Bioresource Technology Reports最新文献

In this groundbreaking study, the Taguchi-Probability method is employed to optimize the energy storage performance of porous hierarchical carbon (PHC) by investigating lignin doping and controlling hydrothermal synthesis conditions. The findings indicate that optimal lignin contents range from 63 to 70 % carbon, 0.75–1.0 % nitrogen, <2.0 % sulfur, and < 30 % oxygen, with varying hydrogen percentages. Ideal hydrothermal conditions involve a temperature of 220 °C, duration of 18 h, concentration of 80 g/L, and pH of 4. Remarkably, pH has the most significant impact (33.30 %) on energy storage enhancement, followed by reaction time (24.73 %), concentration, and temperature. These results highlight the pivotal role of hydrothermal conditions in enhancing PHC's energy storage capabilities, offering promising avenues for sustainable energy storage solutions.

This study investigated the impact of solid-state fermentation and biofortification of maize cobs using yeast and plant extracts on their biochemical properties and enzyme activity. Maize cobs were fermented with extracts from elephant grass, cassava leaves, or Siam weed, combined with baker's yeast or palm wine yeast. In vitro assays revealed increased l-lysine concentration (up to 8.6 mg/g), soluble protein content (up to 27.4 mg/g), total phenolic content (up to 15.5 μg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (up to 23.4 μg CE/g), and xylanase activity (up to 25.7 Units) compared to controls. Glucose concentration decreased (to 0.8 mg/mL), indicating efficient utilization. Amylase and protease activities varied, with some combinations showing higher enzymatic activity (amylase at 35.4 Units, protease at 39.2 Units). These results underscore the potential of solid-state fermentation and biofortification to enhance the nutritional quality of agro-residues, offering novel insights into sustainable food production and waste utilization strategies.

This research develops a new process for production of bioethanol from marine and freshwater algae based on hydrolysis using yeast rather than the established methods of enzyme and acid hydrolysis. Yeast were isolated and adapted specifically for this process and the effectiveness of this hydrolysis was evaluated. This method was then evaluated within a full ethanol production process involving ozone pretreatment, and both hydrolysis and fermentation using yeast, under different nutrient supplementation regimes. The process effectiveness was evaluated for species of freshwater (Spirogyra hyalina) and marine (Kappaphycus alvarezii) algae. The yeast-based hydrolysis method outperformed acid and enzyme hydrolysis for both species of freshwater and marine algae, with particularly significant results for the freshwater algae. In the whole of process treatment, the yeast-based hydrolysis approach was effective when combined with ozone pretreatment for marine algae, and without any pretreatment for freshwater algae. The highest ethanol yield was achieved through fermentation with a yeast extract supplement present. These results indicate that ozone pretreatment, hydrolysis using yeast, and fermentation with the use of yeast extract as a nutrient are promising methods for economic ethanol production from seawater algae, and for freshwater algae where ozone pretreatment is not required.

Biochar has been proposed as a potential bioproduct since applications have been elucidated in the agricultural and energy sectors. This research paper aims to (i) evaluate biochar production using cassava residues (i.e., branches and peels), (ii) elucidate potential biochar applications, and (iii) assess the economic potential of biochar production in Colombia. Biochar was produced through slow pyrolysis and characterized considering pH, conductivity, and thermal properties. The economic assessment was done by calculating profitability indicators. Higher biochar yields were obtained using cassava branches (0.11 tons/ton, wet basis). A slow pyrolysis plant with a processing scale higher than 3.4 tons/h, a feedstock cost of 148.7 USD/ton, and a biochar selling price of 1600 USD/ton is feasible in Colombia. Biochar is a business opportunity sine large quantity of waste is readily available in the cassava productive chain. Biochar has potential applications as biofuel, soil amendment, carbon capture agent, graphene-based material, and supercapacitor electrodes.

An HF-sAnMBR-DHS system was examined for enhanced RB5 diazo dye synthetic textile wastewater treatment. Natural aeration was provided during Phase-1 (51 days), while intermittent forced aeration (2 L/min for 5 min ON/OFF cycle) was purged into the DHS in Phase-2 (66 days). The mean tCOD and sCOD removal at P-1 were 88.43 ± 1.84 % and 90.82 ± 0.78 %, respectively, whereas in P-2, the removal reached 94.30 ± 2.01 % and 95.79 ± 0.67 %, respectively. Spectrophotometric analysis reveals 81.41 ± 5.02 % color reduction in P-1 whereas and P-2, 83.40 ± 6.93 % decolorization. The mean Pt-Co levels were 366.33 ± 112.91 and 222.13 ± 44.41 in both phases respectively. At the median initial flux (14.79 LMH), no significant fouling occurred in the membrane module. Microbial analysis revealed Clostridium as a major genus in the HF-AnMBR and DHS, attributed to azo dye-degrading bacteria. The abundance of aerobic microbes present in the DHS might help in further degradation of the intermediate aminated compounds.

