Agricultural Waste Products Research Articles

Pengaruh penambahan Lactobacillus plantarum dalam pembuatan mie kering berbahan rambut jagung manis (Zea mays var. Saccharata)

Rambut jagung manis is one of the agricultural waste products that is still minimally processed. One form of processed rambut jagung manis as a basic ingredient for making dry noodles. However, the resulting noodle product has a weakness in the form of a short shelf life due to the presence of spoilage fungi such as mold. Therefore, efforts need to be made to reduce the amount of mold by adding Lactic Acid Bacteria (L. plantarum). The method used in this research was an experimental method with a completely randomized factorial design (RALF), namely factor I L. plantarum concentration (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% (v/v)) and factor II storage time (0 days, 5 days, and 10 days) with 3 repetitions, so that 36 experimental units were obtained. The parameters measured in this study were the degree of acidity (pH), mold numbers, and nutritional value. The results showed that the average mold number at T0 was 3.40 ± 0.109 in dry noodles made from corn silk which were fermented without adding L. plantarum. Meanwhile at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6% respectively as follows 3.24 ± 0.174; 3.30±0.240; and 3.34 ± 0.000. Mold content (Aspergillus sp.). Nutrient content tests after storage on the 10th day (T2) in L. plantarum concentration treatments of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% showed protein levels of 16.05%; 18.13%; 20.04%; and 20.36% bw and glucose levels respectively 78.87%; 83.16%; 81.56%; and 78.84%. The numerical value of yeast mold population in mie from rambut jagung during storage can be reduced and the protein content increases so that the addition of L. plantarum can be used as food biopreservative.

Insights into date seed oil composition: Geographical variability and potential applications

AbstractDate fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) processing generates substantial quantities of date seeds, constituting a potential source of valuable oil yet currently considered waste. This study aimed at characterizing date seed oil (DSO) as a prospective approach for date seed valorization while investigating the influence of geographical origin on its composition. Samples from three Moroccan palm groves (Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia) and four non‐Moroccan samples were analyzed. Liquid and gas chromatography were applied to determine the chemical composition. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (Ol), ranging from 40.8% to 50.2%, followed by lauric acid (La, 14.0%–24.2%), myristic acid (My, 9.0%–12.6%), palmitic acid (Pa, 9.0%–11.6%), linoleic acid (7.1%–10.7%), and stearic acid (St, 2.4%–4.8%). Major triacylglycerols identified included LaOlLa, LaOlMy, LaOlPa, LaOlOl, MyOlPa, MyOlOl, and PaOlOl. Notably, DSO contains significant tocochromanol (424–760 mg kg−1) and phytosterol content (3422–4827 mg kg−1), with specific phytosterols identified for the first time. Multivariate analysis employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, supplemented by heatmaps, underscored the influence of geographical origin on DSO composition. Moroccan samples exhibited distinctive profiles rich in St, Ol, Pa, PaOlSt, MyOlPa, PaOlPa, γ‐tocotrienol, and δ‐tocotrienol, leading to a differentiation from non‐Moroccan oils. Challenges in classifying DSO within selected Moroccan palm groves were discussed, emphasizing the necessity to consider major and minor compounds, along with date varieties, in geographical effect studies.Practical Applications: By delving into the chemical properties and potential applications of DSO, this research strives to contribute to sustainable and economically viable approaches for utilizing agricultural waste products.

Efficient degradation of methyl red dye from the aqueous solution by individual bacterial and their consortium in a sugarcane bagasse waste-based media

Dye is one of the major pollutions around the whole world which have adverse effects on the environment and human beings. There is a requirement for an efficient, reliable, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach to the removal of dyes. In the present research, three individual bacterial strains Enterobacter aerogenes (MBX6), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MBC34), and Micrococcus luteus (MBC23) and their consortium was used to remove Methyl Red (MR) dye. The dye removal was observed at different initial concentrations of dye, nutrient media, additives in the nutrient media and sugarcane bagasse extract as a bacterial growth medium. The outcomes of the study showed that the bacterial consortium exhibits better removal efficiencies (63.6%) than individual bacterial strains and the dye removal percentage (75.19%) enhanced with increasing concentration of sucrose (3%) which was used as media additive. The addition of the sugar in nutrient medium resulted in more effective dye removal. The maximum removal of MR dye (98.6%) was achieved when the consortium was grown in a media containing pure sugarcane bagasse extract. The use of sugarcane bagasse extract (agricultural waste product) as a novel growth medium for the cultivation of bacteria possessing dye removal capabilities can offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for industrial wastewater treatment.

