Date Pits Research Articles

Adsorption of Sodium in an Aqueous Solution in Activated Date Pits

The use of acid-activated local date pits from Algeria's Oued Souf region for reducing water salinity by removing sodium. The raw and activated date pits were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET. The study used these materials to adsorb sodium from aqueous water, with the effects of activation time, initial sodium concentration, adsorption time, and pH of the solution on sodium removal being investigated. The specific surface area of natural date pits was found to be 645.46 m2/g, while activated date pits had a maximum of 825.03 m2/g. The maximum sodium adsorption capacity was observed at an adsorption time of 90 min, Na+ concentration of 600 mg/L, solution pH of 9.0, and adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g. The equilibrium data obtained from the experiment were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The findings revealed that among the isotherm models examined, the Freundlich isotherm model demonstrated the strongest fit, exhibiting a high correlation coefficient of 0.999. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics were investigated through the analysis of the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, and the results indicated that the pseudo-second-order model provided the most suitable fit, with a correlation coefficient of 0.996.

Utilizing date pits in microencapsulation: Effect of different variations on Probiotic survivability under in-vitro digestion

The main objective of this study was the encapsulation of probiotics in date pit beads and their subsequent release in the human intestine. The beads were formed using the gravitational dripping technique, and an in-vitro protocol was used to test the digested beads and the release of viable probiotic cells. For the three date varieties, Raziz, Naghal, and Khadrawy, it was found that 0.10 g of date pit powder per 0.20 g of sodium alginate in the solution mixture, namely, a ratio of (0.5:1), resulted in the highest desired viable probiotic cells: log10 5.8, 5.3, and 4.7 CFU/ml, respectively. Conversely Naptit Saif required the least amount of date pit powder in the mixture to obtain the highest viable probiotic cells of log10 6.2 CFU/ml. Thus, the use of date pit powder showed excellent results in terms of encapsulating beneficial probiotics and delivering them to the target organ of the body. Moreover, the encapsulation technique has been approved as a protective procedure for the survival of probiotics in the intestine as the resulting number of bacteria in free cells was zero, implying the presence of no viable probiotic cells after simulating a digestive system with free cells.

Effect of date pits extract on biogas emission characteristics and sludge properties during anoxic digestion

Effect of date pits extract on biogas emission characteristics and sludge properties during anoxic digestion

Formation of value-added products from the pyrolysis of date pits: A combined experimental–DFT approach

In arid and semiarid environments, bio-oil extraction from environmentally favorable and waste biomass is presently used as a mainstream strategy for the development of sustainable sources of energy. In keeping with this, we provide a thorough analysis of the pyrolysis of date palm pits here, focusing particularly on relevant thermal degradation profiles and pyrolytic products over a wide temperature range. Pyrolysis experiments were performed using a single-stage reactor at several temperature intervals. The temperature ranges were chosen following mass loss profiles of date pit biomass obtained by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations map out reaction pathways that dictate the decomposition of two model compounds that represented oxygen and nitrogen content in the collected condensed and non-condensed fractions. In-depth temperature-dependent profiles of pyrolytic products are thoroughly presented and analyzed. Analysis of products indicates the generation of a wide spectra of green diesel's ingredients of (i.e., long aliphatic compounds) and transportation fuels additives (alkylated benzenes). Aromatic compounds attain the highest fractions in the collected bio-oil at investigated temperature windows. Glucose derivatives appear in appreciable loads in the non-condensable fractions. The obtained mass loss curves reflect degradation curves for the most prominent biomass structural components; namely lignocellulosic, hemicellulose, and lignin. Findings presented herein shall be helpful to develop pyrolysis technologies that are suited for niche categories of biomass found in arid and semiarid regions where cultivation of standard energy crops is impractical.

Nutritional probing and storage stability of papaya jam supplemented with date pit powder

Jam Quality is a factor robustly influenced by storage conditions. The current research aimed to develop papaya jam with improved nutritional attributes, rheological profile, and shelf-life utilizing date pit powder as a functional ingredient. The effect of date pit powder on the formulated product's physicochemical, microbial, and organoleptic properties was analyzed. Results revealed that overall mineral profile (0.35–1.11%), crude fiber (0.56–2.01%), pH (3.51–3.70%), and antioxidant properties (22.97–30.67%) were significantly increased while water activity reduced (0.77–0.73). Moreover, date pit powder improved the color scores like a*(10.10–10.67), b* (8.13–8.78), L* (25.56–28.09), and textural attributes (Cohesiveness: 0.83–0.90; Firmness: 6.82–6.93) of functional papaya jam. Microbial count reduced from 3.60 × 105-3.06 × 105 cfu/ml by adding date pit powder and staying within the acceptable limit (4.13 × 105-3.60 × 105 cfu/ml) during 2-month storage at refrigeration. Organoleptic evaluation depicted that samples treated with date pit powder scored better than the control, and a sample with 75% pectin replacement was considered best.

