Corncob Research Articles

A syrup containing l-arabinose and d-xylose appears superior to PEG-4000 as a bowel cleansing agent

Adequate bowel cleansing is crucial for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, and the recovery of gut microbiota after intestinal cleansing is also important. A hypertonic syrup predominantly comprising l-arabinose and d-xylose (20% xylo-oligosaccharides) can be extracted from the hemicellulose of corn husks and cobs. l-Arabinose and xylo-oligosaccharides have been reported to relieve constipation and improve the gut microbial environment. This study evaluated the bowel cleansing effect of the aforementioned syrup and its influence on the organism and intestinal microbiota after cleansing in comparison with polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG-4000) in mice. Bowel cleansing was performed using syrup or PEG-4000 in C57BL/6J mice, and the effect of intestinal preparation and its influence on serum electrolytes and gut microbiota after bowel cleansing were evaluated. The volume of intestinal residual feces in the syrup group was significantly lower than that in the PEG-4000 group. Additionally, syrup disturbed serum electrolytes more mildly than PEG-4000. Alpha diversity in the gut microbiota was significantly higher in the syrup group than in the PEG-4000 group on the first day after bowel cleansing. However, no difference in beta diversity was observed between the two groups. Syrup increased the abundance of Bifidobacteria and Christensenella and decreased the abundance of Akkermansia in comparison with PEG-4000 on the first day after bowel cleansing. Thus, this syrup has potential clinical use as a bowel cleansing agent given the above effects, its benefits and safety, and better taste and acceptability.

Empowering unemployed people to process corn cob waste into briquettes as an alternative fuel in Ciherang village

Empowering unemployed people to process corn cob waste into briquettes as an alternative fuel in Ciherang village

Analysis of the Nutritional Quality of Local Feed Ingredients Commonly Used in the Concentrate Formula for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Indonesia

Indonesia's annual beef consumption is experiencing a steady rise. In 2021, the per capita beef consumption amounted to 2.56 kg per person per year, resulting in a total of 696 million kilograms consumed across the country. This quantity is equivalent to the slaughtering of approximately 3.98 million cattle annually. With the increasing growth of the feedlot industry, cattle farmers, including feedlot operators, have the opportunity to enhance the value of agricultural companies in Indonesia by utilizing local feedstuffs. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability and nutritional value of indigenous feed sources for beef cattle in Indonesia. The research utilized feedstuff varieties and characteristics sourced from feedlots spanning since 2012-2021. The employed methodologies encompassed surveys, interviews, and questionnaires. This research involved the collection of both primary and secondary data. The potential and quality of local feedstuff were described using descriptive analysis. This research showed that eight types of local feedstuff could be categorized as energy sources including dehydrated cassava chips with a total digestible nutrients (TDN) value of 84.2% and bran pollard with a TDN value of 66.6%. The fiber sources consisted of corn cob (37.7% crude fiber), coffee husk (38% crude fiber), cocoa bean shell (20% crude fiber), tapioca solid waste/onggok (22% crude fiber), and palm kernel meal (22.1% crude fiber). The protein source consisted of copra meal with a protein content of 22.4%. The physical test most frequently inspected the feed color (18.1%) and odor (18.1%). Moisture examination (24%) was the most frequently used of proximate analysis was employed to identify the chemical composition. In conclusion the existence of eight local ingredients which were categorized into three different types: energy source, protein source, and fiber source commonly used in the concentrate formula for beef cattle feedlots in Indonesia.

Sustainability of Alternative Energy Sources: Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis of Energy Crops in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Ekiti State is a farming region with the ability to produce biomass reserves, which include yet refined crop cultivation product leftovers like sugar cane, corn cobs, palm husk shells, and okanagan wood, for use as fuel. The vast energy-generating potential of crops for use in industry and household applications is examined in this article. Biomass crops were subjected to a thermogravimetric examination to determine their unique thermal activity in an airtight and benign atmosphere with a temperature increase of 10°C per minute up to 800°C. The decrease in weight pattern was shown to be similar across all four waste specimens. Three reactive regions were identified during the nitrogen-rich environment assessment, which correlate to water loss, flammable generation, and char breakdown. Three response domains in an air system corresponded to the degradation, burning, and drying of char. The proximate and ultimate evaluation outcomes demonstrated that each of the bioenergy crop leftovers under investigation is fit for gas extraction and fuel combustion to meet power and thermal needs. The computational and experimental analysis revealed that Okanagan wood has the highest calorific value which indicates the highest heat values and considered the best for biomass energy production in Ekiti State for entrepreneurial venture.

