Coconut Research Articles

Effect of Tender Coconut Water as Feed Additive on the Cocoon Parameters of Silkworm Bombyx mori

Effect of Tender Coconut Water as Feed Additive on the Cocoon Parameters of Silkworm Bombyx mori

A Comparative Study of Airbag Covers for Automotive Safety Using Coconut Shell Fiber/PP Composite Materials

In this study, we compared the physical properties of coconut fiber/polypropylene (PP) composite materials with coconut fiber as a reinforcing agent, produced through a hybrid injection molding process and a layered hot-pressing process. Through comparative experiments, the mechanical properties of both the hybrid injection-molded and layered hot-pressed materials were validated. The results indicated that, when using a coconut fiber content of 5%, the layered hot-pressed composite material exhibited optimal comprehensive performance. Specifically, its tensile strength reached 25.12 MPa, showing a 37.6% increase over that of pure PP materials of the same brand and batch. Its tensile modulus was 1.17 GPa, representing an 11.4% decrease. Additionally, its bending strength was 35.94 MPa, marking a 49.8% increase, and its bending modulus was 2.69 GPa, which is nearly double that of pure PP materials. Furthermore, through Creo modeling and an ANSYS simulation analysis, it was verified that this material could be applied to airbag covers in the field of automotive safety. This study confirmed that layered hot-pressed coconut fiber/PP composite materials exhibit superior mechanical properties to traditional materials and injection-molded composite materials, making them more suitable for airbag covers.

Relative contribution of biotic and abiotic factors to population fluctuations of Auchenorrhyncha community that could play a role in the Cape Saint Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) (lethal yellowing) pathosystem in Ghana.

As a major setback to the global coconut industry, lethal yellowing disease (LYD), caused by phytoplasmas, continues to threaten coconut palms in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, and Oceania. Despite its economic impacts, limited information exists on LYD vectors, which impedes the prevention and management of the disease. Using double-sided yellow sticky traps, we investigate the factors that influence the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of three sap-sucking insects of LYD, i.e., Diostrombus (Hemiptera: Derbidae) sp. and Patara sp. (Hemiptera: Derbidae), and Nedoptepa curta Dmitriev (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), on five coconut genotypes (Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SGD), Vanuatu Tall (VTT), SGD × VTT, Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) × VTT, and West African Tall (WAT)) in the Western Region, and one (SGD) in the Central Region of Ghana from April 2019 to May 2021. The results showed that N. curta and Patara sp. were the most abundant species in the Western and Central Regions, respectively. There was a significant difference between the coconut cultivars and sap-sucking insects. The peak population development of the sap-sucking insects was recorded during the dry season on all the coconut genotypes at all sampling locations. A significant positive correlation was detected between temperature and the population of N. curta and Patara sp. In the Agona Nkwanta, VTT had the highest population of N. curta, whereas WAT had the highest population of Patara sp. and Diostrombus sp. These findings provide useful information for assessing the role of factors that could affect the Cape Saint Paul Wilt disease pathosystem.

Nickel recovery in ferronickel concentrate by green selective reduction of nickel laterite

Nickel laterite is typically processed into ferronickel through a pyrometallurgical method involving high temperatures and the use of fossil fuels, such as coals or cokes. Unfortunately, this process releases emissions like CO2, SO2, and NOx into the environment. This study explores a sustainable approach for nickel laterite processing by investigating low-temperature selective reduction using various biomass reductants. The materials, including saprolitic nickel ore and biomass types (palm kernel shell charcoal or PSC, lamtoro wood charcoal, coconut shell charcoal, and rubber wood charcoal), undergo pelletization, selective reduction at 1150 °C, and wet magnetic separation. PSC biomass is superior to other biomass due to its 217.2 m2/g specific surface area value. Optimal conditions were achieved using 0.3 stoichiometric PSC, along with the addition of 10 wt% of sodium sulfate as an additive. This has led to a nickel mass fraction of 26.0 wt% and a recovery rate of 27.4 %.

Effect of Substrates and Nutrient Solution Concentrations on Growth and Yield of Cardamom (Amomum testaceum Ridl.) in Soilless Culture

This research aimed to investigate the effects of the substrates and nutrient solutions on the growth and yield of cardamom in soilless culture. The experimental design was 2x3 Factorial in Completely Randomized Design with 5 replications. First factor consisted of coconut coir dust and coconut husk chips and the second factors were 3 nutrient solution concentrations; EC=1.00, 2.00 and 3.00 mS/cm. The experiment was carried out during July to December, 2021. The results showed that cardamom grown using coconut husk chips with nutrient solution concentration of EC= 3.00 mS/cm yielded the highest plant weight (256.00 g/plant) and the highest number of plants (21.30 plant/pot), respectively. For the analysis of interaction effect between substrates and nutrient solution concentrations, it was found that cardamom grown by using chopped coconut husks at EC 3.00 mS/cm gave the highest number of plants (23.60 plants/pot). Therefore, to produce shoots for sale, cardamom should be planted using coconut husk chips at EC 3.00 mS/cm in order to obtain the best cardamom growth and yield.