Valorization and Chemical Constituents Assessments of Khalas Dates Fruit, Syrup and Pits

This study was conducted to contribute to the national approach to achieving food security in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the world's largest producer of dates. Studying the chemical properties of the most commercial date’s fruits cultivar in the eastern region will contribute to understanding to industrial potential Khalas dates. This is in addition to developing a method for extracting date syrup (DS) in a way that preserves as much nutritional properties as possible. Date fruits (DF) flesh and water mixture at a 1:3 ratio gave 18% total soluble solids (TSS) then concentrated to 70° Brix. The used date flesh to water ratio recaptured all sugars, acetic, butyric and propionic acids in DS. Sugars were the major components amounting 34.3 and 32.6% glucose and fructose, respectively. No crude or dietary fibers were present in DS due to their insolubility in water. In contrast, the major portion of minerals was recovered in DS. In the same way, 60% and 4.9% of the fat and protein respectively were recovered in the DS. It also notes that the main amino acid in DS is glutamic acid which represents 16.25 % of the total detected amino acids. In concentrated DS a total polyphenol (PP) tenor of 1448.65 mg/100 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) was recovered. The presence of large amounts of PP in DS compared to whole dates can be explained by the use of high temperature DS extraction with vacuum evaporation of excess water. Crude and dietary fibers were the major components in date pits (DP) representing 24.1% and 56.1% respectively. Fat and sucrose were also present in a significant portion in DP showing 5.9% and 2.4%, respectively. Therefore, the results obtained will serve many food and nutrition industries as well as the pharmaceutical and therapeutic industries.

Utilization of date pits derived Bio-adsorbent for heavy metals in wastewater treatment: Review

This article provides an overview of the role of raw and burnt date pits as bio-waste for heavy metal removal. In recent years, many studies on the adsorption properties of various low-cost adsorbents, such as agricultural waste and activated carbons based on agricultural waste, have been published. This review summarizes recent research demonstrating the utility of raw and modified date pits biomass-based adsorbents in the removal of heavy metal pollutants from wastewater. Additionally, the chemical compositions, the derived activated carbon, and the proposed mechanism of heavy metal ions were discussed. It thoroughly showed how essential variables including pH, adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, physical and chemical properties, and temperature affect the adsorption of heavy metals. The significant application of date pits as a bio-adsorbent of heavy metal ions was demonstrated. According to the literature, date pit-based adsorbents are the most promising adsorbents for removing toxic materials because they adsorb heavy metals from aqueous solutions with high capacity in a short period.

Theoretical study of a downdraft gasifier, microturbine, and organic Rankine cycle fuelled by date molasses waste for distributed generation applications in Iraq

AbstractThe main objective of this work is the modeling of a combined heat and power (CHP) system that transforms waste from manufacturing date molasses in the Babylon province in central Iraq into electrical and thermal energy. A compact CHP facility that uses date waste (pomace and pits) as a feedstock is the subject of theoretical modeling and simulation research. The planned power plant consists of a downdraft gasifier, a microturbine (MT), and an organic Rankine cycle engine (ORC) as a bottom unit to maximize electric generation by recovering the MT exhaust gas heat and achieving a maximum electric output. The net electric production is 361.68 kW (280 kW from the MT unit and 81.68 kW from the ORC unit). To determine the best‐working fluid for the ORC system as a whole, three working fluids, including isopentane, benzene, and R113, were investigated. The temperature difference between the heat source and the fluid's boiling point is a key factor in choosing a more appropriate ORC working fluid. Isopentane is the most suitable working fluid for CHP applications, according to the findings of the simulation. The electric efficiency achieved is 30%, and the overall efficiency of the CHP plant was 56.87% from the gasification of date pits. The simulation results showed a satisfactory producer gas lower calorific value of 3.92 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pomace and 4.65 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pits, and cold gasification efficiencies of 73% and 76% for pomace and pits, respectively. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Pattern Recognition of Phytoconstituents and Bioactivities of Date Pit Extracts from Different Cultivars Grown in the Qassim Area