Process Integration of Hydrogen Production Using Steam Gasification and Water-Gas Shift Reactions: A Case of Response Surface Method and Machine Learning Techniques

An equilibrium-based steady-state simulator model that predicts and optimizes hydrogen production from steam gasification of biomass is developed using ASPEN Plus software and artificial intelligence techniques. Corn cob’s chemical composition was characterized to ensure the biomass used as a gasifier and with potential for production of hydrogen. Artificial intelligence is used to examine the effects of the significant input variables on response variables, such as hydrogen mole fraction and hydrogen energy content. Optimizing the steam-gasification process using response surface methodology (RSM) considering a variety of biomass-steam ratios was carried out to achieve the best results. Hydrogen yield and the impact of main operating parameters were considered. A maximum hydrogen concentration is found in the gasifier and water-gas shift (WGS) reactor at the highest steam-to-biomass (S/B) ratio and the lowest WGS reaction temperature, while the gasification temperature has an optimum value. ANFIS was used to predict hydrogen of mole fraction, 0.5045 with the input parameters of S/B ratio of 2.449 and reactor pressure and temperature of 1 bar and 848°C, respectively. With the steam-gasification model operating at temperature (850°C), pressure (1 bar), and S/B ratio of 2.0, an ASPEN simulator achieved a maximum of 0.5862 mole fraction of hydrogen, while RSM gave an increase of 19.0% optimum hydrogen produced over the ANFIS prediction with the input parameters of S/B ratio of 1.053 and reactor pressure and temperature of 1 bar and 850°C, respectively. Varying the gasifier temperature and S/B ratio have, on the other hand, a crucial effect on the gasification process with artificial intelligence as a unique tool for process evaluation, prediction, and optimization to increase a significant impact on the products especially hydrogen.

Lignocellulosic waste biosorbents infused with deep eutectic solvents for biogas desulfurization

This paper introduces an innovative method for treating biogas streams, employing lignocellulosic biosorbents infused with environmentally friendly solvents known as deep eutectic solvents (DES). The primary focus of this study was the elimination of volatile organosulfur compounds (VSCs) from model biogas. Biosorbents, including energetic poplar wood, antipka tree, corncobs, and beech wood, were used, each with varying levels of lignin and hemicellulose content. The selection of the DES with the greatest potential for VSC removal was carried out using COnductor-like Screening MOdel for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) modeling. The chosen DES consisted of quaternary ammonium salts and glycols, specifically, tetrapropylammonium bromide and 1,2-hexanediol (1:3). The physicochemical properties of the new DES, such as the viscosity, density, and melting point, were evaluated. The biosorbents were treated with the selected DES after shredding, purifying, and sieving. Comprehensive analysis techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were employed on the modified biosorbents both before and after modification. The subsequent step involved the adsorption of VSCs from biogas. The results of this study demonstrated the superior performance of a novel sorbent based on corn cob modified by DES compared to commercially available alternatives. The sorption capacity ranged from 103.8 to 112.1 mg/g for various VSCs. The adsorption process using the new biosorbent can be described by the pseudo second order kinetic model, as well as the Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart models. The high efficacy of the VSCs removal was attributed to the concurrent operation of the absorption and adsorption processes. The resulting sorbent was also characterized by its ability to regenerate repeatedly without significant loss of sorption capacity of the new sorbents.

Fast pyrolysis of biomass with diverse properties to produce liquid hydrogen storage molecules

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), such as methanol and formic acid, offer a reliable solution for the challenges associated with transporting and storing gaseous hydrogen. However, the current industrial LOHCs are costly and in limited supply due to complex synthesis methods involving gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. An alternative approach utilizing efficient pyrolysis methods can convert biomass into substances that mimic LOHCs, making them a promising avenue for hydrogen storage. Compounds with a high hydrogen content, including glycolaldehyde, acetic acid, and acetol, hold potential as effective LOHCs. This study seeks to assess how the specific properties of biomass impact the resulting products and target molecules, focusing on identifying the primary sources of LOHC compounds. The experimental results indicate that glycolaldehyde primarily originates from cellulose, while acetic acid is mainly derived from hemicellulose. Acetol is produced from both cellulose and hemicellulose. At a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C and a particle size of 0.38–0.83 mm, corn cob yields a higher quantity of glycolaldehyde, acetic acid, and acetol (107 mg/g) compared to rice husk (85.6 mg/g) and pine (68.9 mg/g) due to its significant cellulose and hemicellulose content. Notably, the primary sources of these hydrogen storage molecules during pyrolysis are the initial biomass pyrolysis products rather than secondary reactions.

