrochar are mainly hydrophobic, while the soil has a greater contribution of polar moieties. The HLS and HS showed similar complexation capacities for Fe(III), Al(III) and Cu(II) assays. For Co(II) HLS exhibited larger affinities than HS. Two-dimensional correlation analysis FTIR showed that chemical groups may undergo conformational alteration with metal additions to achieve more stable arrangements (higher stability constant). Therefore, these results contribute more knowledge about the mechanism of HS and metal ion interaction, as well as showing that HTC can be an interesting option for HLS production, to be used as humic based materials. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bamboo culm (BC), rice husk (RH), and sugarcane bagasse (SB) are the most earth abundant, low cost, and eco-friendly agricultural residues that contain a substantial amount of biogenic silica (SiO2) in the form of amorphous hydrated silica grains. In this study, we successfully extracted SiO2 from various agricultural residues such as BC, RH, and SB via rapid microwave assisted solid-state ashing (MW,SS), followed by microwave assisted magnesiothermic reduction (MW-MR) of SiO2 into crystalline silicon (Si) at <650 degrees C for 30 min without the need for a reducing gas atmosphere. The MW-MR process further supports the development of an interconnected three- dimensional porous Si network with pore diameter of 50-80 nm and wall thickness of similar to 23 nm. The obtained Si is further decorated with dimensionally modulated carbon-based materials such as carbon (C), graphene nanosheets (GNS), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), which can offer higher delithiation capacities (1997, 1290, and 1166 MAh g(-1) respectively) compared to pristine Si (956 mAh g(-1)) extracted from RH at C/5 rate after 200 cycles. These results suggest that the earth abundant BC, RH, and SB could be sustainable resources for large-scale production of nanoporous crystalline Si, which has been extracted via an energy efficient, low-cost microwave assisted sustainable process for lithium ion battery anodes.
Retaining a residue cover (RC) over the soil is the key to ensure its health. Since tropical agriculture systems, mostly in sugarcane, are characterized by intensive management, the discrimination of residue types becomes difficult and aims to be detected. Our goal was to identify features regarding sugarcane residues using hyperspectral and simulated Sentinel-2 dataset. Therefore, we collected green leafs (GL), straw (ST) and burn material (BM), added to two classes of contrasting soils, Ferralsols (S1) and Arenosols (S2). We developed control samples (GL, ST, BM, and soil) and also treatments with a combination of soil and RC with different dosages. We used the FieldSpec (350 to 2500 nm) to obtain the spectral data to each sample. The spectral data were subsequently used for the simulation of Sentinel-2 bands. GL presented features related to water absorption (1400 and 1900 nm) and pigments in the visible region. ST does not present features relating to pigments, neither water absorption. Due to the increase of BM, we observed a decreasing in the intensity of reflectance. Regardless the type of RC, soil features (kaolinite and mineralogy) were lost when more than 70\% coverage was reached. The soil background affects the reflectance in all treatments, brighter soils influenced the spectral in the vis region. Sentinel-2 presented a strong positive correlation in the RedEdge (band 5) to assess green vegetation, in the Short-wave infrared (SWIR) to non-photosynthetically active material and in the blue band to BM. The Cellulose Absorption Index (CAI) combined with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and reflectance in the red could assist in distinction of the tree RC in mixed systems. We provided an interesting spectral analysis that could assist in futures studies to improve indices on the task for soil management.
This study demonstrated a biotechnological approach for simultaneous production of low-cost H-2, liquid biofuels, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by solventogenic bacterium (Clostridium beijerinckii) from renewable industrial wastes such as molasses and crude glycerol. C beijerinckii ASU10 (KF372577) exhibited considerable performance for hydrogen production of 5.1 +/- 0.84 and 11 +/- 0.44 mL H-2 h(-1) on glycerol and sugarcane molasses, respectively. The total acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) generation from glycerol and molasses was 9.334 +/- 2.98 and 10.831 +/- 4.1 g L-1, respectively. ABE productivity (g L-1 h(-1)) was 0.0486 and 0.0564 with a yield rate (g g(-1)) up to 0.508 and 0.493 from glycerol and molasses fermentation, respectively. The PHA yields from glycerol and sugarcane molasses were 84.37\% and 37.97\% of the dried bacterial biomass, respectively. Additionally, the ultrathin section of C beijerinckii ASU10 showed that PHA granules were accumulated more densely on glycerol than molasses. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed that the PHAs obtained from molasses fermentation included 3-hydroxybutyrate (47.3\%) and 3-hydroxyoctanoate (52.7\%) as the main constituents. Meanwhile, 3-hydroxybutyrate represented the sole monomer of PHA produced from glycerol fermentation. This study demonstrated that C beijerinckii ASU10 (KF372577) is a potent strain for low-cost PHA production depending on its high potential to produce high-energy biofuel and other valuable compounds from utilization of organic waste materials.
Three organic solvents and one aqueous alkaline solution for fully fractional dissolving hemicelluloses from mild ball-milled cell wall of lignified barley straw and maize stems are described: 90\% neutral dioxane, 80\% dioxane containing 0.05 M HCl, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 8\% aqueous KOH. The four successive extractions resulted in dissolution of 94.6\% and 96.4\% of the original hemicelluloses and 93.7\% and 95.3\% of the original lignin from barley straw and maize stems, respectively. The structures of the hemicellulosic fractions released during the treatment with the neutral solvents of 90\% dioxane and DMSO was found to remain intact, while the extractions with 80\% acidic dioxane and 8\% KOH under the conditions used resulted in a partial depolymerization of dissolved polysaccharides by cleavage of the glycosidic bonds and saponification of the ester groups in the polymers. The 90\% neutral dioxane-soluble hemicellulosic fractions consisted mainly of the more branched arabinoxylans and mixed-linkage glucans such as beta-glucans, whereas the hemicellulosic fractions solubilized during the sequential treatments with 80\% acidic dioxane, DMSO, and 8\% KOH are composed of arabino-(4-0-methyl-D-glucurono) xylans as the major hemicellulosic materials. In addition, the hemicellulosic polymers contained small amounts of ferulic and p-coumaric acids and lignins, revealing that the hemicelluloses removed are mostly unbound to the lignins in the cell walls of cereal straws. This non-degradative cell wall dissolution offers the potential to analyze polysaccharide components for the first time, and improve current hemicellulosic isolation method by using high concentration of aqueous alkali from the delignified cell walls. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The present work is devoted to synthesize graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from waste sugarcane bagasse with average particle size 4.2 nm based on the TEM analysis. The produced GQDs were then aimed to combine with vitamin B9 (folic acid = FA) and Fe3+-tannic acid complex (Fe-TA) for the formation of a novel (GQDs@FA@Fe-TA) supramolecular network with average particle size 37.57 nm and pore diameter 38.35 nm. (GQDs@FA@Fe-TA) was evaluated as a multipurpose nanosorbent for removal of inorganic anionic (Cr(VI)) and organic cationic (malachite green, MG) pollutants from water. Cr(VI) removal was optimized as 99.5\% (at pH 3.0 after 5 min), while 94.8\% for MG (at pH 6.0 after 30 min). Adsorptions of both pollutants were exothermic and spontaneous and well explained with the pseudo-second order and Langmuir model. (GQDs@FA@Fe-TA) exhibited higher regeneration stability after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles (similar to 2.1-4.3\% loss). Finally, the potential applications of (GQDs@FA@Fe-TA) for removal of inorganic anionic and organic cationic pollutants from various water samples were 91.2-99.4\% and 89.8-92.1\% for Cr(VI) and MG, respectively. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
This article is a contribution to Lentinus boryanus cultivation, an edible mushroom common in subtropical America, morphologically close to L. edodes (shiitake mushroom). Mycelial growth of two Mexican L. boryanus strains on Carpinus and Quercus sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane leaves, and pineapple crown was evaluated. In parallel, monosporic mycelia isolated from these strains were crossed to obtain progeny dykarions. Carpinus sawdust and sugarcane bagasse were chosen for mushroom production essays of parental and progeny strains. A mixture of sorghum grains and Carpinus sawdust (ratio 9:1) was used as spawn. Incubation times fluctuated between 46 and 92 days in Carpinus sawdust and between 59 and 124 days in bagasse sugarcane. Primordia initiation was observed between 110 and 181 days in Carpinus sawdust and between 78 and 151 days in sugar cane bagasse. The average of biological efficiency reached from 2 to 3 harvests fluctuated between 7.1\% and 24.9\% in Carpinus and between 6.8\% and 15\% in sugarcane bagasse, parent strain (IE-193) being the most frequently yielded on both substrates, and correspondingly, the biggest basidiomes were developed for the progeny strain (C-15) in sugarcane bagasse.
The study dealt with the effect of addition of sugarcane bagasse ash (BA) on the strength development of a lime stabilized expansive soil. Unlike previous investigations with combinations of lime and BA, this study compares the effect of lime contents determined by scientifically established procedures and the effect of BA on the stabilization of lime at different proportions with additional microstructural investigations. The minimum lime content required for stabilization known as initial consumption of lime (ICL) was determined using the Eades and Grim pH test as 5.5\%. The optimum lime content (OLC) was determined using unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests as 7\%. Another lime content less than ICL was randomly adopted as 3\%. The three lime contents were mixed with 0.25\%, 0.5\%, 1\%, and 2\% BA. UCS samples of dimension 38 mm x 76 mm were prepared at a fixed dry density and moisture content and cured for periods of 2 hours (0 days), 3, 7, 14, and 28 days to study the development of strength and effect of BA. Mineralogical and microstructural analyses were performed on the pulverized UCS samples after failure. The results revealed that the addition of BA increased the immediate, early, and delayed strength of lime stabilized soil further, even when the lime content was lower than ICL. Addition of BA produced maximum immediate, early, and delayed strength gains of 58.3\%, 20.7\%, and 32.7\%, respectively. Higher proportion of BA was required when lime content was above ICL, for maximum strength. Addition of BA resulted in better utilization of quartz in lime-soil reactions leading to formation of CSH and CAH minerals. A dense compact matrix was seen on analyzing the microstructure of the stabilized soil composite.
This study focused on the production of furfural from agricultural and industrial biomass residues by a hydrodistillation process. Corncobs, sugarcane bagasse, and eucalypt wood were treated with sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids as catalysts, with different acid concentrations (1.5 to 5.2mol.L (-1)). In addition, the eucalypt liquor from the auto-hydrolysis, kraft-dissolving pulp production process was also investigated as a source of furfural, using sulfuric and hydrochloric acids as a catalyst (0.9 and 3.9mol.L (-1)). Furfural yields of 30.2, 25.8, and 13.9\% were achieved for corncob, sugarcane bagasse, and eucalypt wood, respectively, on the basis of biomass dry weight. The efficiency of conversion from pentose to furfural using eucalypt liquor from the auto-hydrolysis kraft process was 71.5\% using HCl 3.9mol.L (-1) . Due to the presence of a high amount of pentose, corncob produced the highest amount of furfural, followed by sugarcane bagasse and then eucalypt wood.
The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of the two biomass materials (sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks powders) were evaluated using a differential thermo-gravimetric analyzer under a non-isothermal condition. Two distinct reaction zones were observed for the two biomasses. The direct Arrhenius plot method and the integral method were applied for determination of kinetic parameters: activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and order of reaction. The weight loss curve showed that pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks took place mainly in the range of 200-500 degrees C. The activation energy of the sugarcane bagasse powder obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method ranged between 43 and 53.5 kJ/mol. On the other side, the integral method shows larger values of activation energy (77-87.7 kJ/mol). The activation energy of the cotton stalks powder obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method was ranged between 98.5 and 100.2 kJ/mol, but the integral method shows larger values of activation energy (72.5-127.8 kJ/mol). (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Two types of nanocellulose (cellulose nanocrystals-CNCs and cellulose nanofibrils-CNFs) were isolated from two biomass resources. The morphology, crystallinity and thermal stability of the nanocelluloses were systematically compared in this paper. CNCs derived from rice straw (CNC-Rs) and poplar wood (CNC-Ps) by sulfuric acid hydrolysis had short rod-shaped structures and average diameters of 9.1 nm for CNC-Rs and 11.4 nm for CNC-Ps. CNFs derived from rice straw (CNF-Rs) and poplar wood (CNF-Ps) by grinding had web-network structures and average diameters of 13.3 nm for CNF-Rs and 18.5 nm for CNF-Ps. After freeze-drying, the CNCs and CNFs retained their nano structures. CNFs and CNC-Ps consisted of the typically pure cellulose I, while CNC-Rs consisted of cellulose I and II. The CrI of the nanocellulose followed the order of CNC-Ps (72.9\%) > CNC-Rs (68.0\%) > CNF-Ps (56.4\%) > CNF-Rs (54.4\%). The thermal stability of the nanocellulose was correlated with their source biomass materials and preparation method, which led to the differences in their dimensions, crystallinity, and sulfate groups. Nanocellulose isolated from poplar wood showed the slightly higher thermal stability than that of nanocellulose from rice straw. CNFs exhibited the higher thermal stability than that of CNCs. The apparent activation energy (E) was calculated to evaluate the degradation process. The nanocellulose had E of 85.17-101.98 kJ/mol for CNCs and 94.92-108.76 kJ/mol for CNFs. Graphic abstract
The economic situation of the European sugar industry is currently very tense. The expected introduction of a climate-neutral mode of operation by 2050 will require considerable investment in the coming decades. This will further strengthen the cost advantages of the cane sugar industry, which, in contrast to the beet sugar industry, has for many years been obtaining most of its energy requirements from the renewable fuel bagasse. In order to remain competitive with the cane sugar industry, further reductions in production costs are necessary. As it is hardly possible to increase efficiency through technological improvements, the most promising measures to reduce production costs will be to further increase the processing capacity of the individual factories and possibly extend the campaign. Using a simplified mathematical model, the influence of transport costs, labour costs and constant costs on the optimal capacity of beet sugar factories is investigated. The lowest production costs for white sugar are used as an optimality criterion.
A ZnCl2-modified biochar-supported nanoscale iron sulfide composite (FeS-ZnBC) was successfully prepared to address the easy oxidization of FeS and enhance Cr(VI) removal from water. The material was characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS. The effects of FeS:ZnBC mass ratio, FeS-ZnBC dosage, solution pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and reaction time on the adsorption performance were investigated. The results revealed that the optimum adsorption capacity of FeS-ZnBC (FeS:ZnBC = 1:2) for Cr(VI) was 264.03 mg/g at 298 K (pH = 2). A Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the input variables that affected the adsorption of Cr(VI) solution. The results revealed that the highest removal (99.52\%) of Cr(VI) solution was achieved with a Cr(VI) initial concentration of 150.59 mg/L, FeS-ZnBC adsorbent dosage of 2 g/L, and solution pH of 2. The sorption kinetics could be interpreted using a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The isotherms were simulated using the Redlich-Peterson isotherm model, indicating that Cr(VI) removal by the FeS-ZnBC composites was a hybrid chemical reaction-sorption process. The main mechanisms of Cr(VI) removal by FeS-ZnBC were adsorption, chemical reduction, and complexation. This study demonstrated that FeS-ZnBC has potential application prospects in Cr(VI) removal.
Biomass is a promising feedstock for the production of valuable oxygenated hydrocarbons due to presence of wide range of functionalities. Hydrothermal liquefaction is an attractive approach for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass as it does not require any drying. The objective of this study is to carry out hydrothermal liquefaction (280 A degrees C for 15 min) of forest (pine wood, deodar) and agricultural (wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse) biomass under non-catalytic and catalytic (KOH, K2CO3) conditions. The analysis of solid residue and bio-oils was carried out to understand the differences in composition with respect to feedstock. Agricultural biomass showed higher conversion under thermal and catalytic conditions compared to forest biomass. K2CO3 showed higher catalytic activity in terms of both bio-oil yield as well as conversion for agricultural (wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse) biomass compared to forest (pine wood and deodar) biomass. Sugarcane bagasse showed the highest conversion (95 \%) among the four samples investigated. The compositions of bio-oils from forest biomass residue contained both phenolic compounds and furans. FTIR and Powder XRD analysis of feedstock as well as solid residue showed that the peaks due to cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin became weak in solid residue samples.
Four silicon sources viz., rice husk ash, bagasse ash, calcium silicate, sodium metasilicate each at the rate of 500 and 1000 kg/ha were incorporated as basal application in two sugarcane fields of Poovanthi and Silaiman village of Sivagangai and Madurai district respectively. Leaves from the silicon treated plants were collected at 90,180 and 270 d after planting for analysis of biochemical factors which revealed that the silicon content in the Poovanthi village was ranged from 1.18 to 1.77\% and that of Silaiman village was 1.28 to 1.78\%. Similarly phenol content ranged from 7.68 to 10.33 mg/g and 10.49 to 12.85 mg/g, tannin content ranged from 4.21 to 6.32 and 4.70 to 7.03 mg/g, peroxidase activity ranged from 32.18 to 38.60 and 38.07 to 44.38 Delta(460)/min/mg and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity ranged from 29.93 to 36.85 and 36.31 to 44.48 Delta(290)/mu mol m(-1)mL(-1)g(-1) in the fields of Poovanthi and Silaiman village respectively. Among the four sources of silicon fertilizers tested, basal application of calcium silicate at 500 kg/ha was found effective in facilitating the maximum accumulation of silicon content along with phenol, tannin content, peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity.
The effects of the oil industry continue to cause damage today. For example, car washers and their components still pollute sewage. This work assesses the efficiency of an artisan filter made of sugarcane bagasse, sand, crushed brick, and pumice stone. The research was carried out in the Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering of the Technical University of Ambato, Ecuador, and as effluent, wastewater from a small car washing machine was used. To prove the efficiency of the filter and its limitations, the variation index in different parameters of this water was measured for 31 days, such as total solids, total suspended solids, BOD5 (biological oxygen demand), COD (chemical oxygen demand), pH, oils and fats, turbidity and TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons). The preliminary results showed a significant improvement in the treated effluent's quality, especially in turbidity, TPH, total suspended solids, and pH.
A lignocellulose pretreatment process was developed with formic acid delignification (FAD) followed by alkaline deformylation (AD), which was termed as Formiline process. In FAD, more than 80\% of lignin and hemicellulose were removed, but cellulose formylation also happened. Formic acid concentration (FAC) was the most important factor affecting delignification and cellulose formylation. Increasing FAC could enhance degree of delignification but also increased cellulose formylation. The presence of formyl group could inhibit the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose: however, removing formyl group with a small loading of alkali well recovered cellulose digestibility. The spent liquor could be directly recycled for delignification thus significantly decreasing energy consumption in solvent recovery. The Formiline-pretreated substrates showed an excellent enzymatic digestibility and could be very well converted to ethanol by simultaneous saccharafication and fermentation (SSF). The final ethanol concentrations were 55.4 and 80.1 g/L respectively at initial solid consistencies of 15\% and 20\%. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A process for co-production of ethanol and biodiesel from wheat straw was proposed. Dilute acid prehydrolysis of hemicellulose followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose were optimized to maximize recovery of total sugars. It was found that xylose yield obtained by super-dilute acid (0-0.1\%) pretreatment under the experimental conditions was too low. By using moderate conditions (140-160 degrees C) with higher sulfuric acid concentration (0.3-0.6\%), xylose recovery could be greatly increased to 60-70\%. The relatively optimum conditions for dilute acid pretreatment were 0.5\% H2SO4 at 140 degrees C for 1 h. 15.1 g L (-1) ethanol with approximately 58\% of theoretical yield obtained by SSF of the pretreated solid. The hydrolyzate was directly converted to microbial lipid using a mutagenized Rhodosporidium toruloides. The extracted lipid was well converted to biodiesel with 90\% conversion ratio under the catalysis of immobilized lipase. Mass balance showed that 0.80 g biodiesel and 10.1 g ethanol were produced from 100 g of wheat straw. This work thus can provide a novel idea for biological production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass.
With increasing attention on environmental impacts and sustainable development, the conversion of underutilised bagasse (BG) or low-value fibre waste into biosorbents has considerable potential applications. In this study, BG carboxymethyl cellulose (BGCMC) with a high degree of substitution (DS) was prepared by controlling the ratio of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) and sodium hydroxide to BG cellulose. BGCMC aerogels (BCGel) were obtained using the crosslinking reaction of citric acid (CA) with hypophosphite sodium (HPS) as a catalyst. The adsorption results were more suitable to be described by the Langmuir isotherm (R-2 > 0.99), with maximum adsorption capacities of BC(3)Gel for Pb(ii) and MB of 353.36 and 1260.9 mg g(-1), respectively. Additionally, after treatment with 50\% alcohol or 0.05 M EDTA solution, BCGel exhibited satisfactory removal performance even after five regeneration cycles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) results demonstrated that cationic exchange and electrostatic interaction were the main Pb(ii) and MB adsorption mechanism. The adsorption mechanism of BCGel for pollutants involves the interaction of multiple adsorption forms. The excellent Pb(ii) and MB adsorption capacities of BCGel provide another avenue for the recycling of waste BG in the wastewater treatment field.
(1) Background: Commercial production of fuel ethanol currently uses sugarcane and corn as feedstocks. Attempts to develop other renewable feedstocks that are more abundant have led to lignocellulosic biomass, which requires pretreatment prior to enzymatic hydrolysis to generate fermentable sugars. One of the largest cost components of pretreatment is chemical cost. Ethanol fermentation also produces large quantities of CO2 as a co-product contributing to global warming. (2) Methods: Sweet sorghum has emerged as a potential new feedstock for ethanol production. In the present study, the CO2 produced in sweet sorghum juice (SSJ) fermentation was captured by absorption in 5 M NaOH. The resultant Na2CO3 solution was used for pretreatment of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB), which is the solid residue in SSJ extraction. The pretreated SSB was fermented in SSJ to produce additional ethanol. (3) Results: CO2 absorption efficiency of 92.0\% was observed. Pretreatment of SSB by the obtained Na2CO3 solution resulted in no loss of glucan and only 8.1 wt\% loss of xylan. Ethanol yield from glucan in the pretreated SSB was 81.7\% theoretical. (4) Conclusions: CO2 from SSJ fermentation captured as Na2CO3 could be used for efficient SSB pretreatment. Further study focusing on pretreatment process optimization is needed.
A novel, facile, environmentally benign, cost-effective and one-pot chemical reduction synthesis was used as a biosynthetic approach to fabricate Pt nanoparticles. In this context, the biogenic Pt was produced in situ through the bioreduction of the reductive active biomolecule compounds from agricultural waste, namely, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse extract (SBE). The structure, surface morphology and chemical composition of the obtained biogenic Pt were characterised using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed high amounts of phenolics and flavonoids that were responsible for the bioreduction process. The in vitro antioxidant properties, such as free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, ferrous reducing antioxidant power and Bradford protein assays, were also examined. The electrochemical activity proved that the biogenic Pt NPs, which were successfully reduced by SBE, had high electrocatalytic activity, remarkable utilisation efficiency of Pt and appreciable stability towards the CH3OH electro-oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the biogenic Pt endowed potent antioxidant activity that could scavenge the free radicals with 81.9\% inhibition capacity. Hence, this paper presents a simple and effective method to produce a robust electrocatalyst for CH3OH oxidation reaction via the biosynthesis route. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Batik home industry is widely developed at this time. Increasing the number of activies could increase environmental water pollution. Environmental pollution caused by batik waste water can be found in the river which is the main source of agricultural activities, fisheries and processed into drinking water sources. The aims of the study were to determine the ability of microorganisme in the Euchornia crassipes in improving the quality of water BOD and COD of waste water batik solution after treated with solution of water hyacinth microorganisme and rice sugarcane huskes and bamboo charcoal. Water waste solutions were taken from three different sites of home batik industries in : (1) Surakarta, (2) Sragen, and (3) Pekalongan. The Result showed that effluent pH dropped, temperature of liquid waste tends to fluctuate up and down with a difference of 1 degrees C of the initial temperature of the liquid waste. Color Processing Waste after experiencing a decline of up, conductivity in the column reactor bagasse and rice husks column reactor increased and decreased in bamboo charcoal column reactor up. The value of BOD, COD, TSS and TDS tend to fluctuate. Chemical compounds of a Ammonia was drastically reduced. For the heavy metals chromium and cadmium has never been detected, which was much lower than the maximum levels of crom is (1 mg / L).
Decarbonization of the aviation sector relies on deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at commercial scale. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has been recognized as a promising technology to help supply the increasing projected SAF demand. High availability of agro-industrial residues, combined with a well-established biorefinery system, makes the sugarcane industry in Brazil a good option for HTL technology deployment. Moreover, challenges regarding the economic feasibility of SAF from HTL could be partially addressed by the RenovaBio policy, a market-driven incentive mechanism of carbon credits implemented in Brazil. This study investigated both the techno-economic and life cycle assessment of SAF production from sugarcane lignocellulosic residues, considering HTL integrated to a first-generation ethanol distillery and a HTL stand-alone facility. The evaluated scenarios showed great climate mitigation potential, reaching a reduction of up to 73-82\% when compared to fossil jet fuel. The minimum fuel selling price of SAF at 15.4 USD/GJ indicated potential of economic competitiveness with fossil jet fuel in the best integrated scenario. The economic benefits obtained from carbon credits are not enough to enable feasibility of HTL in the stand-alone scenarios, even with carbon prices projected at 125 USD/tonne CO2-eq avoided.
Globally, tons of soils and sediments are experiencing degradation due to the presence of high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), in areas in the vicinity of metal mining activities. The addition of biochar to contaminated sediments is a promising in situ remediation approach, and the effects of pyrolysis temperature and biochar aging are important factors for the immobilization and fate of PTEs. In this study, we evaluated the temporal changes in pools of As and Pb in sediment amended with biochars produced from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) pyrolyzed at 350 (BC350), 550 (BC550), and 750 degrees C (BC750). Biochars were aged by natural process (without additional acid or heat), and changes in As and Pb pools were evaluated every 45 days until completing 180 days of incubation. Changes in the As and Pb pools were extracted with water (bioavailable), magnesium chloride (exchangeable), nitric acid (active geochemical fraction), and exchangeable Mehlich-3 (associated with organic matter). As and Pb available contents have increased over time. BC750 was more effective in reducing the bioavailable and exchangeable As contents, while BC550 and BC350 were more effective in reducing the contents of bioavailable and exchangeable Pb.
This study evaluated the possibility of using sugarcane vinasse for biological hydrogen production under non-sterile conditions via sequential two-stage fermentative and phototrophic processes, which simultaneously allows bioenergy production and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. The fermentative process was performed in an anaerobic fluidized bed reactor (AFBR) fed with a mixture of sucrose and sugarcane vinasse (5:10 g COD L-1). The phototrophic process was performed using a microbial consortium (Rhodopseudomonas related microorganisms) as inoculum and batch reactors fed with different concentrations of the AFBR effluent (10, 20, 40, 70 and 80\%, v/v). The hydrogen yield (HY) (0.34 mol H-2 g(-1) CODinfluent) observed in the fermentative step was justified by the establishment of microbial community composed predominantly by Lactobacillus related microorganisms. The highest HY observed in the phototrophic stage (5.5 mmol H-2 g(-1) CODremoved) was observed for the lowest AFBR concentration. Increasing the AFBR effluent concentration as the substrate for the phototrophic reactors had a negative impact on cell growth, hydrogen production and COD removal mostly due to the occurrence of sulfate reduction. Hydrogen production was not observed in batch reactors fed with 70 and 80\% of AFBR effluent; however, under those conditions, the sulfate removal rate was 86.5 and 86.9\%, respectively. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The sugarcane crushing stage is one of the most important technologies being devel-oped at the moment. In this paper, the control of the multiple-stage evaporation system was addressed, as it is a crucial stage in the first-and second-generation ethanol produc-tion from sugarcane. A neural network model was proposed based on a dynamic phenom-enological model developed in EMSO (Environment for Modeling, Simulation and Op-timization). The phenomenological model was used to build a neural network prediction model for an MPC (Model Predictive Control) scheme using a DMC (Dynamic Matrix Control) algorithm. Simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance for track-ing the set-point. Also, disturbance rejection tests were performed, considering different step disturbances. The analysis demonstrated that the MPC scheme performed well in the tests and showed superiority when compared to classical PID controllers.
Drought is the extremely critical environmental limitation that restricts crucially the leaf growth, stem elongation and overall plant growth rate. In the agricultural lands biochar has its remarkable role for sustainable soil management strategies and potential tool for mitigating drought. In the present research work, the impact of acacia wood shaving (AWB), sugarcane bagasse (SBB), wheat (WSB) and rice straw (RSB) biochar at two amendment levels (i.e., 10 and 20 t/ ha) under three different moisture conditions i.e., optimum moisture (OM) at 75 +/- 2\% of FC, deficit moisture (DM) at 50 +/- 2\% of FC and severe moisture deficit (SMD) at 40 +/- 2\% of FC on growth parameters of soybean in poor sandy loam (SL) soil and clay loam (CL) soil were investigated. We focused on individual growth components along with specific growth measurements such as NAR (net assimilation rate) and RGR (relative growth rate) in different growth stages. Moisture deficit conditions reduced all shoot and leaf parameters during first harvest interval of vegetative growth and effects were more negative at reproductive growth during third harvest interval. Biochar in CL soil mostly caused higher increase in shoot and leaf growth parameters on relative basis than control. While, under water deficit conditions, most influential amendments were acacia (sp. nilotica) wood shavings biochar (10 t/ ha) and sugarcane bagasse associated with higher growth in shoot and increases shoot length, shoot fresh as well as dry biomass, number of leaves, leaf fresh and leaf dry biomass, leaf area, net assimilation rates and relative growth rates of soybean. Consequently, sugarcane bagasse and wood biochar can be valued as the most promising tools for recovery of growth under moisture deficit conditions.
The efficiency of two methods of pretreatment (NaOH and H2O2) on lignocelluloses-saw dust, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and rice bran-was compared in the present study. Alkali treatment of lignocelluloses relatively removed more hemicelluloses and lignin leaving behind cellulose content in the residues than peroxide treatment. Crude cellulase of Aspergillus niger, produced on the pretreated sawdust with highest cellulose content, was further tested for the release of soluble and reducing sugars during the saccharification process of same pretreated saw dust. The saccharification process of the pretreated sawdust with enzyme was optimized for pH, temperature, and substrate concentration and proceeded optimally at pH of 5.0, 50 A degrees C and 0.5 \% pretreated sawdust. The rate of saccharification with crude enzyme of A. niger on alkali-treated sawdust was found to be maximum (23 \%) as against 5.4 \% on native sawdust under optimal conditions after 48 h. The present study indicates NaOH-treated sawdust as a potential raw material for both production of cellulase and saccharification in a large scale.
Achieving the capacity to produce fermentable sugars from lignocelluloses via green and efficient approaches is of strategic significance to an environmentally sustainable society. In this work, a novel wet-mechanochemical pretreatment approach was proposed using small amount of dilute alkali-assisted ball milling and subsequently hydrothermal pretreatment at mild conditions to enhance the enzymatic saccharification efficiency of bagasse and pennisetum. Effects of pretreatment conditions, such as NaOH concentration, hydrothermal reaction temperature and time, on the reducing sugars production were systematically evaluated. Parameters were optimized by statistical analysis and response surface methodology. Results showed that the existence of small amount of dilute alkali during ball milling can greatly facilitate the subsequent saccharification of bagasse and pennisetum, which can reduce the alkali dosage in comparison with traditional biomass pretreatment approach. The highest reducing sugars yield of 40.75\% could be obtained from bagasse after pretreated by final concentration of 0.4\% alkali in hydrothermal pretreatment process at 100 degrees C for 40 min. 55.74\% of reducing sugars could be obtained from pennisetum treated by final concentration of 0.4\% alkali in hydrothermal pretreatment process at 80 degrees C for 60 min. Compared with pretreatment temperature and time, NaOH concentration had more impact on the reducing sugars yield. Chemical composition of lignocelluloses also showed great influences on their saccharification efficiency. This work provides feasible theoretical basis and method for the efficient utilization of lignocelluloses.
Thermochemical characterisation of agricultural biomass wastes from West African region has been carried out and their potential use as feedstock in thermochemical conversion processes determined. Proximate, ultimate, structural compositions, calorific values, thermogravimetry (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analyses were carried out on corn straw and cobs, rice straw and husks, cocoa pod, jatropha curcas and moringa olifiera seed cakes, parinari polyandra fruit shell and sugarcane bagasse. Moringa olifiera seed cakes and cocoa pods were found to contain the highest moisture contents. Rice straw was found to contain a high ash content of 45.76 wt.\%. The level of nitrogen and sulphur in all the samples were very low. Rice husk was found to have the highest lignin contents while corn cob low lignin contents indicate a potential feedstock source for quality bio-oil production using thermochemical process. Crown Copyright (c) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of alternatives for the intensification and revamping of sugar cane industrial facilities is necessary for the competitive development of this production process. Bagasse is a by-product of cane sugar production, used for heat cogeneration, and for furfural, boards and ethanol production from lignocellullosic residuals. The furfural hydrolysis stage coincides with the acidic pretreatment stage of ethanol technology. From previous obtained results in ethanol technology from lignocellullosic residuals (Mesa, 2009) and by changing different operation conditions of the furfural hydrolysis step, applying smaller reaction times (Morales, 2009), usable residual and condensed furfural with an appropriate composition could be obtained. The objective of this study was to carry out the simulation of the furfural production process for revamping ethanol technology of lignocellulosic residuals using the ASPEN PLUS software. Mass and energy balances were determined in the acid hydrolysis stages of the bagasse and furfural distillation units. Different economic and technical alternatives were investigated and analyzed into detail by global process simulation, both for the batch reaction unit for furfural production, as for the continuous distillation for its purification. Different suggestions for reanimation of furfural plants exist for revamping with ethanol technology from lignocellullosic residuals. For them it is necessary to take advantage of new installed production capacities and to adapt power availability of raw materials and carriers in the cane sugar production process.
The barrier to realising the potential of lignocellulosic bioethanol is the recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass. Overcoming this biomass recalcitrance is the key challenge to large scale production of lignocellulosic bioethanol. Pretreatment is an important and critical step that enables enzyme hydrolysis of lignocellulose conversion to ethanol. Finding a pretreatment method for reducing the high recalcitrance via cost-effective pretreatment methods would therefore be of great benefit. This study aims at investigating the effect of pretreatment on delignification process of sugarcane bagasse and oil palm trunk. Two methods of pretreatment were compared i.e. alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment (1\% and 5\% H2O2) and subcritical water pretreatment (170 degrees C, 2.2 MPa) for the effectiveness of reducing the lignin content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was also performed to investigate the effect of pretreatment on surface of lignocellulosic biomass. It was observed that alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment gave better results than subcritical water pretreatment based on the lignin content for both lignocellulosic biomass. Pretreated sugarcane bagasse presented lower lignin content than pretreated oil palm trunk. Lignin was successfully removed until 56.99\% under the best condition of 5\% of alkaline hydrogen peroxide, at 28 degrees C for 72 hours incubation. This study confirmed that alkaline pretreatment was found to have a better method for the conversion of lignocellulosic materials. Furthermore, sugarcane bagasse has a greater potential as basic raw materials used for the bioethanol production than oil palm trunk because it has lower content of lignin with higher content of cellulose.
The valorisation of sugarcane lignocelluloses is a potential solution to ensure the sustainability of the South African sugar industry. The sustainability of six biorefinery scenarios were assessed and compared. The scenarios are: a CHP coal supplemented itaconic acid biorefinery (Scenario 1), bioenergy self-sufficient (ESS) itaconic acid biorefinery (Scenario 2), ESS polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biorefinery (Scenario 3), ESS succinic acid and PHB biorefinery (Scenario 4), ESS succinic acid biorefinery (Scenario 5) and a stand-alone CHP plant (Scenario 6). An environmental life cycle assessment (eLCA) was conducted to identify potential problem or `hot spot' areas in the respective processes, and to compare the environmental impacts of the bio-products to one another, as well as to their fossil reference products. Carbon footprint and water scarcity impact were included as the two eLCA parameters, together with four life cycle costing (LCC) parameters and one social life assessment (sLCA) parameter, in a life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA). The LCSA parameters were normalized and weighed in a multi-criteria decision analysis tool to determine the most sustainable solution for implementation by the South African sugar industry. It was found that a trade-off exists between the environmental and techno-economic performance. Scenario 4 is the most sustainable scenario due to the environmental advantage obtained by the high succinic acid production volume, since the environmental burden is shared across a large number of bioproduct units together with the economic advantage of a high PHB selling price, while being bioenergy self-sufficient. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A techno-economic analysis was conducted for a simplified lignocellulosic ethanol production process developed and proven by the University of Florida at laboratory, pilot, and demonstration scales. Data obtained from all three scales of development were used with Aspen Plus to create models for an experimentally-proven base-case and 5 hypothetical scenarios. The model input parameters that differed among the hypothetical scenarios were fermentation time, enzyme loading, enzymatic conversion, solids loading, and overall process yield. The minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) varied between 50.38 and 62.72 US cents/L. The feedstock and the capital cost were the main contributors to the production cost, comprising between 23-28\% and 40-49\% of the MESP, respectively. A sensitivity analysis showed that overall ethanol yield had the greatest effect on the MESP. These findings suggest that future efforts to increase the economic feasibility of a cellulosic ethanol process should focus on optimization for highest ethanol yield. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The current research work intends to explore the role of different types of soil biochar amendments for improving physiological, morphological, and yield attributes of soybean under moisture deficit conditions. A pot study under RCBD (randomized complete block design) was conducted for soybean, different types of biochar, i.e., wheat straw biochar (WSB), rice straw biochar (RSB), sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB), and wood-shaving biochar (WB) under three levels of amendments (0, 10, and 20 MT ha(-1)) to a sandy loam and clay loam soil with three levels of irrigation (optimum moisture irrigation, OMI, i.e., 75\% irrigation of field capacity, moisture deficit irrigation, MDI, i.e., 50\% irrigation of FC, and severe moisture deficit irrigation, SMDI, i.e., 40\% irrigation of field capacity), by examining physio-morphological parameters, leaf nutrients, yield-related parameters, protein content (\%), and oil content (\%). Under MDI conditions, among all types of biochar utilized in the study, most influential results with soil biochar amendments were recorded in the plants of 10 MT ha(-1) wood shaving biochar with increased percentage of relative water content, improved membrane stability index, enhanced shoot length as well as leaf area along with improved yield attributes as 19\% high oil content than control (MDI) in clay loam soil. However, all other biochar types influence soybean growth more positively under MDI, particularly in clay loam soil. But in sandy loam soil, sugarcane bagasse and wood-shaving biochar had more positive influences on soybean. Thus, 10 MT ha(-1) wood shaving (Acacia nilotica) biochar soil amendment can be assessed as an efficient tool to alleviate the effects of water stress under MDI. However, both types of straw biochar due to their soft nature did not influence soybean growth and yield positively in sandy loam soil.
The aim of this study was to estimate the increase in industrial water consumption and withdrawal in a conventional sugarcane ethanol mill due to the introduction of second-generation ethanol production by a bagasse hydrolysis process, and to identify opportunities of water reuse, in order to minimize water withdrawal. Simulations in ASPEN PLUS software were performed for mass and energy balances. Three cases were evaluated: a conventional ethanol production plant (Case I), and two second-generation plants incorporating bagasse hydrolysis differing only in their glucose concentration processes, namely by evaporation (Case II), and by membrane separation (Case III). Results show that external withdrawals of 738 L/t of cane for Case 1,955 L/t of cane for Case II and 853 L/t of cane for Case III are required to cover the water deficit of the plant. These values are lower than the mandated limit of 1000 L/t of cane for the sugar cane industry in the State of Sao Paulo. Moreover, for Cases II and III, which need large additional amounts of water for the hydrolysis stage, water usages of 10.77 and 9.38 L of water per litre of ethanol produced were achieved, approaching the figure of 9.34 L water per litre of ethanol produced by the conventional plants (Case I). This highlights the high potential for reduction practices based on the concept of energy and water integration. (C) 2013 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
This study was designed to evaluate physicochemical properties of the sugar industry and ethanol distillery wastewater, and treat the blended wastewater of the two industries using anaerobic digestion followed by adsorption of bagasse fly ash (BFA). The wastewater samples of the two industries were collected using composite and grab- sampling techniques. The application of the integrated treatment method was performed using an initial COD concentration of 10,000 mg/L, at the hydraulic retention time of 10 days, pH 7 and a constant temperature (37 degrees C) of the bioreactor, whereas the adsorption treatment was operated at the optimum point of BFA dose (4 g in 100 mL) and contact time (4 h) obtained in previous studies. Most of the physicochemical parameters of the two wastewaters were above the effluent discharging limits, which have the potential to cause adverse effects on the environment by interfering with physicochemical and biological processing. Under anaerobic treatment, maximum COD reduction of 65\% and color removal of 79\% were recorded, whereas after adsorption treatment, COD reduction of 62\% and color removal of 58\% were observed. However, the integration of the two aforementioned treatment technologies resulted in an average COD reduction of 76\% and color removal of 83\%, which indicates a promising option to mitigate pollution of untreated wastewater and enhance the practices of reusing the treated wastewater at the industrial scales. Finally, it can be concluded that the treated effluent can also be reused for irrigation of sugarcane which will contribute to sustainable water utilization in the sector.
To obtain high yields of products through bioconversion processes, biomass must be pretreated to change its recalcitrant structures. The key goal of this analysis is to compare the findings in terms of total reducing sugar yield after organic solvents and hot water pretreatment on finger millet straw (FMS) using laboratory-scale equipment. Accordingly, the effect of two separate pretreatments, i.e., liquid hot water, and organic solvent (ethanol) at autoclave, and furnace temperatures, was investigated in this study to increase the enzymatic conversion of FMS under optimal conditions. The biomass recovery was found highest under the liquid hot water (autoclave; 9.477 +/- 0.017\%) pretreatment conditions. In addition, the cellulose content improved significantly with pretreatment, increasing from 41.7 +/- 0.74 to 55.33 +/- 0.89\%, while the hemicellulose and lignin contents significantly decreased. The untreated sample having a lignin amount of around 6.42 +/- 0.21\% after different pretreatment methods dropped significantly (p = 0.00737{*
Rape straw and Miscanthus giganteus was pretreated chemically with oxalic acid or sodium hydroxide. The pretreated substrates were hydrolyzed with enzymatic preparations of cellulase, xylanase and cellobiase. The highest concentration of reducing sugars was achieved after hydrolysis of M. giganteus pretreated with NaOH (51.53 g dm (3)). In turn, the highest yield of enzymatic hydrolysis determined based on polysaccharides content in the pretreated substrates was obtained in the experiments with M. giganteus and oxalic acid (99.3\%). Rape straw and M. giganteus hydrolysates were fermented using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae 7, NRRL 978 or filamentous fungus Mucor rouxii (Mucor indicus) DSM 1191. The highest ethanol concentration was determined after fermentation of M. giganteus hydrolysate pretreated with NaOH using S. cerevisiae (1.92\% v/v). Considering cellulose content in the pretreated solid, the highest degree of its conversion to ethanol (86.2\%) was achieved after fermentation of the hydrolysate of acid -treated M. giganteus using S. cerevisiae. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Co-firing of biomass residues with coal is continuously increasing in it's application in coal-fired boilers for electricity production. In this study, co-firing experiments were performed using a Russian coal with a range of biomasses, shea meal (SM), cotton stalk (CS), sugarcane bagasse (SBT), sugarcane bagasse (SBR) and wood chips (WC) as biomasses in 5\%, 10\% and 15\% thermal fractions to evaluate their potential as substitute fuel and an agent for NOx control. It was found that the addition of biomass increased NO reduction under both un-staged and air-staged conditions. However, NO reductions obtained under optimum conditions of primary zone stoichiometry (SR1 = 0.9) and over-fire air (OFA) injection port location 3, were found to be significantly higher than un-staged co-firing for the same biomass thermal share in the fuel blend. It was found that the addition of biomass has a positive effect on carbon burnout under the optimum conditions that were determined in the study. A 10\% biomass blending ratio (BBR) was found to be optimum for air-staging conditions. When co-fired under optimum air-staged conditions, a 10\% BBR of sugarcane bagasse (SBR), shea meal (SM), wood chips (WC), cotton stalk (CS) and sugarcane bagasse (SBT) in coal gave NO reduction of 49\%, 51\%, 53\%, 60\% and 72\%, respectively. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Actinobacteria isolates from Brazilian Cerrado soil were evaluated for their ability to produce enzymes of the cellulolytic and xylanolytic complex using lignocellulose residual biomass. Preliminary semiquantitative tests, made in Petri plates containing carboxymethylcellulose and beechwood xylan, indicated 11 potential species producing enzymes, all belonging to the genus Streptomyces. The species were subsequently grown in pure substrates in submerged fermentation and analyzed for the production of enzymes endoglucanase, -glucosidase, endoxylanase, and -xylosidase. The best results were obtained for endoxylanase enzyme production with Streptomyces termitum(UFLA CES 93). The strain was grown on lignocellulose biomass (bagasse, straw sugarcane, and cocoa pod husk) that was used in natura or acid pretreated. The medium containing sugarcane bagasse in natura favored the production of the endoxylanase that was subsequently optimized through an experimental model. The highest enzyme production 0.387UmL(-1), (25.8 times higher), compared to the lowest value obtained in one of the trials, was observed when combining 2.75\% sugar cane bagasse and 1.0gL(-1) of yeast extract to the alkaline medium (pH 9.7). This is the first study using S. termitum as a producer of endoxylanase.
The objective of this work was to develop an efficient approach for chemoenzymatically transforming biomass to furfurylamine by bridging chemocatalysis and biocatalysis in a deep eutectic solvent of EaCl:Gly-water. Using hydroxyapatite (HAP) as support, heterogeneous catalyst SO4 (2-)/SnO2-HAP was synthesized for transforming lignocellulosic biomass into furfural using organic acid as a co-catalyst. The turnover frequency (TOF) was correlated with the pKa value of the used organic acid. Corncob was transformed by oxalic acid (pKa = 1.25) (0.4 wt\%) plus SO4 (2-)/SnO2-HAP (2.0 wt\%) to produce furfural with a yield of 48.2\% and a TOF of 6.33 h(-1) in water. In deep eutectic solvent EaCl:Gly-water (1:2, v/v), co-catalysis with SO4 (2-)/SnO2-HAP and oxalic acid was utilized to transform corncob, rice straw, reed leaf, and sugarcane bagasse for the production of furfural with the yield of 42.4\%-59.3\% (based on the xylan content) at 180? after 10 min. The formed furfural could be efficiently aminated to furfurylamine with E. coli CCZU-XLS160 cells in the presence of NH4Cl (as an amine donor). As a result of the biological amination of furfural derived from corncob, rice straw, reed leaf, and sugarcane bagasse for 24 h, the yields of furfurylamine reached >99\%, with a productivity of 0.31-0.43 g furfurylamine per g xylan. In EaCl:Gly-water, an efficient chemoenzymatic catalysis strategy was employed to valorize lignocellulosic biomass into valuable furan chemicals.
This work had as its main objective to contribute to the development of a biological detoxification of hemicellulose hydrolysates obtained from different biomass plants using Issatchenkia occidentalis CCTCC M 206097 yeast. Tests with hemicellulosic hydrolysate of sugarcane bagasse in different concentrations were carried out to evaluate the influence of the hydrolysate concentration on the inhibitory compounds removal from the sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate, without reduction of sugar concentration. The highest reduction values of inhibitors concentration and less sugar losses were observed when the fivefold concentrated hydrolysate was treated by the evaluated yeast. In these experiments it was found that the high sugar concentrations favored lower sugar consumption by the yeast. The highest concentration reduction of syringaldehyde (66.67\%), ferulic acid (73.33\%), furfural (62\%), and 5-HMF (85\%) was observed when the concentrated hydrolysate was detoxified by using this yeast strain after 24 h of experimentation. The results obtained in this work showed the potential of the yeast Issatchenkia occidentalis CCTCC M 206097 as detoxification agent of hemicellulosic hydrolysate of different biomass plants.
Sugarcane is one of the most important crops in the world and rich in polyphenols. In this study, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, tricin and p-coumaric acid, the major polyphenols in sugarcane, were used to evaluate the antiproliferative activities toward MCF-7 human breast cancer cells independently and in combination. These five polyphenols all showed inhibitory effects against MCF-7 cells within different dose ranges. The combinations of luteolin and three polyphenols (quercetin, apigenin, p-coumaric acid) were studied. p-Coumaric acid together with luteolin exhibited synergistic effects at all concentrations tested: the CI (Combination Index) values at 50\%, 75\% and 90\% inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth were 0.68 +/- 0.06, 0.70 +/- 0.08 and 0.83 +/- 0.09, respectively. Although the two-way combination of luteolin and apigenin showed moderate antagonistic effect (CI, 1.26 +/- 0.24) at EC50, the CI value dropped as the inhibition rate increased, showing a synergistic effect at the inhibition rate above 70\%. The combination of luteolin and quercetin indicated antagonistic effect at the inhibition rate above 50\% (Fa(0.5,) CI = 1.10 +/- 0.05). p-Coumaric acid with quercetin exhibited antagonistic actions (Fa(0.5,) CI = 1.62 +/- 0.22) at all concentrations tested. In addition, the EC50 values of luteolin and quercetin against MCF-7 cells decreased by 1.91 and 2.62-fold after combining with 20 mu M tricin. The results provide evidence of synergistic relation among polyphenols present in sugarcane in inhibition of cancer cell growth and of their potential clinical application.
Homogeneous modification of cellulose, isolated with 10\% KOH from delignified sugarcane bagasse, was performed in room-temperature ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylinidazolium chloride with phthalic anhydride in the absence of catalyst. The results showed the degree of substitution of phthalated cellulosic derivatives, ranging from 0.10 to 0.73, increased with the increment of reaction temperature, reaction time, and the molar ratio of phthalic anhydride/anhydroglucose units in cellulose under the conditions given. The products were characterized by FT-IR and solid-state CP/MAS C-13 NMR spectroscopy as well as thermal analysis, and the results revealed that the phthalation reaction at C-6, C-2, and C-3 positions of the cellulose all occurred. The thermal stability of the phthalated cellulose was found to decrease upon chemical modification. However, this thermal stability of the phthalated cellulose over 200 degrees C is rather satisfactory.
The present study focused on investigating the catalytic mechanism of metal salts (sodium hypophosphite, sodium bisulfate and ammonium ferric sulfate) for esterification of bagasse cellulose carried out by mechanical activation-assisted solid phase reaction in a stirring ball mill. FTIR analysis of the products confirmed that these metal salts could catalyze the esterification of cellulose. XRD, SEM, FTIR, and P-31-NMR analyses of different samples indicated a synergistic effect between metal salt and ball milling, and the presence of metal salts enhanced the destruction on crystal structure of cellulose by mechanical force. The catalytic mechanism of three metal salts was difference: sodium bisulfate and ammonium ferric sulfate belonged to the catalytic mechanism of protonic acid and Lewis acid, respectively, while the catalytic mechanism of sodium hypophosphite was considered as that it could react with maleic acid to form active intermediates under ball milling.
The presence of toxic compounds in hemicellulosic hydrolysates is a bottleneck for biotechnological processes, such as xylitol production. In our work, a new approach was proposed for hemicellulosic hydrolysates detoxification by using the residual dry yeast biomass (DYB) from xylitol production bioprocess. Candida tropicalis biomass was recovered from fermentation process of a medium based on sugarcane bagasse and straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate (SBSH). The effects of influent variables on detoxification performance were investigated, and the removal of phenolic compounds, acetic acid, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural reached up to, respectively, 27.0 \%, 26.7 \%, 27.5 \%, and 25.8 \%. By using the SBSH detoxified at conditions of highest phenolics removal, fermentations (initial xylose concentration of 52 g L-1) were performed for xylitol production, resulting in a yield of 0.79 gg-1 and 86 \% of conversion efficiency. Thus, the use of residual DYB is a potential alternative for detoxification of hemicellulosic hydrolysates, since recycling the biomass could reduce the expenditures with adsorbents.
The incineration of agricultural waste (agro-waste) as a fuel or solid fuel results in landfilled ash that in most cases results in an environmental problem in its disposal. We highlighted an excellent overview for the utilization of different types of agricultural waste, such as rice husk and straw, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo leaves, banana peel, onion peel, and other agricultural waste employed for the fabrication of low-cost, environmentally friendly, and high potential range nanomaterials. In this review, we summarized the synthesis process and applications of metal oxide nanomaterials such as ZnO and SiO2, which are promising value-added material for various purposes, using agricultural waste as raw material. We have also discussed different applications, toxic effects as well as management of agricultural waste by the ``3R{''
This work deals with the development of a technology for xylitol production from sugarcane hemicellulosic hydrolysate by biotechnological routes emphasizing the purification process by crystallization, The hemicellulosic hydrolysate obtained by acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, was concentrated and treated with ion-exchange resins. The fermentation (88 g/L xylose, pH 5.0, 30 h(-1) oxygen transfer volumetric coefficient, 30 degrees C and 300 rpm stirring rate) was carried out in a 15-L bioengineering fermentator. The fermented broth was centrifuged, treated, concentrated and subsequently crystallized twice. This process resulted in xylitol in crystals with 92-94\% purity. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Biohydrogen production has received widespread attention from researchers in industry and academic fields. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effects of several key variables in anaerobic fermentation of glucose with Clostridium butyrium, and achieved the highest production rate and yield of hydrogen. Highest H-2 yield of 2.02 mol H-2/mol-glucose was achieved from 24 h bottle fermentation of glucose at 35 degrees C, while the composition of medium was (g/L): 15.66 glucose, 6.04 yeast extract, 4 tryptone, 3 K2HPO4, 3 KH2PO4, 0.05 L-cysteine, 0.05 MgSO4 . 7H(2)O, 0.1 MnSO4 center dot H2O and 0.3 FeSO4 center dot 7H(2)O, which was very different from that for cell growth. Sugarcane bagasse and Jatropha hulls were selected as typical tropical biomass wastes to produce sugars via a two-step acid hydrolysis for hydrogen production. Under the optimized fermentation conditions, H-2 yield (mol H-2/mol-total reducing sugar) was 2.15 for glucose, 2.06 for bagasse hydrolysate and 1.95 for Jatropha hull hydrolysate in a 3L fermenter for 24 h at 35 degrees C, with H-2 purity of 49.7-64.34\%. The results provide useful information and basic data for practical use of tropical plant wastes to produce hydrogen.
Background: The economics of producing only electricity from residues, which comprise of surplus bagasse and 50\% post-harvest residues, at an existing sugar mill in South Africa was compared to the coproduction of ethanol from the hemicelluloses and electricity from the remaining solid fractions. Six different energy schemes were evaluated. They include: (1) exclusive electricity generation by combustion with high pressure steam cycles (CHPSC-EE), (2) biomass integrated gasification with combined cycles (BIGCC-EE), (3) coproduction of ethanol (using conventional distillation (CD)) and electricity (using BIGCC), (4) coproduction of ethanol (using CD) and electricity (using CHPSC), (5) coproduction of ethanol (using vacuum distillation (VD)) and electricity (using BIGCC), and (6) coproduction of ethanol (using VD) and electricity (using CHPSC). The pricing strategies in the economic analysis considered an upper and lower premium for electricity, on the standard price of the South African Energy Provider Eskom' of 31 and 103\% respectively and ethanol prices were projected from two sets of historical prices. Results: From an energy balance perspective, ethanol coproduction with electricity was superior to electricity production alone. The VD/BIGCC combination had the highest process energy efficiency of 32.91\% while the CHPSC-EE has the lowest energy efficiency of 15.44\%. Regarding the economic comparison, it was seen that at the most conservative and optimistic pricing strategies, the ethanol production using VD/BIGCC had the highest internal rate of returns at 29.42 and 40.74\% respectively. Conclusions: It was shown that bioethanol coproduction from the hemicellulose fractions of sugarcane residues, with electricity cogeneration from cellulose and lignin, is more efficient and economically viable than the exclusive electricity generation technologies considered, under the constraints in a South African context.
Pyrolysis is a promising technology for thermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomasses into a higher added value fuel. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of four agroforestry biomasses to produce energy as a raw material or as a bio-coal. In this study, slow pyrolysis was conducted in three final temperatures to evaluate the bio-coal production of four agroforestiy biomasses widely available in Brazil. The biomasses used were sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum sp.), bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), straw bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and eucalypts wood chips (Eucalyptus sp.). In the first part was presented the raw biomasses proprieties, such as lignin, carbon, hydrogen and ash contents. In the second part was showed the bio-coal proprieties, such as gravimetric and fixed carbon yields, fixed carbon and ash contents. These bio-coal results were showed as a function of final temperature of pyrolysis. The best energy indicators for bio-coal production, such as fixed carbon yield, high heating value, was observed in the bamboo and eucalypts. The bagasse and straw bean biomasses have high concentrations of ash and low lignin content when compared with the other biomasses assessed and are less suitable to produce bio-coal.
Even though vermicomposting is an age old process, due to rapid changes in technology in present scenario it is essential to change such process with application of advanced technique available. The same attempt is made by authors during series of their experiments of bioconversion over solid waste containing substrates cellulose into useful biofertilizer. In the present study the substrate sugarcane bagasse taken as carbon source is bio-converted with species of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. The role of moisture content in the process is studied by varying moisture content from 45 +/- 5\%, 55 +/- 5\%, 65 +/- 5\%, 75 +/- 5\% to 85 +/- 5\%. It is observed that the moisture content 75 +/- 5\% is the optimal at which the vermicomposting is fastest. Other relative parameters observed varied with maximum changes in range of 75 +/- 5\% of moisture content. The maximum kinetic reaction rate is recorded at the same level of moisture content.
The present Cuban economic model focuses on renewable sources of energy production, according to sustainable development strategies for 2030. However, the strategies do not consider biogas (or methane) due to, among other reasons, a lack of knowledge of its actual potential. Following the methodology of the batch anaerobic digestion process, the study shows the biomethane potential contained in the most critical agricultural solid wastes generated in Cuba, i.e., rice straw, cane straw, corn straw, bean straw, banana straw (leaves), coffee husk, and parchment coffee. Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) was assayed by lab-scale (585 ml) batch reactors, using the pig manure anaerobic sludge as inoculum under mesophilic conditions (35 +/- 2 degrees C). Physicochemical parameters (total volatile solids, pH, alkalinity, volatile fatty acid concentration, and alkalinity ratio) were determined for process stability, quantifying the biogas production daily. Subsequently, the BMP was calculated for all substrates. The results showed that corn straw (0.42 l CH4 per gram of volatile solids) contained the highest biomethane potential. Stability on all systems was obtained, demonstrating the viability of the inoculum used to start digesters that treat this waste. The total potential methane obtained was 1258 106 m3/year, which is enough to generate 3,750 GWh of power per year-equivalent to 18 \% of the total annual electricity generation in the country.
The pathogenicity of six entomopathogenic nematodes was assessed against nymphs of the sugarcane root spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata (Fabr.), in the laboratory. The efficiency of the most virulent agent was tested in the field. Seven laboratory treatments were designed with two specimens of the genus Heterorhabditis, three of Steinernema, one specimen of Steinernema glaseri (Steiner), and a control group. In the field, two experiments were conducted. The first experiment involved nine treatments: the control, four treatments with Heterorhabditis sp. (CB-n5) applied to the straw mulch at doses 6.6 x 101, 3.3 x 10(8), 6.6 x 10(8) and 3.3 x 10(9) IJs/ha, and four treatments with the nematodes applied to the soil and beneath the straw mulch layer, at the same doses. The second experiment contained four treatments: the control and applications of Heterorhabditis sp. (3.3 x 10(8) IJs/ha), the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (2.6 x 10(12) viable conidia/ha), and the chemical insecticide thiamethoxan (Actara 200 WG) (1 kg/ha). Heterorhabditis sp. (CB-n5), Steinernema sp. (CB-n6), and Heterorhabditis sp. (CCA) were the three most virulent nematodes (100\%, 98\%, and 96\% mortality, respectively). In the first field experiment, Heterorhabditis sp. controlled 74\% of the insects, with no significant difference among doses or between application to the soil or mulch. In the second experiment, the chemical insecticide provided 67\% control, not differing statistically from nematode (56\%) or fungus (44\%) control, seven days post-treatment.
This paper presents a study on scale-up and cost reduction of the production of spores of Metarhizium anisopliae IBCB 425, entomopathogenic fungus used in sugarcane crops. Rice was mixed with sugarcane bagasse (9:1 w/w) for substrate composition, assuring adequate physical structure for cultivation in packed-beds. Spores yield from only rice in bench-scale packed-bed bioreactor was 56 \% of the one obtained from the mixture 9:1 w/w. In comparison to plastic packages used in bioindustries, equivalent spores yields per gram of substrate have been achieved in bench and pilot-scale bioreactors built by cylindrical jacketed modules, that provide better control of operational and environmental variables, attested by little variability among replicates. Although non-negligible temperature rise (5 degrees C above the ideal) occurred within the pilot-scale bioreactor, spores production was not harmed in comparison to bench-scale. By reusing rice up to three successive cultivations, a 2.5-fold increase of spores yields was achieved in comparison to single use. Temperatures and CO2 profiles corroborates the fungus adapted differently to substrate at each usage. Such results are valuable for industrial producers of commercial formulations of the fungus spores, allowing process modernization by using packed-bed bioreactors and production costs and rice demand reduction by recycling the substrate.
For efficient feedstock and energy utilization, integrated biorefinery processes are applied to furfural production from bagasse to convert furfural residue into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)-an important intermediate building block for the production of various biochemicals. Here, a techno-economic analysis of the integrated processes of furfural and HMF production combined with electricity generation under different scenarios was performed to identify the most suitable process design. Simulations revealed that using the whole bagasse in the biorefinery plant and recycling 50\% waste from the HMF production to recover unreacted sugar (scenario 2) achieved the maximum furfural and HMF production with minimum CO2 emission, compared with integrated processes without sugar recycling (scenario 1), with 80\% (scenario 3) and 60\% biomass (scenario 4) bypassed to the biorefinery, and with a standalone combined heat and power system (scenario 5). Moreover, heat integration improved the efficiency of biorefinery plant (scenario 2), with an energy recovery potential of 71\%, leading to the maximum profit at 11\% internal rate of return. However, the high operating cost associated with the requirement of solvents and catalysts for HMF production represents the largest cost distribution in the proposed integrated processes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that solvent cost was the most important parameter for economic benefit. In addition, improving technological efficiency in the pretreatment and HMF production phases can enhance product yield, thereby benefiting the profitability of this process.
The simultaneous removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water requires multifunctional adsorbents. Cryogels of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sugarcane bagasse (BG) were modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB), Cr(VI) ions and bisphenol A (BPA) separately, in binary or ternary aqueous mixtures. Batch adsorption studies of MB and Cr(VI) and BPA on the CMCBG-CTAB adsorbents indicated removal capacities of 100\%, 70\% and 95\%, respectively. MB adsorbed as multilayers on the CMCBG walls by electrostatic interaction, whereas Cr(VI) and BPA adsorbed on the cationic CTAB micelles surface and hydrophobic core of CTAB micelles, respectively. The breakthrough curves obtained for pure adsorbates and their mixtures showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions increased (i) similar to 3.5 times in binary mixture with BPA or in the ternary mixture, in comparison to pure Cr(VI) solution, and (ii) 1.4 times in binary mixture with MB molecules, due to synergistic effects. In the presence of Cr(VI) ions in binary or ternary mixtures, the adsorption of MB was dramatically reduced due to screening effects. The adsorption of BPA was not significantly affected by the presence of MB or Cr(VI). The adsorbents were recycled five times without significant efficiency loss.
