Cocoa Pod Husk Research Articles

Novel combination of nanostructured calcium hydroxide and natural materials: Formulation and characterization.

Calcium hydroxide is used as a reparative dentin inducer. The combination of cocoa pod husk and calcium hydroxide has also been studied as a reparative dentin inducer, whereas anchovy was identified as a good calcium source. The aim of the study was to investigate the optimal ratio of a nano-combination of calcium hydroxide, cocoa pod husk extract and anchovy powder as a reparative dentin inducer by analyzing their material, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The ratios of the 3 elements were established and their performance was compared in terms of viscosity, setting time, pH, and solubility rate. The optimal ratio was then examined for its antioxidant capacity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Additionally, its cytotoxicity against human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) was evaluated through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. A ratio of 1:1:1 of calcium hydroxide, cocoa pod husk extract and anchovy powder was identified as the optimal ratio. It exhibited the greatest flowability, the shortest final setting time, had a pH range of 8.5-10.5, and the second highest solubility rate in comparison with other ratios. Moreover, it demonstrated active radical scavenging activity and stimulated the proliferation of hDPSCs. Based on the material, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, a ratio of 1:1:1 of nano-calcium hydroxide, cocoa pod husk extract and anchovy powder was determined to be optimal for use as a reparative dentin inducer.

Life cycle assessment of Colombian cocoa pod husk transformation into value-added products

Cocoa production is an important activity for the Colombian agro-industry; however, the production of dry cocoa beans generates agricultural residues as the shells known as cocoa pod husk (CPH), represent 65 to 75 % of the fruit's wet weight. In this contribution, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted on the use of Colombian CPH to obtain activated carbon, potassium hydroxide and cellulose; production of KOH showed the lowest environmental impact. It was found that electricity consumption during the transformation process emerges as the primary contributor in the impact evaluation, and the categories with the most significant impact are HTPc, FETP and METP. When solar drying was considered for CPH pretreatment instead of drying in an oven, the impact quantification significantly decreased up to 63 % to produce cellulose, 56 % for KOH and 32 % for activated carbon. The value-added products obtained exhibit favorable properties, making them suitable for various potential applications.

Evaluation of selected burnt plant residues and mineral fertilizers on soil properties and nutrient uptake and growth parameters of oil palm seedlings

Oil palm seeds are difficult to grow due to poor viability; that is why they are raised in nursery. Addition of right and adequate fertilizer is needed to improve soil fertility. Thus, an experiment was conducted in 2022 to compare the effect of empty palm bunch (EPBA) ash, cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA), kola pod husk ash (KPHA), NPK 20:10:10, urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and muriate of potash (MOP) fertilizers on soil properties, nutrients uptake and growth parameters of oil palm seedlings in Ondo, southwestern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from Adeyemi Federal University of Education oil palm plantation. Each of the dried empty palm bunch, kola pod husk and cocoa pod husk was burnt and applied as treatments at the rate of 0, 2, 4 and 6 g 900-g−1 soil while NPK 20:10:10, urea, MOP and CAN fertilizers were individually applied at 2 g 900-g−1 soil. The 16 treatments were replicated four times and arranged in completely randomized design. A 900 g of soil was put in each poly pot and planted with Tenera variety of oil palm and watered with 50 cl water daily. The native soil used for the experiment was deficient in major nutrients and adequate in minor nutrients. Relative to the control, application of 2, 4 and 6 g ash types significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, root length and plant girth. NPK, recorded the highest increase in plant height. Leaf length and root length were highest with the application of 6 g KPHA. Application of 6 g EPBA recorded the highest biomass, dry and wet weight and seedlings moisture content. Kola pod husk ash applied at 6 g plant−1. Empty palm bunch ash applied at 6 g plant−1 and cocoa pod husk ash applied at 4 g plant−1 compared favourably with mineral fertilizers in raising vigorous and healthy oil palm seedlings.