Investigating the properties of sprayed insulating cementitious materials with corn cobs

As the mining depth increases, the underground space will face more serious thermal hazards. By using corn cobs, an agricultural waste, to prepare cementitious insulation materials, active insulation layers are constructed by injecting insulation materials into underground spaces using cementitious material spraying techniques. This article designed the ratios of corn cob sprayed cementitious materials and analyzed the changes in the properties of the materials obtained by adding 0–25% of corn cobs. The results of the study showed that the addition of different proportions of corn cobs improved the thermal insulation properties of the material by 6.9%-75.5% as compared to the ordinary mortar material. The mechanical properties became 25.9%-113.6% of the original. When the corn cob is wetted for more than 10 min, the fluidity of the material is sufficient to reach the minimum standard for spraying operations. Considering the comprehensive performance of the material, it is concluded that the wetting time of 30 min, the addition of corn cob 20%, the corn cob particle size of 200 mesh, and the amount of sand doping of 40% are the optimal ratios of the studied corn cob spraying cementitious materials. The study of corn cob lightweight thermal insulation spray cementitious material is of great significance for controlling the ambient temperature in deep underground space, promoting cleaner production and improving the use of environmental resources.

The efficiency of enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal in a vertical flow constructed wetland using alkaline modified corn cobs as a carbon source

Adding carbon sources to constructed wetlands can improve nitrogen removal efficiency. Modifying plant biomass can solve problems such as excessive release of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter in the initial stage and insufficient carbon supply in the later stage. This article utilized alkali-modified corn cob as a carbon source to construct vertical flow constructed wetlands and to study the carbon release characteristics of alkali-modified corn cob, as well as its removal effect on organic matter in wastewater. The results indicated that the solid-to-liquid ratio in the alkali modification process of corn cob was 1:10, and it was found that the best treatment method for alkali modified corn cob was to use a sodium hydroxide concentration of 2%, a treatment time of 12 h, and a temperature of 20 °C. Its surface roughness increases, which is beneficial for releasing carbon sources and promoting the growth of microbial attachment. Furthermore, the porosity also increases and. Intermittent aeration could significantly enhance the removal of NH4+-N, and TP in constructed wetlands. The average removal rates of NH4+-N and TP were 60.93% and 89.50%, respectively, and the average removal rates of COD, NO3--N and TN were 60.67%, 98.38% and 83.73%, respectively. At the same time, alkali-modified corn cobs were used as carbon sources. It can effectively remove NO3--N and promote denitrification in constructed wetlands.

Thermal In Situ Synthesis of Bi2O3/Porous Corn Cob Biochar Composites as an Anode Additive for Lead–Carbon Batteries and Their Properties

Thermal In Situ Synthesis of Bi₂O₃/Porous Corn Cob Biochar Composites as an Anode Additive for Lead–Carbon Batteries and Their Properties

Evaluation of Corn Cob Ash as Mineral Filler in Asphalt Mixture

Evaluation of Corn Cob Ash as Mineral Filler in Asphalt Mixture

Bimolecular optimization of cellulase production by <i>Richoderma citrinoviride</i> and <i>Aspergillus niger</i> isolates on corn cob, rice bran and sorghum bran as biomass substrates

This work focuses on the assessment of the conditions relevant for the improvement of enzymes hydrolysis of pretreated corn cob, rice bran and sorghum bran by using Trichoderma Citrinoviride and Aspergillus niger. To achieve this, different fermentation conditions were applied to assess their effect in the optimization of cellulase production. Effects of fermentation duration, inoculation size, temperature and pH of fermentation on cellulase production were investigated. At 96 hrs of fermentation, maxim cellusale product was found to be at optimum in both organisms. Hence, 6% substrates concentration with 10 discs of 8mm inoculum size yielded maximum cellulase production in both A. niger and T. citrinoviride after 5 days of incubation. At 35ºC, A niger and T citrinoviride recorded maximum cellulase production 0.50 mg/ml in sorghum bran while 40ºC was optimum for maximum cellulase production for T, citrinoviride on corn cob. Whereas, pH 5.0 T. citrinoviride exhibits maximum cellulase production with sorghum bran 1.30 mg/ml compared to carboxymetyyl cellulose which served as control and sorghum bran 1.2mg/ml. These results highlight the potentials of T. citrinoviride as species of fungus for the industrial production of cellulase using Agricultural wastes as substrates. Cellulase yield was repressed in the presence of glucose and was induced in the presence of corn cob, rice bran and sorghum using T. citrinoviride. Cellulase yield from Corn cob, rice bran and sorghum bran differed significantly at (P<0.05) from glucose.