A huge number of date varieties grow annually throughout the world. The genetic variation between different date varieties is reflected in their variable sensory characters and phytochemical contents. Date pits are considered a waste product of the date industry, despite their rich metabolic content. The present study attempts to generate visual clustering to clarify the diversity among fourteen date cultivars growing in the Qassim region, according to the phytochemical contents and biological potentials of their pits. The results indicated a wide variation in the total phenolic content (11.4–29.7 mg GAE/g), flavonoids content (21.9–37.1 mg RE/g), proanthocyanidine content (12.0–207.0 mg CE/g), and antioxidant potential (10.3–25.5 mg AEAC/g) among the tested cultivars. Screening the antimicrobial activity of extracts from the 14 tested cultivars indicated different activities against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. Multivariate analysis of phytochemical content and biological activity, using different analytical models, allowed the classification of the 14 cultivars into four classes, Class-1: Barhi, Safawi, and Sukkari; Class-2: Khodry and Nabtat Ali; Class-3: Ruthana, Segae, Shaqra, and Sheishee; and Class-4: Hulwa Aljouf, Mabroom, Meneifi, Rushodia, and Wannana. These findings provide a scientific basis for the classification of date pits which facilitates the future selection of promising candidates for more phytochemical and biological exploration.

Applications of date pits in foods to enhance their functionality and quality: A review

Graphical AbstractSummary of the abstract

Effect of Ajwa date pits powder (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on body composition, lipid profile and blood pressure in patients with hyperlipidemia: A randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the effect of Ajwa dates pit powder (ADP) on lipid profile, body composition and blood pressure in patients with hyperlipidemia. This randomized controlled clinical study was carried out on 40 patients with total cholesterol >200 mg/dl, triglycerides >150 mg/dl and BMI >25, of either sex, aged 30-50 years, who were recruited through written consent. The patients were divided into two groups (n=20 each): the ADP and the control group (CG). All patients received the doctor's prescribed class A statin (Rosuvastatin/ Atorvastatin) 10 mg/day, while 2.7 g ADP was given on daily basis before breakfast with lukewarm water for 40 days and the control group received the same amount of wheat flour. Body composition, blood pressure and lipid profile were determined at baseline, and after 20 and 40 days. Data were analyzed by using SPSS and GraphPad Prism. ADP significantly reduced body weight (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), fat mass, body fat percentage, visceral fat area and waist circumference compared to the control group. Similarly, ADP significantly (p=0.000) decreased the serum level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. ADP may have the potential to improve dyslipidemia and obesity.

Co-pyrolysis of biomass and binary single-use plastics: synergy, kinetics, and thermodynamics

ABSTRACT Waste management is an increasing global concern due to the rise in urbanization and industrialization. This study examines the co-pyrolysis of date pits (DP) and single-use plastics (polypropylene-PP and Styrofoam-PS) as a way to create value-added products. Single, binary, and ternary mixtures were pyrolyzed at three different heating rates to understand the synergy, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The results showed positive synergy and reduced activation energies during co-pyrolysis, due to varying reaction mechanisms. The positive values of ∆H, ∆G, and negative ΔS indicate endothermic non-spontaneous reactions and disorder in the products instead of the reactants during pyrolysis. Future studies should explore upscaling this process for sustainable energy production.

Investigation of co-pyrolysis blends of camel manure, date pits and plastic waste into value added products using Aspen Plus

The increasing demand for energy worldwide and growing environmental concerns is the impetus for greater integration of alternate sustainable technologies. In parallel, the efficient and safe management of plastic waste is needed since it is reported that only 9 % of plastic is recycled, while 76 % is landfilled. This study performs a co-pyrolysis of four main types of feedstocks, such as camel manure (CM), date pits (DP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Additionally, different mixing scenarios of those feedstocks are also studied. For this purpose, a simulated equilibrium model for the pyrolysis process is developed using Aspen Plus®, which also investigates the impact of waste types, blends, and temperature on pyrolysis product distribution. Pyrchar and pyrgas production are major products for camel manure and date pits and also for plastic wastes with higher production. In biomass feedstock, the highest production of pyrgas is 623.78 kg/hr for camel manure and 555.69 kg/hr for date pits at 600 °C. The maximum production of pyrchar is 485.43 kg/hr for LDPE and 618.46 kg/hr for plastic feedstock (HDPE). As for mixing scenarios, the production of pyrchar is maximum at a ratio of 0.2CM: 0.2DP: 0.3LDPE: 0.3HDPE (S6) and 0CM: 0DP: 0.5LDPE: 0.5HDPE (S7) and a temperature of 600 °C resulting in 448.15 kg/hr and 614.69 kg/hr respectively. The pyrgas production at mixing ratio of 0.25CM: 0.25DP: 0.25LDPE: 0.25HDPE (S5) and 0.5CM: 0.5DP: 0LDPE: 0HDPE (S8) is maximum with 405.21 kg/hr and 589.24 kg/hr respectively at a temperature of 600 °C. Pyroil production is highest at a temperature of 300 °C for all scenarios resulting in a maximum production of date pits of 309.92 kg/hr.

