Cocoa Pod Husk Research Articles

Life cycle assessment of power generation using cocoa pod husk in Côte d’Ivoire

Objectives: This study assesses the environmental performance of cocoa pod husk as a fuel for a biomass power plant in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: In this study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is applied to identify four environmental impacts generated during the production of electrical energy. LCA assesses the environmental impact on the global warming potential of electricity production from a biomass power plant using a cocoa pod husk in Côte d’Ivoire. The greenhouse gas emissions of this electricity production are compared with those of other energy sources. Findings: The results show that the production of one kilowatt-hour results in the emission of 1.12 g SO2eq,0.28 g PO4eq., 9.91 g 1.4 DBeq. and 328.22 g CO2eq. These emissions involve acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity and global warming respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that the transport distance has an effect on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the chain. The sensitivity analysis showed that the transport distance has an effect on the GHG emissions of the sector. Thus, GHG emissions increase with the distance travelled by the transport vehicle. The analysis identified power plant locations that would reduce GHG emissions for the production of 1 kWh of electricity. Novelty: The life cycle assessment was used to evaluate the environmental impact of various processes using crop residues for energy purposes. Keywords: Bioenergy; Crop residues; Cocoa pod husk; LCA; Thermal power plant

Assessment of the Pretreatments and Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass Recovered from the Husk of the Cocoa Pod

The production of biofuels (biogas, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and solid fuels, etc.), beginning with cocoa pod husk (CPH), is a way for obtaining a final product from the use of the principal waste product of the cocoa industry. However, there are limitations to the bioconversion of the material due to its structural components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). Currently, CPH pretreatment methods are considered a good approach towards the improvement of both the degradation process and the production of biogas or ethanol. The present document aims to set out the different methods for pretreating lignocellulosic material, which are: physical (grinding and extrusion, among others); chemical (acids and alkaline); thermochemical (pyrolysis); ionic liquid (salts); and biological (microorganism) to improve biofuel production. The use of CPH as a substrate in bioconversion processes is a viable and promising option, despite the limitations of each pretreatment method.

Architectural Responses of Cashew to Intercropping and Nutritional Amendments in Nigerian Guinea Savanna Agro Ecology

Field experiment was conducted at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria sub-station Ochaja, to evaluate the impact of manure and intercrops on cashew tree growth, canopy development and yield. Treatments consisted of Bambara and Sesame intercrops and manuring using Cocoa pod husk (CPH) and NPK fertilizer applied at the rate of 0, 1,713kg and 400kg/ha respectively. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with three replications and monitored within the two years of study. Data collected includes: Plant height, Stem girth and canopy North-South/East-West direction. These was used to calculate: crown diameter, canopy spread, canopy volume, canopy ground cover and canopy ground cover percentage. The results showed that the growth characters of Cashew were positively influenced by alley crops of Sesame and Bambara nut and manuring. Manuring with CPH exerted differences in the responses of cashew to alley crops, in particular, canopy development. Intercropping with a combination of bambara-sesame and the application of NPK fertilizer proved to have the highest Cashew growth development but showed no significant differences on the yield and yield attribute. The GGE biplot results identified the best intercrop system for each of the three-fertilizer type treatment. Within the two years of the experiment, Cashew development was not hampered by the introduction of the different intercropping systems.

Theobroma cacao L. (Cocoa) pod husk as a new therapy for transient receptor protein vanilloid-1 (TRPV1)-targeted diabetic neuropathy: An in silico study

Backgrounds: Theobroma cacao L. (cocoa) is one of the leading commodities found in Indonesia. Cocoa pod husk has many bioactive compounds with antinociceptive properties. One of the targets in treating pain, especially painful diabetic neuropathy, is the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the activity of active compounds from cocoa pod husk extracts against TRPV1 and their toxicity. Methods: Molecular docking was used to predict the activity of the test ligands, and the results were analysed with Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0. The TRPV 1 structure was taken from the Protein Data Bank (ID: 5IS0), with capsazepine as a native ligand. The toxicity prediction was evaluated using pkCSM. Results: The results showed that the active chemical compounds from cocoa pod husks with the strongest affinity for TRPV1 were phlorofucofuroeckol-A (-95.7785 ± 1.868), catechins (-92.6868 ± 2.681), 7-phloroeckol (-91.9788 ± 0.356), and resveratrol (-91.1921 ± 0.579), and the safest compounds were catechins, resveratrol, and 7-phloroeckol. Conclusion: Catechins, resveratrol, and 7-phloroeckol from cacao pod husks are safe and potential therapy for diabetic neuropathy.