Experimental Study on Coconut Fibre Reinforced Self Compaction Concrete

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) has revolutionized the construction industry with its superior flowability, workability, and ability to consolidate under its own weight without the need for mechanical vibration. However, the brittleness and cracking susceptibility of traditional SCC remain significant concerns, especially in applications requiring enhanced durability and structural integrity. To address these challenges, the incorporation of natural fibres such as coconut fibres into SCC has emerged as a promising solution. Coconut Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (CFRSCC) is an innovative material that combines the advantages of SCC with the mechanical benefits of coconut fibres. Coconut fibres are abundant, renewable, and environmentally friendly, making them a sustainable choice for reinforcement. The addition of these fibres improves the tensile strength, ductility, and crack resistance of SCC, thus enhancing its overall performance. This study compares the properties of CFRSCC with traditional SCC, focusing on key parameters such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability. The results indicate that CFRSCC exhibits superior mechanical properties, including increased tensile and flexural strength due to the bridging effect of the fibres, which helps to arrest crack propagation and improve post-cracking behavior. Furthermore, the enhanced ductility of CFRSCC contributes to greater energy absorption and deformation capacity, making it more resilient under dynamic and impact loads. In terms of sustainability, CFRSCC leverages agricultural waste products, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic fibres and contributing to waste management and environmental conservation. The utilization of coconut fibres also offers economic benefits, particularly in regions where coconut production is prevalent, by providing a value-added use for by-products that would otherwise be discarded. In conclusion, CFRSCC presents a superior alternative to traditional SCC by addressing its limitations and offering enhanced mechanical performance, sustainability, and economic advantages. This innovative material holds significant potential for a wide range of construction applications, promoting more durable, resilient, and eco-friendly infrastructure development.

Yield Comparison of Sweet Potato Grown in Four Commercial Organic Soils

Aims: The experiment was conducted to observe the effects on comparative yields of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas ‘Beauregard’) grown in four different soilless media. Study Design: Mention the design of the study here. Place and Duration of Study: Pullen Farm at Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky, USA., between May 2018 and August 2018. Methodology: 16 3.048m x .3046m troughs (four of each treatment) each containing five sweet potato plants were established. No treatments received supplemental fertilization. Descriptive statistics and quantitative analysis were performed on yield characteristics of the sweet potato crop (sweet-potato tuber and biomass yields). Results: While a significant difference in mass of above-ground biomass between the treatments could not be determined, growth parameters of the Organiloc treatments (A, B) were marginally greater than treatments C and D (Table 1). The fresh weight of treatments A (38.91 t ha-1) and B (42.75 t ha-1) were statistically greater than treatment C (21.23 t ha-1). Treatment B was also statistically greater that treatment D (23.92 t ha-1). The number of tubers in treatment A and B were not significantly different than treatment D, but were significantly greater than treatment C (Fig. 2). Conclusion: The results of this one cropping season study suggest that yields of sweet potatoes grown in these two biochar-based treatments (A + B), in which they were statistically greater than the Miracle Gro treatment (C), and Treatment B was statistically greater than the Magic Dirt treatment (D), may help to fulfill the increasing demand for locally-produced food and agricultural products while providing an efficient means of disposing of agricultural waste products and may promote sustainable crop production and food security.

Antibacterial and cytotoxicity activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of naartjie (Citrus unshiu) fruit peels

The application of plant extracts in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted significant attention owing to their eco-friendliness and cost-effective features. However, nanoparticles synthesized from plant materials may also display unique physicochemical properties. This study described an improved synthesis process for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the peel of the Citrus unshiu fruit, an agricultural waste product. In addition to evaluating the produced AgNPs' physico-chemical characteristics, the research also examines their antibacterial and cytotoxic/anticancer capabilities. The color change from yellow to dark brown was observed immediately when 20 ml of Citrus unshiu fruit peel extract was added to 0.5 g of silver nitrate. A surface plasmon resonance band at 424 nm revealed by ultra-violet spectroscopy was used as additional confirmation that AgNP had formed. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the transmission electron microscope (TEM), revealed spherical-shaped NPs with a mean size of 23 nm. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the high crystallinity of the obtained NPs while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the bioreducing capacity of the Citrus unshiu fruit peel extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (31.25 μg/mL) of AgNPs significantly revealed a strong dose-dependent antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. In contrast, their impact on gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, displayed an MIC of 250 μg/mL. The assessment of cytotoxicity on human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and lung cancer cells (A549) through a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay revealed no detectable cytotoxic effects. The IC50 values were determined as 37.73 ± 0.34 μg/mL for HEK293 and 56.37 ± 0.73 μg/mL for A549, indicating the absence of significant adverse impacts on these cell lines. The anticancer drug doxorubicin was used as a reference standard, and had an IC50 value of 1.22 ± 0.09 and 0.76 ± 0.12 μg/mL against HEK293 and A549 cells, respectively. The results show that AgNPs synthesized from Citrus unshiu fruit peel could serve as antibacterial agents that may in the future be optimized for us in for example nanofiltration systems.

