Ash Content Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of Activated Carbon from Iraqi Corns Stalks

In this paper, Activated Carbon was successfully prepared from local Iraqi material namely corns stalks .Zinc chloride ZnCl2 was used as activating agent with different concentrations (20%, 40%, 60%) for 72 hours. followed by carbonization at 450 C for (2) hour. UV-Spectrophotometer used for measuring absorbance of methylene blue solutions before and after adsorption. the maximum amount adsorbed for methylene blue material of the prepared activated Carbon was studied by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Other characteristics of the resulting activated Carbon also discussed, such as pH, Moisture Content and ash content. Finally Activated carbon prepared in this work has good properties compared to the standard samples in such a way it could be used in industrial activities due to the fact that the corn stalks available locally in our country.

CFD analysis of the erosion wear through 90° bend of different area ratio at high slurry concentration

Using the commercial computational fluid dynamics package ANSYS FLUENT, the behaviour of slurry erosion wear at 90° pipe bends was studied with varied area ratios (AR = 1–2). In this investigation, two influencing parameters have also been selected, such as slurry flow velocity (4−10 m/s) and the low to high slurry concentration of the fly ash (2.5%–40% by volume). To make a slurry, fly ash particles (150 µm) were mixed with water. Euler–Lagrange was used to forecast slurry erosion wear accurately. Simulations of the slurry flow within the bend pipeline were conducted with the help of a standard k-ɛ turbulence model and a two-way coupling approach. The findings of the simulation were validated against the existing research to ensure their accuracy. The study observed that the average erosion rate was directly proportional to the flow velocity and solid concentration of the slurry, while the average erosion rate was inversely proportional to the AR at all flow parameters. The findings indicate that the minimum and maximum erosion wear are found in AR = 2 and AR = 1, respectively. In the case of AR = 2, the average erosion rate is reduced by an average of 5.47 and 2.5 times at given flow parameters (slurry velocity and solid concentration) as compared to the AR = 1 and 1.5, respectively.

Kinetics study of pyrolysis of petroleum sludge and characterization of char

Thermochemical conversion (or pyrolysis) has emerged as an effective technique for the disposal of sludge generated in process industries. This paper reports physicochemical characterization and kinetic analysis of pyrolysis of sludge from a petroleum refinery and characterization of resultant char. The sludge had high volatile matter (>70 wt%) and low ash content (15 wt%). Pyrolysis of sludge was studied using a thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA). The TGA data was analyzed using two isoconversional models, viz. KAS and Vyazovkin AIC are used for the deduction of kinetic triplets, viz. activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction mechanism. The activation energy (Ea ) of sludge pyrolysis varied in the 64.79–190.37 kJ/mol range. The pre-exponential factor varied from 1.18E + 07 to 4.29E + 12 s−1. The predominant solid-state mechanism of thermal conversion was an order-based reaction (F2/F3). The thermodynamic factors (viz. ΔH, ΔS, ΔG) of sludge pyrolysis were also determined. Relatively small values of (Ea – ΔH) ∼ 5 kJ/mol revealed high susceptibility of sludge for thermal conversion. Residual char after pyrolysis was characterized for physicochemical properties. The char properties were fixed carbon = 54.37%, calorific value = 22.48 MJ/kg, and BET surface area = 18.35 m2/g. These properties make char suitable for numerous applications.

Comparative study on productivity of Hybrid Napier CO3 and CO4 with the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The present study aimed to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of CO3 and CO4 (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) at the Livestock farm Eastern University, Sri Lanka from July to September 2018. Four different treatments; inorganic fertilizer 100%, Organic fertilizer 100%, Control and Inorganic+Organic fertilizer 1:1 (weight basis). Plant height, leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, yield and total ash content were measured at two-week intervals from the 4th week up to the 8th week and data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the productivity of CO3 is superior to CO4 in terms of growth and yield under (T4) CO3 with 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic fertilizer. The highest (p<0.05) fresh matter yield of 18.07 t/ha, with a dry matter yield of 3.83 t/ha was recorded in the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. A similar yield was obtained in CO3 with the 1:1 inorganic and organic fertilizer mixture. CO3 showed the highest total ash content (18.44%) on dry matter basis. Hence, farmers can save half of the cost of inorganic fertilizer by using farmyard manure along with half of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer for fodder cultivation

PECTIN EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION FROM LOCAL WHITE PUMPKIN (LAGENARIA SICERARIA)