Bagasse ash is solid waste of cane sugar industry which contain of silica more than 51\%. Some previous study of silica gel from bagasse ash have been conducted often and been applied. This study concerns about the effect of various acid used in the process of gelation to the characteristic of silica gel produced. Then, this silica gel will be used as adsorbent. As that, the silica gel must fulfill the requirements of adsorbent, as have good pores characteristics, fit in mesoporous size so that adsorbent diffusion process is not disturbed. A fitted pores size of silica gel can be prepared by managing acid concentration used. The effect of acid, organic acid (tartaric acid) and inorganic acid (hydrochloric acid), is investigated in detail. The acid is added into sodium silicate solution in that the gel is formed, the pores structures can be investigated with BET, the crystal form is analyzed with XRD and the pore structure is analyzed visually with SEM. By managing the acid concentration added, it gets the effect of acid to the pore structure of silica gel. The bigger concentration is, the bigger the pore's size of silica gel produced.
Ganoderma lucidum belongs to the family Ganodermataceae and found in Japan, China and some other parts of Asia. Traditionally it is used in herbal medicine as anti-diabetic, cancer prevention agent, antitumor, an immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and antiviral agent. Due to difficulty in field cultivation, submerged fermentation was employed as a promising method for efficient and large-scale production of mycelia biomass and bioactive metabolites. Cellulose was used in the form of a lignocellulosic substrate. The Ganoderma lucidum which is medicinal and edible mushrooms were successfully grown in the form of mycelial biomass in static submerged culture in Petri plates and flasks. The present study is based on the utilization of hydrolyzates of lignocellulosic materials such as Peanut cort, Sugarcane bagasse, and Wheat Straw was used after hydrolysis. A Static Fermentation Technique was employed to investigate the mycelial growth, instead of Fruiting Body. Ganoderma lucidum was kept up on PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium in Petri dishes at 4 degrees C and brooded at 25 degrees C for 5 days for the development of G. lucidum and generation of Ganoderic Acid. Morphology of G. lucidum on various Hydrolysates was white and delicate like cotton unpredictable shape, Cloud-like appearance spread in general plate and multiple little sporadic white cotton-like shape with string-like projections. We got a Ganoderic Acid from the Hydrolysates of Peanut cort concentrate, Sugarcane bagasse concentrate and Wheat straw concentrate at a concentration of 0.006g/L, 0.011g/L and 0.017g/L respectively.
Background The transition to a biobased economy involving the depolymerization and fermentation of renewable agro-industrial sources is a challenge that can only be met by achieving the efficient hydrolysis of biomass to monosaccharides. In nature, lignocellulosic biomass is mainly decomposed by fungi. We recently identified six efficient cellulose degraders by screening fungi from Vietnam. Results We characterized a high-performance cellulase-producing strain, with an activity of 0.06 U/mg, which was identified as a member of the Fusarium solani species complex linkage 6 (Fusarium metavorans), isolated from mangrove wood (FW16.1, deposited as DSM105788). The genome, representing nine potential chromosomes, was sequenced using PacBio and Illumina technology. In-depth secretome analysis using six different synthetic and artificial cellulose substrates and two agro-industrial waste products identified 500 proteins, including 135 enzymes assigned to five different carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) classes. The F. metavorans enzyme cocktail was tested for saccharification activity on pre-treated sugarcane bagasse, as well as untreated sugarcane bagasse and maize leaves, where it was complemented with the commercial enzyme mixture Accellerase 1500. In the untreated sugarcane bagasse and maize leaves, initial cell wall degradation was observed in the presence of at least 196 mu g/mL of the in-house cocktail. Increasing the dose to 336 mu g/mL facilitated the saccharification of untreated sugarcane biomass, but had no further effect on the pre-treated biomass. Conclusion Our results show that F. metavorans DSM105788 is a promising alternative pre-treatment for the degradation of agro-industrial lignocellulosic materials. The enzyme cocktail promotes the debranching of biopolymers surrounding the cellulose fibers and releases reduced sugars without process disadvantages or loss of carbohydrates.
This study aims to valorize wheat straw for xylose and glucose recovery using maleic acid in the pretreatment. The process conditions of maleic acid hydrolysis of wheat straw for xylose recovery were optimized by response surface methodology, through which the maximum xylose recovery of 77.12\% versus minimum furfural yield of 1.61\% were achieved using 70 g/L solid-to-liquid ratio and 0.1 mol/L maleic acid for 40 min at 150 degrees C. Moreover, 88.58\% cellulose conversion was achieved by enzymatic hydrolysis of maleic acid-pretreated wheat straw. Results showed that maleic acid was an effective pretreatment solvent for sugars recovery: 19.88 g xylose and 30.89 g glucose were respectively obtained from 100 g wheat straw due to acidic and enzymatic hydrolysis, with only 0.37 g furfural produced. This study provides a strategy for hydrolyzing wheat straw to produce fermentable sugars with low amount of degradation product.
A TG/DTG and DTA measurements are used to determine the kinetics of the thermal decomposition of two Egyptian biomasses (sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks powders) at three heating rates of 10, 15 and 20 degrees C/min. Two distinct reaction zones were observed for the two biomasses. The direct Arrhenius plot method and integral method were applied to (TG/DTG) analysis for determination of kinetic parameters: activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and order of reaction. The weight loss curve showed that pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks took place mainly in the range of 200-500 degrees C. Also, the activation energy of a phase transition can be calculated directly from the DTA thermogram of each biomass material. Heating rates had little effect on the pyrolysis process, but the peak of the weight loss rate in the DTG curves shifted towards higher temperature with heating rate. The activation energy of the sugarcane bagasse powder obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method are 48.25, 57.15 and 45.35 kJ/mol for the heat rate of 10, 15 and 20 degrees C/min, respectively. On the other side, the integral method shows larger values of the activation energy for sugarcane bagasse (82.5, 78.5 and 56.7 kJ/mol for the heat rate of 10, 15 and 20 degrees C/min, respectively). The activation energy of the cotton stalks powder obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method are 100, 80 and 68 kJ/mol for the heat rate 10, 15 and 20 degrees C/min, respectively, but the integral method shows larger values of activation energy (100, 107 and 101 kJ/mol for the heat rate of 10, 15 and 20 degrees C/min, respectively). The calculated activation energy by DTA analysis was found to be 81.77 and 84.75 kJ/mol for sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks, respectively. These values are, to some extent, in agreement with the data obtained by direct and integral methods. The cotton stalks are more reactive than the sugarcane bagasse.
Residues like sewage sludge and vinasse have been reused as agricultural fertilizers, but they also present a potential to contaminate soils. Diplopods have been considered excellent bioindicators of soil contamination. In the present study, Rhinocricus padbergi were used to assess toxicity in samples of sewage sludge, biosolids, and sugarcane vinasse. The behavioral analysis, mortality rate, and histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural analyses of the midgut of diplopods were the parameters evaluated. Behaviorally, some diplopods avoided burying themselves after 30 days in soil with biosolid or vinasse. Besides, certain residue combinations were able to cause death of all individuals between 60 and 90 days of exposure. The main tissue responses were significant brush border thickening, induction of epithelial renovation, clustering of hemocytes, accumulation of cytoplasmic granules in hepatic cells, hepatic cells with heteropycnotic nuclei, and cytoplasmic degradation. Alterations were observed at various levels among treatments with different samples and exposure times. Ultrastructural analysis revealed elongation of microvilli coated with a layer of an amorphous substance, resulting in a thicker brush border as observed in the histological analysis. After 30 days of exposure, animals showed an accumulation of spherocrystals in hepatic cells and high absorption of substances, based on the elongation of microvilli. Results obtained in the chemical analysis and the behaviors observed in diplopods suggest that animals processed the residues. Therefore, caution should be exercised in the disposal of these residues in agriculture.
Aerogel-like carbon (ALC) based on sugarcane was prepared by a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and postpyrolysis process. The ALC prepared from sugarcane exhibits a typical cellular structure with low density, high specific surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity. Although with low density, the specific elastic modulus of ALC can reach 484.7 MPa.cm(3)/g, based on our knowledge, this is the strongest aerogel-like carbon ever reported. The average electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of ALC in X band is 51.0 dB with an absorption-dominant shielding feature. More importantly, the specific surface area of ALC, which has subtle influence on the properties of ALC, can be fined tuned by the HTC process. Considering the chemical-free fabrication process with sustainable raw materials, adjustable structure, excellent mechanical properties, the lightweight and highly conductive ALCs are postulated to have promising potential applications in sensor, energy conversion and storage, and EMI shielding.
The increasing demand of energy has been a prime source of motivation for the development of alternate fuels. The concept of biological degradation of organic wastes by anaerobic digestion for the generation of methane has been used by waste management industries for many years. Pressmud is an industrial waste available from the sugar mills. For every 100 tonnes of sugarcane crushed about 3 tones of pressmud cake is left behind as by-product. The objective of this work was to study the characterization of pressmud and its uses and importance. This paper reports its proximate analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis etc. The thermo gravimetric (TG), derivative thermo gravimetric (DTG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA) were also carried out. The overall objective of these analyses is to find out the suitability of pressmud for energy generation and the distinct behavior of pressmud indicates that this sugar industry waste is highly suitable for energy production. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Biochar was used as a coating material for slow release urea. However, influence of biochar performance on preparing biochar-coated urea (BCU) and nitrogen release characteristics is rarely reported. In this study, total of 24 biochars were prepared and characterized from six biomass residues ( rice straw, chicken manure, vinasse, Phyllostachys pubescens, Arundo donax and sugarcane bagasse) at four pyrolysis temperatures (400-700 degrees C). Grey correlation analysis (GCA) was used to select biochar as a coating material for BCU based on biochar performance indicators. The feasibility (BCU formability) for preparing BCU and characteristics of nitrogen release in BCU based on hydrostatic dissolution test and soil column leaching experiment were evaluated. Biochar prepared at low pyrolysis temperature was not suitable as a coating material for BCU due to low specific surface area. Biochars derived from pyrolysis of Phyllostachys pubescens (B-P6), vinasse (B-V6) and rice straw (B-R6) at 600 degrees C were selected as coating materials for BCU based on grey correlation analysis (GCA). The adhesion of biochar to urea surface was related to biomass type that preparing biochar. B-V6 was recommended for use as coating material for BCU because the feasibility of the biochars followed the order B-R6 > B-V6 > B-P6, and the practicality of the biochars followed the order B-P6 > B-V6 > B-R6. The findings suggest that biochar with a high specific surface area, hydrophilic oxygen-containing functional groups and low pH is a suitable material for BCU. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
In this study, a mathematical model has been developed to evaluate the performance of industrial-scale bioethanol production from molasses by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a series of bioreactors operated in continuous mode. The model was based on three simple metabolic pathways in the yeast including molasses fermentation, molasses oxidation, and ethanol oxidation. The model parameters were estimated using the AQUASIM software by minimizing the error between measurements and calculated results. Results show that the model predictions agree well with the experimental results. The model is a useful tool to predict volumes, levels, discharge flow, bioethanol, and biomass concentrations in each bioreactor during the process. As it is not practical to make changes in steady-state continuous operation processes, the model can also be used to optimize the process performance and to increase the biomass and ethanol yields. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd
Composition of the biomixture is crucial for the success of a bio-purification system. The rice straw-compost biomixture (BM) was mixed with the rice husk ash (RHA, 5 and 10\%), sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA, 5 and 10\%) and wheat straw biochar (WBC, 1, 5 and 10\%) and adsorption of atrazine and fipronil was studied. Fipronil was more sorbed than atrazine in all biomixtures. Both ashes and biochar increased sorption of atrazine, but the effect varied with the level of the amendment. The adsorption coefficient (K-d) values for atrazine in biomixtures were 6.82 (BM), 8.64 (RHA5\%), 8.80 (RHA10\%), 7.26 (SBA5\%), 7.66 (SBA10\%), 8.26 (WBC1\%), 26.79 (WBC5\%) and 46.68 (WBC10\%). Ashes did not have much effect of fipronil sorption {[
In the study, an activated carbon was prepared by co-pyrolyzing rice straw and sewage sludge with ZnCl2 activation (SS-RS AC) and used to remove Cr(VI) from wastewater. Firstly, for the preparation of SS-RS AC, the yield and iodine number were used to determine the appropriate addition percentage of rice straw. Then, a series of batch experiments including initial pH, adsorption kinetics and isotherms, and ionic strength as well as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of SS-RS AC before and after adsorption were performed to explore the Cr(VI) adsorption removal behavior and mechanism of SS-RS AC prepared from sewage sludge with the appropriate rice straw addition percentage. The results showed that the appropriate addition percentage of rice straw was 20\%. For the Cr(VI) adsorption removal with SS-RS AC, the initial pH of solution significantly influenced the removal efficient. The highest efficiency of Cr(VI) adsorption removal (97.7\%) could be attained at pH 2.0. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm data were best fitted by the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir-Freundlich model, respectively. The prepared SS-RS AC had the maximum Cr(VI) adsorption removal capacity of 138.69 mg/g at 40 degrees C. The main mechanisms for the Cr(VI) removal with SS-RS AC involve the electrostatic attraction and the reduction of Cr(VI). Carboxy, amine, and hydroxyl groups were found to act as electron donor groups, contributing to the reduction of Cr(VI). The ionic strength had an adverse effect on the Cr(VI) removal. Overall, the prepared SS-RS AC can be used as an alternative and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI).
This study aimed to determine DRIS standards and indices in commercial sugarcane plantations through soil, leaf, and stem samples collected in the southern region of the state of Goias, Brazil. The experiment was arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two cultivation systems (with or without vinasse application) and two sugarcane varieties (CTC 4 and RB 867515), both with 50 sampling points. The database was created using the total amount of soil samples collected at a depth of 0-0.20 m for chemical analysis, leaves collected in the period of greatest vegetative development of the crop (240 days after ratoon sprouting) for chemical analysis and the yield of stems for the industry. It was found that fertigation with vinasse can promote increases in the yield of cane stalks for the industry in the order of 35 t ha(-1) for the variety CTC 4. The DRIS indices for the soil enabled to diagnose limitations caused by nutritional deficiencies regarding the available contents of P and Zn for areas cultivated with CTC 4 and the available contents of K, Cu, Fe, and Mg for areas cultivated with RB 867515. The nutritional diagnosis carried out using the DRIS method for the chemical analysis of leaves showed greater sensitivity for detecting nutritional limitations of Ca, Cu, and Mn compared to traditional methods of interpretation by critical levels. The nutritional balance index (NBI) is an efficient tool for the proper diagnosis of nutritional balance, since the lowest NBI indices were the ones that provided the highest stalk yields of ratoon cane for the industry.
Soil toxicity tests are commonly applied using Enchytraeus crypticus to analyze reproductive outputs. However, the traditional method for counting potworms takes a long time due to the significant number of offspring. This paper compares the conventional total counting of E. crypticus juveniles (M1) and an alternative methodology (M2). The proposed methodology (M2) uses a simple random counting method (1/4) for the partial counting of juveniles and total estimation. Chronic bioassays (21 days of exposure) were performed in tropical artificial soil (TAS) using sugarcane vinasse as a hazardous substance. Comparing the final density of juveniles recorded in M1 and M2, no statistical differences were pointed out in either one. Applying analyses based on effective concentration (EC10 and EC50), no statistical differences were identified there either. The t-test showed that there was no statistical difference between the counting methods (M1 and M2) in each treatment (control and dilutions). Moreover, we ran the Tukey test for M1 and M2 methods separately and observed that 100 \% of the vinasse showed a statistical difference compared to the control treatment in both (p <= 0.05), affirming that independent of the counting method, the ecotoxicological outputs were similar. Therefore, the proposed alternative is a suitable method for bioassay using. E. crypticus in tropical artificial soil, decreasing to 1/4 the total time required for counting.
The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of ultrasound-ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment on the enzymatic and acid hydrolysis of the sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw. The lignocellulosic biomass was dissociated in Its ({[
Solid state anaerobic digestion (SS-AD) of lignocellulose is effective in improving biomethane productivity but is limited by low biomass digestibility and lack of substrate-specific working microorganisms. In this study, the effects of different pretreatment methods on biomethane production by SS-AD of sugarcane trash were studied. The biomethane production, fitted to a modified Gompertz's model, predicted a maximum methane yield of 214.2 L/kg volatile solids (VS) and productivity of 6.9 L/kg VS/day from KOH-pretreated trash, respectively. Microbial community analysis showed that bacterial community was significantly associated with volatile acids and pretreatment types while archaeal community was significantly associated with methane yield. Microbial community dynamics was revealed in SS-AD. Main genera related to pretreatment method were identified and discussed. This study generated important information on SS-AD of lignocellulosic biomass pretreated by different methods, which is useful for developing bioaugmentation strategies to improve biomethane production by SS-AD.
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the production, classification, and quality control of cachaca, a traditional Brazilian sugarcane spirit with significant cultural importance. It explores the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice, the ageing process in wooden containers, and the regulatory aspects of cachaca labelling. It emphasises the role of quality control in maintaining the spirit's integrity, focusing on monitoring copper levels in distillation stills. Ethyl carbamate (EC), a potential carcinogen found in cachaca, is investigated, with the study illuminating factors influencing its formation and prevalence and the importance of its vigilant monitoring for ensuring safety and quality. It also underscores the control of multiple parameters in producing high-quality cachaca, including raw material selection, yeast strains, acidity, and contaminants. Further, the impact of ageing, wood cask type, and yeast strains on cachaca quality is examined, along with potential uses of vinasse, a cachaca by-product, in yeast cell biomass production and fertigation. A deeper understanding of the (bio)chemical and microbiological reactions involved in cachaca production is essential to facilitate quality control and standardisation of sensory descriptors, promoting global acceptance of cachaca. Continued research will address safety concerns, improve quality, and support the long-term sustainability and success of the cachaca industry.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a fascinating group of biological polymers, which have attracted extensive attention. An effectual PHB accumulating Bacillus cereus strain VIT-SSR1 was isolated from industrial effluent contaminated site. Plackett-Burman design was used to screen the critical factors affecting PHA production. Response surface method was employed to evaluate the interactive effects between the independent variables. The Central composite design was performed to optimize the concentrations of Molasses, ammonium sulphate and initial pH. A PHA content of (1.42 +/- 0.01) g/L and a maximum PHA yield of (403 +/- 0.77) \% was obtained on implementing the optimized conditions. The produced biopolymer was analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis(GC-MS) and the thermal properties of the biopolymer were evaluated by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and from the Nuclear magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis the biopolymer was identified to be polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB-chitosan blends were prepared and tested for biocompatibility by MTT assay on L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines. Curcumin, a well-known drug was loaded onto PHB-chitosan films and their drug release pattern was observed. Curcumin showed a sustained mode of drug release. PHB films are biocompatible and can act as a potent polymer matrix for drug release studies. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
This paper presents an optimization modeling approach to support strategic planning for designing hydrogen supply chain (HSC) networks. The energy source for hydrogen production is proposed to be electricity generated at Mexican sugar factories. This study considers the utilization of existing infrastructure in strategic areas of the country, which brings several advantages in terms of possible solutions. This study aims to evaluate the economic and environmental implications of using biomass wastes for energy generation, and its integration to the national energy grid, where the problem is addressed as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP), adopting maximization of annual profit, and minimization of greenhouse gas emissions as optimization criteria. Input data is provided by sugar companies and the national transport and energy information platform, and were represented by probability distributions to consider variability in key parameters. Independent solutions show similarities in terms of resource utilization, while also significant differences regarding economic and environmental indicators. Multi-objective optimization was performed by a genetic algorithm (GA). The optimal HSC network configuration is selected using a multi-criteria decision technique, i.e., TOPSIS. An uncertainty analysis is performed, and main economic indicators are estimated by investment assessment. Main results show the trade-off interactions between the HSC elements and optimization criteria. The average internal rate of return (IRR) is estimated to be 21.5\% and average payback period is 5.02 years.
In this research study, mechanical properties of silica fume bagasse ash plain concrete (SFBA-PC) and silica fume bagasse ash basalt fiber-reinforced concrete (SFBA-BFRC) are studied. A total of fifteen concrete mixes are prepared for three separate concrete groups (five for each concrete group). The first group of SFBA-PC contains fixed optimum content of silica fume, i.e., 8\%, by cement mass, and variable contents of bagasse ash, i.e., 0\%, 5\%, 10\% and 15\%, by cement mass. In the second and third groups of SFBA-BFRC, mixes are prepared like the first group of concrete, but only basalt fibers are added with two different percentages of 0.5\% and 1.0\%, by concrete volume, respectively. For the evaluation of each concrete mix, different mechanical tests are conducted to determine the stress-strain and load-deflection behavior. In addition to this, split-tensile strength and water absorption tests are also performed for each type of concrete mix. The scanning electron microscopy (SCM) analysis is performed, which has confirmed the pozzolanic activity and filler effect caused by SCMs, which has also improved the bridging effects of basalt fiber that results in concrete strength improvement. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of SFBA-BFRC are generally improved in comparison with those of SFBA-PC. In all three groups of concrete, 10\% BA is found to be the optimum content, and SFBA-BFRC containing 8\% silica fume, 10\% bagasse ash and 1.0\% basalt fiber content showed overall better performance under multiple testing scenarios.
In this study, dilute acid pretreatment of five biomass feedstocks viz., sugarcane trash, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, corn stover and palm empty fruit bunch were compared at a given combined severity factor (CSF) range of 1.4-3.2 and were characterised using an alternative Simons' staining dye-Direct Yellow 11 fraction (DY 11, molecular weight > 100,000) to better understand the correlations of pretreatment effectiveness with biomass physicochemical properties and pretreatment conditions. Good polynomial correlations (n = 2) of CSF were obtained with hemicellulose removal, cellulose digestibility and glucose yield resulting in R-2 > 0.95. The results show that the total contents of extractives and ash have negative impacts on dilute acid pretreatment. Simons' staining results show that DY 11 can also be used to estimate cellulose accessibility to cellulase enzymes. Good linear correlations of maximum adsorption capacity of DY 11 with CSF (R-2 = 0.87-0.99) and cellulose digestibility (R-2 = 0.91-0.99) were observed for most of the pretreated biomass samples.
Nearly 1 billion tons of bagasse are discarded annually in the production process. In this work, a novel controlled release fertilizer was successfully produced by coating urea particles with bio-based epoxy (EPCU). The bio-based epoxy coating was synthesized from the liquefied bagasse (LB) and bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether (BDE) with the different mole ratios of LB to BDE. The chemical structure and microscopic morphology of EPCU were examined by FTIR, (HNMR)-H-1, SEM. The nutrient release behaviors and mechanism of EPCUs were also discussed in detail. Results showed that EPCU3 improved the thermal stability by 60.3 degrees C (T-10\%), increased the nutrient release longevity by 12 times, and raised the water contact angle of surface by 12\%, and then significantly slowed the nitrogen release rate of the EPCU. This work indicated that the environment-friendly EPCU with superior controlled release properties could be especially useful in horticultural and agricultural applications.
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is widely recognized as a highly promising biomass energy crop with particular potential to complement sugarcane production in diversified cropping systems. Agronomic assessments have led to identification of four cultivars well suited for such sugarcane-based production systems in southern Louisiana. Sweet sorghum biofuel production systems are currently being developed, and research producing large sample numbers requiring ethanol yield assessment is anticipated. Fiber analysis approaches developed for forage evaluation appear to be useful for screening such large numbers of samples for relative ethanol yield. Chemical composition, forage fiber characteristics, digestibility, and ethanol production of sweet sorghum bagasse from the four cultivars were assessed. Measures of detergent fiber, lignin, and digestibility were highly correlated with ethanol production (P<0.01). The best linear regression models accounted for about 80\% of the variation among cultivars in ethanol production. Bagasse from the cultivar Dale produced more ethanol per gram of material than any of the other cultivars. This superior ethanol production was apparently associated with less lignin in stems of Dale. Forage evaluation measures including detergent fiber analyses, in vitro digestibility, and an in vitro gas production technique successfully identified the cultivar superior in ethanol yield indicating their usefulness for screening sweet sorghum samples for potential ethanol production in research programs generating large sample numbers from evaluations of germ plasm or agronomic treatments. These screening procedures reduce time and expense of alternatives such as hexose sugar assessment for calculating theoretical ethanol yield.
Microscopic examination showed a change on the surface structure of dietary fibers (DF) from rice straw (RS) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) by alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treatment. Effect of particle size on in-vitro binding of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) of AHP-RS, AHP-SB and Solka Floc(R) 900 (SF) were evaluated. Total bound Ca and Mg decreased with particle size reduction (P < 0.05) for all types of DF. Ca and Mg (82-95 \%) were released from AHP-RS and AHP-SB by acid washing but only 53-60\% Mg was removed from SF. There were strong correlations between water holding capacity, oil binding capacity and particle density and total bound Ca and Mg for all DF samples. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Nanocomposites consisting of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and nano-aluminum nitride (AlN) were prepared using a simple vacuum-assisted filtration process. Bleached sugarcane bagasse pulp was treated with potassium hydroxide and sodium chlorite, and was subsequently ultra-finely ground and homogenized to obtain CNFs. Film nanocomposites were prepared by mixing CNFs with various AlN amounts (0-20 wt.\%). X-ray diffraction revealed that the crystal form of CNF-AlN nanocomposites was different to those of pure CNFs and AlN. The mechanical performance and thermal stability of the CNF-AlN nanocomposites were evaluated through mechanical tests and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The results showed that the CNF-AlN nanocomposites exhibited excellent mechanical and thermal stability, and represented a green renewable substrate material. This type of nanocomposite could present great potential for replacing traditional polymer substrates, and could provide creative opportunities for designing and fabricating high-performance portable electronics in the near future.
Composts prepared from mixtures of bagasse + filter mud (BF) and bagasse + vinasses + filter mud (BVF) were evaluated for suppressiveness to Pythium aphanidermatum in climatic chamber experiments. Twenty five-g samples of BF and BVF composts in plastic pots (130 mt) were infested with 1,000 oospores of P. aphanidermatum produced on oat meal agar. After 1, 15, 30 and 45 days, survival of the fungus was estimated by measuring inoculum density. Disease incidence was appraised on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) `'Vert Long Anglais'' seedlings raised on the composts. Propagules of P. aphanidermatum surviving in the compost after 24 hr was estimated at 22 and 18 cfu g(-1) dry wt. potting mix, for BF and EVE respectively. This population decreased significantly to 6-7 cfu g(-1) of compost for the 15-45-d incubation treatment. Seedling mortality was not observed in uninfested controls. In uninfested treatments, 40 and 67\% of seedlings died for the 1-d incubation treatment in BVF and BE respectively; no mortality was recorded thereafter. Heat treatment of the composts revealed that the suppressive effect was biological in nature. Quantitative reduction of micro-organisms occurred in pasteurized composts (55 degrees C for 2 h), compared to the populations in unheated controls. However the greatest decrease was observed for fungal populations. The main fungal species observed in unheated, suppressive composts were Aspergillus sp., Geotrichum sp. and a non-sporulating Pythium. The last two species disappeared in pasteurized, conducive composts.
Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of container plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of mixed hardwood biochar (HB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) to replace the bark-based commercial substrate. A bark-based commercial substrate was incorporated with either HB at 50\% (vol.) or SBB at 50\% and 70\% (vol.), with a bark-based commercial substrate being used as the control. The total porosity (TP) and container capacity (CC) of all SBB-incorporated mixes were slightly higher than the recommended value, while, the others were within the recommended range. Both tomato and basil plants grown in the BC-incorporated mixes had a similar or higher growth index (GI), leaf greenness (indicated by soil-plant analyses development), and yield than the control. The leachate of all mixes had the highest NO3-N concentration in the first week after transplantation (1 WAT). All BC-incorporated mixes grown with both tomato and basil had similar NO3-N concentration to the control (except 50\% SBB at 1 and 5 WAT, and 50\% HB at 5 WAT with tomato plants; 50\% SBB at 5 WAT with basil plants). In conclusion, HB could replace bark-based substrates at 50\% and SBB at 70\% for both tomato and basil plant growth, without negative effects.
A challenge in syrup production from lignocellulosic biomass is the presence of non-sugar compounds in the hydrolysate, generated during the hydrolytic process, which negatively impact downstream processes. Energy cane bagasse was pretreated with ammonium hydroxide and then hydrolyzed with enzymes Cellic(circle) CTec2 and HTec2. Non-sugar compounds such as formic acid, acetic acid, levulinic acid, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), and phenolic compounds were formed during pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Activated carbon (AC) treatments were carried out to remove these non-sugar compounds while retaining the fermentable sugars, mostly glucose and xylose. Powdered AC and granular AC were compared and parameters including AC dose, hydrolysate pH and contact time were optimized using response surface methodology. Optimum conditions for powdered AC were 9.21\% (w/w) dose, at pH 1.96 for 10 min, and for granular AC were 12.64\% (w/w) dose, at pH 1.91 for 51.60 min. At these conditions, approximately 40\% acetic acid, 75\% formic acid and over 90\% levulinic acid, HMF, furfurals, and phenolic compounds were removed with minimal fermentable sugar losses. Activated carbon adsorption can significantly reduce the non-sugar compounds present in the hydrolysate with minimal losses of fermentable sugars, which is beneficial in the production of lignocellulosic syrup and value-added products.
This study aimed to extract xylan by hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline medium, recover lignin, and evaluate the use of the pretreated material in the production of glucose via enzymatic hydrolysis. The formation of briquettes using different anatomical fractions of sugarcane (bagasse, epidermis-free stem, external fraction containing epidermis, and bagasse with the addition of lignin) was also evaluated. After xylan extraction with a yield of 62.71\%, 33.6 2\% of lignin was recovered by acid precipitation. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated material resulted in 71.10\% of glucose. The briquettes made from the epidermis-free stem and external fraction showed better results in terms of ash, volatiles, and fixed carbon contents. Sugarcane bagasse generated briquettes with an energy density of 23,544.9 MJ/m(3), and an external fraction of 25,711.8 MJ/m(3). For the volumetric expansion, the briquettes made from bagasse and bagasse with the addition of lignin (recovered from xylan solubilization) presented less volumetric variation. The briquettes made from the external fraction with and without heating showed durability of over 97\%.
For human health and safety, it is of great importance to develop innovative materials with a vast capacity for powerful removal of radioactive ions from aqueous solutions. Prussian blue functionalized sugarcane bagasse (PB-SCB) was successfully prepared for the efficient elimination of radioactive cesium (Cs-137) using a nontoxic, environmentally friendly, and costless method. The prepared renewable material was characterized using different techniques to emphasize morphology, functional groups, crystal structure, and the adsorption process. The adsorption of Cs(I) was better fitted to the pseudo-second-order model than pseudo-first-order model which revealed a chemical adsorption mechanism. The experimental isotherm results were best illustrated by the Freundlich model (R-2 = 0.98). Besides, the obtained values for the thermodynamic parameters indicating that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. In addition to demonstrating high adsorption capacity for Cs ion removal (56.7 mg/g at 30 degrees C), PB-SCB might consider being an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent for the decontamination of cesium, where an estimated cost analysis revealed that the expenditure for the removal of 1000 mg/L cesium from alkaline radioactive wastewater is likely to be US\$0.12.
This study analyzes the aging effect of organic waste like sugarcane bagasse on soil and its geotechnical stabilization. Our aim of this research is to make economical use of sugarcane bagasse and to maintain environmental balance by avoiding random disposal. Sugarcane bagasse is the major by-product of the sugar industry. It has a great potential for the production of bio-fuels and chemicals due to its considerable amount of cellulose and hemi-celluloses. After crushing and milling the stalks, a fibrous residue called bagasse remains. Bagasse is universally used as a fuel source for the milling and refining plants and typically releases enough energy to power other parts of the power grid as well. Soil taken for this research was CL type as per Indian standard classification system (ISCS) by performing basic tests in laboratory. The organic waste material like sugarcane bagasses were added in different percentage (1 \& 3\%) in black cotton soil and yellow soil. Also, geotechnical parameters were checked on soil + organic waste material with and without vermi composting. The performance of sugarcane bagasse stabilized soil was evaluated using strength performance tests namely; California bearing ratio (CBR) and Unconfined compressive strength test (UCS). From the results, it was observed that there was significant increase in the strength after the addition of sugarcane bagasse also the effect of organic waste on the yellow soil was quite more, as compared to black cotton soil after vermi composting. It was noticed that the changes in the environmental properties of soil with respect to time was of better quality in yellow soil.
Phenol in phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin has been partly substituted with lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse. In order to optimize the lignin-based resin for applications in coating and composite materials, thermal and rheological tests were performed with different wt\% of lignin substitution into PF resins. Differential scanning calorimetry scans showed a small exothermic peak and a large endothermic peak, typical of resins. The T. of the resins was seen between 125 and 150 degrees C and this transition was clearly evident when the lignin content was increased from 10 to 40 wt\%. Increasing the lignin content in the PF resin increases the rate of cure and the heat of reaction. Water absorption tests show that the lignin-PF resin films are effective water-barrier coatings for cardboard substrates. It is speculated that the interaction between the substrate and the lignin-PF resin has resulted in a negative surface charge which would have contributed to the reduction in the contact angle. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
To evaluate the efficacy of herbicides applied in pre and post-emergence, alone and in combination, during the dry and wet seasons, for the control of hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia) on sugarcane, an experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, in split-plots, with four replications, in a commercial production area in Pradopolis, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from July 2008 to May 2009. Three herbicide treatments {[
The prospective application of sulphurised activated carbon (SAC) as an ecofriendly and cost-effective adsorbent for Zinc(II) removal from aqueous phase is evaluated, with an emphasis on kinetic and isotherm aspects. SAC was prepared from sugarcane bagasse pith obtained from local juice shops in Sree Bhadrakali Devi Temple located at Ooruttukala, Neyyattinkara, Trivandrum, India during annual festive seasons. Activated carbon modified with sulphur containing ligands was opted as the adsorbent to leverage on the affinity of Zn(II) for sulphur. We report batch-adsorption experiments for parameter optimisations aiming at maximum removal of Zn(II) from liquid-phase using SAC. Adsorption of Zn(II) onto SAC was maximum at pH 6.5. For initial concentrations of 25 and 100 mg L-1, maximum of 123 mg g(-1) (98.2\%) and 23.7 mg g(-1) (94.8\%) of Zn(II) was adsorbed onto SAC at pH 6.5. Kinetic and equilibrium data were best described by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. A maximum adsorption capacity of 147 mg g(-1) was obtained for the adsorption of Zn(II) onto SAC from aqueous solutions. The reusability of the spent adsorbent was also determined. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
In the present study, a novel chemical treatment has been introduced for the extraction of nano-cellulose fibers (NCF) from waste sugarcane bagasse and applied as a reinforcement material to enhance the mechanical, corrosion and tribological properties of epoxy-based bio-nanocomposites. The experimental design was selected as per central composite design (response surface methodology) to optimize the effect of fiber concentration (2.93 to 17.07 wt.\%) and sonication time (47.57 to 132.43 min). From the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, it was found that the fiber concentration and sonication played a significant role in the mechanical properties. In order to simultaneously maximize the mechanical properties such as tensile, compression, flexural, impact strength and Rockwell hardness, the optimal values of nanocellulose fiber and sonication time was found to be 10 wt.\% and 120 min respectively. From the normal distribution plot, it is found that there is a good agreement between experimental results and developed CCD model. The chemically treated nanocellulose fiber reinforcement in epoxy polymer improved the mechanical, corrosion and wear resistance properties. Total wear rate of chemically treated fibers reinforced epoxy nanocomposites reduced up to 21.67 \% when compared with the neat epoxy polymer. The scanning electron microscope analysis on the sugarcane nanocellulose fiber reinforced epoxy nanocomposites revealed good dispersion of nanocellulose in the polymer matrix, which cause for the improved mechanical, corrosion and wear resistance characteristics.
Direct transformation of cellulose and sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was carried out using single or combined metal chloride catalysts in DMA-LiCl solvent under microwave-assisted heating. Among several metal chloride catalysts studied, Zr(O)Cl-2/CrCl3 combined catalyst was most effective enabling 57\% HMF from cellulose fiber. Zr(O)Cl-2/CrCl3 catalyst was also effective for the conversion of sugarcane bagasse to HMF and 5-ethoxymethyl-2-furfural (EMF), a promising biofuel. This report discloses one-pot synthesis of EMF from sugarcane bagasse for the first time and also reveals the maximum HMF yield known so far from sugarcane bagasse. Thus, the current catalytic system based on cheap and readily abundant zirconium and chromium salts presents an efficient method for EMF and HMF synthesis from inexpensive lignocellulosic biomass. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) is particularly suitable as a feedstock for a variety of bioprocesses, largely because of its high yields of both lignocellulosic biomass and fermentable saccharides. Sweet sorghum is less economically important for refined sugar production than other sugar crops, e.g., sugar beet and sugarcane, but can produce more raw fermentable sugar under marginal conditions than those crops. In this review, the agronomic requirements of sorghum (viz., water, soil, and nutrient requirements), cultural practices, and plant morphology are discussed from a bioprocessing perspective. Historically, sugar extraction from the plant in the form of juice has been of primary interest; these methods, along with modern developments are presented. Recently, the direct yeast fermentation of sorghum juice for ethanol production has been studied. Additionally, the bagasse resulting from the juice extraction has been used for a variety of potential products: forage. silage, combustion energy, synthesis gas. and paper. The bagasse contains high levels of relatively low crystallinity cellulose, along with relatively labile lignin, and so is itself of interest as a fermentation feedstock. Whole sorghum stalk, and its bagasse, have been subjected to studies of a wide array of pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation processes. The potential fermentation products of sweet sorghum are wide ranging: those demonstrated include ethanol, acetone, butanol, various lipids, lactic acid, hydrogen, and methane. Several potential native products of the plant, in addition to cellulose for paper production, are also identified: waxes, proteins, and allelopathic compounds, such as sorgoleone. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Conversion of lignocellulose to sugar depends on expensive cellulase and xylanase, hence, improvement of enzyme utilization is important. Enzymatic kinetics can guide researchers toward efficient enzymes utilization. Based on Michaelis-Menten theory and enzyme deactivation reactions, the novel kinetic models describing sugar (glucose and xylose) yield are deduced. The model based on second-order reaction is significantly superior compared to first-order reaction, which is verified by initial and maximum hydrolytic rate. Hydrolytic rate displays a linear relationship with enzyme loading. Sugar yield differs in enzymatic hydrolysis of various pretreated substrates, which is explained by the preferred model. Enzyme deactivation based on the model shows that higher enzyme loading results in reduced activity retention percentage, due to feedback inhibition of products and ineffective adsorption of substrate to enzyme during the hydrolytic process. Therefore, the developed model allows more in-depth study of enzymatic kinetics and provides a useful guide for efficient enzyme utilization.
Model compounds (glucose and glycerol) and real biomass (sugarcane bagasse and Chlorococcum littorale) were partially oxidized to hydrogen in high temperature high pressure water (120-300 degrees C at saturated pressure of water). Biomass conversion into gas directly by partial oxidation in a one-pot process was considered by use of a catalyst in a batch type reactor. The total gas yield and hydrogen selectivity from all the reactants were low. To improve the gasification efficiency, a two-step process was proposed: partial oxidation of the organic compound into hydrogen precursor (here formic acid) followed by selective decomposition of the intermediate into hydrogen. To clarify the possibility of the process, model compounds (glycerol and glucose) were used. The effects of operation parameters for each step (temperature, water to organic ratio, oxygen to organic ratio, catalyst) were investigated using a batch reactor. For glycerol oxidation at lower temperature (120-160 degrees C), kinetic analysis was performed to clarify the reaction mechanism and formic acid formation. For formic acid decomposition into hydrogen, several metal oxides were carried out to accelerate the reaction rate, and ZnO was found to be effective at 300 degrees C. The yield of hydrogen from the combination of formic acid formation from glucose and hydrogen formation from the oxidized material including formic acid was investigated using a flow apparatus. However, the yield of hydrogen was lower than expected and further improvement of the two-step reaction process is required.
Purpose Yeasts are widely used for the production of bioethanol from biomasses rich in sugar. The present study was aimed at isolating, screening, and characterizing fermentative wild yeast recovered from bio-waste and co-products of Ethiopian sugar factories for bioethanol production using sugarcane molasses as a substrate. Method The wild yeasts were identified according to their cellular morphology and D1/D2 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequencing. Analysis of ethanol and by-product concentration was done by HPLC equipped with a UV detector. Higher alcohols, acetaldehyde, and methanol were analyzed using GC-MS equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). Result Seven strains (Meyerozyma caribbica MJTm3, Meyerozyma caribbica MJTPm4, Meyerozyma caribbica SHJF, Saccharomyces cerevisiae TA2, Wickerhamomyces anomalus MJTPm2, Wickerhamomyces anomalus 4m10, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus HCJ2F) were found tolerant to 18\% (v/v) ethanol, whereas one strain Meyerozyma caribbica MJTm3 tolerated 20\%. These strains also showed tolerance to 45 degrees C, 50\% of sugar, and pH 2-10. Meyerozyma caribbica MJTm3 produced 12.7\% (v/v) of alcohol with an actual ethanol concentration of 26 g L-1, an ethanol yield of 47\%, 78\% of theoretical yield, and a productivity of 0.54 g L-1 h(-1) from 30 degrees Brix of molasses at 48 h incubation under laboratory scale. Based on the one variable at a time optimization (OVAT), the optimal parameters for maximum bioethanol production were at initial pH 5.5, 35 degrees Brix, 30 degrees C, 15\% inoculum size, 150 rpm, 4 g L-1 di-ammonium phosphate supplement, and 48 h incubation. Under these optimum conditions, 14\% (v/v) alcohol, 42 g L-1 actual ethanol concentration, 69\% ethanol yield, 89\% of theoretical yield, and productivity of 0.88 g L-1 h(-1) were obtained. Conclusion These results indicated that M. caribbica MJTm3 should further be evaluated, optimized, and improved for industrial bioethanol production due to its fermentation potential.
Increasing production of N-fertilizers is mandatory to support the expected demand of food over the next decades. While reduced access to N-fertilizers compromises food security in some regions of the world, incorrect management in other regions causes detrimental effects on the environment. Biological N-2-fixation is a natural process for N-fertilization of plants in natural environments which could only be partially exploited in intensive agriculture. This is mainly because the current technology of crop inoculation with live microorganisms is often constrained by the inoculant's survival and propagation in the agricultural environment. In this study, we pursued a controlled eutrophication approach to recycling nutrients from agro-industrial runoffs for the production of an organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. Biomass of a N-2-fixing cyanobacterium was obtained using a P-enriched fermentation vinasse as a sole source of macronutrients. The cyanobacterial biomass substituted for urea in wheat growth in artificial semi-arid soil, especially when sporadic watered simulating a semi-arid rainfall regime. Comparative analyses suggested a higher persistence of the organic fertilizer in the soil than an equivalent amount of urea. This study advocates the convenience of concentrating nutrients from industrial wastewater into biomass of N-2-fixing cyanobacteria for their re-use in crop fertilization. It discusses the advantages of separating biological fertilizer production from crop cultivation in order to circumvent the odds of the microorganisms' acclimation to the agronomic conditions, and the techno-economic challenges towards maturation of the proposed technology.
In this study, hydrochar derived from SB was activated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) by the cold alkali activation method, to increase the number of oxygenated functional groups, as well as enhance its porosity by clearing pore blockages. Response surface methodology by central composite design (RSM-CCD) was employed to investigate the effects of NaOH activation process parameters (NaOH concentration (A), hydrochar mass ratio (B) and activation time (C)) on prepared hydrochar towards three responses; activated hydrochar (AHC) yield, tetracycline (TC) antibiotic removal and crystal violet (CV) dye removal. Through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, the significance sequences of single factor affecting were B > C > A for AHC yield, A > B > C for both TC removal and CV removal. However, the significant interaction effect for both AHC yield and TC removal was observed with BC only. Meanwhile, CV removal was noticed with different result whereby two significant interaction effects (AB and AC) were observed. Through optimisation study, optimised AHC (AHC(op)) was generated by maximising all three responses and it was predicted to generate 54.23\% yield with TC and CV adsorption capacity of 22.60 mg g(-1) and 47.97 mg g(-1). A relative standard deviation (R.S.D) of 1.32\%, 0.97\% and 2.14\% (n = 3) were obtained for AHC yield, TC and CV removal, respectively. Following optimisation, AHCop was characterised by N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis. In brief, the physiochemical characteristics of AHCop were observed with meso and macro pore structures, numerous microsphere-like particles with crack surfaces, abundance functional groups, strong pi-pi reaction and high thermal stability. The optimisation study was succeeded to develop AHCop at a higher yield and remove both TC and CV at higher adsorption capacity compared to before activation.
Depleting supplies of fossil fuel, regular price hikes of gasoline and environmental deterioration have necessitated the search for economic and eco-benign alternatives of gasoline like lignocellulosic biomass. However, pre-treatment of such biomass results in development of some phenolic compounds which later hinder the depolymerisation of biomass by cellulases and seriously affect the cost effectiveness of the process. Dephenolification of biomass hydrolysate is well cited in literature. However, elimination of phenolic compounds from pretreated solid biomass is not well studied. The present study was aimed to optimize dephenoliphication of wheat straw using various alkalis i.e., Ca(OH)(2) and NH3; acids i.e., H2O2, H2SO4, and H3PO4; combinations of NH3+ H3PO4 and H3PO4+ H2O2 at pilot scale to increase enzymatic saccharification yield. Among all the pretreatment strategies used, maximum reduction in phenolic content was observed as 66 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/gram Dry Weight (GAE/g DW), compared to control having 210 mg GAE/g DW using 5\% (v/v) combination of NH3+H3PO4. Upon subsequent saccharification of dephenoliphied substrate, the hydrolysis yield was recorded as 46.88\%. Optimized conditions such as using 1\%+5\% concentration of NH3+ H3PO4, for 30 min at 110 degrees C temperature reduced total phenolic content (TPC) to 48 mg GAE/g DW. This reduction in phenolic content helped cellulases to act more proficiently on the substrate and saccharification yield of 55.06\% was obtained. The findings will result in less utilization of cellulases to get increased yield of saccharides by hydrolyzing wheat straw, thus, making the process economical. Furthermore, pilot scale investigations of current study will help in upgrading the novel process to industrial scale.
The sugar yield achieved during pretreatment of lignocelluloses has an impact on the economic outcome of biorefineries. Chemical and physiochemical pretreatment methods were evaluated and compared to determine the most favorable pretreatment method for the commercial co-production of succinic acid and electricity in a sugarcane lignocellulosic biorefinery. Nine methods were identified and simulated in Aspen Plus (R). All the pretreatment methods were profitable except organosolv and wet oxidation. Steam explosion (STEX), sulfur dioxide (SO2), catalyzed STEX, and ammonia fibre expansion (AFEX (TM)) resulted in the highest succinic acid yields, with 45.7, 43.5 and 33.4 kg succinic acid per 100 tonnes of dry feedstock, respectively, and they are recommended for commercial application. However, due to the high cost of enzymatic hydrolysis (46.23 million US\$), the AFEX (TM) pretreatment method was the most expensive scenario at 385.7 million US\$ total capital cost with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 22.81\%. This may be compared with 384.2 million US\$ for STEX pretreatment, which resulted in the most profitable biorefinery scenario with an IRR of 28.04\%. (c) 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd
Baked foams made with plantain flour (PF) and sugarcane fiber (SF) were characterized by calorimetric, mechanical, physicochemical and structural techniques in order to assess the results induced by different sugarcane concentrations and fiber size on the structure of baked foams. The addition of SF to the baked samples increased their hydrophobic properties. Thermal conductivity (TC) decreased when the concentration of SF was 10 g and 7.5 g in the baked foams. The density of the biodegradable baked foams (BBFs) decreased with decreasing concentrations of SF, observing an inverse behavior in water vapor permeability (WVP) and solubility properties. The mechanical properties of the baked foams were more influenced by the concentration of SF than by the size of SF, obtained from different sieves. The scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images of the BBFs showed that the size of SF affected the size and number of the internal cells in the BBFs.
Recent studies have shown a new way of producing humic-like substances (HLS) from hydrochar prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. However, studies of HLS extracted from process water (PW) produced in hydrothermal carbonization process to the best of our knowledge are non-existent. In this work, hydrothermal carbonization of sugarcane bagasse and vinasse was performed under two concentrations of H2SO4 (1 and 4\% w:w) followed of extraction of HLS from PW (HLS 1\% and HLS 4\%). The interaction of these compounds with Cu(II) ions revelated a complexation with high conditional stability constant (K ranged from 5.0 to 5.4) and high complexing capacity (CCc ranged from 3.1 to 3.9 mu mol mg(-1)). Elemental analysis and ash content showed that HLS 1\% and HLS 4\% both have high content of carbon, oxygen and inorganic compounds. In addition, the H/C molar ratio suggests that both HLS have aliphatic nature and O/C molar ratio acidic functional groups. FTIR analysis showed great variety of functional groups and also the presence of inorganic compounds. Excitation-Emission fluorescence matrices applied with complexation studies showed that interaction of HLS and Cu(II) occurs with two humic-like components. Data on Time Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TRFS) suggests that the mechanism of interaction between both HLS and Cu(II) occur by complexation. Furthermore, the infrared bidimensional analysis indicates that the binding sites for HLS 1\% were in affinity order: COO = CO > C-H aliphatic, while for HLS 4\% was: C-H aliphatic > CO. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Regarding the supply of fossil fuels, greenhouse gasses emission, global warming, and increasing fuel price; there is a need to find alternative energy resources, which are renewable, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. Agro-industrial biomass such as sugarcane bagasse, rice and wheat straw, corn stover, and switchgrass, named as lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) which is inexpensive, abundant, renewable, and provides a unique natural resource for large-scale and cost-effective bio-energy production. During the production of biofuels, pretreatment is a necessary step due to the recalcitrant structure of LCB. Various pretreatment methods were employed with a different mechanism of action, feasibility, and practicability to produce high yield biofuels. Since many years ago, the development of an effective pretreatment method has been challenging due to the existence of barriers and obstacles. Besides, each pretreatment method has its advantage and disadvantage, which should be investigated to obtain a higher yield of bioethanol. In this paper, the recent findings regarding the application of various pretreatment techniques such as chemical, physical and biological methods for bioethanol production from LCBs have been reviewed. The limitations of the mentioned methods based on the existing barriers were explained, and the future recommendations were discussed. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Coffee is one of the most important agricultural products in Brazil. More than 50 \% of the coffee fruit is not used for the production of commercial green coffee and is therefore discarded, usually ending up in the environment. The goal of this work was to select an efficient process for obtaining coffee pulp extract and to evaluate the use of this extract in bioethanol production. The effects of heat treatment and trituration on the yield and composition of the extract were investigated by measuring the amounts of reducing sugars, starch, pectin, and phenolic compounds. The extraction process was most efficient at room temperature using grinding followed by pressing. Five different fermentation media were tested: sugarcane juice or molasses diluted with water or with coffee pulp extract and a medium with only coffee pulp extract. Batch fermentations were carried out at 30 A degrees C for 24 h, and samples were taken to obtain measurements of the total reducing sugars, cell count, and ethanol concentration. The addition of coffee pulp extract did not influence the fermentation or yeast viability, and it can thus be mixed with sugarcane juice or molasses for the production of bioethanol, with a yield of approximately 70 g/L.
A new method is proposed for the simultaneous determination of Mo and Ni in plant materials by high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GFAAS), employing direct solid sample analysis (DSS) and internal standardization (IS). Cobalt was used as internal standard to minimize matrix effects during Ni determinations, enabling the use of aqueous standards for calibration. Correlation coefficients for the calibration curves were typically better than 0.9937. The performance of the method was checked by analysis of six plant certified reference materials, and the results for Mo and Ni were in agreement with the certified values (95\% confidence level, t-test). Analysis was made of different types of plant materials used as renewable sources of energy, including sugarcane leaves, banana tree fiber, soybean straw, coffee pods, orange bagasse, peanut hulls, and sugarcane bagasse. The concentrations found for Mo and Ni ranged from 0.08 to 0.63 ng mg(-1) and from 0.41 to 6.92 ng mg(-1), respectively. Precision (RSD) varied from 2.1\% to 11\% for Mo and from 3.7\% to 10\% for Ni. Limits of quantification of 0.055 and 0.074 ng were obtained for Mo and Ni, respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Brazil has a highlighted position in comparison to other countries in relation to the amount of renewable raw materials, as the lignocellulosic wastes, and technologies for production of alternative energy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of lignocellulosic wastes such as: from soybean culture, sugarcane bagasse and eucalyptus wood for pellets production focusing the generation of heat energy, and classify them according to the commercialization standards. The properties as heating value, bulk density, energetic density and proximate analysis of the biomasses were evaluated. The pellets were produced with diameter of 6 mm in a horizontal planar array pelletizer. The raw material used generated pellets with eucalyptus and soybean wastes mixed in different proportions, as well was done for sugarcane bagasse and soybean wastes. These mixtures were compared to pellets composed by 100\% soybean wastes, 100\% sugarcane bagasse and commercial pellets produced with pine wood. The pellets were evaluated through the physical properties (moisture, bulk density and unitary density), energetic properties (heating value and energetic density), chemical properties (volatiles, fixed carbon and ash) and mechanical properties (hardness and mechanical durability). Among the pellets produced, the 100\% sugarcane bagasse highlighted by high values for mechanical durability (96.64\%), hardness (39.46 kgf) and energetic densities, besides low production of fines (0.18\%). Pellets composed by the tested mixtures obtained higher values for heating value, mechanical durability, hardness and lower fines and ashes content in comparison to the pellets composed only by soybean wastes. The increasing of eucalyptus sawdust percentage in the pellets decreased their ashes content in comparison to the 100\% soybean wastes (from 26.72 to 14.03\%). The sugarcane bagasse pellets showed similar properties to the commercial ones.
Thermal conductivity of bricks is an important parameter as it directly influences the heat losses from buildings and thus increases the energy consumption. The main focus of this study was to develop thermally efficient burnt clay bricks incorporating agricultural wastes on industrial scale. For this purpose, agricultural wastes (sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and rice husk ash (RHA)) were acquired from a sugar industry and a brick kiln. Burnt clay bricks were manufactured in an industrial kiln by incorporating SBA and RHA in various dosages (i.e. 5\%, 10\% and 15\%) by clay weight. Physico-mechanical and thermal properties of brick specimens incorporating agricultural wastes were studied. It was observed that lighter weight bricks can be produced using agricultural wastes, which are helpful in reducing both the cost and overall weight of the structure. Addition of agricultural wastes in burnt clay bricks resulted into reduced compressive strength. However, brick specimens incorporating SBA and RHA up to 15\% satisfied the minimum requirement for compressive strength according to different standards for masonry construction. Increase in apparent porosity with decrease in thermal conductivity was also observed with increasing content of SBA and RHA in burnt clay bricks. Substitution of clay by 15\% SBA and RHA in the production of burnt clay bricks reduced the thermal conductivity by 31\% and 29\%, respectively. Microscopic images also showed the presence of interconnected and irregular shaped open pores after addition of agricultural wastes in burnt clay bricks. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the utilization of SBA and RHA (up to 15\% by clay weight) in manufacturing of burnt clay bricks is not only helpful in landfill reduction but also leads towards the development of sustainable and thermally efficient construction material. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The objective of the research was to produce biogas by anaerobic co-digestion of biomass and urban solid waste, which made it possible to take advantage of these organic wastes, transforming them into a renewable energy source such as biogas being a fuel with an high calorific on an average of 19.6 to 25 MJ/m(3). The methodology consisted of developing different experiments to evaluate the biogas performance in each of the selected biomasses. The percentage of CH4 and CO2 was determined by gas chromatography, from which the following results were obtained: by rinds of, potato (35.64\% CH4), papaya (1.64\% CH4), pineapple (0.11\% CH4), pea (16.13\% CH4), banana (0.39\% CH4), bean (0.76\% CH4), sugarcane bagasse (80.85\% CH4), wet sugarcane bagasse (96.06\% CH4), semi-dry sugarcane bagasse (91.39\% CH4) and potato peel with sugarcane bagasse (58.74\% CH4). After the methane quantification in the different codigestion, the sugarcane bagasse presented better results with a 15\% increase in the generation of methane when it was pretreated. Subsequently, we worked with anaerobic biodigesters on a laboratory scale with 500 mL capacity, with a 75\% feed (sediment, sugarcane bagasse and water 0.75: 1.5: 1.5). In experimentation 8 with 55\% of methane and experimentation 9 with 32\%, likewise the energy potential where 15.05 MJ/m3 in experimentation 8 and 16, 72 MJ/m(3) in experimentation 9. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Core IdeasApplication of urea led to higher N2O emissions than urea-ammonium nitrate in sugarcane.Residue retention led to higher N2O and CH4 emissions irrespective of N source.Both N source and residue management did not affect CO2 emissions. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a major row-crop in the southern United States with high rates of N-fertilizer application and unique harvest-residue management. A 2-yr field experiment was conducted to investigate different N-fertilizer effects (urea and urea ammonium nitrate, UAN) and harvest-residue managements (residue-retain, RR, and residue-burn, RB) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soils under sugarcane production. In 2012, a split-plot design experiment was conducted with residue managements as main-plots and N-sources as sub-plots. In 2013, two experiments were conducted to investigate UAN effect under RR and RB, and N-source effect under RB on GHG emissions. Nitrogen was applied at 135 and 157 kg ha(-1) in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Soil GHG emissions were monitored using a closed chamber method. Results showed the majority of N2O emissions occurred within 4 wk after N-application. Average N2O emissions from urea-treated plots were 1.43 to 1.67 times higher compared with UAN for 2 yr. Urea had a N2O emission factor of 3.52 and 4.45\% under RB and RR, respectively, whereas UAN had 1.67 and 2.46\% under the same residue management. Higher N2O emission under RR treatment was supported by 15 to 20\% more water-filled pore space (WFPS) in soil than RB plots, which also increased CH4 emissions. Higher correlation was found between N2O emission and WFPS in 2012 compared with 2013 (r(2) = 0.52 vs. 0.36) because a majority of the rainfall in 2012 was received within 3 wk following N application. Nitrogen sources had no effect on CH4 and CO2 emissions.
Xylose reductase activity of Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 was evaluated during xylitol production by fed-batch fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate. A 2(4-1) fractional factorial design was used to select process variables. The xylose concentrations in the feeding solution (S-F) and in the fermentor (So), the pH, and the aeration rate were selected for optimization of this process, which will be undertaken in the near future. The best experimental result was achieved at S-F = 45 g/L, S-0 = 40 g/L, pH controlled at 6.0, and aeration rate of 1.2 vvm. Under these conditions, the xylose reductase activity was 0.81 U/mg of protein and xylitol production was 26.3 g/L, corresponding to a volumetric productivity of 0.55 g/(L(.)h) and a xylose xylitol yield factor of 0.68 g/g.
Due to the overabundance of agro-waste and the related environmental concerns, sustainable and economical pathways for the synthesis of furanic compounds as alternative sources of energy and important industrial materials are in high demand. In this review, we summarized a comprehensive view of the research that has taken place on the direct valorisation of sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, wheat straw, rice straw and husk to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and furfural (FAL) production. The review briefly covers the journey of the scientific community over the last century with regard to the development of innovative methodologies, processes, high pressure and temperature equipment, and other techniques, for 5-HMF and FAL synthesis. The review pays special attention to the extraction and purification processes of such furans from reaction media, and then their further scale-up and commercial development. In addition, the challenges being faced by companies that are the key players in commercial production have also been addressed. Therefore, this review will provide in-depth knowledge to the readers about the chemistry of biomass conversion to 5-HMF and FAL, and gives future directions for further development in this area.
Biomass is a renewable and sustainable green energy material. It is made up of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose with considerable amount of water, extractives, and inorganic chemical compounds. The use of biomass materials and other biogenic wastes for energy recovery represents an eco-friendly way. Biomass material selection is one of the most significant aspects for any energy conversion process, and it is a common outsourcing problem that includes material preparation, reactor performance, economic assessment, and calorific value of the products. Fuzzy systems can be quite useful in high-performance computing during the selection of biomass materials. In each engineering process, material selection is a crucial step since each material is having its own set of characteristics. This study presents the application of type-1 fuzzy set for the selection of suitable biomass material for yielding maximum bio-oil. This study focuses on seven locally available materials such as rice straw (M-1), sunflower shell (M-2), hardwood (M-3), wheat straw (M-4), sugarcane bagasse (M-5), corn cop (M-6), and palm shell (M-7). The study evaluated seven important properties of the materials such as lignin (P-1), cellulose (P-2), hemicellulose (P-3), volatile matter (P-4), fixed carbon (P-5), moisture content (P-6), and ash content (P-7). The findings demonstrated that sugarcane bagasse (M-5) is the best option for maximum bio-oil yield. Furthermore, the potential of nanoscale catalysts in improving the yield of bio-oil through real-time experiments was studied. The findings of this work add to our understanding of the application of fuzzy-based systems for energy applications.
In this study, two functionalized ZIF-8 were used for cellulase immobilization through physical adsorption. The in situ saccharification efficiency of immobilized cellulase was evaluated in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ({[
The utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass for the processing of novel composites has attracted growing interest due to its ecological and renewable characteristics. The cellulose present can be transformed into nanocellulose (NC). This work aims to assess the nanocellulose production from technical, economic, and logistical perspectives based on lignocellulosic biomass in a Colombian context. The study was performed by following four methodological steps: (i) conceptual design, (ii) process simulation, (iii) economic assessment, and (iv) logistical analysis. According to the economic results, the steam explosion scenario is the best because it presents the lowest production cost (0.68USD/kg of nanocellulose) and the highest economic margin (72.61\%). The multi-criteria analysis that compared the technical and economic results showed that the organosolv process scenario has the best technical performance but its economic behaviour is its biggest disadvantage. In a Colombian context, nanocellulose production depends on the availability of wastes produced and the composition of its constituents. Sugarcane bagasse is the best candidate. From the logistical analysis, it is established that it is necessary to buy sugarcane bagasse from different sugar mills.
Conversion of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) into sugars is one of the critical steps for bioethanol production. High LCB hydrolysis could be achieved by employing robust enzymes having high inhibitor tolerance, low irreversible lignin binding, and low end-product inhibition. In this study, acid pretreatment of wheat straw was carried out at pilot scale (250 kg/day) and three commercial cellulase preparations from Advanced Enzyme (AD), Novozyme (CL), and Genencor (AC) were evaluated for inhibitor (lignin, furfural, hydroxyl methyl furfural, vanillin) tolerance. Pretreated wheat straw (PWS) hydrolysis was carried out at different enzyme concentrations (1-30 mg protein/g of PWS) under optimum pH and temperature in rolling bottle reactor. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation was performed employing in-house thermotolerant Saccharornyces cerevisiae. Results indicated that, maximum saccharification (more than 85\%) was achieved at low protein loadings (10-15 mg protein/g PWS) of CL and this enzyme was also found to be more robust in presence of inhibitors. Maximum ethanol yield (78\%) was found at 20 mg protein/g of PWS using CL This study suggests that inhibitors have significant detrimental effect on enzymes and better understanding of enzyme-inhibitor correlation with its critical moderation would help in further enhancing the LCB hydrolysis at low enzyme dosage. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The peculiarities of Brazilian fuel ethanol fermentation allow the entry of native yeasts that may dominate over the starter strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and persist throughout the sugarcane harvest. The switch from the use of baker's yeast as starter to selected budding yeasts obtained by a selective pressure strategy was followed by a wealth of genomic information that enabled the understanding of the superiority of selected yeast strains. This review describes how the process of yeast selection evolved in the sugarcane-based bioethanol industry, the selection criteria and recent advances in genomics that could advance the fermentation process. The prospective use of genetically modified yeast strains, specially designed for increased robustness and product yield, with special emphasis on those obtained by the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) genome-editing approach, is discussed as a possible solution to confer higher performance and stability to the fermentation process for fuel ethanol production.