Nanocellulose as promising reinforcement materials for biopolymer nanocomposites: a review

Abstract. A green and sustainable development in world is important and it needs to further strengthen at the moment. In this aspect, biopolymers, biopolymers nanocomposites with biodegradable properties are the best way for this purpose. Nanocellulose (NC) is a biopolymer and can be produced from natural resources like various plant species and agricultural waste products including rice husk, tea leaves, sugarcane bagasse and so forth. Due to their special properties such as biodegradability, renewability, biocompability, low cost and outstanding mechanical capabilities, NC have gained increased research and application interests. This review provided detail information about the production, structure and properties of NC. The usage of NC as reinforcement materials for different types of biopolymers are presented in the review. The surface modification of NC for better dispersion and better interaction of NCs in polymer matrices, the mechanical and thermal properties of the NC biopolymers nanocomposites are discussed.

Radiocarbon Flux Measurements Provide Insight into Why a Pyroligneous Acid Product Stimulates Plant Growth.

Agriculture in the 21st century faces many formidable challenges with the growing global population. Increasing demands on the planet's natural resources already tax existing agricultural practices. Today, many farmers are using biochemical treatments to improve their yields. Commercialized organic biostimulants exist in the form of pyroligneous acid generated by burning agricultural waste products. Recently, we examined the mechanisms through which a commercial pyroligneous acid product, Coriphol™, manufactured by Corigin Solutions, Inc., stimulates plant growth. During the 2023 growing season, outdoor studies were conducted in soybean to examine the effects of different Coriphol™ treatment concentrations on plant growth. Plant height, number of leaves, and leaf size were positively impacted in a dose-dependent manner with 2 gallon/acre soil treatments being optimal. At harvest, this level of treatment boosted crop yield by 40%. To gain an understanding of why Coriphol™ improves plant fitness, follow-up laboratory-based studies were conducted using radiocarbon flux analysis. Here, radioactive 11CO2 was administered to live plants and comparisons were made between untreated soybean plants and plants treated at an equivalent Coriphol™ dose of 2 gallons/acre. Leaf metabolites were analyzed using radio-high-performance liquid chromatography for [11C]-chlorophyll (Chl) a and b components, as well as [11C]-β-carotene (β-Car) where fractional yields were used to calculate metabolic rates of synthesis. Altogether, Coriphol™ treatment boosted rates of Chl a, Chl b, and β-Car biosynthesis 3-fold, 2.6-fold, and 4.7-fold, respectively, and also increased their metabolic turnover 2.2-fold, 2.1-fold, and 3.9-fold, respectively. Also, the Chl a/b ratio increased from 3.1 to 3.4 with treatment. Altogether, these effects contributed to a 13.8% increase in leaf carbon capture.

Performance of Eco-Friendly Zero-Cement Particle Board under Harsh Environment

The increasing scarcity of virgin natural resources and the need for sustainable waste management in densely populated urban areas have heightened the importance of developing new recycling technologies. One promising approach involves recycling agricultural waste in construction applications and transforming it into secondary products. This is anticipated to reduce the demand for new resources and lower the environmental impact, aligning with industrial ecology principles. Combined with a low carbon emission binder (i.e., alkali-activated), utilizing agro-waste to produce zero-cement particle boards is a promising method for green construction. Traditionally, particle boards are engineered from wood or agricultural waste products that are pressed and bonded with a binder, such as cement or synthetic resins. However, alternative binders replace cement in zero-cement particle boards to address environmental concerns, such as the carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement production. This study investigated the effects of accelerated aging on the performance of alkali-activated agro-waste particle boards. Accelerated aging conditions simulate natural aging phenomena. Repeated wetting–drying and freezing–thawing cycles increased water absorption and thickness swelling and reduced flexural strength. The thermal performance of the alkali-activated particle boards did not exhibit significant changes. Hence, it was confirmed that agro-waste has a high potential for utilization in producing particle boards provided that the working environment is carefully selected to optimize performance.

