Coir Research Articles

Potential of Coconut Fiber-Based Liquid Smoke as Biofungicide to Suppress Phytophthora palmivora Fungus Growth In Vitro

The presence of pod rot caused by the pathogenic fungus Phytophthora palmivora (Butl.) is a major constraint in cocoa cultivation. Control of this disease needs to be done with an organic approach that is environmental friendly such as the use of biopesticides from plant materials. Coconut fiber liquid smoke is one of the materials that can be used as an environmental friendly botanical pesticide. This study aims to determine the concentration of liquid smoke made from coconut fiber that is effective in inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic fungus P. palmivora in vitro. The experiment was arranged in a non-factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (CRD) consisting of six treatments and five replicates, for a total of 30 experimental units. The experiment was conducted using the food poisoned technique, which is mixing 10 ml PDA media with liquid smoke (2 ml of each concentration). The liquid smoke treatment consisted of 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% concentrations. The results of the in vitro test showed that the application of coconut fiber liquid smoke with a concentration of 10% on PDA media can suppress the growth and inhibit the development of P. palmivora (Butl.) fungal colonies until they do not grow (0 cm).

Sustainable lignin nanoparticles from coconut fiber waste for enhancing multifunctional properties of macroalgae biofilms

Multifunctional and sustainable packaging biofilms felicitous to changeable conditions are in large demand as substitutes to petroleum-derived synthetic films. Macroalgae with noticeable film-formation, abundant, low-cost, and edible properties is a promising bioresource for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials. However, the poor hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of sustainable macroalgae biofilms seriously impede their practical applications. Herein, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) produced by a sustainable approach from black liquor of coconut fiber waste were incorporated in the macroalgae matrix to improve the water tolerance and mechanical characteristics of the biofilms. The effect of different LNPs loadings on the performance of biofilms, such as physical, morphological, surface roughness, structural, water resistance, mechanical, and thermal behaviors, were systematically evaluated and found to be considerably improved. Biofilm with 6 % LNPs presented the optimum enhancement in most ultimate performances. The optimized biofilm exhibited great hydrophobic features with a water contact angle of over 100° and high enhancement in the tensile strength of >60 %. This study proposes a facile and sustainable approach for designing and developing LNPs-macroalgae biofilms with excellent and multifunctional properties for sustainable high-performance packaging materials.

Effect of Ultrasound on Selected Plant Germination

The effect of ultrasound on plants has been shown by limited number of researchers. This article presents data on effect of ultrasound on seedlings of chickpea and fenugreek experimented in less favorable temperature ranging from 9.0-16.0 °C. The exposure was done in seedlings semi-buried in moist coco peat. The results indicated that 23% of chickpea (n=31) that had ultrasound exposure (20 kHz/ 5’ for 2 consecutive days) had germination root length (>1.5cms) as compared to 14% in control (n=28). The effect in Fenugreek was the opposite that control seedlings had better growth than the exposed seedlings (20 kHz/ 5’ for 2 consecutive days). The effect of ultrasound (20 kHz/ 30’ one time) on germinating garlic indicated positive effect that weaker seedlings can benefit from the treatment. Hence to conclude, it could be stated that seeds with bigger bulk mass like chickpea, had positive effect whereas seeds with lower bulk mass like fenugreek had negative effect at treatment dose 5’/20 kHz and garlic had positive effect at 30’ / 20Hz. Possibly it also reiterates the proven concept that longer exposure is beneficial than a shorter exposure.

Unlocking the potential of lignocellulosic waste: A kinetic modeling approach for bio-coagulants in sewage water treatment

This study explores the potential of lignocellulosic materials, specifically sugarcane bagasse (SB) and coconut fibers (CNW), as coagulants and flocculants for sewage water treatment in combination with alum. The main aim is to evaluate the efficacy of alum:SB and alum:CNW combinations in improving water quality parameters, such as turbidity, EC, pH, TSS, TDS, DO, BOD, and COD, using modified methods (primary and secondary treatment). The results of the water quality parameters show significant reductions in turbidity of 95.32% and 90.94% for sewage waters treated with alum:SB and alum:CNW, respectively, as well as notable reductions in TDS (70.58%, 60.78%), TSS (98.63%, 97.27%), BOD (76.51%, 51.13%), and COD (95.07%, 76.47%). Moreover, bio-coagulants such as alum, SB, CNW, alum:SB, and alum:CNW were characterized by FT-IR. In comparison to other coagulants, the alum:SB treated sewage water was found to be efficient and have excellent coagulation activity (90%). The turbidity removal by both lignomaterials conformed to the WHO and BIS acceptable limits for finished water quality. Therefore, the highest turbidity reduction was achieved in alum:SB>alum:CNW treated sewage water. Statistical analysis also confirmed the effectiveness of alum:SB, highlighting its potential as a feasible option for sewage water treatment through factor and correlation analysis. The MANOVA (p < 0.05) result indicates that both bio-coagulants were significantly different. This study emphasizes the potential and eco-friendly method of using lignocellulosic bio-coagulants for the treatment of municipal sewage water.