Scaling factor of dispersion force interaction between dyes and corn cobs in water

Obtaining the interaction between two substances in liquid through their molecular structures can promote the design and preparation of new functional materials. When multiple types of intermolecular forces coexist, whether the contribution terms generated by each type of intermolecular force have the same scaling factor is a key consideration. In this paper, an empirical equation for calculating the total intermolecular interaction is proposed. The required molecular property parameters for calculation can be obtained through quantum–chemical calculation. For the experiments of removing eight ionic dyes in water by using corn cobs as adsorbents, linear correlation was found between the removal percentage and the total interaction calculated from the proposed equation. When the scaling factors of polar and hydrogen bond interaction terms are 1, the scaling factor of dispersion force interaction term in the equation is greater than 2.5.

High-density Co-Nx sites anchored on biomass-based carbon nanotubes for efficient removal of plant viruses in water

In this study, we selected rice straw, wheat straw and corn cob as raw materials to successfully prepare cobalt-nitrogen co-doped biomass-based carbon nanotubes composites (BM@CoNCNTs) with Co-Nx sites highly dispersed on porous biochar carrier, which could effectively activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to remove tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in water. Particularly, BM@CoNCNTs-CC, with its confined carbon nanotubes and high-density Co-Nx sites, enhanced the Co2+/Co3+ cycle and direct adsorption of PMS to generate Co(IV)=O and 1O2, playing a dominant role. This led to the effective disruption of TMV coat protein and degradation of its genome within 5 min, achieving up to 6 log10 removal efficiency. Additionally, BM@CoNCNTs-CC/PMS system maintained efficient catalytic removal performance even in complex water matrices (river water and tap water). Overall, our research not only elucidates the production of efficient biomass-based catalysts for environmental remediation, but also highlights the application potential of biomass-based carbon nanotubes composites enriched with Co-Nx sites.

Exploring Corn Cob Gasification as a Low-Carbon Technology in the Corn Flour Industry in Mexico

In 2021, Mexico produced approximately 24.2 million tons of white corn, generating 3.6 million tons of corn cob residue. The final disposal of corn cob poses an environmental challenge in certain regions. This study examines the technical–economic feasibility and the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential of integrating a small-scale cogenerating gasifier fueled by corn cob into a nixtamalized corn flour manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). This integration enables the generation of heat and electricity from the produced synthesis gas. Moreover, the process yields residual carbon, which can be used as biochar for soil restoration and removing atmospheric CO2. This option holds significance for the corn flour agroindustry in Mexico, as, in 2021, it consumed approximately 601.9 GWh of electrical energy and 938,279 GJ of thermal energy from LP Gas in its manufacturing processes to produce 2.6 million tons of nixtamalized white corn flour. These processes contributed to a total emission of 410,232 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The findings of this study demonstrate a cumulative reduction of 51.7% in CO2 emissions, resulting in economic benefits of USD 85,401 in 2017 for a case study SME that annually produces 1039 tons of corn flour. This study reveals the integration of a gasifier–cogenerator system fueled by corn cob as an economically viable low-carbon technology in the corn flour manufacturing industry.

Effect of Goat Dung, Saboak and Corn Cobs Charcoal Mixture on the Physicochemical Properties of Biochar Briquettes

The experiment goals to investigate the physicochemical properties of biochar briquette mixed of goat dung, saboak shell and corn cob charcoal. Research used a completely randomized design with 4 different treatments were: P1 = 25% of goat dung + 75% saboak shell charcoal; P2 = 25% of goat dung + 50% saboak shell + 25% corn cob charcoal; P3 = 25% of goat dung + 25% saboak shell + 50% corn cobs charcoal; P4 =25% of goat dung + 75% corn cobs charcoal. Variables measured included yield, density, moisture, ash, calorific value, volatille matter and fixed carbon. Data were analyzed according to the statistic analysis procedure. The mean values obtained were yield 57.54%; density 0.62 g/cm3; moisture 4.67%; ash 16.93%; calorific value 5198.75 cal/g; volatile matter 25.18%; fixed carbon 53.23%. The results of variance analysis showed that the treatment had a very significant effect (P<0.01) on density and calorific value but not significant (P>0.05) on yield, moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon. It can be concluded that using of corn cobs as substitute of saboak shell ini briquettes making blend of goat manure can be improve the calorific value, with similar ini yield, moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon. The best characteristic of briquettes find out in mixing of 25% goat manure + 25% saboak shell + 50% corn cobs.