Aspergillus niger fermentation of cocoa pod husk for increased total crude protein utilizing response surface methodology

Aspergillus niger fermentation of cocoa pod husk for increased total crude protein utilizing response surface methodology

Physicochemical characterization of briquette fuel produced from cocoa pod husk case of Cameroon

This paper aims to prepare and evaluate the physicochemical and energetic properties of briquette fuel made from cocoa pod husk. For briquette preparation, cocoa pod husk was dried, carbonised, crushed, mixed using binder, compacted, and finally the briquettes obtained were dried. The briquettes produced were characterised by proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) standards. The results from the proximal analysis obtained (10.5%), (6.5%), (34.7%), and (58.8%), respectively, for moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon, are satisfactory values. The results from the ultimate analysis found are 53.2%, 5.2%, and 34.4%, respectively, for carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen content, while H/C and O/C gave 1.17 and 0.48, respectively. The Higher Heating Value (17.941 MJ/kg) proved high thermal stability, with the highest mass loss of 32.50% at 361°C due to the high extractive content and the aromatic structure of the polymer. The presence of C-O, CC, CHx, and OH groups was noticed, while the fuel value index (FVI) and impact resistance index (IRI) showed 1104% and 125%, respectively. These results indicated that the abundance of these residues in landfills could serve as an alternative fuel energy source with environmental friendly features and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Fermentation of cocoa pod husks with Pleurotus salmoneo-stramineus for food applications.

Cocoa pod husks (CPHs), the major side-stream from cocoa production, were valorized through fermentation with Pleurotus salmoneo-stramineus (PSS). Considering ergosterol as a biomarker for the fungal content, the mycelium accounted for 54% of the total biomass after 8 days in submerged cultures. The crude protein content of fermented CPH (CPHF) increased from 7.3 g/100 g DM in CPH to 18.9 g/100 g DM. CPH fermentation resulted in a high biological value of 86 for the protein. The water and oil binding capacities of CPHF were 3.5 mL/g and 2.1 mL/g, respectively. The particle diameter dv,0,90 of CPHF was 373 μm as compared to 526 μm for CPH. The total dietary fiber was 73.4 g/100 g DM in CPHF and 63.6 g/100 g DM in CPH. The amount of soluble fiber was 2.3 g/100 g DM in CPHF and 10.1 g/100 g DM in CPH; the insoluble fraction accounted for 71.1 g/100 g DM and 53.6 g/100 g DM, respectively. Bread doughs with CPH or CPHF were characterized for texture, color, and farinographic properties. The dough hardness, consistency, and browning index increased with the concentration of CPH, whereas for CPHF, springiness and peak viscosities declined. We demonstrate the upcycling of CPH into nutritious and functional ingredients through PSS fermentation.

Sustaining beyond the production of cocoa for beans: The preference and impact of products from the cocoa husk

The cocoa pod husk, a waste in most cocoa farms, has recently received alternative uses in various industries. To cocoa farmers, potash and black soap are their main products from the husk. This alternative use presents an excellent opportunity for improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. Nevertheless, there is sparse evidence of farmers' willingness to produce black soap and its potential implication on their welfare. We employed a multistage sampling approach to close this gap to draw data from 150 cocoa farmers from Ahafo Ano North District, Ghana. We analysed the data with binary probit, ordered probit and Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment. We found that marital status, membership of FBO, knowledge of black soap production, and credit access influence farmers' willingness to produce (WTP) black soap. Again, gender, marital status, age, farm income, farming experience and knowledge of black soap have a significant but heterogeneous effect on the tipping point that stimulates farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) black soap production. The impact assessment revealed that black soap production has substantial welfare gains. Thus, it increases farmer's per capita expenditure. Therefore, stakeholders like the Cocoa Research Institute, Ghana COCOBOD and cocoa-licensed buying companies should invest in procuring portable ashing kilns at subsidised prices and train farmers on packaging and labelling to expedite, revitalise and modernise black soap production. Notwithstanding, future research could look at the profitability analysis of black soap production.

Application of Activated Carbon from Cocoa Pod Husk (Theobroma cacao L.) in Used Cooking Oil

One method for purifying used cooking oil is to utilize activated carbon derived from cocoa pod husk. Cocoa pod husk contains high cellulose, allowing it to be an absorbent material that can reduce moisture content, free fatty acids, and peroxide value in used cooking oil. This study aims to (1) determine the effect of concentration and adsorption time of cocoa pod husk activated carbon on moisture content, free fatty acids, and peroxide value of used cooking oil and (2) determine the best concentration and adsorption time of cocoa pod husk activated carbon. This study used a randomized complete factorial design consisting of two factors: concentration of cocoa pod husk activated carbon: 5%, 10%, and 15% and adsorption time: 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. The results after refining using cocoa pod husk activated carbon, the moisture content dropped to 0.07%-0.28%, free fatty acid content dropped to 0.79%-1.42%, and peroxide value dropped to 32.20-32.53meq/kg. The best treatment obtained was a concentration of 15% of cocoa husk activated carbon with an adsorption time of 120 minutes, which produced used cooking oil with a moisture content of 0.08%, free fatty acids of 0.79%, and peroxide value of 32.20meq/kg.