DESENVOLVIMENTO E ANÁLISE DE UM MÉTODO ALTERNATIVO PARA REMOÇÃO DE METAIS POTENCIALMENTE TÓXICOS DA ÁGUA EMPREGANDO MATERIAIS SORVENTES

The current work presents the use of a sorbent material to develop an alternative method for removing lead and barium from public water supplies. The sorbent material used was coconut fiber, which in addition to mitigating environmental pollution by reusing discarded waste, aids in the treatment of public water supplies by removing potentially toxic ions where conventional methods are not effective. In the alternative method used, we have a system of fixed bed reactors connected in series, with a volume of 0.250 L in each reactor. To characterize the adsorption process, we analyzed the variables pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, concentration of the sorbent material, and flow rate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and the T-test were carried out. The parameters initial metal concentration and flow rate were shown to be non-significant for the confidence interval adopted in the conditions of the current work. The removal of Pb2+ and Ba2+ ions was greater than 60% in all the parameters studied, and in a single pass through the reactors, showing the viability of this procedure. Coconut fiber presented appropriate characteristics for the biosorption of lead and barium ions, constituting a sustainable and promising process to be used together with classical water treatment processes to remove potentially toxic metals.

A sustainable approach for fluoride treatment using coconut fiber cellulose as an adsorbent

In developing countries like India, an economically viable and ecologically approachable strategy is required to safeguard the drinking water. Excessive fluoride intake through drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, or both. The present study has been under with an objective to investigate the feasibility of using cellulose derived from coconut fiber as an adsorbent under varying pH conditions for fluoride elimination from water. The assessment of equilibrium concentration of metal ions using adsorption isotherms is an integral part of the study. This present finding indicates the considerable effect of variation of adsorbent dosages on the fluoride removal efficiency under constant temperature conditions of 25 ± 2 °C with a contact period of 24 h. It is pertinent to mention that maximum adsorption of 88% has been observed with a pH value of 6 with 6 h time duration with fluoride dosage of 50 mg/L. The equilibrium concentration dwindled to 0.4 mg/L at fluoride concentration of 20 mg/L. The Langmuir model designates the adsorption capacity value of 2.15 mg/L with initial fluoride concentration of 0.21 mg/g with R2 value of 0.660. Similarly, the adsorption capacity using Freundlich isotherms is found to be 0.58 L/g and 0.59 L/g with fluoride concentration of 1.84 mg/L and 2.15 mg/L respectively. The results from the present study confirm that coconut fiber possesses appropriate sorption capabilities of fluoride ion but is a pH dependent phenomenon. The outcomes of the study indicate the possible use of cellulose extracted from waste coconut fiber as a low-cost fluoride adsorbent. The present study can be well implemented on real scale systems as it will be beneficial economically as well as environmentally.

Experimental investigations on the influence of natural reinforcements on tribological performance of sustainable nanocomposites: A comparative study with polymer technology

Sustainable polymer-based nanocomposites are gaining consideration as a potential alternative to conventional composites in tribological applications. The research aimed to study the influence of reinforcements on the tribological response of sustainable polymer-based nanocomposites. In this work, nine different nanocomposites were developed by the recycling of waste plastics of three different types with incorporation of coconut fibers, jute fibers and nano-sized particles of rice husk ash. Three-body abrasive wear behaviour at five different conditions of loads and speeds were investigated. The wear of the composites increases invariably with the applied loads and speeds, and were in the ranges of 0.0154–0.2212 (cm3) and 0.02207–0.4398 (cm3), respectively. The comparative analysis of the three-body abrasive wear at the conditions of speeds has suggested the reinforcement of coconut fibers with low-density polyethylene for optimum tribological performance, whereas reinforcement of rice husk ash showed an excellent wear resistance for high-density polyethylene and polypropylene composites. The observations for three-body abrasive wear under the considered loads has suggested the incorporation of coconut fibers with low-density polyethene and polypropylene composites, whereas rice husk ash is a suitable reinforcement with high-density polyethene for optimum tribological performance. The rolling behaviour of the nanoparticles has considerably enabled the tribological performance of nanocomposites at extreme conditions of loads and speeds. The research indicated a great potential for natural reinforcement in nanocomposites and will promote the expansion of sustainable polymer-based nanocomposites for tribological applications.