Optical Kerr detection in nanofluids based on Ag nanoparticles obtained by biosynthesis with endophytic fungi from the cocoa pod husk

Optical Kerr detection in nanofluids based on Ag nanoparticles obtained by biosynthesis with endophytic fungi from the cocoa pod husk

Pengaruh Jenis Pelarut dan Ukuran Partikel pada Ekstraksi Kulit Buah Kakao (Theobroma cacao L.) menggunakan Metode Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) terhadap Karakteristik Ekstrak

This research was conducted to determine the effect of the type of solvent and particle size on the extraction of cocoa pods using the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method on the characteristics of the extract as a source of antioxidants and to determine the type of solvent and particle size in the extraction of cocoa pods using Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) precise in obtaining the highest antioxidant capacity extract. The experimental design used in this study was a factorial randomized block design which was grouped into 2 groups based on the implementation time and consisted of two factors. The first factor is the type of solvent which consists of 3 levels, namely methanol, ethanol and acetone. The second factor is particle size which consists of 3 levels, namely 40 mesh, 60 mesh and 80 mesh. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and continued with Tukey test. The results showed that the type of solvent and particle size had a very significant effect on the yield, total phenolic, total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity. The interaction between treatments had a very significant effect on total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity, and had a significant effect on total phenolics, but had no significant effect on the yield of cocoa pod peel powder extract. The best treatment to produce cocoa pod peel extract on extraction using MAE was ethanol solvent and particle size 80 mesh with yield characteristics of 12.23±0.61% total phenolic 148.84±0.10 mg GAE/g extract, total flavonoids of 94.16±0.23 mgQE/g extract, and antioxidant capacity of 133.30±0.49 mg GAEAC/g extract.
 Keywords : Solvent type, particle size, antioxidants, cocoa pod husk

UHPLC-MS Characterization, and Antioxidant and Nutritional Analysis of Cocoa Waste Flours from the Peruvian Amazon.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a food product used worldwide and a key raw material for chocolate manufacturing. Cocoa possesses bioactive compounds such as methylxanthines, flavonoids, procyanidins, and related molecules with medicinal or health-promoting properties. Cocoa shell and pod husk have been proposed as a by-product with several interesting bioactivities, and the gummy residue or glue (a sticky, gluey by-product known as “mucilage” in Spanish) is used to produce liquors and is eaten as a food in Perú. However, little is known about the chemical composition and bioactivity of flours made from Peruvian cocoa ecotype wastes such as those from the vein and pod husk of the fruits. This study aimed to characterize the in vitro antioxidant properties and nutritional values of flours made from the waste from a special ecotype of cocoa (CCN-51). The chemical fingerprinting was performed using UHPLC–HESI orbitrap mass spectrometry and allowed the detection of 51 compounds. GC-FID was used for the determination of individual fatty acid contents, and the antioxidant activity was assessed by several assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS). The flours obtained were composed of a good amount of dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and minerals, as well as several bioactive polyphenolic compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids with nutraceutical properties, making the flours a rich and promising food as well as a good source for the preparation of functional foods or nutraceuticals.

Multi-response optimization on the gasification of cocoa pod (Theobroma cacao) husk and its performance in a multi-fuel engine

Multi-response optimization on the gasification of cocoa pod (Theobroma cacao) husk and its performance in a multi-fuel engine

New Hair Growth Cream Formulation with Cocoa Pod Peel (Theobroma cacao L.).

Our previous study verified that the waste skin of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) fruit or waste cocoa pod husks had the efficacy to overcome hair loss or alopecia. This study aims to determine the formula and activity of hair cream of cocoa pod peel water fraction, which is effective in stimulating hair growth. Activity testing uses the modified Tanaka method. The results showed that the cocoa husk wastewater fraction could be formulated into hair cream, but there were changes in viscosity and pH after the freeze-thaw test, but still within the allowed limit. The hair cream water fraction gel stimulated hair growth activity based on the hair length data with a significant difference in concentration of the preparation. The best activity in hair cream preparation was at 12.5% concentration. In addition, there were no signs of irritation to the rabbit's skin where hair cream preparation was applied. The results of this study indicated that cocoa fruit peel cream can be used for antialopecia treatments.

Acoustic Characterization and Modeling of Silicone-Bonded Cocoa Crop Waste Using a Model Based on the Gaussian Support Vector Machine

The sustainable management of waste from agricultural crops represents an urgent challenge. One possible solution considers waste as possible secondary raw materials for specific uses. Among these, the use of agricultural waste as a product for the assembly of panels for the sound absorption of living environments represents a particularly suitable solution. In this study, the acoustic properties of the cocoa pod husk were evaluated, using silicone as a binder. Different proportions of materials and thicknesses were evaluated. A Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based model with a Gaussian kernel was then used to predict the acoustic performance of composite materials. The results obtained suggest the adoption of this material for the acoustic correction of living environments and this methodology for the prediction of the acoustic behavior of materials.