Discarded substrates from soilless hydroponic horticulture as potential amendments for metal-contaminated soils

Soil contamination with metals is a major threat for the environment and public health since most metals are toxic to humans and to non-human biota, even at low concentrations. Thus, new sustainable remediation approaches are currently needed to immobilize metals in soils to decrease their mobility and bioavailability. In this work, we explore the application of discarded substrates from hydroponic cultivation, namely coconut shell and a mixture of coconut shell and pine bark, for immobilization of metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Hg, Sb and As) in a naturally contaminated soil from a mining region in Portugal. The immobilization capacity of substrates (added to the soil at 5% mass ratio) was assessed both individually and also combined with other traditional agriculture soil additives (limestone and gypsum, at 2% mass ratio) and nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (nZVI) at 1–3% mass ratio. The overall results obtained after a 30-d incubation showed that the discarded substrates are a viable, economic, and environmental-friendly solution for metal remediation in soils, with the capacity of immobilization ranging from 20 to 91% for the metals and metalloids studied. Furthermore, they showed the capacity to reduce the soil toxicity (EC50 ∼ 6000 mg/L) to non-toxic levels (EC50 > 10000 mg/L) to the bacteria Aliivrio fischeri.

Nuciferol C, a new sesquineolignan dimer from Cocos nucifera L.: bioactivity and theoretical investigation.

Nuciferol C (NC), an undescribed dimer of nuciferol B (NB), was isolated from the endocarp of Cocos nucifera L. The planar structure of NC was determined using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy as well as high resolution MS spectrometry. The absolute configuration was concluded based on analysis of NOESY spectra. NC showed cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells (CaCo-2) with an IC50 value of 76 μM, and significantly decreased the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in CaCo-2 as compared with untreated cells by 39% and 33%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, NC exhibited anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV-I) activity with an IC50 value of 23 μM. In silico study of NC was implemented at three levels: density functional theory (DFT) was used to study its electronic properties, molecular mechanics was used to estimate the docking results, and finally, molecular dynamic simulation was used to study the behavior and stability of NC inside the active site of the target protein of HSV-1.

Influence of Carbonization Conditions and Temperature Variations on the Characteristics of Coconut Shell Carbon

Influence of Carbonization Conditions and Temperature Variations on the Characteristics of Coconut Shell Carbon

Analysis of Liquid Smoke Grade Characteristics from Coconut Shells and Palm Kernel Shell Waste Through a Slow Pyrolysis Process

This research was motivated by the abundance of biomass plantations in Indonesia. Accumulated biomass waste will cause environmental problems. Biomass processing can resolve this issue, by producing functionally and economically valuable products. The purpose of this research was to increase the value of biomass by processing it as liquid smoke through pyrolysis and then proceeding to the purification stage. The purification method applied in this research was a combination of distillation and adsorption processes using natural zeolite. The variables of this research were: two types of biomass, namely coconut shells and palm kernel shells, and liquid smoke grade variations. The analysis parameters were: pH, viscosity, density, acid content, and phenol analysis as well as GC-MS. The characteristics analysis results showed that all liquid smoke samples met the Japanese liquid smoke standard. Based on pH, acid, and phenol analysis, the liquid smoke from the coconut shells sample had better quality compared to the liquid smoke from palm kernel shells, namely with pH 2.36, acid content 0.26 mg/mL, and phenol 2,368.75 ppm. The GC-MS test results indicated that grade-1 liquid smoke from both samples contained antibacterial compounds, such as phosphonic acid, formic acid, and carbamic acid, which have the potential to inhibit bacterial growth.