We evaluated various agricultural lignocellulosic biomass and variety of fungi to produce cellulolytic enzymes cocktail to yield high amount of reducing sugars. Solid-state fermentation was performed using water hyacinth, paddy straw, corn straw, soybean husk/tops, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse using fungi like Nocardiopsis sp. KNU, Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus flavus, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium alone and in combination to produce cellulolytic enzymes. Water hyacinth produced (U ml(-1)) endoglucanase (51.13) and filter paperase (0.55), and corn straw produced (U ml(-1)) beta-glucosidase (4.65), xylanase (113.32), and glucoamylase (41.27) after 7-day incubation using Nocardiopsis sp. KNU. Production of cellulolytic enzymes was altered due to addition of various nitrogen sources, metal ions, vitamins, and amino acids. The maximum cellulolytic enzymes were produced by P. chrysosporium (endoglucanase; 166.32 U ml(-1) and exoglucanase; 12.20 U ml(-1)), and by T. viride (filter paperase; 1.57 U ml(-1)). Among all, co-culture of T. reesei, T. viride, A. flavus, and P. chrysosporium showed highest beta-glucosidase (17.05 U ml(-1)). The highest xylanase (1129 U ml(-1)) was observed in T. viride + P. chrysosporium co-culture. This study revealed the dependency on substrate and microorganism to produce good quality enzyme cocktail to obtain maximum reducing sugars.
In this study, four biochars prepared from different crop residue waste i.e. sugarcane bagasse (SBB), coconut shell (CNB), paddy straw (PDB), and distilled waste of lemongrass (LGB) were evaluated for removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R from the aqueous system. The RBBR adsorption capacities of biochar were 97-79\% for SBB, 99.9-99.47\% for CNB, 66.1-48\% for PDB, and 78-68\% for LGB, dominantly controlled by their aromaticity and mineral content. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and pseudo-second-order kinetic models have described the chemisorption of RBBR on biochar surfaces. The thermodynamic data suggested that adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. These biochars demonstrated excellent reusability (till four cycles with 50-61\% regeneration). The purified water and biochar dye sludge demonstrated no phytotoxicity. The findings obtained in this study may provide supports for the potential of biochars for anionic dye removal from water and utilization of generated sludge for zero waste-producing technologies in the future.
The increased dissolution of ball-milled lignocellulosic biomass including sugarcane bagasse, Eucalyptus, and Masson pine was investigated in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ({[
The process of making jaggery involves heating and evaporating sugarcane juice with the addition of thermal energy. Dry bagasse is used as a thermal energy source in the traditional jaggery manufacturing process. Traditional methods of making jaggery have limitations in terms of energy loss due to poor combustion, energy loss via exhaust gases, and other losses related to the furnace wall. Additionally, burning bagasse pollutes the environment. To overcome these problems, the steam energy generated by the solar Scheffler system is used to power the jaggery-making process in this paper. The performance of a 16 m(2) Scheffler is evaluated to estimate the amount of jaggery produced and the production time. The experiment was carried out with a fixed amount of sugarcane juice, i.e., 2500 ml, under three different radiation conditions. Under maximum beam radiation conditions, i.e., 754 W/m(2) during the experiment, the receiver power and thermal energy efficiency are 5.2 kW and 63.5 \%, respectively. The energy required to produce 1 kg of jaggery under maximum radiation conditions (754 W/m(2) ) is 285 W for 130 min. More precisely, 60 min for steam generation and 70 min. for jaggery production. Under maximum radiation conditions (754 W/m(2)) with 63.5\% receiver efficiency, this Scheffler system is capable of producing approximately 16.14 kg of jaggery in 130 min. of duration. The maximum amount of jaggery produced is clearly dependent on the receiver power available for steam generation, as evidenced by the summary of results obtained during the first, second, and third experiments.By improving the thermal efficiency of the receiver and reducing the amount of boiling power required, we can reduce the time required for the production of jaggery, also increasing the quantity of jaggery produced. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Oxidation of lignin obtained from acetosolv and ethanol/water pulping of sugarcane bagasse was performed by phenol oxidases: tyrosinase ( TYR) and laccase ( LAC), to increase the number of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in lignin, and to improve its chelating capacity. The chelating properties of the original and oxidized lignins were compared by monitoring the amount of Cu2+ bound to lignin by gel permeation chromatography. The Acetosolv lignin oxidized with TYR was 16.8\% and with LAC 21\% higher than that of the original lignin. For ethanol/water lignin oxidized with TYR was 17.2\% and with LAC 18\% higher than that of the original lignin.
In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was synthesized from sugarcane bagasse using a pretreatment process, and then a hydrogel containing magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) was synthesized in situ method. After the preparation of the hydrogel, the supernatant was employed to make the biodegradable nanocomposite film. Ultravoilet-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize MgO-NPs. A TEM image reveals MgO-NPs of 100 nm embedded in the sugarcane bagasse carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel network. The successful absorption peak at 295 nm, which is brought on by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), indicates the existence of MgO-NPs. A film with nanoparticles (CMC-2) demonstrated a slower rate of biodegradation than the film without nanoparticles (CMC-1) sample. Glycerol typically increases film flexibility and extension. Film tensile strength (TS) and opacity are increased by MgO-NPs in CMC film, while moisture content, solubility, and elongation at break are decreased.
The main obstacle to the Brazilian pineapple crop is the lack of high quality seedlings in a proper quantity. The achievement of plants free of pests and diseases is possible through tissue culture. However, these plants need a period of acclimatization. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of different substrates and doses of controlled-release fertilizer on the development and nutrition of micropropagated pineapple during the acclimatization. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three substrates (1-surface soil; 2-composting of sugarcane pulp and filter cake and 3- a substrate composed (soil + sand + Plantmax (R))) and 5 doses of Osmocote (R): 0, 10, 20, 25 and 30 g.plant(-1), with four blocks. The substrate that provided the highest amounts of N, P and K in plants was the composite of sugarcane pulp and filter cake. The Osmocote (R) provided an increase in the plant lengtht, in the number of leaves and in the dry weight of shoot. High doses of Osmocote (R) caused a pH reduction of substrates and an accumulation of nutrients, making it toxic to plants.
Determination of structural carbohydrates content of a lignocellulosic biomass is a preliminary step for the predictive analysis of its bioethanol potential. In this study, the annual agriculture crop residues like rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, and sugarcane bagasse have been selected as lignocellulosic biomass, which contains about 59.6-61.4\% structural carbohydrates. Based on the stoichiometry of glucose/xylose/arabinose, theoretical bioethanol yield is accounted to be 387 L/dry tons of lignocellulosic biomass. Moreover, empirical mode of bioethanol potential of selected agriculture crop residues has been evaluated by considering the biochemical conversion process developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The process includes deacetylation, acid impregnation, pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. NREL performed pilot scale demonstrations runs and evaluated bioethanol yield per dry ton of lignocellulosic biomass. Moreover, NREL estimated the minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) by a process simulation software, Aspen plus, by considering the end-to-end process which includes capital investment, feedstock handling, biochemical conversion process, coproduct credit and wastewater treatment. Therefore, a pilot scale study of NREL has been opted for the empirical estimation of bioethanol potential of selected lignocellulosic biomass. As a result, about 295 L of bioethanol can be produced per dry ton of lignocellulosic biomass with a MESP of 0.56 US\$/L.
A low-cost, long-term and maintenance-free method was put forward to treat simulation of copper-containing pit wastewater which has caused a widespread environmental problem in Yunnan Province, China. The objective of this work was to investigate the treatment of low concentrations of Cu2+ in the mine pit water with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) using bagasse as both the slow-release carbon source and the carrier in biofilm reactors. Following the long-term trail experiment for 200 days, the Cu2+ concentration decreased from 10 to 0.2 mg/L in the SRB biofilm system. The result showed utilizing the bagasse as both the slow-release carbon source and the carrier in biofilm reactors showed good and stable performance for Cu2+ removal with long-term maintenance-free. Through the analysis of sediment samples indicated that the sediment was basically copper sulfide precipitate, which proved the feasibility of copper recovery in our bioreactors. It revealed the feasibility of bagasse for SRB to remove Cu2+ and provided a potential method to treat mine pit water.
Effects of acid washing, torrefaction, and a combination of acid washing and torrefaction pretreatment millet straw (MS) and millet bran (MB) were investigated. The physicochemical properties of MS and MB before and after acid washing pretreatment were analyzed using industrial analysis, elemental analysis, component analysis, and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Pyrolysis experiments using tube furnace and GC-MS analysis to investigate the composition and properties of bio-oil by comparing MS and MB under different temperatures. The results indicated that both acid washing and torrefaction pretreatment had a significant effect on fuel characteristics of MS and MB, while their effects on the molar ratios of C/O and C/H were opposed. The combination of acid washing and torrefaction pretreatment was beneficial for improving the fuel characteristics and increasing the yield of bio-oil. Compared to torrefaction pretreatment, the bio-oil yield of acid washing MS and acid washing MB all increased to 17\% at 230 celcius. In addition, the relative content of sugars derived from MS and MB increased, but the relative content of oxygenates including acids, ketones, and furans, etc., decreased. These findings indicated that the combination of acid washing and torrefaction pretreatment was a promising method to improve the higher heating value and quality of bio-oil.
Water balance components were assessed under main cropping systems of the Punjab state in northwest India with a simplified model using long-term weather data. Ten years' average annual evapo-transpiration (ET) was maximum in sugarcane (136 cm) followed by cotton-wheat (125 cm), rice-wheat (92 cm) and maize-wheat (86 cm) cropping system on a medium textured soil. However, on a coarse textured soil, ET was less by 6-11 cm under different cropping systems. Soil water evaporation (E) constituted the major proportion of the annual water loss during establishment and senescence periods of the cropping cycles and intervening bare periods. Water loss by deep drainage in rice (68.2 cm) was more by 2.4 times than in maize, by 3.1 times than in cotton and by 3.3 times than in sugarcane. Irrigation water required to meet ET and drainage was maximum in rice-wheat (106.8 cm) followed by sugarcane (85.5 cm), cotton-wheat (81.6 cm) and maize-wheat system (61.2 cm). Straw mulching in maize. cotton and sugarcane decreased irrigation requirement further by reducing unproductive E losses. Thus. maize-wheat or cotton-wheat cropping systems having low irrigation requirement can be an appropriate alternative to rice-wheat system for maintaining balanced hydrology in the state. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Maintenance of straw on the soil surface in sugarcane production areas can influence weed occurrence and herbicide dynamics. After application, considerable losses of clomazone can occur as a result of its physicochemical characteristics. For this reason, novel formulations have been developed. In addition to the conventional formulation, microencapsulated formulations are currently available. Thus, the aim of this study was to observe and compare the effect of clomazone formulations under different application conditions. For this purpose, the experiment was carried with 12 treatments in a completely randomized design, with four replications, using clomazone formulations (1,200 g a.i. ha(-1)), on soils with different moisture levels, in the presence and absence of sugarcane straw, followed or not by rainfall simulation. The treatments were compared by observation of number of emerged plants and phytotoxicity at 7 and 14 DAA, as well shoot thy matter at 14 DAA for Ipomoea nil, Urochloa decumbens and Panicum maximum. In general, the microencapsulated formulation presented a better performance under the less suitable application conditions when compared to the conventional one. However, for the other conditions, both formulations had a similar performance.
The finite nature, regional availability, and environmental problems associated with the use of fossil fuels have forced all countries of the world to look for renewable eco-friendly alternatives. Agricultural waste biomasses, generated through the cultivation of cereal and noncereal crops, are being considered renewable and viable alternatives to fossil fuels. In view of this, there has been a global spurt in research efforts for using abundantly available agricultural wastes as feedstocks for obtaining energy and value-added products through biochemical and thermal conversion routes. In the present work, the thermochemical characteristics and thermal degradation behavior of sugarcane leaves (SCL) and tops were studied. The batch pyrolysis was carried out in a fixed-bed tubular reactor to obtain biochar, bio-oil, and pyrolytic gas. Effects of bed height (4-16 cm), particle size (0.180-0.710 mm), heating rate (15-30 degrees C/min), and temperature (350-650 degrees C) were investigated. The maximum yields of bio-oil (44.7\%), biogas (36.67\%), and biochar (36.82\%) were obtained at 550, 650, and 350 degrees C, respectively, for a 16 cm deep bed of particles of size 0.18-0.30 mm at the heating rate of 25 degrees C/min. The composition of bio-oil was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Several aliphatic, aromatic, phenolic, ketonic, and other acidic compounds were found in the bio-oil. The biochar had a highly porous structure and several micronutrients, making it useful as a soil conditioner. In the middle temperature ranges, biogas had more methane and CO and less hydrogen, but at higher temperatures, hydrogen was predominant.
Pozzolanic materials react with lime produced during curing of cement forming a hard phase similar to hardened cement. There are multiple methods to evaluate the pozzolanic activity of materials and one of these methods is the evaluation of the conductivity in lime solution. This method does not follow a standard procedure and there are multiple parameters that affect the results. The present paper summarizes some of the variations in this method reported in the literature and shows experimental results from tests in siliceous materials with crystalline (sand) or amorphous (silica fume) structure. The test is also used to evaluate the pozzolanic activity of sugarcane bagasse ash. The effects of temperature, sample size and solution agitation are reported. The results indicates this method permits a rapid evaluation of pozzolanic activity but the testing parameters must be rigorously controlled.
Cellulose was extracted from sugarcane bagasse and treated with electrohydrodynamic (EHD) device. The EHD-treated and non-treated cellulose fibers were added to whipping cream at three levels of 0.5\%, 1\%, and 1.5\% wt/wt. Whipped cream was prepared using different fat concentrations (25\%, 30\%, and 35\% wt/wt). Analysis of physicochemical properties showed that increasing cellulose and fat concentrations increased viscosity, firmness, overrun, and stability against syneresis in whipped cream. Superior textural and color quality (greater whiteness index and lower yellowness index) were observed in whipped cream samples contained modified cellulose compared to those consisting non-modified cellulose at each fat level. The sample prepared with 1.5\% of modified cellulose and 30\% of fat exhibited preferable stability, textural, and color properties compared to those contained 0.5\%-1.5\% non-modified cellulose and 35\% fat. The current study showed that EHD-treated cellulose fiber with improved textural properties could be used in fat-reduced cream. Novelty impact statement Cellulose was extracted from sugarcane bagasse and treated with electrohydrodynamic device. The physically modified cellulose enhanced the stability, texture, and color of whipped cream as fat replacer.
Jaggery is a kind of unrefined non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) used mainly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Traditionally, jaggery is produced by concentrating sugarcane juice in open pans with the help of bagasse combustion. However, due to thermal energy loss with flue gases and an unscientific approach in plant construction, jaggery plants have a poor thermal efficiency of less than 25\%, poor emission characteristics, and a high bagasse consumption rate. Advanced jaggery-making techniques use solar energy and heat pumps for jaggery production. However, these techniques are in the early stage of development, and the literature indicates that these techniques should be used in conjuction with traditional ones to improve the performance of jaggery making plants. This literature review describes advances in jaggery-making methods, critically analyzed them, and provides a qualitative comparison of these methods. Further, gaps in the existing literature are identified and reported for future research direction. In addition, efforts have been made to quantify and estimate the emissions reduction and bagasse consumption potentials from the traditional jaggery industry to make this rural industry a sustainable and profitable business for rural entrepreneurs. The comparison with the recently developed clean combustion device exhibits that the harmful emissions from the jaggery industry could be reduced drastically viz. 95\%-98\% of PM2.5; 92\%-95\% of CO, and 52-60\% of CO2, while saving more than 35\% of bagasse consumption. Implemented at a national scale, it may reduce nearly 3\% of all harmful emissions in the country, which is equally applicable elsewhere.
An environment friendly and cost-effective approach is a major bottleneck in biofuels production from agriculture waste residue. The present study unravels the enzymatic hydrolytic potential of a designed bacterial consortium (SNH-1) comprised of camel rumen derived B. safensis CRN 13, B. subtilis CRN 16, C. braakii CRN 21, B. circulans CRN 24, and P. dendritiformis CRN18. The consortium SNH-1 was evaluated for exo-glucanase (0.29 U/ml), beta-glucosidase (0.69U/ml), beta-glucuronidase (0.29U/ml), endoxylanase (0.79U/ml), arabinosidase (0.62U/ml), alpha-galactosidase (0.36 U/ml), and endoglucanase (0.51U/ml) activity. Genome analysis of consortium members identified 660 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) responsible for breaking the structural intricacy. These include 296 glycoside hydrolase, 19 auxiliary activity, 186 glycosyl transferases, and 37 carbohydrate-binding modules genes. The designed consortium hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and rice straw effectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the pH, temperature, and substrate concentration, which has resulted in a 23\% higher saccharification of wheat straw. Further, 6.2\% bioethanol production was estimated from wheat straw hydrolysate using S. cerevisiae. The wheat straw saccharification by the designed consortium is a cost-effective, chemical-free, cleaner, and promising approach for producing lignocellulosic bioethanol. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria on the formation of sugarcane pre-sprouted seedlings, originated from individual buds, and to quantify the initial growth of these seedlings in association with nitrogen application, in a low fertility soil. Two experiments were carried out: one in greenhouse conditions, with a time span of 50 days, and the other in vases under field conditions, with a time span of 180 days. In both experiments, a randomized complete block design was used with a factorial arrangement of 2x3, in the first experiment - with or without inoculation, and with three quantities of bud reserve -, and of 2x2x4, in the second one - with or without inoculation, with or without nitrogen, evaluated in four times: at 45, 90, 135, and 180 days. The inoculant had effect on the initial growth of the pre-sprouted seedlings, increasing sprouting speed and dry matter accumulation on roots and shoots, regardless of the bud reserve amount. In the second experiment, the inoculant increased the initial growth of shoots and root system up to 180 days after transplantation, increasing height, tillering, stalk diameter, dry matter production of stalks and straw, and root length, regardless of nitrogen application. The inoculant has a positive physiological effect on plant growth.
Bio-based polymers have emerged as a feasible alternative to petrochemical polymers mainly due to their biodegradability and renewable feedstock. Brazil is considered one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities. Hence, the country is also distinguished by the large generation of this residue type, which can be potentially used as a source to obtain biopolymers, such as cellulose. Based on the Brazil agriculture market, the study aims to analyze the suitability of agroindustrial residues as raw material for cellulose-based materials. A methodology for the selection of the most suitable residues is proposed, which takes into account the chemical composition of residues, namely the cellulose content and the cellulose-to-lignin ratio, as well as, their availability. In order to meet conservation issues, the availability of residues is calculated as a function of sustainable removal rates and competitive uses. Taking as reference the main crops identified, the average amount of agroindustrial residues available in Brazil was estimated at 108million tons/year. Among the most suitable residues to be used as cellulose feedstock are soybean straw, sugarcane top/leaves, maize husk and stover and sugarcane bagasse.
Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) represents a potentially less expensive and renewable source of fermentable sugars that can be converted into biofuels and chemicals. Microbial conversion of the hemicellulose fraction is essential for increased biofuel production, and microorganisms able to overcome the difficulties imposed by inhibitors generated during hydrolysis of the hemicellulosic fraction are desirable for this purpose. Lipomyces starkeyi, cultivated in hemicellulosic hydrolysate (HH) from sugarcane bagasse composed of 14.0 g/L xylose, 2.9 g/L glucose, 2.6 g/L arabinose, 2.6 g/L acetic acid, 0.04 g/L furfural and 0.02 g/L 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), was not inhibited by HMF, furfural or acetic acid. Furthermore, the inhibitors were depleted during fermentation, possibly due to yeast metabolism. This assumption was supported by analysis of the L. starkeyi genome, which confirmed the presence of key genes related to inhibitor metabolism. Furthermore, a preliminary fermentation using only acetic acid as the carbon source indicated that L. starkeyi was able to use acetic acid (similar to 3.0 g/L) for cell growth (0.9 g/L) and biosynthesis of lipids (28.4\%,w/w). L starkeyi showed favorable and robust characteristics as a promising microorganism able to convert HH sugars into lipids without previous detoxification. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Plant cell wall degrading enzymes are key technological components in biomass bioconversion platforms for lignocellulosic materials transformation. Cost effective production of enzymes and identification of efficient degradation routes are two economic bottlenecks that currently limit the use of renewable feedstocks through an environmental friendly pathway. The present study describes the hypersecretion of an endo-xylanase (GH11) and an arabinofuranosidase (GH54) by a fungal expression system with potential biotechnological application, along with comprehensive characterization of both enzymes, including spectrometric analysis of thermal denaturation, biochemical characterization and mode of action description. The synergistic effect of these enzymes on natural substrates such as sugarcane bagasse, demonstrated the biotechnological potential of using GH11 and GH54 for production of probiotic xylooligosaccharides from plant biomass. Our findings shed light on enzymatic mechanisms for xylooligosaccharide production, as well as provide basis for further studies for the development of novel enzymatic routes for use in biomass-to-bioethanol applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ultrasound technology is often associated with harmful effects on enzyme reactions, although it is possible to improve the productivity of bioprocesses when suitable conditions are employed. Sugarcane bagasse and straw are the feedstocks widely used in Brazil for second-generation (2G) ethanol production; however, the lignocellulose biomass conversion into fermentable sugars through the enzymatic route is not yet fully optimized. Lignocellulolytic enzymes represent a significant part of the costs related to 2G ethanol production. Nonetheless, they exhibit great potential for cost reduction due to improved enzyme features: mainly increment of its activity and an increase of hydrolysis yield. This enzymatic hydrolysis of feedstock can be enhanced by green technology ultrasound application's combined action on the enzymes and their substrates. The mixed action increases the lignocellulose saccharification; hence, it is considered a promising alternative for fermentable sugar release. The process optimization using green approaches, such as ultrasound and enzymatic treatment, can boost the sugar yield, thus emphasizing the importance of steps integration towards biomass conversion. This review attempts to provide an overview of the effects of ultrasound treatment on lignocellulolytic enzymes used in the 2G ethanol production and those of the process intensification through an unprecedented bibliometric search.
White rot fungi possess an enzymatic system that is non-specific to any pesticide and can be used for pesticide detoxification in biobeds. The present study evaluated potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium to degrade co-applied atrazine and fipronil in ash or biochar biomixtures. Five biomixtures were prepared by partially replacing compost in rice straw-compost biomixture (BM) with 10\% rice husk ash (RHA), 10\% sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), and 1 and 5\% wheat straw biochar (WBC). Results suggested that after 30 days P. chrysosporium augmented biobeds resulted in 60.52-72.72\% atrazine and 69.57-72.52\% fipronil degradation. Hydroxyatrazine and fipronil sulfone were detected as the only metabolite of atrazine and fipronil, respectively, and were further degraded. Although, SBA significantly enhanced atrazine degradation, RHA or SBA had no significant effect on fipronil degradation. WBC (5\%) slowed down degradation of both pesticides.
In this paper, nano/microfibrils were applied to enhance the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of the sugarcane bagasse fiber films. The successful preparation of nano/microfibrils was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fiber length analyzer (FLA), and ion chromatography (IC). The transparency, morphology, mechanical and hydrophobic properties of the cellulose films were evaluated. The results show that the nanoparticle was formed by the hemicellulose diffusing on the surface of the cellulose and agglomerating in the film-forming process at 40 degrees C. The elastic modulus of the cellulose film was as high as 4140.60 MPa, and the water contact angle was increased to 113 degrees. The micro/nanostructures were formed due to hemicellulose adsorption on nano/microfilament surfaces. The hydrophobicity of the films was improved. The directional crystallization of nano/microfibrous molecules was found. Cellulose films with a high elastic modulus and high elasticity were obtained. It provides theoretical support for the preparation of high-performance cellulose film.
Cogeneration systems have gained prominence in recent years driven by the simultaneous systematic production of heat and electricity, which are involved in industrial and commercial processes. Sugar and alcohol industry has become a reference in the use of cogeneration through the burning of sugarcane bagasse, with an important role in the future policies for generation expansion in Brazil. However, in the economic evaluation of this type of project, some previously ignored variables had a gain of relevance, such as the possibility of selling surplus energy produced by the plant. This paper presents a multiobjective stochastic optimization model using stochastic dynamic dual programming techniques, which seeks to maximize net revenue of a cogeneration project, indicating also the installed power adequate to the fuel availability and the needs of the plant, considering different energy scenarios in the spot market. The results indicate the best configuration for a cogeneration plant, considering the possibility of energy revenue, allowing an easy cost comparison of different alternatives for decision making from the investor's point of view.
Lignocellulosic materials are the most abundant renewable organic resources (similar to 200 billion tons annually) on earth that are readily available for conversion to ethanol and other value-added products, but they have not yet been tapped for the commercial production of fuel ethanol. The lignocellulosic substrates include woody substrates such as hardwood (birch and aspen, etc.) and softwood (spruce and pine, etc.), agro residues (wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, etc.), dedicated energy crops (switch grass, and Miscanthus etc.), weedy materials (Eicchornia crassipes, Lantana camara etc.), and municipal solid waste (food and kitchen waste, etc.). Despite the success achieved in the laboratory, there are limitations to success with lignocellulosic substrates on a commercial scale. The future of lignocellulosics is expected to lie in improvements of plant biomass, metabolic engineering of ethanol, and cellulolytic enzyme-producing microorganisms, fullest exploitation of weed materials, and process integration of the individual steps involved in bioethanol production. Issues related to the chemical composition of various weedy raw substrates for bioethanol formation, including chemical composition-based structural hydrolysis of the substrate, need special attention. This area could be opened up further by exploring genetically modified metabolic engineering routes in weedy materials and in biocatalysts that would make the production of bioethanol more efficient.
The main goal of this study is to suggest quantitative social metrics to evaluate different sugarcane biorefinery systems in Brazil by exploring a novel hybrid approach integrating social life cycle assessment and input-output analysis. Social life cycle assessment is the main methodology for evaluating social aspects based on a life-cycle approach. Using this framework, a hybrid model integrating social life cycle assessment and input-output analysis was introduced to evaluate different social effects of biorefinery scenarios considering workers as the stakeholder category. Job creation, occupational accidents, wage profile, education profile, and gender profile were selected as the main inventory indicators. A case study of three scenarios considering variations in agricultural and industrial technologies (including sugarcane straw recovery and second-generation ethanol production, for instance) was carried out for evaluating present first-generation (1G-basic, 1G-optimized) and future first- and second-generation ethanol production (1G2G). The 1G-basic scenario leads to higher job creation levels over the supply chain mainly because of the influence of agricultural stage whose workers are mostly employed in sugarcane manual operations. On the other hand, 1G-optimized and 1G2G present supply chains are more reliant on the manufacturing, trade, and services sectors whose workers are associated with a lower level of occupational accidents, higher average wages, higher education level, and more participation of women in the work force. The use of a novel hybrid approach integrating social life cycle assessment (SLCA) and input-output analysis (IOA) was useful to quantitatively distinguish the social effects over different present and future sugarcane biorefinery supply chains. As a consequence, this approach is very useful to support decision-making processes aiming to improve the sustainability of sugarcane biorefineries taking social aspects into account.
With the aim of studying the fermentation of syngas, this work presents an integrated gasification with syngas fermentation process using the Aspen Plus (TM). A reaction mechanism for the decomposition of sugarcane bagasse was used to represent the pyrolysis. The influence of operating conditions as gasifier temperature, oxidizing agents and gas composition in the fermentation were investigated for the production of ethanol by syngas fermentation. The simulation showed good results according to the validation with experimental data.
This study takes the first insight on the rigorous evaluation of electricity generation based on the experimentally measured higher heating value (HHV) of lignin residue, as well as the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) of wastewater. For producing one metric ton of ethanol fuel from five typical lignocellulose substrates, including corn stover, wheat straw, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse and poplar sawdust, 1.26-1.85 tons of dry lignin residue is generated from biorefining process and 0.19-0.27 tons of biogas is generated from anaerobic digestion of wastewater, equivalent to 43355981 kWh and 1946-2795 kWh of electricity by combustion of the generated lignin residue and biogas, respectively. The electricity generation not only sufficiently meets the electricity needs of process requirement, but also generates more than half of electricity surplus selling to the grid. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Due to growing topicality of indirect land use change, greater shift towards second generation biofuels should be observed. In order to help smaller biogas and bioethanol producers, multi-criteria analysis of lignocellulose pre-treatment is conducted to elucidate the most preferable approach for lignocellulose pre-treatment. There are four main pre-treatment groups - biological, chemical, physical and physochemical pre-treatment. In this article three pre-treatment types were described by highlighting their specific approaches; using multi-criteria analysis a conclusion was reached that the most preferable pre-treatment option for lignocellulose biomass like corn stover or sugarcane is microbiological pre-treatment, as it showed the closest proximity to ideal solution.
Energy plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development by raising standard of living. Biomass has been used as an energy source for thousands of years by the humankind. Traditional fuels like firewood, dung and crop residues currently contribute a major share in meeting the everyday energy requirements of rural and low-income urban households in Pakistan. An average biomass using household consumes 2325 kg of firewood or 1480 kg of dung or 1160 kg of crop residues per annum. There are good prospects for using biogas energy in rural areas through a network of community biogas plants. Development of fuel-efficient cook stoves is a modest effort to help conserve biomass energy at domestic level. PCRET has so far installed 60,000 energy-conserving, improved cooking stoves all over the country, which are 12-28\% efficient. E-10 gasoline pilot project and research on biodiesel production are underway. Sugarcane bagasse can potentially be used to generate 2000 MW of electric power. Attention is now being given to the use of municipal and industrial waste for power generation. The government is financing many projects related to biomass energy development in the country, but still lot more efforts are needed for harnessing full potential and taking maximum benefit out of this important renewable energy resource. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytotechnical aspects of plant seedlings in blocks pressed with agroindustrial residues and the effect of the microbiological inoculation on the seedlings. Four doses with different ratios of sugarcane bagasse, filter cake, coconut fiber and avian residues were made. In the pressed blocks of the selected substrate were planted seeds of Sesbania virgata, Eucalyptus grandi and Acacia Mangium. The seeds of Sesbania virgata and Acacia mangium were inoculated with rhizobia and specific mycorrhizal fungi. At 70 days after sowing, mycorrhizal colonization, nodulation, phytotechnical and nutrition parameters were evaluated. The design used was a randomized complete block in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme. It was verified that the system of production of seedlings in pressed blocks, made with agroindustrial residues provides better development of the seedlings of Sesbania virgata in relation to the conventional tube, but did not have effect in the development of seedlings of Acacia mangium in relation to the conventional tube. Inoculation with rhizobia alone or associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the seedling production phase assisted the development of the Acacia mangium species. The production of Eucalyptus grandis in pressed blocks of agroindustrial residues did not provide advantages for the development of seedlings in tubes.
Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant and carbon-neutral resource for the production of renewable biofuels and green materials. In this study, the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, including rice straw, rice husk, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane peel, waste coffee grounds, and bamboo leaves, was carried out by using microwave heating. Solid, liquid, and gas yields were in the ranges of 18-22, 40-48, and 30-40 wt\%, respectively. The primary components of the gas product were H-2 (18-25 vol\%), CH4 (6-8 vol\%), CO (51-59 vol\%), and CO2 (10-14 vol\%), and the rest undetermined part was only 3-5 vol\%. Empirical equations were determined to predict the product yields and gaseous concentrations of microwave pyrolysis according to the lignocellulosic contents of the biomass feedstocks. The energy return on investment of microwave pyrolysis can be approximately 3.56, so the technique should be energetically and economically feasible. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
- The cultivation of tuberous-root species such as Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) requires well-dimensioned containers and the use of appropriate substrates, since seedlings will be removed from the container before their planting. Sugarcane bagasse, urban waste compost (compost), and vermicompost are promising wastes for substrate composition. The present study aims to assess the quality of moringa grown in substrate produced from sugarcane bagasse associated with compost or vermicompost in different-volume tubes. The study followed a randomized blocks design, at 2x7 factorial arrangement, namely: tubes' volumes (50 and 240 mL) x seven substrates (commercial substrate; sugarcane bagasse associated with urban waste compost at three different ratios (1:3; 1:1 and 3:1) and sugarcane bagasse associated with vermicompost at ratios 1:3; 1:1 and 3:1). In conclusion, the 240 mL container was the most appropriate one for moringa seedlings' production. Substrates presenting higher organic compost ratios led to greater shoot and tuberous root growth and to greater nitrogen-use accumulation and efficiency, which was equivalent to that of the commercial substrate. Higher sugarcane bagasse rates in substrate composition made it easier to remove the seedlings from the tubes and led to better physical quality of the clod after seedling removal from the tubes.
A novel sequential pretreatment strategy using biodiesel industry generated waste glycerol assisted transition metal and alkali pretreatment of sugarcane trash were developed for the production of bioethanol. Various process parameters affecting pretreatment as well as hydrolysis were optimized by adopting a Taguchi design. This novel method was found to be superior when compared to conventional pretreatment strategies like acid and alkali in removing hemicelluloses and lignin and the hydrolyzate is devoid of major fermentation inhibitors like organic acids and furfurals. Physico-chemical changes of the native and the pretreated biomass were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Under optimized hydrolysis conditions 0.796 g of reducing sugar (pentoses and hexoses) per g of dry biomass after saccharification was produced. Fermentation of the non-detoxified hydrolyzate using Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced 31.928 g of bioethanol per g of dry biomass with an efficiency of 78.89\%. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass by aqueous formic acid pertains to a biomass fractionation process to obtain multi-products for biorefining. In the present work, wheat straw was pretreated by aqueous formic acid under atmospheric pressure. The kinetics of delignification and polysaccharide solubilization were investigated using novel ``potential degree of reaction{''
The use of glycerol obtained as an intermediate of the biodiesel manufacturing process as carbon source for microbial growth is a potential alternative strategy for the production of enzymes and other high-value bioproducts. This work evaluates the production of cellulase enzymes using glycerol for high cell density growth of Trichoderma harzianum followed by induction with a cellulosic material. Firstly, the influence of the carbon source used in the pre-culture step was investigated in terms of total protein secretion and fungal morphology. Enzymatic productivity was then determined for cultivation strategies using different types and concentrations of carbon source, as well as different feeding procedures (batch and fed-batch). The best strategy for cellulase production was then further studied on a larger scale using a stirred tank bioreactor. The proposed strategy for cellulase production, using glycerol to achieve high cell density growth followed by induction with pretreated sugarcane bagasse, achieved enzymatic activities up to 2.27 +/- 0.37 FPU/mL, 106.40 +/- 8.87 IU/mL, and 9.04 +/- 0.39 IU/mL of cellulase, xylanase, and beta-glucosidase, respectively. These values were 2 times higher when compared to the control experiments using glucose instead of glycerol. This novel strategy proved to be a promising approach for improving cellulolytic enzymes production, and could potentially contribute to adding value to biomass within the biofuels sector.
In order to evaluate sustainable strategies to obtain solid biofuel and fertilizers from agroindustrial by-products in contrast to the agroecological zoning and expansion of crops in Veracruz, Mexico, drying methods with orange peels, sugarcane bagasse and crop residues were tested. The experiments to obtain a solid biofuel with 12.28\% humidity in 30 days. Six fertilizer production treatments in plastic containers from 30 to 90 days were evaluated using by-products: orange peel, cachaca, stillage, molasses, ashes, manure, sugar cane crop residues and edible mushroom production through composting techniques, vermicomposting and bocashi. Fertilizers with pH between 5.4 and 12.0, 3\% to 70\% of M.O. and C / N ratio from 8 to 40. The agroecological zoning was carried out with the Maxent software, determining that the geographic regions with the greatest aptitude for citrus and sugar cane crops are located in the Mexican southeast and in particular the state of Veracruz. For sugarcane, the limiting factors for productivity as raw material for biorefineries are related to access to water (rainfall) and explain 57.1\% of the simulation. In the case of citrus, the factors are related to temperature, rainfall and topography, which together impact 44.5\%.
The National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) is used by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to forecast US energy production, consumption, and price trends for a 25-yr-time horizon. Biomass is one of the technologies within NEMS, which plays a key role in several scenarios. An endogenously determined biomass supply schedule is used to derive the price-quantity relationship of biomass. There are four components to the NEMS biomass supply schedule including: agricultural residues, energy crops, forestry residues, and urban wood waste/mill residues. The EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2005 includes updated estimates of the agricultural residue portion of the biomass supply schedule. The changes from previous agricultural residue supply estimates include: revised assumptions concerning corn stover and wheat straw residue availabilities, inclusion of non-corn and non-wheat agricultural residues ( such as barley, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse), and the implementation of assumptions concerning increases in no-till farming. This article will discuss the impact of these changes on the supply schedule.
Chemical composition and physical structure of solid substrate have significantly impacts on fermentation performance. The aqueous ammonia was used to pretreat rice straw. Furthermore, the feasibility of pretreatment to improve laccase production was also evaluated in terms of the enzymatic digestibility, chemical structure, physical structure, and laccase production. The results showed that aqueous ammonia pretreatment could modify chemical compositions, destroy rigid structure of the lignocellulosic substrate, increase enzymatic digestibility and change water state, which were beneficial to facilitate the fungus growth and nutrition utilization. Pretreatment of lignocellulosic substrate with aqueous ammonia at 80 degrees C gave the best effect on laccase production, yielding 172.74U/g laccase at 14days, which was 3.4 times higher than that of the control. The aqueous ammonia pretreatment could alternate the physicochemical characteristics of lignocellulosic substrate, resulting in the improved laccase production, which was a promising method that might be explored in solid-state fermentation.
This work was conducted to investigate the using different organics substrate in the production of native seedlings fruits from Brazilian Savanna. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biometric parameters, nutrition and quality of Pouteria gardneriana seedlings produced in substrates containing different sources of organic matter. The following components were used to formulate the substrates: subsoil material (SB), rice husk (RH), cattle-manure compost {[
A low cost biosorbent was synthesized based on rice straw, which showed the ability of selective adsorption on PdCl42-. Adsorption behaviors, including the effects of the initial concentration of PdCl42-, the adsorption time and the concentration of hydrochloric acid on the effect of adsorption, were explored systematically. The results showed that the saturation adsorption capacity of the sorbent on PdCl42- was 122.49 mg g(-1) and the equilibrium adsorption time was 60 min. In addition, the adsorption obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Low hydrochloric acid concentration could promote the selectivity of adsorption and the adsorption rate went up to 92.71\% when the concentration of hydrochloric acid was 0.5 mol L-1. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanism was investigated through the analyses of FTIR and XPS and it indicated that Pd(II) coordinated with the N of primary amine and the O of alcoholic hydroxyl except ion exchange with Cl-. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Acetoin is an important bio-product useful in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. Microbial fermentation is the major process for the production of bioacetoin, as the petroleum resources used in chemical methods are depleting day by day. Bioacetoin production using wild microorganisms is an easy, eco-friendly and economical method for the production of bioacetoin. In the present study, culture conditions and nutritional requirements were optimized for bioacetoin production by a wild and non-pathogenic strain of B. subtilis subsp. subtilis JJBS250. The bacterial culture produced maximum bioacetoin (259 mg L-1) using peptone (3\%) and sucrose (2\%) at 30 \& DEG;C, 150 rpm and pH 7.0 after 24 h. Further supplementation of combinatorial nitrogen sources, i.e., peptone (1\%) and urea (0.5\%), resulted in enhanced titre of bioacetoin (1017 mg L-1 by the bacterial culture. An approximately 46.22-fold improvement in bioacetoin production was achieved after the optimization process. The analysis of samples using thin layer chromatography confirmed the presence of bioacetoin in the culture filtrate. The enzymatic hydrolysate was obtained by saccharification of pretreated rice straw and sugarcane bagasse using cellulase from Myceliophthora thermophila. Fermentation of the enzymatic hydrolysate (3\%) of pretreated rice straw and sugarcane bagasse by the bacterial culture resulted in 210 and 473.17 mgL(-1)bioacetoin, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysates supplemented with peptone as a nitrogen source showed a two to four-fold improvement in the production of bioacetoin. Results have demonstrated the utility of wild type B. subtilis subsp. subtilis JJBS250 as a potential source for economical bioacetoin production by making use of renewable and cost-effective lignocellulosic substrate. Therefore, this study will help in the sustainable management of agricultural waste for the industrial production of bioacetoin, and in combating environmental pollution.
Direct-fed microbials (DFM), generally regarded as safe status, are successfully used in improving rumen ecology, gastro-intestinal health, feed efficiency, milk production and growth rate in ruminants. On the other hand, methanogenesis in rumen, which accounts for a significant loss of ruminant energy and increased greenhouse gas in environment, is of great concern, therefore, use of DFM for improving productivity without compromising the animal health and ecological sustainability is encouraged. The present study was conducted to investigate the methane reducing potential of bacteriocinogenic strain Pediococcus pentosaceus-34. Since, the culture showed no hemolysis on blood agar and DNase activity, hence, it was considered to be avirulent in nature, a prerequisite for any DFM. The culture also showed tolerance to pH 5.0 for 24 h with 0.5\% organic acid mixture, whereas when given a shock for 2 h at different pH and organic acids concentrations, it showed growth at pH 3.0 and 4.0 with 0.1 and 1.0\% organic acids, respectively, as having good animal probiotics attributes. The total gas production was significantly (P<0.05) higher in live pedicoccal culture (LPC) and dead pedicoccal culture (DPC) both with wheat straw, when compared to the control. In sugarcane bagasse, gas production was significantly lower (P<0.05) with LPC compared to the control and DPC both. Methane was reduced by the inclusion of LPC in sugarcane bagasse (0.07 mL CH4 mg-1 dry matter digestibility) with no effect on other rumen fermentation parameters. However, with wheat straw and LPC total gas, in vitro dry matter digestibility, total volatile fatty acids increased significantly but no reduction in methane production was observed in comparison to the control. Therefore, further research is warranted in this direction, if the bacteriocinogenic strains can be used as DFM for ruminants to improve the ruminant productivity.
Lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks, including rice straw, rice husk, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane peel, waste coffee grounds, bamboo leaves, pennisetum grass, and leucaena wood, were pyrolyzed by using microwave heating. Both maximum temperature and heating rate of microwave pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass increased with increasing microwave power level. The minimum required microwave power level could be approximately 60 W. Solid, liquid, and gas yields of microwave pyrolysis at 500 W were in the ranges of 16-22, 40-48, and 30-40 wt\%, respectively. The gaseous products were primarily composed of H-2, CH4, CO, and CO2, whose concentration were in the ranges of 18-25, 6-8, 51-59, and 10-14 vol\%, respectively. The concentration of light hydrocarbons was only 3-5 vol\%. Besides, microwave pyrolysis should be more energy saving than conventional pyrolysis because of higher devolatilization and lower reaction temperature required. Copyright (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The objective of the research was to produce biogas by anaerobic co-digestion of biomass and urban solid waste, which made it possible to take advantage of these organic wastes, transforming them into a renewable energy source such as biogas being a fuel with an high calorific on an average of 19.6 to 25 MJ/m(3). The methodology consisted of developing different experiments to evaluate the biogas performance in each of the selected biomasses. The percentage of CH4 and CO2 was determined by gas chromatography, from which the following results were obtained: by rinds of, potato (35.64\% CH4), papaya (1.64\% CH4), pineapple (0.11\% CH4), pea (16.13\% CH4), banana (0.39\% CH4), bean (0.76\% CH4), sugarcane bagasse (80.85\% CH4), wet sugarcane bagasse (96.06\% CH4), semi-dry sugarcane bagasse (91.39\% CH4) and potato peel with sugarcane bagasse (58.74\% CH4). After the methane quantification in the different codigestion, the sugarcane bagasse presented better results with a 15\% increase in the generation of methane when it was pretreated. Subsequently, we worked with anaerobic biodigesters on a laboratory scale with 500 mL capacity, with a 75\% feed (sediment, sugarcane bagasse and 0.75: 1.5: 1.5 water). Propylene bags were used for the storage of biogas, which was quantified over a period of 78 days at ambient conditions, in this period of time it was also possible to determine humidity in experimentation 8 with 55\% and in experimentation 9 with 32\%, likewise the energy potential where 15.05 was obtained in experimentation 8 and 16, 72 in experimentation 9. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Endopolygalacturonase (EndoPG) from Stereum purpureum was expressed as a soluble protein in Pichia pastoris GS115, where after 3 days methanol induction the enzyme activity in the culture supernatant was 40 U mL(-1). After purification by IMAC, SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the molecular weight of EndoPG was approximately 60.0 kDa. The carbohydrate content of the recombinant enzyme was estimated to be 67.0\% (w/w). The optimum temperature and pH of catalysis were 60-70 degrees C and pH of 4.5, respectively. The enzyme was highly stable over the pH range 6.0-8.0 and retained approximately 60\% of its initial activity after incubation at 70 degrees C for 30 min. The enzyme showed a specific activity of 5040.0 +/- 217 U mg(-1) and hydrolyzed citrus pectin with V-max and a K-M of 4947.10 +/- 393.63 U mg(-1) and 2.45 +/- 0.23 mg mL(-1), respectively, and showed a catalytic efficiency of 2052.90 +/- 193.54 mL mg(-1) s(-1). EndoPG alone reduced the viscosity of papaya juice by 20\% after 30 min, and increased its transmittance about 50\% with a concomitant reduction of the color by about 55\% after 5 h of enzymatic treatment. For apple juice, the relative reduction of viscosity was 30\% after 5 h, and the reduction of the color was 30\% with a 12\% increase in transmittance. Supplementation of a commercial enzymatic cocktail for lignocellulose saccharification with EndoPG increased total reducing sugar release by 8.6 +/- 2.1\% against sugar cane bagasse, indicating improved access of the cellulolytic enzymes to the biomass polysaccharides. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Cellulase refers to a group of enzymes like endoglucanases (CMCase), exoglucanases and beta-glucosidase that have great industrial importance for the production of second-generation ethanol, e.g. The present study aimed to evaluate the CMCase and beta-glucosidase activities of the fungal strain Penicillium sp. FSDE15 using different agroindustrial wastes (wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane straw) as carbon sources to the basal medium during Submerged Fermentation (SFm). When the medium presented wheat bran, highest CMCase and beta-glucosidase yields were 1.03 U/mL (96 h) and 1.68 U/mL (168 h), respectively. For sugarcane bagasse medium, maximum enzymatic activity values were observed in 120 h culture (1.38 U/mL for CMCase and 0.55 U/mL for beta-glucosidase). Sugarcane straw medium presented highest enzymatic yields after 120 h culture (1.02 U/mL of CMCase and 0.39 U/mL of beta-glucosidase). The response surface methodology showed highest CMCase (1.3 U/mL) and beta-glucosidase (6.5 U/mL) activities in the presence of lower levels of wheat bran (1\%) (w/w), inoculum concentration of 105 spores/mL, temperatures of 41 degrees C and 33 degrees C, respectively. Penicillium sp. FSDE15 presented two isoforms of CMCase (150 kDa and around 30 kDa) and one isoform of beta-glucosidase (70 kDa). Our study demonstrated that the production of cellulases with high activity by Penicillium sp. FSE15 in a culture medium with agroindustrial wastes, such as wheat bran, might be a promising alternative to reduce the cost of these molecules and facilitate their use in various industrial processes. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.
The improved pozzolanic efficiency of sugarcane biomass ash (SCBA) after selective milling is presented. The samples were prepared by milling the as-received SCBA in a vibrating cup mill for four different durations ranging between 30 s and 15 min. The SCBA was first analysed using physical (particle size distribution, specific gravity, bulk density, soundness, setting time and lime reactivity), chemical (X-ray fluorescence), mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) and morphological characterisation (scanning electron microscopy). In addition, the thermal stability of the as-received SCBA was checked to investigate its effect on the mineralogical phases. The samples were then tested for pozzolanicity using the strength activity index, drop in electrical conductivity, Chapelle activity and the amount of reactive silica. The relation between milling durations and the pozzolanicity was established using the analysis of variance technique. The linear model was found to be more significant and reliable as per the statistical regression analysis.
The present study describes a rational approach for mutant selection of Talaromyces verruculosus IIPC 324, where its 6-8 h old germinated spores were exposed to UV irradiation at 254 nm for 1 h. In total 10 mutants were obtained with a kill rate of 99.99\%. Based on cellulases assays, none of the mutants showed simultaneous enhancement with respect to all the three components namely cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase and cellobiase. Assessing saccharification potential with sugarcane bagasse as the feedstock resulted in the selection of mutant UV-8. The 10th generation of this mutant registered endoglucanase activity and cellobiase activity of 381.91 +/- 5.4 and 50.73 +/- 0.5 IU/g, respectively, on 4th day of fermentation. Its enzyme cocktail released 12.97 +/- 0.65 g L-1 of reducing sugar from dilute sulfuric acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse after 72 hat 60 degrees C. Thus random mutagenesis by UV irradiation resulted in obtaining a stable mutant, whose endoglucanase productivity and hydrolytic potential, both improved by similar to 1.48 and similar to 1.4 fold, respectively, when compared to its parent strain.
Soil water content and management systems can promote changes in compressibility parameters. The objective of this research was to study the effects that water content and sugarcane management systems have on the compaction degree and compressibility parameters of a cohesive Yellow Argisol. Four sites were selected in the surroundings of the sugar mill Triunfo, in the state of Alagoas, Brazil; one site with irrigation and a second without irrigation, a third with vinasse application and a fourth under native forest, taken as representative of the original soil condition. Samples from each site were collected at 0-0.2, 0.2-0.4 and 0.4-0.8 m depths and at 0-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m, to determine alterations in the soil compaction and compressibility parameters, respectively. Management systems with and without irrigation increased the degree of soil compaction and resistance of aggregates to rupture as compared to those of the soil under native forest, resulting in an increase in the soil load support capacity. The increases in the soil water content reduced precompaction pressure and enhanced the compression index, resulting in a lower soil load support capacity.
Rising concerns about environmental issues including pollution control, waste management and energy demands have drawn the world's attention to the merits of renewable energy sources. In this regard, the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes for the purpose of bioenergy production is of particular importance. This study investigated the potential for biogas production from the co-digestion of a lignocellulosic biomass (wheat straw) with cattle manure after physical and chemical pretreatment at two Total Solids (TS) levels of 3\% and 6\% and three Inoculum-to-Substrate Ratios (ISRs) of 1, 2 and 4 (based on volatile solids). The materials were loaded into single-stage 1-liter digesters in batch mode under mesophilic conditions (35 ?) for 125 days. The best anaerobic digestion performance was observed in the treatment with 3\%TS and ISR1, where the biogas and methane production yields were 0.510 and 0.307 m(3)/kg-VSadded, respectively. At both TS levels, biogas production increased with the increase in the Volatile Solids (VS) content of wheat straw and the decrease in ISR. This can be due to easier access of microorganisms to the organic matter and better microorganism-substrate balance, which ultimately result in improved digestion performance. The kinetic modeling results showed that the modified Gompertz model and the logistic function model had the highest level of consistency with the experimental results for TS3\% and TS6\%, respectively. The first-order kinetic model failed to provide a good estimate of biogas production from the co-digestion of wheat straw with cattle manure, irrespective of the TS level.
Carbohydrate composition of three traditional plant syrups from Spain, namely palm honey (miel de palma), must syrup (arrope) and sugarcane honey (miel de caria), is described for the first time in this paper. Palm honeys were characterized by their relatively high concentrations of myo-inositol, whereas must syrups showed high values of monosaccharides and the presence of scyllo- and myo-inositol. Difructose anhydrides (DFAs) were also detected in must syrups; their content being dependent on the processing conditions and pH of the sample. Sugarcane honeys showed a different carbohydrate composition to that of edible molasses, with higher contents of monosaccharides and the presence of kestoses. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content of all the plant syrups analyzed was also determined: must syrups showed the highest values, followed by sugarcane honeys and finally by palm honeys, which displayed very low values. Preliminary results here reported provide the basis for a better understanding of the composition of plant syrups for further application in control of their authenticity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT) (8 to 0.5 h) and temperature (55 to 75 degrees C) in two anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBR) using cheese whey (AFBR-CW = 10,000 mg sugars L-1) and vinasse (AFBR-V = 10,000 mg COD L-1) as substrates. Decreasing the HRT to 0.5 h increased the hydrogen production rates in both reactors, with maximum values of 5.36 +/- 0.81 L H-2 h(-1) L-1 in AFBR-CW and 0.71 +/- 0.16 L H-2 h(-1) L-1 in AFBR-V. The optimal conditions for hydrogen production were the HRT of 4 h and temperature of 65 degrees C in AFBR-CW, observing maximum hydrogen yield (HY) of 5.51 +/- 0.37 mmol H-2 g COD-1. Still, the maximum HY in AFBR-V was 1.64 +/- 0.22 mmol H-2 g COD-1 at 4 h and 55 degrees C. However, increasing the temperature to 75 A degrees C reduced the hydrogen production in both reactors. Methanol and butyric, acetic, and lactic acids were the main metabolites at temperatures of 55 and 65 degrees C, favoring the butyric and acetic metabolic pathways of hydrogen production. The increased productions of lactate, propionate, and methanol at 75 degrees C indicate that the hydrogen-producing bacteria in the thermophilic inoculum were inhibited under hyperthermophilic conditions.
Developing green processes in the chemistry and engineering domains is one of the most significant challenges for sustainable production. Sugarcane trash (ST) generated during the sugar extraction process is an excellent feedstock for the production of cellulose nanofibers (CNF). Four distinct routes for CNF production from ST has been designed. The OTH procedure included an Organosolv pretreatment, TEMPO oxidation, and High-pressure homogenization; the OLH procedure included an Organosolv pretreatment followed by Lime juice hydrolysis. Alkaline pretreatment, TEMPO oxidation and High-pressure homogenization comprised the ATH. The ALH consisted of Alkaline pretreatment, lime juice hydrolysis, and High-pressure homogenization. The characterization of the CNF samples revealed excellent purity and crystallinity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the synthesized CNF. X-ray diffractograms (XRD) showed a crystallinity value of 64.28 \%, 69.52 \%, 60.54 \%, and 68.81 \% for OTH, OLH, ATH, and ALH, respectively. The OTH route produced the highest yield of cellulose (0.98 g/g ST) while the OTH and OLH routes produced high yields of CNF (0.34 g/g ST). Environmental parameters associated with the processes used to obtain CNF from ST were evaluated to achieve sustainable production and asses the environmental impact, including EcoScale (ES) and Life Cycle Analyses (LCA). EcoScale analysis assigned the OTH method a score of 84 and OLH, ALH, and ATH methods 74, 67, and 74, respectively. The life cycle assessment results indicated that the ATH method had a relatively low environmental impact across all impact categories. Finally, comparing CNF value to other carbon nanomaterials, the CNF derived from biomass was found to have a low environmental impact.
A pilot-scale continuous tubular reactor (PCTR) was employed for the isothermal pretreatment of agave bagasse (AG), corn stover (CS), sugarcane bagasse (SC), and wheat straw (WS) with three residence times. The objective was to evaluate the impact of this technology on enzymatic saccharification at low solid loadings (4\% w/v) and on sequential saccharification and glucose fermentation (SSF) at high solid loading (20\% w/v) for bioethanol production. Deformation in cellulose and hemicellulose linkages and xylan removal of up to 60\% were achieved after pretreatment. The shortest residence time tested (20 min) resulted in the highest glucan to glucose conversion in the low solid loading (4\% w/v) enzymatic saccharification step for AG (83.3\%), WS (82.8\%), CS (76.1\%) and SC (51.8\%). Final ethanol concentrations after SSF from PCTR-pretreated biomass were in the range of 38 to 42 g L-1 (11.0-11.3 kg of ethanol per 100 kg of untreated biomass). Additionally, PCTR performance in terms of xylan removal and sugar release were compared with those from a batch lab-scale autohydrolysis reactor (BLR) under the same process conditions. BLR removed higher xylan amounts than those achieved in the PCTR. However, higher sugar concentrations were obtained with PCTR for SC (13.2 g L(-1)vs. 10.5 g L-1) and WS (21.7 g L(-1)vs. 18.8 g L-1), whilst differences were not significant (p < 0.05) with BLR for AG (16.0 g L(-1)vs. 16.3 g L-1) and CS (18.7 g L(-1)vs. 18.4 g L-1).
Mushrooms are popular due to the nutrition contents in the fruit bodies and are relatively easy to cultivate. Mushrooms from the white-rot fungi group can be cultivated on agricultural biomass such as sawdust, paddy straw, wheat straw, oil palm frond, oil palm empty fruit bunches, oil palm bark, corn silage, corn cobs, banana leaves, coconut husk, pineapple peel, pineapple leaves, cotton stalk, sugarcane bagasse and various other agricultural biomass. Mushrooms are exceptional decomposers that play important roles in the food web to balance the ecosystems. They can uptake various minerals, including essential and non-essential minerals provided by the substrates. However, the agricultural biomass used for mushroom cultivation is sometimes polluted by heavy metals because of the increased anthropogenic activities occurring in line with urbanisation. Due to their role in mycoremediation, the mushrooms also absorb pollutants from the substrates into their fruit bodies. This article reviews the sources of agricultural biomass for mushroom cultivation that could track how the environmental heavy metals are accumulated and translocated into mushroom fruit bodies. This review also discusses the possible health risks from prolonged uptakes of heavy metal-contaminated mushrooms to highlight the importance of early contaminants' detection for food security.
In this Study, our aim was to quantify the transport of atrazine ill Soil Columns where sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hyb.) residue was incorporated. The residue is a result Of Sugarcane combine harvest technology where massive amount of residue is deposited on the soil Surface after each harvest. Miscible displacement experiments were carried Out to quantify the mobility of atrazine in soil columns where sugarcane residue was mixed a Commerce soil. The residue was either incorporated uniformly with the soil or applied as a thin mulch layer over surface soil. The incorporation of residue with the soil resulted ill retarded atrazine mobility because of strong sorption and slow release of the breakthrough Curves (BTCs) during leaching. Moreover, early arrival of atrazine in the column effluent was observed from BTC results where the residue was uniformly incorporated with the soil, which is possibly due to physical nonequilibrium conditions, that is, preferential flow or macropore flow An equilibrium-type model was incapable of describing atrazine BTCs from all columns regardless of whether the residue was placed as a surface layer or incorporated in the soil. In contrast, good overall description of measured BTC results was realized when a fully kinetic model was used. Therefore, our hypothesis that kinetic rather than equilibrium-type reactions are the dominant mechanisms for the release of adsorbed atrazine from the residue is supported.
A two-stage autocatalytic hydrothermal pretreatment was proposed to improve the cassava straw utilization. The two-stage hydrothermal pretreatment was a process of which the first stage adopted lower-severity conditions (temperature and time) to improve the C-5 sugar yields and the second stage employed more severities to enhance C-6 sugar yield during enzyme hydrolysis. After employing this process, the maximum yields of C-5 and C-6 sugars were 68.49\% and 81.02\% when treating at 180 degrees C for 60 min for the first stage and 200 degrees C for 20 min for the second stage. Based on this, the autocatalytic pretreatment was investigated, which was a method to further enhance the pretreatment intensity by recycling pretreated liquid rich in byproduct organic acids (acetic acid, lactic acid and formic acid) during two-stage hydrothermal pretreatment. The results showed that the C-5 sugar yields of the first stage increased to 81.12\% when recycled pretreated liquid twice, which led to 0.93 wt\% byproduct organic acid. After the second stage, the C-6 sugar yield increased to 88.60\% during enzymatic hydrolysis. Besides, mass balance and development potentials were analyzed. The results revealed that two-stage autocatalytic hydrothermal pretreatment could effectively enhance pretreatment intensity and provide promising methods of directionally depolymerizing cassava straws.
The growing demand and prices of fuel promote the development of technologies to improve the production process of biofuels. The energy integration in sugarcane biorefineries provides better use of utilities and cost reduction besides the possibility of increasing the amounts of ethanol or electricity produced. The latter is a result of the lower steam consumption in the plant, which allows diverting more bagasse to be processed into second-generation (2G) ethanol or electricity. This work assessed two case studies: case study 1 (CS1), which represents a biorefinery that produces first- and second-generation (1G/2G) ethanol and electricity, with disposal of the fraction of xylose, and case study 2 (CS2), where the pentose fraction is used to produce biogas. Differences in process operation conditions influence the design of a heat exchanger network (HEN). To handle this problem, concepts of synthesis of HEN with multiple operation periods were used. The multiperiod HEN synthesis problem is solved using a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model. Each period has a different operating condition, and, for solving the MINLP problem, a hybrid meta-heuristic approach was used, which combines tabu search and particle swarm methods. For the cases studied in this work, energy integration can allow for surpluses of up to 8.8\% of ethanol and 31.7\% of electricity, as well as better use of environmental resources and energy security. The payback time of the HEN investment is a maximum of 5.2 years if the surplus bagasse is diverted to the 2G ethanol.
The decarbonization of energy matrices is crucial to limit global warming below 2 \& DEG;C this century. An alternative capable of enabling zero or even negative CO2 emissions is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). In this sense, the Brazilian sugar-energy sector draws attention, as it would be possible to combine the production of fuel and electricity from renewable biomass. This paper is the final part of a study that aimed to research carbon capture and storage (CCS) in energy systems based on sugarcane. The case studied is CCS in thermal power plants considering two different technologies: the steam cycle based on the condensing-extraction steam turbine (CEST) and the combined cycle integrated to biomass gasification (BIG-CC). The results for the thermal power plant indicate that the CO2 capture costs may be lower than those in cogeneration systems, which were previously studied. The main reasons are the potential scale effects and the minimization of energy penalties associated with integrating the CCS system into the mills. In the best cases, capture costs can be reduced to EUR 54-65 per ton of CO2 for the CEST technology and EUR 57-68 per ton of CO2 for the BIG-CC technology.
This paper reports physico-chemical characterization and kinetic analyses of three biomass, viz. invasive species of water hyacinth (WH), yellow oleander (TP), and industrial byproduct of sugar cane bagasse (SCB) to assess their potential as feedstock for pyrolysis. Extensive physico-chemical characterization of biomass with standard techniques was carried out. Four isoconversional methods, viz. Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Friedman, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), and advanced Vyazovkin\_AIC were used to determine the kinetics triplets of thermal conversion at three heating rates 10, 30 and 40 degrees C min(-1). A high crystallinity index was detected in SCB (42.25\%), followed by WH (38.43\%), and TP (32.46\%). The higher heating values of the feedstock were in the range of 15-21 MJ kg(-1). The activation energies for WH, TP and SCB determined using the four isoconversional methods were in the range of 187.74-329.71, 182.28-389.24, and 193.45-293.49 kJ mol(-1), respectively. All biomass showed dual reaction mechanism of thermal conversion. For WH and TP the prevalent mechanisms were three-dimensional diffusion (D3) for alpha <= 0.6 and 3rd-order reaction (F3) for alpha >= 0.6, and 2nd/3rd ordered reaction (F2/F3) for alpha <= 0.6. The characterization and kinetic analysis of all biomass essentially demonstrates their potential as feedstock for pyrolysis.
