Bamboo Stem Research Articles

Aggregation induced emission “Turn on” ultra-low detection of anti-inflammatory drug flufenamic acid in human urine samples by carbon dots derived from bamboo stem waste

Carbon dot-based fluorescence sensors have attracted research interest for the selective determination of anti-inflammatory drugs in biological fluids and environments. The overdose and accumulation of anti-inflammatory drugs in tissues can cause chronic side effects including abdominal pain, and renal damage. Herein, we report a new fluorescent probe, bamboo stem waste-derived carbon dots (BS-CDs) for highly sensitive detection of Flufenamic acid (FA), a hazardous anti-inflammatory drug. The UV–vis absorption spectra of BS-CDs show a redshifted absorption peak at 283 nm upon the addition of FA suggesting strong binding interaction between BS-CDs and FA molecule. The BS-CDs showed a fluorescence enhancement (∼2-fold) detection for FA (400 μM) in the linear concentration range (0.40 → 0.65 μM) with a limit of detection (LoD; 17 nM) and binding constant (Ka = 1.33 × 10−3 M−1). The time-resolved fluorescence decay analysis showed that the average lifetime of BS-CDs has slightly changed (4.42 → 4.67 ns) by the interaction with FA through the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) process. The interference, pH, and effect of time results suggest that BS-CDs are highly selective probes for FA detection and do not show any interference involvement during FA detection. The confirmation of the structure and morphology changes of BS-CDs after interaction with FA was carried out by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The practicability of the BS-CDs probe was proved by the detection of FA in human urine samples with recovery of 103–109 %. This suggests that the proposed BS-CDs-based ‘turn-on’ sensor could be used to determine the FA in biological fluids.

Effectiveness of Bamboo Stick Liquid Smoke (Bamboo sp.) With Methanol Extract of Sengon Twig Wood (Falcataria moluccana) as a Disinfectant

Pathogenic microorganisms that cause infectious diseases are widely spread in the environment, especially in public places that allow microorganisms to multiply. Disinfectants are used to prevent the spread of these microorganisms. The use of chemical-based disinfectants can cause side effects, so it is necessary to look for alternatives from natural materials, such as a mixture of bamboo stem liquid smoke and methanol extract from Sengon twig wood. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a mixture of bamboo stem liquid smoke and methanol extract of Sengon twig on bacteria and fungi. This research method began with an inhibition test of the disc and well diffusion method with five comparison treatments (50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90) to obtain the most effective comparison of the volume of 100% bamboo stem liquid smoke mixture and 11% sengon twig wood methanol extract, then tested using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method with swab samples on wooden tables. The results showed that the most effective comparison of the volume of 100% bamboo stem liquid smoke mixture and 11% sengon twig wood methanol extract was the volume ratio of 50:50 from the results of the inhibition zone on Salmonella typhimurium with a diameter of 10.3 mm. The results of the mixed effectiveness test with a ratio of 50:50 with the swab test on the table showed a decrease in the number of bacteria (51%) and fungi (65%). This shows that the mixture of bamboo stem liquid smoke and methanol extract of Sengon twig wood is effective as a disinfectant.

Stiffness and stability of bamboo stem- A optimal design perspective

During the evolution process, a bamboo stem achieves a significant height (up to 20 m) to fulfil its phototropic requirements. While on land, the stem is mostly subjected to bending load which makes it liable to fail by uprooting. However, this failure is prohibited by smart structure of bamboo stem which includes graded arrangement of fibre bundles in the cross-section and a tapered cantilever form of the stem. This paper attempts to understand the optimal design of bamboo stem through the relationship between the stellar arrangement of stiff fibre bundles in the cross-section and the tapered form. In this work, a comparison between two types of stellar arrangement, namely uniform and graded, is presented in view of non-linear bending analysis through elastica theory and fracture-induced delamination, both numerically. It is observed from the results that a bamboo stem prefers to evolve with graded stellar arrangement which provides gradation of stiffness and toughness over the cross-section; the trend in toughness being opposite to that of stiffness. Moreover, interplay of stellar arrangement and gradation of stiffness-toughness thereof is found to be the governing mechanism for ensuring its mechanical integrity and stability in view of an optimal design perspective. The smart structure of bamboo is recommended for bio-mimicking.