Synthesis of biochar-doped MgO catalyst for highly efficient conversion of glucose into formic acid at low temperatures

Formic acid (FA) is not only a significant platform chemical but also a promising candidate for hydrogen storage. Although homogeneous catalysts are commonly employed for the conversion of carbohydrate biomass into FA, which often come with substantial costs and inadequate reusability. It is noteworthy that there has been an increasing focus on the development of heterogeneous catalysts in this area, which aim to address these limitations and offer advantages such as easier separation and better reusability. Herein, an eco-friendly and efficient method for the catalytic conversion of glucose to FA by utilizing a biochar-MgO (BC-MgO) catalyst, which is prepared through pyrolysis of coconut husk biochar impregnated with magnesium chloride (MgCl2), is proposed. The FA yield at 74.6% is attained from glucose at 60 °C within only 3 h, utilizing a mere 0.1 g of catalyst and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) amount of 100%. In conjunction with random forest (RF) algorithms and box-behnken experimental designs, further optimization resulted in an increased yield of 79.1%, with a selectivity of 82.7%, in only 3.8 h at 67 °C, employing 0.1 g of catalyst amount and 125% H2O2 amounts. Notably, the BC-MgO catalyst retains its catalytic efficiency over multiple cycles, only requiring a simple straightforward regeneration procedure. The mechanism underlying the glucose conversion to FA reaction system is demystified via kinetic modeling, time-gradient studies, and model compounds experiments. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that when used for glucose conversion to FA, BC-MgO catalysts generate lower CO2 emissions than traditional homogeneous catalysts such as LiOH. Concurrently, an operation cost analysis indicates that operation cost of FA production from glucose is 4.1 $/kg with the BC-MgO catalyst, which is lower than LiOH catalyst (7.5 $/kg), evidencing the dual advantage of economic viability and an improved environmental impact inherent to this novel process.

Effect of biochar composition and paclobutrazol concentration on growth and yield of G1 Medians cultivar potato seeds in Jatinangor medium plain

Potato seed production in the medium plain is necessary to avoid environmental damage and the limited area of potato seed production in the high plain. The effort to increase the production of G1 potato seeds on the medium plain is the evaluation of the biochar composition and concentration of paclobutrazol that can increase the production G1 potato seeds cv Medians in the medium plain of Jatinangor. The research was conducted from August to December 2022 at the Ciparanje Experimental Field. Jatinangor. Faculty of Agriculture. Universitas Padjadjaran. The experiment used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD). The first factor was the biochar composition: m1 (100% compost), m2 (80% compost + 20% rice husk biochar), m3 (80% compost + 20% coconut shell biochar), and m4 (80% compost + 10% biochar husk rice + 10% coconut shell biochar). The second factor was the paclobutrazol concentration: p1 (without paclobutrazol), p2 (100 ppm paclobutrazol), and p3 (150 ppm paclobutrazol). The experimental results showed that there was no reaction effect of biochar compositions and paclobutrazol concentrations on the growth and yield of G1 potato seeds. The application of 80% compost + 20 % rice husk biochar gave significantly higher yields than treatment without biochar. The number of tubers was 6.29 knol per plant and the tuber weight was 66.80 g per plant. Application of 100 ppm paclobutrazol resulted in lower plant height, gave the number of tubers was 6.39 knol per plant, tuber weight per plant was 63.34 g higher than without paclobutrazol and produced more seed tubers with S class.

Biochar accelerates methane production efficiency from Baijiu wastewater: Some viewpoints considering direct interspecies electron transfer

The low pH of Maotai-flavor Baijiu wastewater (MFBW) adversely affects its anaerobic digestion (AD) performance, resulting in low AD efficiency. Here, coconut shell was used to produce biochar. The characteristics of biochar were regulated through acid, alkali, and magnetic modification, respectively. Biochar and modified biochars were applied to assist the AD of MFBW. The results showed that biochar could significantly increase methane yield by 220.8 %–241.7 % with the corresponding soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) degradation increasing by 52.3 %–57.5 % (p < 0.05). Joint modification could significantly enhance the electron donating capacity from 0.0042 to 0.0095 mmol e−1/g (p < 0.05). The combined modification with magnetic alkali had the best stimulating effect on the AD process, which might be related to the conductive particles (Fe3O4) formed during magnetization processes. The modified biochar featured a high degree of surface roughness, a relatively large aperture, and strong electron donating ability, all of which were beneficial to the colonization and microbial growth. Supplementation with biochar resulted in the enrichment of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, especially for Syntrophomonas (rising from 0.013 % to 6.74 %–10.93 % of relative abundance). These microorganisms are related to the hydrolysis, acidification, and extracellular electron transfer. The enrichment of electroactive microorganism is a prerequisite for improving the direct interspecies electron transfer pathway. This study provides theoretical support for efficient MFBW treatment.