Exploiting residual cocoa biomass to extract advanced materials as building blocks for manufacturing nanoparticles aimed at alleviating formation-induced oxidative stress on human dermal fibroblasts.

The global adoption of by-product valorisation processes aligns with the circular economy framework, ensuring sustainability in the agricultural sector. In cocoa production, residual biomass can offer the opportunity to extract advanced materials, contributing to nanotherapeutic solutions for biomedical applications. This study explores extraction processes for valorising cocoa pod husks (CPHs) and optimising valuable cocoa-derived biocompounds for enhanced health benefits. Various extraction processes are compared, revealing the significant influence of CPH powder amount and extraction time. Furthermore, metabolic analysis identifies 124 compounds in the metabolite mix, including tartaric acid, gluconic acid and bioactive agents with antioxidant properties, resulting in a high total phenolic content of 3.88 ± 0.06 mg g-1. Moreover, the extracted pectin, obtained through alkaline and enzymatic routes, shows comparable yields but exhibits superior antioxidant capacity compared to commercial pectin. The study progresses to using these extracted biocompounds to develop Layer-by-Layer multifunctionalised nanoparticles (LbL-MNPs). Physico-chemical characterisation via ζ-potential, FTIR-ATR, and XPS confirms the successful multilayer coating on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MNPs). TEM analysis demonstrates a uniform and spherical nanoparticle morphology, with a size increase after coating. In vitro biological characterisation with neo-dermal human fibroblast cells reveals enhanced metabolic activity and biocompatibility of LbL-MNPs compared to bare MNPs. Also, the engineered nanoparticles demonstrate a protective effect against H2O2-induced intracellular oxidative stress on human dermal fibroblast cell lines, showcasing their potential as antioxidant carriers for biomedical applications.

By-products of the cocoa agribusiness: high valueadded materials based on their bromatological and chemical characterization

Worldwide, cocoa agribusiness generates about 48 million tons of cocoa pod husk residues annually, and 700 thousand tons of cocoa bean shell, by-products of the pulping and roasting processes. These residues, if not used, can represent an environmental problem. The aim of this research was to identify the potential and use of these by-products through their bromatological composition, lignocellulosic content, aromatic compounds, fatty acid profile, polyphenol and methylxanthine content, and antioxidant capacity. Extraction was made from cocoa husk and shell with a mixture of acetone-water (70:30), applying sonication (40 kHz 15 min-1) and maceration (4 h). Total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteau method), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS), catechin, epicatechin, caffeine, and theobromine (HPLC) were quantified. Aromatic compounds and fatty acid quantifications were evaluated through GC/MS-QP. Cocoa husk and shell stood out for their content of fiber, protein, lignocellulosic material, and fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, elaidic, and stearic). Volatile compounds such as pyrazines, esters, alcohols, and aldehydes were identified in the residues. The results showed that the husk had a higher content of total polyphenols than the shell (26.64 mg GAE g-1 vs. 19.18 mg GAE g-1). The shell exhibited higher values of epicatechin (21.64 mg g-1), theobromine (15.41 mg g-1), and caffeine (4.96 mg g-1) compared to the husk (6.07, 0.53, and 0.52 mg g-1, respectively). Due to their composition, these by-products can be used by different industries, and contribute to obtaining a higher added value and to the solution of environmental problems due to their use.