Evaluation of the efficiency of ZnCl2 activated cocoa pod husk charcoal on the removal of Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution

The efficiency of ZnCl2-activated cocoa pod husk charcoal (ACPHC) in removing Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated under different conditions of shaking speed, contact time, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, pH, and temperature with a view to widening the applications of the husk. Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and desorption studies were conducted. Activated carbon produced at 650 °C was found to give the best desired properties. The optimum shaking time and pH value were 45 min and 6. The shaking speed of 700 rpm gave maximum removal efficiency (mean ± sd) 97.02 ± 0.34%, 96.24 ± 0.19%, and 96.85 ± 0.01% for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions at the optimum pH, 25 °C, and 0.1 g adsorbent/25 ml solution with adsorption capacities of 2.426, 2.406, and 2.421 mg/g, respectively. While the average capacity at the optimum contact time was 2.290 mg/g. Non-linear Temkin and Redlich–Peterson and linear Langmuir isotherm models gave the best description of the adsorption equilibrium of the metal ions onto ACPHC surface, while pseudo-second order kinetics model gave the best description of the adsorption kinetics. The rate of removal of the metal ions was in the order Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Cd(II). The regeneration of the spent adsorbent was efficient with respect to the considered metal ions. The recovery values were 96.72 ± 0.43%, 92.76 ± 0.49%, and 91.66 ± 0.34% for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions, respectively. Thus ACPHC was found to be an efficient low-cost material for the removal of the studied metal ions from aqueous solution.

Kinetic Study of Alkaline Treatment in the Production of Bio-gas from Cocoa Pod Husks Using a Batch Reactor

Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is one of the potential plantation wastes used for biogas production. However, the presence of lignin inhibits the production process. Therefore, pretreatment is required to reduce the lignin content. This study investigates the effect of several pretreatment methods on lignin reduction and biogas production enhancement. The study also investigates the kinetic models for biogas production from treated and untreated CPH. The pretreatment exploitation NaOH (N), NaOH with the addition of H2O2 at the same time (NHS) and consecutively (NHC) were administered to cut back lignin content in CPH and enhance methane series yield. The N, NHS, and NHC pretreatments obtained the maximum delignification of 78.10%, 91.42%, and 88.68%. Biogas production from NHS pretreated with CPH led to a better methane yield (0.0389 m3CH4 / kgVS) than the various pretreatments corresponding to 175.59% for CPH without pretreatment and productivity is 0.0009 m3CH4 / kgVS.day. The biogas production kinetic model parameters have been evaluated by fitting experimental data for the treated and untreated cocoa waste. The kinetic models investigated are the one-step first-order kinetic model, two-step first-order kinetic models, Gompertz model, and Transfer Function model. Based on Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value, the one-step first-order model is more accurate than the two-step first-order model. When compared with other models, the Gompertz model is the best version.

Effect of Extraction Solvents on Phenolic Compounds of Theobroma Cacao L. By-products Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Nowadays, recent studies focus on plant-derived food additives and plant by-products extract that possess health-promoting properties. Cocoa pod husk is the cocoa fruit's outer layer that is left unused after the cocoa bean processing in the cocoa industry. This by-product (cocoa pod husk) is rich in phenolic compounds due to its antioxidant level. Significant steps in separating the phytochemicals from the plant's cellular matrix are crucial, which is usually carried out by selecting the proper extraction method and choice of solvent. Phenolic compounds from cocoa pod husk were determined by ultrasound-assisted extraction using three types of solvents [aqueous ethanol (ethanol: water, 70:30 v/v), aqueous methanol (methanol: water, 70:30 v/v), and aqueous acetone (acetone: water, 70:30 v/v)]. Methanolic extracts contained significantly higher total phenolic content (34.88 mg GAE/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP, (521.73 µg/g TE) compared to other solvents. Meanwhile, ethanolic extracts exhibited higher flavonoid content (62.18 mg/g RE) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (73.67 µg/mL TE) compared to methanolic extracts, which indicated 33.30 mg/g RE and 65.00 µg/mL TE, respectively. Total flavonoid content had a strong positive correlation coefficient with DPPH scavenging activity (r= 0.951), while FRAP assay gave a strong negative correlation (r= -0.851). This finding provides an alternative method to reduce the accumulation of cocoa pod husk to be utilized as a potential antioxidant source.

Estimation of Chemical Composition and Digestibility of Rabbits Fed on Cocoa Pod Husk Treated with Various Plant Ash Extract

Estimation of Chemical Composition and Digestibility of Rabbits Fed on Cocoa Pod Husk Treated with Various Plant Ash Extract

Comparisons of Cocoa Pod Husks and other Biomass Wastes for Syngas Production

In this study, the characteristics of sawdust, switch grass, cocoa pod husks, and bagasse were investigated and compared, as well as the effects of blended nickel and silicon dioxide catalysts on syngas production by gasification utilising a fluidised bed reactor. Because of their high volatile matter and cellulose content as well as low moisture content, sawdust, switch grass, cocoa pod husks, and bagasse were found to be appropriate for generating syngas. Experimental analysis was conducted on the sawdust, switch grass, cocoa pod husks and bagasse samples with and without catalyst. The grains in the samples were comparable in size, ranging from 2mm to 6mm. The catalysts were revealed to have a distinct influence on the gasification process. The efficiency of the processes improves with catalysts, while the generation of CO, CO2, HC, and NO decreases. Cocoa pod husks produced the highest HC value of 7928 ppm without catalysts while bagasse produced 1679 ppm that is the lowest HC value.