From alpha-cellulose extracted from sugar cane bagasse, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl cellulose acetate (CMCA) and carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate (CMCAB) have been prepared, characterized and evaluated by TGA and DSC. TGA decomposition curves of CMCAB showed three decomposition stages, while cellulose, CMC and CMCA revealed two decomposition stages. The TGA of cellulose and CMC showed residual weight of 19.6 and 34.2\%, respectively, at 600 degrees C, which indicates the presence of a fraction of non-volatile components. Meanwhile, the residual weight of CMCA and CMCAB was very low, which indicates their high purity. The activation energy and thermal stability of CMCAB were higher than those of the other derivatives due to the decomposition of the amorphous part during the modification. The DSC curves showed that CMCAB is a glassy thermoplastic material with glass transition temperature of 138.35 degrees C, whereas endothermic melting was found at 200 degrees C.
Oligosaccharides are the sugars made up of 3-10 saccharides units and one of the classes of prebiotics obtained from various biowastes. These biowastes could include rice straw, husk, spent coffee grounds, sugarcane bagasse, spent tea leaves, fruits and vegetables peel, corn stalk, corn stover, deoiled meals and brewer's spent grains etc., which can be used as a resource for oligosaccharides production. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the suitability of different biowaste resources for oligosaccharide production followed by critical analysis of the recent updates and production methods. The review also discusses the tremendous prebiotic potential of oligosaccharides in food applications with prospects for further advancements in the field.
Background Oxidative damage is implicated in the etiology of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other degenerative disorders. Recent nutritional research has focused on the antioxidant potential of foods, while current dietary recommendations are to increase the intake of antioxidant: rich foods rather than supplement specific nutrients. Many alternatives to refined sugar are available, including raw cane sugar, plant saps/syrups (eg, maple syrup, agave nectar), molasses, honey, and fruit sugars (eg, date sugar). Unrefined sweeteners were hypothesized to contain higher levels of antioxidants, similar to the contrast between whole and refined grain products. Objective To compare the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners as alternatives to refined sugar. Design The ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay was used to estimate total antioxidant capacity. Major brands of 12 types of sweeteners as well as refined white sugar and corn syrup were sampled from retail outlets in the United States. Results Substantial differences in total antioxidant content of different sweeteners were found. Refined sugar, corn syrup, and agave nectar contained minimal antioxidant activity (<0.01 mmol FRAP/100 g); raw cane sugar had a higher FRAP (0.1 mmol/100 g). Dark and black-strap molasses had the highest FRA-P (4.6 to 4.9 mmol/100 g), while maple syrup, brown sugar, and honey showed intermediate antioxidant capacity (0.2 to 0.7 mmol FRAP/100 g). Based on an average intake of 130 g/day refined sugars and the antioxidant activity measured in typical diets, substituting alternative sweeteners could increase antioxidant intake an average of 2.6 mmol/day, similar to the amount found in a serving of berries or nuts. Conclusion Many readily available alternatives to refined sugar offer the potential benefit of antioxidant activity.
The utilization of low value agro-industrial residues for improving nutritional quality of mushrooms has become a key research priority in the recent past. The article reports the effects of various agro-industrial waste materials such as cotton waste (mill droppings), wheat straw, rice straw, corn cobs, sugarcane bagasse and sawdust on nutritional composition of king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus argil). It was noted that the mycelium growth (vegetative growth) was the highest on cotton waste compared to other lignocellulosic wastes. Moreover, increased biological efficiency, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, total phenolic contents, accumulation of macro (P and K) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Na, Mg, Mn and Ca) and reduced DPPH activity were recorded in P. eryngii cultivated on cotton waste. The results suggest that the cotton waste can be utilized as an efficient, cost-effective substrate for the cultivation of P. eryngii, and the substrate could be exploited post-cultivation as animal feed, due to its upgraded properties.
Biochar and organic amendments manipulate numerous soil properties but limited research has been done on the combined effect of biochar and different organic materials in an arid soil. The current study focuses on the distribution of dry soil aggregate size and associated polysaccharides by the application of biochar and its combination with other organic amendments. The treatments were the following: (i) control, (ii) biochar, (iii) poultry litter, (iv) sugarcane bagasse, (v) crop residue, (vi) biochar + poultry litter (B + PL), (vii) biochar + sugarcane bagasse (B + SB), and (viii) biochar + crop residue (B + CR). Amendments were applied on 1\% total organic carbon based on soil weight. Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) crop was sown as a test crop. The highest total organic carbon (TOC) was in biochar and crop residues (11.42 g kg(-1) and 11.04 g kg(-1) respectively); POC highest stocks were also under the same combination with similar quantity (3.80 g kg(-1) and 3.80 g kg(-1) respectively). The MBC stocks (0.25 g kg(-1)) were highest in biochar along other combinations. In organic amendments, poultry litter produced relatively higher macroaggregation than other treatments. Polysaccharides contents had the following incremental trend: sugarcane bagasse > biochar + sugarcane bagasse > poultry litter > biochar + crop residue > crop residue alone > biochar + poultry residue > biochar > control. The highest digest plant available moisture content (theta(AMC)) 14.3\% was recorded in the biochar applied with the combination of sugarcane bagasse. However, the highest plant biomass (61.33 g) was in biochar + poultry litter and plant height (37.67 cm) was in biochar. Overall biochar application with crop residues is effective in improving the carbon fractions and its combination with sugarcane bagasse improves polysaccharides and soil moisture content in the arid soil.
In this study the solid-state fermentation for production of cellulolytic enzymes by the fungus Gelatoporia subvermispora was optimized. The enzyme activities on filter paper, exo-cellulase, endo-cellulase and xylanase were determined. A Plackett-Burman design (PB) was used to determine the most significant variables (moisture content of substrate, inoculum density, corn steep liquor concentration, pH and peptone concentration) in the enzyme production for each substrate (sugarcane bagasse, sewage sludge and rice straw). The highest value for filter paper activity was obtained using sugarcane bagasse as substrate. The sewage sludge was an excellent medium for the production of xylanase and exo-cellulases. The endo-cellulase activity was similar in all substrates tested. This is the first report of the Gelatoporia genus for the production of cellulolytic enzymes, being a promising strain for this purpose.
Macroalgae and sugarcane biorefineries are designed to generate bioproducts for commercial use. Due to the high carbohydrate content of Kappaphycus alvarezii and sugarcane bagasse (SCB), biorefineries are aimed at generating such bioproducts as bioethanol, sucrose, carrageenan, and electricity production. Although there are several studies on SCB, the comparative study between residue carrageenan extraction and SCB has not yet been published. The samples were chemically characterized followed by structural, ultrastructural, and enzymatic hydrolysis analyzes. The content of protein in the wastes varied depending on the method used. Galactan (8.2\%) and glucan (55.3\%) were major polysaccharides in the residue carrageenan extraction, whereas in SCB, major polysaccharides were hemicellulose (25.2\%) and glucan (38.2\%). SCB was found to contain 24.5\% of lignin, but the residue carrageenan extraction showed the presence of only 4.5\% of insoluble aromatic compounds. ATR, NMR, and UV-Visible data on the residue carrageenan extraction revealed that the glucan fraction was similar to that in SCB. In contrast, the XRD analysis of SCB revealed a higher index of crystallinity than in the residue carrageenan extraction. The residue carrageenan extraction from the K. alvarezii does not show any type of recalcitrance against the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulases, being hydrolyzed 100\% in glucose. However, SCB showed a maximum conversion to glucose of 30\%, requiring an additional pretreatment step. Thus, a biorefinery of K. alvarezii can be exploited not only to produce carrageenan but also to generate glucose for future bioenergy generation. An example would be the production of fourth generation bioethanol.
NaOH/urea (NU) pretreatment at lower than 0 degrees C has been frequently applied for improving bio-conversion of lignocellulose, but the wastewater generated from the pretreatment process is hard to dispose. KOH/urea (KU) pretreatment for enhancing bioconversion of lignocellulose has recently attracted researchers' attention due to the recycling of wastewater for facilitating crops' growth. This study compared the effects of NU and KU pretreatments at cold conditions on the enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol yield from wheat straw (WS). By using response surface methodology, an optimal pretreatment with an equal ratio of alkali/urea (4\% w/v) at -20 degrees C for 3 h was established. The enzymatic hydrolysis of KU-treated WS was 81.17\%, which was similar to that of NU-treated WS (83.72\%) under the same condition. It means that KU pretreatment has equal ability to NU pretreatment to improve enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulose. KU pretreatment has the promising potential to replace NU pretreatment for facilitating bioconversion of lignocellulose in cold conditions due to the clean way to recycle its wastewater as fertilizer for crop growth. Hence, KU pretreatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation could be a promising green way to cellulosic ethanol production with zero waste emission.
Lignocellulose, a mixture of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, is naturally occurring chemical feedstock on earth which can serve as substrate for the production of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDE) including cellulase and xylanase. Yeast strains have scarcely been reported for the simultaneous production of more than one PCWDEs. In this study, an indigenous strain of Candida tropicalis MK-118 has been reported for the potential to co-produce endoglucanase (EG), beta-glucosidase (BGL) and xylanase (Xyl). It was observed that the production of an individual enzyme varied differently with a change in cultivation conditions. For EG and BGL production, cultivation at 40 degrees C was more suitable while the highest titers of Xyl were obtained at 25 degrees C. Higher yields of EG and Xyl were obtained under neutral pH, whereas, acidic medium favored BGL production. Although, an inoculum size of 2\% was found appropriate for all the three enzymes, however, maximum production of EG, BGL and Xyl was obtained in presence of 0.5\% carboxymethyl cellulose, 1.5\% salicin and 1\% xylan. Furthermore, the enzymes were characterized for their optimal activities. The strain showed ability to ferment sugarcane-baggase and wheat-bran with the concomitant production of cellulases and xylanases. Interestingly, the strain also produced alcohol in complex medium. C. tropicalis MK-118 may find its application for the production of industrially important enzymes and alcohol under submerged fermentation of crude substrates. The properties of enzyme preparation were industrially relevant and hence the enzyme can also be applied for various processes.
Body composition of 42 crossbreed bulls 1/4 B. indicus x 3/4 B. taurus of either Continental (Guelbvieh) or British (Shorthorn) paternal breed and Caracu x Nelore cows (9 months old and initial empty body weight of 243 kg), were evaluated. Six animals were slaughtered after the adaptation period to obtain the initial body composition. The other 36 animals were fed diets formulated with 9, 15 and 21\% of sugar cane bagasse in natura (BIN) and concentrated. There were no significant interaction of genetic breed and level of BIN for any variable. There was no effect on paternal breed on the composition of empty body gain (EBG), with British animals with 28.9\% lipid and 3.75 Mcal/kg and Continental animals 28.0\% lipid and 3.67 Mcal/kg in the EBG. British animals had numerically greater fat content in the gains despite the lower initial and final empty body weights. Animals receiving diets with 15\% BIN had higher rates of empty body gain, 1.21 kg/d, while animals receiving 9 and 21\%, gained 1.1 kg/d. Roughage level or breed did not alter final empty body composition, however, composition of the empty body gain of animals fed 15\% BIN had higher lipid and energy content (31\% and 3.94 Mcal/kg EBG) compared to the animals recieving 9 and 21\% BIN diets (28.6 and 25.7\% lipid; 3.72 and 3.46 Mcal/kg of EBG, respectively). These results can be explained by the fact that the animals were young intact males with low final body weights. Composition, of the EBG (net energy and protein requirements) of 3/4 B. taurus F-2 crossbreed bulls from Caracu x Nelore cows were consistent with NRC equation for large frame bulls or frame score 8 in a 1-9 scale.
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is an appealing industrial chemical obtained by modification of cellulose with redundant applications in food, pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents and others. This report demonstrates the comparative study of potential of different lignocellulosic biomass by using five traditional methods to get white, pristine cellulose with higher percentage yield from waste, later, conversion of cellulose into its derivative i. e., carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Four raw materials comprising of wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw and banana leaves were employed as an alternating source of cellulose. Sulfide method came out as a most viable delignification method, used to degrade all dewaxed wastes, efficiently. After cellulose extraction, substitution of hydroxyl groups of cellulose was executed by infusing cellulose with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and monochloroacetic acid (MCA) in the presence of isopropanol as supporting medium. In this way, a variety of cellulose and CMC were obtained and verified with commercial samples of both products. Furthermore, characteristics of different CMC were checked including degree of substitution (DS), CMC content, moisture content, solubility and purity. The CMC from wheat straw showed the highest DS (2.1), solubility and yield. FTIR spectra confirmed the replacement of hydroxyl group with carboxymethyl group by indicating characteristic peak of carbonyl group (-CO) at 1588 cm(-1). In H-1 NMR spectrum, plethora of peaks in the region 3-5 ppm indicated the derivatization of cellulose and C-13 NMR confirmed the peaks of carbonyl carbons at 180 and 182 ppm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the crystallinity of CMC has been reduced, significantly.
This work focuses on the modelling of a tri-generation system for converting biomass into electrical, cooling and heat power. This target is achieved by direct burning of biomass using a combustor chamber, at atmospheric pressure, connected with an externally fired gas turbine (EFGT), an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and absorption cooling system. The used feedstock is sugarcane bagasse which is available in various areas of Upper Egypt, especially in Qena and Aswan. For ORC system, several working fluids (cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, and R113) have been studied to analyze the optimum fluid that corresponds to the entire system. The selection of more suitable ORC working fluid is mainly depends on the temperature difference between the heat source and its boiling point. Based on the simulation results, toluene is the most appropriate working fluid for combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) applications. The net electric power is 177.56 kW (142.92 kW from EFGT and 34.64 kW from ORC), net electrical efficiency is 24.2\%, cooling capacity is 38.50 kW and CCHP efficiency is 43.50\%. The biomass consumption at the optimal operating conditions is 144 kg/h. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of wood particles (control and treated), and the effects of thermal modification and adhesive levels on the wettability and biological resistance of particle boards made of sugarcane residue and bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper). Therefore, 75\% bamboo particles and 25\% sugarcane residue (bagasse) were used for producing the particleboards. The particles were treated at 220 ??C for 3h35min. Urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesive was used in three solid contents (10\%, 12\% and 14\%) based on the dry mass of the particles. The mat was cold pre-consolidated (pressure of 0,5 MPa for 5 min) and after hot consolidated (3,45 MPa, 180 ??C, 10 min). Water and ethylene glycol and two measurement times were used to measure the contact angle. Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta (brown rot) and Trametes versicolor (white rot) fungi were used for the biological resistance test. There was a change in the chemical composition of the treated particles such as a reduction in the levels of lignin (bagasse and bamboo), total extracts and holocellulose (bagasse). The thermal treatment increased the final contact angles obtained with water. The particleboard surfaces were classified as non-wettable and partially wettable to the tested solvents. The thermal treatment provided biological resistance improvements in the particleboards to the tested fungi, being classified as very resistant to Rhodonia placenta, resistant to very resistant to Gloeophyllum trabeum, and moderate to resistant to Trametes versicolor.
Due to supply difficulties caused by seasonal availability, fuel ethanol production from a single lignocellulosic biomass species is always uneconomical at commercial scale. The utilization of blended biomass offers a potential solution to this problem. In this study, a prediction model was developed to evaluate the sugar release from blended garden wastes in a microwave-assisted hot water (MHW) process. The optimum blending ratio ofBauhinia blakeana Dunn(BB), rice straw (RS) and sugarcane bagasse (SC) was found to be 2:3:5, which promised a high total xylose yield of 67.82\% (using a process temperature of 186 degrees C for 43 min). While the yield of xylose could only reach 52.47\% when adopting the single garden waste of BB as feedstock under the same condition. Furthermore, the use of blended materials provided a cost savings of 22.23\% as compared with the single RS feedstock, and no significant difference was found in the release of total xylose. The model developed was found to accurately predict the total xylose released from blended garden feedstocks. In addition, a steady supply of lignocellulosic biomass for fuel ethanol production could also be generated. {[
Conventional tillage disturbs soil structure, increasing the soil's susceptibility to compaction by machinery traffic in sugarcane fields. In this sense, the adoption of reduced tillage or no-tillage practices associated with traffic control has been proposed to preserve the functionality of soil structure, thus reducing soil compaction and plant growth restrictions. A long-term sugarcane experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of conventional and reduced tillage practices with random and without machinery traffic on soil structure in southeastern Brazil. The soil structural quality was evaluated using a diversity of assessment scales, including on-farm Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) in the ``macroscale{''
A cellulase-producing fungus was isolated from chemically polluted microhabitats by {[
The present work aimed to improve catalytic efficiency of Trichoderma reesei cellulase for enhanced saccharification. The cellulase was immobilized on two nanomatrices i.e. magnetic and silica nanoparticles with immobilization efficiency of 85\% and 76\% respectively. The nanobioconjugates exhibited increase in V-max, temperature optimum, pH and thermal stability as compared with free enzyme. These could be efficiently reused for five repeated cycles and were stable in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumacetate {[
Biorefineries aim to convert low value biomasses into high value products. The feedstock biomasses are often high-silica agricultural waste products such as rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, or empty fruit bunches. This causes challenges, since silica is problematic in industrial processes, where it forms water-insoluble precipitates that are hard to remove, block filtration systems, and cause instrumental defects. In this paper we review various industries that experience issues with silica. These include paper pulping and waste-water treatment, where they try to solve their problems with silica in different ways. High pH and co-precipitation with mineral elements are some common ways of alleviating silica problems. Reviewing the literature for the fundamentals of silica revealed a complex chemistry that is not yet fully understood. Much is still to be learned about the interactions between silica and organic material as well as the mechanisms of silica precipitation and dissolution. Understanding the fundamental and complex chemistry of silica might help developing better solutions than those existing today, allowing efficient use of high silica biomasses in biorefineries. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd
Soil erosion by water is a major global environmental concern due to its devastating effect on agricultural sustainability and food security. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of agri-mats on water erosion control using a laboratory rainfall simulator. Six agri-mat samples were subjected to a runoff and infiltration rate test for this study: three agri-mats were made with 100\% dry sugarcane bagasse and the other three agri-mats were made with 10\% dry algae +90\% dry sugarcane bagasse. The 100\% dry sugarcane bagasse agri-mat treatment had higher runoff rate of 16.8 millimeters per hour (mm.hr(-1)) compared to a mere 1.7 mm.hr(-1) recorded under the BA agri-mat during the first 10 min. In addition, the 100\% dry sugarcane bagasse agri-mats released magnesium at a rate of 105.7 mg.hr(-1) (milligrams per hour) compared to 6.6 mg.hr(-1) lost from the 10\% dry algae +90\% dry sugarcane bagasse agri-mat treatment. Results shows that when algae was used as an additional organic material during the fabrication process, agri-mat delayed runoff by absorbing more moisture than it loses. Algae has the capacity to increase water-holding capacity while improving nutrient status and electrical conductivity of the agri-mats, making them more beneficial not only as the runoff combating technology but as a soil conditioner.
The aims of this study were the extraction of hemicellulose from wheat straw (WS) and its utilization in the reinforcement of a kappa-carrageenan/locust bean gum (kappa-car/LBG) polymeric blend films (PBFs). WS hemicellulose extraction was performed under autohydrolysis process and hemicellulose extracted (HE) under optimum condition was used in PBFs. PBFs were prepared varying different proportions of HE into the kappa-car/LBG film-forming solutions. Barrier properties (water vapor permeability, WVP), mechanical properties (tensile-strength, TS and elongation-at-break, EB), moisture content, opacity and thermal properties of the resulting PBFs were determined and related with the incorporation of HE. The 2-3-2 proportion (in the high ratio) of PBF (kappa-car/LBG/HE) causes a slight decrease of WVP and an increase of the TS, thus resulting in an improvement of the physical properties of PBFs. HE showed to be a promising material in order to reinforce kappa-car/LBG PBF and can be an alternative in the application of hemicellulose according to biorefinery concept. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This study reports the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) from sugarcane bagasse and rice straw as the matrix for immobilized lipase enzyme. The CNC surface was modified using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to improve the interaction of CNC with glutaraldehyde so that CNC can immobilize lipase effectively. The results showed that after surface modification of CNC using CTAB with concentrations of 2-10 mM, the crystallinity of CNC slightly decreased. The presence of immobilized lipase on the modified CNC was confirmed visibly by the appearance of dark spots using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The bond formed between the enzyme and CNC was approved using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR results show a new amine group peak in the immobilized lipase, which is not present in the modified CNC itself. The modified CNC, both from bagasse (SB-20 A1-1) and rice straw (RS-20 B1-1), was successfully applied to the immobilized lipase enzyme with a yield of 88\%. The observed free enzyme activity was 3.69 mu mol/min.mL. The degree of hydrolysis of canola oil relative to free lipase (100\%) from immobilized lipase at lipase SB-20 A1-1 and lipase RS-20 A1-1 was 23\% and 30\%, respectively. Therefore, this study successfully immobilized lipase and applied it to the hydrolysis of triglycerides.
Lignocellulosic biomasses derived from dedicated crops and agro-industrial residual materials are promising renewable resources for the production of fuels and other added value bioproducts. Due to the tolerance to a wide range of environments, the dedicated crops can be cultivated on marginal lands, avoiding conflict with food production and having beneficial effects on the environment. Besides, the agro-industrial residual materials represent an abundant, available, and cheap source of bioproducts that completely cut out the economical and environmental issues related to the cultivation of energy crops. Different processing steps like pretreatment, hydrolysis and microbial fermentation are needed to convert biomass into added value bioproducts. The reactor configuration, the operative conditions, and the operation mode of the conversion processes are crucial parameters for a high yield and productivity of the biomass bioconversion process. This review summarizes the last progresses in the bioreactor field, with main attention on the new configurations and the agitation systems, for conversion of dedicated energy crops (Arundo donax) and residual materials (corn stover, wheat straw, mesquite wood, agave bagasse, fruit and citrus peel wastes, sunflower seed hull, switchgrass, poplar sawdust, cogon grass, sugarcane bagasse, sunflower seed hull, and poplar wood) into sugars and ethanol. The main novelty of this review is its focus on reactor components and properties.
Xylitol and arabitol are sugar alcohols with similar properties and applications. Although the biotechnological production of xylitol is already being explored, its coproduction with arabitol is still in the early stages. This study aimed to improve the coproduction of xylitol and arabitol by Candida tropicalis from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate. The most promising results were achieved with 2.2 g L-1 nitrogen, obtained by mixing 80\% yeast hydrolysate and 20\% corn steep water. For fermentations conducted in a bioreactor, the concentrations of xylitol (52.1 g L-1) and arabitol (4.2 g L-1) were 65 and 3.7 times higher, respectively, than those reported in the literature for similar processes, with productivities and yields of 0.24 g L-1 h-1 and 0.74 g g-1 for xylitol and 0.02 g L-1 h-1 and 0.43 g g-1 for arabitol. These results show promise for the coproduction of sugar alcohols from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate by C tropicalis. (c) 2023 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This work investigated the growth of Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571 in solid-state fermentation in a medium composed of sugarcane bagasse, molasses, corn steep liquor and soybean meal within a packed-bed bioreactor. Seven experimental runs were carried out to evaluate the effects of flow rate and inlet air temperature on the following microbial rates: cell mass production, total reducing sugar and oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide and ethanol production, metabolic heat and water generation. A mathematical model based on an artificial neural network was developed to predict the above-mentioned microbial rates as a function of the fermentation time, initial total reducing sugar concentration, inlet and outlet air temperatures. The results showed that the microbial rates were temperature dependent for the range 27-50 degrees C. The proposed model efficiently predicted the microbial rates, indicating that the neural network approach could be used to simulate the microbial growth in SSF.
Cachaza is a type of non-centrifugal sugarcane press-mud that, if it is not employed efficiently, generates water pollution, soil eutrophication, and the spread of possible pathogens. This biomass can be fermented to produce bioethanol. Our intention is to obtain bioethanol that can be catalytically reformed to produce hydrogen (H-2) for further use in fuel cells for electricity production. However, some impurities could negatively affect the catalyst performance during the bioethanol reforming process. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the fermentation of Cachaza using ammonium sulfate ((NH4)(2)SO4) loadings and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to produce the highest ethanol concentration with the minimum amount of impurities in anticipation of facilitating further bioethanol purification and reforming for H-2 production. The results showed that ethanol production from Cachaza fermentation was about 50 g.L-1 and the (NH4)(2)SO4 addition did not affect its production. However, it significantly reduced the production of branched alcohols. When a 160 mg.L-1 (NH4)(2)SO4 was added to the fermentation culture, 2-methyl-1-propanol was reduced by 41\% and 3-methyl-1-butanol was reduced by 6\%, probably due to the repression of the catabolic nitrogen mechanism. Conversely, 1-propanol doubled its concentration likely due to the higher threonine synthesis promoted by the reducing sugar presence. Afterwards, we employed the modified Gompertz model to fit the ethanol, 2M1P, 3M1B, and 1-propanol production, which provided acceptable fits (R-2 > 0.881) for the tested compounds during Cachaza fermentation. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of the modelling of aliphatic production during fermentation; this model will be employed to calculate yields with further scaling and for life cycle assessment.
This work describes the fouling of industrial waste sugarcane bagasse ash ceramic membrane (pore size similar to 8.6 mu m; water permeability 27.2 x 10(3) L/m(2) h bar) in wastewater treatment in anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR). AnMBR system was operated in sequential batch reactor (SBR) mode at 18 h hydraulic retention time for 31 days. For influent concentration of 171 +/- 12 mg COD/L, average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was high (similar to 94\%). Biomass activity of anaerobic sludge improved from 0.15 (day 1) to 0.35 mg CODremoved/mg MLVSS.d (day 31). Operating flux was maintained at 17.8 +/- 1.4 L/m(2) h and the transmembrane pressure reached up to 170 mbar on day 31, increasing at a rate of 15.7 mbar/d. Specific bound extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) concentration was much higher in surface deposits (356 mg EPS/g MLVSS) than in the reactor sludge suspension (32.3 +/- 14.4 mg EPS/g MLVSS). Though SBR is a good alternative configuration to reduce membrane exposure to sludge and hence control the fouling rate, formation of cake layer (due to deposition of sludge fines on membrane surface) still cannot be prevented. Calculation of total filtration resistance (R-t) showed the resistance of the caked surface deposits, R-c (2.19 x 10(12) m(-1)) to be dominant at 83\% of R-t. Of the two fouling control strategies tested viz. filtration-relaxation (4 min-1 min) and permeate backflushing (up to 3 times operating flux), backflushing was more effective. These findings indicate the potential of these alternative membranes in wastewater treatment application; at the same time, further investigations are required to minimize membrane fouling.
Sugarcanemolasses-based distillery spent wash (DSW) is well known for its toxicity and complex mixture of various recalcitrant organic pollutants with acidic pH, but the chemical nature of these pollutants is unknown. This study revealed the presence of toxic organic acids (butanedioic acid bis(TMS)ester; 2-hydroxysocaproic acid; benzenepropanoic acid, alpha-{[
The LC/MS-based exo-proteome analysis of thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus showed 22.59\% (40 proteins) of the total identified proteins (177) as CAZymes (carbohydrate-active enzymes). The CAZymes were primarily represented by glycosyl hydrolases (72.5\%) belonging to 21 different GH families. Xylanase (GH11) was found to be the major protein (24.3\%) in addition to the beta-glucanase and another complex polysaccharide-degrading (carbohydrate-active enzymes) CAZymes in the secretome. FPLC-based fractionation of secretome was employed to identify proteins responsible for enhancing the catalytic efficacy of Cellic Ctec2 during hydrolysis of acid pre-treated lignocellulosics and eventually xylanase (GH11) and beta-glucanases (GH64 and GH81) were identified and purified. The purified xylanase when supplemented with Cellic Ctec2 resulted in 2.05-, 1.79-, and 1.60-fold increase in the release of glucose from acid-treated bagasse at 10, 15, and 20\% substrate loading rate, respectively when compared with the control. Similarly, enhanced hydrolysis of acid pre-treated corn residue and rice straw was observed upon supplementation with xylanase. Spiking benchmark cellulase with purified GH64 and GH81 also resulted in 1.18- and 1.23-fold enhanced hydrolysis of acid pre-treated sugarcane bagasse. The supplementation of xylanase (1000 units/g substrate) was found to reduce the Cellic Ctec2 loading rate from 36 mg/g substrate by 2.70-, 2.88-, and 2.57-fold required for hydrolysis of acid treated bagasse, corn residue, and rice straw, respectively, at high substrate loading rate (20\%) and thus, it is an important candidate for economizing the 2G ethanol process.
Background: Neocallimastix patriciarum is one of the common anaerobic fungi in the digestive tracts of ruminants that can actively digest cellulosic materials, and its cellulases have great potential for hydrolyzing cellulosic feedstocks. Due to the difficulty in culture and lack of a genome database, it is not easy to gain a global understanding of the glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) produced by this anaerobic fungus. Results: We have developed an efficient platform that uses a combination of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to N. patriciarum to accelerate gene identification, enzyme classification and application in rice straw degradation. By conducting complementary studies of transcriptome (Roche 454 GS and Illumina GA IIx) and secretome (ESI-Trap LC-MS/MS), we identified 219 putative GH contigs and classified them into 25 GH families. The secretome analysis identified four major enzymes involved in rice straw degradation: beta-glucosidase, endo-1,4-beta-xylanase, xylanase B and Cel48A exoglucanase. From the sequences of assembled contigs, we cloned 19 putative cellulase genes, including the GH1, GH3, GH5, GH6, GH9, GH18, GH43 and GH48 gene families, which were highly expressed in N. patriciarum cultures grown on different feedstocks. Conclusions: These GH genes were expressed in Pichia pastoris and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae for functional characterization. At least five novel cellulases displayed cellulytic activity for glucose production. One beta-glucosidase (W5-16143) and one exocellulase (W5-CAT26) showed strong activities and could potentially be developed into commercial enzymes.
In this work, we reviewed the following: 1) the influences of feedstocks and pyrolysis temperature on the physicochemical properties of biochar as a soil amendment material in Japan; and 2) the effects of biochar application on the physicochemical properties of two Japanese soils. We analyzed the physicochemical properties of biochar produced from waste woodchips (Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress), waste moso bamboo chips, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, poultry manure, and domestic wastewater sludge at pyrolysis temperatures of 400 degrees C, 600 degrees C, and 800 degrees C. Biochar produced from both wood-based biomass and sugarcane bagasse are suitable as a soil amendment material for enhancing water retention in soil. Biochar produced from wood-based biomass at a low pyrolysis temperature (400 degrees C) is suitable for enhancing the cation exchange capacity, whereas biochar produced from wood-based biomass at a high pyrolysis temperature (800 degrees C) can enhance nitrate adsorption. Poultry manure-derived biochar can improve the soil pH and supply phosphate. Based on two case studies using sand dune soil and calcareous soil, we demonstrated that soils can be effectively improved by considering specific soil properties that require improvement/remediation, and by applying a suitable biochar to enhance these properties.
In this study, production of fungal phytase in thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast Ogataea thermomethanolica TBRC656 employing methanol-inducible OtAOX promoter and sucrose-inducible OtMal promoter was investigated in a high cell density fed-batch fermentation. Although a similar maximum cell concentration was obtained in both expression systems, the OtMal system gave (similar to)2-fold higher phytase activity, specific yield, production yield, volumetric productivity and specific productivity rate compared with the OtAOX system. In addition to being more efficient, the OtMal system is more flexible because sucrose or sugarcane molasses can be utilized as less expensive carbon sources instead of glycerol in batch and fed-batch stages. Phytase yields from the OtMal system produced using sucrose or sugarcane molasses are comparable with those obtained with glycerol. We estimate the cost of phytase production by the OtMal system using sucrose or sugarcane molasses to be (similar to)85\% lower than the OtAOX system.
This work proposes a mathematical model for describing the dynamics of xylan depolymerisation of lignocellulosic biomass in a pilot-scale pretreatment continuous tubular reactor. Xylan depolymerisation, modelled as pseudo-homogeneous first order reactions and mass flow dynamics, are described as a set of ordinary differential equations. The model accurately describes the dynamics of xylooligosaccharides and other depolymerisation products at the reactor output. Experimental validations of residence time distribution, mass flow rates and kinetics were carried out at 18 and 37 min of mean residence time for wheat straw, corn stover and sugar cane bagasse. Wheat straw exhibited the highest production of xylooligosaccharides (approximately 70\%) without degradation at 37 min of residence time.
A halotolerant endoglucanase with a molecular mass of 39 kDa was obtained from the solid fermentation of sugarcane bagasse by the fungus Botrytis ricini URM 5627 and isolated using only two purification processes: fractionation with ammonium sulphate and size-exclusion chromatography resulting in an activity of 1289.83 U/mL. After the isolation, biochemical characterizations were performed, giving a temperature of 50 degrees C and optimum pH of 5. The enzyme was stable at 39-60 degrees C for 60 min and at a pH of 4-6. The enzymatic activity increased in the presence of Na+, Mn2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ and decreased in the presence of Ca2+, Cu2+, and Fe2+. The endoglucanase revealed a halotolerant profile since its activity increased proportionally to an increase in NaCl concentration. The maximum activity was reached at 2M NaCl with a 75\% increase in activity. The enzyme had a Km of 0.1299 +/- 0.0096 mg/mL and a Vmax of 0.097 +/- 0.00121 mol/min/mL. During application in saccharification tests, the enzyme was able to hydrolyse sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and wheat bran, with the highest production of reducers/fermentable sugars within 24 h of saccharification for wheat bran (137.21 mg/g). Therefore, these properties combined make this isolated enzyme a potential candidate for biotechnological and industrial applications.
The present work reports biological neutralization of chlor-alkali industrial effluent by an alkaliphilic bacterium, isolated from the Gujarat coast, which was identified as Enterococcus faecium strain R-5 on the basis of morphological, biochemical and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was capable of bringing down the pH of waste water from 12.0 to 7.0 within 3 h in the presence of carbon and nitrogen sources, with simultaneous reduction in total dissolved solutes (TDS) up to 19-22\%. This bacterium produced carboxylic acid, as revealed by FT-IR analysis, which facilitated neutralization of alkaline effluent. The presence of unconventional raw materials viz. Madhuca indica flowers or sugar cane bagasse as carbon and nitrogen sources could effectively neutralize alkaline effluent and thus making the bioremediation process economically viable. The time required for neutralization varied with size of inoculum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on biological neutralization of a chlor-alkali industrial effluent. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Background: The Bacillus subtilis endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (BsCel5A) hydrolyzes beta-1,3-1,4-linked glucan, and the enzyme includes a family 3 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM3) that binds beta-1,4-linked glucan. Methods: Here we investigate the BsCel5A beta-1,3-1,4 glucanase activity after exchanging the CBM3 domain for the family 11 CBM from Ruminiclostridium thermocellum celH (RtCBM11) having beta-1,3-1,4 glucan affinity. Results: The BsCel5A-RtCBM11 presents a 50.4\% increase in Vmax, a 10\% reduction in K0.5, and a 2.1-fold increase in catalytic efficiency. Enzyme mobility and binding to barley beta-1,3-1,4 glucan and pre-treated sugarcane bagasse were investigated using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) with Site-Directed Spin Labeling (SDSL) of the binding site regions of the CBM3 and RtCBM11 domains in the BsCel5A-CBM3 and BsCel5A-RtCBM11, respectively. Although higher mobility than the RtCBM11 was shown, no interaction of the spin-labeled CBM3 with beta-1,3-1,4 glucan was observed. In contrast, a Ka value of 0.22 mg/mL was estimated from titration of the BsCel5A-RtCBM11 with beta-1,3-1,4 glucan. Enzyme binding as inferred from altered EPR spectra of the BsCel5A-RtCBM11 was observed only after xylan or lignin extraction from sugarcane bagasse. Binding to xylan-or lignin-free lignocellulose was correlated with a 4.5-to 5-fold increase in total reducing sugar release as compared to the milled intact sugarcane bagasse, suggesting that xylan impedes enzyme access to the beta-1,3-1,4 glucan. Conclusions: These results show that the non-specific binding of the BsCel5A-RtCBM11 to the lignin component of the cell wall is minimal, and represent the first reported use of EPR to directly study the interaction of glycoside hydrolyse enzymes with natural insoluble substrates.
While world energy demand has certainly decreased with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the need has been significantly on the rise since 2021, all as the world's fossil fuel resources are depleting; it is widely accepted that these resources emit greenhouse gases (GHG), which are the leading cause for the climate crisis. The main contributors to global warming are manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. The agricultural sector is composed of diversified and potential mobilizable sources of waste which can become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels for energy production, and thus sequester and use carbon. Therefore, a paradigm shift towards more sustainable energy alternatives, efficient waste management, and new technologies is necessary. One good solution is the energetic valorization of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) which can also originate from agricultural wastes. The biomass consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are sources of fermentable sugars that can be used for bioethanol production. However, the recovery of sugars requires the pretreatment of LCB before enzymatic hydrolysis, due to its inaccessible molecular structure. Different pretreatment technologies, including acid and alkaline pretreatments for selected biomasses (such as hemp, rice straw, corn straw, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat straw) are discussed and compared. Therefore, this review highlights the potential of agricultural waste as a renewable resource for energy production.
The use of waste as raw material is important for government economy and natural balance. The purpose of this work was to study the production of CMCase and xylanase by a Brazilian strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus in solid state fermentation (SSF) using different agricultural residues (wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, orange bagasse, corncob, green grass, dried grass, sawdust and corn straw) as substrates without enrichment of the medium and characterize the crude enzymes. The study of the extracellular cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes showed that T. arantiacus is more xylanolytic than cellulolytic. The highest levels of enzymes were produced in corncob, grasses and corn straw. All the enzymes were stable at room temperature by 24 h over a broad pH range (3.0-9.0) and also were stable at 60 degrees C for 1 h. The optimum pH and temperature for xylanase and CMCase were 5.0-5.5 and 5.0 and 75 degrees C, respectively. The microorganism grew quickly in stationary, simple and low cost medium. The secreted extracellular enzymes presented properties that match with those frequently required in industrial environment.
An efficient, economic, and one-pot process has been developed for the direct conversion of untreated biomass feedstock such as corn-cob, sugarcane bagasse, rice-straw, and corn-straw into 5-HMF and furfural (FF) synthesis in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) solvent conditions under a pressurized hydrothermal steel vial system. The use of DMC as a green solvent under acidic medium was explored first time for the transformation of complex ligno-cellulosic biomass into furanic compounds. Moreover, the DMC solvent under acidic environment partially produced CO2 that facilitates the depolymerization of recalcitrant biomass substrate and subsequently participates in conversion under the set conditions. Notably, the influence of various parameters such as temperature, time, solvents, and the synergistic functions of AlCl3 and HCl was examined to optimize the reaction conditions. After optimization, the maximum yield of 5-HMF and furfural from various biomass feedstock was recorded as 35-60\% and 61-98\% respectively within 6 h at 180 degrees C. Furthermore, we have described the relative compositions of biopolymers (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), moisture/and ash content in each biomass substrate. The SEM analysis provided information about particle size and shape via calculating aspect ratio of mechanical grinded lignocellulosic biomass. Subsequently, the quantification of products was scrutinized through UPLC and further reconfirmed via NMR and ESI-MS analysis techniques.
Biopurification systems (BPS) or biobeds are bioprophylaxis systems to prevent pesticide point-source contam-ination, whose efficiency relies mostly on the pesticide removal capacity of the biomixture, the majority component of a BPS. The adaptation of the components of the biomixtures to local availabilities is a key aspect to ensure the sustainability of the system. In this work, the removal of atrazine (ATZ) was evaluated in biomixtures formulated with three sugarcane by-products as alternative lignocellulosic substrates. Based on the capacity of actinobacteria to tolerate and degrade diverse pesticides, the effect of biomixtures bioaugmentation with acti-nobacteria was evaluated as a strategy to enhance the depuration capacity of biobeds. Also, the effect of ATZ and/or the bioaugmentation on microbial developments and enzymatic activities were studied. The biomixtures formulated with bagasse, filter cake, or harvest residue, reached pesticide removal values of 37-41\% at 28 d of incubation, with t1/2 between 37.9 +/- 0.4 d and 52.3 +/- 0.4 d. The bioaugmentation with Streptomyces sp. M7 accelerated the dissipation of the pesticide in the biomixtures, reducing ATZ t1/2 3-fold regarding the controls, and achieving up to 72\% of ATZ removal. Atrazine did not exert a clear effect on microbial developments, although most of the microbial counts were less in the contaminated biomixtures at the end of the assay. The bioaugmentation improved the development of the microbiota in general, specially actinobacteria and fungi, regarding the non-bioaugmented systems. The inoculation with Streptomyces sp. M7 enhanced acid phosphatase activity and/or reversed a possible effect of the pesticide over this enzymatic activity.
The wheat straw (WS) recalcitrant nature resulting from its compositions and structures hinders the bioconversion of WS into glucose. In this study, a clean and efficient ionic liquid combined ball milling (IB) pretreatment was established to overcome structural barriers of WS, thus enhancing the accessibility and glucose recovery of WS. The proposed strategy has several advantages, including (i) the cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were directly obtained from WS by means of ionic liquid pretreatment; (ii) the dense fiber structure of CNF was rapidly destroyed by ball milling, thus increasing the cellulose accessibility; and (iii) the method can realize the fractionation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin under mild process. Under optimal conditions, a maximal of 89.3\% delignification and 92.5\% hemicellulose removal was obtained with IB pretreatment, leading to glucose yield of 6.75 times that of raw WS. The samples before and after pretreatment were characterized by FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results clearly confirmed that IB pretreatment could simultaneously remove lignin and hemicellulose, reduce the cellulose crystallinity, and change the morphology of cellulose, resulting in higher glucose yield.
Studies on the removal of polyphenols from sugarcane vinasses using three upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors operating isothermally at temperatures of 45, 55, and 65 degrees C are presented. The procedure started evaluating the stability of the reactors through the quantification of four important parameters of the process: temperature, pH, alkalinity factor, and acetic acid production. The physical and chemical characterizations of the vinasses were made to evaluate the applied treatment. Total polyphenols were quantified before and after the biochemical treatment using the Folin-Ciocalteu's method. The obtained results showed that this biochemical treatment was not enough by itself to remove the phenolic compounds present in the vinasses feed. The use of complementary treatment for the removal of polyphenols with activated carbon was proposed and evaluated. The effectiveness of the adsorption process was analyzed and compared through the models of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich, using the obtained experimental data. The model that provided the best fit of the experimental data was the Langmuir model with a correlation coefficient of 0.991. The adsorption process achieved to reduce the concentration of polyphenols in the vinasses from 3600 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L to 1072 mg GAE/L by single-step adsorption. That is equivalent to an overall reduction of 70.2\%.
Biological pretreatment plays a crucial role in utilization of copiously present lignocellulosic biomass in biorefinery. Thus, yellow laccase-producing strainStrophariasp. ITCC 8422 was studied for its production, purification and integrated depolymerization and hydrolysis. Yellow laccase production optimization using CCD-RSM increased the activity from 160.9 to 323.2 U/L with 2-fold enhancement. Yellow laccase was partially purified using a single-step aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), and PEG 8000 (20\%) and Na2SO4(30\%) was the optimum system with activity recovery of 87.8\% at the bottom phase of the PEG-salt system. The molecular weight of ATPS partially purified yellow laccase was approximately 100-135 kDa and exhibited stability towards alkaline pH (5 to 11) and temperature (30 to 50 degrees C) after 12 h of incubation. UV-visible spectra confirmed the production of yellow laccase whereas FTIR and XRD showed stronger intensity of alpha-helix as compared with beta-sheet structure. The depolymerization ability of yellow laccase was determined using wheat straw (WS), rice straw (RS), sugarcane bagasse (SB) andLuffa cylindrica(LC). It effectively depolymerized lignin after 12 h of incubation and was confirmed by kappa number, Klason lignin FTIR and XRD. Later, integrated depolymerization and hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass were performed using three different laccase loads, keeping in-house-produced cellulase-xylanase load constant. The increase in laccase load enhanced sugar yield in all lignocellulosic biomass. Thus, one-step depolymerization and hydrolysis have an enormous value in terms of capital, at large-scale biorefinery concept, and enable its utility as a ``green tool{''
Potential of three different fungi Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride and Pleurotus ostreatus was explored to produce lignocellulotic enzymes (cellulases, xylanase, laccase) using raw and alkali (2\% NaOH) pretreated sugarcane bagasse. Mono-culturing, co-culturing and mixed culturing techniques were engaged for production. Pretreatment efficacy was calculated on the basis of chemical and physical modifications observed. Highest FPase (11 IU/g) and xylanase (180 IU/g) activity was attained by co-culturing A. flavus and T. viride using pretreated biomass. Highest laccase activity (10 IU/g) was recorded while co-culturing P. ostreatus and T. viride using raw bagasse.
Biomass ethanol production presents shortcomings related to enzymes cost and efficiency of xylose fermen-tation. Commercial enzymes used in second-generation ethanol (2GE) plants are produced off-site/offshore, with the additional formulation, transportation and storage costs. Alternatively, lower cost cellulases can be produced on-site. This study focused on the techno-economic evaluation of enzymes produced on-site versus commercial. Another limiting feature of the 2GE technology is the use of the hemicellulose sugars for ethanol fermentation. Thus, this work addressed its use for biogas production. Process systems engineering tools were used to evaluate four different configurations of a 2GE plant annexed to an already existent autonomous distillery. The application of the methodology allowed useful perceptions of the ethanol and biogas production, water and electricity consumption, and economic profitability. The need of a second fungus strain for the on -site enzyme production was identified as the main bottleneck of this cellulase production process, which is an important insight that could guide the future research efforts.
A strain of Aspergillus niger PPI having prolific xylanolytic potential was isolated and the optimum conditions for maximum xylanase production was studied, resulting in the following: 4\% substrate concentration, 10\%v/v inoculum size, 72 h of incubation and pH 3.5-4.5 at 28degreesC. The production profile of xylanase was examined with various lignocellulosics and maximum yield was achieved with oat. The hemicellulose content of wastes was also determined and oatmeal was found to have maximum hemicellulose content followed by wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk and gram residue respectively. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 4 and temperature 60degreesC. However, maximum stability was achieved at pH 3.5 and temperature 55degreesC. Cellulase activity was found altogether absent in the enzyme broth.
Aspergillus nidulans is a filamentous fungus that is a potential resource for industrial enzymes. It is a versatile fungal cell factory that can synthesize various industrial enzymes such as cellulases, beta-glucosidases, hemicellulases, laccases, lipases, proteases, beta-galactosidases, tannases, keratinase, cutinases, and aryl alcohol oxidase. A. nidulans has shown the potential to utilize low-cost substrates such as wheat bran, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran, coir pith, black gram residue, and chicken feathers to produce enzymes cost-effectively. A. nidulans has also been known as a model organism for the production of heterologous enzymes. Several studies reported genetically engineered strains of A. nidulans for the production of different enzymes. Native as well as heterologous enzymes of A. nidulans have been employed for various industrial processes.
Performance responses to steam flaking flint corn as well as to the addition of roughage to finishing diets composed of whole flint corn were evaluated. Ninety-six Nellore bulls were stratified by initial BW (373 +/- 11 kg) and randomly allotted to 16 feedlot pens (6 bulls/pen) in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates/treatment. Dietary treatments for the 86-d feeding trial consisted of (DM basis) 1) 78.8\% steam-flaked flint corn with 6\% sugarcane bagasse and 0.20\% urea, 2) 85\% whole flint corn without sugarcane bagasse, 3) 81.9\% whole flint corn with 3\% sugarcane bagasse and 0.10\% urea, and 4) 78.8\% whole flint corn with 6\% sugarcane bagasse and 0.20\% urea. All diets contained 15\% (DM basis) of a pelleted protein, mineral, and vitamin supplement. Compared with whole flint corn grain, flaking of flint grain decreased (P < 0.01) DMI but did not alter ADG (P = 0.86), so G: F was increased (P = 0.02). Although steam flaking did not alter final BW and carcass characteristics (P > 0.47), it increased energy content of the diet (P < 0.03) and total tract starch digestibility (P < 0.01). In addition, flaking increased (P < 0.01) NEg of flint corn when compared with whole corn. Increasing the roughage content of WC-based diets resulted in quadratic (P < 0.02) responses in DMI, NEm and NEg intakes, ADG, and final BW but had no effect (P > 0.47) on G: F or on observed energy content of the diet. In summary, steam flaking of flint corn when fed in diets containing 6\% sugarcane bagasse decreased DMI by 17\% but increased G: F by 20\% and NEg of corn calculated from feedlot performance by 23\%; these responses markedly exceed those typically observed with dent corn grain. Moreover, adding 3\% sugarcane bagasse to a flint whole corn grain diet optimized feedlot performance of Nellore bulls.
n-Butanol has emerged as a potential biofuel and promising feedstock for organic chemicals. This study presents a techno-economic comparison of dual liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with distillation for manufacturing 10,000 MT bio-butanol per annum from corn, sugarcane, and lignocellulose biomass using pinch technology. The energy consumption per kg of bio-butanol was lower in dual LLE than distillation. However, the dual LLE involves the complex recovery of extractants with high capital investment and utility consumption. The bio-butanol production cost was thus slightly higher for dual LLE than distillation. Despite the high capital investment, the biobutanol production cost was much lower for lignocellulose biomass than corn and sugarcane due to cheaper feedstock and higher co-product credit. The production cost was, however, higher for corn compared to sugarcane due to higher feedstock cost, additional enzymatic hydrolysis step, and extra cost for enzymes and nutrients. The production cost per kg of bio-butanol from corn, sugarcane, and lignocellulose biomass was USD 1.50, USD 1.11, and USD 0.65 for distillation and USD 1.59, USD 1.19, and USD 0.74 for dual LLE, respectively. The feedstock contributed 53-70\% of the production cost with similar to 130\%, similar to 60\%, and similar to 40\% contribution of co-product credit for lignocellulose biomass, sugarcane, and corn, respectively. The profitability analysis was further carried out to obtain the minimum bio-butanol selling price.
Thermogravimetric pyrolysis of carnauba straw and carnauba stalk was studied for the first time. The experi-ments were carried out at four different heating rates (5-20 degrees C min-1) and the kinetic parameters were calcu-lated using three isoconversional methods such as Friedman (differential), KAS (integral), and OFW (integral). The activation energies and R2 were calculated for the conversions between 0.10 and 0.90. The average acti-vation energies were found to be 225.28 (+/- 26.83 kJ mol-1) for carnauba straw and 218.13 (+/- 28.06 kJ mol- 1) for carnauba stalk by the Friedman method; 223.17 (+/- 17.72 kJ mol-1) for carnauba straw and 211.04 (+/- 18.82 kJ mol-1) for carnauba stalk by KAS method; and 212.71 (+/- 23.19 kJ mol-1) for carnauba straw and 217.94 (+/- 17.85 kJ mol-1) for carnauba stalk by OFW method. The FTIR spectra showed bands characteristic of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin at 3331 cm-1 (O-H) and 3345 cm-1 (O-H); 2919 cm-1 (C-H) and 2928 cm-1 (C-H); and 1733 cm-1 (C--O) and1723 cm-1 (C--O). The carnauba straw presented molar ratios of 1.43 (H/C) and 0.78 (O/C), and the carnauba stalk of 1.39 (H/C) and 0.81 (O/C). The kinetic parameters, FTIR spectra, and molar ratios are in good agreement with other reported biomasses.
Extremophiles are the organisms that can be manipulated for various industrial activities. Agro-dairy wastes are being utilized for economical production of enzymes employing microbes. In this regard, thermophilic amylolytic bacterium was isolated from soil in vicinity of hot spring near Chakwal, Pakistan. The isolated bacterium was rod-shaped, positive for Gram staining, and endospores former. The isolate was able to utilize sugars like, maltose, xylose, fructose, sachorose, sorbitol, mannose, mannitol, arabinose and polysaccharides like gelatin and starch. The isolate grew over a wide temperature range (40-70 degrees C) and pH (4-9). It exhibited enough growth with different nitrogen sources which could produce amylase up to 0.72 U/mL, while hydrolyzing starch. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that it belongs to Anoxybacillus beppuensis under Accession number KF254912 (JF84). The DNA G+C content were 56.59\%. The isolate JF84 showed fourfold purification and percentage yield was estimated to be 94.21\% as compared to crude enzyme. The decreasing order of substrate suitability for amylase production was found to be sugarcane bagasse (SCB) > wheat straw (WS) > sugarcane bagasse and whey (SB + W) > whey (W). A. beppuensis JF84 yielded enough thermostable alpha-amylase in economical substrates as well as tolerated broad pH and temperature suggesting its wide economical commercial use in amylase-dependent industries. (c) 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 417-423, 2019
Developing an environmentally friendly and efficient pretreatment to utilize wheat straw is essential to a sustainable future. An acid biphasic system with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) organic solvent and dilute ptoluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) were employed for the simultaneous fractionation of three components. Results showed that the biphasic system had excellent cellulose protection and high removal of hemicellulose and lignin. In detail, Under the optimal conditions (0.1 M p-TsOH, 2-MeTHF: H2O = 1:1 (v:v), 140 degrees C, 3 h), mostly cellulose retained in the residues (95.69\%), 57.18\% of lignin was removed and high yield of hemicellulose-based C5 sugars was achieved (77.49\%). In the further process of dehydration of pre-hydrolysate dichloromethane (DCM) as an organic phase, the yield of furfural was 80.07\% (170 degrees C-80 min). The saccharification of residue reached 95.82\%. p-TsOH/2-MeTHF/H2O pretreatment was desirable for high selectivity fractionation. Important chemicals for bioenergy including furfural, monosaccharides and lignin are obtained.
Biochar prepared from agricultural wastes has gained great attention as a cost-effective treatment for metal-contaminated water. In this study, the effectiveness of corn cob and sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar for metals (Pb, Ni, and Cu) removal from an aqueous medium was exam-ined following their physical, chemical, and structural characterization. Batch sorption experiments were carried out by employing the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The results indicated that separation factor (RL) values lay in the range of 0 and 1 representing the productive adsorption. The optimum dosage for metal adsorption can be recommended as 30 g L-1. The optimum adsorption conditions were found at 6.5 and 5.5 pH, 1.5 g adsorbent dose, and at 180 min equilibrium time, for both corn cob and sugarcane bagasse biochars. At pH 6.5, adsorption capacities of Pb, Ni, and Cu were found maximum i.e., 11.34, 15.71, and 11.96 mg kg(-1) for corn cob and 8.96, 15.46, and 12 mg kg(-1), for sugarcane bagasse biochars, respectively. The metal adsorption kinetics was ana-lyzed via four different types of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the corn cob biochar showed a more pronounced activity in the removal of metals compared to sugarcane bagasse biochar. Hence, it was concluded that corncob and sugarcane bagasse-derived biochars could be utilized as economical bio-adsorbents for the heavy metals removal from wastewater. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.
Effective biological pretreatment is a sought-after approach to solving the dilemma between environmental protection versus sustainable and economical production of bio-based products. In many countries, grasses are among the most attractive and widely cultivated crops for bioenergy. Here, Napier grass, including Alafal, Pakchong 1, and Merkeron varieties, and sugarcane were investigated for their potential applications in lignocellulosic enzyme and biomethane production. This was accomplished through biological pretreatments using a wood-rotting fungal Xylaria species under solid-state fermentation (SoSF) at ambient temperatures. Merkeron produced an enzymatic cocktail of xylanase and cellulase at activities of 103.1 +/- 2.5 or 42.4 +/- 1.61 U/g, respectively, on day 14. In contrast, using yeast Pichia pastoris expressing engineered Bacillus firmus xylanases, the highest xylanase activities were achieved between 58 and 61 U/g using Pakchong 1 or sugarcane leaves under submerged fermentation (SmF) after 2-4 days. Preferential fermentation mode between SoSF and SmF, utilized by fungi or yeast was observed during lignocellulosic saccharification. The Highest cellulase and xylanase productivity was achieved at 0.24-0.51 U/g/h, using the yeast-pretreatment via SmF. Alternatively, Xylaria-pretreated Napier grass mixed with cow manure effectively increased the daily biogas yield up to 212.8 +/- 2.3 cm(3)/gVS with methane content over 80\% and methane productivity of 2.31\%/day, respectively. Thus, this study highlights potential uses of fungi in eco-friendly pretreatment of abundant feedstocks for optimal production of lignocellulosic enzymes and green energy biomethane.
For recycling agricultural wastes into the production of biofuel, fermentation technology is currently gaining more attention. Bioethanol is a widely used biofuel, however in industries, the fermentation of hemicellulosic feedstock is challenging since fermenting yeasts consume fewer xylose. To enhance the availability of renewable biofuels, Pioneers are keen to develop industrial strains that assimilate xylose along with glucose. In attempt to eliminate the obstacle, xylanolytic yeast with enhanced xylanase production were investigated. A thermotolerant yeast species, Pichia kudriavzevii strain SVMS2019, isolated from the cow's rumen was studied for xylanase production under solid-state fermentation with simultaneous degradation and saccharification of alkali-treated wheat straw biomass for the liberation of xylose sugars and then conversion into bioethanol. After statistical optimization through response surface methodology, the xylanase enzyme yield was enhanced up to 2.23 fold; the optimum conditions were 30 \& DEG;C, pH 3.5, 72 h of incubation, and 1.5\% of pretreated wheat straw to produce 273.02 IU/ml xylanase activity. The maximum of crude xylanase activity was shown at 50 \& DEG;C and pH 6. The fermentation of xylose to ethanol by Pichia kudriavzevii SVMS2019, bioethanol was obtained at a maximum of about 3.18\% at 42 \& DEG;C in 72 h intervals. Through the novel source, we have obtained the strain that has a significant of hemicellulosic enzymatic saccharification with 2.23 fold increase in xylanase production yield through statistical optimization and produce bioethanol. While xylanolytic activity of yeast has been optimized, potential benefit of cellulosic hydrolytic activity also need to be studied to achieve the co-utilization of glucose and xylose.
PfMig1(88), a catabolically derepressed engineered strain of the hyper-cellulolytic fungus Penicillium funiculosum NCIM1228, was investigated for the efficacy of its secretome for biomass saccharification. An inexpensive version of media containing microcrystalline cellulose, wheat bran and soya protein was optimized for producing a high-quality secretome from the PfMig1(88) strain in both shake flasks and in a 20-L bioreactor. The activities of four classes of core cellulolytic enzymes required for saccharification in the PfMig1(88) secretome, namely, cellobiohydrolase (Avicelase activity), endoglucanase (CMCase activity), beta-glucosidase (PNPGase activity) and xylanase (xylanase activity), were found to be 2.29 U/mL, 28.24 U/mL, 150 U/mL and 76 U/mL, respectively. The saccharification potential of the PfMig1(88) secretome was evaluated on rice straw and sugarcane bagasse pretreated with nitric acid and/or ammonium hydroxide. Saccharification performed using a 15 \% (w/v) biomass load and a 3\% (w/w) enzyme load released > 100 g/L sugar in the hydrolysate, irrespective of the type of biomass and pre-treatment, with > 80 \% hydrolysis. Furthermore, the presence of lignin in nitric acid-pretreated biomass only marginally affected saccharification. Overall, the results demonstrated that the PfMig1(88) secretome, having relatively broad substrate specificity, is a viable and efficient substitute for T. reesei-based secretomes for diverse biomass saccharification.
This study is the first one ever to report on the use of high fiber sugarcane (a.k.a. energy cane) bagasse as feedstock for the production of cellulosic ethanol. Energy cane bagasse was pretreated with ammonium hydroxide (28\% v/v solution), and water at a ratio of 1:0.5:8 at 160 degrees C for 1 h under 0.9-1.1 MPa. Approximately, 55\% lignin, 30\% hemicellulose, 9\% cellulose, and 6\% other (e.g., ash, proteins) were removed during the process. The maximum glucan conversion of dilute ammonia treated energy cane bagasse by cellulases was 87\% with an ethanol yield (glucose only) of 23 g ethanol/100 g dry biomass. The enzymatic digestibility was related to the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, perhaps due to increased surface area and porosity resulting in the deformation and swelling of exposed fibers as shown in the SEM pictures. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Agricultural residues from rice, wheat and sugarcane production are annually available at the gigaton-scale worldwide, particularly in Asia. Due to their high sugar content and ash compositions, their conversion to bioethanol is an attractive alternative to their present disposal by open-field burning and landfilling. In this work, we demonstrate application of the low-cost protic ionic liquid triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate ({[
The effectiveness of inexpensive agro-industrial wastes such as sugarcane molasses, paper mill effluent, and dairy effluent for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) using Bacillus subtilis RS1 was assessed in this study. Laboratory-scale fermentations were carried out with both raw and pre-treated agro-industrial effluents, and maximum PHAs yield was observed in pre-treated effluents. Experimental variables such as pH, inoculum dose, and incubation time were further optimized to maximize PHAs yield, and the optimal conditions were identified as incubation time 48 h; pH 7; and inoculum dose 10\% v/v. PHAs yield in pre-treated sugarcane molasses increased to 70.5\% under optimal conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the extracted polymer was composed of penta- and hexadecanoic acid methyl esters, a copolymer of PHAs. Results indicated that the pre-treated sugarcane molasses could be used as an inexpensive substrate for the production of PHAs.
Magnetic biochars with different iron content were synthesised and used for Cr(VI) removal. The species of iron oxides in that magnetic materials were Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and FeO, which were identified by various instruments. Scanning electron microscope indicated that the iron oxides distributed into the pores or on the surface of the biochar matrix, meanwhile, transmission electron microscopy illustrated that the exposed crystal planes of iron oxides in the magnetic biochar were difference. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) by magnetic biochar was up to 71.04 mg/g and the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) was positively correlated with iron content. Meanwhile, a series of experiments demonstrated that the Fe0 in the magnetic biochar was the key active component for the removal and reduction of Cr(VI). Finally, the mechanism analysis showed that the removal of Cr(VI) was attributed to the reduction, electrostatic adsorption and complexation, and reduction occupied a leading position. This study provides new insight into the role of iron oxides in magnetic biochar for the removal of Cr(VI). (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Biomass delignification is a crucial condition for the effective production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic materials. Here, an effective method was used to pretreat lignocellulosic materials using hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAC) solution. The pretreatment of maize straw, sugarcane bagasse and eucalyptus bark with HPAC removed 45 to 75\% of lignin and improved from 2.1 to 20.8-fold the saccharification process. Delignification caused by HPAC increased the enzyme adsorption capacities of pretreated substrates from 2.6 to 7.1-fold. The HPAC treatment clearly removes furfurals of the hydrolytic medium, contributing to more efficient ethanol fermentation. The applied method can be a useful alternative to improve biomass saccharification, reduce costs and increase the production of second-generation bioethanol.
Soil organic matter is the largest carbon reservoir in natural systems. In such systems the carbon quality and stability can be estimated based on the increase of humified fractions which, among other factors, is related to the balance between losses and accumulations involving oxidation and reduction reactions of the soil organic matter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrochemistry of humic acids isolated from soils cultivated continually with sugar-cane, with or without pre-harvest burning and annual vinasse application using iodimetric redox titrations. The formal electrode potentials of the humic acids had a similar pattern, with values between 0.760 and 0.779 V, at 25 degrees C. The oxidation capacity of humic acids varied from 1.01 to 3.44 mol(c) kg(-1) at pH 5.0 and from 1.64 to 6.44 mol(c) kg(-1) at pH 7.0. Positive and significant correlations were observed between the oxidation capacity and the humic acid contents of phenolic, quinone and semiquinone functional groups.