Hydraulic and physical property characterizations of materials for the design of sustainable urban drainage systems

In the context of extreme weather events, i.e., floods, and increased population in urban areas, traditional drainage systems fall short. The need to develop alternative runoff-control in urban environments and promote the circular economy has prompted us to study various draining materials, some of them recycled that might be used in SUDS construction and technosols. These include recycled shatter brick, gravel for draining concrete, recycled rubber from car tires, and substrates with different proportions of organic matter like compost, coconut fiber, peat, and manure. Mechanical parameters like porosity, density, and uniformity coefficients (among others) were calculated to assess hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory under saturated and laminar flow conditions. Alternative methodologies were applied to adapt the materials and samples to current standards procedures (UNE and ISO). The results, based on Darcy's law, show values equivalent to those of natural coarse soils, ranging from 4.4·10−5 to 1.1·10−1 cm·s−1.

Pembuatan Keset Srabut Kelapa untuk peningkatan Ekonomi Masyarakat Sidomulyo, Gunungkidul

Purpose − Making coconut fiber doormats with the aim of producing coconut fiber doormats to help reduce coconut waste produced from the coconut processing industry. This supports more sustainable and environmentally friendly processing practices in Sidomulyo Hamlet, Sampang, Gedangsari, Gunungkidul. Coconut fiber is a natural, renewable material. Using coconut fiber to make doormats supports environmental sustainability because it reduces dependence on synthetic materials or plastic.. &#x0D; Method − Activities in the form of training in making coconut fiber mats. The activity process informs the public about how to make coconut fiber mats. Mat products made from coconut fiber help reduce coconut waste produced from the coconut processing industry. This supports more sustainable and environmentally friendly processing practices .&#x0D; Findings − This activity was participated in by the Sidomulyo Hamlet Community, RT 01, 02, 03 and 04, at the Sidomulyo Hamlet Hall, RT 02. This activity was enthusiastically welcomed by the mothers of Sidomulyo residents who were interested in coconut fiber mats being used to clean floors and other surfaces at home. , office, or public place. The coarse fibers of coconut fiber help lift dust, dirt, and other small particles from surfaces.

DEGRADATION OF TETRACYCLINE BY FLOATING PHOTOCATALYST TiO2/Ni-COCONUT FIBER

The photocatalyst process involves light (photons) as an energy source and catalysts such as TiO2 to accelerate the reaction. Efforts are made to reduce the band gap energy of TiO2 by shifting the absorption towards visible light using metal cation doping, such as Ni2+, and they can float on the surface with coconut fiber. XRD characteristics with TiO2 diffractogram experienced a 2θ shift as an indication that Ni has entered the TiO2 structure and seen some peaks decreased in intensity after being embedded with coconut fiber as an indication that TiO2/Ni has successfully attached to the fiber. The band gap energy on TiO2 is 3.21 eV with a wavelength of 386.5 nm in UV light. TiO2/Ni-coconut fiber experienced a shift in band gap energy to 3.09 eV with a wavelength of 400.9 nm, which is in visible light. This indicates that Ni has successfully entered the TiO2 structure. The TiO2/Ni catalyst embraced with coconut fiber has a higher degradation activity than the catalyst without an embrainer, with a percent degradation of 28.66% for 120 minutes of irradiation. This is influenced by the amount of light that can be absorbed during the photocatalysis process.

THE EFFECT OF SURFACTANT ON PRE-MORDANTING AND pH OF DYEING PROCESS WITH NATURAL DYES

The dyeing process with natural dyes has disadvantages, including poor color fastness. A mordanting process is required to overcome these disadvantages. Conventional mordanting processes often use metal salts. This research will substitute the mordanting process using surfactants as mordant substances. The pH of the process influences the application of dyeing with natural dyes. This study aims to determine the effect of the pre-mordant process using surfactants and the pH of the dyeing process on the color characteristics of cotton and silk fabrics dyed with Cocos nucifera L dye extract. The surfactants used were cationic and non-ionic polymeric surfactants. This study was conducted in phases. The first phase involved the extraction of coconut fiber, and the second phase involved pre-mordanting the fiber with surfactants. The third stage is the dyeing process, which has variations in pH 3, 7, and 9. The evaluation results show that cationic surfactants have the potential to be used as a mordant and provide an increased anti-bacterial effect on processed fabrics. The optimal use of cationic surfactants was obtained using a concentration of 9 g/L and pH 7 for the cotton dyeing process. The optimum concentration was obtained at 9 g/L for the silk dyeing process, and the dyeing pH was 3.