CORN-COB ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT FOR STABILIZATION OF LATERITE SOIL

Properties of underlying soils and borrowed soil samples are some of the key factors that determine the performance rate of roads. Most of the underlying soils possess some characteristics that make them unsuitable for use. There are available agricultural waste products in most rural settlements which can be used to treat unsuitable soils. This research examined the use of corn cob ash (CCA) as an admixture to cement on some selected geotechnical properties of laterite soil. The choice of the A-7-5 class of laterite soil is due to its general rating as poor material for subgrade and other layers of road pavement by the classification system of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Cement was gradually added to the soil sample in steps of 2% from 0% to 10% by weight of the soil sample and its effect on the plasticity of the sample was examined. The addition of cement performed optimally on the soil’s plasticity at 4% which was used to form different mixtures of cement and CCA having a total sum not exceeding 4%. The additives were added to the soil sample which was subjected to laboratory tests such as compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) compacted with the efforts of 596kN/m2 and 1192kN/m2. The combination of 2% cement and 2% CCA on the soil sample improved the plasticity index and UCS properties of the soil to its optimal level while 3-1 and 4-0 cement-CCA performed optimally for CBR and compaction respectively. Thus, it was concluded that CCA performed optimally with cement at a ratio varying between 4:0 to 3:1 total percentage not exceeding 4% of the weight of the soil sample.

HARNESSING GRAPE POMACE: NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS, RECOVERY AND EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES FOR HEALTH BENEFITS

Nowadays, grapes represent the third most widely cultivated horticulture crop in the world. For the Republic of Moldova, grapes have been recognized as the most culturally important crop. About 70% of the total production of Moldovan grapes is processed in the wine industry, 30 % of which are by-products that tend to be not fully exploited, being frequently burned or landfilled. Due to its chemical composition, grape pomace is one type of agricultural waste that can be used to achieve sustainability in the food business by converting waste into useful resources. In this sense, the pomace chemical composition, with demonstrated antioxidant potential, is a viable source of biologically active compounds, as a cheap agricultural waste product, for the development of functional products. This paper is an overview of the characteristics and potential uses of wine industry waste, namely grape pomace and explores the implementation of eco-friendly technologies that have the potential to convert this perishable material into a unique ingredient, unveiling fresh opportunities for the grape pomace's utilization and consumption.

Efficient Bioelectrochemical Cell Generation and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate and Pineapple Peel Extracts: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

The present study investigates an environmentally conscious method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by employing extracts from pomegranate peel (PgP) and pineapple peel (PnP). This green synthesis approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods, thereby reducing the ecological footprint associated with nanoparticle production. The PgP and PnP extracts serve as both reducing and capping agents during the synthesis process, enhancing the biocompatibility of the resultant AgNPs. Various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were utilized to analyze the synthesized AgNPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs through characteristic surface plasmon resonance peaks, while FTIR examined the interaction between biomaterial components and the oxidation and coating of silver nanoparticles. Raman analysis elucidated the functional groups responsible for reducing and stabilizing AgNPs, while XRD provided insights into their crystalline structure. TEM images revealed the size and morphology of the nanoparticles, while DLS characterized their average size and morphology. In addition, the synthesized AgNPs were utilized in a bioelectrochemical cell to leverage their unique properties for enhanced electrochemical performance, showcasing their potential application in energy storage and conversion systems. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing agricultural waste products such as PgP and PnP for sustainable AgNP synthesis, offering promising prospects for environmentally friendly nanotechnology advancement.