3D cellulose scaffold with gradient pore structure controlled by hydrogen bond competition: Super-strength and multifunctional oil/water separation

Cellulose-based aerogels offer exceptional promise for oily wastewater treatment, but the challenge of low mechanical strength and limited application functions persists. Inspired by the graded porous structures in the animal skeleton and bamboo stem, we firstly report here a stepwise solvent diffusion-induced phase separation approach for constructing the gradient pore-density three-dimensional (3D) cellulose scaffold (GPDS). Benefiting from the regulation of competitive hydrogen bonding between the anti-solvents and the ionic liquid (IL) in cellulose solution, GPDS exhibits the decreased major channels size and increased minor pores amount gradually along the solvent diffusion direction. These endow GPDS with the characteristics of low density (0.019 g/cm) and super strength (high up to 870 KPa). The application of GPDS in the field of oil-water separation has achieved remarkable results, including oil/organic solvent absorption (13–25 g/gGPDS), immiscible oil-water mixture separation (high efficiency up to 99.8 %, flux > 2000 L/m2·h), and surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion (efficiency up to 97.7 %). Moreover, a simple hydrophobic treatment further realizes the efficient separation of water-in-oil emulsion (98.5 % efficiency). The as-fabricated GPDS accordingly achieves the multifunctional application in oil-water separation field. Thus, a new avenue is opened to construct 3D cellulose porous scaffold as adsorbent materials in oily wastewater treatment.

Bamboo-inspired lightweight, mechanically-stable and vibration-damping structural members for engineering applications

After millions of years of natural evolution, bamboo stems have formed exquisite variable cross-section hollow multi-node structures that are lightweight, tough, and stable. Bamboo is difficult to break and damage from the roots under dynamic loads, providing an important reference for te biomimetic design of lightweight components. This paper investigates the structural characteristics and variation patterns of bamboo stems and subsequently proposes an imitation bamboo stem structure design strategy for engineering structural members, namely, imitation bamboo double-jointed columns (IDJC). We establish a macro scale finite element model to predict the mechanical properties and failure modes of the IDJC under cyclic bending loads, and validate the model using experimental and analytical methods. The simulation and experimental results show that compared with traditional double-jointed columns (DJC), the weight of the IDJC is reduced by 41.7 %. Under bending load, the compressive stress of each section is approximately equal, reducing stress concentration, and increasing bending resistance. The strength to weight ratio of IDJC is 1.96 times that of DJC, indicating lightweight and high-strength characteristics. The stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, and damping and vibration reduction performance of the IDJC were also evaluated. The results showed that compared with the DJC, the stiffness degradation rate of the IDJC decreased by 6.87 times, the energy dissipation rate increased by 1.07 times, and the damping and vibration reduction performance improved by 48.40 %, reflecting a high stability and robust vibration reduction performance. The results demonstrate the potential application of biomimetic structures for the development and design of resource-rich, low-carbon, and sustainable bamboo for bamboo engineering members with excellent performance and functionality. Biomimetic structures have great potential in replacing nonrenewable structural materials in the fields of civil engineering and transportation.

Advanced Biomimetic and Biohybrid Magnetic Micro/Nano‐Machines

AbstractBiomimetic and biohybrid micro/nano‐structures involve the replication and creation of technologies, structures, and materials based on biological systems at the micrometer and nanometer scale. These strategies harness the natural biological principles to develop innovative treatment methods and advanced microstructure devices for noninvasive therapies. In this study, a detailed overview of fabrication processes, magnetically assisted locomotive techniques, and potential applications of biomimetic and biohybrid micro/nano‐machines are presented. The latest advancements in magnetically actuated biomimetic structures, such as annelid‐worm‐like microswimmers, jellyfish‐shaped microparticles, fish‐shaped microswimmers, and walnut‐shaped micromotors are explored. Additionally, the magnetic biohybrid systems, including sunflower seed‐based micro‐perforators, nanomotors extracted from the bamboo stem, sperm cell‐based micromotors, bacteria‐based robots, scaffold‐based microrobots, DNA‐based micromotors, microalgae‐based microswimmers, and red blood cell‐based microswimmers are also examined. A thorough investigation of the magnetically assisted locomotive behavior of these microstructure devices in biological Newtonian fluids, featuring cork‐screw motion, undulatory motion, surface wrinkling motion, traveling wave‐like motion, and ciliary stroke motion is discussed. Furthermore, unprecedented and innovative treatment methods developed using these minuscule devices such as cervical cancer treatment using tetrapod hybrid sperm micromotors, tissue regeneration using silk fibroin protein‐based magnetic microscale scaffolds, and doxorubicin drug delivery using mushroom‐based microrobots is extensively presented.