Development of self-sensing cement composites by incorporating hybrid biochar and nano carbon black

The self-sensing cement composites (SSCC) containing traditional conductive carbon materials are of great significance but cause serious pollution. In this study, the green SSCC is innovatively developed utilizing the synergistic effects of nano carbon black and biochar from coconut shell. The SSCC mixtures are compared in terms of fluidity, mechanical properties, resistivity, microstructure and comprehensive properties. The results indicate that in SSCC containing nano carbon black, the addition of biochar can obtain comparable compressive strength for its internal curing, interlocking and bridging effects. Besides, 4.5 % carbon material prolongs the crack initiation stage during compression, and 9 % carbon material causes the multiple cracks. Moreover, the addition of 4.5 % biochar can reduce the 35-day resistivity of sample with 1.5 % biochar and 3 % nano carbon black by 35.6 % owing to the increasing tunneling effect and contact conduction. It is also found that in conductive SSCC, the slope Kc of the non-contact resistivity curve is dominated by the conductive additives rather than cement hydration. And the self-sensing cement composites exhibit excellent piezoresistivity. The rates of change in resistivity of samples after cycle loading are exponentially related to residual damages, with R2 values greater than 0.95. Finally, multi-indicator evaluation analyses show that the sample containing more biochar is more environmentally friendly. This study provides a new pathway for the sustainable development of SSCC.

Elemental analysis of valuable byproducts by TXRF spectrometry: coal fly ash and activated carbon

In order to ensure that byproducts are environmentally friendly and fit for purpose, their chemical composition must be determined, with special attention to elements at trace level. The large variability in the type of matrices demands a versatile analytical technique, compatible with sample preparation methods allowing both fast composition screenings and accurate quantitative analysis.In this work, byproducts derived from carbon-rich matrices, including coal fly ash and activated carbon from coconut and almond shells, were investigated by means of total reflection x-ray spectrometry and different sample preparations. Suspension, acid digestion, solid-liquid extraction and ashing were performed and assessed as to their complexity and detection capabilities, ranging from 0.01 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg, depending on the element and sample preparation. The internal standard quantification with gallium, aided by a variation of the standard additions method to take into account its possible presence in the samples, allowed to determine elements of environmental and technological interest, including K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Sr, Pb. Assets, limits and possible developments are presented and discussed.

Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Non-Metallic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Assessing the Structural Performance with Emphasis on Reeds and Coconut Shells

Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Non-Metallic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Assessing the Structural Performance with Emphasis on Reeds and Coconut Shells

Assessment of Proximate and Biomass Composition of Cori Fibre for Potential Industrial Application

Background: The versatile nature of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) husk fibres, known as Cori fibres, makes them suitable for various industrial applications. This study aims to assess the biomass composition of Cori fibres to explore their potential in industrial applications. Materials and Methods: Coconut husks were procured from Ihiagwa market, Owerri, Nigeria, and processed to obtain Cori fibres. The fibres were cleaned, dried, and weighed. A comprehensive proximate analysis was performed, including moisture content (ASTM E1756-08), ash content, carbon content, crude fibre, crude fat, and crude protein (Kjeldahl method). Biomass characteristics such as pectin, amylopectin, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents were also determined using standard methodologies. Results: The proximate analysis revealed the following composition of Cori fibres: moisture content (7.43 ± 0.33%), carbohydrate content (71.85 ± 0.25%), ash content (3.15 ± 0.13%), crude fibre (1.39 ± 0.40%), protein content (11.15 ± 0.60%), and crude fat (5.02 ± 0.35%). Biomass characteristics included water absorption capacity (51.51 ± 3.23%), density (0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml), cellulose (9.42 ± 0.12%), hemicellulose (20.77 ± 0.19%), lignin (10.92 ± 0.09%), and pectin (9.74 ± 0.10 mg/kg). Conclusion: The detailed composition analysis of Cori fibres suggests their significant potential for various industrial applications, particularly in areas where fibre strength, absorbency, and density are critical.

Standardization of Process Variables for the Development of Osmo-dehydrated Coconut Haustorium

Background: Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is considered a highly valuable and beneficial perennial crop in our country. The basal portion of the coconut embryo enlarges during germination and forms a spongy structure, haustorium, which is an excellent source of essential nutrients. Since consumer preference is shifting towards healthy food and processed coconut products have immense scope in this sector, the study was conducted to standardize the process variables for osmo-dehydration of coconut haustorium and to evaluate the nutritional qualities of the osmo-dehydrated product. Methods: The present study involved the development of osmo-dehydrated coconut haustorium by standardizing the process variables, viz., osmotic solution concentration and immersion time. Mass transfer, physical, biochemical and sensory parameters were analysed to evaluate the nutritional qualities and consumer acceptance. Result: The results on biochemical properties revealed that an increase in concentration and time of immersion increased TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, ash and mineral content. The process variables were standardized for the development of osmo-dehydrated coconut haustorium with optimum mass transfer characters, better nutritional qualities and consumer acceptance, which has application in the food industry.