Mechanism and Kinetic Studies of the Adsorption of Congo Red on Three Adsorbent Materials

The enormous loss of agroforestry resources should attract the attention of the scientific community. A cultivated plant has more unused organs than those harvested by the grower. For an agroforestry resource to be put to good use, its parts, previously considered waste, must be exploited for profit. This is why this study examined the potential of the hulls of Lophira lanceolata, an agricultural waste product, as a precursor for adsorbent materials such as activated carbon and composite materials. The two adsorbent materials are obtained by impregnation with orthophosphoric acid in a 2:1 ratio, followed by activation and pyrolysis at 500°C. The use of these adsorbent materials and clay for the removal of Congo red has proved effective, with removal rates more than 90%. Adsorption on these materials is chemical in nature and occurs on energetically heterogeneous surfaces, which fits well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherms. The estimated qmax values for the Langmuir model are 145.0, 362.0, and 452.0 mg.g-1 for clay, composite material and activated carbon respectively. The hulls of Lophira lanceolata could be used to obtain various adsorbent materials for eliminating anionic dyes from industrial wastewater to comply with discharge standards.

The assessment of composition, biological properties, safety and molecular docking of corn silk (Zea mays L.) extracts from the valorization of agricultural waste products in Thailand

Corn, known as Zea mays L., is an important source of nutrition for humans and animals. Corn silk is a byproduct of corn which is typically disposed in agriculture of Thailand. Examination of the composition, biological properties, safety and molecular docking interactions of corn silk extracts was the objective of this research. The crude extracts were determined for percentage yield, phytochemical composition, antioxidative activity, enzyme inhibition activities, safety profile and active content analysis. The corn silk extract with water by reflux technique (Rcsw) had the highest percentage yield and total phenolic content at 16.23% and 23.87±3.22 mgGAE/g extract, respectively, while the corn silk extract with 50% ethanol by reflux technique (Rcs50) gave the highest total flavonoid content at 220.58±47.51 mgQE/g extract. The four selected corn silk extracts had cosmeceutical potential including antioxidant activities, tyrosinase inhibition, anti-aging activity and a non-toxic profile on HET-CAM and cell culture test. The content analysis by HPLC was the highest in the corn silk extract with water by ultrasonication (Ucsw) at 18.70±2.12 mg GA/g and 903.29±23.18 mg QE/g. The comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that affected the interaction between active ingredients and the structures of tyrosinase, collagenase and hyaluronidase has been provided via molecular docking of the extracts. The findings of this research have illustrated the potential of corn silk extracts in the advancement of innovative health care products.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Melon Seed Husk

Activated carbon, known for its remarkable adsorption properties, is widely used in various applications, including wastewater treatment, air purification, gas and vapour purification. This study explored the production and physicochemical characterization of activated carbon derived from melon seed husks, a readily available agricultural waste product in Nigeria. The process involved carbonization of the husks followed by impregnation with calcium chloride. Physicochemical analysis was performed on the resulting melon seed husk activated carbon (MHSAC) to assess its properties. The analysis revealed favourable characteristics with a pH level of 6.52, ash content of 5.13%, moisture content of 11.36%, density of 0.453g/ml, and an iodine number of 1759.18mg/g, meeting the criteria for an effective adsorbent. These findings demonstrate the potential of melon seed husk an agricultural byproduct, as a valuable source for generating high-quality activated carbon.

Effective Removal of Carcinogenic Azo Dye from Water Using Zea mays-Derived Mesoporous Activated Carbon.

Addressing industrial wastewater treatment challenges and removing hazardous organic pollutants, such as carcinogenic methyl orange (MO) and azo dyes, is a pressing concern. This study explores the use of the Zea mays envelope, an agricultural waste product, to produce Z. mays activated carbon (ZMAC) through the chemical activation of maize envelopes with phosphoric acid. Various analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM, characterize ZMAC. Results show that ZMAC exhibits an impressive monolayer adsorption capacity of 66.2 mg/g for MO. The Langmuir isotherm model fits the experimental data well, indicating monolayer coverage of the MO on the ZMAC surface. The pH-sensitive adsorption process demonstrates an optimal removal efficiency at pH 4. ZMAC follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and diffusion rate constant analysis identifies three consecutive stages in the adsorption process. Moreover, the uptake of MO ions by ZMAC is identified as an exothermic and spontaneous process. Reusability tests demonstrate efficient regeneration of ZMAC up to five times with 1 mL of 2 M HNO3 in each cycle, without sorbent mass loss. Thermodynamic analysis shows an increase in the uptake capacity from 66.2 to 73.2 mg/g with temperature elevation. This study offers practical solutions for industrial wastewater treatment challenges, providing an environmentally sustainable and effective approach to mitigate the risks associated with hazardous organic pollutants.

