Empty Fruit Bunch Research Articles

Effects of biochar, compost, and composted biochar soil amendments on okra plant growth

Soil fertility can be improved by incorporating organic matter such as biochar and compost. The combined addition of biochar and compost effectively restores soil degradation by enhancing nutrient availability, soil aggregation, and porosity. Nonetheless, many studies mainly concentrated on a single application of biochar and compost as a soil amendment. In this work, the biochar samples were prepared from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) material at the desired microwave power (450 W) under 1 L/min of N2 flow for 10 min. Then, sandy soil was amended with 5 g of sole biochar and compost, as well as a biochar-compost mixture at a ratio of 1:1 for 8-weeks polybag experiment of okra plants. At 4 weeks of the plantation, the physical and chemical soil properties were analyzed. The okra plant's growths were also measured weekly for 8 weeks of the plantation. The application of biochar and composts alone, and in combination significantly improved soil physicochemical properties and plant growth compared to control soil. The synergetic positive effect of biochar and compost combination resulting lowered soil bulk density with higher soil porosity, moisture content, and nutrients availability. The study showed that a biochar-compost mixture is more effective to enhance soil quality over individual treatments and unamended soil.

The Effect of Palm Shell and Empty Fruit Bunch Composition Ratio on the Quality of Biopellets for Co-firing

Agricultural waste resources, such as biomass, can be turned into valuable alternative energy sources. Biomass is critical to achieving renewable energy in Indonesia. The usage of renewable energy sources, such as biofuels (BBN), should be increased because the demand for fossil fuel sources is increasing year after year, and these fuels are limited and expensive. Biomass-derived from palm oil industry waste in the form of palm shells and empty palm oil bunches (EFB) is currently not being utilized optimally. Therefore, efforts need to be made to make palm shell waste and EFB more valuable products. The content in palm shells and EFB can potentially be converted into fuel in the form of biopellets, namely palm shells and EFB with a composition ratio of 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70 and 0:100. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the ratio of the composition of biomass raw materials on the Quality of Biopellets for Co-firing. The results showed that the composition ratio of 30:70 has a higher calorific value and meets SNI 8951:2020 as co-firing for power plants.

Adsorption Equilibrium Properties of Zn(II) on Activated Carbon Composite of Derived Empty Palm Oil Fruit Bunches with Metal Organic Frameworks Cu(TAC)

This study aims to determine the adsorption equilibrium of the activated carbon of empty palm oil fruit bunches and KA-Cu(TAC) on Zn(II). Oil palm empty fruit bunches are used as a biosorbent in making carbon at a temperature of 5000 C, the resulting carbon is activated using H3PO4 and modified into a composite with metal organic frameworks of Cu metal and terephthalic acid. MOFs and KA-Cu(TAC) composites were produced by reflux method. Activated carbon, MOFS and KA-Cu(TAC) were characterized using XRD. The adsorption process of Zn(II) metal was analyzed using AAS and determined the optimum conditions with various concentrations to determine the adsorption equilibrium. XRD characterization results show that activated carbon has an amorphous structure, while MOFs Cu(TAC) and KA-Cu(TAC) have a crystalline structure. The optimum condition of activated carbon and KA-Cu(TAC) at a concentration of 180 ppm with the appropriate adsorption isotherm model is the Langmuir isotherm.

Comparative study of energetic potential from anaerobic digestion and direct combustion of date palm wastes