Pectin, a naturally occurring heteropolysaccharide, has in recent years grown increasingly in importance. In this present study, white pumpkin or bottle gourd was chosen as a representative of the Cucurbitaceae family to extract powder pectin. At initial and final times, treatment (T1) and treatment (T2), the amount of pectin in calcium pectate in fresh pumpkin ranges from 3.7% to 5.8%. Standardized water bath heating was used to extract pectin from white pumpkins by boiling the fruit at atmospheric pressure for five minutes at 95 oC. Distilled water was also tested for pectin isolation from white pumpkins as an extraction solvent. The weight increased by 844.98% at T1 and decreased to 675.67% at T6, following which was precipitation with 95% ethanol yielding maximum on the above during the extraction of pectin by water bath at varied period durations. Finally, the degree of esterification was the rate 68.76% at T1 to 59.87% at T6, with the methoxyl content having a value 9.45% at T1 to 6.82% at T6 and the anhydrouronic acid content (AUA%) being 76.66% at T1 to 64.77% at T6. Moisture, equivalent weight, degree of esterification, and methoxyl concentration all reduced as extraction time increased. However, many indicators, like ash content, acetyl value, and jelly grade, exhibited an early rise in value that later declined as extraction time increased. Thus, the optimal method for pectin isolation involves boiling the pumpkin in water at atmospheric pressure for 5 to 30 minutes. In addition, among different times of extraction pectin that was obtained from 30 minutes had the highest lightness 82.07 while the lowest redness 2.03 and yellowness 5.14 of pectin was recorded at this time. This pectin met the criteria for food additive use, indicating its potential as a commercially viable alternative source.

FEATURES AND EXPERIENCE OF CONVERTING GAS-OIL BOILERS OF INDUSTRIAL CHP PLANTS TO BURNING BIOMASS AND SUB-BITUMINOUS COAL

The paper examines the features of biomass as a fuel and substantiates that for agrobiomass waste with a high content of alkali metal oxides and slag properties of ash, it is more appropriate to burn it in a dense bed in the form of pellets, which ensures a temperature at the exit from the furnace of no more than 900 °C, a low part of fly ash and low content of unburned carbon in it, and so eliminates the risk of smoldering deposits with their melting and slagging. Technical solutions are given and the experience is presented of gas and oil boilers of CHP plants of sugar factories reconstruction with their transfer to the burning of biomass and/or coal in a dense bed on a direct-flow grate with the replacement of the air heater with air-water heater, with the addition of stages of the boiling economizer to compensate for the decrease in the heat perception of the furnace screens, maintaining the overall height of the boiler and the plane of the boiler cell. The reconstruction of boilers according to the developed technical solutions is possible to perform in the interval between production seasons, its implementation on boilers BKZ-75 GMA of Radekhiv and Chortkiv sugar factories allowed to achieve acceptable technical, economic and environmental indicators and ensured payback due to the difference in commercial prices of gas and of agrobiomass pellets. It is proposed to replicate the positive experience in the creation of decentralized regulating thermal generation capacities of the country. Bibl. 30, Fig. 3, Tab. 4.

Compensating for Concrete Shrinkage with High-Calcium Fly Ash

Shrinkage of concrete during hardening is a serious problem in attempts to maintain the integrity of concrete structures. One of the methods of combating shrinkage is compensating for it using an expansive agent. The purpose of this work is to develop and study an expanding agent to concrete, including high-calcium fly ash and calcium nitrate as an expansion activator. The content of Ca(NO3)2 can be used to regulate the degree of expansion of the additive itself during hydration and, accordingly, to control shrinkage, thus obtaining shrinkage-free or expanding concrete. Shrinkage–expansion deformations of concrete can also be regulated by the amount of expanding additive replacing part of the cement. With the Ca(NO3)2 content of fly ash being 10% or more, concrete experiences expansion in the initial stages of hardening. The transition of deformation through 0 to the shrinkage region occurs depending on the composition and content of the additive after 8–15 days of hardening. It has been established that replacing cement with pure fly ash with a curing period of 90 days or more has virtually no effect on the strength of concrete, either in bending or in compression. The use of an expanding additive containing 5–15% Ca(NO3)2 reduces the strength of concrete by an average of 9%, despite the fact that calcium nitrate is a hardening accelerator.