Mesoporous activated carbon for supercapacitors derived from coconut fiber by combining H3PO4-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment with KOH activation

The utilization of biomass resources as carbon precursors exhibits a promising application prospect for supercapacitor electrode material preparation. Here, we present mesoporous activated carbon from coconut fiber by H3PO4-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment combined with a low KOH-to-hydrochar ratio activation. The results show that the hydrothermal pretreatment increases the micropores of the activated carbons by hydrolyzing the β-glycosidic linkage of hemicelluloses and the aryl ether bond of lignin, causing depolymerization of lignin. H3PO4 promotes hydrolysis and the subsequent KOH activation process develops a substantial number of mesopores and surface oxygen groups. The activated carbon prepared under 10 wt% H3PO4-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment combined with a 1:1 KOH-to-hydrochar ratio activation (PHC-1), which is much lower than normal alkali consumption for activation, obtains a large specific surface area (1217.10 m2 g−1), substantial mesoporous ratio (46.84%), and noteworthy surface oxygen content (13.49%). These properties bring about an impressive electrochemical performance (315.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, 76.83% retention at 20 A g−1). By comparison, activated carbons derived from unpretreated and water hydrothermal pretreatment methods display significantly lower mesoporous ratios and specific capacitances. When integrated into a symmetric supercapacitor, the PHC-1 carbon electrodes maintain remarkable cycling stability (remains 94.8% after 10000 cycles). The high proportion of mesopores in conjunction with adequate micropores endows the activated carbon with significantly higher electrochemical performances compared with the carbons mainly composed of micropores. All these electrochemical data indicate that mesoporous activated carbon PHC-1, with outstanding properties prepared using coconut fiber, has potential applications in energy storage.

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation residues as potential sources of phenolics by fast pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS) and alkaline hydrolysis

Unlike 1 G bioethanol, the success of 2 G technology faces difficulties. The economic difficulties of 2 G bioethanol can be solved with an additional income in by-products, mainly from lignin. The present study investigated the generation of phenolics via fast pyrolysis and alkaline hydrolysis using residues from saccharification and simultaneous fermentation (SSF) as substrate. The SSF residues were obtained from schemes with green coconut fiber (without chemical pretreatment) and corn cob (with previous acid pretreatment). Chemical composition, FTIR, and XRD analyses confirmed that the processing undergone by SSF residues altered the lignocellulose structure. Due to extractives removal and lignin increase, the fast pyrolysis experiments with SSF residues favored the generation of phenolics over C1-C4 products. Phenol was the main product in the pyrolysis of untreated green coconut fiber (14.64%) and SSF residue (13.51%), while the 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol content in the bio-oil was doubled with the SSF corn cob residue (from 12.87% to 27.01%). SSF corn cob residue showed a high yield of hydroxynamic acids after alkaline hydrolysis with sodium hydroxide. The p-coumaric acid yield reached 4337 mg/100 g in experiments at 60 °C. Based on the results, the conversion of SSF residues appears as an alternative to obtain commercially appealing phenolics and may be attractive for 2 G bioethanol technology.

Characteristics of Coconut Fibre Combined with Vinyl Ester Composites Through Material Testing and Machining

Characteristics of Coconut Fibre Combined with Vinyl Ester Composites Through Material Testing and Machining

Pengaruh Penggunaan Limbah Masker Medis dan Limbah Serabut Kelapa sebagai Substitusi Pasir dalam Pembuatan Bata Ringan

Lightweight brick is a type of lightweight brick that is superior to the previous one. The purpose of this study was to analyze variations in the optimal composition of lightweight bricks (CLC) innovation by utilizing medical mask waste and coconut fiber waste as a substitute for sand based on bulk density and water absorption, compressive strength test, and soundproof test. The method used is the experimental method. Test object with variations in composition, namely 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. Each variation has 3 samples with a total of 12. The values for bulk density and water absorption are in accordance with SNI 8640-2018. The compressive strength test was carried out using a cube specimen with a side of 15 cm aged 14 days. Soundproof test using a sound level meter. The results obtained at 10% variation with a mixture of 10% medical mask waste and 10% coconut fiber waste are the optimal composition in the manufacture of innovative lightweight bricks. The bulk density and water absorption were 0.0741%, the compressive strength test was 11.86 MPa, and the soundproof test was 24.3 dB. This lightweight brick innovation of 10% variation can be an alternative to smart, environmentally friendly and economical building materials.Keywords : Lightweight Brick (CLC), Medical Mask Waste, Coconut Fiber Waste, Content weight and Water absorption, Compressive Strength Test, Soundproofing Test