Abstract This work aims to evaluate the technical and environmental feasibility of converting date palm waste from a Moroccan oasis into energy. In this study, two different scenarios were analysed. The first proposed scenario is the valorization of the date palm substrates using direct combustion (thermochemical conversion) to produce energy. The second proposed scenario is the valorization of the substrates using combined anaerobic digestion of the substrate and direct combustion of the digestate. In this study, two different date palm wastes are: empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm leaflet (PL). The experimental lower heating values of the digestates studied are 12.93 and 12.71 MJ/kg, respectively. The results show that using Scenario 1, the estimated output energies for the EFB and PL waste were 1.13 and 1.17 MWh, respectively. Using Scenario 2, the EFB and PL output energies were 1.27 and 1.39 MWh, respectively. The study revealed that the combined process is possible as an alternative way to produce energy. Furthermore, combining anaerobic digestion and direct combustion of lignocellulosic waste can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Adsorption Properties of Fe (II) from Activated Carbon Composite of Empty Palm Oil Bunches with Metal Organic Frameworks Cu-TAC

This study aims to determine the adsorption capacity, study the kinetics and adsorption equilibrium of activated carbon/AC and composite carbon/AC-Cu(TAC) in the adsorption process of Fe metal. Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) were used as activated carbon and modified with MOFs Cu(TAC) composite. The concentration of Fe(II) ions adsorbed during the adsorption process was analyzed using AAS. The variations used to determine the optimum conditions for absorption of Fe(II) ions are the mass variation of the adsorbent, the variation of the adsorbate concentration and the contact time between the adsorbent and the adsorbate. Through variations in concentration, the adsorption isotherm characteristics were determined and through variations in contact time, the adsorption kinetics model was determined. The results of AC characterization showed a sharp absorption in the presence of OH, CH and CO groups which indicated the presence of cellulose. AC is amorphous and AC-Cu(TAC) is crystalline and the pore size is mesoporous. The optimum condition for AC is the mass variation of 1 g with an absorption capacity of 0.1816 mg/g, a variation of the concentration of 60 ppm with an absorption capacity of 3.49 mg/g and a contact time of 75 minutes with an absorption capacity of 3.82 mg/g. The optimum condition for ACCu(TAC) was the mass variation of 1 g with an absorption capacity of 0.7275 mg/g, a variation of the concentration of 180 ppm with an absorption capacity of 10.52 mg/g and a contact time of 15 minutes with an absorption capacity of 10.85 mg/g. AC-Cu(TAC) has a better adsorption ability in adsorbing Fe(II) ions. For AC and AC-Cu(TAC) the suitable adsorption isotherm is Freundlich isotherm and the suitable adsorption kinetics model is pseudo second order

Synthesis of Cu-(TAC) Composite with Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Waste Activated Carbon Through the Adsorption Mechanism of βCarotene

This study aims to determine the adsorption and desorption abilities of activated carbon and Cu-(TAC) composites in the β-carotene adsorption process on Crude Palm Oil (CPO). Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) are used as activated carbon and modified with MOFs Cu-(TAC). Activated carbon and Cu-(TAC) composites were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX, and BET. The concentration of β-carotene absorbed during the adsorption process was analyzed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The variations used to determine the optimum conditions for absorption of β-carotene were the mass variation of the adsorbent and the variation in the contact time between the adsorbent and adsorbate. The results of the characterization of activated carbon showed a sharp absorption in the presence of O-H, C-H and C-O groups indicating the presence of cellulose. Activated carbon is amorphous and the Cu-(TAC) composite has a crystal structure and its pore size is mesoporous. The optimum conditions for the use of activated carbon for β-carotene adsorption were the mass variation of 8 grams with 0.495 ppm of β-carotene and contact time at 120 minutes with 2.605 ppm of β-carotene. The optimum condition of the Cu-(TAC) composite in the β-carotene adsorption process was at 4 gram mass variation with 1.026 ppm β-carotene content and optimum contact time at 60 minutes with 6.384 ppm β-carotene content. The ability of desorption can be seen from the percentage of desorption showing activated carbon in the 150th minute with 96.252% while in the Cu-(TAC) composite in the 30th minute with 88.188%.