Influence of corn cob ash additive on the structure and properties of cement concrete

In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concept, there is a need to find technologies that would help make concrete production less energy intensive and more environmentally friendly. One technology involves substituting some mineral components in concrete with rapidly renewable plant-based alternatives. This study aims to establish the essential patterns among the concrete composition, micro-structure, and properties of cementitious composites modified with corn waste. Additionally, it seeks to explore the potential for producing high-quality composites using this waste material. To assess the effectiveness of this kind of waste, the strength of the cement-sand mortar, several characteristics like compressive strength, flexural durability and water absorption of hardened concrete were studied. It is established that introducing corn cob ash (CCA) to substitute a part of the cement up to 16% is justified and allows to obtain mortar and concrete with enhanced properties. CCA has a beneficial impact on the properties of Cement Sand Mortar (CSM) when replacing cement by no more than 15%. The maximum effect was achieved at 10% CCA, and the rise of compressive and flexural strength were 6.06% and 6.32%. In concrete with a CCA amount of 8%, the most impressive growth of compressive strength was 7.14%, and the lowest value of water absorption, which is 10.31% lower compared to the ordinary composition. Including CCA reduces the properties like workability, density of concrete mixtures, and the hardened composite density. The scientific results obtained prove the possibility of using CCA as an effective mineral pozzolanic additive that improves the properties of concrete.

Performance of Corn Cob Combustion in a Low-Temperature Fluidized Bed

This study investigates the combustion of agricultural biomass rich in alkali elements in the fluidized bed. The experiments were performed with smashed corn cob in a 500 kW fluidized bed combustor which was designed for work under low bed temperatures (650–700 °C). During the experiments, the formed compounds from corn cob combustion were measured by sampling particulate matter, and mineral compositions were determined. Also, the temperature profile of the FBC was established. It was determined that the emissions of K and Na elements from the FBC increased from 4 to 7.3% and from 1.69 to 3%, respectively, changing the bed temperature from 650 to 700 °C. Though alkali emissions are reduced at a 650 °C bed temperature, CO emissions are higher by about 50% compared to the case of 700 °C. The addition of 3% of dolomite reduced the pollutant emissions and alkali emissions as well. Potassium content decreased by about 1% and 4%, respectively, at the bed temperatures of 650 °C and 700 °C. The NOx emissions were less than 300 mg/m3 and did not exceed the limit for medium plants regarding DIRECTIVE (EU) 2015/2193. During extended experiments lasting 8 h, no agglomeration of the fluidized bed was observed. Moreover, the proposed configuration of the FBC and its operational parameters prove suitable for facilitating the efficient combustion of agricultural biomass.

Producing sorbitol from cellulose over Ru-WOX co-doped biochars catalysts

In this work, bifunctional Ru-WOX support on four kinds of biochars using as hydrogenation catalysts to convert cellulose into sorbitol. Four biochar including walnut shell (WS), eucalyptus lignin (EL), pine lignin (PN), and corn cob (CN). The Ru-WOX/biochar catalysts were characterized, and the performance of the catalysts were studied under various conditions. It showed that biochar supports have significantly affected on hydrogenation activity, the sorbitol yields have the order of WS > PN > EL > CN, and found that Ru-WOX/WS achieved 100% cellulose conversion and sorbitol yield as high as 82.6% at 220°C for 4 h, and 3 MPa H2 pressure. The relation of structure-performance showed that biochar from WS facilitated the formation of Ru0 due to its larger specific surface area as well as high ratio of Ru0/Ru4+. The catalytic performance has not changed after using 5 times.

Reduksi Kandungan Zat Aktif Anionik dalam Limbah Laundry dengan Memanfaatkan Kombinasi Zeolit dari Tongkol Jagung dan Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The increasing environmental pollution is one of the consequences of human activities that continue to expand. The environment has limitations in coping with pollutants generated by humans, such as waste from the laundry industry. This research aims to evaluate the combined effect of zeolite produced from corn cobs and the use of microorganisms capable of degrading anionic surfactants, with the goal of reducing the concentration of anionic surfactants in laundry wastewater. The methods used include adsorption using corn cobs as adsorbents and biodegradation using surfactant-degrading bacteria. Morphological observations using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) indicate that the produced zeolite has a crystal structure that stacks up like clumps of cubes. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that zeolite synthesized with a silica extraction ratio from corn cobs and sodium aluminate of 20:20 mL has been successfully conducted. The biodegradation process of anionic surfactants in laundry wastewater using a combination of synthesized zeolite and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria employing the Methylene Blue Alkyl Substance (MBAS) method has shown a decrease in concentration to 1.66 mg/L and degradation of 33.55%, especially in sample 3 with variations of 7.5 grams of corn cob zeolite and 15% microorganisms, during a 5-day experiment.