Nutritional Composition and Optimization of Extraction Conditions of Cocoa Pod Husk using Response Surface Methodology

Cocoa pod husks (CPH) are usually disposed of from the farm, and this can lead to environmental problems, such as being a breeding ground for the cocoa pod borer. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition and concentration of ultra-trace elements (As, Cd, Pb & Hg) in CPH. The optimization of the extraction conditions of CPH in response to the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) by using response surface methodology (RSM) was also conducted. The findings show that the total carbohydrate and crude fibre content of CPH are high (35.75% & 35.47%, respectively) while having low levels of moisture, ash, crude protein, and fat (11.86%. 8.60%, 7.46% & 0.86, respectively). In addition, the results demonstrate that CPH has a low content of toxic metals As, Cd, Pb, and Hg (0.0046 mg/kg, 0.0028 mg/kg, 0.0011 mg/kg & 0.00003 mg/kg respectively) which is considered as a safe range. The optimized extraction conditions were a solvent concentration of 93.64%, a temperature of 38.18°C, and a time of 73.64 min. The actual value of the flavonoid content of CPH obtained was 1038.94 µmoL Fe2+/L, which is acceptable compared to the predicted value of 1039.40 µmoL Fe2+/L. The discovery from this research represents a significant contribution towards finding cocoa pod husk from a plentiful, affordable, and feasible source, which could potentially be used in various fields such as pharmaceutical, medical, and nutraceuticals.

Pectin Extraction from Cocoa Pod Husk Prepared with Various Drying Temperature and Extracting Solvents

Pectin Extraction from Cocoa Pod Husk Prepared with Various Drying Temperature and Extracting Solvents

Development of Modified-Release Diclofenac Sodium Capsules Using Blends of Pectin-Clay Multiparticulate Hybrid Systems as Release Retardants

A combination of inorganic and organic hybrid systems is of high research interest as they provide novel hybrid systems for the improvement of existing properties, overcoming limitations of the parent materials, and for the optimization of their controlled release potential. This study sorted to develop and pharmaceutically assess the release profile of diclofenac sodium using cocoa pod husk (CPH) blended with different proportions of either talc or bentonite as multiparticulate composite release modifiers. Preformulation investigations of the multiparticulate hybrid systems included pH, swelling index, moisture content, elemental contents, and flow properties. The FTIR was also used to investigate the compatibilities between pectin and bentonite (PB), pectin and talc (PT), and diclofenac and pectin-talc (DPT), as well as diclofenac and pectin-bentonite (DPB). The diclofenac content, uniformity of the weight of capsules, in vitro drug release, and the kinetics and mechanism of release of diclofenac from the hybrid systems were also investigated using mathematical models. The pectin yield was 23.3%, with the water-holding capacities of pectin-talc (PT) and pectin-bentonite (PB) hybrid systems being 6.4% and 5.0%, respectively. The swelling indices of PT and PB were 110.0 and 130.0 in 0.1 M HCL at pH 1.2 and 130.0 and 149.0 in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8, respectively. This system was also found to exhibit excellent flow properties, and there were no diclofenac-excipient interactions. All formulated batches passed the pharmacopoeial and nonpharmacopoeial tests. They also demonstrated controlled release properties via different release kinetics and mechanisms. This study shows that the pectin-talc and pectin-bentonite multiparticulate composites could be used as release modifiers in pharmaceutical preparations.

Potential of Coffee and Cocoa Shell Waste as An Energy Source: Analysis of Characteristics of Briquettes From Coffee and Cocoa Shell Waste Through The Carbonization Process

This research aims to compare the characteristics of briquettes as an energy source produced from coffee shell waste and cocoa waste. The briquette-making process involves carbonization to produce charcoal as the primary raw material for briquettes. Carbonization time varies, influenced by the type of waste and size of the material. After that, the charcoal is reduced and sifted into fine and coarse powder. Briquette molding uses pressure using a pipe as a mold. The characteristics of briquettes are analyzed through water content, density, burning rate, and ash content. The research results show differences in characteristics between coffee and cocoa waste. The carbonization process affects the time and mass difference of raw materials. Cocoa pod shells require the longest (±35 minutes), while cocoa bean shells require the shortest (±17 minutes). Next, making briquettes involves molding and pressing using a pipe as a mold. The results showed that waste cocoa pod shells and cocoa bean shells produced more briquettes than waste coffee pod shells and coffee bean shells. The moisture content of briquettes from all types of waste meets the standards, but the density of the raw material for coffee husk waste is low, while the briquettes have a high density. The burning rate of briquettes varies, with cocoa bean shell briquettes having the fastest burning rate and producing much smoke. The ash content of cocoa pod husk briquettes exceeds the standard, while cocoa bean husk briquettes have low ash content. The density of the raw material is correlated with the moisture content of the briquettes. The highest burning rate occurs in cocoa bean shell briquettes, influenced by low density and high water content. The ash content of the briquettes meets standards, except for cocoa shell briquettes. This research proves that cocoa and coffee shell waste can be processed into briquettes with different characteristics.