A pre‐mold study of alkaline‐silane treated EFB‐PP composites based on thermal and rheological analysis

AbstractRheological and thermal properties are important parameters to understand the role of the numerous variables involved in manufacturing and to achieve a high‐quality final product. The composites were prepared by compounding polypropylene (PP) with treated (alkaline and silane) oil‐palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber using a twin screw extruder. Generally, regardless of fiber loading, the thermal stability of EFBPP composites was increased after using alkaline and silane‐treated EFB fibers as reinforcement. DSC analysis shows that there is a change in the melting temperature (Tm) and the degree of crystallinity (Xc) values of the EFB composites. The melt flow rate (MFR) of the composites decreased while viscosity increased with an increase in fiber loading. Rheological analysis reveals the composites to have a viscoelastic solid behavior where storage modulus (G') is greater than loss modulus (G“). The composites exhibit predominantly viscous behaviour (G" > G') at lower frequencies, whereas at higher frequencies the composites exhibit elastic behavior (G' > G”). The decrement of complex viscosity (η*) with an increasing angular frequency (ω) shows the materials exhibit shear thinning behavior. The composites also show the ability for regeneration when analyzed using time‐dependent behavior.

Monitoring Tingkat Ph dan Kandungan NPK pada Proses Composting Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit

Handling empty palm oil bunches into compost biomass requires measurement and monitoring technology. This natural process has not run optimally due to the lack of application of technology that is able to collect information on the dynamics of the effect of pH on the rate of decomposition of empty oil palm fruit bunches into compost. Responding to this need, a measuring tool for pH degrees and monitoring of NPK content was designed. The design uses the following components: a). Esp32 micro-controller, b). pH sensor, c). NPK sensor d) Soil moisture sensor, e).Modbus RS485), f). Power supply: 12 volt adapter, and 9volt battery, h) Stepdown 12volt ke 5volt, i). saklaron/off and j) Application blink IoT. The schematic of the component circuit is placed onPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) and programmed usingArduino GOES 1.8.19. The tool works by means of acid-wet signals, moisture content and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content which are read by the sensors sent by the esp32 microcontroller toblynk IoT use the internet. Successful data capture and transmission will appear on the LCD and the applicationblink web andandroid. The results of the design of this tool have functioned well. The tool managed to read the degree of pH, moisture level and NPK content in compost from empty oil palm fruit bunches. First sample test: display on monitor successfully,blynk web andandroid regarding data on pH and NPK sensor readings: (pH: 4.24), (N: 100 mg/kg), (P: 31 mg/kg), (K: 43 mg/kg) and (Moisture: 53%).

Adsorptive removal of carbon dioxide gas by TEA-activated biochar prepared using different biomass precursor

The presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollutant in the atmosphere has resulted in catastrophic damage to environmental sustainability. Adsorbents such as activated carbon (AC), zeolite, and silica have been studied for the adsorption of CO2, and AC has gained much research traction as AC offers high surface area, high porosity, high removal capacity and fast kinetic in removing pollutants. Biomass wastes are abundant, cheap, and high in carbon content, making them ideal for AC production. Sugarcane bagasse (SB), coconut shell (CS), and empty palm oil fruit bunch (FB) biomass wastes were used to make AC adsorbent in this study. The wastes were converted into carbon through a carbonisation process, followed by chemical activation using triethanolamine (TEA). The physicochemical characteristics of the AC adsorbents were characterised for their surface morphologies, elemental composition, surface area and porosity, and measurement of their effectiveness towards removing CO2 gas. The result of characterisation analysis shows AC from SB and CS have excellent pore formation compared to AC from FB on their surfaces. The elemental composition shows AC-CS have the highest surface area of 684.82 m2/g with the highest elemental carbon content of 90.00% among the AC adsorbents. The CO2 adsorption measurement shows AC-CS had the highest adsorption capacity of 2.5595 mmol/g, followed by AC-SB (Q = 1.9193 mmol/g) and AC-FB (Q = 1.5745 mmol/g). The high adsorption capacity and excellent physicochemical characteristics of AC-CS indicate promising capabilities of the AC adsorbent for further utilisation in the industrial application of CO2 removal.