Effects of Treatment of Cocoa Pod Husks with Aqueous Ash Extract of Bean Haulms on Growth Performance and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Rabbits

Sustainability of animal production system depends mostly on feed used. Therefore, the utilization of agricultural by product is one of the safe ways to attempt this goal. For this end, a study on the level of incorporation of cocoa pod husk on growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters were carried out. A total of 80 young rabbits composed of 40 males and 40 females with an average weight of 824.30 ± 53.8 g and 826.09 ± 40.61g respectively. There were randomly assigned to 5 experimental rations in a complete randomized designed with 8 rabbits per treatment and each rabbit served as experimental unit. From the control ration R (0-); 0% cocoa pod husks and R (0+); 20% of untreated hulls, 3 other rations of which three (R1, R2, R3) were formulated with respectively 20%, 25%, and 30% husks treated with ash from bean haulms at concentrations of 12.5 kg/100 litters of water. The results revealed that the initial weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by the different treatments. However, total weight gain, daily weight gains and final body weight of rabbit fed R1 ration were significantly (p spectively) as compare to other treatment irrespective of sex. Analysis of variance generally revealed a significant effect (p , R0+, R1, R2 and R3), carcass weight (1270.84 g) and carcass yield (52.37%) was lower for animals feed R3 ration regardless of sex. On the other hand, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the relative weights of some parts, organs and those of the abdominal fat of the rabbits. Similarly, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed for haematological and biochemical parameters studied. Cocoa pod husks treated at 12.5% with bean haulm ash extracts can be incorporated up to 20% - 25% to improve growth performance of rabbits without any negative effect on their health.

Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation and organic fertiliser on bioremediation of spent engine oil contaminated soil

Abstract Hydrocarbon-related environmental pollution is a major environmental hazard due to its toxicity and widespread presence in the environment, resulting in stunted growth of soil microorganisms, plants, and animals. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation and compost made from Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH) and cattle dung in the bioremediation of Spent Engine Oil (SEO)-contaminated soil. About 2.5 kg of sterilised soil was contaminated with SEO at different concentrations: 0, 100, and 150 mL / pot. Compost was then added after two weeks of contamination at the rate of 10 g / pot. Inoculation for treatments containing Glomus mossaea (consisting of 20 g of root soil-fungal mixture) was blended into the soil samples as well. It was a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment that was laid out in a completely randomised design and replicated three times. The incubation was allowed to last for twelve (12) weeks before the termination of the experiment. Data were collected on the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), bacterial and fungal biomass of the SEO-contaminated soil. Results obtained indicate that combined application of mycorrhiza with 100 mL / pot SEO resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) lower residual TPH content (54.50% degradation) of the contaminated soil compared to the other treatment combinations whereas significantly higher residual TPH content (20.43% degradation) of the contaminated soil was obtained from the interaction between 150 mL / pot SEO and without mycorrhizal inoculation. Interaction between mycorrhiza and 10 g / pot compost had a significantly higher bacterial colony (6.58 CFU / g) compared to other treatment combinations. Mycorrhizal inoculation resulted in a significantly higher fungal colony (5.844 CFU / g) compared with non-mycorrhizal inoculation (3.222 CFU / g). Therefore, it can be concluded that mycorrhizal inoculation and compost were effective in the bioremediation of SEO-impacted soil.

Biobutanol Production from Cocoa Pod Husk Through a Sequential Green Method: Depectination, Delignification, Enzymatic Hydrolysis, and Extractive Fermentation

Biobutanol Production from Cocoa Pod Husk Through a Sequential Green Method: Depectination, Delignification, Enzymatic Hydrolysis, and Extractive Fermentation

Thin Layer Drying of Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH): Drying Characteristics, and Mathematical Modeling

Thin Layer Drying of Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH): Drying Characteristics, and Mathematical Modeling

Hydrogen-Free Upgrading of Amazonian Cocoa Pod Husks Pyrolysis Vapors with Γ-Al2o3 and Γ-Al2o3-Supported Mo, Ni and Mo-Ni Catalysts

Hydrogen-Free Upgrading of Amazonian Cocoa Pod Husks Pyrolysis Vapors with Γ-Al2o3 and Γ-Al2o3-Supported Mo, Ni and Mo-Ni Catalysts