Multi-level framework for optimal operation of gasifier system utilising crop residues from small and medium-scale farms

Lack of techno-economic framework for optimal gasification and the identification of critical parameters for optimal operations is one of the major challenges restricting the gasification of crop residues. This study aims to develop an optimal techno-economic framework for the gasification of crop residues from clustered small/medium-scale farms. The developed model was applied to a case study in Adiembra, a farming community for a 10-kW gasifier engine system. Eight scenarios of individual feedstock and their blends were considered. The results revealed specific fuel consumption ranging from 1.79 – 3.53 kg/kWh. The economic analysis showed marginal profitability except for rice husk and straw which are not profitable. At the current grid electricity price, the minimum level of subsidies required to ensure the financial viability of the feedstocks is within the range of 30 – 70 % of the investment cost based on the various feedstock scenarios considered. The study revealed individual feedstocks with the best technical and economic prospects for optimal gasification to be cocoa pod husk, maize stalk and husk, maize cobs, rice straw and rice husk in the order of best to worst. The use of feedstock blends generally improved the overall syngas characteristics and financial viability. A total number of farms ranging between 107 – 532 are required to be clustered within a radius of 0.74 – 2.12 km with a cluster radius greater than 3.91 km not being financially viable. The fraction of each feedstock type in the blends were optimised with corresponding increase in syngas generation within the range of 9 – 35 % and decrease in the required number of farms within the range of 30 – 57 %. The outcome of the study demonstrates that sustainable gasification of crop residues for minigrid electricity generation requires co-gasification of various residue types, valorisation of by-products and increase in the current feed-in-tariff rate in Ghana.

Amended Crop Wastes Compost Affect Soil Chemical Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria Savanna

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of poultry droppings amended cocoa pod husk and rice mill wastes, as a substitute for costly inorganic fertilizers on some soil properties and yield of maize.
 Study Design: Experiment was laid in randomized complete block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Two year field study was conducted at the Research Farm of the Cross River University of Technology during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons.
 Methodology: Two compost types: cocoa pod husk and rice mill wastes both amended with poultry droppings at the ratio of 3:1 for cocoa pod husk + poultry droppings and rice mill waste + poultry droppings respectively. Each compost type was applied at rate of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1 with absolute control (0 t ha-1 compost) and optimal control NPK 20.10.10 at 300 kg ha-1 making a total of 10 treatments replicated three times. The effect of the amendments were assessed on soil pH, OM, N, P, exch. Ca, K, Mg, EA, ECEC and maize yield.
 Results: The compost rates increased soil pH, OM, N, P and the exch. K, Ca, EA, and ECEC over the pre-treatment soils and the controls. Cocoa pod compost amendments with poultry droppings at rate of 7.5 t ha-1 produced highest plant dry matter 8.21gplant-1 and 8.08 gplant-1 in 2019 and 2020 (P = .05) respectively and the highest grain yield of 3.92 t ha-1 and 3.89 t ha-1 respectively in 2019 and 2020. The least grain yield was in the absolute control, which yield was 0.38t ha‑1 and 0.42 t ha-1, respectively in 2019 and 2020.
 Conclusion: Amended cocoa pod husk compost is a suitable soil amendment for optimum yield of maize and improvement of soil chemical properties in the study area and a substitute for mineral fertilizers for resource poor farmers.

BIOELECTRICITY OF COCOA POD WASTE AS A SUBSTRATE IN A DOUBLE CHAMBER MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

Currently, the utilization of cocoa pod has not been maximized, resulting in waste and foul odors that disturb the environment. However, cocoa pod contain a relatively high amount of cellulose compounds that serve as an energy source or nutrition for bacteria to carry out metabolic activities, thus holding the potential to be used as a substrate in microbial fuel cells (MFC). Based on this, the aim of this research is to investigate the bioelectricity generated by a MFC using cocoa pod husk as a substrate, including voltage, current, and power density, in order to determine the potential of cocoa pod husk waste as an electrical energy source. In this study, a double chamber MFC consists of an anode chamber with copper electrodes and a cathode chamber with zinc electrodes, separated by a salt bridge. The bacteria used were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the substrate was made from cocoa pod husk waste. Bioelectricity testing involved measuring the voltage, current, and power density produced by the MFC over several minutes. The measurement results for maximum voltage, maximum current generated, and maximum electrical power (at 6 days) from the reactor were as follows: 36.0 mV, 0.19 mA, and 456 mW/m2, respectively.