Background: This study is the first to investigate the Brazilian Amazonian Forest to identify new D-xylose-fermenting yeasts that might potentially be used in the production of ethanol from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysates. Methodology/Principal Findings: A total of 224 yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in two Amazonian forest reserve sites. These samples were cultured in yeast nitrogen base (YNB)-D-xylose or YNB-xylan media. Candida tropicalis, Asterotremella humicola, Candida boidinii and Debaryomyces hansenii were the most frequently isolated yeasts. Among D-xylose-fermenting yeasts, six strains of Spathaspora passalidarum, two of Scheffersomyces stipitis, and representatives of five new species were identified. The new species included Candida amazonensis of the Scheffersomyces clade and Spathaspora sp. 1, Spathaspora sp. 2, Spathaspora sp. 3, and Candida sp. 1 of the Spathaspora clade. In fermentation assays using D-xylose (50 g/L) culture medium, S. passalidarum strains showed the highest ethanol yields (0.31 g/g to 0.37 g/g) and productivities (0.62 g/L.h to 0.75 g/L.h). Candida amazonensis exhibited a virtually complete D-xylose consumption and the highest xylitol yields (0.55 g/g to 0.59 g/g), with concentrations up to 25.2 g/L. The new Spathaspora species produced ethanol and/or xylitol in different concentrations as the main fermentation products. In sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic fermentation assays, S. stipitis UFMG-XMD-15.2 generated the highest ethanol yield (0.34 g/g) and productivity (0.2 g/L.h), while the new species Spathaspora sp. 1 UFMG-XMD-16.2 and Spathaspora sp. 2 UFMG-XMD-23.2 were very good xylitol producers. Conclusions/Significance: This study demonstrates the promise of using new D-xylose-fermenting yeast strains from the Brazilian Amazonian Forest for ethanol or xylitol production from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysates.
The effect of Herbaspirillum seropedicae inoculation and/or maize straw (0, 5 and 10 Mg/hm(2)) amendment on the growth and N-2 fixation of wheat was determined in pot experiments using N-15-dilution method. Inoculation resulted in accumulation of fixed nitrogen, and \% N from atmosphere being 24.6 and 26.5 \% in wheat shoot and grain, respectively. Straw amendment reduced \% N-atm, to 16.1 and 20.2 \% at high straw level (10 Mg/hm(2)). Rational nitrogen fertilization (180 kg N/hm(2)) completely inhibited N-2 fixation by H. seropedicae inoculation. Bacterial inoculation increased dry shoot and grain yield up to 23 and 31 \%, respectively. The highest levels of shoot and grain dry mass (46.5 and 42.4 \%) were obtained by N-fertilization in both inoculated and uninoculated plants. Total shoot and grain N-yield increased irrespective of organic matter amendment by inoculation up to 9 and 25 \%, respectively. N-fertilized plants recorded a maximum increase in N-yield (57 and 51 \%). H. seropedicae was reisolated from inoculated wheat histosphere after harvesting (90 d from sowing). Neither organic matter nor mineral nitrogen applications had any marked effect on bacterial total counts colonizing wheat histosphere. Moreover, no symptoms of mottled stripe disease were observed on leaves and stems of inoculated plants.
The sugar industry is facing new global challenges from climate change, societal pressures and old foes of market price volatility that encourage the industry to diversify revenue through the creation of new value-added products. Industry diversification can be divided into a three-pronged strategy encompassing (1) crop diversification with new cash crops and farm management practices that reduce pesticide and fertilizer needs, (2) utilize microbial cell factories to produce value-added compounds, for example, squalene or rebaudioside from sugar and/or lignocelluosic sugars by fermentation and (3) conversion of sugarcane biomass and other by-products of the milling process into new products that either utilize the bagasse as a whole, i.e., biochar or fractionate bagasse into cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Lignin is of particular interest as it has the greatest diversity of valuable applications ranging from adhesives, foams, textiles and other industrial applications. The sugar industry is at a crossroads where it can redevelop itself to be resilient against future challenges through the diversification of its product offerings beyond the traditional products or continue with business as usual.
To reveal the existence of p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units in compressed wood lignin, four different milled wood lignins were extracted using Pinus massoniana Lamb compressed wood, Pinus massoniana Lamb normal wood, and sugarcane bagasse as raw materials. Then, three dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) were synthesized using coniferyl/p-coumaryl alcohol as raw materials to reveal the interunit linkages of H units. The lignin and DHP samples were systematically characterized by H-1, C-13, 2D HSQC, and P-31 NMR techniques. Compared with the opposite wood milled wood lignin (OW-MWL) and the normal wood milled wood lignin (NW-MWL), the compressed wood milled wood lignin (CW-MWL) contained a large amount of H units, and the H/G ratio and the p- hydroxyphenyl OH group contents were 0.15 and 1.09 mmol/g, respectively. Through the characterization of CW-MWL and DHPs, it was revealed that p-hydroxyphenyl units mainly coupled with other units by beta-O-4, beta-beta, and beta-5 linkages. Compared to the sugarcane bagasse milled wood lignin, it was clearly demonstrated that the H unit rather than p-coumarate ester occurred in CW-MWL. This study comprehensively explored the structural characteristics and linkages of H units in compress wood lignin, and provided useful information for revealing the participation of H units in the construction of lignin macromolecules.
Acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation suffers from high substrate cost and low butanol titer and yield. In this study, engineered Clostridium tyrobutyricum Ct Delta ack-adhE2 immobilized in a fibrous-bed bioreactor was used for butanol production from glucose and xylose present in the hydrolysates of low-cost lignocellulosic biomass including corn fiber, cotton stalk, soybean hull, and sugarcane bagasse. The biomass hydrolysates obtained after acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were supplemented with corn steep liquor and used in repeated-batch fermentations. Butanol production with high titer (similar to 15 g/L), yield (similar to 0.3 g/g), and productivity (similar to 0.3 g/L.h) was obtained from cotton stalk, soybean hull, and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates, while corn fiber hydrolysate with higher inhibitor contents gave somewhat inferior results. The fermentation process was stable for long-term operation without any noticeable degeneration, demonstrating its potential for industrial application. A techno-economic analysis showed that n-butanol could be produced from lignocellulosic biomass using this novel fermentation process at similar to\$2.5/gal for biofuel application.
Cane processing energy consumption (per unit mass processed) varies between sugar mills. Although lower energy consumptions appear to indicate better performance, closer examination of the sugar extraction process reveals that more efficient extraction may increase sugar revenue sufficiently to offset higher investment and specific energy consumptions. The present analysis relates to proposed modifications in the milling process in Agroval, an old sugarcane factory. Cane processing energy consumption and sugar extraction efficiency for the current process that extracts 92.1\% of the sugar, are compared to a hypothetical process similar to that in Japungu, a modern fuel alcohol distillery. Since the fermentation broth must be dilute, distilleries can use more soak water to increase juice extraction during crushing so bagasse humidity and sugar dilution in the cane juice are higher. Though more energy is expended to process cane the proposed process extracts 95.7\% of the sugar content. An analysis of the substitution of the process in Agroval, based on measured and estimated data, suggests that if the evaporator steam consumption does not rise appreciably, the net revenue increases significantly. Further measurement and analysis could determine the expected improvement more accurately. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Several solvents and ionic liquids, namely formic acid (Formiline process), concentrated phosphoric acid (CPA), N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ({[
The research on preparing high-quality pellets by combining torrefaction and densification of biomass has received widespread attention. This paper investigated the influence of torrefaction temperature on biomass and evaluated the quality of three kinds of pellets (raw pellets, ex-situ torrefied densified pellets and in-situ torrefied densified pellets). When the torrefaction temperature was raised to 300 degrees C, the energy yield of rice straw (RS) and rice husk (RH) quickly decreased to 71.08\% and 77.62\%, and the cellulose was decomposed significantly. The results proved that 250 degrees C was an optimum temperature for RS and RH torrefaction. The densities of RS and RH in-situ torrefied densified pellets were 1236.84 kg/m(3) and 1277.50 kg/m(3) under 150 MPa, respectively. The density, Meyer hardness, hydrophobicity, and mechanical specific energy consumption of the pellet increased with the increase of molding pressure. The in-situ pellets had higher Meyer hardness, hydrophobicity, and lower mechanical specific energy consumption under the same molding pressure than raw pellets and ex-situ torrefied densified pellets. In addition, the bonding mechanism was studied by using scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet auto-fluorescence. In-situ torrefaction and densification facilitated the formation of self-locking and the migration of lignin between particles. Compared with RH pellets, RS pellets had higher quality due to the higher hemicellulose content, which was necessary for forming stable hydrogen bonds.
This study investigates the impact of different agro-industrial organic wastes (i.e., sugarcane filter cake, poultry litter, and chicken manure) on the bacterial community and their relationship with physicochemical attributes during composting. Integrative analysis was performed by combining high-throughput sequencing and environmental data to decipher changes in the waste microbiome. The results revealed that animal-derived compost stabilized more carbon and mineralized a more organic nitrogen than vegetable-derived compost. Composting enhanced bacterial diversity and turned the bacterial community structure similar among all wastes, reducing Firmicutes abundance in animal-derived wastes. Potential biomarkers indicating compost maturation were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota phyla, Chryseolinea genus and Rhizobiales order. The waste source influenced the final physicochemical attributes, whereas composting enhanced the complexity of the microbial community in the order of poultry litter > filter cake > chicken manure. Therefore, composted wastes, mainly the animalderived ones, seem to present more sustainable attributes for agricultural use, despite their losses of C, N, and S.
Co-gasification is considered as a useful technique for post-treatment of anaerobic digestion residues. The present study has dealt with the efficiency parameter of 24 kWe downdraft biomass gasifier with 50\% mixture ratio of wood chips + corn cobs and 50\% ratio of sugarcane bagasse + coconut shells. The performance of the gasification process was assessed with respect to biomass ratios on gasification efficiencies, reactor thermal profiles and equivalence ratio on specific yield of syngas composition and tar contents. Trials were conducted at a temperature range of 650-950 degrees C using equivalence ratios from 0.15 to 0.30. The biomass feeding rate was maintained between 35 and 40 kg/h. The total volume of gas obtained from co-gasification of wood chips + corn cobs was low (75.6 m(3)) than the mixture of sugarcane bagasse + coconut shells (94.33 m(3)) of gas at 5\% moisture content. The average yield of syngas produced from the mixture of 1 kg wood chips + corn cobs and sugarcane bagasse + coconut shells were 2.52 and 3.14 m(3), respectively. These results have shown that the mixture of wood chips + corn cobs produced almost 4238.6 mg/m(3) tar impurities compared with the co-gasification sugarcane bagasse + coconut shells that produced 3767 mg/m(3) with LHV of 3.8 MJ/Nm(3) and 4.56 MJ/Nm(3) at 5\% moisture content respectively. This research concluded that co-gasification of sugarcane bagasse + coconut shells were found to be a suitable feedstock mixture for gasification and utilization of syngas for power generation depends on tar production, the flowrate of syngas, and performance in a downdraft gasifier. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
L-Lysine is an essential aminoacid added as supplement for animal feed. The aim of this work was to produce an L-Lysine enriched bran using Brazilian agroindustrial byproducts. Both the raw material costs and purification steps were minimized. Firstly, medium composition for the growth of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 21799 was optimized targeting enhanced L-Lysine production - salt, vitamins and nitrogen sources concentrations were tested and selected. Next, UV mutant strains were generated and the best producers were used in formulated media using sugarcane molasses. It was reached a production of 9.3 g/L of L-Lysine with the optimized formulated media. This L-Lyisne rich broth was then impregnated and cyclically reimpregnated in pre-treated solid matrixes (sugarcane bagasse, citrus pulp, brewer spent grain, soybean husk and wheat bran). After processing, it was generated enriched brans with significant amounts of L-Lysine (13.8\%, 7.0\%, 8.9\%, 5.9\% and 8.4\%, respectively), which has an interesting market potential for animal feed.
Studies were conducted to evaluate Bacillus atrophaeus spores' production by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using sugarcane bagasse as support and soybean molasses as substrate at lab-scale in column bioreactors (forced aeration), plastic bags and Erlenmeyer flasks (aeration by diffusion). Different moisture contents (84\%, 86\% and 88\%; 89\%, 91\% and 93\%) and aeration rates (30mL/min, 45mL/min, 60mL/min and 90mL/min) were studied. The best condition for spore production (3.3x10(10) CFU.g(-1)dry matter) in column bioreactor was 80\% of initial humidity and no aeration. In Erlenmeyer flasks and plastic bags the best sporulation production reached 1.7 up to 4.7x10(10) CFU.g(-1)dry matter with 88-93\% of initial moisture. The aeration rate had no significant effect on the spore yield. The initial moisture had a significant effect depending on the bioreactor type. Sporulation kinetic's assay was carried out and it showed the possibility to reduce the time of spore formation in two days.
Screening of xylan-decomposing filamentous fungi were carried out in two agricultural and one industrial wastes (30 samples each) collected from Qena Governorate (South Valley) using xylan agar medium. Twenty-six species representing 13 genera were identified from rice straw, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse on the medium used. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. corylophilum, P. funiculosum, P. oxalicum and Trichoderma harzianum were the most prevalent species on the three substrates. Extracellular xylanase production by selected isolates of the current study was characterized during their growth on xylan as a sole carbon source on solid medium. The results revealed that 93.3\% of the isolates tested could degrade xylan and the highest activity against xylan was showed by members of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Trichoderma. The optimum conditions for maximum production of xylanase by Trichoderma harzianum were 8 days after incubation at 35 degreesC and maltose and starch were used as carbon sources, NaNO3 and peptone as nitrogen sources and the culture was initially adjusted to pH 6. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A sustainable solution for the global construction industry can be partial substitution of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) sourced from industrial end-of-life (EOL) products that contain calcareous, siliceous and aluminous materials. Candidate EOL materials include fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), natural pozzolanic materials like sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), rice husk ash (RHA), mine tailings, marble dust, construction and demolition debris (CDD). Studies have revealed these materials to be cementitious and/or pozzolanic in nature. Their use as SCMs would decrease the amount of cement used in the production of concrete, decreasing carbon emissions associated with cement production. In addition to cement substitution, EOL products as SCMs have also served as coarse and also fine aggregates in the production of eco-friendly concretes.
Microbial xylanases have gathered great attention due to their biotechnological potential at industrial scale for many processes. A variety of lignocellulosic materials, such as sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, rice bran, wheat straw, wheat bran, corn cob, and ragi bran, are used for xylanase production which also solved the great issue of solid waste management. Both solid-state and submerged fermentation have been used for xylanase production controlled by various physical and nutritional parameters. Majority of xylanases have optimum pH in the range of 4.0-9.0 with optimum temperature at 30-60 degrees C. For biochemical, molecular studies and also for successful application in industries, purification and characterization of xylanase have been carried out using various appropriate techniques. Cloning and genetic engineering are used for commercial-level production of xylanase, to meet specific economic viability and industrial needs. Microbial xylanases are used in various biotechnological applications like biofuel production, pulp and paper industry, baking and brewing industry, food and feed industry, and deinking of waste paper. This review describes production, characteristics, and biotechnological applications of microbial xylanases.
The objective of the study is to determine the optimum combination of feed stock components for composting the organic solid waste, a prerequisite for effective microbial degradation and for obtaining quality compost. Combination of dry leaves with locally available bulking agents like sawdust, wood shavings, paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse and rice husk are composted along with vegetable waste in a laboratory scale reactor for the study. The central core of composting process is replicated in controlled conditions in the in-vessel by keeping initial feed stock C/N ratio fixed between 30 and 35. The study is monitored for 14 days for the variations in temperature, pH, moisture and macronutrients C and N of the compost. It is found that composting vegetable waste with the combination of paddy straw and dry leaves provided best results of C/N ratio of 17.58 confirming that, if right feedstock components are provided, an effective environment for the growth of microorganisms is achieved to accelerate the process to produce a resultant C/N ratio acceptable to be used as compost.
In this study, the simultaneous production of hydrogen, ethanol, and 2,3-butanediol was assessed using three agro-industrial residues: cheese whey powder (CWP), wheat straw hydrolysate (WSH) and sugarcane molasses (SCM), by the Antarctic psychrophilic GA0F bacterium {[
Bromelia hemisphaerica Lam., a wild plant native to Mexico, has medicinal attributes and is mainly used for its hemisphericin content in foods. However, the residues of its leaves and fruits are underutilized, representing an area of opportunity for foods or materials. Lignocellulosic material from leaves and fruit bagasse was isolated using an organosolv treatment to separate their components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and to determine the influence after processing on the physicochemical, thermal and microstructural characteristics. The extracted fiber presented a cellulose content of 44\% in the leaf and 33.5\% in the fruit. The release of lignin after the organosolv process represented a greater amount of amorphous material in the leaf than in the fruit. By FTIR and X-ray diffraction (DRx), the change in the crystallinity of the cellulose was determined (from 18\% higher in the leaf than the fruit before to 14\% higher in the fruit after the organosolv process), with values similar to type I cellulose. The thermal properties showed a high order in the structure of the cellulose. Microscopy and digital analysis techniques showed the microstructural changes and the effectiveness of delignification during the process. It is concluded that the leaf fiber of B. hemisphaerica presents characteristics that make it useful as a potential ingredient for food product development and other uses.
Aureobasidium pullulansLB83 was evaluated for cellulase production under submerged fermentation conditions. Different process variables such as carbon sources (corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane straw), synthetic (urea, ammonium sulfate, and peptone), and non-synthetic (soybean meal, rice, and corn meal) nitrogen sources and inoculum size were evaluated by one parameter at-a-time strategy.Aureobasidium pullulansLB83 showed maximum cellulase activity (FPase, 2.27 U/mL; CMCase, 7.42 U/mL) on sugarcane bagasse. Among the nitrogen sources, soybean meal as a non-synthetic nitrogen sources showed a maximum cellulase activity (FPase 2.45 U/mL; CMCase, 6.86 U/mL) after 60 hr. The inoculum size of 1.6 x 10(6) CFU/mL had the maximum FPase and CMCase activities of 3.14 and 8.74 U/mL, respectively. For the enzymatic hydrolysis, both the commercial cellulase (10 FPU/g of Cellic CTec 2 (\#A) and 10 FPU/g of crude enzyme extract (CEE) (\#B), and varying ratio of CTec 2 and CEE in combination \#C (5 FPU/g of CTec 2 + 5 FPU/g CEE), combination \#D (2.5 FPU/g of CTec 2 + 7.5 FPU/g CEE), and combination \#E (7.5 FPU/g of CTec 2 + 2.5 FPU/g CEE) were assessed for enzymatic hydrolysis of delignified sugarcane bagasse. Enzyme combination \#C showed maximum hydrolysis yield of 92.40\%. The study shows the hydrolytic potential of cellulolytic enzymes fromA. pullulansLB83 for lignocellulosic sugars production from delignified sugarcane bagasse.
Rapid industrialization has succeeded in constantly releasing hazardous heavy metals into the environment; however the need to minimize this risk has become a global concern. This study is to investigate the effectiveness of rice husk, sawdust and sugarcane bagasse as low cost adsorbents in heavy metals removal and to reduce the environmental pollution caused by these heavy metals. Columns of four different adsorbents (rice husk, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse and the mixture of the three) were set up and the Adire wastewater was passed through them. The adsorbents, the effluents and the filtrates were taken for physico-chemical and heavy metals analyses. The results showed that sugarcane bagasse adsorbent is the most effective in the physical and chemical treatment of the wastewater used, while the sawdust adsorbent is most effective in the removal of Copper, Chromium, Nickel and Iron.
In Malaysia, 45\% of the average household electricity was consumed by air conditioners to create an acceptable indoor environment. This high energy consumption was mostly related to poor thermal performance of the building envelope. Therefore, selecting a low thermal conductivity of brick wall was of considerable importance in creating energy efficient buildings. Previously, numerous researchers reported the potential used of agricultural waste as an additive in building materials to enhance their thermal properties. The aim of this study is to examine how agricultural wastes from empty fruit bunch (EFB), coconut fibre (CF) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) can act as additive agents in a fired clay brick manufacturing process to produce a low thermal conductivity clay brick. In this study, these agricultural wastes were individually mixed with clay soil in different proportions ranging from 0\%, 2.5\%, 5\%, 7.5\% and 10\% by weight. Physical and mechanical properties including soil physical properties, as well as thermal conductivity were performed in accordance with BS 1377: Part 2: 1990, BS 3921: 1985 and ASTM C518. The results reveal that incorporating 5\% of EFB as an additive component into the brick making process significantly enhances the production of a low thermal conductivity clay brick as compared to other waste alternatives tested. This finding suggests that EFB waste was a potential additive material to be used for the thermal property enhancement of the building envelope.
The aim of our work is the preparation of cellulose nanofibrils or nanocrystals made from cellulose that is recovered from sugarcane bagasse agricultural waste (SC) as a dispersant instead of commercial cellulose for oil spill cleanup. In the current study, carboxymethyl cellulose was prepared by cellulose mercerization, which was then esterified by oxalic acid to create nanocellulose. Incorporation of oxalate into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was verified by 1H-NMR spectroscopy by the appearance of a new peak at 8.15 ppm for CMC-oxalate. The degree of substitution (DS) of oxalate was 0.17. The synthesized nanocellulose formed particles were roughly the same size and shape as both cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs): measuring 321-480 nm in length and 4-5 nm in width. Emulsions of paraffins made from CMC-oxalate are stable up to 10 months without undergoing precipitation. CMC-oxalate had great thermal stability and worked well as a paraffin oil dispersant. CMC-oxalate provided a barrier around the oil droplet surface, which prevented droplets from coalescing. This hypothesis is supported by the contact angle measurement for the O/W emulsion formed by CMC-oxalate being 0 \& DEG;, which is lower than the value for emulsions formed by underivatized CMC, 37.20 \& DEG;. From transmission electron microscopy observations, O/W emulsions of paraffin oil were spherical in shape, and separated from each other by a distance of 30-100 nm. This study shows that CMC-oxalate can be prepared by a low-cost method, yielding nanocellulose with characteristics that resemble CNFs and CNCs, thereby opening up new potential applications for cellulose nanomaterials. Oil dispersing and adsorption by carboxymethyl cellulose-oxalate nanofibrils/nanocrystals.image
Assessment of herbicide retention in the soil environment is essential for minimizing their potential contamination of surface and groundwater resources. In this study, metribuzin retention characteristics by sugarcane mulch residue were quantified. Batch methods were used to quantify adsorption and desorption of metribuzin by the residue over a wide range of input concentrations and reaction times. Desorption was carried out after 1- and 21-day adsorption, which was followed by methanol extraction. Metribuzin retention by the residue exhibited linear adsorption where the partitioning coefficient (K(d)) increased over time. Adsorption-desorption exhibited strong hysteresis indicative of time-dependent retention. The extent of hysteresis and nonextractable or residual amounts increased as the time for adsorption increased. A multireaction model provided good description of the time-dependent adsorption and desorption behavior for all input concentrations. In addition, based on measured K(d) values, we found that metribuzin retention by the residue did not change significantly with the age of the decaying residue. Metribuzin breakthrough results (breakthrough curves) from miscible displacement experiments showed high mobility of metribuzin in residue-amended Sharkey and Commerce soil columns. Metribuzin breakthrough curves exhibited gradual release during leaching as well as significant responses to flow interruption and were well described using the multireaction model.
Artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS) were applied to model and analyze the adsorption of four different agro-wastes, namely sugarcane bagasse, passion fruit waste, orange peel and pineapple peel, and commercial activated carbon, for Ni2+ removal from aqueous solutions. The capacity of adsorption ranged from 14.75 to 63.50 mg g(-1), and the results of the adsorption experiments revealed that sugarcane bagasse and orange peel presented the best adsorption performance for Ni2+ removal from aqueous solutions, even better than those of commercial activated carbon. The study also revealed that the adsorption capacity is affected by pH(z)(p)(c) and surface area. ANN and ANFIS were compared with the experimental data to determine the relationship of four input parameters on Ni2+ adsorption capacities: initial adsorbent concentration, adsorption time, pH(zp)(c) and surface area. The developed ANN and ANFIS could accurately predict the experimental data with correlation coefficient of 0.9926 and 0.9943, respectively. The Pearson's Chi-square measure was found to be 0.9508 for ANN and 0.5959 for ANFIS, indicating a small advantage of ANFIS over ANN.
The main objective of this study was to investigate the utilization of various agro-industrial wastes such as wheat bran, wheat husk, wheat straw, peanut powder, pomace, corn cobs, rice straw, sawdust and sugarcane bagasse for the cost-effective production of xylanase by Bacillus safensis XPS7 using the one-variable-at-a-time approach. A number of bacterial strains were isolated from different locations in the cold desert region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Among these, the hyperproducing strain designated as XPS7 was selected for optimized production of xylanase and identified as B. safensis based on 16S rDNA gene analysis. B. safensis XPS7 produced the maximum xylanase (141.28 U/mL) at 45 degrees C, pH 9, 24 h incubation time, 2\% (w/v) wheat straw and wheat bran mixture as carbon source and 1.5\% (w/v) ammonium nitrate as the nitrogen source in modified Riviere's medium. The results showed that the combination of wheat straw and wheat bran proved to be a cheap and abundant source for the hyper production of xylanase and can be used as an inexpensive base (carbon source) for large scale industrial production of enzymes. In addition, the use of waste for the economic production of enzymes will also help to minimize the environmental problems associated with the disposal of agro-industrial waste.
Fast pyrolysis of agricultural residues from sugarcane and cassava plantations was carried out in a laboratory-scale free-fall reactor unit. The objectives of this work were to investigate the effects of biomass types and pyroysis conditions, such as reactor temperature, condensation temperature, nitrogen flow rate and run duration, on pyrolysis product distribution, as well as to study the basic properties of the products. The results showed that all of the parameters affected the product distribution. The optimum reactor temperatures for maximising bio-oil yield were in the range of 350-450 degrees C. About 70 wt\% of bio-oil yield could be obtained by pyrolysis of cassava stalk at a reactor temperature of 450 degrees C and a primary condensation temperature of 10 degrees C. It was also found that the minimum flow rate of nitrogen for obtaining high bio-oil yield was 1.5 l/min. The product characterisation showed that the bio-oil and char produced from the agricultural residues with the free-fall reactor unit were to a certain extent similar to those produced from different types of biomass with different types of pyrolysis reactor configurations. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Commercial productivity of the Agaricus blazei mushroom is closely related to both the quality of the compost and the choice of soil to be used as a casing material. This study aims to evaluate Agaricus blazei's productivity using two compost formulations and three soils. The two compost formulations were (i) crushed sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum (L.)) and Coastcross hay (Cynidon dactylon (L.) Pers.), and (ii) crushed sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum (L.)) and corn husk (Zea mays L.); they were amended with wheat bran, lime, gypsum, superphosphate and urea. The casing materials were extracted from three soils classed as Rhodic Hapludox, Xanthic Hapludox, and Humic Haplaquox. The Rhodic Hapludox soil material was mixed with fragments of Eucalyptus charcoal in the proportion of 4:1. The compost was prepared during six weeks and thereafter heat treated during 48 h at the end of the composting period. The sugarcane bagasse: coast-hay compost was superior to the sugarcane bagasse: corn husk compost. The Rhodic Hapludox plus charcoal casing material showed to be a better casing material than either the Xanthic Hapludox and Humic Haplaquox soil materials. The choice of the soils where the casing material is taken is an important factor to the success of the Agaricus blazei mushroom cultivation.
The prospection of new degrading enzymes of the plant cell wall has been the subject of many studies and is fundamental for industries, due to the great biotechnological importance of achieving a more efficient depolymerization conversion from plant polysaccharides to fermentable sugars, which are useful not only for biofuel production but also for various bioproducts. Thus, we explored the shotgun metagenome data of a bacterial community (CB10) isolated from sugarcane bagasse and recovered three metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). The genomic distance analyses, along with phylogenetic analysis, revealed the presence of a putative novel Chitinophaga species, a Pandoraea nosoerga, and Labrys sp. isolate. The isolation process for each one of these bacterial lineages from the community was carried out in order to relate them with the MAGs. The recovered draft genomes have reasonable completeness (72.67-100\%) and contamination (0.26-2.66\%) considering the respective marker lineage for Chitinophaga (Bacteroidetes), Pandoraea (Burkholderiales), and Labrys (Rhizobiales). The in-vitro assay detected cellulolytic activity (endoglucanases) only for the isolate Chitinophaga, and its genome analysis revealed 319 CAZymes, of which 115 are classified as plant cell wall degrading enzymes, which can act in fractions of hemicellulose and pectin. Our study highlights the potential of this Chitinophaga isolate provides several plant-polysaccharide-degrading enzymes.
An estimated140 billion metric tons of agricultural waste is produced yearly due to the increase in the number of activities that occurs in the agricultural sector. Most of these wastes are sourced from agricultural produce which includes wheat and rice husk and straw, groundnut shell, sugarcane bagasse, jute fiber, coconut husk and so on. However, the improper management of agricultural waste associated with the disposal and burning of agro waste in open air, especially in developing countries has greatly contributed to greenhouse emission raising an environmental concern. Proper management utilization and conversion of these wastes into sustainable, energy efficient materials can be a possible solution to the problem of pollution and natural resource conservation for future purposes. This review presents various composite materials for sustainability, impact and its application.
Biofuels production from biomass are receiving special attention due to the availability of raw materials, suitable conversion yield and renewability. The primary objective of this study was comparison of bioethanol productivity from bagasse pith by free and immobilized Pichia stipitis. Alginate micro-beads at various sizes fabricated by electrospray technique. At the first stage, bioethanol production using free cells in two processes including fermentation of combined acid and enzymatic hydrolysates and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was optimized. In fermentation of combined hydrolysates, maximum production equal to 9.53 and 12.68 g/L was observed by free and immobilized cells, respectively at cell concentration 6 \%, portion of acid hydrolysate 40 \% and total sugar concentration 50 \%. Besides, maximum production in SSF equal to 9.93 and 10.62 g/L was obtained by free and immobilized cells, respectively at 6 \% cell, 4 g solid and enzyme content of 50 FPU/g solid. However, in SSF fermentation, the beads size had no significant effect on ethanol production while in combined hydrolysates fermentation, bioethanol production considerably affected by the beads size and 13.9 g/L ethanol was obtained in minimum beads size. Additionally, long-term stability of beads was examined in repeated-batch cultures, showing effective bioethanol production up to five reuse cycles.
Biobutanol is a renewable, less polluting, and potentially viable alternative fuel to conservative gasoline. Bacterium activation of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum is one of the essential steps in butanol fabrication used. Among other various techniques, high-temperature tremor at 100 degrees C for 2 min was initiated to be the best technique for initiation of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum bacterium applicable as an inoculum in butanol preparation. Estimation of the efficiency of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum butanol production from synthetic medium containing 80 g/l of glucose at room temperature showed that Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum gave the maximum butanol concentration (10.59 g/l). Three (3) agronomic raw materials, sorghum juice, sugarcane juice, and sugarcane molasses containing 60 g/l of whole sugar, which is involved in glucose required, were used as butanol manufacture mean by bacterium used. Its P-B values were 1.50, 4.77, and 7.65 g/l, respectively. Furthermore, when sugarcane molasses was mixed with P-2 medium (without glucose), and ZnO nanoparticles were added as a catalyst, the P-B value was enhanced by a factor of 11.58 g/l. The findings revealed that sugarcane molasses has the greatest potential for use as a raw material in the production of biobutanol.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nycterohemeral patterns of ingestive behavior at 24, 48, and 72 h (Trial I) of sheep fed different roughages and the palatability index (Trial II) for sheep and goats fed different roughages used in a semiarid region. In the study, five sources of roughage were evaluated, namely: (1) Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes +urea + sugarcane bagasse (NUB); (2) Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw cladodes +urea + sugarcane bagasse (OUB); (3) Tifton hay; (4) corn silage; and (5) sorghum silage. Five Soinga sheep were used and arranged in a 5 x 5 Latin square design in Trial I. Six female Santa Ines sheep and six female Saanen goats were used to study the preferences for different roughages in Trial II, and three tests were carried out to determine the palatability index, comparing two roughage types at a time: test 1 - corn silage versus Nopalea cladodes +urea + sugarcane bagasse (NUB); test 2 - corn silage versus Opuntia cladodes +urea + sugarcane bagasse (OUB); and test 3 - NUB versus OUB. The highest dry matter (DM) intake was for diets composed by NUB. Feeding time (min/d) was higher for sorghum silage (291 min d(-1)), while rumination time was higher (P < 0.05) for corn silage (604.0 min d(-1)), sorghum silage (561.7 min d(-1)), and Tifton hay (529.7 min d(-1)). No difference (P> 0.05) was observed for feeding, rumination, and idleness time between species (sheep and goats), and there was no roughage x species interaction (P> 0.05). The palatability indexes were 76 and 77\% (tests 1 and 2) for NUB and OUB, respectively. Sheep fed with roughage containing cactus cladodes associated with urea and sugarcane bagasse spent less time on ingestion and rumination activities. The ingestive behavior can be evaluated in a period of 48 h, using instantaneous scanning.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) has profound applications in different sectors of biotechnology due to its unique properties which made it preferring it about plant cellulose. Although this polymer is extremely important in various applications, many problems still hinder the sustainable production in terms of increasing productivity and low-cost production. In order to overcome these problems, the continuous production potentiality of cellulose using immobilized Glucanobacter xylinum cells onto Sugar cane bagasse (SCB) and Ca-alginate beads will be evaluated. Comparatively, adsorption of Glucanobacter xylinum cells to the cavum of stalk cells of SCB could be efficiently stable while, entrapment of cells onto Ca-alginate has drawback observed by the rapid disruption and instability of the beads in the Potato Peel Waste (PPW) culture medium. Furthermore, the FT-IR, XRD and SEM analysis of the BC derived from immobilized cells on SCB observed a higher crystallinity (86\%) than that produced from immobilized cells on alginate beads. Consequently, BC production was statistically optimized by SCB-immobilized cells using Plackett-Burman Design. Among seven selected variables, incubation period and pH value were found to be the highest significant parameters. Reusability of immobilized biomass was studied and showed continuous BC production even after five cycles without losing their activity. Our findings demonstrate that a combination between alternative low-cost medium with continuous production mode by immobilization onto inexpensive natural polymer can promote a sustainable bioprocess and reduction the production cost. {[
This work presents the evaluation of energy balance and GHG emissions in the production and use of fuel ethanol from cane in Brazil for 2005/2006 (for a sample of mills processing up to 100 million tons of sugarcane per year), and for a conservative scenario proposed for 2020. Fossil energy ratio was 9.3 for 2005/2006 and may reach 11.6 in 2020 with technologies already commercial. For anhydrous ethanol production the total GHG emission was 436 kg CO2 eq m(-3) ethanol for 2005/2006, decreasing to 345 kg CO2 eq m(-3) in the 2020 scenario. Avoided emissions depend on the final use: for E100 use in Brazil they were (in 2005/2006) 2181 kg CO2 eq m(-3) ethanol, and for E25 they were 2323 kg CO2 eq m(-3) ethanol (anhydrous). Both values would increase about 26\% for the conditions assumed for 2020 mostly due to the large increase in sales of electricity surpluses. A sensitivity analysis has been performed (with 2005/2006 values) to investigate the impacts of the huge variation of some important parameters throughout Brazilian mills on the energy and emissions balance. The results have shown the high impact of cane productivity and ethanol yield variation on these balances (and the impacts of average cane transportation distances, level of soil cultivation, and some others) and of bagasse and electricity surpluses on GHG emissions avoidance. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Integrated food and bioenergy production is a promising way to ensure regional/national food and energy security, efficient use of soil resources, and enhanced biodiversity, while contributing to the abatement of CO2 emissions. The objective of this study was to assess alternative crop rotation schemes as the basis for integrating and enhancing the sustainable biomass production within the food-energy agricultural context. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria spp.) in rotation with wheat (Triticum spp.) in the EU and with sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in Brazil were evaluated. Sunn hemp did not negatively affect crop's productivity and soil fertility; wheat grain yields were maintained around the mean regional production levels (6, 7, 3 and Mg ha(-1) in Greece, Italy, and Spain, respectively), and the cumulative biomass in the extended rotation (wheat straw+sunn hemp) was between 1.5 and 2.0 times higher than in the conventional rotation. In Brazil, sugarcane stalks yield in clay soils increased by around 15 Mg ha(-1) year(-1) under sunn hemp rotation in comparison with bare fallow. Moreover, sunn hemp in the EU rotations did not have negative effects on soil available macronutrients, organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity, neither on C and N stocks in Brazil. The qualitative characteristics (mineral, ash, and hemicelluloses contents) of the cumulated biomass were somehow higher (in average +26\%, +35\%, and +3.4\%, respectively) than in the conventional system. In summary, in temperate and tropical climates the integration of dedicated biomass legume crops within conventional systems could lead to enhanced biomass availability, crop diversification, and efficient use (in space and time) of the land resources.
Sugarcane in Brazil is processed into sugar and/or ethanol, often in flex plants that can switch between the two products. We develop an economic model of flex plants, export demands, and two domestic fuel demand curves for a blend of ethanol with gasoline consumed by conventional cars, and ethanol consumed only by flex cars. We analyze the market impacts of the following policies: the blend mandate; fixing gasoline prices below world prices; the high gasoline tax; and a higher tax exemption for ethanol blended with gasoline. Because Brazilian and U.S. ethanol prices have become linked, a change in Brazilian ethanol policy or a shock in world sugar markets can now impact U.S. ethanol and corn prices. We show that in theory, each policy analyzed has an ambiguous impact on ethanol and sugar prices. Empirically, however, a low gasoline tax and a high tax exemption for ethanol used in the fuel blend reduce ethanol and sugar prices; this contradicts conventional wisdom. Overall, we find that policy reforms implemented in 2010 offset the ethanol price increase by about 27\% due to outward shifts in fuel transportation and sugar export demand curves, and due to a reduced sugarcane supply caused by bad weather. Our model illustrates the importance of Brazil's ethanol policies on world commodity markets; it also provides insight into how the Brazilian government can adjust policies to better control domestic inflation while minimizing impacts on investment.
Isolation of root rot tissue of diseased marjoram plants, yielded isolates fungal genera of Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Isolates of F. monoliforme and F. oxysporum, causing the highest root rot percentage and disease severity of marjoram plants in pot experiment. In the field, soil amendement with either composts of sugarcane bagasse, soybean straw and rice straw and in combination with potassium sulphate at (50 or 75 kg/feddan.). Results obtained indicated that, application of rice straw compost in combination with potassium sulphate (K2O) at 75 kg was the best treatment reduced root rot incidence of marjoram plants and highly significantly increased, plant height, fresh and dry weigh, yield components, content and percentage of essential oil as well in volatile oil high percentage of terpinene-4-ol (42.9\%). Meanwhile, the high percentage of linalyl acetate (34.6\%) in the application of (K2O) at 75 kg/feddan combined with soybean compost and carvacrol (32.3\%) in the application of (K2O) at 75 kg/feddan. So, integration application of composts with (K2O) could be used as alternative strategies to fungicides for controlling root rot disease in marjoram, enhanching plant growth, yield components and constitutes of essential oil.
Over the years, supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) have been successfully utilized in concrete buildings, but they have been rarely exploited in concrete pavements. In recent years, due to the growing importance of concrete pavements, researchers have begun studying the performance of various types of SCMs from pavement perspective. The overview herein assesses the existing research associated with utilizing different kinds of silica-rich waste as SCM. For this purpose, five agricultural waste (AW) comprising rice husk ash (RHA), rice straw ash (RSA), corn cob ash (CCA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and three industrial by-products (IB), i.e., fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and microsilica (MS), were selected. Their effects on various properties of concrete were exhaustively reviewed. This study also furnishes reasons for limited literature on SCMs utilization in concrete pavements. Moreover, this review accentuates the previous studies' gaps, which require further research, such as the need for dedicated standard codes for AW utilization in concrete pavements. The guidance for future research to further enhance the properties of pavement quality concrete is also given.
This study investigated the protein fraction-level in vitro and in vivo saccharification potential by the guts of two geographically different lower termites' species Reticulitermes flavipes and Heterotermes indicola using biofuel producing feedstocks sugarcane bagasse, pinewood, cottonwood, corn stover, and rice husk. The gut protein extract from both termite species saccharified all lignocellulose material regardless of feedstock loading. However, R. flavipes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher saccharification potential than H. indicola. Consumption of the sugarcane bagasse, pinewood, and corn stover was maximum by R. flavipes, whereas H. indicola exposed cottonwood and sugarcane feedstocks as the most palatable food source with 100\% survivability. This study also hypothesized that feeding on various feedstocks will show variable impacts on enzyme activities. An adaptive mechanism enables the termites and their endosymbionts for optimized consumption of variable food sources. Results supported ``diet adaptation{''
In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were isolated and characterized from sugarcane pith (SP), a renewable, low-cost agro-industrial residue. The effects of bleaching methods on CNCs morphology and physi-cochemical properties were investigated. Then, an ultralight and hydrophobic nanocellulose-based aerogel was fabricated as an oil absorbent for food systems. The results showed that hydrogen peroxide bleached CNC retained its good characteristics (a whisker-like shape, L/D 38, CrI 72.1\%, zeta potential-29.97 +/- 0.05 mV) and the typical shear-thinning rheological behavior, an eco-friendly delignification. In addition, the obtained MTMS-modified aerogels exhibited ultralight density (0.031-0.053 g/cm3), high porosity (96.45-97.44\%), lipophilicity (water contact angle as high as 130.2 +/- 5.8 degrees), and reusability. Furthermore, their absorption capacity was up to 49.8 g/g, with a wide range of catering oils and organic solvents. This study provides insight into the high value-added utilization of agro-industrial residues and the application of nanocellulose-based aerogels for oil-water separation in food systems.
Staphylotrichum longicolleum FW57 (DSM105789) is a prolific chitinolytic fungus isolated from wood, with a chitinase activity of 0.11 +/- 0.01 U/mg. We selected this strain for genome sequencing and annotation, and compiled its growth characteristics on four different chitinous substrates as well as two agro-industrial waste products. We found that the enzymatic mixture secreted by FW57 was not only able to digest pre-treated sugarcane bagasse, but also untreated sugarcane bagasse and maize leaves. The efficiency was comparable to a commercial enzymatic cocktail, highlighting the potential of the S. longicolleum enzyme mixture as an alternative pretreatment method. To further characterize the enzymes, which efficiently digested polymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, starch, and lignin, we performed in-depth mass spectrometry-based secretome analysis using tryptic peptides from in-gel and in-solution digestions. Depending on the growth conditions, we were able to detect from 442 to 1092 proteins, which were annotated to identify from 134 to 224 putative carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in five different families: glycoside hydrolases, auxiliary activities, carbohydrate esterases, polysaccharide lyases, glycosyl transferases, and proteins containing a carbohydrate-binding module, as well as combinations thereof. The FW57 enzyme mixture could be used to replace commercial enzyme cocktails for the digestion of agro-residual substrates.
This work describes the conversion of sugarcane leaves into biocoal with two thermal processes: wet torrefaction (subcritical water, 175-250 degrees C) and dry torrefaction (nitrogen atmosphere, 225-300 degrees C). The residence time was 30 min for both processes. The effects on physical and energy characteristics, including mass and energy yield, proximate and ultimate analyses, fiber analysis, higher heating value (HHV), structural parameters determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and O/C and H/C atomic ratios were used for comparisons. The results showed that increasing the reaction temperature lowers the mass yield; however, it also significantly improves the fuel ratio of torrefied samples. The highest HHV of wet and dry-torrefied samples were 23.31 and 22.07 MJ/kg, respectively. The best removal of ash and sulfur content was obtained under wet torrefaction. Moreover, wet torrefaction was recommended as a suitable process for hemicellulose depolymerization. At 250 degrees C, the wet-torrefied sample had the highest fuel ratio (0.48) and was suited for biomass co-firing. The finding that wet-torrefied samples reached the same range of lignite at lower reaction temperatures than dry-torrefied samples was particularly intriguing. Torrefaction at the temperatures below 250 degrees C did not prove to have a statistically significant effect on the energy properties of the dry-torrefied samples. Therefore, wet torrefaction is a promising process in the thermochemical conversion of sugarcane leaves into solid biofuel.
This study aimed at fitting equations for estimation of the static pressure gradient of the air flow applied through layers of organic waste mixed with different proportions of poultry litter. Pressure gradient was measured by a specific prototype submitted to discharges between 0.02 to 0.13 m(3) s(-1) m(-2). The measures were taken in layers of sugarcane bagasse, coffee straw and sawdust mixed with poultry litter in ratios of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40\% (at a volume basis). The three models Shedd, Hukill \& Ives and Hunter were fitted to the experimental data for prediction of the pressure gradient and the airflow rate. Lower static pressure gradient was observed in layers without poultry litter addition and higher ones were seen in layers with 40\% poultry litter.
BACKGROUNDQuinoa is a pseudo-cereal grown predominantly in South America. The quinoa stalks are lignocellulosic residues, which have a limited use today. The objective of the current study was to assess the potential of this material as a source of monosaccharides for fermentation purposes by means of steam pretreatment giving sugars from the hemicellulose part, and enzymatic hydrolysis of the solid fraction obtained. SO2 catalysed steam pretreatment was carried out with a holding time of 5min at temperatures between 180 and 220 degrees C. The pretreatment was carried out at two different scales, a small reactor of size 0.5L and a somewhat larger reactor of size 10L, to allow comparison of scale effects in the pretreatment. RESULTSThe highest xylose yield in the liquid phase, obtained after pretreatment at 210 degrees C, was 80\%. In the smaller scale unit, longer residence times were needed. The enzymatic hydrolysis, at an enzyme loading of 15 FPU g(-1) glucan and a WIS loading of 2\%, resulted in a glucose yield of 70\% based on the original glucan. The overall sugar yield, including the xylan hydrolysed in the enzymatic treatment, at dilute conditions was 75\%. CONCLUSIONSSO2 catalysed pretreatment of quinoa straw followed by enzymatic hydrolysis gave a relatively good sugar yield. However, the yield obtained was somewhat lower than previously reported for similar materials, such as wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse, steam pretreated with SO2. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioplastics are startlingly growing in a rapid rate in the field of packaging to introduce newer high-end green materials. Nanocellulose is biodegradable, bio-based and can be effectively utilized for developing novel bioplastics using plasticizers and fillers. Triethylcitrate is used in the present study because of its non-toxic nature and better flowability of the suspension for solvent casting. The incorporation of some active filler can contribute to better bioplastics with improved properties. Frankincense is a natural substance extracted from Boswellia serrata tree that possesses numerous beneficial properties to be applicable as packaging materials. The biocomposite thin films were characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM and investigated the physical properties, soil burial degradability, antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study revealed the possibility of developing new biodegradable plastics with high shelf life for food packaging applications due to their predominant antibacterial and antifungal properties. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A sexual state of Setophoma, a coelomycete genus of Phaeosphaeriaceae, was found causing leaf spots of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Pure cultures from single ascospores produced the asexual morph on rice straw and bamboo pieces on water agar. Multiple gene phylogenetic analysis using ITS, LSU and RPB2 showed that our strains belong to the family Phaeosphaeriaceae. The strains clustered with Setophoma sacchari with strong support (100\% ML, 100\% MP and 1.00 PP) and formed a well-supported clade with other Setophoma species. Therefore our strains are identified as S. sacchari. In this paper descriptions and photographs of the sexual and asexual morphs of S. sacchari are provided. The sexual state of S. sacchari is compared with Leptosphaeria sacchari, L. saccharicola, Phaeosphaeria nodorum and Sphaerulina sacchari which have similar morphological characters; however they differ in size and colour of ascospores and in the characters of the asexual state. Setophoma is clearly separated from other Phaeosphaeria species based on the phylogenetic analysis.
There are many more applications for fibre-reinforced epoxy composites than there are for metals and alloys today. For example, sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable reinforcements have been used in numerous studies to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of composite materials. It was discovered that the properties of epoxy-based composites could be improved by combining biosolid waste sugarcane bagasse ash fillers, madar fibre, and epoxy resin. Conventional compression molding techniques were used to prepare the sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) particles and madar fibre-reinforced epoxy resin-based composites (PMCs), which were loaded with varying amounts of fibre and fillers. Hybrid biocomposites were evaluated for mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness) and water absorption characteristics. Epoxy matrix composites containing 28 wt.\% madar fibre and 7 wt.\% sugarcane bagasse ash fillers had tensile, flexural, hardness, and impact values of 61 MPa, 147 MPa, and 54 kJ/m(2), respectively.
The objective of this study was to optimize continuous acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation using a two stage chemostat system integrated with liquid-liquid extraction of solvents produced in the first stage. This minimized end product inhibition by butanol and subsequently enhanced glucose utilization and solvent production in continuous cultures of Clostridium acetobutylicum B 5313. During continuous two-stage ABE fermentation, sugarcane bagasse was used as the cell holding material for the both stages and liquid-liquid extraction was performed using an oleyl alcohol and decanol mixture. An overall solvent production of 25.32 g/L (acetone 5.93 g/L, butanol 16.90 g/L and ethanol 2.48 g/L) was observed as compared to 15.98 g/L in the single stage chemostat with highest solvent productivity and solvent yield of 2.5 g/L h and of 0.35 g/g, respectively. Maximum glucose utilization (83.21\%) at a dilution rate of 0.05 1/h was observed as compared to 54.38\% in the single stage chemostat. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Although ethanol can be produced from a wide range of biomass materials, biomass, from the tropical region, like mango (skin or bagasse) is a crop residue readily available today as a non-conventional crop for the saccharification process that has had little attention. It has the benefits to be found in large quantities and in an industrial level is completely separated into its components with a free access for acid or enzymatic hydrolysis. These agro-industrial waste as well as other materials like sugarcane bagasse and pine wood are abundant enough, and in virtue of their high carbohydrate content hold tremendous potential for large-scale bioethanol production. The objective of this work is to develop a comparative analysis using dilute acid hydrolysis process between mango (skin and bagasse), sugarcane bagasse, and pine wood. The biomass was subjected to pretreatments like alkaline hydrolysis using calcium sulfate and sodium hydroxide, water immersion, and water autoclaved at 121 degrees C. Experimental results showed that the maximum percentages of sugar recovery were for sugarcane bagasse-56.62\%, pine wood-82.36\%, mango skin-97.37\%, and mango bagasse-202.91\%. From the tested biomass materials, only mango bagasse has a considerable fraction of already digestible sugar that does not undergo a pretreatment + hydrolysis process. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. {[
Understanding the depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass with reactive oxygen species provides insight to develop new technologies for the conversion of biomass to fermentable sugars used to produce biofuels. In this study, the effects of four oxidative pretreatment techniques on sugar recovery and lignin degradation of wheat straw were investigated, including potassium superoxide (PS), sodium persulfate (SP), sodium perborate (PB), and iron sulfate-hydrogen peroxide (FE). The pretreated biomass was then characterized in terms of lignin/ash removal, polysaccharide content, sugar recovery, functional group transformations, pyrolysis products, structural modification, and thermal behaviors as compared to untreated biomass. Among the different oxidative pretreatment methods, PS treatment appeared to be the most promising method by increasing glucan recovery from 12.7\% (untreated) to 68.9\% (treated) and resulting in a 27\% decrease of lignin content in the residual wheat straw. FTIR and Py-GC/MS in PS and PB methods confirmed degradation of lignin via oxidative side chain cleavage and syringyl ring oxidation, whereas SP and FE methods only caused oxidative side chain cleavage. Solid-state NMR showed changes in lignin and hemicellulose/cellulose resonances correlating to aliphatic, carbonyl functionality, acetyl groups, and crystalline regions. The thermal behavior of PS-treated wheat straw revealed an increase in cellulose degradation temperature and decreases in activation energy from 259 to 223 kJ/mol compared to raw material. Following PS method (68.9\% sugar recovery), SP, PB, and FE methods resulted in recovered sugar of 43.8\%, 30.8\%, and 28.8\%, respectively as compared to 12.7\% in the untreated sample. Overall, the results indicate that the aromatic ring side chains and hemicellulose acetyl groups removed by radical fragmentation, polar hydrolysis, and C-C bond cleavage play a more important role in sugar recovery than side-chain oxidation.
Lignin depolymerization is a challenging process in biorefinery due to the recalcitrant and complex structure of lignin. This challenge was herein addressed via elaborating a new strategy of combining the bacterial strain Pandoraea sp. B-6 (hereafter B-6) with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) to pretreat rice straw (RS). In this approach, DES effectively depolymerized lignin yet easily caused sugar loss under severe conditions. B-6 not only overcame the obstacle of lignin droplets, but also significantly improved enzymatic digestibility. After B-6 assisted DES pretreatment, the reducing sugar yield increases by 0.3-1.5 times over DES pretreatment and 0.9-3.1 times over the untreated RS. Furthermore, a ``cornhusking{''
This paper studied two alternative polymeric films based on natural latex and rosin as a waterproofing coating for 3-layer sugarcane-bamboo-based particleboards (3LP). To study the roughness as well as evaluate the coating surfaces on the 3LP, scanning confocal electron microscopy (SCEM) was used. The wettability performance of the coatings was evaluated by the surface energy through the contact angle method. The 3LP coated thermal, physical and mechanical properties were evaluated following ASTM-E1530: 2011 and ABNT NBR 14810 standards, respectively. Physical results indicated latex and rosin coatings significantly decreased water permeability in the 3LP showing swelling in thickness (TS) values of 1.72 and 2.43\%, respectively, when compared 3LP without coating (3LP-Control) of 12.90\%. The latex and rosin coatings on the 3LP did not influence the thermal properties. Mechanical properties of modulus of rupture (MOR)and modulus of elasticity (MOE) under bending solicitation shown that all 3LP met the ANSI Standard A208.1-1999 requirements. Latex successfully formed a smooth and continuous film which covered the surface pores of the 3LP, whereas rosin did not form a smooth and continuous, forming only a thin film on the 3LP.
The aim of this work was to characterize cellulase from Aspergillus tubingensis NKBP-55 for generation of fermentable sugars from agricultural residues. The strain produced high titres of cellulase (750 U/gds) on copra meal in solid state fermentation (SSF). The enzyme preparation also showed hemicellulolytic activities (U/gds) viz. endo-mannanase (1023), endo-xylanase (167), beta-glucosidase (72) and alpha-galactosidase (54). Zymography revealed presence of six cellulases, six mannanases and one beta-glucosidase. It effectively degraded sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and rice straw (RS) releasing xylose, glucose and cellobiose. One cellulase (Cat 1, Mr similar to 65 kDa) was purified and characterized. It retained more than 50\% activity at 70 degrees C after 150 mins and its activity was enhanced in the presence of Mn2+ ions (130\%) and beta-mercaptoethanol (140\%). FTIR and C-13 CP/MAS NMR analysis of the enzyme treated SCB and RS revealed degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, while H-1 and C-13 liquid state NMR experiments confirmed release of glucose.
The production of the main soil greenhouse gases (GHG: carbon dioxide {[
In this study, Auricularia polytricha was cultivated on a sawdust basal substrate supplemented with different proportions (30\%, 45\%, and 60\%, respectively) of agrowastes-sugarcane bagasse (SB), rice straw (RS), and rice husk (RH)-to evaluate the alternative substrates. The mycelial growth rate, total colonization time, time to first primordia, biological efficiency, and chemical composition of the fruiting bodies were determined. Results indicated that the 60\% SB substrate was the best substrate for mycelial growth of A. polytricha, with a corresponding total colonization period of 35.2 days, followed by the control (35.5 days) and 45\% SB (36.2 days) substrates. The most suitable substrate with a high biological efficiency was 60\% RS substrate (159.14\%), followed by the 45\% SB (128.45\%), and 20\% RH (124.47\%) substrates. The nutrient values of fruiting bodies showed the largest amounts of ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and energy cultivated on 60\% SB, 60\% SB, 30\% SB, 30\% RH, and 30\% RH/the control substrates, respectively. The results indicated that 60\% RS was an appropriate substrate for A. polytricha cultivation.
Catalytic conversion of rice husk, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin into olefins was performed with HZSM-5 containing 6 wt.\% lanthanum. The olefins yields for different feed-stocks decreased in the order: cellulose > hemicellulose > sugarcane bagasse > rice husk > sawdust > lignin. Biomass containing higher content of cellulose or hemicellulose produced more olefins than feedstocks with higher content of lignin. Among the biomass types, sugarcane bagasse provided the highest olefin yield of 0.12 kg olefins/(kg dry biomass) and carbon yield of 21.2 C-mol\%. Temperature, residence time and the catalyst/feed ratio influenced olefin yield and selectivity. While the HZSM-5 zeolite was catalytically active, the incorporation of lanthanum at 2.9, and 6.0 wt.\% increased the production of olefins from rice husk by 15.6\% and 26.5\%, respectively. The conversion of biomass to light olefins potentially provides an alternative and sustainable route for production of the key petrochemicals. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) as a long chain of persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic emerging organic contaminant needs to be removed from contaminated water and soils. The development of cost-effective adsorbents is critical for remediation of PFOS. In this study, magnetic biochar (MBC) was synthesised by pre-modification of mineral-rich sugarcane bagasse (SB) with hematite nanoparticles (Fe2O3, similar to 100 nm) for the adsorption of PFOS. Characterisation of MBC indicated the introduction of magnetic property and metals-based functional groups due to the incorporation of iron (hematite) nanoparticles. The oxygen-containing functional groups were retained by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse at low temperatures, which introduced hydrophilic properties of the MBC. The metal-based and hydrophilic functional groups could act as active sites for PFOS removal. Sorption isotherm results suggested maximum adsorption capacity of the MBC as 120.44 +/- 12.37 mg/g for PFOS. Adsorption followed pseudo-secondorder (PSO) kinetic model and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, demonstrating monolayer and/or multilayer formation (depending on the solution concentration) of PFOS on the adsorbents through the physisorption and chemisorption of PFOS. The adsorption of PFOS decreased with increasing solution pH due to increase of electrostatic repulsion among negatively charged functional groups and anionic PFOS headgroup. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping confirmed that PFOS (F) has strong co-distribution with oxygen, calcium, aluminium, potassium, and silicon, but limited co-distribution with carbon, indicating that electrostatic interaction and ion exchanges play a vital role in chemisorption. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.
Acrylic acid (AA) is a versatile platform chemical of immense global demand. Today, the biorefinery is among the most promising initiatives of sustainably producing this commodity from bio-derived precursors. This study evaluated the economic and environmental performance of three production pathways to biobased acrylic acid using sugarcane A-molasses as feedstock. The 3 intermediates were lactic acid (LA), 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and glycerol. Production scenarios were simulated in Aspen Plus (R) software and resultant mass and energy flows provided inputs for subsequent estimation of the minimum selling price (MSP) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The MSP in US \$/kgAA and the net GHG in kgCO2/kgAA were the key metrics against which the performance of the developed scenarios were compared. Accordingly, the scenario using LA as intermediate emerged superior with an MSP that was 11 \% higher than the actual market price for fossil-based AA. The same had an estimated net GHG emissions of 4.4 kgCO2/kgAA. 3-HP was the second best performing intermediate with an MSP of 2425 US t-1 and green premium of 30 \%. The 3-HP pathway, however, had a fairly low yield at fermentation of about 0.51 g LA/g glucose compared to the 1 g LA/gram glucose recorded by the LA pathway. Ultimately, glycerol proved to be an unattractive intermediate owing to a dismal product yield (0.50 g GLY/g glucose) as well as the cost and complexity of glycol recovery from the fermentation soup. (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
In the present study, black liquor generated during mild alkali pre-treatment was evaluated as a moistening agent to produce cost effective hydrolytic enzymes using novel cellulo-xylano fungal strain Aspergillus tubingensis M7. The fungus competently produced 21.90 and 22.46 filter paper, 1004 and 1369 endoglucanase, 117 and 142 beta-glucosidase and 8188 and 7981 U/g xylanase activity by using modified Mandel \& weber's and black liquor medium, respectively. The crude hydrolytic enzymes from black liquor were evaluated for saccharification of pre-treated biomass. Reducing sugar yields (mg/g substrate) and the corresponding saccharification efficiency (\%) from rice straw, corncob, sugarcane bagasse and banana stem were 745.50 (86.02; 18 h); 596 (74.50; 24 h); 358.15 (42.98; 24 h) and 245.70 (33.00; 24 h), respectively. Residual biomass compositional analysis revealed that reduced onset temperature, increased activation energy and pre-exponential factor in saccharified biomass as compared to pre-treated and untreated biomass, suggesting their utilization for pyrolysis to obtain value added products.
The Brazilian market of wood panels is in a consolidation process and presents great dynamism, which requires the search for new alternative raw materials that may contribute in quantity and quality to the continuous increase of this economic sector. Transforming residues generated by Brazilian agricultural industry and forestry sector into high quality panels is an interesting solution for solving raw material demand problem. The present work aims to show the potential of different types of residues for panel production showed in several research works, which were conducted in the Experimental Unit of Panel Production (UEPAM) located at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais state, Brazil. According to results obtained, sugarcane bagasse, candeia wood and castor oil bean husk were the most promissory residues for particleboard production among the materials studied.
Several low-cost hybrid composites composed of polyurethane and renewable natural fibers were developed and analyzed for their mechanical and physical properties. Composites were fabricated by replacing up to 20\% w/w of the polyethylene glycol present in conventional polyurethane foams with one and the mixture of three natural fibers: sugarcane bagasse, sisal or rice husk. Prior to composite production, fibers were mercerized with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide to remove lignin and hemicellulose. A simplex-centroid mixture design model was used to evaluate the effects of the added fibers on composite properties such as resilience, elastic modulus and deformation under permanent compression. Obtained hybrid composites demonstrated up to 32\% of resilience, 0.1 GPa of elastic modulus, and 7.32\% of permanent deformation. In order to optimize these properties, fiber amounts were adjusted using a quadratic mathematical model, indicating that formulations containing only the rice husk or an 82/18 (\% w/w) rice husk/sugarcane bagasse mixture will perform best. The obtained composite is a unique low cost material because is environmentally friendly and has a high potential for applications in shock absorption and padding materials, due its proven good resilience and elastic modulus. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Trichoderma harzianum has attracting attention for its potential alternative use in biofuel production, due to a recognized competence for high diversity glycoside hydrolases (GH) enzyme complex, including higher f3-glu-cosidases and auxiliary proteins, using low-cost carbon sources. This strain constitutively overexpressed the global regulator putative methyltransferase-LAE1, in order to improve the GHs production. The recombinant strain achieved 79-fold increase in lae1 expression and high GHs productivity. The evaluation of the LAE1 impact to induce the GHs used soluble and lignocellulose inexpensive carbon sources in a stirred-tank bioreactor. Using sugarcane bagasse with sucrose, the overexpression of lae1 resulted in significantly increment of gh61b (31x), cel7a (25x), bgl1(20x) and xyn3 (20x) genes expression. Reducing sugar released from pretreated sugarcane bagasse, which hydrolyzed by recombinant crude enzyme cocktail, achieved 41\% improvement. Therefore, lae1 overexpression effectively is a promising improving GHs target for biomass degradation by T. harzianum.