Sokasi Commodity Production: The Utilization of Bamboo Stem Fiber Composite to Create Balinese Local Products

This research aims to determine the optimal combination of a mixture containing bamboo fibre and polyester resin, with the addition of coconut fibre as a reinforcing material. The main objective of this research is to test tensile tests to determine the most suitable strength factor. In addition, this research aims to evaluate how changes in specific parameters affect the tensile characteristics of composite materials. The parameters observed include the proportion of the matrix to the volume of coconut fibre, the percentage of alkali concentration, and the length of the coconut fibre. The composite fabrication stage involves using the hand lay-up and Taguchi methods. The reason for choosing the L4(23) orthogonal experimental design is that there are three process parameters, each with two levels. The trial was duplicated five times. Important factors studied include the ratio of matrix and volume of coconut fibre, alkali concentration, and length of coconut fibre. Based on the results obtained from this research, it has been proven that the most effective combination to achieve the highest tensile strength is a matrix that accounts for 60% of the composition, coconut fibre occupies 20% of the volume, and an alkali concentration of 5.%, and coconut fibre strands measuring 30 mm long. The tensile strength test result of this particular composition was 54.34 MPa. Apart from that, the length of coconut fibre is the most significant factor in increasing tensile strength, with a contribution of 42.560%.

Utilization of Bamboo Roots as Reinforcing Composite Materials for Light Vehicle Dashboards

Bamboo roots are residual material from the utilization of bamboo trees’ waste. Bamboo roots utilize in engineering by making new materials in the form of composites. Bamboo roots are easy to get, and getting bamboo root fiber is relatively easy compared to getting bamboo stem fiber. Bamboo root fibers are used as reinforcement in composites with resin binders and catalysts as hardeners. The composite made by mixing the composition consists of 10% bamboo root fiber, 89% resin, and 1% catalyst from the weight of the specimen. This composition uses three variations of fiber direction; straight, random, and woven fiber—each variation tests tensile strength, impact, and bending strength. Those three test results show that the highest values come from the woven fiber, which are 21.04 MPa from the tensile strength, 0.0693 J/mm2 from the impact value, and 34.789 MPa from the bending strength value. The test result found that applying bamboo roots composite material suits dashboard material for light vehicles (cars and motorcycles). This test result meets the standard material for dashboard vehicles based on plastic material data ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This research on natural fiber composite material is novel and valuable as a waste utilization solution for engineering materials.

Bamboo stem derived biochar for biosorption of Cadmium (II) ions from contaminated wastewater

Cadmium in surface waters and the environment beyond the maximum allowed quantities without pre-treatment is hazardous. Bamboo stem biomass adsorption capability for Cd2+ remediationfrom heavy metal-polluted wastewater will be examined to prevent recurrence. The experiment controlled biosorbent dosage, contact length, pH, temperature, and beginning Cadmium concentration for the optimum remediation. Cd2+ was best removed at pH 5 with contact time was 90 min at 298 K. Adsorption observed was 4.17 mg/g at 298 K with 4.13 mg/g Cd2+ sorbed in 90 min. Metal ion concentration reached upto 80.98 % with qe 2.01 mg/g while the desorption 91.3 % at 0.05 M of HCl. The kinetic study showed that it follows Lagergren psuedo-second order reaction, Langmuir, and Freundlich models. The bamboo stem biomass performed better at all cadmium concentrations, with heavy metal removal increasing with concentration. According to the results, bamboo stem biomass is effective in heavy metal removal from wastewater. SEM shows biochar has longitudinal pores and arough surface. Biochar has significant KCl concentration due to its sharp, strong XRD peaks. These findings suggest that bamboo stem biomass is effective in removing heavy metals from wastewater.

Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Bamboo Stem Waste: Synthesis, Characterization, and Inkjet Printing

AbstractAmong the various anti‐counterfeiting solutions, fluorescent compounds gained attention as challenging to copy solutions because of astute technological improvements. However, fluorescent compound usage in counterfeit detection is limited due to high price of rare earth metals, the low photostability of pigments or organic dyes, and the long‐term toxicity of conventional semiconductor quantum dots. Herein lies the value of carbon dot, a very stable, reasonably priced, and environmentally friendly material with intriguing features. In this work the development of blue fluorescent, N‐doped carbon dots (NCD) from waste bamboo stem cuttings via hydrothermal route is presented as an environmentally friendly approach to reduce the risk of toxic gas evolution from burning of bamboo waste. The carbon dot's practical application in anti‐counterfeit printing was ascertained by comprehending it's superior properties, such as high water solubility, eco‐friendliness, dazzling fluorescence, and surface functionalization through various characterization techniques. Inkjet printing of the designs on paper substrate using the aqueous NCD ink displayed reversible encryption‐decryption ability through variation of pH. The development paves the way for value‐added utilization of waste bamboo cuttings in fluorescent ink production.