New Insights into the Effectiveness of Fungi-Degraded Date Pits Supplemented Diet on the Physiological and Biological Indices of Oreochromis niloticus Fingerlings

New Insights into the Effectiveness of Fungi-Degraded Date Pits Supplemented Diet on the Physiological and Biological Indices of Oreochromis niloticus Fingerlings

Physicochemical and control releasing properties of date pit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) phenolic compounds microencapsulated through fluidized-bed method.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different ethanol/water solvents on phenolic compound extraction and microencapsulated extract of date pit powder. The highest and the lowest amounts of total phenolic compounds were 742.37 and 236.07 mg GAE/g dm, respectively, observed in water-ethanol composite solvent (25% W: 75% E) and water solvent (100% W). In this regard, the highest and lowest values of IC50 were 6.83 and 0.90 μg/ml, measured in water solvent (100% W) and water-ethanol solvent (25% W: 75% E), respectively. In the second phase, using maltodextrin (10%, 20%, and 30% W/V) as the first layer, date pit extract was microencapsulated. Alhagi maurorum gum (10%, 20%, and 30% W/V) as the second layer and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil) (15% W/W) as the third layer were used by a fluidized-bed drying technique. By increasing temperature, the microencapsulated extract powder solubility was increased as well. In contrast, the moisture content, bulk density, tapped density, and compressibility index decreased. By increasing temperature, the maltodextrin and A. maurorum gum concentration, the coating efficiency, and the loading capacity of the samples increased initially and decreased eventually. Moisture content, powder solubility, bulk density, and compressibility index increased, with increasing maltodextrin concentration, however, tapped density decreased. The optimal physicochemical properties of the phenolic compounds' microcapsules were determined at 45°C and at a concentration of 20% of each of the maltodextrin and A. maurorum gum. According to scanning electron images, the powder particles were spherical and had a relatively smooth surface. Notably, the release rate of phenolic compounds reached its maximum (64%) after 24 h.

Investigating the Potential Use of Date Kernel Ash (DKA) as a Partial Cement Replacement in Concrete.

The palm and date sector is one of the most important sectors in Saudi Arabia. The total number of fertile palm trees in Saudi Arabia is about 31 million. In the production of pitted dates, date molasses, date paste, and date confectionery, a considerable number of date kernels are usually discarded as waste. This study reports experimental investigations conducted to evaluate the potential of waste date kernel ash (DKA), obtained by the calcination of date pits at 800 °C, as a partial cement replacement in concrete. DKA has low silica oxide and does not qualify as a pozzolanic material. The effect of DKA partially replacing the cement and acting as a filler material in concrete was investigated, and its properties were compared with two pozzolanic materials, fly ash (FA) and natural pozzolan (NP). Twelve concrete mixes in which cement was replaced with different proportions of calcined DKA (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30%), NP (10%, 20%, and 30%), and FA (10%, 20%, and 30%) were investigated in the experimental program. The properties of DKA, FA, and NP concrete mixes were evaluated in fresh and hardened states, including the heat of hydration, mechanical characteristics, and thermal properties. The results show that replacing cement with 5% date kernel ash increases the compressive strength by 0.42%, 3.2%, and 2.5% at 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively, while the 28-day compressive strength decreases by 2.4%, 5.4%, 16.3%, and 26.69% when the cement is replaced with 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% DKA, respectively. Date kernel ash concrete mixes with 10%, 20%, and 30% replacement levels demonstrated higher compressive and tensile strengths and lower thermal conductivity, density, and workability when compared to natural pozzolan and fly ash. DKA is a promising partial cement replacement material; nevertheless, additional research is required to assess the durability of DKA in concrete.

Compositional Analysis and identification of bio-oil in Iraqi Date Pits

Iraq is known with the abundance of date palm trees. This can be an important source of food nutrients and agricultural waste for energy. Date pits represent 18-20% of the fruit weight, and are recognized for their oil content and other nutritional components. This agricultural waste can be of great importance as a source of biofuel or useful nutritional compounds. In this paper, date pits of the most common variety of dates in Iraq named Zahdi, was investigated for compositional analysis and biomass value assessment. Samples of dried pits were examined for sugars, wax &amp; chlorophyll and total inorganic ash content. In addition, structural sugars were examined to assess the potential of producing biofuel from date pits. It is found that the total content of structural sugars was 62.16% mainly Arabinose (53.56%). This highly significant percentage of Arabinose in date pits has not been reported in literature till the present. Further analysis of the volatile organic compounds in the pits via pyrolysis, identified a rare sugar in nature named D-allose. It is believed that thermochemical conversion of polysaccharides has led to produce the monosaccharide d-allose sugar. It is the first time ever to identify this rare sugar in Iraqi date pits with a noticeable amount. The importance of this finding comes from the recent medical investigations that proved the inhibiting activity of D-allose on many carcinoma cells in the human body.