A critical re‐analysis of biochar properties prediction from production parameters and elemental analysis

AbstractBiochar is the product of intentional pyrolysis of organic feedstocks. It is made under controlled conditions in order to achieve desired physico‐chemical characteristics. These characteristics ultimately affect biochar properties as a soil amendment. When biochar is used for carbon storage, an important property is its persistence in soil, often described by the proportion of biochar carbon remaining in soil after a 100 years (). We analyzed published data on 1230 biochars to re‐evaluate the effect of pyrolysis parameters on biochar characteristics and the possibility to predict from the maximum temperature reached during pyrolysis (HTT). We showed that biochar ash and nitrogen (N) contents were mostly affected by feedstock type. The oxygen to carbon (O:C) and hydrogen to carbon (H:C) ratios were mostly affected by the extent of pyrolysis (a combination of HTT and pyrolysis duration), except for non (ligno)cellulosic feedstocks (plastic waste, sewage sludge). The volatile matter (VM) content was affected by both feedstock type and the extent of pyrolysis. We demonstrated that HTT is the main driver of H:C ‐‐ an indicator of persistence ‐‐ but that it is not measured accurately enough to precisely predict H:C, let alone persistence. We examined the equations to estimate available in the literature and showed that calculated from HTT presented little agreement with calculated from H:C. The sign and magnitude of the bias depended on the equation used to calculate and the dispersion was usually large. This could lead to improper compensation of carbon emissions and wrong reporting of carbon sinks in national carbon accounting schemes. We recommend not to use HTT as a predictor for persistence and stress the importance to rapidly develop more accurate proxies of biochar C persistence in soil.

Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Banana Bract Lehya

Banana Bract Lehya, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation, has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of Banana Bract Lehya. The lehya was prepared using banana bract powder (Musa paradisiaca), jaggery, tamarind, and a blend of spices including cumin, ajwain, ginger, fennel, and black pepper. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, with high concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and moderate levels of tannins and terpenoids. Physicochemical analysis showed a pH of 6.20, loss on drying of 70%, total ash content of 3.2%, and total solid content of 96%. Organoleptic evaluation indicated a light brown and black color, pungent and spicy taste, and jelly-like texture. The total phenolic content was 78.5 ± 3.2 mg GAE/g, while the total flavonoid content was 42.3 ± 2.1 mg QE/g. Antioxidant activity, assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, showed an IC50 value of 127.6 ± 5.4 μg/mL, compared to ascorbic acid's 23.8 ± 1.2 μg/mL. Glucose adsorption capacity increased with rising glucose concentration, suggesting potential anti-diabetic effects. The lehya exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with IC50 values of 156.3 ± 7.2 μg/mL and 143.7 ± 6.5 μg/mL, respectively, compared to acarbose's 83.2 ± 3.8 μg/mL and 95.6 ± 4.1 μg/mL. These findings provide valuable insights into the composition, physicochemical properties, and potential health benefits of Banana Bract Lehya.

Preparation and Characterization of Waste Fish Bone-Derived Gelatin/Chitosan Plastic Film Incorporated with Green Tea Extract

Fish-derived gelatin has recently been spotlighted as an alternative source following the negative issues of mammalian gelatin, but unfortunately it has poor mechanical properties that limit its application. Herein, an environmental-friendly film was prepared from milkfish (Chanos chanos) bone waste-derived gelatin and modified by adding chitosan, glycerol and sorbitol plasticizers as well as green tea extract to improve its mechanical properties. Gelatin was processed from milkfish bone waste using various concentrations of H2SO4 solution (2%, 3%, and 5%) (v/v) and soaking times of 18 h and 36 h for each of the solutions. The measurement test of pH, ash content, and moisture content were conducted on the gelatin product, and the characteristic functional groups were investigated using Fourier- Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of green tea addition was also evaluated on the thickness, tensile strength, and elongation of the resulting films. The results showed that treatment using H2SO4 concentration of 3% with 36 hours of immersion time produced the best gelatin quality with a pH value of 5.9. Water content and ash content were 14.286% and 3.09%, respectively. The plastic film from this study has mechanical properties similar to polypropylene plastic so that it is expected to be a potential material for food packaging applications.

EVALUATING GROWTH AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN CATFISH UNDER DIFFERENT SALINITIES

An investigation was carried out to explore the effect of salinity on the growth and flesh quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a significant species in global aquaculture. Fifty juvenile catfish of weight 24.25±0.4g were collected from the Chenab River in Pakistan and acclimatized in controlled aquaculture conditions at different salinity levels NaCl (T1; 0, T2; 2, T3; 4; T4; 6, and T5; 8 ppt) over 60 days. Growth performance indicators, including final weights, weight gain, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were measured. The statistical result indicated that the fish in lower salinity environments (0-2 ppt) exhibited significant (p < 0.05) final weights, weight gain, and growth rates, with performance declining significantly as salinity increased. The best FCR 1.2±0.01 was indicated at 0 ppt, while the highest salinity (8 ppt) was revealed in the FCR 1.7±0.04. Proximate composition analysis indicated that crude protein and moisture content elevated with salinity while crude fat and ash content decreased. These results suggest that C. gariepinus thrives in slightly brackish conditions, with optimal growth at low salinity levels. However, higher salinities adversely impact physiological health and growth performance.