Enhancing Supercapacitor Performance with Cassava Tuber- Bamboo Stem Blended Porous Activated Carbon: An Environmentally Friendly Approach

Supercapacitor electrodes based on porous activated carbon from a blend of cassava tubers and bamboo stems were successfully synthesized using a chemical activation method with a 4M KOH activator. In this study, we characterized the morphological structure of porous activated carbon blended from cassava tubers and bamboo stems using SEM, while the electrochemical performance was tested using GCD, CV, and EIS. The porous activated carbon blend derived from cassava tubers and bamboo stems exhibits a micro-meso pore morphology, resulting in superior electrolyte ion storage capacity when compared to the carbon precursors of cassava tubers and bamboo stems. The porous activated carbon blend from cassava tubers and bamboo stems, serving as a supercapacitor electrode, demonstrates specific capacitance, energy density, and power density values of 43.44 F/g, 4.81 Wh/kg, and 178.64 W/kg, respectively. The CV curve results show that the supercapacitor electrode has EDLC properties, with Rs and Rct of 15.52 Ω and 7.40 Ω. The results of the research provide a valuable contribution to the development of efficient and sustainable electrochemical materials, with potential broad applications in energy storage technologies.

Distribution of silicon in different organ of bamboo (Gigantochloa apus (Schult. & Schult.) Kubz ex Munro)

Bamboo is one of the plants that accumulates large amounts of silicon (Si) and potentially be utilized as a source of Si. Si plays a role in reducing abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aims to analyze the Si content in ash from various bamboo plant organs (leaves, stems and roots). Bamboo was taken from Klaten Regency, Central Java. The process of making ash used manual burning, followed by ashing using a furnace at 600 °C in temperature. Bamboo plant ash was analyzed using the AOAC method and confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (ED XRF), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) instruments and mapping to determine the composition of the oxide and SiO2 content. Analysis using the AOAC method showed that SiO2 content in bamboo leaf ash (76.88%) was higher than bamboo stem ash (48.43%) and bamboo root ash (56.28%). The results of ED XRF, SEM analysis and mapping showed that the main composition of bamboo plant ash was SiO2. SiO2 content of bamboo leaf ash (22.89%; 80.28%) was higher than bamboo stem ash (12.36%; 39.17%) and bamboo root ash (11.82%; 61.57%), respectively. The higher Si content in bamboo leaf ash was related to Si deposition in the leaf epidermis.

Effect of bamboo powder on mechanical property of aluminum matrix composite reinforced with aluminum oxide, boron carbide and molybdenum disulfide

Natural fiber composites offer a range of advantages, from biodegradability after the component’s lifespan little to no output of greenhouse gases and reduced pollution. These properties have made natural fiber composites popular in military, automotive, aerospace, and residential spaces. Bamboo Stem Ash Powder (BSAP) is one example of a commonly found natural fiber composite. This research looks into its effect on the physical and mechanical parameters when added to pure aluminum. The 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 weight percent of BSAP were added in addition to the secondary reinforcements in the matrix. Parameters such as density, porosity, hardness, compressive strength, X-Ray Diffraction analysis results of BSAP/composite mixture, as well as Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) findings for the BSAP itself were all studied. The highest values of hardness 239.66 HV and compressive strength 308.32 MPa have been observed with 7.5 weight percent BSAP addition. It can be confirmed that these natural fiber composites can improve standard materials’ behavior when used correctly and can be potential candidates for many engineering applications.

Decoration of 2 H-MoS2 on the surfaces of activated carbon derived from bamboo stem biomass waste: A regenerative novel architecture for effective degradation of methylene blue under natural light