Anti Inflammatory and Anti Diabetic Activity of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Inflorescence

Lately manufactories with medicinal properties play an important part in food and medicinal diligence for their capacities on disease prevention and treatment. Inflammation is a physiological process involved in the defenses of the body and the form of tissues. Recent years have also seen studies conducted on &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;inflorescence to ascertain the presence of specific phytoconstituents. The inflorescence of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(L.) have a traditional use as a potent healer of numerous inflammatory diseases like postnatal changes. Food technology grounded explorations are underway to employ its powder as an alternative to wheat flour by esteeming its gluten free nature, nutritive value and natural sweetness. Numerous compounds in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (L.) inflorescence have been shown to possess a range of pharmacological qualities, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-helminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antibacterial activities. Hence objectives of the present study are to estimate the &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; anti-inflammatory activity &amp; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; anti-diabetic activity of Fresh and the Cabinet dried &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;inflorescence. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; anti-inflammatory activity of fresh and Cabinet dried &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;inflorescence were carried out by heat induced hemolysis method. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; anti-diabetic activity of Fresh and the Cabinet dried &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;inflorescence were carried out by α-amylase method. Cabinet dried &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;inflorescence have shown a better profile of anti-inflammatory &amp; anti-diabetic activity compared to fresh &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cocos nucifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;inflorescence and thus it can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Effects of Agro-based Adsorbents on the Biochemical Profiles of Wistar Rats Exposed to Cyanide

Background: Cyanide is a very toxic chemical that reacts with the ferric cytochrome oxidase in the mitochondrial system to form a stable complex. This complex inhibits the process of oxidative phosphorylation, thereby interrupting aerobic respiration in the organism. It is postulated that activated charcoal (AC) intercepts the ingested cyanide in the gastrointestinal tract before it is absorbed into the system. Methods: A single dose of 3 mg/kg body weight of potassium cyanide (KCN) was orally administered to the rats in each of the five groups, each consisting of 6 rats. After 15 minutes, all rats in each group were given AC from different agro-based materials. The control group (group 1) received standard commercial AC orally at 1 g/kg. group 2 received AC from plantain peels, group 3 received AC from castor oil seed shell, group 4 received AC from coconut shell and group 5 received a combination of AC from plantain peels, castor oil seed shell, and coconut shell. Blood samples were collected sequentially from rats in each group for biochemical assays using standard procedures. Results: The control group, which received KCN and standard commercial AC, exhibited the highest alanine transaminase (ALT) value (60.09±0.10 U/L) on day seven. Similarly, the highest aspartate transaminase (AST) value (196.28±0.72 U/L) was observed in the control group. Alkaline phosphate (ALP) levels followed a similar pattern. On day seven, the serum creatinine levels were 3.81±0.11 mg/dL for group 1 and 3.45±0.05 mg/dL for group 5. Subsequently, all biochemical parameters decreased after day 7, with the lowest levels recorded in rats that received AC derived from coconut shells. Conclusion: The administration of locally prepared agro-based adsorbents to Wistar rats after exposure to sublethal doses of cyanide significantly mitigated the effects of the cyanide on the liver, kidneys, and heart, as indicated by the biochemical parameters of the albino Wistar rats in the study.

Fabricating coconut palm-based rigid polyurethane foam with enhanced compressive strength using biomass waste

The continued depletion of fossil fuels compels the exploitation of biomass as alternative. Herein, coconut palm, as a common tropical biomass, was first used to prepare polyether polyols via liquefaction method. The obtained polyether polyols were employed to fabricate rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF), which is widely applied in the industry. Moreover, the prepared RPUF was further modified by biomass waste including coconut shell (CS), coconut palm (CP), and seaweed (SE), with the contents of 5–15 wt%. The results showed that the addition of fillers can decrease the apparent densities and increase the compressive strength of the foams. The foam modified with 15 wt% CS exhibits the highest compressive strength with a value of 355 kPa and normalized value of 290 kPa among the prepared RPUF. In addition, an appropriate content of fillers can slightly increase the thermal stability of RPUF. The combustion performance test indicates that the introduction of fillers slightly increases the oxygen index value of coconut-based polyurethane, which produces less smoke than unmodified foam. Compared with the HRR of unmodified foam, the HRR of RPUF modified with CP are higher while those modified with SE are smaller. The foams modified with SE exhibit the optimal flame-retardant property. This work provides a novel and sustainable route to prepare and modify bio-based RPUF, which can furnish a clue to prepare bio-based RPUF with desirable performance.