Valorization of freshwater crab shell residues to chitosan for postharvest quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) by fruit coating

Freshwater crab shells (Somanniathelphusa dugasti) are abundant in inland areas and rich in chitosan, which can be extracted and utilized. This study investigated the characteristics of chitosan from freshwater crab shells (FC-chitosan) and its impact on extending the shelf life of Nam Dok Mai mangoes (Mangifera indica L.). The FC-chitosan had a high degree of deacetylation (99.15 %), thereby enhancing solubility and reactivity for a uniform coating, and a low ash content (0.75 %), minimizing the interference effects on mechanical strength and transparency, both of which could contribute to its potential use as a well-adhering coating material. The FC-chitosan film exhibited superior properties as a coating film, with relatively higher transparency (25.09 % T/mm), tensile strength (21.57 MPa), and elongation (76.09 %) compared to commercially available marine crab chitosan. Mango fruits coated with 2.0 % (w/v) FC-chitosan demonstrated appropriate postharvest quality, with lower weight loss and maintained peel color, fruit firmness, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid during storage at room temperature (30 ± 5 °C) for up to 11 days. The results suggest that FC-chitosan is effective as a coating material for delaying ripening and extending the shelf life of mangoes. The novelty of using chitosan derived from freshwater crab shells lies in its unique properties and its sustainable use of underutilized byproducts.

Potential benefits of advanced chelate-based trace minerals in improving bone mineralization, antioxidant status, immunity, and gene expression modulation in heat-stressed broilers.

Organic sources of trace minerals (TM) in broiler diets are more bioavailable and stable than inorganic sources, making them particularly beneficial during challenging periods such as heat stress (HS) conditions. A 42-d study investigated the effects of using advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) or adding varying amounts of ACTM to broiler diets during HS conditions. The study involved 672 male broiler chickens in 7 treatment groups, including a thermoneutral control (TNC) group and six HS treatments. There were 8 replicate pens per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. The six HS treatments included birds exposed to a cyclic HS environment (34°C) for 8 h and were as follows: HSC, which consisted of the same basal diet with the recommended ITM levels; ACTM50 and ACTM100, which replaced the basal diet with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of ITM; ITM+ACTM12.5 and ITM+ACTM25, which involved adding extra ACTM to the ITM basal diet at 12.5% and 25%, respectively; and ITM125, which used 125% of the recommended levels of ITM in the basal diet. Compared with the HSC treatment, the TNC, ACTM100, and ITM+ACTM25 treatments resulted in increased (P < 0.05) body weight; tibia weight; tibia ash, phosphorus, iron, and manganese contents; secondary antibody titers; and serum TAC and SOD values but decreased (P < 0.05) serum MDA concentrations and the expression levels of the hepatic genes IL-1β, IL-6, and INF-γ. The TNC and ACTM100 groups also showed greater (P < 0.05) feed efficiency, tibia length, tibia zinc content, and hepatic SOD1 expression but exhibited reduced (P < 0.05) hepatic NF-kB expression. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in primary anti-NDV titers, serum GPx1 activity, and Nrf2 and GPx1 gene expression levels were also detected in the ACTM100, ITM+ACTM12.5, and ITM+ACTM25 groups. In conclusion, the findings suggest that replacing ITM with ACTM or adding ACTM to ITM diets, especially at a 25% higher dose, can effectively protect broilers from heat stress by promoting growth, reducing inflammation, and increasing the expression of antioxidant proteins.

Investigating the toxicity of polylactic acid microplastics on the health and physiology of freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala.