Nitrogen loss as ammonia (NH3) is a major problem when urea is topdressed over crop residues. The treatment of urea with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) temporarily inhibits urease activity and reduces NH3 volatilization loss under many agroecological conditions. However, the amount of straw on the soil in green sugarcane trash blanketing (GCTB) systems affects the success of NBPT in reducing NH3 loss. We hypothesized that an increase in the NBPT concentration in urea above the current level (530 mg NBPT kg(-1) urea) in Brazil is necessary to reduce the NH3 volatilization and to improve the efficiency of urea in GCTB systems. We evaluated the NH3 loss from urea treated with NBPT under field conditions in GCTB systems. Six field trials were conducted across the State of Sao Paulo, the main sugarcane-growing region in Brazil. The treatments were urea, ammonium nitrate, urea treated with NBPT at concentrations of 530, 850, 1500, and 2000 mg kg(-1), and a control plot without N fertilizer. The amount of volatized NH3 was assessed through a closed semi -static collector containing two acid-trap foam disks, and analyzed by colorimetry using flow injection analysis. NBPT concentrations above 530 mg kg(-1) delayed the time of maximum rate of loss and also reduced cumulative NH3 loss. Ammonia emissions were linearly reduced with increasing NBPT concentrations until 1000 mg kg(-1). Any further increase in the NBPT concentration did not result in a substantial reduction of NH3 volatilization. Increasing the NBPT concentration in urea is an effective approach to optimize the adoption of urea-based fertilizers in tropical GCTB systems.
Sugarcane industries produce wastewater loaded with various pollutants. For reuse of treated wastewater and valorization of biogas in a Sahelian climatic context, the performance of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor was studied for two solid retention times (40 days and infinity). The pilot was fed with real wastewater from a sugarcane operation with an organic load ranging from 15 to 22 gCOD/L/d for 353 days. The temperature in the reactor was maintained at 35 ?C. Acclimatization was the first stage during which suspended solids (SS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) evolved from 9 to 13 g/L and from 5 to 10 g/L respectively, with a VSS/SS ratio of about 80\%. While operating the pilot at a solid retention time (SRT) of 40 days, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency reached 85\%, and the (VSS)/(TSS) ratio was 94\% in the reactor. At infinity solid retention time, these values were 96\% and 80\%, respectively. The 40-day solid retention time resulted in a change in transmembrane pressure (TMP) from 0.0812 to 2.18 bar, with a maximum methane production of 0.21 L/gCOD removed. These values are lower than those observed at an infinite solid retention time, at which the maximum methane production of 0.29 L/gCOD was achieved, with a corresponding transmembrane pressure variation of up to 3.1 bar. At a shorter solid retention time, the fouling seemed to decrease with biogas production. However, we note interesting retention rates of over 95\% for turbidity.
During the last few years increasing attention has been paid to the exploitation of hemicelluloses as biopolymer resources because they are available in very large amounts in organic wasters from renewable forest and agricultural biomass. The efficient method to prepare the cationic biopolymers based on xylan-rich hemicelluloses from agricultural biomass has been developed in this paper. These biopolymers with cationic functional groups, having many good properties such as solubility, bio-degradation, cationic or ampholytic polymers, were synthesized by the chemical modification of sugarcane bagasse xylan-rich hemicelluloses with CHMAC and preferably with ETA in different media. These biopolymers based on xylan-rich hemicelluloses with the degree of substitution (DS) up to 0.55 could be obtained by varying the molar ratio of ETA or CHMAC to anhydroxylose units in hemicelluloses from 0.5 to 3.0. C-13 NMR confirmed that cationic groups were grafted onto the backbone of hemicelluloses. In addition, their applications in papermaking as dry strengthen agent were investigated. It was found that these biopolymers could obviously improve the physical properties of hand sheets formed from old corrugated container pulp fibres. These results mentioned above highlight the remarkable potential for using the hemicelluloses-based biopolymers as wet end additives in papermaking.
Traditional sugarcane breeding seeks for high sucrose content. However, with the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, there has been a shift in desired traits for sugarcane as an energy crop. Energy cane is a cultivar developed from Saccharum spp. with high fiber, higher biomass productivity and resilience, having great potential as a bioenergy feedstock. This work analyzed biomass content and chemical composition of two energy cane clones (VG1126 and VIGNIS 3) and one of its progenitors, S. spontaneum (VG spo), throughout distinct stages of internode development. VG1126 had a fiber and sucrose content closer to the ancestral, showing 24\% more fiber than VIGNIS 3, being more suitable for industrial lignocellulose applications. Both energy canes showed an increase in lignin content, S/G ratio and pCA along internode development. Ancestral cane, however, showed similar composition across culm development, suggesting that it completes vegetative growth faster than energy cane. Although the three crops have different fiber contentconte, sucrose content, and morphology, their overall biomass composition (lignin, cell wall sugars, and hydroxycinnamates) was similar. These results represent a useful model to follow chemical cell wall composition during vegetative cell development and are expected to help breeding energy cane cultivars programs to use in biorefineries.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of alcoholic fermenting conditions such as sugar content, fermentation temperature and pH on the sensory quality and ethanol content of sugarcane wine (SCW) by response surface methodology. The results from contour plots showed that the maximum ethanol content was around 11\% with the initial sugar content at 25.0 degrees Brix, and fermentation at 26.3C and pH 5.5. The results of consumer tests showed that under the fermentation condition with sugar content at 24 degrees Brix or below and higher temperature favored the color acceptance of SCW. While the sugar content above 24 degrees Brix, the lower temperature favored the aroma, flavor and overall preference. Statistical analysis with the central composite rotatable design showed that the total soluble solids of SCW was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with sugar content, pH and fermentation temperature. The sugar content and fermentation temperature significantly (P < 0.05) affected the ethanol content and aroma of SCW, while the pH significantly (P < 0.05) affected the flavor and overall preference. Based on the results of total soluble solids, ethanol contents, consumer tests and confirmative experiments, it was determined that the sugar content at 24-26 degrees Brix, pH at 5.5 and fermentation temperature at 24-27C were the optimal fermentation conditions for SCW.
According to the Brazilian federal program called Renovabio, biofuels producers will earn a number of carbon credits, known as CBios, proportionally to the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. These CBios will be sold by biorefineries to fuel distributors in Brazil. Thus, the environmental performance will have a direct impact on the economic profitability of the biorefinery. In this work we compared the sensitivity of the overall economic performance for ten key parameters of the second generation ethanol process, considering the current conditions and future scenarios with additional incomes of CBios selling. The most influent parameters for all scenarios were hydrolysed bagasse fraction, enzyme loading and pre-treatment solid fraction. The relative relevance of parameters does not change when considered the CBios selling incomes, but the absolute relevance of the hydrolysed bagasse fraction decreases significantly, especially for the optimist CBios price. The residence times of hydrolysis, pre-treatment and fermentation, and the xylose concentration have negligible effects for both current and future scenarios.
This study manipulated the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N) of seaweed composts by varying the proportion of high N green seaweed (Ulva ohnoi) and high C sugarcane bagasse to assess their quality and suitability for use in agricultural crop production. Seaweed-bagasse mixes that had an initial C:N ratio greater than 18:1 (up to 50:1) could be transformed into a mature compost within 16 weeks. However, only composts with a high seaweed content and therefore low initial C:N (18 and 22:1) supported a consistently high rate of plant growth, even at low application rates. Sugarcane grown in these high seaweed composts had a 7-fold higher total above-ground biomass than low seaweed composts and a 4-fold higher total above-ground biomass than sugarcane grown in commercial compost that did not contain seaweed. Overall, the optimal initial C:N ratio for seaweed-based compost was 22:1 which corresponds to 82 \% seaweed on a fresh weight basis. This ratio will produce a high quality mature compost whilst also ensuring that a high proportion of the nitrogen (> 90 \%) in the Ulva biomass is retained through the composting process.
Lignins from industrial crops could be converted into valuable chemicals in the context of a second generation biorefinery, but prior understanding of their structure is required. This work is focused on the characterization of lignins from stalks and roots of corn, cotton, sugarcane and tobacco. Lignin structure was studied through nitrobenzene oxidation, C-13, P-31, and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Lignins were isolated by mild acidolysis with a maximum degree of contamination of 10\% (carbohydrates plus ashes). Interpretation and quantification of NMR spectra provided consistent data about typical units and structures, such as syringyl:guaiacyl:p-hydroxyphenyl (S:G:H), frequency of beta-aryl ether linkages (beta-O-4) and non-condensed structures (NCS), total hydroxyl phenolic groups and their distribution on different non-condensed units type, and the presence of p-coumaric and ferulic acids. In general, roots lignin contains fewer beta-O-4 and lower S/G ratio than the respective stalks, while NCS content does not follow a perceptible trend. In spite of the similarity between corn and sugarcane lignins, radar plots promptly demonstrate higher differences between species than between morphological parts, confirming the lignin specificity of each species. These results are discussed in a comparative approach, highlighting for each material the characteristic features of its lignin. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Bagasse of Agave tequilana (BAT) is the residual lignocellulosic waste that remains from tequila production. In this study we characterized the chemical composition of BAT, which was further saccharified and fermented to produce ethanol. BAT was constituted by cellulose (42\%), hemicellulose (20\%), lignin (15\%), and other (23\%). Saccharification of BAT was carried out at 147A degrees C with 2\% sulfuric acid for 15 min, yielding 25.8 g/l of fermentable sugars, corresponding to 36.1\% of saccharificable material (cellulose and hemicellulose contents, w/w). The remaining lignocellulosic material was further hydrolyzed by commercial enzymes, similar to 8.2\% of BAT load was incubated for 72 h at 40A degrees C rendering 41 g/l of fermentable sugars corresponding to 73.6\% of the saccharificable material (w/w). Mathematic surface response analysis of the acid and enzymatic BAT hydrolysis was used for process optimization. The results showed a satisfactory correlation (R-2 = 0.90) between the obtained and predicted responses. The native yeast Pichia caribbica UM-5 was used to ferment sugar liquors from both acid and enzymatic hydrolysis to ethanol yielding 50 and 87\%, respectively. The final optimized process generated 8.99 g ethanol/50 g of BAT, corresponding to an overall 56.75\% of theoretical ethanol (w/w). Thus, BAT may be employed as a lignocellulosic raw material for bioethanol production and can contribute to BAT residue elimination from environment.
There is a growing interest to find alternate bioresources for production of ethanol, apart from cane/sugar beet molasses and starchy crops like sweet sorghum, cassava and sweet potato. Mahula (Madhuca latifolia L.) is a forest tree abundantly available in the Indian subcontinent and its flowers are very rich in fermentable sugars (28.1-36.3 g 100 g(-1)). Batch fermentation of fresh and 12-month-stored flowers with free (whole cells) and immobilized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain CTCRI) was carried out in 2-l Erlenmeyer flasks. The ethanol yields were 193 and 148 g kg(-1) (using free cells) and 205 and 152 g kg(-1) (using immobilized cells) from fresh and 12-month-stored mahula flowers, respectively. (c) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Batch assays were performed under a stressed condition during the anaerobic digestion process to assess the effect of component proportions on the quantity and pattern of biochemical methane yield of two sets of mixtures, consisting of poultry droppings (PD) with sugarcane bagasse (SB) and press mud (PM) for set A and PD with sugar beet roots and tops (SBRT) and PM for set B. Augmented simplex centroid design was used to design the mixture composition for the anaerobic co digestion. The reactor performances were assessed under identical conditions using cumulative methane yield (CMY) and percentage volatile solids destruction (PVSD) as the criteria. The maximum volume of methane were obtained 48.5 NL CH4 kg(-1) VS at mixture proportion of 66.67\% of PM, 16.665\% of PD and 16.665\% of SB for set A and 44 NL CH4 kg(-1) VS at mixture proportion of 50\% of PM and 50\% of PD for set B. Synergistic effect were observed by adding a greater proportion of PM for both the sets of A and B. Antagonistic effect were obtained by adding a greater proportion of SB for set A and a higher proportion of SBRT for set B. Response surface methods and modeling were used to find out optimum mixture combinations for maximizing the methane production. From the optimization plots, the use of PD having the antagonistic effect was found for both the sets of A and set B.
In calcareous soils, wheat productivity is much lower due to improper nutrient management, especially phosphorus (P). Therefore, this study was conducted to manage P availability from various organic (Control, FYM and Sugar cane straw applied at the rate of 10 ton ha(-1)) and inorganic (Control, 100\% rock phosphate (RP), 50\% acidulated RP, 100\% acidulated RP, single super phosphate (SSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP)) sources applied at the rate of 90 kg P2O5 ha(-1) in calcareous soil while using wheat as test crop. When averaged across the organic sources, SSP performed better in emergence m(-2) (126), tillers m(-2) (431), spikes m(-2) (419), grains spikes(-1) (61), plant height (95.1 cm), 1000-GW (40 g), biological yield (11,023 kg ha(-1)), grain yield (4022 kg ha(-1)), phosphorus use efficiency (10.5\%), phosphorus in leaves at tillering (2.63 mg kg(-1)) and anthesis stage (2.50 mg kg(-1)), soil P at heading (1.73 mg kg(-1)) and post-harvest stage (1.56 mg kg(-1)) compared to the rest of the mineral sources. Similarly, among the organic sources, FYM performed better than others for all tested traits. Integration of inorganic P sources with organic manures further improved crop performance and post-harvest soil P content. Therefore, using 10 tons FYM ha(-1) in integration to SSP or 100\% acidulated RP at the rate of 90 kg P2O5 ha(-1) is recommended for ensuring optimum wheat productivity under calcareous soils.
Three rumen-fistulated adult Murrah buffaloes (BW 426 +/- 45 kg) were arranged in a 3 x 3 LSD. The treatments involved supplementation of a blend (BEO-CL) of clove bud oleoresin and lemongrass oil (in 1:1 ratio) at the rate of 0, 0.75 and 1.5 \% of BW. After 20d of feeding, the rumen liquor and rumen contents were sampled before (0h) and 4h after feeding and analyzed for various parameters. There was neither any effect of feed additive nor sampling time on the concentration of VFAs, NH3-N, lactic acid and activities of select enzymes (carboxymethylcellulase, avicelase, xylanase, amylase, beta-glucosidase, alpha-glucosidase and acetyl esterase). The population of rumen bacteria, fungi, ciliate protozoa, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus albus and methanogens were not affected by BEO-CL supplementation. In vitro gas production test to evaluate various feedstuffs namely hays (berseem, oat and maize); dry roughages (wheat straw, paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse) complete feeds with 20:80, 35:65 and 50:50 concentrate: roughage ratio) as substrates was conducted using rumen liquor of these buffaloes as inocula. There was an increase in gas production with rumen liquor of BEO-CL supplemented buffaloes irrespective of substrate. Methane production was decreased with 0.75 \% BEO-CL supplemented inoculum but not with paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse. The in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of feed was increased with BEO-CL inoculum only with complete diet having 20:80 concentrate:roughage ratio as substrate. It is concluded that BEO-CL at the level of 0.75\% of BW did not affect rumen characteristics and major microbial populations but inhibited in vitro methane production; hence, it can be further explored for its use as a feed additive to mitigate methane emission in buffaloes.
The use of additives in the enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass can have positive effects, decreasing the unproductive adsorption of cellulases on lignin and reducing the loss of enzyme activity. Soybean protein stands out as a potential lignin-blocking additive, but the economic impact of its use has not previously been investigated. Here, a systematic evaluation was performed of the process conditions, together with a techno-economic analysis, for the use of soybean protein in the saccharification of hydrothermally pretreated sugarcane bagasse in the context of an integrated 1G-2G ethanol biorefinery. Statistical experimental design methodology was firstly applied as a tool to select the process variable solids loading at 15\% (w/w) and soybean protein concentration at 12\% (w/w), followed by determination of enzyme dosage at 10 FPU/g and hydrolysis time of 24h. The saccharification of sugarcane bagasse under these conditions enabled an increase of 26\% in the amount of glucose released, compared to the control without additive. The retro-techno-economic analysis (RTEA) technique showed that to make the biorefinery economically feasible, some performance targets should be reached experimentally such as increasing biomass conversion to ideally 80\% and reducing enzyme loading to 5.6 FPU/g in the presence of low-cost soybean protein.
This paper aims to evaluate the potential for electricity and ethanol production in Central America using sweet sorghum as an energy crop. Three scenarios were built to analyse sweet sorghum production in terms of the land where it can be cultivated: cropland, sugarcane land in fallow and land in continuous production (intercropping system). The land under permanent crops was not considered for this evaluation. We propose the integration of sweet sorghum into Central American sugar mills, by using the existing machinery to process it. The short growing period of sweet sorghum would allow the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants and distilleries to operate outside the sugarcane crushing season using sorghum bagasse and molasses as raw materials. This production could be performed 1 month before, and 1 month after the sugarcane season. Results indicate that by growing sweet sorghum on 5\% of Central America's cropland, sorghum could supply around 10\% of region's electricity demand. Thus, Central America could increase its CHP share of electricity supply from 4.4\% to 5.6\%. The increase in renewable electricity production would allow countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua to reduce fossil fuel bills by USD\$ 13, 10 and 20 million, respectively. The ethanol produced from sweet sorghum during off-season can help to implement and maintain a sustainable ethanol program in the region that does not only depend on sugarcane. Sweet sorghum would allow distilleries to easily supply the ethanol required to implement an E5 or ED3 program. Central America could produce about 387 million liters of ethanol by growing sweet sorghum on 5\% of its cropland. This ethanol production would help the region to reduce fossil fuel bills by USD\$ 517 million by using ethanol gasoline blends or USD\$ 463 million by using ethanol diesel blends. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The goal of this study is to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from sugarcane leaves (SCL) and fabricate filter membranes. Filter membranes consisting of the CNC and varying amount graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated using vacuum filtration technique. The alpha-cellulose content increased from 53.56 +/- 0.49 \% in untreated SCL to 78.44 +/- 0.56 \% and 84.99 +/- 0.44 \% in steam-exploded and bleached fibers, respectively. Atomic force micro-scopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) of CNC isolated from SCL indicated nanosized particles in the range of 7.3 nm and 150 nm for diameter and length, respectively. Morphologies of the fiber and CNC/GO membranes were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and crystallinity by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of crystal lattice. The crystallinity index of CNC decreased with the addition of GO into the membranes. The CNC/GO-2 recorded the highest tensile index of 3.001 MPa. The removal efficiency increases with increasing GO content. The highest removal efficiency of 98.08 \% was recorded for CNC/GO-2. CNC/GO-2 membrane reduced growth of Escherichia coli to 65 CFU compared to >300 CFU of control sample. SCL is a potential bio-resource for isolation of cellulose nanocrystals and fabrication of high-efficiency filter membrane for particulate matter removal and inhibition of bacteria.
Atmospheric nanoparticles (PM < 0.1 mu m) are a major cause of environmental problems and also affect health risk. To control and reduce these problems, sources identification of atmospheric particulates is necessary. Combustion of bituminous coal and biomass including rubber wood, palm kernel, palm fiber, rice stubble, rice straw, maize residue, sugarcane leaves and sugarcane bagasse, which are considered as sources of air quality problems in many countries, was performed. Emissions of particle-bound chemical components including organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble ions (NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-), elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) were investigated. The results revealed that PM < 0.1 mu m from all samples was dominated by the OC component (>50\%) with minor contribution from EC (3\%-12\%). The higher fraction of carbonaceous components was found in the particulates with smaller sizes, and lignin content may relate to concentration of pyrolyzed organic carbon (PyOC) resulting in the differences of OC/EC values. PM emitted from burning palm fiber and rice stubble showed high values of OC/EC and also high PyOC. Non-carbonaceous components such as Cl-, Cr, Ca, Cd, Ni, Na and Mg may be useful as source indicators, but they did not show any correlation with the size of PM. (C) 2021 The Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Natural carbon sources, such as those present in cane sugar molasses and grape juice, promote the synthesis of astaxanthin in different Phaffia rhodozyma yeasts. One of these, coconut milk, has a very rich nutrient composition. The aim of this work was to investigate the utility of coconut milk as sole source of energy for astaxanthin pigment production by P. rhodozyma strains. Currently, coconut pulp is widely used in industrial processes in Mexico for the production of shampoos, candies, food, etc. However, coconut milk is a waste product. We show that coconut milk enhances astaxanthin production. The fermentation yielded 850 mug/g yeast with the NRRL-10921 wild-type strain and 1,850 mug/g yeast with the mutated R1 strain. Production was better than reported results employing other natural carbon sources.
Sugarcane contains various anthocyanins, which are responsible for the colors present in sugarcane. In this study, the color intensification of the major anthocyanin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, by phenolic acids/aldehydes (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic aldehyde and vanillic aldehyde) was investigated. The color enhancement of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (hyperchromic effect and bathochromic shift) was affected by the temperature and concentration of phenolic acids/aldehydes present. Reactions were spontaneous and exothermic, as determined using different thermodynamic parameters (Delta G(0), Delta H-0, Delta S-0). Quantum chemical calculations demonstrated their intermolecular interaction differences, and AIM analysis indicated that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals force interactions contributed to color. Pyranoanthocyanins derived from cyanidin-3-O- glucoside and ferulic/p-coumaric acids during storage were recognized as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside-vinylphenol and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside-vinylguaiacol, respectively, by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. The electron-donating substituents on the aromatic ring of ferulic/p-coumaric acids stabilized the intermediately formed carbenium ion. Decarboxylation and further oxidation of the pyran moieties to the aromatic heterocycles resulted in the final products.
In addition to being effective in extracting xylose from hemicellulose, acid treatment has the potential to produce compounds that inhibit yeast growth during fermentation. Detoxification of hemicellulose hydrolysate and short-term adaptation of yeast to hemicellulose hydrolysate could be applied to overcome this problem in order to increase xylitol production from the hydrolysate. Most studies usually investigated only the effect of detoxification or adaptation of yeast only, and did not compare the two treatments in one particular study. This study investigated and compared the effect of detoxification process and adapting Candida tropicalis InaCC Y799 to sugarcane trash hemicellulose hydrolysate on the production of xylitol during fermentation. The detoxification of hemicellulose hydrolysate was using 1\% activated charcoal. The yeast adaptation was conducted by growing the yeast at 50\% and 75\% diluted sugarcane trash hydrolysate for 24 h. The non-adapted yeast was used in the fermentation of non-detoxified and detoxified hydrolysate, while the adapted yeast was used in the fermentation of non-detoxified hydrolysate. The fermentation was conducted at 30 degrees C and 150 rpm for 72 h. The yeast adaptation in 75\% hydrolysates and detoxification of fermentation medium produced higher xylitol yields (0.54-0.56 g xylitol/g initial xylose; 53.72-54.98\% theoretical yield), in a shorter time (24 h) than did the adapted yeast to 50\% hydrolysate and non-adapted yeast grown in non-detoxified medium (0.51-0.57 g xylitol/g initial xylose or 50.54-56.59\% theoretical yield in 48 h). Therefore, the adaptation of yeast in the higher concentration of hemicellulose hydrolysate (75\% hydrolysate) could be used as an alternative strategy to enhance xylitol production beside the detoxification of medium prior to fermentation. Both methods could give the same results in enhancing the xylitol production.
This study assesses the feasibility of Zr(IV) removal and recovery from aqueous solutions by novel biosorbents prepared from selected agricultural wastes. Sugarcane bagasse was selected for further investigation after showing increased biosorption capacity during the initial screening experiment. The biosorption efficiency of native (untreated), SDS-treated and immobilised bagasse for Zr(IV) removal was studied and optimization of the experimental conditions carried out including pH, biosorbent weight, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature to maximise adsorption. Sorbent-sorbate reaction behaviour was estimated by fitting equilibrium data by non-linear and transformed linear forms of the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms as well as pseudo-first and second-order kinetic models. The best fitting isothermal or kinetic model was optimized by comparing linear and non-linear R-2 value and non-linear regression error functions. H2SO4 proved to be the most effective desorbing agent in recovery of the sorbed Zr(IV) ions from all forms of bagasse. Biosorbent characterisation and effectiveness of the process was confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The data illustrate that native (untreated), SDS-treated and immobilised bagasse have great potential to remove and recover Zr from wastewater. (C) 2015 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Different agricultural residues were considered in this study for their ability to support cellulolytic enzyme production by Aspergillus niger. A total of eleven agricultural residues including finger millet hulls, sorghum hulls, soybean hulls, groundnut husk, banana peels, corn stalk, cassava peels, sugarcane bagasse, saw dust, rice straw and sheanut cake were subjected to three pretreatment (acid, alkali and oxidative) methods. All the residues supported the growth and production of cellulases by A. niger after 96 h of incubation. Maximum cellulase production was found in alkali-treated soybean hulls with CMCase, FPase and beta-glucosidase yields of 9.91 +/- 0.04, 6.20 +/- 0.13 and 5.69 +/- 0.29 U/g, respectively. Further studies in assessing the potential of soybean hulls are being considered to optimize the medium composition and process parameters for enhanced cellulase production.
Building materials having low thermal load and low thermal conductivity will provide thermal comforts to the occupants in building. In an effort to reduce the use of high energy and waste products from the agricultural industry, sugarcane bagasse and banana bagasse has been utilize as an additive in the manufacture of cement brick. The aim of this study is to investigate the insulation and mechanical properties of brick that has been mixed with bagasse and its effectiveness as thermal insulation using heat flow meter. Waste bagasse is being treated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and is characterized using SEM and XRF. The samples produced with two different dimensions of 50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm and 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm for thermal conductivity test. Next, the sample varies from 0\% (control sample), 2\%, 4\%, 6\%, 8\% and 10\% in order to determine the best mix proportion. The compressive strength is being tested for 7, 14 and 28 days of water curing. Results showed that banana bagasse has lower thermal conductivity compared to sugarcane bagasse used, with compressive strength of 15.6MPa with thermal conductivity 0.6W/m.K.
Increasing problems related to water eutrophication, commonly caused by the high concentration of phosphorus (P), are stimulating studies aimed at an environmentally safe solution. Moreover, some research has focused on the reuse of P due to concerns about the end of its natural reserves. Biochar appears to be a solution to both problems and may act as a recovery of eutrophic/residual water with the subsequent reuse of P in agriculture, the purpose of which is to test such an assertion. Samples of biochar from poultry manure (BPM) and sugarcane straw (BCS) had their maximum adsorption capacities of Al obtained by Langmuir isotherm. These values were used to conduct the so-called post-doping process, conferring P adsorption capacity to the pyrolysedmaterials. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were adjusted for the same biochar types (Al-doped) at increasing P concentrations, in order to obtain their maximum P adsorption capacities (MPAC) and their parameters. The desorption of the adsorbed P in its MPAC was tested by three extractors: H2SO4, NaHCO3, and H2O. Finally, these biochars were used in competitive adsorption assays of phosphate, sulfate, chloride and nitrate anions and applied in a synthetic eutrophic water. The high values of MPAC of the powder materials (701.65 and 758.96 mg g(-1) of P for BPM and BCS, respectively) are reduced by almost half for the fragment materials (356.04 and 468.84 mg g(-1) of P for BPM and BCS, respectively), these values being almost entirely extracted the extractors. Its application in eutrophic/residual water, in addition to presenting a good MPAC, these materials adsorbed, in equal proportions, phosphates and sulfates, as well as to a lesser extent, nitrates and chlorides. Thus, biochar from poultry manure and sugarcane straw, after post-doping with Al, have high MPAC, being excellent materials for the recovery of waters and subsequent reuse in agriculture. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The zygomycete fungus Lichtheimia ramosa H71D, isolated from sugarcane bagasse compost, was identified by applying phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA sequence of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), and subsequent secondary structure analysis of ITS2. L. ramosa H71D was able to grow over a wide range of temperatures (25-45 degrees C), manifesting optimal growth at 37 degrees C. A 64 kDa xylanase (named LrXynA) was purified from the culture supernatant of L. ramosa H71D grown on 2\% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), as the only carbon source. LrXynA displayed optimal activity at pH 6 and temperature of 65 degrees C. The enzyme retained more than 50\% of its maximal activity over a broad range of pH values (4.5-7.5). Enzyme half-life -(t(1/2)) times at 55, 65 and 75 degrees C were 80, 25, and 8 min, respectively. LrXynA showed higher affinity (k(M) of 2.87 mg/mL) and catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/k(M) of 0.651 mg s/mL) towards Beechwood xylan in comparison to other substrates such as Birchwood xylan, Oat-spelt xylan, CMC, Avicel and Solka floc. The predominant final products from LrXynA-mediated hydrolysis of Beechwood xylan were xylobiose and xylotriose, suggesting that the enzyme is an endo-beta-1,4 xylanase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of sugar cane bagasse (SCB) treated with LrXynA, alone or in combination with commercial cellulases, showed a positive effect on the hydrolysis of SCB. To our knowledge, this is the first report focusing on the biochemical and functional characterization of an endo-beta-1,4 xylanase from the thermotolerant and fast-growing fungus Lichtheimia ramosa.
This work evaluated the viability of integrating the isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via enzymatic hydrolysis at a high solid loading into the biochemical platform process for the production of sugars from sugarcane bagasse (SCB). SCB was first processed at a biochemical conversion pilot plant and bleached to yield a cellulose-rich pulp, which was enzymatically hydrolyzed at high solid and low enzyme loadings. The resulting hydrolysate had high sugar concentration (> 120 g/L glucose) and the CNCs (20 nm in diameter) isolated directly from the hydrolysis residue showed superior properties (higher thermal stability, higher crystallinity index, and higher particle diameter uniformity) than the CNCs prepared from commercial bleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp. These findings demonstrate the technical viability of the proposed integrated process that combined with the high CNCs yield (approximately50\%) and the no need for the costly ultrasonic dispersion treatment step to obtain nanoparticles can further contribute for improving the economic and environmental viability of the proposed enzyme-mediated isolation process.
Anaerobic digestion, a promising technology for waste utilization and bioenergy generation, is a suitable approach to convert the shrimp waste to biomethane, reducing its environmental impact. In this study, shrimp chaff (SC) was co-digested corn straw (CS), wheat straw (WS), and sugarcane bagasse (SB). In co digestion, SC enhanced biomethane production of CS by 8.47-fold, followed by SC + WS (5.67-folds), and SC + SB (3.37-folds). SC addition to agricultural biomass digestion also promoted the volatile solids removal up to 85\%. Microbial community analysis of SC and CS co-digestion presented the dominance of phylum Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Euryarchaeota. Proteolytic bacteria were dominant (18.02\%) during co-digestion of SC and CS, with Proteiniphilum as major bacterial genera (14\%) that converts complex proteinaceous substrates to organic acids. Among the archaeal community, Methanosarcina responsible for conversion of acetate and hydrogen to biomethane, increased up to 70.77\% in SC and CS digestion. Addition of SC to the digestion of agricultural wastes can significantly improve the biomethane production along with its effective management to reduce environmental risks. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The recent interest in bioconversion of agricultural and industrial wastes to chemical feedstock has led to extensive studies on cellulolytic enzymes produced by microorganisms. In the present study three lignocellulosic substrates viz. sugarcane bagasse, sawdust and water hyacinth were pre-treated with alkali and enzyme and their effect on bioconversion has been investigated. The ability of selected substrates for induction of cellulase enzyme by A. oryzae ITCC 4857.01 and for the potentiality of the induced enzyme to saccharify the substrates were also assessed. The maximum degree of conversion of substrate (0.415\%) and improved specific substrate consumption (0.99 g substrate/g dry biomass) was exhibited in sugarcane bagasse after alkali treatment at 96 hrs. Both alkali-treatment and enzyme-treatment, water hyacinth was the best for cellulase induction and showed maximum endoglucanase activity of 11.42 U/ml. Reducing sugar yield ranged from 1.12 mg/ml for enzyme treated sawdust at 48 hrs to 7.53 mg/ml for alkali treated sugarcane bagasse at 96 hrs. Alkali-treated sugarcane bagasse gave the highest saccharification rate of 9.03\% after 96 hrs. The most resistant substrate was sawdust which produced 5.92\% saccharification by alkaline treatment. The saccharification of lignocellulosic substrates by enzyme produced by A. oryzae ITCC 4857.01 indicates the enzymes specificity towards the substrates. The use of such enzyme in lingo-cellulose hydrolysis will lead to efficient conversion of cellulose materials to other important products.
The phenolic compounds and furaldehydes released during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass can negatively affect the enzymatic hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation steps in biorefineries. This work proposes the use of coconut shell activated carbon (CSAC) as an agroindustrial residue-based adsorbent for the removal of the main inhibitors released in the hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. The prepared CSAC showed a pore distribution favorable for the adsorption of molecules of different sizes, together with a negative surface charge profile in the pH range from 2 to 10. Adsorption isotherms showed that the CSAC presented high affinity for the phenolic compounds vanillin (monomeric) and tannic acid (oligomeric), as well as for the total phenolics present in an inhibitor cocktail. The CSAC also showed efficient adsorption of the phenolic compounds from the pretreatment liquor, without any removal of the sugars, hence displaying a useful high degree of selectivity. The enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse in the presence of the liquor treated with 2\% (m/v) CSAC resulted in a 30\% increase in the amount of glucose released, while the alcoholic fermentation efficiency was enhanced up to 14-fold, with complete removal of furaldehydes. These findings indicated that CSAC is an efficient and selective adsorbent of phenolic and furaldehyde inhibitors. It represents an alternative renewable material that could be used to improve the efficiencies of both the enzymatic hydrolysis and the alcoholic fermentation processes in future biorefineries.
Biofiltration offers an efficient and economical alternative for the elimination of offensive odors caused by hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. Considering that packing materials affect the performance and represent the main installation cost, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the biofiltration of H2S and NH(3)comparing three composted mixtures made from chicken manure and lignocellulosic residues (pruning waste, sugarcane bagasse, and rice husk) used as packing material. A range of gas concentrations similar to those of a municipal WWTP was used in the biofiltration of a contaminated stream performed on a laboratory scale. The results indicate that at low concentrations of H2S (6-36 ppm) and NH3(0-1 ppm), the three biofilters showed 100\% removal efficiency. Now, at the maximum levels of gas concentrations of H2S (250 ppm) and NH3(19 ppm) while the removal efficiency of H2S remained higher than 90\% in all cases, the removal efficiency of NH(3)remained higher than 90\% only in the sugarcane bagasse biofilter. Compost mixtures with sugarcane bagasse and rice husk are highly reliable as packing material for biofiltration at high concentration of H2S. Specifically, the sugarcane bagasse mixture had the highest removal efficiency (99\% H2S and 95\% NH3) and the highest elimination capacity (15 g H2S/m(3)h and 0.6 g NH3/m(3)h), making it a better option for the elimination of both gases. These results represent a contribution to the construction of a low-price elimination system of offensive odors in WTTPs and other industries.
BACKGROUND \& AIMS: Institution of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may lead to inadequate fiber intake. This trial aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing specific fibers concomitantly with a low FODMAP diet on relevant clinical and physiological indices in symptomatic patients with IBS. METHODS: A double-blind crossover trial was conducted in which 26 patients with IBS were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 low FODMAP diets differing only in total fiber content: control, 23 g/d; sugarcane bagasse, 33 g/d; or fiber combination (sugarcane bagasse with resistant starch), 45 g/d. Each diet lasted 14 days with most food provided and >= 21 days' washout between. End- points were assessed during baseline and dietary interventions. RESULTS: From a median IBS Severity Scoring System total score at baseline of 305, all diets reduced median scores by >50 with no differences in rates of symptom response between the diets: control (57\%), sugarcane bagasse (67\%), fiber combination (48\%) (P = .459). Stool output was similar to 50\% higher during the fiber-supplemented vs control diets (P < .001 for both). While there were no overall differences overall in stool characteristics, descriptors, and water content, or in gastrointestinal transit times, supplementation with sugarcane bagasse normalized both low stool water content and slow colonic transit from during the control diet. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant supplementation of fibers during initiation of a low FODMAP diet did not alter symptomatic response in patients with IBS but augmented stool bulk and normalized low stool water content and slow transit. Resistant starch did not exert additional symptomatic benefits over sugarcane bagasse alone.
Sugarcane and rice are cultivated in vast tracts of land in the southern part of India. The bagasse and rice husk that are collected during the processing of sugarcane and rice paddies, respectively, possess good calorific values and are used for supplementary energy production. However, the ash generated in the process is dumped in landfills. This paper evaluates the benefits of using these agro-waste ashes (sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and rice husk ash (RHA)) as cement replacement in concrete, through a systematic investigation of strength and durability characteristics of two different strength grades of concrete. The results indicate that the compressive strength of bagasse-ash-and RHA-blended concretes was higher than that of control ordinary Portland cement (OPC) specimens for both grades of concrete. In addition to improved strength, remarkable resistance against water and air and chloride permeability was observed for the blended cement concrete specimens. In the same way, SCBA-and RHAblended mortar specimens performed better against sulfate attack compared to control OPC specimens. The paper also evaluates the sustainability impact of the concretes produced using SCBA and RHA, and the results from this study clearly show that these materials provide a local approach to the production of sustainable concrete.
This work investigated the production of the fungi Isaria fumosorosea and Isaria farinosa in biphasic fermentation using agro-industrial products and residues. Combinations of natural liquid substrates, alternative to the complete medium and potato dextrose medium, were evaluated. The best liquid media were sugarcane molasses + rice broth, rice broth + yeast and sugarcane molasses + yeast + rice broth, which resulted in the highest viable propagule concentration. The molasses + rice broth medium was selected for the next phase of the study in which the production of both fungal isolates was evaluated in solid grain substrates. In solid-state fermentation, the best conidia production was achieved with the soybean meal and broken corn for I. farinosa, and whole rice and broken rice for I. fumosorosea. Results demonstrated that the two fungal species could be rapidly produced with higher yield of conidia On agro-industrial resources by using biphasic fermentation techniques.
The in vitro growth of Ganoderma mycelia on six agro-wastes namely, broad bean stalks (BBS), cotton stalk (CS), maize straw (MS), rice straw (RS), sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and wheat straw (WS) supplemented with wheat bran (WB) or corn gluten (CG) was evaluated. Among the substrates used, CS appeared best followed by SCB and RS. WB showed best supplementation for mycelial growth. CO2 emission values exhibited accurate measurements to decide the suitability of such agro-waste for growth rather than visual observations. CS+RS+SCB+WB in combination proven its superiority for in vitro growth and active spawn development substrate. In mushroom house, this particular formula proved its superiority and was on par with recommended EG formula; it gave the highest yield (195.16 g Kg(-1)), biological efficiency (19.52\%), protein (16.69\%), polysaccharides (3.613\%) and minerals (3433 mg/100 g). Spawn running period was the shortest in treatments inoculated with agro-waste-based spawns. With 40\% biochar, days required to the complete mycelium colonization and fructification were 10.60 and 23.00, respectively. At 10\% biochar, highest yields (238.40 g Kg(-1)), biological efficiencies (23.84\%), protein (19.58\%) and minerals (4092 mg/100 g) were obtained. The higher the biochar level, the higher the reduction in emitted CO2, the loss in C and the increase in N of Ganoderma post mushroom substrates (GPMSs). Under greenhouse conditions, almost all the tested GPMSs, at 0.125 or 0.25\%, encouraged the reproduction of reniform nematodes and improved plant growth criteria. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
The lignocellulosic agro-wastes are an attractive renewable resource in biorefinery for production of value-added platform chemicals and biofuels. The study describes use of different agro-wastes as substrate for production of lactic acid, a C3-platform chemical and high demand industrial product by Lactobacillus brevis in a one-pot bioprocess. The simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) process was achieved by L. brevis governed fermentation of sugars, derived from saccharification of ionic liquid pretreated feedstocks by nanoimmobilized cellulase, which was further recovered and used for consecutive cycle. The lactic acid yields of 0.22, 0.49, 0.52 g/g were obtained from cottonseed cake, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse, respectively. The ionic liquid-tolerant L. brevis, cellulolytic reusable nanoimmobilized enzyme coupled with valorization of renewable feedstocks points towards a holistic approach for future biorefineries with sustainable production of bioproducts.
The current scheme of bioethanol production generally involves pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. After pretreatment, extensive washing is usually applied prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. This study investigates the potential of eliminating washing step in glucose recovery and ethanol production scheme when DES pretreatment is applied. The feasibility of DES synthesized using choline-chloride with citric acid (ChCl-CA), glycerol (ChCl-Gly), urea (ChCl-Urea) and malonic acid (ChCl-MA) were investigated in pretreating sugarcane bagasse. The pretreatment condition of the best performed DES was then optimized. Subsequently, glucose recovery and bioethanol production using washed and unwashed DES-pretreated bagasse were compared. Results show that ChCl-MA is the most suitable DES to pretreat sugarcane bagasse due to high sugar recovery while having low sugar loss during the process. The pretreatment was best conducted at 130 degrees C, 3.2 h with 4\% solid loading. The maximum amount of glucose recovered after 48 h of enzymatic hydrolysis from both washed and unwashed pretreated substrate was insignificantly different. Bioethanol obtained from unwashed pretreated substrate was slightly higher (5.2 g/L) compared to washed substrate (4.9 g/L). This study suggests that the application of recyclable DES in pretreatment, alongside with the potential elimination of washing could improve the current bioethanol production scheme. (C) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
India has emerged as the biggest sugar producer after Brazil producing 32.2 million MT sugar which is nearly 20\% of global sugar output and is the top most consumer of the sugar in the world. The Indian sugar industry which encompasses about 524 operating sugar mills, 180 integrated distilleries and 260 co-generation plants lacks sustainability and has now realized that sugar, molasses and bagasse can no longer be regarded as final product or by-products from sugar industry. Thus, value additions, diversifications and transformations are to be vigorously investigated as possible routes to new market and making sugar industry less dependent on single commodity, i.e., sugar. The future of the sugar industry, as a whole, lies in development of sugarcane bio-refineries, i.e., bio-electricity, bio-ethanol, bio-manure and chemicals, etc. Sugar industry can be potential source of providing renewable, clean and green bioenergy in the interest of the industry itself by creating value addition, energy security for the nation and also to address the environmental issues.
Both natural and synthetic fibers do not perform well at low frequencies and are also subjected to erosion, moisture, fire, etc., when used as an interior finish of room walls. To overcome these problems, micro-perforated plate with different thickness is used in a multilayer sound absorber configuration to improve its sound absorption. Firstly, the acoustic properties of five natural wastes including sheep wool, goat wool, camel wool as well as pith and fiber bundles of sugarcane bagasse were determined by using an impedance tube following ISO 10534-2. Secondly, the effect of Panel thickness was investigated. The maximum sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of natural waste materials is at middle to high-frequency range and this shifted to lower frequency as the porous layer thickness increases. The sound absorption performance depends on the thickness of perforated plate and porous layer in a compound sound absorber. It is observed that the using perforated plate in the front of low thickness porous materials significantly improve the SAC and absorption bandwidth. However, it should be noted that this reduces the SAC at high frequencies. Accordingly, the thick micro-perforated panels backed by porous layer are not recommended to control sounds with frequency higher than 3000 Hz.
The suitabilities of major agricultural residues were assessed as papermaking feedstocks. All the examined agricultural residues were assumed as potential candidates for substituting hardwood fibers in mixed pulp blends from a fiber morphological perspective. Wheat, barley, rice, rapeseed, maize, sunflower, sugarcane bagasse, coconut husk, and two genotypes of miscanthus grass underwent identical maceration. The fiber length, fiber width, cell wall thickness, and lumen diameter were measured to calculate the slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and Runkel ratio. The average fiber length ranged from 0.50 mm +/- 0.32 mm (MG-S-02-V) to 1.15 mm mm +/- 0.58 mm (sugarcane bagasse). The fiber width ranged from 10.77 mu m +/- 3.28 mu m (rice straw) to 22.99 mm +/- 5.20 mm (sunflower stalk). The lumen diameter ranged from 4.52 mu m +/- 2.52 mu m (rice straw) to 13.23 mu m +/- 4.87 mu m (sunflower stalk). The cell wall thickness ranged from 3.02 mu m +/- 0.95 mu m (rice straw) to 4.80 mu m +/- 1.48 mu m (sunflower stalk). The slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and Runkel ratio values ranged between 28.08 to 58.11, 37.97 to 60.8, and 0.62 to 1.68, respectively. Wheat, maize, rapeseed, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut husk were found to be appropriate residue sources for papermaking feedstocks.
In the present study, grape juice concentrate and sugarcane molasses were used as partial substitutes of sucrose in chocolate ice cream. The effect of the concentration of total sugar solids (14, 16 and 18\%) and sucrose substitution level (10, 20 and 30\%) on the sensory characteristics and overall acceptability of ice cream was investigated. Response surface methodology was used to map the co-active effects of total sugar solids and alternate sweetener presence on selected sensory characteristics and degree of overall liking of samples. Our data revealed that both materials can be used as potential sweetening agents furnishing improved creamy texture, reducing the coarse and watery sensation defects, and controlling the flavor perception. Considering the data of overall acceptability, the use of grape juice concentrate led to the most acceptable samples regarding those containing sugarcane molasses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Over the last years, a noticeable interest for incorporating functional and traditional ingredients in a great number of dairy products, ice cream included, has been observed. This trend is associated with the constantly increasing awareness of consumers on healthy, natural, fortified and low caloric ice cream preparations. Fruit juice concentrates as well as natural sweeteners, such as molasses or honey, can be used as alternate sweetness-delivering ingredients and potential texture improvers in ice cream systems. Moreover, such ingredients having a high content in trace metals (e.g., ferrous, zinc and calcium) and natural antioxidants may offer functional advantages in the final product. The taste and flavor compatibility, and the specific effects on texture of grape juice concentrate (commonly produced in the Mediterranean basin) and sugarcane molasses (a low-cost by-product of the sugarcane industry) were extensively evaluated in the present study, offering an innovative concept on functional ice cream manufacture.
Distillery spent wash (DSW) is a major waste generated by the ethanol industry, and its use to produce value-added products augment benefits to sugar and ethanol industries. The goal of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using DSW for the production of erythritol by Moniliella pollinis. The sucrose-, sugarcane syrup- and molasses-supplemented DSW showed a respective erythritol yield of 0.24 g/g, 0.15 g/g and 0.08 g/g. The addition of Moniliella cells lysate to sucrose-supplemented DSW showed improved sugar utilization and reduction in fermentation retention time. A maximum of 32 g/L of erythritol production was achieved with 0.22 g/g erythritol yield using 25\% (v/v) DSW supplemented with sucrose in a pulse feeding mode in a 7.5-L fermenter. Downstream processing showed 51\% erythritol recovery after crystallization. This is the first report on DSW valorization for erythritol production as well as acetic acid utilization by M. pollinis.
The phenolic compounds released during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass negatively affect the saccharification and alcoholic fermentation process. Therefore, the development of strategies to minimize the negative impact of the released inhibitory compounds is key to improve the overall yield and techno-economic viability of future biorefineries. This work proposes the use of Aspergillus niger biomass as a low-cost biosorbent for removal of the phenolics released during liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. Such approach would be advantageous given that fungal microbial biomass could be readily available in biorefineries, as a co-product of the in-house production of cellulolytic enzymes. Three types of A. niger biomass powders were used for adsorption of vanillin (monomer), tannic acid (oligomer), and total phenolics from the LHW pretreatment liquor. A 98\% removal of tannic acid was obtained by the biosorbent treated with sodium hydroxide, while adsorption of vanillin was lower, with removal of around 30\%. Removal of around 40\% was obtained for the total phenolics present in the LHW pretreatment liquor, resulting in a remarkable 50\% increase of glucose release in the saccharification of sugarcane bagasse. These findings showed the potential of using the fungal biomass as cost-effective biosorbents for removing the inhibitors released in the pretreatment process and improving the conversion efficiency in biorefineries.
This study evaluated the production of cellulolytic enzymes by an Aspergillus fumigatus strain, isolated from sugar cane bagasse, according to its ability to grow on microcrystalline cellulose as the sole carbon source. The effect of the carbon source (brewer's spent grain, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat bran) and of the nitrogen source (corn steep liquor and sodium nitrate) on cellulase production was studied using submerged and solid state cultivations at 30 degrees C. The highest levels of endoglucanase (CMCase) corresponded to 365 U L-1 and was obtained using sugarcane bagasse (1\%) and corn steep liquor (1.2\%) in submerged fermentation within 6 days of cultivation. This supernatant was used to run a sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that showed six bands with endoglucanase activity. CMCase activity was higher at 65 degrees C and pH 2.0, indicating that this microorganism produces a thermophilic and acid endoglucanase. Solid state cultivation favored FPase production, that reached 47 U g(-1) of dry substrate (wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse) within 3 days.
Bacterial cellulose based nanocomposites have found a growing interest in recent decades due to their impressive inherent characteristics with potential applications in diverse sectors. However, there remain several challenges due to increased production cost, lower yield, and sustainability or biocompatibility issues after chemical-based modifications. This study demonstrates the fabrication of bacterial cellulose-reduced graphene oxide films via in situ fermentation approach using abundantly available agricultural waste (sugarcane straw) as a feedstock. The presence of reduced graphene oxide at different concentrations in culture media, significantly altered the fermentation kinetics, as evident from kinetic parameter and yield coefficients. Higher yields of bacterial cellulose-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites, with presence of strongly integrated network-like structures between bacterial cellulose nanofibers and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets were observed at 2 wt \% reduced graphene oxide loadings. Formation of such percolated networks was confirmed from improved mechanical properties and enhanced electrical conductivity, through both experimental and modeling investigations. The proposed in situ fermentation technique to produce highly conductive bacterial cellulose-reduced graphene oxide films provides an alternative approach to meet the growing demands of biomass-derived renewable and sustainable biomaterials with commercial significance. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Expansion characteristics of cornstarch-based extrudates incorporating fiber-rich food processing byproducts was explored. Waxy and regular cornstarch were used as the base materials with apple pomace and sugarcane bagasse incorporated at two addition levels (0\%, 15\%, and 30\% w/w). Extrusions were conducted at three different screw speeds (150, 200, and 250rpm) with other parameters optimized and kept constant. Apple pomace inclusion resulted in higher initial expansion index (4.23 to 5.60) and higher stable expansion index (2.76 to 4.43), but also showed higher shrinkage (8.50\% to 34.72\%) than sugarcane bagasse extrudates at the same inclusion levels. Inclusion of apple pomace showed potential of producing extrudates with significantly higher expansion than cornstarch control, with relatively lower energy inputs. Extrusion methods used here have the potential to preserve the textural quality and nutritional value of the fiber-enriched extrudates, providing the base for healthier snack food items. Practical ApplicationFindings from this study can be extended to the other fiber-rich food processing byproducts, such as other fruit and vegetable pomace, cereal brans, and pulse hulls among other materials. This data will help the development of fiber-enriched extruded snacks that would have favorable consumer traits.
Batch laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of hardness ions (Mg and Ca) on Cr(VI) reduction with organic reducing substances in the form of sugarcane molasses at different conditions. Results illustrated that the reaction could be described as pseudo-first-order with respect to the Cr(VI) concentration. Reaction rate constants of Cr(VI) reduction with sugarcane molasses were in the decreasing order of no hardness ions > Ca(II) > Mg(II). The possible mechanism was that the complex formation between organic reducing substances and hardness ions (Mg or Ca) hampered the electron transfer rate of the organic reducing substances, and further led to a decrease in the reaction rate. For Mg(II), the initial reaction rates at different pH values (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5) decreased by 0.0316, 0.0246, 0.0095, and 0.0023/h in the presence of Mg(II) compared with those in the absence of Mg(II). The inhibitory effect of Mg(II) on the reduction of Cr(VI) was present at different temperatures. The activation energy (E-a) was estimated at 57.4 and 65.6kJ/mol in the presence and absence of Mg(II), respectively. This would be significant in promoting understanding influence mechanism of hardness ions on Cr(VI) reduction with sugarcane molasses.
The use of sewage sludge in Brazilian agriculture was regulated by the resolution no. 375 Conama, in 2006. However, there is a lack of research to adequate the mineral N and P fertilizer doses to be applied in agricultural fields treated with this residue. In a field experiment, the effects of application rates of sewage sludge and mineral N and P fertilizers on the productivity and technical characteristics of the cane-plant and first ratoon (residual effect) crops were evaluated. Four doses of sewage sludge (0, 3.6, 7.2 and 10.8 t ha(-1), dry base), of N (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha(-1)) and of P2O5 (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha(-1)) were combined in a factorial and laid out on randomized block design, a with two replications. To evaluate the residual effect of the sludge, 120 kg ha(-1) N and 140 kg ha(-1) of K2O were applied in all plots. Sludge application at cane planting, with or without N and/or P fertilizer increased the stalk yield from 84 up to 118 t ha(-1), with no alteration in the sugarcane quality, compared with the application of NPK fertilizer alone, resulting in a stalk yield of 91 t ha(-1). The study of the response surface for stalk yield on low-fertility soil was the basis for a recommendation of mineral N and P fertilizer doses for sugarcane implantation as related to sewage sludge application rates. It was also concluded that a sludge application of 10.8 t ha(-1), which is the sludge dose established based on the N criterion according to the resolution Conama n degrees 375, could a) reduce the use of mineral N by 100 \% and of P2O5 by 30 \%, with increments of 22 \% in stalk yield, as a direct effect of sludge application to cane plant crop, and b) increase the stalk yield in the second harvest (first ratoon) by up to 12 \% and sugar yield by up to 11 \%, by the residual effect of sludge application to sugar cane.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of microwave (MW) and microwave-chemical (MWC) pretreatment on barley straw and to identify the acidic, basic, or oxidative chemicals that provide the highest sugar conversion for subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. The MW and MWC processes were applied as a pretreatment step before fermentation. MW radiation at 200 and 300W and MW radiation plus a chemical (H2SO4 or NaOH or H2O2) as catalyst were applied, and total sugar, total phenol, and Klason and acid-soluble lignin were measured. Although the MWC pretreatment produced a higher total sugar concentration than the MW pretreatment, the addition of an NaOH solution produced the best results in terms of all parameters. Fourier transform infrared analysis was also performed to observe the deterioration of molecular structures after the application of MW and MWC.
The process economics of fermentable sugar production is dependent on the performance of cellulase cocktail on realistic lignocellulosic biomass and their capability to be recovered and recycled. Feasibility studies were conducted to enhance the digestibility of acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse using novel cellulase cocktail obtained from stable mutant UV-8 of Talaromyces verruculosus IIPC 324 in presence of lignin blocking additives. PEG 6000 was shortlisted as the best additive as it could simultaneously enhance saccharification and overall cellulase recoveries namely cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase and cellobiase. Addition of 0.3 g PEG 6000/g acidinsoluble lignin content, resulted in 55\% and 49.2\% saccharification yields in terms of reducing sugars and glucose respectively using this cellulase cocktail (25 mg protein/g cellulose content) after 72 h from acid pre-treated sugarcane bagasse loaded at 7.5\%. The study also suggested that the endoglucanase of this mutant was unique with high desorption capability as 85\% activity was observed in the saccharified broth devoid of any lignin blocking additive. At its optimum concentration, PEG 6000 was able to retain 94 +/- 0.79\% cellobiohydrolase I and 97.97 +/- 1.16\% cellobiase enzyme in the saccharified broth which were otherwise lost in residual biomass by similar to 80\%, in the absence of this polymeric additive. These results suggest that PEG 6000 was the most promising facilitator for recycling of cellulases obtained from mutant UV-8 of Talaromyces verruculosus IIPC 324 in particular. It paved a way towards the production of cheaper fermentable sugars which serve as a starting raw material for the production of green chemicals and fuels.
In different parts of the world researches are focusing in the development of new technologies for liquid fuel production based on renewable resources. In this context, as a major producer of sugarcane-based bioethanol, Brazil aspires to reduce its fossil fuel consumption and its associated impacts on environment. These types of products are becoming an important option for the country sustainable development. In this context the broad objective of this work is to propose and evaluate an efficient way of reducing bioethanol fuel production costs, through the development of tools that allow the process to run under control, even when possible fluctuation on feedstock are present. In this work it was developed a software sensor to infer the concentration rates of substrate, biomass and product from secondary measurements of pH, turbidity, CO2 flow rate and temperature. The software sensor uses a hybrid neural model to combine a multi-layer Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the mass balance which describes the fermentation process kinetics. The experimental data used on the hybrid model training were obtained from fermentations that took place between 30 degrees C and 38 degrees C , measured at every 2 degrees C interval. The raw material for the fermentation is a mixture of 75 \% hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse and 25 \% sugarcane molasses. This kind of composition may be a possible feedstock for is typical of second generation ethanol production. The three Hybrid Neural models developed are robust models that describe adequately the fermentation process even in the presence of changes in operating conditions. This is therefore a powerful tool for the prediction of kinetic rates in fermentation processes, which eventually may be used for online applications.
Due to the high dependency on hydroelectric power generation, Brazil faced a power shortage in 2001. In order to remedy the situation and avoid more severe power crises in the future, the Brazilian Government launched incentive programmes to encourage thermal and renewable power generation. The Programme of Incentives to Alternative Sources (PROINFA) is mainly devoted to the utilisation of biomass. The success of PROINFA depends on the availability of reliable studies for assessing existing biomass resources and the viability of their utilisation for power generation. In this study, energy potentials of the main biomass resources in the northeastern region of Brazil have been assessed. The economy of the north-eastern region of Brazil is heavily dependent on its sugar industry. Biomass available from sugarcane cultivation and processing represents an annual regional energy resource of 40.5 TWh at an average cost of US\$ 0.005/kWh. Bamboo, cultivated as a dedicated energy crop, has the second largest annual energy potential of 30.8 TWh at an average cost of US\$ 0.009/kWh. Municipal solid waste, generated in the region, has an annual energy potential of about 16.7 TWh. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
When applied to soil, raw feedstocks and biochars can affect the fate of many herbicides. However, its effects on the behavior of saflufenacil in soil are still unknown, affecting its agricultural efficiency and the risks of environmental pollution. Laboratory studies were carried out to determine the effects of altering six raw materials and six biochars obtained from sugarcane straw, grape bagasse, soybean husk, peanut husk, cassava bagasse and corn straw on sorption-desorption and to study the raw material and the biochar of grape pomace in C-14-saflufenacil biodegradation in tropical soil. Raw feedstocks and their biochars are very heterogeneous materials, exhibiting different physical and chemical properties. These differences can lead to a greater or lesser potential for application to the soil to get agronomic and environmental benefits. Raw feedstocks and biochars added to the soil slightly alter the soil fertility characteristics and contribute little to the increase in sorption (K-d, de 0.87-1.94 L kg(-1)) and the reduction in desorption (K-d, de 0.87-2.55 L kg(-1)) of saflufenacil. These effects are slightly more significant in biochar than in raw feedstock. The sorbed and desorbed percentages of saflufenacil in the soil are not consistently affected across materials. The sorption capacity of saflufenacil in biochar amended soil is 22.1-31.3\% higher than in unamended soil. The desorption of saflufenacil in biochar amended soil is 17.9-33\% lower than that of unamended soil. The addition of raw feedstock or grape bagasse biochar to the soil does not influence the mineralization or the half-life of saflufenacil in the soil, which ranged from 38 to 43 days in the studied treatments. The results of this study raise concerns about the persistence of saflufenacil in soil, which may pose risks of groundwater contamination, and for the planting of herbicide-sensitive crops in rotation/succession, mainly when saflufenacil is used in crop desiccation management.
In Mexican alcohol distilleries using sugarcane molasses, one reason for low alcoholic fermentation efficiency is the use of inferior yeast cultures. The objective of the present study was to isolate and select yeast strains from alcoholic fermentations of natural sources (sugarcane molasses, grape juice, cane juice and pineapple) from Veracruz city market and Mexican distilleries, and to evaluate their performance under laboratory conditions in an effort to select superior strains for industrial fermentations. Ethanol production, glucose composition, growth rate, ``Killer{''
Purpose Our study had considered some organic amendments to enhance nutrient level of marketed municipal solid waste (MSW) compost for its potential use as fertilizer for growing crops in alluvial soils. Method We prepared three types of amended compost by mixing 20\% mustard oil cake (MOC). and 30\% poultry manure (PM) or cowdung (CD) or sugarcane press mud (SPM) with 50\% MSW compost. The nitrogen (N). phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) mineralization study was done in soil treated with three amended and one unamended composts with three replications through an incubation experiment at a temperature of 25 +/- 1 degrees C for 82 days under aerobic (field capacity) and anaerobic (submerged) conditions. The mineralization data were fitted to the first-order kinetic model. Results The soil NO3--N content was 2-3 times higher in aerobic condition than in anaerobic condition, while the NH4+-N was higher in anaerobic soils. The kinetic model reveals that poultry manure and sugarcane press mud had higher capability to supply N for use by the crops. The P release was the highest at day 15 with three-time higher availability in anaerobic condition. The S mineralization in soil was higher in field capacity than in submerged condition. Conclusion The compost mixture comprising MSW, MOC and SPM in a ratio of 5:2:3 demonstrated the highest cumulative N, P and S mineralization in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The N and S availability decreased while the P availability increased in submerged soils which result has fertilizer management implications for wet land rice crop.
The conversion of biomass from agricultural waste into valuable chemicals and materials is in the need, considering the growing demand for chemicals and materials originating from renewable resources. In this paper the feasibility of graphene-like materials preparation from biomass namely sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, coconut shell, and sawdust using modified Hummers methods was investigated. The application of the graphene-like materials resulting from the process in the Cu (II) removal via adsorption route was also studied. The characterization of samples shows the materials produced from sugarcane bagasse and coconut shells depict the pattern of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), while the materials derived from rise husk and sawdust follow the pattern of graphene. The synthesized graphene-like materials later were used as an adsorbent for Cu (II) removal. The results shows that graphene-like materials from sugarcane bagasse and coconut shells give the highest adsorption reaction kinetics with 19.76 and 19.34 mg/g, respectively, by following the second-order-pseudo model and the adsorption isotherm fitted the Langmuir model.
Agro-based inexpensive ionic polymer sensors are demanded in wearable sensors, humidity sensors, human-machine interface, actuators, fuel cell, battery, water purifier, and supercapacitor applications. Ionic polymer sensors using polyelectrolytes and ionic liquid have been widely used for sensing skin, strain, and pressure sensor applications. These ionic polymer sensors were fabricated using expensive and toxic materials. Here we develop an inexpensive new agro-based micropore-structured ionic poly-mer sensor using sugarcane extract (SCN) attached poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membrane. The cost of the PVA/SCN based ionic polymer sensor is around 0.023\$ per 78 cm(2). The sensing performance of PVA/SCN ionic polymer sensor increased with increasing SCN content, and PVA/SCN (1/2.72 gm) ionic sensor showed 1100 and 1.65 times higher sensing current compared to those of the commercial Nafion ionic polymer and PVDF/PVP/ionic liquid-based ionic sensors. The new agro-based ionic polymer using sug-arcane extract showed enhanced ionic conductivity, high dielectric constant, and mechanical properties compared to those of the pure PVA due to the sulphur (S), iron (Fe), and bagasse content. The ionic conductivity and tensile strain of PVA/SCN (1/2.72 gm) increased 43 and 13 times that of the PVA pure polymer, and these mentioned properties enhanced the sensing performance of PVA/SCN strain sensors. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
As an alternative to the relatively complex and expensive spectroscopic methods, the redox properties of humic acids, determined by potentiometric titrations, have been used to evaluate the stability of soil organic C. The objective of the present study was to establish a Redox Index of C Stability (RICS) and to correlate it with some properties of the humic acids extracted from different modal soils in Brazil (distinct weathering stages or management) to facilitate system comparison. The RICS was efficient for soil comparison and variations were comparable to those of the chemical and spectroscopic methods used for humic acid characterization. The values of soil pH, point of zero salt effect, sum of bases, exchangeable Ca content, weathering index, as well as the humic acid O/C ratio, quinone and semiquinone free radical contents, aromatic C and fluorescence intensity were closely related with the RICS. The RICS was higher in less weathered soils, with more active clays and higher fertility. The RICS values of soils under long-term sugarcane management were ranked in decreasing order: unburned, burned with vinasse, burned without vinasse.