Multivariate Statistical Techniques: A New Approach to Identify the Commercial Properties of Mixtures of Flours of Lentinula edodes and Cocoa Pod Husk.

Lentinula edodes is known to show high nutritional and organoleptic properties and can be mixed with different by-products in the production of new foods with important functional characteristics. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is the main by-product in the cocoa industry and presents important bioactivities. In this research, two mixtures were applied based on Lentinula edodes mushroom flour from fifty different strains (strain 1 to strain 50) and cocoa pod husk flour (CPHF): 60% Lentinula edodes mushroom flour from each strain mixed with 40% CPHF (Mixture 1), and 80% Lentinula edodes mushroom flour from each strain mixed with 20% CPHF (Mixture 2). The parameters evaluated were moisture, proteins, fat, total dietary fiber (TDF), ash, carbohydrates, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, pH and water activity (aw). The multivariate statistical techniques evaluated those samples that exhibited the highest degree of correlation with the distinct chemical and commercial parameters, showing that sample 13 of both mixture flours (M1 and M2) obtained by the mushrooms of L. edodes (strain 13) with CPH indicated the higher significant of the parameters. In addition, the sensory test of the best flour (sample 13) was applied to 50 panelists, presenting the best sensory characteristics, such as color, aroma, texture and general acceptability.

Valorization of ripe banana peels and cocoa pod husk hydrochars as green sustainable “low loss” dielectric materials

The banana and cocoa crops are relevant worldwide and tons of their residues do not enter the industrial value chain. With this in mind, it is imperative to find alternative uses for these residues that could lead to novel and sustainable applications in diverse fields, such as consumer electronics. Lignocellulosic residues can be hydrothermally carbonized to produce a solid fraction called hydrochar. In this work, the dielectric characteristics of ripe banana peels and cocoa pod husks hydrochars are explored. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) treatments were carried out at two temperatures (150 °C and 210 °C) and three HTC times (2 h, 4 h, and 6 h). The materials were characterized electrically using a Semiconductor Analyzer under frequency swepts of 1 KHz to 1 MHz. Cocoa pod husk hydrochars (CHH) showed less variability in relative permittivity values compared to ripe banana peel hydrochars (BPH). The relative permittivity values of CHH ranged between 9.83 and 10.29 (150 °C) and 8.25–9.39 (210 °C), while for BPH, these values ranged between 6.89 and 14.14 (150 °C) and 6.39–8.77 (210 °C). In addition, the loss tangent values of CHH varied from 0.034 to 0.041 (150 °C) and from 0.036 to 0.038 (210 °C), while in BPH, these values varied from 0.056 to 0.091 (150 °C) and from 0.046 to 0.051 (210 °C). In both cases, HTC produced highly stable materials with low loss tangent values, making them good candidates for insulation and possessing good dielectric properties that can be further processed for downstream applications in the electronics industry.

BIOREMEDIATION OF CEMENT MINING WASTE AS A MEDIUM FOR GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF CHILIES WITH MYCORRHIZA AND BIOHUMATE APPLICATION

Cement mining by exploiting Maros karst, South Sulawesi, produces waste in the form of gypsum, which still has the potential to be used in bioremediation as a planting medium for plant commodities. The research aims to determine the growth of chili plants on former cement mining media treated with mycorrhiza and biohumic—the biohumate used from an extract of cocoa pod husk. The research was structured using an experimental method with 5 treatments, namely primary media in the form of soil + manure as a control, gypsum 30 g/polybag, gypsum 60 g/polybag, gypsum 30 g/polybag+mycorrhiza, gypsum 60 g/polybag+mycorrhiza. The treatment was then divided into 2, with biohumic and without biohumic. The research showed that all observed parameters had higher values in the biohumic treatment than without biohumic. Treatment with 30 g gypsum/polybag + mycorrhiza can improve the physical properties of the soil by changing the percentage composition of soil fractions. It can also increase P2O2 and K2O levels and provide the best growth for chili plants. It is possible to utilize waste from cement mines to produce horticultural commodities by bioremediation with mycorrhiza and biohumate.