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised growing concerns among ecotoxicologists regarding their potential toxicity. This study explored the impacts of polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on the physiology and health of freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala, by dietary exposure for 90 days. The experiment consisted of six groups: five treatment groups (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% PLA-MP) and a control group (0% PLA-MP). Each group was comprised of fifteen fish, and the experiment was replicated three times. The exposure severity of PLA-MPs varied from low to high, with treatment levels ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% PLA-MPs, relative to the control group. This exposure significantly affected their growth performance. Additionally, the apparent digestibility of the SFM-based diet decreased with increasing PLA-MPs concentration. Exposure to PLA-MPs induced considerable changes in body composition, characterized by increased moisture and crude fat content and decreased ash content and crude protein. The blood profile, including MCHC, RBCs, Hb, PLT and PCV exhibited significant declines in the high treatment group (2.5% PLA-MPs), while MCH, WBCs and MCV showed notable increases. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the intestine revealed an increase in abnormalities in the intestine at 2.5% PLA-MPs level. The high treatment group (2.5% PLA-MPs) showed the lowest mineral content in the fish muscles. In summary, dietary exposure to PLA-MPs led to alterations in overall body performance across the treatment groups, ranging from low to high severity levels.

Detection of Volcanic Ash Using Goes-16 Satellite Imagery: Case Study of Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the accuracy of volcanic ash detection using satellite imagery, to improve existing monitoring tools to adapt them to the Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico. Theoretical Framework: Volcanic ash detection via remote sensing employs Pavolonis' algorithms that compare radiances in the thermal and mid-infrared spectrum. This approach differentiates ash from clouds and water vapor by leveraging its differential absorption. Satellites such as GOES-16, which capture multispectral data, optimize the continuous detection and monitoring of ash dispersion, even in areas of low concentration. Method: Three volcanic ash detection algorithms were compared using images from the Popocatépetl eruption event on May 21, 2023: two developed by Pavolonis, which combine thermal and mid-infrared bands, and a third, a spectral adaptation designed to enhance precision at the edges of the ash cloud, tailored to the study area. Results were validated with an RGB ash image provided by NOAA. Results and Discussion: Pavolonis' algorithms provided a solid foundation for general detection, but the third algorithm, specifically designed for this study, significantly improved edge detection where classification conditions are more complex. This improvement was reflected in a higher agreement with the RGB ash image used as a reference. However, limitations related to atmospheric interference were identified, which require further adjustments in low ash concentration scenarios. Research Implications: The findings of this research have significant practical and theoretical implications for volcanic risk management and environmental protection. Enhanced accuracy in volcanic ash detection can optimize monitoring and early warning strategies, reducing risks to public health and infrastructure. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by introducing a specific spectral adaptation to improve edge detection of volcanic ash, a novel approach not previously addressed. The research's relevance lies in its ability to refine monitoring methodology, providing more effective tools for volcanic risk management and offering a model applicable to other areas facing similar remote sensing challenges.

The impact of milling degree on physicochemical, nutritional, rheological, textural properties, and in vitro digestibility of rice: From brown rice to white rice

The objective of this study was to characterize the rice milling fractions acquired at each stage of a commercial milling system. This characterization included an analysis of color, ash content, dietary fiber, mineral composition, as well as antinutritional compounds like phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor activity, and saponin. Additionally, we investigated in vitro starch and in vitro protein digestibility, along with pasting, cooking, and textural properties.Our findings revealed that milling improved the visual appeal of rice (e.g., volume expansion, weight gain, whiteness) and notably enhanced its starch digestibility. However, milling reduced dietary fiber, mineral content, antinutrients, cooking time, and texture characteristics such as hardness, chewiness, gumminess, springiness, and cohesiveness to varying degrees. Certain parameters, such as dietary fiber, exhibited a gradual change with the duration of milling, while others, such as mineral content and texture, showed significant variation at the initial stage of milling, particularly at the first mill.

Composition and Quality of Honey Bee Feed: The Methodology and Monitoring of Candy Boards.

The nutritional status of a honey bee colony is recognized as a key factor in ensuring a healthy hive. A deficient flow of nectar and pollen in the honey bee colony immediately affects its development, making room for pathogen proliferation and, consequently, for a reduction in the activities and strength of the colony. It is, therefore, urgent for the beekeepers to use more food supplements and/or substitutes in apiary management, allowing them to address colony nutritional imbalances according to the beekeeper's desired results. In this context, the commercial market for beekeeping products is growing rapidly due to low regulation of animal food products and the beekeeper's willingness to guarantee healthy colonies. There are numerous products (bee food additives) currently available on the worldwide market, with a highly variable and sometimes even undefined composition, claiming a set of actions at the level of brood stimulation, energy supplementation, queen rearing support, reduction of Varroa reproduction levels, improvement of the intestinal microflora of bees, Nosema prevention, and improvement of the health of honey bee colonies infested by American foulbrood, among others. To address this issue, the members of the COLOSS (Honey Bee Research Association) NUTRITION Task Force are proposing, for the first time, action on honey bee feed control and monitoring. In our common study, we focused on candy board composition and quality parameters. For that, a selected number of commercial candy boards usually found in Europe were analyzed in terms of water and ash content, pH, acidity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, sugars, C3-C4 sugar origin, and texture. Results revealed differences between the values found and the ones displayed on the label, demonstrating the need for regulation of the quality of these products.