The development of visible light-assisted photocatalyst materials is considered a sustainable technology for textile dye pollutant degradation. In this work, a bamboo stem-derived activated carbon/Molybdenum disulfide (AC/MoS2) composite was synthesized using the wet impregnation method. The synthesized AC/MoS2 (5%) (ACM composite) shows enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency (98%) for MB degradation within 90 min compared with AC (94%) and MoS2 (33%) under natural light irradiation. FESEM analysis shows the uniform deposition of 2 H-MoS2 on the surface of AC. HRTEM analysis revealed that ACM composite consists of ultra-small activated carbon nanoparticles with a diameter of ∼20 nm and a layered MoS2 with a lateral thickness of ∼150 nm. The effect of catalyst load, pH effect, and MB concentration were evaluated to optimize the photocatalytic activities of AC and ACM composites. The results reveal that the ACM composite possesses high photocatalytic activity with a catalyst quantity of 10 mg at pH 8. Scavenger trapping analysis confirms that hydroxyl radical (•OH) and photogenerated holes (h+) are the main reactive species for photocatalytic degradation of MB. After three cycle experiments, the ACM composite exhibited a slight decrease in the photocatalytic efficiency (89%) and also possesses high stability, which can be regenerated for sustainable photocatalytic material. Moreover, the ACM composite exhibits a long visible absorption range and high structural stability, enhancing the charge separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This proposed method offers a cost-effective and biomass-derived photocatalyst for the textile wastewater treatment process.

Metal-Infused Polyphenol-enriched Phyto-fabricated Nanoparticles: an In-depth Review of their Potent Prebiotic Properties

In light of its potential health benefits, including as improved gut health and management of the gut microbiota, herbal extracts have witnessed a major increase in demand as prebiotics in recent years. Many studies have demonstrated that polyphenolrich herbal extracts can work as prebiotics by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut flora. Unfortunately, the limited solubility and stability of these herbal extracts, as well as their susceptibility to breakdown in the gastrointestinal system, can limited their bioavailability and efficiency. To address these limitations, the integration of metal nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of herbal extracts, affording heightened bioavailability and precise targeting of the gut microbiota. In this paper, we present current breakthrough in metal infused nanoparticle-based assessment of herbal extracts as efficient prebiotics, with an emphasis on formulation, characterization, and biological activity. The integration of metal nanoparticles into polyphenol-rich herbal extracts represents a cutting-edge approach to enhancing the prebiotic properties of these compounds. Metal-infused polyphenol-enriched phyto-fabricated nanoparticles hold great promise for improving gut health and modulating the gut microbiota, offering innovative solutions to address the limitations associated with traditional polyphenol delivery. Furthermore, extracts of polyphenol-rich medicinal herbs such as rosehip flower, hibiscus flower, mango bark, bamboo stem, green tea, pomegranate, and dhataki flower have been investigated to assess the viability of employing these phyto generated metal infused nanoparticles as a potential prebiotic

Synthesis of biodiesel from an unique potential oil reserve Delonix regia using a novel biocatalyst bamboo stem – A comparative study by RSM and ANN

Establishing sustainable energy sources is now necessary due to the depletion of fossil fuels and the rising global need for energy. On the other side, burning fossil fuels releases dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere, such as particulates and oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. People all over the world are accepting a sustainable, renewable, and cost-effective source for the development of biofuels. Identification of a native reserve is a crucial part to hunt a suitable resource for biodiesel production due to its commercial transmission. Biodiesel is a prominent clean energy substitute due to its positive environmental concerns. In this work, a local potential source Delonix regia seeds are used for oil extraction and converted it into biodiesel directly due to its low free fatty acid content. A newly developed bio-nanocatalyst bamboo stem powder was facilitate as a catalyst and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques for efficient biodiesel conversion. Response surface methodology and Artificial Neural Network were employed to predict the optimized process parameters and maximum of around 97% biodiesel yield was achieved utilizing methanol/oil ratio - 0.25 v/v, catalyst dosage - 4 wt%, mixing speed - 950 rpm, reaction temperature - 65ºC and processing time - 95 min. Then, the biodiesel was characterized by gas chromatography to find the fatty acid combination and the properties were analysed for further processing in the automobiles. Moreover, the catalyst reusability was evaluated for economical biodiesel production was established effectively.

Bamboo stem biomass waste-derived excitation-dependent carbon dots for nanomolar detection of fungicide dodine in real samples and their pH-sensitive bacterial interaction studies

The present work investigates the mitigation of dodine (DD) fungicide residue, which is recognized for its adverse environmental consequences, by the use of carbon dots (CDs) prepared from bamboo stem biomass (BS-CDs). This work focuses on the synthesis of BS-CDs using the one-step hydrothermal method, which has been shown the remarkable sensing efficiency even at low concentrations. The synthesized BS-CDs were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic techniques (HRTEM). The BS-CDs were spherical and mono-dispersed, with an average size of 3.71 nm. By utilizing the fluorescence quenching property of BS-CDs, a detection limit of 4.3 nM for DD was successfully achieved. The non-toxic profile of BS-CDs has been confirmed by cytotoxicity studies using MTT assay. Application research mostly focuses on exploring the interaction between CDs and bacteria, hence elucidating their pH-sensitive characteristics. Real sample (fruits and vegetables) analysis was carried out to assess the viability of the detection approach, and the results showed respectable recovery rates (105 to 115 %) with a relative standard deviation (∼2 %). The findings provide a positive outlook for addressing the presence of DD residue in ecologically vulnerable regions, emphasizing the viability of using BS-CDs as an environmentally friendly remedy.