DATE PALM PHOENIX DACTILIFERA L. SEED OIL: VARIETY EFFECTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, FATTY ACID COMPOSITION, STEROL AND TOCOL CONTENTS

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grows in the world's arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the majority of Middle Eastern countries. It has played an important role in the survival of many ancient civilizations. It is regarded as a valuable nutrient, but it also plays an important role in the economies of date-producing countries. Date palm seeds are commonly described as waste after consuming their pulp by industries or individuals. However, date pits contain a valuable source of edible oil characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and quality parameters of Date Seed Oil (DSO) extracted from ten native date palm seed (Phoenix Dactilifera L.) varieties and compare them to the literature results. The choice of the seed variety was based on popularity and quality. The lipid extraction was carried out by a soxhlet apparatus using a standard solvent with a seed isolated from a matured date. The yield ranged from 2.94% to 8.06% depending on the variety. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to determine the composition of the fatty acids, sterols, and tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) in the extracted oil. Our results indicate that DSO is rich in poly and unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA+MUFA = 48.89% to 60.77%) with oleic acid (C18:1) as the predominant fatty acid (from 52.60% to 42.13%). On other hand, eight sterols were identified and the mean content ranged from 346.97 to 816.60 mg/100g of oil. Also, a high amount has been recorded in tocols ranging from 1937.14 µg/g to 3844.06 µg/g. Indeed, the predominant tocols in DSO were alpha-tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols. Likewise, the quality parameters indicate that DSO has excellent thermal and oxidative stability and is generally safe to consume. In fact, the peroxide value (PV) recorded a mean of 3.96 to 6.33 meq O2/kg. The iodine value of DSO samples goes from 48.84 to 60.59 g I2/100 g oil. The saponification value (SV) changed between 214.85 and 225.59 mg KOH/g of oil. However, the coefficients of extinction K232 and K270 were lower than the specified limitations. According to the findings, date seed has the potential to be used as a renewable resource while also adding value to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agricultural products.

Multi-Nutrient Milk Quality Analysis Applying Chemometrics: A Supplementation-based Approach using Dairy Goats

Date pits (DP) are discarded as agricultural waste by-products and used in animals’ supplementation. Data on multi-nutrient milk analysis is still less published to understand the effects of supplementation. Therefore, this research was done to evaluate the effect of DP powder (DPP) cultivars as supplementation on milk yield and quality to lactating Saanen-Boer crossed bred goats for a 12-week trial and to analyse the parameters using chemometrics. The analyses include milk yield, crude protein, fat, lactose and total phenolic content (TPC). The goats (n=24) were grouped into 12 designated cubicles and goats fed with normal daily rations, served as control. Several doses of DPP supplementations were administered against the control. Milk yield was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected by DPP cultivars and doses. Significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in milk yield was registered for goats fed with A20 (59.52%) and M30 (28.24%), respectively compared to control. However, the crude protein (2.71 – 4.33%), fat (2.69 – 5.55%), lactose (4.52 – 9.66 mM) and TPC (0.14 – 0.42 mg/g) of the milk were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) by the cultivar and dose. 3D PCA of the significant highest milk yield (A20 and M30) compared to the control focusing on combination of milk yield, crude protein, fat and TPC was obviously clustered. Hence, milk quality analyses via a multi-nutrient chemometric approach could be a comprehensive method in determining milk as food for food security and sustainability.

Effect of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pit flour as alternative feed ingredients on egg quality of laying hens

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The aims this study of evaluate the effect of use date (&lt;em&gt;Phoenix dactylifera&lt;/em&gt; L.) pits as alternative feed ingredient on egg quality of laying hens.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This study was designed to consist of 5 treatments and 5 replications using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and if the effect was significant (P&amp;gt;0.05) or very significant (P&amp;gt;0.01), then Duncan's Multiple Distance Test (DMRT) was continued. The treatment in this research was the use of date pit flour with different concentration levels, namely 0% (P0), 2.5% (P1), 5% (P2), 7.5% (P3), and 10% (P4).&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The results showed that the use of date pit flour could increase egg weight, shell weight, shape index, and yolk color.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;The use of date pit flour (&lt;em&gt;Phoenix dactylifera&lt;/em&gt; L.) up to 10% level was used to improve the egg quality of laying hens.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;