Microbial degradation presents a promising and feasible method for the detoxification of these pollutants by emerging methodologies like biostimulation. The review comprehensively outlines various petroleum hydrocarbons, delineating their sources and prevalence and elaborates on the pivotal enzymes and microbes that facilitate degradation, detailing their metabolic pathways. An in-depth analysis of the factors that influence the efficacy of remediation processes is crucial, as highlighted in the review. Additionally, the review explores innovative strategies such as bioaugmentation, bioreactor technologies, and genetic or metabolic engineering, along with phytoremediation. Methods have been evaluated for their potential to augment the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons, offering a sophisticated perspective on advancing this field. Advancements promising to increase efficacy and adaptability in bioremediation processes under challenging environmental conditions have been emphasized. However, they also pose challenges related to scalability, regulatory acceptance, and ecological impacts which are explained in the review for betterment of the current research.

The increased demand for specialty oils, driven by a growing population and thus increased consumption as well as seasonal fluctuations, poses challenges for the environment and edible oil industries. Oleaginous microorganisms offer a promising solution as they are capable of yielding oils with high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids or profiles similar to that of traditional fats. These oils have applications in diverse industries, including food, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. While multiple studies explore strains suitable for industrial-scale oil production, data comparison remains limited. Oleaginous microorganisms offer versatility in utilising various carbon sources, seasonal independence, and a minimal ecological footprint. However, downstream processing steps still hinder overall profitability and thus commercialisation. This review takes a bioprocess engineering approach, focusing on upstream and downstream processing, up-scale, practical and economic considerations, and innovative strategies developed to lower production costs.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been successfully used for the removal of several contaminants from wastewater. However, the phosphorus (P) removal can be boosted by using reactive materials as substrates in CWs. The present study addresses this issue by using low-cost materials as substrates for the treatment of domestic wastewater. Therefore, a novel composite substrate consisting of brick waste, tile waste, and gravel was assessed in CW. The total phosphorus (TP) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) average removal efficiency was shown to be >72 % and >78 % respectively, from domestic wastewater. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction efficiency was >80 % for the system. The efficacy of composite matrix CW in the reduction of TP and PO₄³⁻ was supported by the SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis of the substrate materials. The study showed the robustness of the CW in pollutant removal when waste material was utilized as filler.

Pollution from dye-containing water and wastewater is increasingly a global concern. Traditional treatment technologies, such as membrane separation, adsorption, and chemical precipitation, have limitations such as incomplete removal, high costs, and a lack of sustainability. Photocatalytic degradation using metal oxide (MO) semiconductors has recently replaced these methods. However, MO's limitations, such as UV radiation's operating range and the electron-hole pair's recombination, have limited their applications. The applications of eggshell waste materials (ESWMs) as a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable support for MO semiconductor synthesis are gaining popularity, addressing MO limitations and improving photocatalytic performance. This paper discusses the efficient photocatalytic removal of organic dyes from water and wastewater using ESWM-supported MO nanocomposites. Literature surveys and compilations confirmed the exceptional photocatalytic performance of ESWM-supported MO nanocomposites, with an average 92 % organic dye degradation capacity compared to pure MO, highlighting the potential for novel, economical, and environmentally friendly techniques for tackling water pollution problems.

The escalating challenges of energy scarcity and environmental concerns stemming from fossil fuel usage have intensified the exploration of renewable energy sources, including municipal waste and agricultural residues. Despite their availability, indigenous nature, and environmental friendliness, certain residues necessitate conversion through processes such as briquetting because of the high relative humidity and low specific heat. This study delves into the examination of the mechanical, thermophysical, and physical properties of Jujube seed shell-based briquettes without the use of binders. Three distinct particle sizes; fine particles (<0.6 mm), medium particles (<2.36 mm), and coarse particles (<3.35 mm) were respectively experimented. The produced briquettes underwent analysis for density, durability, shatter resistance index, relaxation ratio, compressive strength, volatile matter (VM), and specific heat of combustion. Results unveiled a density range of 1909 kg/m³ to 2158 kg/m³, with fine particles exhibiting the highest density at 2158 kg/m³. Calorific values varied between 26,430 kJ/kg and 27,175 kJ/kg. Moisture content ranged from 3.0 % to 7 %, ash content from 1.51 % to 1.68 %, volatile matter from 73.1 % to 77.2 %, and fixed carbon from 17.29 % to 18.39 %. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights into the potential of Jujube seed shell briquettes as a sustainable and efficient alternative energy source, contributing to the ongoing discourse on renewable energy utilization.