Production of hydrochar fuel by microwave-hydrothermal carbonisation of olive pomace slurry from olive oil industry for combustion application

This work is the first investigation on microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonisation (MHTC) of real olive pomace (OP) slurry from the olive oil industry to produce hydrochars with improved fuel properties for combustion applications (e.g., in boilers). Experiments were conducted based on the central composite design of response surface methodology with two main process variables: temperature (180–250 °C) and holding time (2–30 min). Severity factors (log R0) were calculated from the above variables and used to explain the process effect in a simpler way. Increasing the MHTC severity resulted in significant changes in the structure of OP (studied by FTIR and NMR analyses) as well as reductions in yield, bulk density, volatile matter, and ash content in the hydrochars. The high-severity hydrochar was positioned in the lignite zone (van Krevelen diagram). It also exhibited substantial reductions in the alkali index (86.53 %), slagging index (76.89 %), and fouling index (96.07 %) compared to the raw material. Overall, the best conditions for hydrochar production with improved combustion characteristics were found to be 250 °C for 30 min (HHV = 28.45 MJ/kg, energy densification ratio = 1.25, equilibrium moisture content = 31.1 mg/g, comprehensive combustibility index = 2.94 × 10−7%2 min−2 ºC−3). These properties indicate that high-severity hydrochars could be utilised as biofuels for energy applications.

Exonic mutations of POU class 1 homeobox 1 are associated with milk pH in high-producing Holstein Friesian cows

Background and Aim: Milk physicochemical properties play essential role in the milk processing industry, which are moderately to highly affected by genetic factors. This study aimed to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1) and the physicochemical properties of milk in high-producing Holstein Friesian (HF) cows. Materials and Methods: A total of 149 high-producing dairy cows from PT Ultra Peternakan Bandung Selatan was included in this study. The physicochemical properties of milk, including density, freezing point, pH, lactose, solid non-fat, protein, and ash content, were determined. Moreover, three polymorphisms within the exon regions of POU1F1 (c.195G&gt;A, c.300G&gt;T, and c.828G&gt;A) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between these polymorphisms and the physicochemical properties of milk was determined using a mixed-effects model analysis, in which the lactation period was used as a covariate. Results: This study found that two polymorphisms, c.195G&gt;A and c.828G&gt;A, significantly affected the pH of fresh milk. Cows with both the GG genotypes c.195G&gt;A and c.828G&gt;A had lower milk pH values than those with the other genotypes. In addition, a non-significant effect of POU1F1 was observed on the other physicochemical properties of milk. Conclusion: Two POU1F1 polymorphisms determined the pH of fresh milk in the Indonesian HF population. These are potential marker candidates for milk pH that directly affect the development of dairy products in the milk processing industry. Keywords: exonic mutation, Holstein Friesian, milk pH, physicochemical properties, POU1F1.

Confirmation of the feasibility of using agrobyproduct biochar in thermal power plants through oxygen pyrolysis and conventional pyrolysis

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing agrobyproduct biochar as a substitute for fossil fuels in thermal power plants by comparing oxygen-rich and oxygen-lean pyrolysis processes. The biomass types examined include soybean pods (BE), bamboo (BB), and wood pellets (WP). Results demonstrate that oxygen-lean pyrolysis at high temperatures enhances biochar's carbon content and energy density. Mass yields varied, with WP showing the highest yield at 500℃ under oxygen-lean conditions. Elemental analysis indicated increased carbon content and improved fuel properties with higher pyrolysis temperatures. Proximate composition analysis revealed decreased volatile matter and increased fixed carbon and ash content, leading to higher fuel ratios. Calorific values increased significantly across all biomasses, particularly under oxygen-lean conditions. Gas analysis showed significant changes in O2, CO2, and CO concentrations with temperature variations. Combustion indices and physical properties like aromaticity and Hardgrove grindability index improved with higher temperatures. Optimal pyrolysis conditions were identified as 325℃ for WP, 350℃ for BB, and 300℃ for BE, with BE also performing well at 500℃. The study concludes that optimized agrobyproduct biochar can effectively replace conventional fossil fuels, offering high energy yield and enhanced combustion properties.