Characterization of the properties of Buluh Madu (Gigantochloa albociliata)

Thirteen bamboo species are reported to be in commercial use in Malaysia. However, Buluh madu (Gigantochloa albociliata) did not make to the list. As a species, G. albociliata is cultivated for its delicious bamboo shoot and is demonstrated to possess great potential to produce commercialised products such as laminated bamboo panel. Unlike common bamboo, which has hollow cylindrical culms, G. albociliata has thick culms at the base, with smaller hollow cavities at the top portion. Therefore, it can be easily converted into high-thickness strips, thus improving the processing efficiency of laminated bamboo. To validate this theory, the anatomical, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of G. albociliata were evaluated. The round bamboo and strips from the top and bottom sections of the bamboo stem were tested. It was found that G. albociliata has a vascular bundle type similar to that of the Gigantochloa genus bamboo. The fibre in G. albociliata is long and strong. The top section of bamboo has longer fibres, a higher density, and a higher specific gravity than the bottom section. As a result, bamboo from the top section has greater bending strength than bamboo from the bottom section. The G. albociliata species was discovered to have high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and good wettability, making it an ideal material for laminated products.

A Survey of the Wild Giant Panda Population and Habitat Reflects an Urgent In Situ Conservation Need: A Case of Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve

An important tool for conserving species and their habitats and achieving sustainable development is the establishment of national parks. The population ecology of the species to be conserved, including their population size and suitable habitat, needs to be assessed prior to integrating protected areas into national parks. The Liangshan Mountains are currently the southernmost habitat of giant pandas and lie outside the newly established Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). The population is threatened with extinction due to severe isolation and human disturbance. However, there has been a ten-year gap in the census of giant pandas in this critical area. This means that conservation managers are unable to keep up to date with population and habitat dynamics. The Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve is the core area of the giant panda population in Liangshan and the link for gene exchange. The focus of this study is to assess the spatial distribution pattern of suitable habitat, habitat fragmentation and the habitat selection characteristics of giant pandas in the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve in Liangshan in order to lay the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park. A total of 151 giant panda fecal samples were collected in 2023. Using the distance–bamboo stem fragments method, this indicated that nearly 28 to 29 giant pandas exist within the reserve. Based on MaxEnt and FRAGSTATS, the giant panda population is concentrated in Wahei–Yiziyakou. They tend to choose gentle slopes of 10–30°, at altitudes between 2500 m and 3500 m, with average annual temperatures between 8.5 °C and 10 °C. They also select the areas close to roads and settlements for their frequent activities. Unsuitable habitat is widespread and surrounds low-, medium- and high-suitability habitats with poor habitat connectivity. In situ conservation measures are urgently needed due to the restricted distribution of populations and poor habitat suitability. This lays the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park, providing greater protection for the giant panda and other species in the region, and for other national parks to integrate all habitats into a single management unit. This will address conservation gaps and overlapping management, and promote the conservation of rare or endangered species.

Biochar-ZnO Composites from Petung Bamboo Stems to Increase Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue in Wastewater

The rapid development of industrial sector worldwide has contributed greatly to environmental pollution. In many countries, surface and groundwater are polluted by industrial wastewater effluent, such as synthetic dyes. Dyes are difficult to decompose naturally and cause disruption to aquatic ecosystems. To eliminate risks associated with the presence of synthetic dyes, photocatalytic-adsorption is still considered the most environmentally friendly and effective for dye removal. In this work, a novel biochar-ZnO composite was synthesized from petung bamboo stems having a high cellulose content, and used to eliminate methylene blue dye in the water. Biochar-ZnO composite was prepared from bamboo stems via a two-step pyrolysis process in a furnace with nitrogen flow at 400°C and 700°C for one hour. The addition of ZnO into biochar enhanced methylene blue removal up to 94.6% at an initial concentration of 10 mg.dm-3, pH 3, and contact time of 180 minutes, under UV light. It can be concluded that biochar-ZnO composite is highly feasible for dye removal from wastewater.