Consolidated bioprocess assures an efficient lignocellulosic conversion to fermentable sugars and subsequently to bioethanol. Such a single-step hydrolysis and anaerobic fermentation was achieved with acclimated Clostridium thermocellum DSM 1313 on different mildly pre-treated agricultural lignocellulosic residues without any additional enzymes/and strains. Acclimation was achieved by serially sub-culturing in increasing concentration of individual substrates, such as rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and banana pseudostem in the standard media, with cellobiose as an adjunct. The acclimated cellulolytic thermophile exhibited an early log phase entry with enhanced growth compared to the direct inoculation experiments with unacclimated culture. Around 672 mg/g of reducing sugar was produced from sugarcane bagasse media and 636 mg/g from rice husk media and 513 mg/g from banana pseudostem media with the acclimated organism. Bioethanol production also doubled in experiments with serially acclimated cultures, with a maximum of 1.21 and 1.0 g/L ethanol titre from sugarcane bagasse and rice husk, respectively. The serial acclimation experiments have increased the saccharification potentials of the organism towards the respective lignocellulosic substrates and also enhanced the bioethanol production.
The use of agricultural wastes for energy conversion has been widely studied as renewable and carbon neutral energy sources. This paper aims to evaluate the energetic potential of six agricultural wastes-sugarcane bagasse, bean pods, corn stover, pineapple crown leaves, white cotton and natural coloured cotton stalks, through their characterization and pyrolysis kinetic study. The energetic potential of biomasses was evaluated by ultimate and proximate analysis, higher heating value (HHV), apparent density, and kinetic parameters of conversion and apparent activation energy (E-a) determined by Model-Free kinetics though thermogravimetric analysis data. The results indicate energetic density for dry basis biomasses, such as moisture content less than 7\%, volatiles higher than 77\% and moderate ash content. The HHVs were higher for the biomass with low O:C ratio. The E-a values increased with increasing O:C ratio and were also influenced by the biomass ash content. Among the studied biomasses, PCL are less explored for energy application, although the results confirm its potential for application in thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis or combustion.
In this work, a mechanistic model was developed to simulate the kinetics of the production of levulinic acid (LA) from sugarcane bagasse (SCB), rice husk (RH) and soybean straw (SS). The production of LA from those agro-industrial wastes followed the methodology of biorefining in three stages. Experimental data from the third stage (catalytic depolymerization of cellulose) obtained under a wide range of operating conditions were used to estimate the parameters of the model. An optimization procedure based on a genetic algorithm was used to determine the optimal parameter values. The prediction of the concentrations of glucose, 5-HMF and LA using the mechanistic model was particularly accurate, as demonstrated by R-2 and RMSE. Thereby, a satisfactory concordance was reached between the high yields of LA of 61.1 mol\%, 67.7 mol\% and 61.4 mol\% calculated by the model, and the experimental yields of 60.5 +/- 2.1 mol\%, 65.2 +/- 2.9 mol\% and 61.5 +/- 4.0 mol\% (under optimum conditions of 190 degrees C, 7.0\% w/v of H2SO4, 75 min) for SCB, RH and SS, respectively. The biorefining of the agro-industrial wastes under optimum operating conditions allowed a satisfactory catalytic depolymerization of cellulose, regardless of the degree of crystallinity. The estimation of yields led to suggesting a strategy from the point of view of process synthesis and design, integrating SCB, RH and SS to supply their off-season and, thus, to ensure the supply of raw materials in the production of LA. {[
In this study, five different strains of bacteria were isolated and identified from soil samples cultivated on sugarcane bagasse as substrate in submerged fermentation. These bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing which revealed that they were Bacillus pumilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Paenibacillus dendritiformis, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria were screened for cellulolytic and ethanologenic potentials using sugarcane bagasse as substrate. All the bacteria were found cellulolytic and ethanologenic. Bacillus pumilis strain produced maximum cellulase while B. cereus yielded maximum ethanol. The results indicated that these strains could be used for second generation biofuel production.
In the current period of energy development, it is very complex to produce energy from agricultural wastes due to the involvement of multiple criteria such as social, economical and environmental factors. In this study, a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model based on the weight obtained from analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) has been utilized for ranking. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) are proposed to evaluate the possibilities of utilizing locally available biomass. For this purpose, a number of criteria are defined from the viewpoint of yielding maximum bio-oil during pyrolysis. The proposed methods are having excellent agreement with each other, and they are exactly matched with the experimental results. This study consists of seven biomass alternatives with seven evaluation criteria. Out of seven selected biomass materials, sugarcane bagasse is ranked top. The experimental results confirmed the prediction with maximum bio-oil yield of 48.5 wt\% obtained from sugarcane bagasse. At the end of the study, the obtained bio-oil from top ranked biomass material was analysed for physical, elemental and chemical compositions using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC) for its utility assessment. This study gives new insights into decision-making, specifically thermochemical conversion process.
Precipitated sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate containing acetic acid was fermented by Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 under different operational conditions (pH 4.0 and 7.0, three aeration rates). At pH 7.0 and k(L)a of 10 (0.75 vvm) and 22.5/h (3.0 vvm) the acetic acid had not been consumed until the end of the fermentations, whereas at the same pH and k(L)a of 35/h (4.5 vvm) the acid was rapidly consumed and acetic acid inhibition was not important. On the other hand, fermentations at an initial pH of 4.0 and k(L)a of 22.5 and 35/h required less time for the acid up take than fermentations at k(L)a of 10/h. The acetic acid assimilation by the yeast indicates the ability of ti;is strain to ferment in partially df toxified medium, making possible the utilization of the sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate in this bioprocess. The effects on xylitol yield and production are reported.
In Brazil, bioelectricity generation from sugarcane bagasse and black liquor is regarded as a sustainable electricity supply option. However, questions regarding land use, investment decisions, and demand for paper, ethanol and sugar make its future role uncertain. The aim of this paper is to present a novel modelling framework based on a soft-link between a multi-sectoral Brazilian integrated assessment model (MUSE-Brazil) and an electricity portfolio optimisation model (EPOM). The proposed framework is capable of dynamically simulating sectoral electricity demand, regional bioenergy production under land use constraints and optimal power sector technological shares in each of the electricity subsystems. Considering Brazil under a 2 degrees C carbon budget, two scenarios based on economic attractiveness of producing second-generation ethanol have been investigated. Under the scenario where second-generation ethanol is not produced, outputs indicate that by 2050, Brazil would increase sugarcane and wood production by 68\% and 49\% respectively without causing direct or indirect deforestation. Agriculture intensification is evidenced as an alternative for reducing land use disruptions. Bioelectricity share is projected to remain around 9-10\%. However, if second generation ethanol becomes costeffective, thus limiting bagasse availability, the share of bioelectricity production would decrease to approximately 7.7\%, with natural gas-fired plants playing a stronger role in the future power system expansion, causing an increase on electricity sector emissions.
In the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to useful chemicals, pretreatment of the material prior to hydrolysis is necessary. The aim of the present study was to develop a method to reduce the energy costs of lignocellulosic biomass treatment with white rot fungi. We developed a novel contaminant mold suppressing method combining the food preservative Vitagen ASSN (thiamine dilauryl sulfate) and low temperature steam sterilization (80 degrees C for 15 min). First, heat-resistant contaminant molds were isolated from sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum L.) sterilized at 80 degrees C, and a difference in sensitivity to Vitagen ASSN (200, 300, 500, and 1000 mu g/mL, at pH 5.2 and 9.0) was observed between the isolated contaminant molds and white rot fungi. The sugarcane bagasse was subsequently impregnated with Vitagen ASSN solution (500 or 1000 mu g/mL at pH 9.0), which did not affect the white rot fungi but suppressed the contaminant molds, and autoclaved at 80 degrees C. The sterilized sugarcane bagasse medium was inoculated with three types of white rot fungi, and the enzymatic saccharification yield of fungal bagasse was determined after 8 weeks. High enzymatic saccharification yields were attained with each fungal bagasse: 79.5 and 76.2 \% for Ceriporiopsis subvermispora (500 and 1000 mu g/mL Vitagen ASSN), 80.1 and 79.5 \% for Lentinus edodes, and 74.5 and 78.1 \% for Coriolus versicolor. These enzymatic saccharification yields were similar to that of normal fungal bagasse. The results indicated that the proposed combination method may potentially reduce the energy required for the treatment of lignocellulosic biomass with white rot fungi.
Sugarcane bagasse, Agave tequilana bagasse and coffee husks were hydrolyzed by steam explosion followed by enzymatic treatment without detoxifying process prior to fermentation. The hydrolysates underwent sequential fermentations using three different microorganisms to produce bioethanol and xylitol. Sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate was found to be the best media for bioethanol (0.44 g/g yield, 85.5\% efficiency) and xylitol (0.29 g/g yield) production and S. cerevisiae ITV01 performed efficient alcoholic fermentation in the presence of a high acetic acid concentration (5.0 g/L, initial hydrolysate concentration). For all hydrolysates, Candida tropicalis grew less; however, it produced more xylitol than Candida magnolia (0.29 and 0.22 g/g, respectively). The effect of oxygen on xylitol production in Candida tropicalis was also investigated, xylitol production improving as oxygen concentration level increased (flask volume/medium volume ratios of 1.25, 3.3 and 6.6 yielded 0.143, 0.320 and 0.406 g/g, respectively). The maximum calculated efficiency for the conversion of consumed xylose to xylitol was 44.6\%, with a maximum xylitol production of 12.18 g/L. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Bioethanol and xylitol production by sequential fermentation process using different lignocellulosic materials like sugarcane bagasse, Agave tequilana bagasse and coffee husks, is a new simple and interesting process because it takes into account the total utilization of the principal component, the lignocellulosic material (glucose and xylose) as well as the use of waste material. One fermentation step produces two important products, bioethanol and xylitol, which have various applications in different kinds of industry.
A combination of chemo-mechanical pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass was developed with objectives to evaluate and optimize the energy efficiency and waste generation occurred in the pretreatment process. Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was chemically pretreated with alkaline and alkaline peroxide followed by mechanical size reduction and enzymatic hydrolysis. The high solid and low solid loading pretreatments were studied to compare the total energy consumption, energy efficiency as well as waste generation. SCBSHNa (1:5) namely semi-humid chemo-mechanical pretreatment was found as the most effective pretreatment by decreasing 65\% of total energy consumption. Moreover, the SCBSHNa (1:5) achieved the highest energy efficiency resulting in 0.536 kg reducing sugars/kWh and generated 0.33 kg of waste/kg reducing sugars. The developed process represented the advantages on energy efficiency and less waste generation compared to the conventional chemical soaking pretreatment process.
The objective of this work was to verify the mobility and persistence of herbicides applied in pre-emergence on different soils and amounts of sugarcane straw. The herbicides ametryn + clomazone (1,500 + 1,000 g La. ha(-1)), isoxaflutole (187,5 g.i.a. ha(-1)) and diuron + hexazinone (1, 170 + 330 g i. a. ha(-1)) were applied in soil with clayey and medium texture under the following conditions:on 10 and 15 t ha(-1) of sugarcane straw followed by rain simulation, on the ground and covered with 10 t ha(-1) of sugarcane straw; on the ground without straw; and control without herbicide. At 10, 20, 40 and 60 days after herbicide application (DAA), species bioindicators such as sorghum and cucumber were sown. Percentage of phytotoxicity was observed at 21 days after emergence. The mixture ametryn + clomazone applied directly on the soil affected the bioindicator up to 40 DAA; however, after this period, the residual effect was smaller. The sugarcane straw affected the performance of this product negatively. The herbicide isoxaflutole applied directly in the soil presented residual effect up to 60 DAA, with 82.5 and 77.5\% of bioindicator control, in soils with clayey and medium texture, respectively, and the presence of 10 and 15 t ha(-1) of straw did not alter efficiency up to 20 DAA. The herbicide diuron + hexazinone applied on the soil without straw presented residual effect up to 60 DAA, mainly in soil with clayey texture. With 15 t ha(-1) of straw, significant reduction was observed in the effectiveness of this mixture.
The present study aimed at optimization of culture condition for the enhanced production of extra cellular thermostable cellulase-free xylanase from Bacillus pumilus by solid-state fermentation. Batch studies were carried out to evaluate various agro-industrial residues such as rice bran, rice husk, rice straw, sawdust, coconut pith, sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran for enzyme production by the bacterial culture. The endoxylanase production was highest on wheat bran media (5582 U/gds), which was enhanced 3.8-fold (21431 U/gds) by optimization of cultivation conditions. The enzymatic extracts was used in mixed wastepaper recycling, which resulted in a considerable improvement of the paper strength with high drainage and easy drying up. The results of enzyme application with recycled paper clearly indicated that the effective use of enzymes in fiber separation could reduce the cost of carton paper production. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The generation of porous graphitic carbon (PGC) by catalytic graphitization of biomass has been widely studied and the growth evolution mechanism needs to be further investigated. This study investigated the direct growth of PGC through sugarcane bagasse and microcrystalline cellulose as raw materials. Structural analyses by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory and Raman spectroscopy showed a significant improvement in graphitic structure. The S-BET of PGC derived from sugarcane bagasse at 1000 degrees C for 1 h with 5 mmol Fe was 311 m(2) g(-1), and I-2D/I-D ratio was 0.553. The effect of growth parameters on the qualities of PGC was investigated by transition state theory and chemical reaction rate curves, and the growth mechanism of PGC was elucidated. Results showed that the biomass carbon sources evolve first from small molecule substances to graphene oxide and then to PGC under appropriate conditions. This study provided a comprehensive strategy for the rational and effective preparation of PGC and opened a clear pathway for the low-cost synthesis of graphitic carbon materials.
The deposition of organic residues through mechanical harvesting of cane sugar is a growing practice in sugarcane production system. The maintenance of these residues on the soil surface depends mainly on environmental conditions. Nitrogen fertilization on dry residues tend to retard decomposition of these, providing benefits such as increased SOM. Thus, the object of this research was to evaluate the effect of different doses of nitrogen on sugar cane crop residues, as its decomposition and contribution to carbon sequestration in soil. The experiment was conducted in Dourados-MS and consisted of a randomized complete block design. Dried residues were placed in litter bags and the treatments were arranged in a split plot, being the four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha(-1) N) the plots, and the seven sampling times (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180) the spit plots. Decomposition rates of residues, total organic carbon and labile carbon on soil were analysed. The application of increasing N doses resulted in an increase in their decomposition rates. Despite this, note also the mineral N application as a strategy to get higher levels of labile carbon in soil.
The extracellular form of cellulosome-type multienzyme complex of thermophilic Bacteroides sp. strain P-l which was isolated from the anaerobic digester, is described. Multienzyme complex was isolated from the culture supernatant by an adsorption-desorption affinity chromatography on microcrystalline cellulose. The isolated multienzyme complex was found to form a complex that exhibited a high molecular weight (estimated at more than 1400 kDa) and was quite stable; requiring strong denaturing condition for dissociation. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate resolved multienzyme complex into at least 12 subunits with the molecular weight range of 49 to 209 kDa, respectively. The isolated: multienzyme complex showed cellulose-binding ability, cellulase and-xylanase activities and effected the hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose and lignocellulosic materials in the form of corncob, corn hull, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Twelve Murrah male buffaloes of 3.5 years age, weighing 370.3 +/- 8.41 kg were assigned to three diets in different physical forms with similar ingredient composition comprising of wheat straw, sugarcane molasses, crushed maize, deoiled peanut meal, mineral mixture, sea salt along with vitablend @ 690, 100, 100, 100, 6,4 and 0.2 g kg(-1), respectively in a randomized block design. The animals on Diet 1 received wheat straw impregnated with molasses and concentrate mixture separately, while those on Diet 2 were fed the total feed as a complete mix, Diet 3 was offered after moulding complete mix into a compressed complete feed block (CCFB), prepared with the help of indigenously designed and fabricated feed block machine operable on compression technology. A metabolism trial of seven days duration was conducted after 60 days feeding trial in order to assess nutrient utilization and retention as well as plane of nutrition. The physical form of the diet had no significant influence on nutrient utilization as well as on the digestibility of various nutrients. But feeding of CCFB resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher intake of DM and digestible DM and in turn in the intake of all other nutrients as compared to the feeding of diets in other two ways. Though, daily nitrogen retention was not affected, the feeding of CCFB diet resulted in higher (P < 0.05) retention of calcium and phosphorus. Thus, CCFB would be a balanced wholesome diet for ruminants. Because of a decrease in the bulk density, the handling, storage and transportation becomes easy and economical. Further, they can be a part of famine feed banks for drought prone regions of developing countries as evolved technology is easy to adapt.
There is great potential for the development of remote sensing methods that integrate and exploit both multispectral and multitemporal information. This paper presents a new image processing method: Spectral-Temporal Analysis by Response Surface (STARS), which synthesizes the full information content of a multitemporal-multispectral remote sensing image data set to represent the spectral variation over time of features on the Earth's surface. Depending on the application, STARS can be effectively implemented using a range of different models {[
The influence of organic acids at different pH values on the growth of Clostridium perfringens was examined: propionic acid was found to be the most inhibitory, followed by lactic, butyric and acetic acids. The inhibition of bacteria increased with decreasing pH and increasing concentration of organic acid at a given pH. C. perfrigens was able to initiate growth at a pH as low as 4.6 in the absence of organic acids. The ensiling of cattle dung with wheat straw and sugarcane molasses had a detrimental effect on the growth of C. perfringens. When the above premix was inoculated with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus faecalis, the pH of the wastelage after 20 days of fermentation at 37-degrees-C was 3.8 and C. perfringens was killed, but its number was also reduced considerably in a wastelage of pH 4.25, in which the lactic acid-producing bacteria had not been inoculated.
This study aimed at evaluating bovine behavioral parameters managed in crowding pens built with modular panel of reforestation wood and homogeneous particle sheets of sugarcane bagasse and in conventional wooden crowding pens. The animals treated had their body surface temperature measured by the infrared thermography method and the behavior evaluated through the flight time parameters and the behavior score in the crowding pens. The results indicated that the animals managed in these buildings showed no difference in the behavioral parameters, but the mean and maximum superficial body temperatures were lower in the animals managed in the crowding pens of modular panel.
Wind and solar photovoltaic need expensive battery energy storage for dispatchability. Concentrated solar power plus internal thermal energy storage permits dispatchability, but it is convenient only in areas of large direct normal irradiance. A hybrid concentrated solar/combustion system is proposed for Mauritius, an area of modest direct normal irradiance, and biomass availability. The small, modular, 8 kW system for microgrid application comprises a beam down point concentrator, two tanks of molten salt thermal energy storage, a biomass combustion heater, a Stirling engine, and a generator. The hybrid system has a thermal energy supply solar of 41\%, and a thermal energy supply by combustion fuel 59\%. By assuming a zero CO2e emission for solar thermal energy supply (100\% reduction of CO2e) and a 21\% CO2e emission for thermal energy from the combustion of bagasse (79\% reduction) vs thermal energy from oil combustion, the proposed hybrid device would permit an 88\% reduction of the emission of CO2 vs the reference oil combustion plant.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substrate on growth, emergence, nutrition, and quality of Anacardium othonianum Rizz. (cerrado cashew tree) seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory on the Rio Verde campus. The following substrates were used:1) Bioplant (R), 2) Mecplant (R) (MP) + carbonized rice husk (CRH) (7:3), 3) fine-grained vermiculite (FGV), 4) FGV+CRH (3:1), 5) FGV+CRH (1:1), 6) FGV+CRH (1:3), and 7) sugarcane bagasse (SB) + sugarcane mill filter cake (FC) (3:2). Emerged seedlings were counted at 2-day intervals for 38 days following emergence of the first seedling. At 39, 64, and 89 days after seeding (DAS), the following variables were measured:stem length (SL), stem diameter (SD), and number of leaves (NL). Accumulated dry weight, quality indices, and leaf macro-and micronutrient levels were determined at 89 DAS. Plants grown in the FGV and FGV+CFH (1:3) substrates had shorter stem lengths than the plants grown in other substrates. Increases in seedling growth were smaller between 64 and 89 DAS compared to the initial period of the experiment. The highest leaf N concentrations were found in the SB+FC substrate treatment group; P and K concentrations were higher for the MP+CRH (7:3), SB+FC, and Bioplant (R) treatments; and Ca levels were higher for the SB+FC and MP+CRH (7:3) substrate treatments. The MP+CRH (7:3) substrate treatment group had the highest leaf B and Mn micronutrient concentrations, and plants from the Bioplant (R) substrate group had the highest leaf B micronutrient content. Mg, S, Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations did not differ among the different substrates. The plant traits that differed most among the treatments included stem length for the FGV and FGV+CRH (1:3) substrate groups and leaf nutrient concentrations, which were higher for the SB+FC group followed by the MP+CRH and Bioplant (R) treatments.
Fungal pretreatment by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora of two forest residues (hazel and acacia branches) and two agricultural lignocellulosic residues (barley straw and sugarcane bagasse) were studied as a pretreatment to improve their subsequent anaerobic digestion for methane production. Biomass samples were grinded to 2 ranges of particle sizes (<4 or 1 mm), autoclaved, inoculated with two strains of C. subvermispora (ATCC 90467 and ATCC 96608) and incubated at 28(circle)C for 28 days. The effects of fungal pretreatment were assessed by analyzing the samples before and after incubations for dry solids mass, biochemical composition, bio-methane production (BMP) and availability of cellulose to hydrolysis. The production of ligninolytic enzymes MnP and/or laccase was observed with both strains during incubation on most of the samples tested. It almost doubled the hazel branches BMP per unit mass of dry solids but did not improve however the BMP of the agricultural residues and acacia branches. These observations were explained by the fact that although both strains were able to degrade 20-25\% of lignin in <1 mm and <4 mm hazel branches samples, none of them was successful however to significantly degrade lignin in the other samples, except for sugarcane bagasse. (C) sevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Supercritical hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials for ethanol production represents a new trend in the sugarcane sector that needs evaluation. In this work, the commercial software Aspen Plus (R) was used to simulate ethanol and electricity production at a conventional autonomous distillery processing 500 tonnes of sugarcane per hour and a steam based cogeneration system. The production of lignocellulosic ethanol was simulated using the surplus bagasse produced at the autonomous distillery after thermal integration. The second generation ethanol production was studied with two cases: the enzymatic hydrolysis (Case 1) and supercritical hydrolysis (Case 2) considering in both cases a prior pre-treatment with liquid hot water. For cogeneration system besides bagasse it was considered the use of sugarcane trash as fuel. All data necessary for the simulation was obtained from the literature. Case 1 presented the higher ethanol production, increasing the overall ethanol in almost 13 \%. Case 2 required a large amount of energy, to fulfil the thermal requirements of the process and 117 \% more bagasse than the available after milling would be necessary. Even accomplishing to supply the energy necessary to the process, Case 2 showed ethanol production much lower than enzymatic hydrolysis.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of toxic baits and attractants for fruit flies on the biology of its parasitoid Fopius arisanus. We tested two food-based attractants; hydrolysed corn protein (Biofruit(R) 3\%) and sugarcane molasses (7\%), their mixtures with spinosad and malathion-based insecticides, and a ready-to-use commercial bait (Success 0.02 CB(R)). Malathion-based lures were used as references for mortality (i.e., positive control), while negative control was honey. The formulations Biofruit(R) + malathion (T1), molasses + malathion (T2), and spinosad + molasses (T3) were toxic to F. arisanus, being classified as harmful (class 4). In addition, toxic baits composed of Biofruit + spinosad (T4) reduced parasitism by 97.99\%, being rated as moderately harmful (class 3). Yet, Success 0.02 CB(R) (T7) was considered slightly toxic (class 2), causing a 64.55\% reduction in parasitism. Regarding the biological parameters of F. arisanus, offspring number and parasitoid longevity were significantly reduced by using hydrolysed protein attractants when compared to the control (honey). However, sugarcane molasses improved parasitoid reproduction and longevity, as did the honey. Lastly, ingestion tests showed the major role of attractants in toxic-bait formulations against F. arisanus.
Oil palm trunks (OPT) are logged for replantation and the fiber residues are disposed of into the palm plantation area. The fiber residues are expected to increase soil fertility through recycling of carbon and minerals via fiber decomposition. This study investigated the effects of OPT fiber disposal and other lignocellulosic biomass on plant growth and microbial diversity in the soil environment. Four treatment plots were tested: (A) soil+OPT fiber (1:20), (B) soil+sugarcane bagasse (1:20), (C) soil+cellulose powder (1:20), and (D) unamended soil as a negative control. Low plant height, decreased chlorophyll content, and low biomass was observed in corn grown on soil mixed with OPT fiber, cellulose, and sugarcane bagasse, when compared with those of the control. The plants grown with OPT fiber were deficient in total nitrogen and magnesium when compared with those without fiber amendment, which suggested that nitrogen and minerals in soil might be taken up by changing microflora because of the OPT fibers presence. To confirm differences in the soil microflora, metagenomics analysis was performed on untreated soil and soil from each lignocellulose treatment. The microflora of soils mixed with OPT fiber, cellulose and sugarcane bagasse revealed substantial increases in bacteria such as families Cytophagaceae and Oscillospiraceae, and two major fungal genera, Trichoderma and Trichocladium, that are involved in lignocellulose degradation. OPT fiber resulted in a drastic increase in the ratios and amounts of Trichocladium in the soil when compared with those of cellulose and sugarcane bagasse. These results indicate that unregulated disposal of OPT fiber into plantation areas could result in nutrient loss from soil by increasing the abundance of microorganisms involved in lignocellulose decomposition.
Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource and can be efficiently converted into bioenergy and green materials by using microwave pyrolysis. In this study, microwave pyrolysis of seven biomass feedstocks (corn stover, rice straw, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane peel, coffee grounds, and bamboo) was studied. The maximum temperature of microwave pyrolysis was highly correlated with the combustible content of the feedstocks. The influence of microwave power level on both maximum temperature and heating rate was substantial. Either maximum temperature or heating rate had a linear relationship with microwave power level. However, there was a breakpoint at a power level of 250 W. Compared with conventional pyrolysis, microwave pyrolysis was faster and needed less input energy. Microwave pyrolysis provided higher weight losses than conventional pyrolysis, and this difference was more substantial at lower temperatures. Kinetic parameters of microwave pyrolysis at lower and higher microwave power levels were different. Reaction rates at higher microwave power levels can be higher than those at lower power levels by approximately one order of magnitude. Compared with conventional pyrolysis, the rate constant of microwave pyrolysis was much higher, and its activation energy and pre-exponential factor were much lower. (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Anatomical and physico-chemical properties of residual natural fibers (sugarcane bagasse, coconut fibers and peanut hulls) were characterized in order to evaluate their potential for use in the production of particleboard. The bulk density was determined by helium pycnometer and the chemical characteristics by using an electronic pH meter (for pH determination) on fibers dissolved in acidic and neutral detergents (to determine the levels of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin). The anatomical characteristics were established using scanning electron microscopy coupled with an X-ray detector system, as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results indicated similarities and differences between physico-chemical and anatomical characteristics of the residual lignocellulosic fibers when compared with the Pinus sp. wood commercially employed in particleboard production. Bulk density and pH for residual lignocellulosic fibers and Pinus sp. wood presented analogous values. Similar amounts of cellulose and lignin were identified between waste fibers and Pinus sp. wood. The presence of silica was identified in coconut fiber, peanut hull and sugarcane bagasse waste fibers, and may affect the mechanical characteristics of panels. Coconut and sugarcane bagasse fibers show surface pores with diameters ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 mu m, below the 5 mu m identified for Pinus sp. wood. Both fibers present pores distributed over their entire surface, whereas peanut hull fibers have no pores on their surface. This characteristic contributes to resin dispersion among particles, reflecting positively on the physical-mechanical properties of the panels. Particleboards produced with residual lignocellulosic fibers present similar physical-mechanical properties to those of Pinus sp. wood panels.
Primary cell walls and middle lamella of higher plants include homogalacturonan, the substrate for polygalacturonases. Seeking to enhance lignocellulose saccharification, chimeras between the endopolygalacturonase I from Chondrostereum (Stereum) purpureum (EndoPG-I) and family 3, 44, and 77 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) from Hungateiclostridium thermocellum (Ht) or Ruminococcus flavefaciens (Rf) were constructed, expressed, and characterized. Chimeras presented similar K-M values and pH/temperature optima as unfused EndoPG-I against citrus pectin, k(cat)/K-M values 1.6, 1.7, and 1.3-fold higher for the HtCBM3-EndoPG, HtCBM44-EndoPG, and RtCBM77-EndoPG, respectively. Commercial enzyme cocktail supplementation with HtCBM44-EndoPG and RtCBM77-EndoPG increased reducing sugar release from untreated sugarcane bagasse by 35 and 25\%, respectively. All chimeras increased reducing sugar release by 20-25\% against orange bagasse compared with EndoPG-I or equimolar EndoPG-I/CBM mixtures. These results show that proximity between plant cell wall components in situ influences CBM-enzyme chimera activity and improves saccharification of lignocellulosic materials.
Second generation ethanol production has great potential to be a sustainable reality, especially in Brazil due to the large quantity of sugarcane bagasse encountered as industrial waste. Moreover, this process does not require that food crops are converted into biofuels. Biomass hydrolysis continues to be a bottleneck of the overall process due to the high costs of enzyme production. Therefore, efforts have been taken to make the process more cost-effective with regards to the discover of more effective enzymes. New sources of enzymes are continuously encountered and several strategies of enzyme prospection and production have been studied. The fermentation step is also an area of interest for biochemical alteration since pentoses are not effectively fermented to ethanol via traditional methods.
A series of novel water-soluble hemicellulosic derivatives, containing carbamoylethyl and carboxyethyl groups, were heterogeneously synthesized from wheat-straw hemicelluloses with acrylamide (AA) under alkaline conditions. The factors such as reaction temperature, reaction time, molar ratio of catalysis to xylose unit in hemicelluloses and molar ratio of acrylamide to xylose unit in hemicelluloses, were investigated. The average degree of substitution (DS) was calculated by H-1 NMR spectroscopy. DS values up to 0.23 in a one-step synthesis of hemicelluloses derivatives were obtained. Under optimum conditions (60 degrees C, NaOH to xylose unit in hemicelluloses molar ratio of 0.8, AA to xylose unit in hemicelluloses molar ratio of 8.0, reaction time of 1 h) an expected ratio of carbamoylethyl group to carboxyethyl group of 4.8 in the hemicellulosic derivatives was obtained. The structural features of the hemicellulosic derivatives were characterized by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, and by elemental analysis. The current work provides a facile method for the synthesis of hemicellulose derivatives with bifunctional groups, which could be used as wet-end additives in the papermaking industry. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Biochar is a carbon-rich organic amendment often used to sequester carbon and sustain soil productivity. The characteristics and the potential benefits of biochars depend upon their feedstock type. Therefore, changes in stability and composition of biochars derived from different agricultural wastes viz. sugarcane filter cake (SF), farmyard manure (FM), and rice husk (RH) were investigated in this study. The feedstocks were pyrolyzed at 350 degrees C, and the resultant biochars (SF-BC, FM-BC, and RH-BC) were characterized for yield, proximate (moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content) and ultimate (CEC \& elemental composition) analyses, surface area (BET), surface morphology (SEM), structural and functional groups (FTIR), and thermal stability (TG-DTA). Results revealed that SF-BC exhibited the highest yield (42.18\%), lower bulk density and particle density (0.131 g cm(-3) and 0.583 g cm(-3), respectively), and higher porosity (76.56\%) while the FM-BC had highest contents of fixed carbon (46.83\%). The pH was slightly neutral for SF-BC and RH-BC but alkaline for FM-BC. The electrical conductivity and TDS were considerably higher in FM-BC while the CEC was higher in RH-BC (28.24 cmol kg(-1)). The recalcitrance index (R-50) showed that all the biochars were minimally degradable (0.7 > R-50 >= 0.5). The SF-BC exhibited highest stability with R-50 value of 0.64 and also showed highest C sequestration potential (43.68\%). Hence, it is concluded that thermal conversion of sugarcane filter cake waste into biochar might serve as a potential candidate to increase soil organic C pool if applied as soil amendment.
This study aims to assess how Internal Rate of Return of the enterprise, Ethanol Output and Surplus Electricity vary according to changes in existing scenarios of an autonomous distillery, that is, a distillery producing ethanol and electricity, but not sugar. A simulation procedure using the Virtual Sugarcane Biorefinery (VSB) framework according to a screening design is used for this purpose. The VSB is composed of a set of computer-aided tools to simulate the sugarcane agricultural production system, its transport as well as the industrial processing. The sensitivity of operational variables, such as fermentation yield, steam consumption, boiler steam pressure, juice extraction yield, residual ethanol concentration in vinasse and alcohol content in wine were varied in a realistic basis, constrained by operational limits, which resulted in forty-five scenarios following a Central Composite Design (CCD). This design was used to describe ethanol production possible scenarios in autonomous distilleries in Brazil. This procedure has allowed evaluating scenarios with different technological configurations. The influence of these operational variables on the techno-economic parameters was studied through a screening procedure for statistical evaluation of results.
The value and variation in bulk density is highly influential in the economics associated with biomass valorisation. Due to its importance, increased feedstock demand is directly related to understanding the characteristics affecting bulk density and the design of biomass processing and handling systems, along the renewable resource supply chains. This paper presents assessment of the elastic response of sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw and wattle, sourced from a second generation lignocellulosic ethanol plant. The study includes testing bulk solids ``springiness{''
This review describes different potential sources for amino acids that could be used for the production of bulk chemicals in a biorefinery, such as agricultural byproduct streams. Volumes at which these sources and the amino acids therein are available were determined, and the most interesting amino acids in terms of their potential available quantity were identified. The investigated sources are maize and wheat DDGS, sugarcane vinasse and its leaves, sugar beet vinasse and its leaves, cassava leaves, press cakes of rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, palm oil and Jatropha, animal slaughter waste, microalgae, macroalgae, grass and alfalfa. It can be concluded that there are enough sources available to produce bio-based chemicals such as N-methylpyrrolidone with a market sizes around 100 kt per year from amino acids. Bulk chemicals such as acrylonitrile can partly be replaced in the future by their bio-based equivalent, depending on the amounts of biofuels that will be produced in the future. However, it is still necessary to find cost-effective methods for the isolation of amino acids from the discussed sources. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The need for pulp and paper has risen significantly due to exponential population growth, industrialization, and urbanization. Most paper manufacturing industries use wood fibers to meet pulp and paper requirements. The shortage of fibrous wood resources and increased deforestation are linked to the excessive dependence on wood for pulp and paper production. Therefore, non-wood substitutes, including corn stalks, sugarcane bagasse, wheat, and rice straw, cotton stalks, and others, may greatly alleviate the shortage of raw materials used to make pulp and paper. Non-woody raw materials can be pulped easily using soda/soda-AQ (anthraquinone), organosolv, and bio-pulping. The use of agricultural residues can also play a pivotal role in the development of polymeric membranes separating different molecular weight cut-off molecules from a variety of feedstocks in industries. These membranes range in applications from water purification to medicinal uses. Considering that some farmers still burn agricultural residues on the fields, resulting in significant air pollution and health issues, the use of agricultural residues in paper manufacturing can eventually help these producers to get better financial outcomes from the grown crop. This paper reviews the current trends in the technological pitch of pulp and paper production from agricultural residues using different pulping methods, with an insight into the application of membranes developed from lignocellulosic materials.
Excessive of agro wastes and crude glycerol required efficient management in order to avoid environmental pollution. Varieties of elements content in agro wastes and crude glycerol highly potential to become feedstock for production of biogas. The objective of this study was to investigate the improvement of biogas production by anaerobic co-digestion of agro wastes with crude glycerol. Sugarcane bagasse, dried leaves, corn stover, cattle manure and crude glycerol were used in production of biogas using anaerobic co-digestion method conducted at room temperature, pH 6.8-7.2 for 30 days in 2L of bio-reactor. The contain of crude glycerol was determined by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) while the present of bio-methane was analysed by Gas Chromatography Thermal Conductively Detector (GC-TCD). Meanwhile the bio-ethanol formed was detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Mixture of cattle manure, sugarcane bagasse, and crude glycerol content of highest C/N ratio (22.42) while co-digestion of these samples produced 20L biogas g(-1) VS added. Meanwhile about 33.07\% to 42.27\% COD removal obtained in Experiment 1 while 27.86\% to 45.52\% COD removal obtained in Experiment 2. Co-digestion of cattle manure and sugarcane bagasse with crude glycerol produced 3.2 L biogas g(-1) VS added. About 0.28 mg/L of acetic acids detected at day 20 in Experiment 1 while 0.28 mg/L of acetic acids detected in day 15 in Experiment 2. Therefore, this study proof that the co-digestion of cattle manure, agricultural wastes and crude glycerol resulted in higher biogas yields.
To protect forest resources and increase the value of agro-industrial residues, it would be helpful to produce paper-based materials from non-woody or recycled fiber resources. This study investigated the reinforcement mechanism of bacterial cellulose (BC) on paper sheets made from different sources including softwood, hardwood, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, wheat straw, and recycled fiber, which represent a selection of high quality, medium quality, and low quality fibers. The results showed that by maintaining BC addition at a low level of 0.5-1.5\% (total paper dry weight), the paper sheets made from high and medium quality fibers have the maximum tensile index improvement, with 5-25\%. The tensile index of low quality fiber including wheat straw pulp and recycled fiber pulp increased slightly and gradually with the level of BC addition; at 5\% BC addition, the tensile indexes increased by 9 and 40\%, respectively. To investigate the BC reinforcement mechanism, different fiber characteristics, SEM images of BC reinforced paper, BC retention rate on paper, and the effects of dispersant addition were evaluated. It was found that high BC addition or retention rate in paper sheets do not necessarily result in good BC reinforcement effects but that proper dispersion of BC is important.
Bacillus velezensis 157 was isolated from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides, and exhibited antagonistic activity against a broad spectrum of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Moreover, B. velezensis 157 also showed various lignocellulolytic activities including cellulase, xylanase, alpha-amylase, and pectinase, which had the ability of using the agro-industrial waste (soybean meal, wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, rice husk, maize flour and maize straw) under solid-state fermentation and obtained several industrially valuable enzymes. Soybean meal appeared to be the most efficient substrate for the single fermentation of B. velezensis 157. Highest yield of pectinase (19.15 +/- 2.66 U g(-1)), cellulase (46.69 +/- 1.19 U g(-1)) and amylase (2097.18 +/- 15.28 U g(-1)) was achieved on untreated soybean meal. Highest yield of xylanase (22.35 +/- 2.24 U g(-1)) was obtained on untreated wheat bran. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the B. velezensis 157, composed of a circular 4,013,317 bp chromosome with 3789 coding genes and a G + C content of 46.41\%, one circular 8439 bp plasmid and a G + C content of 40.32\%. The genome contained a total of 8 candidate gene clusters (bacillaene, difficidin, macrolactin, butirosin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, fengycin and surfactin), and dedicates over 15.8\% of the whole genome to synthesize secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In addition, the genes encoding enzymes involved in degradation of cellulose, xylan, lignin, starch, mannan, galactoside and arabinan were found in the B. velezensis 157 genome. Thus, the study of B. velezensis 157 broadened that B. velezensis can not only be used as biocontrol agents, but also has potentially a wide range of applications in lignocellulosic biomass conversion.
Plant-parasitic nematodes are injurious crop pests that have been managed mainly by chemical nematicides. However, safe and alternative methods such as those based on organic materials need to be developed. Our study has evaluated (i) the effects of four organic amendments with different biochemical compositions that are abundantly produced in the study area (Guadeloupe, French West Indies) on soil nematode communities and (ii) some of the suppression mechanisms of banana parasitic nematodes, especially those involving the soil food web. This study is based on a microcosm experiment comparing sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane sludge, plant residues and sewage sludge. All amendments except sewage sludge decreased the root abundances of plant-parasitic nematodes, by 96\% in the case of sugarcane bagasse. For this treatment, soil densities of carnivorous nematodes were six times higher than the treatments without organic amendment. Plant residues and bagasse were mainly composed of materials that are difficult to decompose, namely cellulose and lignins. These organic materials favored a fungal decomposition pathway and permitted development of carnivorous nematode populations and increased the Channel Index (CI). Pratylenchus coffeae control after sugarcane refinery sludge application remains unexplained. Lastly, sewage sludge, composed mainly of easily degradable compounds, did not permit nematode control, and only bacterivorous nematode populations were enhanced by this treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Myxobacteria are soil microorganisms with the ability to break down biological macromolecules due to the secretion of a large number of extracellular enzymes, but there has been no research report on myxobacterial lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). In this study, two LPMO10s, ViLPMO10A and ViLPMO10B, from myxobacterium Vitiosangium sp. GDMCC 1.1324 were characterized. Of which, ViLPMO10B is a C1-oxidizing cellulose-active LPMO. Moreover, ViLPMO10B could decrease the degree of polymerization of crop straws cellulose and synergize with commercial cellulase to promote the saccharification. When the weight ratio of commercial cellulase to ViLPMO10B was 9:1, the conversion efficiency of corn stalk, sugarcane bagasse, and rice straw into reducing sugar was improved by 17\%, 16\%, and 22\%, respectively, compared with commercial cellulase without ViLPMO10B. These results indicate that ViLPMO10B has the potential to be a component of a high-efficient cellulase cocktail and has application value in the saccharification of agricultural residual biomasses.
The presence of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) in biochar-based fertilizers is linked to the slow release of phosphorus (P), but these alkali metals have not been systematically compared under identical conditions. In this study, sugarcane filter cake was treated with H3PO4 and MgO or CaO followed by pyrolysis at 600 degrees C to produce a Mg/P-rich biochar (MgPA-BC) and a Ca/P-rich biochar (CaPA-BC), respectively. The P-loaded biochars were studied by extraction and kinetic release in water over 240 hours to assess the potential P availability. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the pristine and post-kinetics biochars to identify the responsible phases for phosphate release. Additionally, the dissolved P concentrations in the kinetic release experiment were compared to thermodynamic solubility calculations of common Mg and Ca phosphates. Both MgPA-BC and CaPA-BC had P loadings of 73-74 g kg(-1) but showed distinctly different release behaviors. Phosphate dissolution from MgPA-BC was gradual and reached 10 g P per kg biochar after 240 hours, with rate-determining phases being Mg2P2O7 (Mg pyrophosphate), MgNH4PO4 center dot 6H(2)O (struvite), and Mg-3(PO4)(2)center dot 22H(2)O (cattiite). In contrast, CaPA-BC only released 1.2 g P per kg biochar. Phosphate release from CaPA-BC was limited by the low solubility of Ca2P2O7 (Ca pyrophosphate) and (Ca,Mg)(3)(PO4)(2) (whitlockite). Co-pyrolysis with MgO retained P in a more soluble and available form than CaO, making MgO a preferential additive over CaO to immobilize phytoavailable P in biochar-based fertilizers with higher fertilizer effectiveness.
Sucrose, in contrast to glucose, is a lower-cost carbon source. This manuscript discloses that its use in submerged fungal growth promotes lipids more suitable to biodiesel production due to lower unsaturation indexes. The wild strain of Mucor circinelloides URM 4182, a potential source of microbial lipid, was grown on three sucrose-based carbon sources: commercial brown sugar, sugarcane juice, and sugarcane syrup, achieving biomass accumulation productivities up to 3.62 +/- 0.04 g L-1 day(-1), and lipid productivities as high as 0.93 +/- 0.01 g L-1 day(-1). Lipid extraction was performed using ethanol, a green alternative to petroleum-derived solvent, and characterized according to their fatty acid distribution, from which C16:0 and C18:1 stand as the most abundant fatty acids. Extracted lipids were converted to ethyl esters via lipase-catalyzed reactions achieving ester contents up to 97.4\% and low contents of mono- and diacylglycerols (1.9\% and 1.0\%, respectively). The interest in utilizing sucrose-based sources is due to the wide abundance of such feedstock in sugarcane-producing regions, and due to the potential of increasing value to these low-cost carbon sources. The results presented herein demonstrate a simple, yet efficient, process of converting sucrose and its derivatives to microbial biodiesel using green-chemistry processes, such as lipid extraction using ethanol, avoiding the use of harsh and toxic chemicals commonly utilized, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions. (C) 2018 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Commercial simulator Aspen Plus was used to simulate the conventional processes of the autonomous distillery producing ethanol and the joint production of sugar and ethanol. Changes in conventional processes were evaluated to increase electricity and second generation ethanol production using bagasse fine fraction composed by parenchyma cells (P-fraction). The evaluated processes were thermal and water integrated. The results indicated that the integration of the second generation process to the conventional processes was possible after thermal and water integration. The economic analysis showed that the second generation process integrated to the joint production presented lower payback time, 2.3 years, in comparison with this process integrated to the autonomous distillery, 4.7 years. Due to the high enzyme costs, the cases without second generation ethanol production presented higher economic viability. Product diversification, as sugar and ethanol production in the same site, lowered the impact of enzymes cost on the payback time of second generation process, showing that the integration of the second generation ethanol production process to the conventional sugar production process could be a step to cellulosic ethanol production feasibility in sugarcane mills. (C) 2013 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The present study clarifies co-therapy action of deliveries from their textural changes point of view. Methotrexate (MTX) was immobilized onto biodegradable lignin, silica gel and iron/silica nanocomposite. Loaded-MTX was i.p. injected into albino rats at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg/week for 2.5 months, after which spleen, liver, testes and knee joint tissues were collected for tests. IFN-gamma and IL-17A mRNA gene expressions in spleen in all biological samples were determined by RT-PCR. Physicochemical features of drug carriers were monitored by XRD, BET-PSD, SEM and TEM. Drug inflammatory-site targeting was found to be closely related to the physico-features of deliverers. The interlayered lignin of micro- and meso-pore channels directed MTX toward concealed infected cells in liver and testes tissues, while meso-structured silica flacks satisfied by gathering MTX around knee joints. The magneto-silica nanocomposite targeted MTX toward spleen tissue, which is considered as a lively factory for the production of electron rich compounds. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
In this paper, a biorefinery complex in Thailand was assessed vis-a-vis sustainability. The complex studied includes plantations of sugarcane and a biorefinery system composed of several units including, a sugar mill, power plant, ethanol factory and fertilizer plant. The assessment aimed at evaluating the environmental and socio-economic implications relating to molasses-based ethanol production and use, and maximized utilization of the biomass materials produced as part of the biorefinery complex. Global warming potential, human development index and total value added are the three indicators that were selected to perform the assessment. The results obtained revealed that the maximization of biomass utilization at the level of the biorefinery complex provide greenhouse gases emissions reduction benefits, enhanced living conditions for sugarcane farmers and employees of the biorefinery, and economic benefits, particularly with regard to profit and income generation. These results could serve as a first step to further improve and design indicators for sustainability assessment of biomass utilization.
A new colorimetric method for determining the surface-accessible acidic lignin hydroxyl groups in lignocellulose solid fractions was developed. The method is based on selective adsorption of Azure B, a basic dye, onto acidic hydroxyl groups of lignin. Selectivity of adsorption of Azure B on lignin was demonstrated using lignin and cellulose materials as adsorbents. Adsorption isotherms of Azure B on wheat straw (WS), sugarcane bagasse (SGB), oat husk, and isolated lignin materials were determined. The maximum adsorption capacities predicted by the Langmuir isotherms were used to calculate the amounts of surface-accessible acidic hydroxyl groups. WS contained 1.7-times more acidic hydroxyls (0.21 mmol/g) and higher surface area of lignin (84 m(2)/g) than SGB or oat husk materials. Equations for determining the amount of surface-accessible acidic hydroxyls in solid fractions of the three plant materials by a single point measurement were developed. A method for high-throughput characterization of lignocellulosic materials is now available. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A mutant strain of Trichoderma asperellum RCK2011 was developed through UV-irradiation for enhanced cellulase production and lower catabolite repression. The production of FPase, CMCase and beta-glucosidase was optimized under solid state fermentation; up to 20 mM of glucose did not inhibit cellulase production. The mutant strain T. asperellum SR1-7 produced FPase (2.2 IU/gds), CMCase (13.2 IU/gds), and b-glucosidase (9.2 IU/gds) under optimized conditions, which is, 1.4, 1.3, 1.5-fold higher than the wild type. The wild as well as mutant strain produced the cellulases at pH range, 4.0-10.0. Saccharification of pretreated corn cob, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse by cellulase from mutant strain SR1-7 resulted in release of reducing sugar at the rate of 530.0 mg/g, 290.0 mg/g, and 335.0 mg/g of substrate, respectively; this is 1.6-fold higher than the wild type strain. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Scarcity of natural aggregates and illegal dumping of wastes originating from roads and industries are the major challenges for a developing country. The present study is an effort to provide a sustainable solution to the aforementioned challenges by utilizing these wastes for production of subbase course of concrete pavements. In the study, the optimum proportion of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) along with the optimum proportion of the various supplementary cementitious admixtures (SCM) such as flyash (FA), silica fume (SF) and sugarcane bagasse ash (BA) have been evaluated for productions of dry lean concrete (DLC) mixes. The effect of the higher amount of Portland cement on the properties of RAP inclusive DLC mixes was also investigated. It was observed that the hardened properties of DLC containing RAP are mostly depended upon the maximum dry density of the fresh mixtures. Inclusions of considered industrial waste, as part replacement of Portland cement, were found to have an insignificant effect, whereas, when included in excess of cement, enhanced the properties of RAP-DLC blends significantly. The results of the study depicted that the suitability of RAP aggregates for DLC subbase may be increased by increasing the cement content by about 50\%, whereas, for achieving the comparable performance to that of DLC containing natural aggregates, the quantity of cement shall be doubled. Based on the results of different parts of the study, it is recommended to include at least 30\% extra cement content with either of 10\% SF or 20\% FA for sustainable DLC mixtures containing 75\% coarse RAP aggregates. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Batch and continuous adsorption of Co2+ and Cu2+ from aqueous solutions by oxidized sugarcane bagasse (SBox) and oxidized cellulose (Cox) were investigated. The oxidation reaction of sugarcane bagasse and cellulose was made with a mixture of H3PO4-NaNO2 to obtain SBox and Cox, with the introduction of high number of carboxylic acid functions, 4.5 and 4.8 mmol/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of Co2+ and Cu2+ on SBox and Cox were modeled using two models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) and the rate-limiting step controlling the adsorption was evaluated by Boyd and intraparticle diffusion models. The Sips and Langmuir models better fitted the isotherms with values of maximum adsorption capacity Qmax of 0.68 and 0.37 mmol/g for Co2+ and 1.20 and 0.57 mmol/g for Cu2+ adsorption on Cox and SBox, respectively. The reuse of both spent adsorbents was evaluated. Adsorption of Cu2+ and Co2+ on SBox in continuous was evaluated using a 2(2) factorial design with spatial time and initial metal concentration as independent variables and Qmax and effective use of the bed as responses. The breakthrough curves were very well described by the Bohart-Adams original model and the Qmax values for Co2+ and Cu2+ were 0.22 and 0.55 mmol/g. SBox confirmed to be a promising biomaterial for application on a large scale.
Intra-particle diffusion of sulfuric acid into sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, rice straw and yellow poplar was investigated to determine the effective diffusivity of sulfuric acid within the porous biomass structure. Diffusion experiments were conducted over 25-75 degreesC for two different biomass sizes using dynamic diffusion test cells. Diffusivities of sulfuric acid in agricultural residues were significantly higher than those of hard wood. Diffusivity data for each biomass were fitted into the Arrhenius equation for extrapolation to higher temperatures. The diffusivity data were subsequently incorporated into a theoretical model to determine acid profile within the biomass matrix. The modeling results indicate that intra-particle diffusion of acid influences the rate of dilute-acid pretreatment if unground biomass feedstock is used under normal pretreatment conditions. A criterion was set up to determine the critical biomass size at which the intra-particle acid diffusion becomes a rate-influencing factor for a given pretreatment condition. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Due to the limited availability of fossil fuels, pollution causing serious environmental issues, and their continuously rising price, the development of low-cost efficient enzymes and their implementation in biomass-based bioenergy industries are highly demanded. In the present work, phytogenic fabrication of copper oxide based nanocatalyst has been performed using moringa leaves and has been characterized using different techniques. Herein, the impact of different dosages of as-prepared nanocatalyst on fungal co-cultured cellulolytic enzyme production under co-substrate fermentation using wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse in 4:2 ratios in solid state fermentation (SSF) has been investigated. An optimal concentration of 25 ppm of nanocatalyst influenced the production of 32 IU/gds of enzyme, which showed thermal stability at 70 degrees C for 15 h. Additionally, enzymatic bioconversion of rice husk at 70 \& DEG;C librated 41 g/L of total reducing sugars, which led to the production of 2390 mL/L of cumulative H2 in 120 h.
Potential of extracellular enzymes of a mutant strain (NTG-19) of Fusarium oxysporum in hydrolysis of cellulosic materials was investigated. The enzyme preparation effectively hydrolyzed untreated as well as chemically pretreated sugarcane bagasse. About 95\% hydrolysis could be achieved with sodium sulfite pretreated bagasse within 96 h. The enzymes exhibit appreciable stability during the course of hydrolysis.
Microalgae are well known for their ability to grow photoautotrophically, however higher biomass yields have been reported when microalgae was grown heterotrophically. The feasibility of large scale cultures of microalgae in heterotrophic conditions is still limited by, among other things, the high cost of nutrients and organic substrates used in this type of cultivation. This work aims to explore the utilization of different low cost carbon sources for the cultivation of two different strains of microalgae. Cassava wastewater, sugarcane molasses, glycerol, xylose, sucrose and sodium acetate were tested as carbon sources for Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus bijugus cultures. Glucose and fructose were also tested as reference carbon sources. The methodology of miniaturized growth allowed the screening of different substrates and conditions of the medium much faster than other methodologies (shaking flasks, bioreactor). The results demonstrate the feasibility of the miniaturized culture methodology in the development and evaluation of heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae. The main observed problems were settling of cells, evaporation of the medium during the experiment and interference in spectrophotometric reading (caused by water condensation on the lid), which had to be solved to adapt the methodology of miniature culture to heterotrophic microalgae cultivation. The evaluated microalgae strains presented different growth behaviours in the different carbon sources tested. Cassava wastewater and sugarcane molasses hydrolyzed allowed higher biomass production and proved to be a suitable low cost substrate for increasing algae-based processes feasibility.
Background Xylo-oligosaccharide is the spotlight of functional sugar that improves the economic benefits of lignocellulose biorefinery. Acetic acid acidolysis technology provides a promising application for xylo-oligosaccharide commercial production, but it is restricted by the aliphatic (wax-like) compounds, which cover the outer and inner surfaces of plants. Results We removed aliphatic compounds by extraction with two organic solvents. The benzene-ethanol extraction increased the yield of acidolyzed xylo-oligosaccharides of corncob, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and poplar sawdust by 14.79, 21.05, 16.68, and 7.26\% while ethanol extraction increased it by 11.88, 17.43, 1.26, and 13.64\%, respectively. Conclusion The single ethanol extraction was safer, more environmentally friendly, and more cost-effective than benzene-ethanol solvent. In short, organic solvent extraction provided a promising auxiliary method for the selective acidolysis of herbaceous xylan to xylo-oligosaccharides, while it had minimal impact on woody poplar.
L-glutaminase is an amidohydrolase that can be an effective chemotherapeutic tool for treating a variety of cancers in addition to its use in the food sector to break down acrylamide in fried foods. In the current study, Aspergillus terreus ZHG2 was screened qualitatively and quantitatively for L-glutaminase production and was further identified based on ITS rRNA gene sequencing. It has been used for enzyme production and optimization using a variety of agricultural wastes during solid state fermentation such as wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran, rice straw, soybean straw, sesame oil cake, bengal gram husk, peanut shell, and pigeon pea seed husk. The highest enzyme production 1009.87 +/- 0.09 U/gds was obtained after media optimization using the one variable at a time (OVAT) approach. Further, statistical medium optimization was performed using response surface methodology which shows that sesame seed oil cake, pigeon pea seed husk, and corn steep liquor were significant factors and increased L-glutaminase production by 3.23 fold as compared to unoptimized medium. The present study indicates that the isolated A. terreus ZHG2 can serve as a potential fungal source for the production of L-glutaminase using agricultural residues, which can be used as anticancer agent and as a flavour enhancer in the food industry.
Integration of the sterile insect technique (SIT) into the area-wide management of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) is a promising alternative to the localized use of chemical control tactics. Implementation of the SIT requires adequate numbers of sterile male insects that are produced in large mass-rearing facilities. The present study was carried out to improve the rearing methods of the peach fruit fly so as to contribute to the development of effective mass-rearing protocols. Commercially available papaya, mango, peach and guava juices were found to be equally effective as oviposition stimulants. Moreover, with respect to the fecundity and fertility of flies, water was found to be as effective as the tested fruit juices. During the first 3 weeks, 90\% of the total eggs produced were collected from adult oviposition cages holding 50,000 flies. A larval diet composed of sugarcane bagasse, ground maize, sugarcane sugar, waste brewer's yeast, wheat bran, benzoic acid, nipagin and water resulted in the following values for the quality control parameters: egg hatch 85\%, pupal recovery >67\%, pupal weight >4.2g, pupation 95\%, adult emergence >89\%, and fliers >65\%. Adult emergence and flight ability were similar for pupae placed in sand and vermiculite as the pupation medium.
Effects of organic fertilizers with and without the application of chemical fertilizers for seven years as part of a wheat-pearl millet cropping sequence on soil chemical properties and the establishment of nitrogen fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere were examined. The application of farmyard manure, poultry manure, and sugarcane filter cake alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers improved the soil organic C, total N, P, and K status, Larger populations of Azotobacter chroococcum and Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii in the rhizosphere of wheat and Egyptian clover respectively, were maintained in soils receiving organic fertilizers either alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers than in soils given chemical fertilizers alone.
Hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse is a water-based and environment-friendly process that results in almost complete hemicellulose solubilization in oligomeric form as xylooligossacharides (XOs). However, the soluble XOs cannot be utilized by microorganisms such as yeasts, and therefore, a further break down is necessary to generate pentose (C5) monomers that can be then biotransformed into ethanol or other metabolites. The kinetics of XOs post-hydrolysis with sulfuric, maleic, and oxalic acids (the latter two being dicarboxylic acids) in a sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate was assessed in a bench-scale reactor (2 L). By means of a 2(2) full factorial design with center point triplicate, acid mass loading and temperature were varied from 0.5 and 2.0\% and from 120 to 150 A degrees C, respectively. An irreversible first-order consecutive reaction model of the hydrolysis of XOs in liquid medium was employed. Based on an Arrhenius-type equation, a kinetic parameter estimation was performed with genetic algorithms and the Runge-Kutta methods. For the three acids, the calculated exponential factors, A (0n) (n = 1, 2, and 3), ranged from 10(12) to 10(15) min(-1); the dimensionless parameters, m (n) (n = 1, 2, and 3), ranged from 0.86 to 1.97; and the activation energies ranged from 89 to 129.8 kJ center dot mol(-1). The model-developed at microscale-correctly described the observed XOs, C5, and furfural post-hydrolysis profiles in bench scale and proved the dicarboxylic acids were more selective towards post-hydrolysis by having slower kinetics than sulfuric acid.
Biomass briquettes made from agricultural residues should be strongly recommended for household cooking in countries with high agricultural potential like Cameroon. This paper aims to evaluate the energy recoverable from crop residues by briquette manufacturing and to analyze the benefits and barriers of briquetting conversion of these residues in the country. Agricultural residues considered in this investigation are generated by rice, banana/plantain, maize, groundnut, cotton, coconut, sugarcane, palm oil, coffee, and cocoa. The residues generated by these crops are husks, shells, bagasse, leaves, peels, stalks, straw, and stems. The estimation was done using the Residues-to-Product Ratio method, and the results show that the annual crop residues production is 46,236,156 tons. The briquetting conversion of these residues could produce 7,706,260 tons of biomass briquettes with an annual energy potential of around 106 PJ year(-1). It is concluded that the availability of agricultural residues in that country provides an important potential for briquette production.
This paper aims to analyse the energy consumption and economic viability of biomass briquettes production from agricultural residues. The work focus on briquetting conversion of coconut shells, rattan waste, sugarcane bagasse and banana peels based on a small-scale production plant located in Cameroon. Balance energy shows that the useful energy, mainly consumed during the briquetting process, is mechanical and thermal energy. Rattan waste, coconut shells, sugarcane bagasse, and banana peels briquettes need 0.78 kWh/kg, 0.75 kWh/kg, 1.46 kWh/kg, and 2.60 kWh/kg of primary energy, respectively. Economic analysis was carried out of 20 years' span. The manufacturing cost is comprised mainly by the labour cost of the employees, which stands for about the 30\% of total expenses, following the expenses for the gasoil (10-16\% of total expenses). Net Present Values for rattan waste, coconut shells, sugarcane bagasse, and banana peel briquetting systems were discovered to be 66,526(sic); 67,189(sic); -34,317(sic); and -44,932(sic), respectively. The economic viability of the briquette production is sensitive to briquette market price, discount rate and capital cost. In conclusion, briquettes production from crop residues could be economically benefited by adopting suitable strategies in Cameroon and in any developing country.
Integrated bioprocess strategies may facilitate ethanol production from both C6 and C5 fractions of lignocellulosic feedstocks. We propose a new process concept, SSICF, where sugarcane bagasse is hy-drolyzed simultaneously with xylose isomerization and the co-fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars. A commercial cocktail was supplemented with our multi-enzymatic system composed of three recombi-nant enzymes immobilized in Feroxyhyte magnetic nanoparticles: b-glucosidase, b-xylosidase and xylose isomerase. SSICF was performed using non-GMO Saccharomyces at pH 6.0 and 35 degrees C for 72 h in a synthetic medium containing cellobiose and xylose, and another medium containing pretreated sugar-cane bagasse (PSB). The results of ethanol global yields in SSICF were 77.67\% and 73.24\% for the synthetic medium and PSB, respectively. In a nutshell, this is the first report of a successful proof-of-concept of SSICF with four rounds of enzyme recycling and a non-GMO yeast, an innovative process with high potential for industrial use. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The study of xylanase production was conducted by Streptomyces viridosporus T7A in submerged (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF), using agro-industrial residues and sub-products. Napier grass, sugarcane bagasse and soybean bran were used as carbon source, substrate/support, and nitrogen source, respectively. In SmF, Napier grass (1\% v/w) supplemented with soybean bran, hydroxyethylcellulose and B complex vitamins were used. Soybean bran (1.5 \% w/v), B complex vitamins (0.1\%), and hydroxyethilcellulose (0.15\%) led to an increase in xylanase production (23.41 U/mL). In SSF, the effects of the following parameters were studied: substrate composition (sugarcane bagasse, Napier grass and soybean bran), initial moisture, and inoculum rate. In SSF, the highest xylanase activity (423.9 U/g) was reached with: 70 \% sugarcane bagasse, 20\% Napier grass and 10\% soybean meal, 90\% of moisture, and 10(7)/g substrate.
Growth and biological conditions of Messastrum gracile were evaluated to compare the effect of photoautotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation on the increase of biomass production and chemical conditions cultured in macrophyte and commercial culture media. The growth rate (k) of M. gracile was different in the culture media, higher in mixotrophic cultivation for Lemna minor culture medium, whilst to Eichhomia crassipes and NPK culture media were higher in photoautotrophic cultivation. Mean lipid contents in photoautotrophic cultivation were 8.2\% biomass dry weight, whereas they reached 19\% biomass dry weight in mixotrophic cultivation. Protein contents were below 48\% biomass dry weight in photoautotrophic cultivation and 30\% biomass dry weight in mixotrophic cultivation. Messastrum gracile cultured in macrophyte culture media (E. crassipes and L. minor) and NPK culture medium provided satisfactory results with regard to lipid and protein contents in mixotrophic and photoautotrophic cultivations, respectively. Lipid and protein contents in alternative media were higher or similar to the CHU12 commercial culture medium.