Effect of sisal and coconut fibers on the strength performance of recycled aggregate concrete using copper slag

Effect of sisal and coconut fibers on the strength performance of recycled aggregate concrete using copper slag

Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Stem Cuttings Under 3-Indoleacetic Acid (IAA) Treatment

Abstract Stevia rebaudiana is a high-value crop because of its metabolites, such as steviol glycosides. However, it only produces a few seeds, resulting in low productivity. Therefore, an appropriate propagation method is required to enhance its productivity. This study aimed to assess stevia’s morphological and physiological characteristics upon treatment with three doses of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) [mg/L] through stem-cutting propagation. The cuttings were treated with IAA at 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/L by dipping them in the IAA solution for 1 minute, then planting in growth media (garden soil, organic compost and coco peat with a ratio of 2:1:1) and keeping them in the greenhouse. The survival percentage, root length and number, plant height, leaf number, total chlorophylls, and stomata length and number were assessed in the 3rd week. The application of 40 mg/L IAA resulted in a significant improvement in all parameters. However, IAA treatment also causes stomata abnormalities. This result suggested that stem cutting and IAA treatment significantly contribute to stevia propagation.

Aloe monticola Reynolds: A refugee of the mountains − contributing towards its conservation through in vitro propagation

In vitro micropropagation study of Aloe monticola Reynolds was conducted using offshoots in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media enriched with plant growth regulators (PGRs). Initiation experiment, carried out by culturing sterilized explants in full-strength MS media enriched with 0.0–1.0 mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP) alone and in combination with 0.10 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), resulted in 89 − 100 % healthy and live (i.e., initiated) explants in 9–29 days. Regeneration study, conducted by culturing initiated explants in full-strength MS media supplemented with 0.0–3.0 mg/L BAP alone and in combination with 0.50 mg/L IBA, showed that treatments enriched with 1.0–3.0 mg/L BAP in combination with 0.50 mg/L IBA yielded better shooting responses than the rest of the treatments. The rooting responses of the shoots were also tested by culturing in half-strength MS media enriched with 0.0–4.0 mg/L NAA alone and in combination with 0.25 mg/L IBA. Better rooting responses were observed in treatments supplemented with 1.0–4.0 mg/L NAA in combination with 0.25 mg/L IBA with two exceptions. The responses of A. monticola plantlets to primary and secondary acclimatization in greenhouse, nursery shade, and direct sunlight in coco peat, composted soil, and manured soil were excellent – with survival percentages of 90–98 %. The findings of this empirical research are important for developing refined protocol of in vitro micropropagation of this ecologically important but endangered plant.

Evaluation of Commercial Viability of Eco-friendly Alternatives to Traditional Floral Foam and Their Effects on Vase Life of Five Species of Cut Flowers

Increasingly, consumers are indicating that they would be willing to pay a premium for floral designs from a more sustainable floral provider. During the past several years, more environmentally sustainable floral foams and foam alternative media have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral foams comprised of phenol-formaldehyde plastics. Phenol-formaldehyde foam breaks down into microplastics, which ends up in landfills, soils, and waterways—including the planet’s oceans—if not disposed of properly. Eco-friendly foam alternatives are made from natural materials such as basalt minerals and coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber (coir). The objective of this study was to investigate eco-friendly floral substrates for their commercial viability in the floral industry by analyzing the vase life of five of the most commonly use cut flower species in traditional vs. eco-friendly foam alternatives. Flowers selected for the experiment included ‘Freedom’ rose (Rosa hybrid), ‘Orange Queen’ alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrid), ‘Atlantis Yellow’ chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum), ‘Pink Nelson’ carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), and ‘Million Star’ baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculate). The flowers were selected based on their importance to the floral industry with regard to their overall volume of use in floral arrangements and volume of production. The findings from this study indicate the traditional phenol-formaldehyde–based floral foam maintained vase life longer for a majority of the flowers tested when compared with basalt floral fiber medium and coir pouches. However, the basalt floral fiber medium maintained a vase life of more than 7 days for all flowers tested, indicating it is an adequate medium to use in retail floral design production. The coir pouch did not maintain the customer-expected vase life of 7 days for all but one of the cultivars tested. This indicates that coir pouches are generally not suitable for traditional everyday retail floral design use, but could potentially be acceptable for special occasion designs in which the consumer prefers or specifies a more sustainable approach and/or can accept a shorter vase life.

Effect of Alkali Solution Concentration and Soaking Time on Mechanical Properties of Coconut Fiber

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