Participatory Analysis of Impacts of Agricultural Production Systems in a Watershed Depicting Southern Brazilian Agriculture

The objective of this study was to propose a multidimensional model capable of evaluating, in a participatory method, the pressures agricultural production systems cause to aquatic ecosystems. The model was structured with information compiled from scientific articles, doctoral theses, public documents, and field research performed with the participation of stakeholders through interviews, questionnaires, and group evaluations. The evaluation matrix combines seven criteria and twenty-five sub-criteria with different weights to evaluate two main aspects: (i) land occupation and soil management and (ii) agricultural waste production and disposal. The model was tested in 14 agricultural farms, representing four productive arrangements, in a large watershed (2400 km2) in southern Brazil. The geophysical characteristics of the site (18.3%), land use and occupation (28.2%), management practices (soil and water) (25.4%), manure and fertilizers (12.6%), pesticides (14.1%), agricultural waste and discards (1.4%) were the criteria and their respective weights used in the structure of the proposed evaluation model. The evaluation showed that the combination of the fragility of cultivated environments and the absence of conservation practices represented the greatest risks (72.9%) to maintaining the sound environmental conditions of aquatic ecosystems. For future research, it is recommended that a cost-effectiveness analysis be carried out to evaluate environmental conflicts.

Pyrolysis kinetics and potential utilization analysis of cereal biomass by-products; an experimental analysis for cleaner energy productions in India

The optimal utilization of biomass relies heavily on the specific material and individual needs. Cereal biomass by-products can potentially be employed in thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and gasification. To compare biomass sources, ultimate analysis, biochar potential, proximate analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, price per megajoule generated heat, surface texture, and availability are used. A global survey of biomass wastes and opportunities for heat generation is presented in the current article. Here, nine different cereal-based agricultural waste products (barley, wheat, millet, oats, rice, rye straw, sorghum straw/stalk, and maize cob) are studied. Cereal wastes are compared based on calorific value, water content, volatile matter, ash content and ash chemical composition, bulk density, charring properties, availability, and transportation. According to the estimate, 156 million metric tonnes per year, or 6% of India's total emissions, could be eliminated by rice husk alone. Wheat straws, on the other hand, can cut emissions by 2%. Additionally, processing these nine feedstocks might result in the production of 40 GW of electrical energy, which would increase the installed capacity of India's national electric grid by 9%.

Performance of broiler chickens fed wheat offal and maize based diets

Food crisis in the developing countries especially Nigeria is affecting both man and domesticated animals. The use of grain such as maize in feed production for poultry is creating more shortage of maize for man with the growing population and high demand in the country. There is a need for alternative products for producing poultry feeds from agricultural waste to reduce the competition. This study was conducted to determine the growth response of broiler chickens to feeds produced from wheat offal (agricultural waste product from wheat) and maize. A total of 50 broiler chickens (day-old) were used with 25 birds (5 birds in each replicate) fed with feed made from wheat offal and 25 birds fed with feed made from maize and monitored for 12 weeks. The body weight of the broilers was recorded weekly for 12 weeks, and the feed conversion ratio was also determined. The mean weights of the broilers fed with wheat offal for day-old, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 were 76.6, 115.6, 144.0, 186.0, 305.6, 462.6, 562.0, 693.6, 758.8, 814.4, 866.4, 956.8 and 1,032.8 g/broiler while the corresponding weights for broilers fed with maize feed were 99.6, 129.6, 151.2, 188.8, 234.8, 300.0, 386.8, 466.8, 550.8, 646.8, 732.4, 804.0 and 882.8 g/broiler, respectively. Wheat offal feed increased the body weight of the broilers by 16.99% at 12-week compared to broilers fed with maize feed. Broiler feed should be produced from wheat offal to reduce the competition and make more availability of maize for human consumption.

Pistachio Waste-Derived Activated Carbon Materials for Sustainable Energy Storage: Supercapacitor Applications

This study explores the potential of utilizing pistachio waste which is of low-cost and eco-friendly precursor for the synthesis of activated carbon for supercapacitor applications. Pistachio shells, a common agricultural waste product, were subjected to a controlled pyrolysis process followed by the activation to produce activated carbon materials. The resulting activated carbon was characterized by using various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical testing. The electrochemical performance of the pistachio waste-derived activated carbon was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements. The pistachio waste-derived activated carbon exhibits excellent capacitive behaviour, with a high specific capacitance and good cycling stability. The use of agricultural waste-derived activated carbon not only addresses the environmental concerns but also contributes to the development of green energy storage solutions.