In this study, gaseous ammonia (NH3) is used as a nitrogen source to modify porous carbon prepared from bagasse by a facile one-pot successive process, namely carbonization in N-2 at 700-900 degrees C, thermal oxidation in atmospheric environment at 300 degrees C and nitrogen modification in NH3 at 300 degrees C. The influences of carbonization temperature, thermal oxidation and NH3 modification as well as their interactions have been carefully investigated. Quantitative analysis of surface functional groups reveals that after oxidation the active sites (C-OH and O=C-OH) on the porous carbon are strongly related to the carbonization temperature, and this results in different ratios of amide nitrogen and pyridine nitrogen on the modified cabon. The molecular dynamics simulation shows that the binding force of amide nitrogen and acetone (5.821 kcal) is stronger than that of pyridine nitrogen and acetone (1.382 kcal), this explains the reason why the modified carbon with higher amide nitrogen has the better acetone adsorption performance. The acetone adsorption property of modified porous cabn can be increased by 44.5\% as compared to the untreated porous carbon. This work provides a new perspective on nitrogen modification of the porous carbon from the low-valued biomass for the VOCs adsorption applications.
The present study was aimed to evaluate chemical composition viz. carbohydrate and protein fractions of some forages and agro-industrial byproducts commonly used for ruminant ration in tropical countries. Five forage samples namely berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), maize (Zea mays), oat (Avena sativa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum); and four agro-industrial byproducts viz. sugarcane tops (Saccharum officinarum), oat hay, wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) and paddy (rice) straw (Oryza sativa) were evaluated by using Cornell net carbohydrate and protein (CNCP) system. Among various carbohydrate fractions, CA (Instantly/fast degradable fraction) was found highest in berseem (34.24\%) and lowest in oat hay (2.63\%); whereas CB1 values (Intermediately degradable fraction) ranged from 11.46\% (berseem) to 3.73\% (pearl millet). CB2 (Slowly degradable fraction) was highest in sugarcane tops (73.46\%) and lowest in berseem (34.25\%). CC which refers as undegradable carbohydrate fraction was found highest in oat hay (25.99\%), but lowest in sugarcane tops (10.09\%). On the other hand, protein fractions, PA (Instantaneously degradable) was found highest in sugarcane tops (39.79\%) and the lowest value was there for paddy straw (9.79\%). On the contrary, paddy straw contained highest PB3, which accounts for slowly degradable fraction of protein as 36.47\% and the lowest value was in sugarcane tops (4.73\%). Non-degradable fraction (PC) was found highest in wheat straw (30.66\%) and lowest in oat (10.56\%). The CNCP analysis dictated the nutrient utilization potential of the given forages and agro-industrial byproducts. Therefore, having lower CC fraction, sugarcane tops and sorghum may supply higher content of carbohydrates, however, lower PC content of oat and pearl millet make them good protein sources to ruminant ration.
Experiments were conducted to enhance the growth of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) through use of sugarcane bagasse as substrate. Bagasse was suspended in water with or without supplementation with fertilizers. Bagasse supplemented with cattle dung and urea favoured higher zooplankton production and significantly (p < 0.05) increased fish growth by over 50\% compared to bagasse or fertilizers on their own. This higher production of fish is attributed to bacterial biofilm promoted on the substrate which, apart from forming food for zooplankton and fish, contributed to improved water quality by lowering ammonia.
Numerous nations around the world have made agriculture their primary industrial sector as it provides employment to millions of people and contributes a significant portion to their national income. However, the increasing demand for agricultural products also leads to producing a substantial amount of agricultural waste. To address this issue, more affordable catalysts are being developed using natural substances like biopolymers, aluminosilicates, zeolites and agricultural wastes including sugarcane bagasse (SCB), coconut husk (CH), corn cobs, wheat straw, rice husks (RH), etc. Since these substances are natural, they don't have an adverse effect on the environment. They are also affordable and cost-effective because they are viewed as a form of waste. Agricultures and their wastes can have an important impact on the design and implementation of more secure and less expensive catalytic systems because of their superior chemical properties for many applications, like coupling, oxidation reactions, organic synthesis, hydrolysis, and others. This review has covered the use of agricultural wastes as effective supports and ecologically friendly reducing agents for the preparation of chemicals and they can be used to produce heterogeneous catalysts by recovering activated carbon (AC) from them because of the beneficial substances they contain. Also, the wide applications of agricultural waste-derived (nano)catalysts are highlighted. In addition, the existing challenges and potential opportunities for research in the near future are proposed.
Biochar is a carbonaceous material that has excellent potential as a fertilizer and soil conditioner. However, there is a lack of information concerning the effects of the amount and particle size of this pyrogenic material on the soil sorption capacity. In this work, evaluation was made of changes in clomazone (CMZ) sorption in a Red Latosol following soil conditioning using different percentages (0.25, 0.5, and 1\% w/w) of sugarcane biochar in three particle sizes (<106, 106-508, and 508-610 mu m). The conditioned soils presented apparent sorption coefficients (K-d) up to 1300 times higher than that of pure soil, besides changes in the behavior of CMZ sorption. The biochar particle size and percentage influenced sorption of the herbicide as well as its retention in the amended soil during desorption processes. Both sorption and desorption Freundlich constants were linearly correlated with the external surface area of the biochar present in the soil.
Biochar produced from different raw materials by pyrolysis have been utilized as an alternative material for organic compound adsorption. This study aims to evaluate the use of biochar generated from sugar cane filter cake, after pyrolysis treatment at 380 degrees C, in the adsorption process of thiamethoxam pesticide in wastewater. The biochar was studied based on moisture, volatile matter, ash content, surface area and porosity, using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the use of biochar as an adsorbent for organic compounds is promising, due to its surface area (19.8 m(2) g(-1)), mesoporosity, and functional groups, such as hydroxyl, present on the biochar surface. The Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models were used for the adsorption study. The pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models were used in the kinetic study of the adsorption process. The results indicated that the adsorption process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models. Finally, the rate of thiamethoxam removal by biochar was approximately 70\% over a period of 60 min, and biochar is, therefore, suitable for the decontamination of wastewater with thiamethoxam.Graphical abstract
The characteristics of natural fibers have significant effects on properties of natural fiber/polymer composites (NFPCs). Herein, agricultural residues (ARs) fibers, including wheat straw (WS), rice straw (RS), rice husk (RH), sugarcane bagasse (SB), cotton stalk (CS), and Moso bamboo fiber (MB) were selected as reinforcement to fabricate NFPCs via extrusion processing. The chemical and physical properties of the fibers were determined. The mechanical properties, hygroscopicity, rheological properties, and dimensional stability of the resulting composites were studied. The MB fiber had the highest alpha-cellulose content (46.4 \%), lignin content (26.4 \%), and crystallinity index (60.2 \%). The CS fiber contained the lowest alpha-cellulose content (29.1 \%) and the highest extractive content (8.9 \%). RS and RH fibers, which with much higher ash content than the other fibers, had the lowest lignin (11.9 \%) and extractive (2.7 \%) contents, respectively. A reduction of fiber length and L/D can be observed after extrusion. SB fibers (794.4 mu m) was longer than other ARs fibers, and the MB and RH had the highest (3.6) and lowest (2.0) L/D, respectively. Addition of ARs fibers in HDPE can improve the tensile and flexural strength, and the mechanical modulus of composites was more than 3 times higher than HDPE. The best mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and thermostability were obtained for the MB-based composite. Composite filled with RH showed the poorest mechanical properties but the best processability. CS-and RS-based composites exhibited much lower Vicat softening temperature (85.57 degrees C and 87.24 degrees C) due to the lower alpha-cel-lulose content and higher extractive content in the fibers. The ARs had the great potential as fillers to prepare NFPCs. It is anticipated that the findings will provide useful design inputs for making construction and building materials.
Brazil houses over 10\% of the total number of known species on Earth, with a great diversity of plants and fungi. The collection, isolation, identification and conservation of filamentous fungi with relevance to agriculture, pharmaceutical, food and biotechnological industries in Biological Resource Centers (CRBs) is very important to the development of a nation's scientific and technological infrastructure. In Brazil, 36 fungal collections are registered in the database of International Collections. Several federal and state programs have encouraged the formation of a researcher's network in order to study natural resources and the nation's biodiversity. In this context, Brazilian researchers have been on the frontiers of knowledge, investigating the enzymatic systems from native filamentous fungi with potential for biomass degradation and biotechnological application. In this review, we address recent progress in Brazilian fungal research, focusing on the identification and study of fungi and enzymes with potential for biomass degradation and application in bioenergy. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The research was conducted to examine the dietary influence of insoluble fiber sources, on performance, gut development, nutrients digestibility and carcass characteristics of the broilers. For this purpose, a total of 180-day old mixed sex, broiler (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups of 6 replicates each. The broilers in first treatment group were fed basal diet, whereas broilers in other experimental groups were fed rations containing insoluble fiber from oat, rice hulls, sugarcane bagasse and wood shavings in such a way that the level of ingredients of each fibre source was 3\%. All the diets were offered to the broilers in mash form during the entire experimental duration. The oat hulls-based diet improved (P < 0.05) the growth performance compared to those fed other experimental diets. The oat hulls-based diets increased the villus height by 15\%, reduced the crypt depth by 11\% and improved the villus height to crypt depth ratio upto 34\% relative to those fed the rice hulls or wood shaving, while those fed sugarcane bagasse or control being intermediate. Apparent illeal digestibility of nutrients including dry matter, crude protein and amino acids was increased (P < 0.05) by feeding oat hulls-based ration to the broilers. Carcass traits such as dressed weight with and without giblets, breast and leg quarter yields were higher (P < 0.05) by the addition of oat hulls compared to other dietary treatment groups. The broiler fed oat hulls and sugarcane bagasse-based rations improved (P < 0.05) the relative weight of the gizzard compared to other treatment groups. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 3\% sugarcane bagasse and oat hulls resulted in an improved production, better duodenal histo-morphology, increased digestibility of various nutrients and carcass parameters in the broilers.
Acid pretreatment (AP) is one of the most widely used processing step in the biochemical route of ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse. During AP, changes in structural features of bagasse, such as crystallinity and surface area, influence enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). Therefore, an integrated optimization study is performed by combining these two processes. Hot utility flow rate and acid concentration of AP are decision variables and the combined severity factor (CSF) of AP affects the EH yields. Three optimization studies, namely, yield maximization, profit maximization of AP, and profit maximization of AP and EH together, are considered, and the actual profit for combined AP and EH for the optimal operating condition recommended by each study are compared. The results showed that combined profit maximization improved in the actual profit as compared to yield maximization study by as much as 18-130 \% across various combinations of solid loading and batch times. The benefit was due to implementation of less severe conditions in AP, reflected in 7-13 \% reduction in CSF. However, it was also observed that the benefit of combined profit maximization over profit maximization of AP was a function of enzyme cost. The benefit was marginal for low enzyme cost of 0.85 \$/kg, but increased up to 13.6 \% for the enzyme cost of 3 \$/kg. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify batch time and enzyme cost as key exogenous parameters.
The selection of microbes by enrichment on plant biomass has been proposed as an efficient way to develop new strategies for lignocellulose saccharification. Here, we report an in-depth analysis of soil-derived microbial consortia that were trained to degrade once-used wheat straw (WS1-M), switchgrass (SG-M) and corn stover (CS-M) under aerobic and mesophilic conditions. Molecular fingerprintings, bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomic analyses showed that the three microbial consortia were taxonomically distinct. Based on the taxonomic affiliation of protein-encoding sequences, members of the Bacteroidetes (e.g. Chryseobacterium, Weeksella, Flavobacterium and Sphingobacterium) were preferentially selected on WS1-M, whereas SG-M and CS-M favoured members of the Proteobacteria (e.g. Caulobacter, Brevundimonas, Stenotrophomonas and Xanthomonas). The highest degradation rates of lignin (similar to 59 \%) were observed with SG-M, whereas CS-M showed a high consumption of cellulose and hemicellulose. Analyses of the carbohydrate-active enzymes in the three microbial consortia showed the dominance of glycosyl hydrolases (e.g. of families GH3, GH43, GH13, GH10, GH29, GH28, GH16, GH4 and GH92). In addition, proteins of families AA6, AA10 and AA2 were detected. Analysis of secreted protein fractions (metasecretome) for each selected microbial consortium mainly showed the presence of enzymes able to degrade arabinan, arabinoxylan, xylan, beta-glucan, galactomannan and rhamnogalacturonan. Notably, these metasecretomes contain enzymes that enable us to produce oligosaccharides directly from wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and willow. Thus, the underlying microbial consortia constitute valuable resources for the production of enzyme cocktails for the efficient saccharification of plant biomass.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics and degradability of corn stover, oat straw, sugarcane bagasse and sorghum straw. Feedstuffs were incubated with different doses of yeast {[
The recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass necessitates an efficient pretreatment protocol for operating a successful cellulosic biorefinery. It is critical to improve cellulose accessibility for hydrolysis and fermentation by altering the plant cell wall's physical structure and chemical composition. Sequential hydrothermal-mechanical refining pretreatment (HMR) allows efficient recovery of cellulosic sugars without utilizing any hazardous chemicals. HMR has been successfully applied to Liberty switchgrass, a bioenergy cultivar released by the USDA, and now it is being applied to oilcane, a recently developed transgenic sugarcane variety engineered to accumulate lipids in its vegetative tissues. Sugar yields of oilcane bagasse (OCB) and switchgrass (SG) treated with HMR are 96.4\% and 75.4\%, respectively. This study sought to correlate cellulosic sugar yields with structural changes within the cell wall caused by HMR on two distinct bioenergy crops. Simon's staining technique for the specific surface area analysis showed that HMR increased the specific surface area of pretreated biomass residues by 80-112\%. In addition, ATR-FTIR was performed to determine the effects of HMR on physical structures based on the total crystallinity index (TCI) and hydrogen bonding intensity (HBI). Irrespective of biomass type, HMR decreased the initial crystalline cellulose contents of untreated biomass residues by 3.5\% and reduced TCI and HBI by 7-13\%. The study found that sugar yields were negatively correlated to reducing values of hydrogen bonding intensity, crystalline cellulose content, and total crystallinity index.
The present study investigates the influence of the K/C ratio on the gasification rate during char conversion. Chars of five agricultural biomasses are investigated: kiwi branches, olive branches, grape pomace, torrefied grape pomace, and sugarcane bagasse. Chars of the biomasses were produced in N-2 in a single particle reactor at 800 degrees C and subsequently gasified in CO2 in a TGA at 800 degrees C. The sugarcane bagasse char had a high Si content and a lower reactivity, which often is attributed to the presence of noncatalytic silicates. SEMEDX analysis of the initial Si-rich char revealed that most of the K was not bound as silicates. Around 30-60\% of the K was lost during the char gasification of the chars. The K/C ratio increased as the char conversion proceeded. The instantaneous char gasification rate increased until the K/C ratio was around 0.1 for four of the chars. For coal chars and pure carbons, it has been suggested that the catalytic char gasification rate is saturated when the K/C ratio is 0.1. The results of the present study imply that catalytic char gasification rate may become saturated at high degrees of conversion. From 0\% to 80\% of conversion, the chars showed a similar catalytic behavior: the rate increased almost linearly with the K/C ratio.
In situ ruminal digestibility of four low quality forages (corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw and alfalfa hay control) was evaluated with the addition of enzymatic extract of Cellulomonas flavigena. The enzyme extract (42 IU xylanases ml(-1)) was sprinkled over the forages at 1 ml g(-1) 24h before incubation. Samples were incubated in the rumen of a Holstein cow fitted with a ruminal cannula for 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72h. There were positive effects of the enzyme (P<0.05) on forage DM digestibility at 24 and 48 h of incubation. However, there was no variation in the NDF digestion owing to enzyme or the forage source. In contrast, ADF degradation showed differences (P<0.05) among forages in all incubation times, indicating that the enzyme acted on the hemicellulose and fodder containing different cell wall percentages. Results indicate that Cellulomonas flavigena enzymatic extract improves in situ degradation of DM and ADF in low quality forages
The disposal of wastewater, known as vinasse, from the sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) industry creates environmental problems. Agriculture can offer a potential solution to these problems by using organic residues as substitutes for chemical fertilizers. This study was conducted in Ultisol profiles from Cuba irrigated with vinasse for 40 yr. The effects of this application on physicochemical and mineralogical properties of soils were investigated. Sods fertilized with traditional inorganic fertilizers were used for comparison. Fertilization with the wastewater caused a decrease of soil pH to a depth of 100 cm. There was an increase, however, in electrical conductivity because of the large concentration of K in the wastewater. The amendment also increased the organic matter content throughout the profile. Vinasse application yielded the intercalation of some compounds in the clay mineral smectite. The formation of organo-mineral complexes produced little change in the particle size distribution, but an increase in the poorly crystalline Fe oxyhydroxides in the upper horizon up to 22\%, and the crystallinity of Fe oxyhydroxide in the soil decreased substantially. This was probably due to dissolution and reprecipitation of these oxides by the acid pH of the wastewater. Total and poorly crystalline Mn contents also decreased. The amendment material increased the mobility of metals because of the formation of water-soluble complexes with organic ligands. The results showed that long-term wastewater irrigation could be of agricultural interest due mainly to its organic matter concentration, but micronutrient concentrations in the upper horizons were negatively affected because complexing of metals favored their transport throughout the sod profile, which may eventually lead to deterioration of groundwater quality and micronutrient deficiency.
The effect of dynamic regulation of vacuum pressure was analyzed in an adiabatic batch crystallizer using data and image acquisition. virtual instruments, and supervisor control to obtain a controlled vacuum pressure, confirming that the process follows programmed routes in the central computer to obtain both programmed vacuum pressure and cooling dynamic profiles inside the crystallizer (direct design approach). The dynamical regulation profile of vacuum pressure called ``adiabatic natural cooling{''
Natural fibers, including mineral and plant fibers, are increasingly used for polymer composite materials due to their low environmental impact. In this paper, thermographic non-destructive inspection techniques were used to evaluate and characterize basalt, jute/hemp and bagasse fibers composite panels. Different defects were analyzed in terms of impact damage, delaminations and resin abnormalities. Of particular interest, homogeneous particleboards of sugarcane bagasse, a new plant fiber material, were studied. Pulsed phase thermography and principal component thermography were used as the post-processing methods. In addition, ultrasonic C-scan and continuous wave terahertz imaging were also carried out on the mineral fiber laminates for comparative purposes. Finally, an analytical comparison of different methods was given.
Activated biocarbons were prepared using biomass wastes: sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell and endocarp of babassu coconut; as a renewable source of low-cost raw materials and without prior treatments. These activated biocarbons were characterized by textural analysis, solid-state(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. Textural analysis results revealed that those activated biocarbons were microporous, with specific surface area values of 547, 991 and 1,068 m(2)g(-1)from sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell and endocarp of babassu coconut, respectively. The innovation of this work was to evaluate which biomass residue was able to offer the best performance in removing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide (2,4-D) from water by adsorption. Adsorption process of 2,4-D was investigated and the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson models described best the adsorption process, withR(2)values within 0.96-0.99. The 2,4-D removal performance were 97\% and 99\% for the coconut and babassu biocarbons, respectively.q(M)parameter values obtained from Langmuir model were 153.9, 233.0 and 235.5 mg g(-1)using sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell and endocarp of babassu, respectively. In addition, the adsorption kinetics were described nicely by the second-order model and the Gibbs free energy parameter values were negative, pointing to a spontaneous adsorption, as well.
In this study, we reported the use of X-ray microtomography (mu CT) as a new analytical tool to investigate better the dispersion of natural filler in the polymer matrix. The pre-treated sugarcane bagasse (SCB), richer in cellulose, was first functionalised by hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) and then added (10, 20 and 30 wt\% filler) to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by melt mixing. The microstructure organization of the cellulose in the composites was studied using 3D and 2D mu CT images, where it was possible to obtain an in-depth morphological and morphometric analysis. Thus, the synergistic effect of the filler on the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix as a function of surface chemistry was well clarified without the need of a large number of micrographs as is required to show the quality of dispersion using conventional imaging techniques. The characterisation method reported here is an easy, non-destructive and powerful way to characterise the cellulose fibres dispersion in LDPE-based composites and it can be applied to other fillers and polymer matrices.
This paper presents the results of the application of new mathematical adsorption models with the unique numerical fast multivariate identification procedure as the tool for analysing the influence of the impregnation ratio i.e. activator to the raw material mass ratio on the microporous structure development of the activated carbons, obtained from sugarcane bagasse and rice husk by chemical activation with phosphoric(V) acid.
Glycerol organosolv (GO) pretreatment has been revealed to be potent in selectively deconstructing the lignocellulosic biomass and effectively enhancing its enzymatic hydrolysis, but the conventional solid washing and GO lignin extraction processes frequently consume large amounts of water, resulting additionally in difficulty recycling the glycerol. In this study, an anhydrous two-step organosolv pretreatment process was explored, followed by the membrane ultrafiltration of glycerol lignin. The results showed that the solid washing of the residual glycerol after the atmospheric glycerol organosolv (AGO) pretreatment was necessary for the subsequent operation of high-solid enzymatic hydrolysis. Washing with ethanol was desirable as an alternative to water as only a low glycerol content of 5.2\% resided in the substrate. Membrane ultrafiltration was helpful in extracting the AGO lignin from the pretreatment liquor, in which a high lignin extraction of 81.5\% was made with a regenerated cellulose membrane (cut-off for 1 kDa) under selected ultrafiltration conditions. With the characterization of membrane-extracted lignin, it was observed for the first time that the AGO lignin has a well-preserved structure of G/S type. Moreover, the lignin was enriched with reactive groups, i.e. beta-O-4 ` linkages and aliphatic hydroxyl groups, which was very likely due to the glycerol grafting onto the lignin via alpha-etherification reaction. The two-step organosolv pretreatment process allowed 86\% of glycerol and 92\% of the ethanol recovery with similar to 78\% of distillation energy savings, which was applicable for extraction of organosolv lignin and recycling use of organic solvents.
Inorganic anion monitoring is essential for bioreactor operation and is related for pollution control or energy and products recovery. However, there is a lack of studies validating methods for inorganic anions analyses in conditions compatible to those in bioreactor operations treating different types of wastewater. This paper provides a systematic statistical study and matrix-effect assessment for sugarcane vinasse, leachate, sewage and synthetic sewage. Sample preparation consisted of only a filtration and sample dilution. Cl-, NO2 (-), NO3 (-), PO4 (3-) and SO4 (2-) were determined in a Dionex ICS 5000A (R) equipped with a chemical conductivity suppressor. Calibration curves were linear and well-adjusted between 2.5 and 50 mg L-1 for all the anions in all the tested matrices, except PO4 (3-) and SO4 (2-) in vinasse. A calibration range for PO4 (3-) in all tested matrices was 5.0 to 100 mg L-1, whereas a range from 5.0 mg L-1 to 50 mg L-1 was obtained for SO4 (2-) in vinasse. All the anions yielded recoveries in the range of 85-115\% for all the tested matrices. Relative standard deviations lower than 10 and 2\% were achieved for peak areas and retention times, respectively. A signal enhancement was observed for all the tested matrices and all the anions. The matrix effect level varied from -1.7 (NO2 (-) in vinasse) to -33.9\% (Cl- in leachate). Sewage was the less affected matrix, while leachate gave higher matrix effects. Validation results and the matrix effect assessment showed that a simple sample preparation is suitable for multi-elemental analyses of inorganic anions for complex environmental samples.
Cost effective and environmental friendly biochar catalyst (SugBC900) with high catalytic activity toward peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was prepared by simple pyrolysis of sugarcane waste, and utilized for efficient degradation of organic pollutants. Taking advantages of high sp(2) hybrid carbon content, large surface area and excellent electron transfer ability, the SugBC900 coupled with PMS presented far greater catalytic degradation ability toward bisphenol A (BPA) as model pollutant when compared to the SugBC700, SugBC800 and other carbonaceous catalysts. The oxidative species of O-1(2) and O-2(center dot-) were demonstrated to be dominant for catalytic degradation, and the role of SO4 center dot- and (OH)-O-center dot was minor. 20 mg/mL of BPA could be completely degraded with less than 60 min at pHs of 5.0-11.0, and at temperatures of 25-45 degrees C. And at the extremely acidic (pH of 1.0) or low temperature (10 degrees C) conditions, the degradation efficiencies could still reach more than 90\%. The SugBC900 was also successfully utilized for the efficiently catalytic degradation of BPA and other organic pollutants in various real environmental water. Because of simple preparation by impregnating none of external elements, extremely low cost property, and robustness characteristic by having broad working conditions, the SugBC900 would have potential to be a good alternative to the conventional catalysts.
The kinetics of ozonolysis for a number of plant materials (aspen and pine sawdust, wheat straw, flax chaff, and sunflower husks) is comparatively studied, and the dependences of the rate of ozone absorption on the water content in lignocellulosic samples are obtained. The kinetic curves of water absorption by different plant materials in a saturated water vapor atmosphere at room temperature are constructed, and the equilibrium values of water content are determined. It is shown that straw is characterized by a higher affinity for water than wood. The range of the moisture contents of lignocellulosic materials that ensures the maximum rate of their reaction with ozone is found. No appreciable effect of the nature of plant material on the rate of ozone absorption was detected, since the process is controlled by the diffusion of ozone in the pores of materials.
Duraplasty is necessary in nearly 30\% of all neurological surgeries. Different tissues and materials have been evaluated in dura mater repair or as dural substitutes in neurosurgery. The aim was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes, produced from sugarcane molasses, for dural defect repair in rats. Forty adults males Wistar rats divided into two groups: a control (ePTFE) and an experimental (BC). Bilateral frontoparietal craniectomy was performed, and a dural defect was created. The arachnoid underlying defect was disrupted with a narrow hook. The animals were observed for 120 days. There were no cases of infection, cerebrospinal fluid fistulae, delayed hemorrhages, behavior disturbances, seizures and palsies. The BC membrane showed to have suitable biocompatibility properties, was not induced immune reaction, nor chronic inflammatory response and absence of neurotoxicity signals.
This study compares two different sequential pretreatments for sugarcane leaf waste (SLW): steam salt alkali (SSA) and microwave salt-alkali (MSA). The two pretreatment types were modelled, optimized and validated with R-2 > 0.97. Reducing sugar yields of 1.21 g/g were obtained with optimized SSA pretreatment using 1.73 M ZnCl2, 1.36 M NaOH and 9.69\% solid loading, and 1.17 g/g with optimized MSA pretreatment using 1.67 M ZnCl2, 1.52 M NaOH at 400 W for 10 min. A lower pretreatment time (10 min) was required for the MSA model (83\% lower). The structure of pretreated SLW was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR). The optimized SSA and MSA models showed lignin removal of 80.5 and 73\% respectively. The MSA pretreatment was further examined on sorghum leaves and Napier grass and showed yield improvements of 1.9- and 2.8-fold compared to recent reports. The developed pretreatment methods demonstrated high efficiency at enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis on various lignocellulosic substrates. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The rapid industrialization and urbanization resulted in large quantity of waste generation and in turn, environmental degradation. Recycling of solid waste into a sustainable construction material with optimum mix proportion is the global need to reduce its adverse environmental impacts. The present paper aimed at optimization of the mix proportion for designing the sustainable material. Sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) was identified as the principal raw material over the study area. It was used further in combination with quarry dust (QD), and lime (L) for various proportions to develop the sustainable bricks. In all 35 compositions for SBA-QD-L bricks were developed and Physico-mechanical properties were evaluated using standard laboratory tests as per Indian standards. A statistical cubical regression model was formulated for compressive strength of brick as a function of mix proportion using XLSTAT software. To achieve the criteria of sustainability, constraints were developed in terms of achieving maximum compressive strength and minimum embodied energy. A multi objective non-linear optimization model was formulated and optimum mix proportion was obtained using software LINGO. The optimum value of compressive strength and embodied energy predicted by this model was 5.44 MPa and 2.32 MJ. The embodied energy was estimated to be 47 \% and 5\% lower than the conventional burnt clay and fly ash bricks. A cost analysis was also carried out between optimum composition of SBA-QD-L bricks and commercially available fly ash bricks. The percentage reduction in the cost was found to be 49 \% and 58\% as compared to the fly ash and burnt clay bricks. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
To demonstrate the benefits of upgrading biomass, six samples of unique materials were combusted under pulverized fuel conditions aiming at the demonstration of complete coal replacement. These fuels were: sugarcane bagasse (SCB) (raw and steam exploded); sugarcane trash (SCT) (steam exploded and washed + steam exploded); empty fruit bunch (steam exploded and washed + steam exploded). The study shows that volatiles dominate the NOX formation, thus with a proper air staging all upgraded biofuels can be used to reduce directly NOX formation, when replacing coal. Washing reduces slagging issues by removing most of K, however, in the case of the sugarcane based biofuels, Fe still plays a crucial role in the melting/slag behavior. The combustion of raw bagasse and steam exploded bagasse formed relatively low amounts of aerosols, nevertheless enriched in NaCl and KCl, which poses a potential operational/corrosion risk when deposited on heat-exchanger surfaces. For SCT and EFB, washing is essential to reduce the aerosol formation, e.g. for EFB the submicron-particle mass was reduced by more than 90\% and the fouling decreased proportionally by a factor of 10. Without washing unacceptably high slagging, fouling and corrosion potentials were observed with the steam exploded EFB. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
In this study, 50 bacterial strains were screened for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. The isolated bacterial strain Bacillus flexus ME-77 was found to be the most potent PHA producer. The extracted PHA was analyzed using NMR techniques, which showed that it is of the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) type. The highest PHB production (4.5 g/L) was achieved using 30 g/L sugarcane molasses (SCM) at pH 7.5 and applying 1, 0.2 and 0.03 g/L of phosphate, MgSO4 7H(2)O and CaCl2, respectively, at 27 degrees C incubation temperature and 200 rpm agitation speed. The bacterial strain Bacillus flexus ME-77 with its potential could be further explored for cost-effective production of PHAs using low-cost agro-industrial food wastes such as sugarcane molasses as a low-cost sole carbon source.
The Indian sugar industry, a significant player in the national economy, has faced many challenges in the course of its journey. The threat posed by the growing pandemic novel corona virus (COVID-19), has been the most recent one and it is impacting sugar industry stakeholders and its integrated industries, not only in India, but all over the world. The entire value chain of the Indian sugar industry, viz., sugarcane, sugar, molasses, ethanol and their subsequent marketing and export, has been adversely affected from the spillover impacts. The major impacts of COVID-19 on Indian sugar industry are discussed.
Petroleum dependency is a challenge that can potentially be partly offset by agricultural production of biofuels, while decreasing net, nonrenewable carbon dioxide output. Plants have not been domesticated for modern biofuel production, and the quickest, most efficient, and often, the only way to convert plants to biofuel feedstocks is biotechnologically. First generation biofuel feedstock sources: sugarcane and cereal grains to produce bioethanol and biobutanol and oilseeds to produce biodiesel compete directly with needs for world food security. The heavy use of oilseed rape releases quantities of methyl bromide to the atmosphere, which can be prevented by gene suppression. Second generation bioethanolic/biobutanolic biofuels will come from cultivated lignocellulosic crops or straw wastes. These presently require heat and acid to remove lignin, which could be partially replaced by transgenically reducing or modifying lignin content and upregulating cellulose biosynthesis. Non-precipitable silicon emissions from burning could be reduced by transgenically modulating silicon content. The shrubby Jatropha and castor beans should have highly toxic protein components transgenically removed from their meal, cancer potentiating diterpenes removed from the oils, and allergens from the pollen, before extensive cultivation. Algae and cyanobacteria for third generation biodiesel need transgenic manipulation to deal with ``weeds{''
Iron deficiency anemia is a challenge to global public health, and the development of iron-enriched foods are an opportunity to reduce this problem. Lentinus crinitus is a basidiomycete with high metal bioaccumulation capacity that is consumed by Amazonian Indians. This study aimed to evaluate iron bioaccumulation in the mycelial biomass of L. crinitus cultivated in agroindustrial byproducts. First, the fungus grew in a liquid medium with iron addition from 0.116 (control) to 100 mg L-1. The addition of 90 mg L-1 iron to the culture medium resulted in 15.07 +/- 1.44 dg kg(-1) of iron mycelial bioaccumulation, a 9000-fold increase compared with the control. Then, the fungus grew in agroindustrial byproducts sugarcane (SCM) or soybean (SBM) molasses added with 90 mg L-1 iron and 0.9 mg L-1 manganese, a new element in the assay. The iron concentrations in the mycelial biomass cultivated in SCM or SBM were 20.78 +/- 2.28 or 34.71 +/- 4.31 dg kg(-1), respectively, at 21 cultivation days. The cultivation time and the presence of iron and manganese in the culture media were important variables for iron bioaccumulation in the mycelial biomass. Our study evidenced that agroindustrial byproducts, mainly SCM, can be used to successfully produce mycelial biomass enriched with iron - as an alternative functional food - to add value to the food production chain. Also, the iron-enriched biomass can be an alternative for non-living animal protein supply. {[
In this paper, the influence of different biomass waste and its biochar properties have been studied. This study used Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Electron Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to observe the surface morphology properties of the biochars produced from sugarcane bagasse (SB) and wheat husk (WH) at 800 degrees C. The FE-SEM images showed that sugarcane bagasse char (SBC) and wheat husk char (WHC) clearly retained the fibrous structures of the biomass waste and were rich in macropores. Mineral elements (e.g., K, Mg, Si, and P) were found in the derived biochars. The abundant pores and minerals in the biochars are helpful for ameliorating soil through the supplies of micro spaces and mineral nutrition.
The optimization of lignin recovery from coconutfiber (CF), oil palm mesocarpfiber (OPMF), and sugarcanebagasse (SCB) using ethanol organosolv was investigated as well asthe resulting lignin characteristics. Ethanol organosolv ligninrecovery was successfully optimized, and the lignin yield (YL)was maximized. Ethanol concentration and temperature higherthan 74\% and 187 degrees C maximized theYL, playing a significant rolein lignin yield.YLwas higher for SCB than for other biomasses.High-purity and high-quality lignins were obtained with slightlydifferent structural characteristics among the raw materials. Theobtained lignins were thep-hydroxyphenyl-guaiacyl-syringyl typewith a purity higher than 86\%. SCB lignin seemed to be a betterchoice than CF and OPMF lignins for application in aromatic polymerization, because of its higher lignin yield, higher purity, higherthermal stability, and more reactive sites.
The generation of energy by thermoelectric plants powered by biomass in Brazil has grown by similar to 3\% in the last three years. In 2016, 8.8\% of the electric energy in Brazil was generated using biomass as an input. However, the generation of residues and the possibility of reapproaching have motivated the planning and uses of electrochemical processes to evaluate the obtained gases (mainly hydrogen and carbon monoxide) as clean energy sources. Although thermochemical processes using biomass as an energy source already exist, few reports regarding the study of this process through electrolysis are available. Herein, we describe a water electrolysis process using sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and malt bagasse as biomass residues to obtain gases with potential uses as clean energy sources and analyze the mass concentration influences on the behavior of the electrochemical solution. Tafel and cyclic voltammetry analyzes showed a tendency to decrease the kinetics and current of the system with the increase of the biomass residue concentration in the solution. In contrast, sugarcane bagasse concentrations of 0.1\%-1\% increase the current. The faradaic efficiency and partial current density analysis confirm the results obtained from cyclic voltammetry for hydrogen production, with less faradaic efficiency for hydrogen and reduced current values in the system when the biomass residue concentration is higher. The production efficiency of carbon monoxide formed at the anode increases with the concentration for sugarcane bagasse (2.01-5.21 mu A/cm(2)) with 1\% of the biomass in solution. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The present work proposes, in the context of a Biorefinery, to assess the biochemical-thermochemical hybrid route through the recovery of the residual cellulignin from pre-treatment and hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and straw in an integrated first- and second-generation ethanol plant (1G2G plant), by means of residual cellulignin gasification in a thermochemical ethanol plant. In this assessment, a decentralized plant concept is considered, in which four first-and second-generation ethanol biochemical plants (1G2G biochemical plants) processing 4 million tonnes of sugarcane per year (4 MTC/y) each and producing first-and second-generation ethanol supply residual cellulignin for a central standalone feedstock flexible thermochemical plant, configuring an 1G2G biochemical-thermochemical ethanol hybrid scenario. As base scenario, four 1G2G autonomous plants with residual cellulignin burned in the boilers is selected. For the routes comparison, main technical, economic and environmental aspects of each scenario are assessed. Results showed an increase in total anhydrous ethanol production for 1G2G biochemical-thermochemical ethanol hybrid scenario, besides higher alcohols that are also produced in this scenario. An increase of capital investment is observed for the 1G2G biochemical-thermochemical ethanol hybrid scenario justifying the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) lower than the base scenario, yet with a positive net present value (NPV). Environmental results showed similar impacts for both scenarios.
The transformation of agricultural waste into activated carbon represents an attractive approach as new and alternative source, but also as a reduction of pollution associated to the degradation of precursors. The organic residues sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse-shell, orange (Citrus sinensis) peel-bagasse, and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaves, obtained from a biodrying process were transformed into activated carbons using phosphoric acid as activating agent. The resulting materials were physicochemically characterized and after that, carbonaceous electrodes were prepared to test the feasibility of using them in a discoloration electroFenton wastewater treatment process. Orange peel-bagasse biodried precursor transformed into activated carbon showed the highest efficiency when used as the modifier in a carbon paste electrode due to its highest porosity, electroactive area (24.9x10-2 cm2), and roughness (1.21 a.u.), also to its chemical affinity for anionic molecules. These properties, in addition to the capability of electro-sorb iron ions on the surface during the Fenton reaction, allowed a 44 \% methyl orange discoloration efficiency. Sugarcane bagasse-peel and eucalyptus leaves biodried residues were also evaluated with efficiencies under 30 \%, mainly attributed to intrinsic composition of the precursor materials.
Mass-rearing protocols must be developed, in particular, a cost-effective larval diet, to implement the sterile insect technique against Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann). The key elements of this diet are the optimal nutrients and their concentrations, diet supports or bulking agents, and the pH of the diet. To improve the currently used formulation and develop a more cost-effective diet, in the present study, we evaluated various supports, sugar contents, nutrient proportions and pH levels. Egg-to-pupa recovery was found to increase when agar was replaced with sponge cloth in the diet. Although low, the recovery values obtained when using the sugarcane bagasse-based diet were similar to those obtained when using the agar-based diet, but the percentage of adult emergence was lower. Larval viability was found to increase when the amount of sugar in the diet was doubled. Yet, it is still necessary to evaluate this diet on a larger scale and determine the feasibility of reusing the sponge cloth to reduce the costs of larval diets.
Emissions from burning major agricultural residue were measured through laboratory simulations using a self-designed dilution chamber system. Emission factors of CO2, CO, non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs), PM10, PM2.5, OC and EC in PM2.5 were measured for burning rice straw in flaming and smoldering combustion, and for burning of sugarcane leaves. NMHCs emitted from crop straw open burning were dominated by C-2 hydrocarbons (ethene, ethane, ethyne), contributing (53.4 +/- 4.6)\% in volume in rice straw burning emissions and 41.8\% in sugarcane burning emissions, respectively. Acetone and aldehyde were major OVOCs species in open straw burning emissions. A survey was conducted to determine the fraction of field crop biomass burned during harvesting season and the amounts of household firewood and crop residue consumption in 2008. Information obtained from the survey, together with measured EFs for field burning of rice straw and sugarcane, and EFs from literatures for field burning of other agricultural residues, biofuel combustion and forest fires, were used in developing the source inventories of carbonaceous pollutants in the PRD region. The annual emissions of CO, VOCs (including NMHCs and OVOCs), NOx, PM2.5, OC and EC from burning biomass were estimated to be 186.38, 15.94, 4.93, 15.56, 7.10, 2.25 kt in the year 2008, respectively. These estimates are lower than previously published estimates by 23-63\%. Open burning patterns (flaming and smoldering) and rural biofuel use contribute to the differences. Field burning of straw contributed mainly to VOCs, PM2.5 and OC emissions while the residential sector was the dominant source of EC, CO and NOx. The contributions of biomass burning to entire PRD emissions are estimated as 3.37-6.53\%, respectively, for PM, and 1.82-3.17\%, respectively, for VOCs, and 0.52-2.77\%, respectively, for NOx. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Herein we describe a simple and fast spectroscopy method based on the Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR) method (or low field NMR) to determine the efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatments for increasing saccharification by enzymes, a key step in second generation (2G) ethanol production. Three different pretreatments (liquid hot water (LHW), steam explosion (SE) and steam-exploded and delignified (SED) process) were used as characteristic processes to reduce biomass recalcitrance, being the untreated and treated biomass (sugarcane bagasse) fully characterized before and after the treatments - using electron microscopy, structural techniques and the direct evaluation of commercial enzyme activity. The analyses in TD-NMR indicate that the binding mode of water (1. Shorter T-2-water molecules of low mobility, which are adsorbed into the cell wall and around the lumens; 2. Intermediate T-2-looser water molecules and within small cellulose pores; 3. Longer T-2-water inside larger cellulose pores and excess water outside the cellulose pores) as evinced by the technique are directly related to the ability of each process for increasing the enzymatic action in the saccharification of pretreated biomass. Given its low cost and fast acquisition time, the proposed method based in TD-NMR could be especially useful as a predictive technique for control routines in large-scale industrial production of 2G ethanol.
Burning down on semi-solid by-product from distillation of cellulosic ethanol to power upstream steps of its manufacturing is usual. However, this feedstock is homogenous in size and shape, hygroscopic and poorly energetic. These disadvantages make its re-use in the industrial plant very complex. Conversion of this agro-residue into high-performance blends for heating and power is, accordingly, the scientific point of this study. The pilot-scale manufacturing of composite pellets consisted of systematically pressing the residue with sugarcane bagasse at the mass ratios of 1:4, 2:4, and 3:4 on an automatic pelletizer machine at 200 MPa and 125 \& DEG;C. The process of compaction lasted for 90 s. Durability and energy density, both increased significantly, from 95.85\% to 99.55\% and from 27.95 GJ m-3 to 32.20 GJ m-3 with blending at 3:4. Practically, the semi-solid by-product considerably improved the feeding, thus, enabling the layers of particles to go smoothly through the channel-forming die of the machine. Thereby, blends became stiffer and denser than pellets purely consisting of sugarcane bagasse. Preliminary evidence of the process of pelleting capable of highly valorizing the semi-solid by-product from distillation of cellulosic bioethanol into mechanically stable and energetically effective hybrid fuel grade biosolids exist. The major findings of this paper should be of great relevance to ensure safe and effective transportation and storage of biomass in indoor facilities where the risk for the generation of dust and fines and the subsequent off-gassing and self-firing is high. Furthermore, pelletization may optimize the co-generation of heat and steam at the large-scale bioethanol station.
The proper disposal and management of the waste generated from the agro-industrial activity in Colombia constitute a problem with environmental, economic and social implications, such that its solution constitutes a matter of national interest. Thus, the objective of this work is to estimate the potential of biomethane production by biochemical conversion of selected agro-industrial waste and, its use is proposed in vehicular transport currently moved by natural gas. Methodologically, the study relies on official statistics of the national entities that report the volume of crops and waste generated yearly, Three crops were selected, applying criteria of abundance, geographic distribution, and energy properties: sugarcane, palm oil, and rice; the waste considered for each of them were sugarcane bagasse, empty fruit bunches of palm oil and rice straw. The conversion of said waste to energy vectors is by anaerobic digestion producing biogas, and from its purification, biomethane. The volume of biomethane obtained was 1,290x10(6) m(3)/year. This important value was compared with studies from other countries. The prospects for the final use of biomethane as vehicle fuel are promising. So, biomethane is a potentially attractive develop option in Colombia, which would make it necessary to carry out more specific and detailed studies include economic, environmental and social aspects that would positively impact the route to the sustainable development of the country.
Composites of sawdust and sugarcane molasses with styrene-maleic acid copolymer {[
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high organic loading rates (OLR) (60.0-480.00 kg COD m (3) d (1)) on biohydrogen production at 55 degrees C, from sugarcane stillage for 15,000 and 20,000 mg COD L (1), in two anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBR(1) and AFBR(2)). It was obtained, for H-2 yield and content, a decreasing trend by increasing the OLR. The maximum H-2 yield was observed in AFBR(1) (2.23 mmol g CODadded1). The volumetric H-2 production was proportionally related to the applied hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 4, 2 and 1 h and verified in AFBR1 the highest value (1.49 L H-2 h (1) L (1)). Among the organic acids obtained, there was a predominance of lactic acid (7.5-22.5\%) and butyric acid (9.4-23.8\%). The microbial population was set with hydrogen-producing fermenters (Megasphaera sp.) and other organisms (Lactobacillus sp.). (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Utilization of renewable energies such as biofuels is rapidly progressing in many countries for environmental protection reasons. The surge of global energy demand and environmental concerns has led to greater desire to replace fossil fuels with clean and renewable fuels. One of the best substitutes to the gasoline is bioethanol. The main advantage of bioethanol is the environmentally-friendly nature of this fuel; which is produced sustainably from the nature. This study examines the potential of producing bioethanol from agricultural residues such as rice straw, wheat straw, barley straw, rice hulls, maize fodder, sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks in the Mazandaran province in the south of Caspian Sea in Iran. This is the first time which a thorough study has been performed for this purpose in the south of Caspian Sea. The study evaluates 13 major cities of the province to find the best location for installing a bioethanol production plant. The evaluation is performed with the use of Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methods. The Borda ranking method is used to summarize and suggest a single final location. Results show that the Mazandaran province has great bioethanol production potential although the Babol city ranks first for the bioethanol production plant development. The methodology described in this research provides future oriented and pro-active methods for convincing, professionals, policy makers, and management in order to decide and locate the best site for production of bioethanol fuel.
The growing emphasis in alternative revenue streams, from the conversion of sugarcane bagasse into energy co-products has prompted a desire by the sugar factories to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the parameters whose steady-state deviation leads to excess energy use in sugar mills. The effect of eight operating parameters on the defined energy indicators was investigated, using a MATLAB simulation of a 250-tonne per hour sugar mill. The captured energy trends were used to develop energy prediction models based on the parameters whose steady-state offsets resulted in excess energy use. High prediction accuracies of over 95\% were obtained when the developed energy prediction models were validated for seasonal cane quality and evaporator heat transfer coefficient variations. Increased A-massecuite recycling had a more pronounced effect on the energy used per kilogramme of water in the evaporator unit as compared to the crystallisation unit. Of the eight parameters, elevated imbibition water use and A-massecuite recycling had a cumulative percentage effect of 79\% on the overall steam used per tonne of cane and sugar produced. Hence increasing the syrup concentration, decreasing imbibition water use and massecuite recycling are preferred operational strategies for improved energy-efficiency in a sugar mill. Overall, this study strengthens the existing literature by illustrating an approach for developing suitable energy indicators for excess energy use monitoring in sugarcane mills. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In this study, levulinic acid (LA) was produced from rice straw biomass in co-solvent biphasic reactor system consisting of hydrochloric acid and dichloromethane organic solvent. The modified protocol achieved a 15\% wt LA yield through the synergistic effect of acid and acidic products (auto-catalysis) and the designed system allowed facile recovery of LA to the organic phase. Further purification of the resulting extractant was achieved through traditional column chromatography, which yielded a high purity LA product while recovering similar to 85\% wt. Upon charcoal treatment of the resultant fraction generated an industrial grade target molecule of similar to 99\% purity with similar to 95\% wt recovery. The system allows the solvent to be easily recovered, in excess of 90\%, which was shown to be able to be recycled up to 5 runs without significant loss of final product concentrations. Overall, this system points to a method to significantly reduce manufacturing cost during large-scale LA preparation.
Low nutrient availability in sandy soils is a serious threat to crop productivity. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of cotton-sticks biochar, sugarcane press-mud, and vegetable compost on soil chemical properties and chickpea yield in sandy soils. Two chickpea varieties, Bittal-2016 and Noor-2019, were grown in soil amended with cotton-sticks biochar at 10 and 15 Mg ha-1; sugarcane press-mud at 10 and 15 Mg ha-1; vegetable compost at 10 and 15 Mg ha-1; cotton-sticks biochar at 10 and 15 Mg ha-1 plus loaded with Fe/Zn including no amendment. Cotton-sticks biochar at 15 Mg ha-1 loaded with Fe/Zn significantly increased chlorophyll (48.40), N (3.1, 2.5, and 3.9\%), P (1.13\%, 1.10, and 1.4\%), and K (1.44, 2.26, and 1.27\%) in root, shoot, and grains of var. Noor-2019. Soil amended with vegetable compost at 10 Mg ha-1 and Fe/Zn-loaded biochar at 15 Mg ha-1 exhibited a marked increase in shoot length (43.2 cm), root length (25.8 cm), root fresh weight (8.0 g), pods per plant (34), 100-grain weight (32.7 g), and grain yield (25.9 g) for var. Noor-2019. Amended soil with Fe/Zn-loaded biochar at 10 Mg ha-1 depicted a remarkable increase in soil EC, pH, OM, and N by 2.12 dS m-1, 8.4, 0.67\% and 0.20\%, respectively. Conclusively, Fe/Zn-loaded cotton-sticks biochar at 15 Mg ha-1 and vegetable compost at 10 Mg ha-1 effectively improved the soil chemical properties, nutrient uptake, and yield of var. Noor-2019. Hence, cotton-sticks biochar could be used as eco-friendly approach for improving chickpea production in coarse-textured soils.
A 2(III)(7-3) fractional factorial experimental design was used to establish 16 culture media, with and without PCBs to enhance the activities of laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and versatile peroxidase (VP) produced by the white rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. The culture was added to 10,000 mg L-1 of transformer oil, containing 71\% of the identified Arochlor 1242. The culture conditions were established with eight variables at two values (levels); pH (4 and 6), agitation (100 and 200 rpm), CuSO4 (150 and 250 mg L-1), MnSO4 (50 and 200 mg L-1), Tween 80 (13 and 3500 mg L-1), wheat straw (0 and 2.5 g L-1), sugarcane bagasse (0 and 2.5 g L-1),and Arochlor 1242 (0 and 7100 mg L-1) at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days old culture. Laccase activity was enhanced at a high value of pH and low value of agitation (P < 0.001) and correlated positively (R-2 = 0.9; alpha = 0.05) with the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). VP activity was enhanced 27-fold with PCBs, Tween 80 and pH. The MnP activity was increased 1.2-fold with PCBs. The fractional factorial experimental design methodology allowed us to determine the P ostreatus culture media conditions to enhance Lac and VP activities for efficient removal of Arochlor 1242 (one of the most recalcitrant organochloride pollutants). The factors that shown the greatest effect on Lac activity were: pH, agitation and high concentrations of Arochlor 1242.
This study aims to evaluate the use of two biochars obtained by pyrolysis of sugarcane-bagasse and compare it with commercial activated carbons as catalysts for the recovery of metals from one mining waste from sulfide minerals flotation (MW). It is also intended to determine the influence of carbon materials on the toxicity of the final residues. Leaching tests were performed in 250 mL erlenmeyer flasks using plates with magnetic stirrers during 24 h, at 90 degrees C and a stirring speed of 350 rpm. For each test, 5 g of MW were mixed with carbon material in two ratios of MW/carbon material (1/0.1 and 1/0.2 wt/wt) and 100 mL of leaching agent (H2SO4 solution at pH = 0.8-0.9 and 5 gL-1 of Fe3+). The experimental results showed that the addition of biochar and activated carbon enhances the recovery of Cu and Zn. The use of commercial activated carbons in ratios of 1/0.1 and 1/0.2 MW/carbon material leads to the extraction of more than 91 \% of Cu and 97 \% of Zn, after 24 h of leaching. For biochars, the highest recovery values of Cu (82.9 \%) and Zn (98.1 \%) were achieved with biochar prepared at 750 degrees C and used in the ratio of 1/0.2. However, the addition of carbon materials does not improve the recovery of Co. The presence of carbon materials decreased the electrical conductivity and pH of the final residue. The leaching of samples MW + W35 (1/0.1) and MW + BC550 (1/0.1) leads to a germination index higher than 90 \%. For two biochars, all samples showed non-phytotoxicity.
Background: Using globally abundant crop residues as a carbon source for energy generation and renewable chemicals production stand out as a promising solution to reduce current dependency on fossil fuels. In nature, such as in compost habitats, microbial communities efficiently degrade the available plant biomass using a diverse set of synergistic enzymes. However, deconstruction of lignocellulose remains a challenge for industry due to recalcitrant nature of the substrate and the inefficiency of the enzyme systems available, making the economic production of lignocellulosic biofuels difficult. Metatranscriptomic studies of microbial communities can unveil the metabolic functions employed by lignocellulolytic consortia and identify novel biocatalysts that could improve industrial lignocellulose conversion. Results: In this study, a microbial community from compost was grown in minimal medium with sugarcane bagasse sugarcane bagasse as the sole carbon source. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance was used to monitor lignocellulose degradation; analysis of metatranscriptomic data led to the selection and functional characterization of several target genes, revealing the first glycoside hydrolase from Carbohydrate Active Enzyme family 11 with exo-1,4-beta-xylanase activity. The xylanase crystal structure was resolved at 1.76 angstrom revealing the structural basis of exo-xylanase activity. Supplementation of a commercial cellulolytic enzyme cocktail with the xylanase showed improvement in Avicel hydrolysis in the presence of inhibitory xylooligomers. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that composting microbiomes continue to be an excellent source of biotechnologically important enzymes by unveiling the diversity of enzymes involved in in situ lignocellulose degradation.
In the context of a biorefinery, lignocellulosic materials represent an important source of raw material for the bioconversion of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin into value-added products, such as xylose for fermentation, oligosaccharides, and bioplastics for packaging. Among the most abundant lignocellulosic materials in Brazil, sugarcane bagasse biomass stands out, as it is rich in cellulose and hemicellulose. In this context, through an experimental design, this study developed a robust enzyme cocktail containing xylanases and accessory enzymes to complete the hydrolysis of xylan from sugarcane bagasse, obtaining a low xylose yield and concentration (9\% and 1.8 g/L, respectively, observed in experiment number 16 from the complete hydrolysis of a xylan assay), a fermentable sugar that is important in the production of second-generation ethanol, and a high xylooligosaccharides (XOS) yield and concentration (93.1\% and 19.6 g/L, respectively, obtained from a xylooligosaccharides production assay); in general, xylan has prebiotic activities that favor an improvement in intestinal functions, with immunological and antimicrobial actions and other benefits to human health. In addition to completely hydrolyzing the sugarcane bagasse xylan, this enzymatic cocktail has great potential to be applied in other sources of lignocellulosic biomass for the conversion of xylan into xylose and XOS due to its enzymes content, involving both main chain and pendant groups hydrolysis of hemicelluloses.
The present studies investigate the use of a local environmentally friendly biosorbent material, i.e., powdered straw from Triticum aestivum (WS) for the removal of Cd(II) ions, one of three most toxic heavy metal ions (cadmium, mercury and lead). The straw has been modified with urea under the effect of microwave radiation. The FTIR spectra indicated the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino functional groups. A greater BET surface area was observed in modified wheat straw (MWS) than in WS. The biosorption of Cd(II) by WS was found to follow Freundlich model whereas that by MWS followed Langmuir model with maximum biosorption capacity (q(max)) of 39.22 mg g(-1). The effect of experimental parameters like pH, time of contact and temperature was optimized. The maximum sorption occurred at pH of 6 by both the materials. Biosorption by MWS was faster (equilibrium time 10 min) than by WS (equilibrium time 20 min). Elovich, pseudo first order and pseudo second order models were used to study the kinetics of the process. Biosorption of Cd(II) by both materials followed pseudo second order kinetic model. Boundary layer diffusion was found as the rate limiting step. For both materials, the sorption increased with increase in temperature. The changes in the values of standard free energy (Delta G degrees) and standard enthalpy (Delta H degrees) indicated the spontaneous, feasible and endothermic nature of sorption process. The capacities of WS and MWS have also been compared with certain other biosorbents. MWS has been found a better biosorbent for Cd(II) than simple WS. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Energy demand has increased worldwide, and biomass burning is one of the solutions most used by industries, especially in countries that have a great potential in agriculture, such as Brazil. However, these energy sources generate pollutants, consisting of particulate matter (PM) with a complex chemical composition, such as sugarcane bagasse (SB) burning. Controlling these emissions is necessary; therefore, the aim was to evaluate PM collection using a rectangular Venturi scrubber (RVS), and its effects on the composition of the PM emitted. Considering the appropriate use of biomass as an industrial fuel and the emerging need for a technique capable of efficiently removing pollutants from biomass burning, this study shows the control of emissions as an innovation in a situation such as the industrial one with the use of a Venturi scrubber in fine particle collection, in addition to using portable and representative isokinetic sampling equipment of these particles. The pilot-scale simulation of the biomass burning process, the representative sampling of fine particles and obtaining parameters to control pollutant emissions for a Venturi scrubber, meets the current situation of concern about air quality. The average collection efficiency values were 96.6\% for PM> 2.5, 85.5\% for PM1.0-2.5, and 66.9\% for PM< 1.0. The ionic analysis for PM< 1.0 filters showed potassium, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite at concentrations ranging from 20.12 to 36.5 mu g/m(3). As the ethanol and sugar plants will continue to generate electricity with sugarcane bagasse burning, emission control technologies and cost-effective and efficient portable samplers are needed to monitor particulate materials and improve current gas cleaning equipment projects.
The waste of coal mining activities causes accumulation of hazardous elements in soil for plants. Biochar is considered an important soil remediation strategy to stabilize the heavy metals. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of biochar sources and rate on the heavy metal stabilization in coal-contaminated soil. Biochars of three feedstocks (maize straw (MBC), rice straw (RBC), and sugarcane bagasse (SBC)) with four levels (0\%, 0.5\%, 1\%, and 2\%, i.e., 0, 10, 20, and 40 ton ha-1) were applied to two types of soils (naturally contaminated soil (NCS) versus artificially contaminated soil (ACS) spiked with Cd, Cu, Cr, and Pb). Plastic pots were incubated at 30\% field capacity for 90 days at 25 degrees C, and soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and heavy metals concentration were measured after 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Among the biochars, RBC showed maximum immobilization of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr as compared with MBC and SBC. Similarly, biochar application increased heavy immobilization, being maximum at 2\% (40 ton ha-1) rate compared with control. The pH of both soils with biochar addition increased as compared with control. The remediation effect of biochar on heavy metal stabilization was positive over time. The higher rate (40 ton ha-1) of RBC for ACS and MBC for NCS could be used effectively for heavy metal stabilization.
The agri-food industry produces a large quantity and variety of foods that are the basis of diet for humans in the world, generating waste with a high content of compounds such as lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose that are difficult to degrade. There are chemical methodologies for the partial degradation of agro-industrial waste, but it carries a possibly greater risk of environmental contamination by the chemicals used for such purposes, so natural alternatives are sought for its degradation and obtain an economic and sustainable benefit for its use through mushroom cultivation. Mushroom production can be carried out using macrofungi that are edible, have medicine value also enzyme or metabolite-producing. Waste such as sunflower seed husk, peanut husk, corn husks, potato husk, coffee husk, cocoa husk, bean shell, pea shell, sawdust from different woods, cob and stubble of corn, oat stubble, tomato stubble, sorghum stubble, straw from various cereals, wheat bran, rice bran, cotton stalks, sugarcane bagasse, tequila agave waste, quinoa waste, coconut and banana wastes, dehydrated jicama, almond leaves, among others, are used as a substrate for the cultivation of mushrooms, which have been used alone or in mixtures, seeking to increase the production of carpophores or their metabolites and enzymes.
Ltd Feasibility of hydrogen production from acid and enzymatic oat straw hydrolysates was evaluated in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor at 35 degrees C and constant substrate concentration (5 g chemical oxygen demand/L). In a first experiment, hydrogen production was replaced by methane production. Selective pressures applied in a second experiment successfully prevented methane production. During this experiment, initial feeding with glucose/xylose, as model substrates, promoted biomass granulation. Also, the highest hydrogen molar yield (HMY, 2 mol H-2/mol sugar consumed) and hydrogen production rate (HPR, 278 mL H-2/L-h) were obtained with these model substrates. Gradual substitution of glucose/xylose by acid hydrolysate led to disaggregation of granules and lower HPR and HMY. When the model substrates were completely substituted by enzymatic hydrolysate, the HMY and HPR were 0.81 mol H-2/mol sugar consumed and 29.6 mL H-2/L-h, respectively. Molecular analysis revealed a low bacterial diversity in the stages with high hydrogen production and vice versa. Furthermore, Clostridium pasteurianum was identified as the most abundant species in stages with a high hydrogen production. Despite that feasibility of hydrogen production from hydrolysates was demonstrated, lower performance from hydrolysates than from model substrates was obtained. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The study assesses the implications of the bioethanol policy mandate in Thailand of producing 9 M litre ethanol per day by 2021 on water use and water deprivation. The results reveal that water footprint (WF) of bioethanol varies between 1396 and 3105 L water/L ethanol. Cassava ethanol has the highest WF followed by molasses and sugarcane ethanol, respectively. However, in terms of fresh water (especially irrigation water) consumption, molasses ethanol is highest with 699-1220 L/L ethanol. To satisfy the government plan of bioethanol production in 2021, around 1625 million m(3) of irrigation water/year will be additionally required, accounting for about 3\% of the current active water storage of Thailand. Two important watersheds in the northeastern region of Thailand are found to be potentially facing serious water stress if water resources are not properly managed. Measures to reduce water footprint of bioethanol are recommended. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The disposal of solid wastes and their by-products causes serious environmental consequences. Revisions showed to assess the strength of concrete as a partial substitute aimed at cement have used Bagasse ash (ba) and Rice husk (ra) by way of a limited substitute for cement. Different water-cement ratios, replacement percentages and superplasticizer trial mixtures were prepared and tested to identify the resulting samples and perform subsequent tests. The outcomes remained used as the source for the definition of three optimum proportions of cement replacement mixes which, designed for numerous structural applications, fulfil the self-compacting concrete necessities.
A power generation system including solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), gasifier, and high-temperature sodium heat pipes was modeled using the Lagrange method of undetermined multipliers. The model validation was performed in comparison with the data available in the literature. The results showed that the presented model had a high validity. The parametric analysis showed that there was an optimum value for current density to achieve the highest net power but the exergy efficiency was reduced gradually with the current density. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized for multi-objective optimization purpose. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and different regression models with high validity were presented for power (R-2 = 93.40\%) and exergy efficiency (R-2 = 96.22\%). The one-objective optimization was performed using the interaction effect of parameters derived by ANOVA. The multi-objective optimization results indicated that the optimum power was achieved at relatively low exergy efficiencies and the optimum exergy efficiency was accompanied by low powers. A stepwise multi-objective optimization procedure was conducted and an optimum region was recognized. The performance of the system was assessed from energy, exergy, and environmental viewpoints for different biomasses including pine sawdust, groundnut shell, rice straw, rice husk, eucalyptus, sunflower shell, and sugarcane bagasse. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) analysis was implemented in order to select the biomass with the best performance. The cold gas efficiency, energy efficiency, exergy destruction rate, CO2 emission, and fuel flow rate were selected as different criteria. The MCDM results revealed that eucalyptus had the best performance.