Pengaruh Decanter Solid dan Pupuk NPK terhadap Peningkatan Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit di Main Nursery

Solid decanter is one of the by-products from palm oil mills, which have not used as much as empty fruit bunches. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of solid decanter as a mixture of nursery media and NPK doses on the increament growth of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery (MN). This study used a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. Solid mixture: soil consisting of: 0: 1, 1: 3; 1:2, and 1 : 1 (volume/volume) of decanter solid. NPK fertilizer rate consist of: 23, 46, 69, and 92 g/seedling. There were 16 treatment combinations with four replications. The results showed that mixing solid in the media resulted in the growth increament of oil palm seedlings in MN which was the similar as soil media solely. However, the root system of these seedlings is more developed in soil media than in media containing solid decanters. While the difference in NPK rates results in the similar growth increament of oil palm seedlings.

Composting of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches by Microbial Inoculant

Composting of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches by Microbial Inoculant

Oil palm lignin-derived laser scribed graphene in neutral electrolyte for high-performance microsupercapacitor application

Lignin is a renewable natural resource that could be derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches. It has generated significant interest as a precursor in synthesizing graphene as anode and cathode material for supercapacitors. In this paper, we report the synthesis of 3D hierarchical Laser Scribed Graphene (LSG) on a flexible polyimide substrate from lignin extracted from empty fruit bunches (EFB) of oil palm for microsupercapacitor applications. The intensity and speed of the laser have been tuned to yield densely compacted oil palm lignin LSG at a laser power of 70% and a speed of 30% (OPL-LSG 7030). OPL-LSG 7030 possessed lower equivalent series resistance of 60.1 Ω and a larger crystalline size of ∼31 nm than the rest of the tested samples. It exhibited exceptional areal capacitance of 30.77 mFcm−2 at a current density of 0.08 mAcm−2, an energy density of 0.00176 mWhcm−2 and a power density of 0.25 mWcm−2 when using a unique neutral PAAS/K2SO4 gel electrolyte. It achieved excellent capacitance retention of 88.4% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles and remarkable mechanical stability of 95% after 400 bending cycles. Furthermore, electrochemical studies revealed the redox properties of readily available quinone/ hydroquinone in the oil palm lignin, which could be inherited in graphene electrodes through a feasible and affordable approach for flexible green energy storage applications.

Integration Analysis of Torrefied Empty Fruit Bunch as Feedstock to Biomass‐Based Power Generation Plants

AbstractTorrefaction is a thermal procedure used to convert biomass into a substance resembling coal that possesses superior fuel properties compared to the original biomass. Torrefied biomass is hydrophobic and has a greater energy density, making it more advantageous for handling and storage. The purpose of this investigation is to establish a simulation model of the torrefaction process utilizing Malaysian biomass and optimize it for mass yield and energy consumption. Additionally, the objective is to integrate the optimized torrefaction process into an existing biomass power plant. By retrofitting a biomass‐based power generation facility with torrefaction technology, the existing feedstock can be upgraded before sending it to the power plant. Essentially, torrefaction technology represents an enhancement of biomass utilization technology, ultimately allowing for the maximum application of biomass energy.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Amylolytic Bacteria from Oryctes rhinoceros L. Larvae Decomposing Empty Palm Oil Fruit Bunches

Oryctes rhinoceros L. is an organism that helps the decomposition of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB). In the larvae's intestines, there are symbiotic bacteria that are used in the process of food degradation in the digestive system, one of which is amylolytic bacteria. This study aims to isolate and molecular identify amylolytic bacteria that produce amylase enzymes from horn beetle larvae. The techniques are used to screen and isolate bacteria from horn beetle larvae. Bacterial identification was accomplished by microscopically identifying amylase-producing bacterial isolates, performing biochemical tests on selected bacterial isolates, quantifying amylase enzyme activity, and molecularly identifying 16S rRNA. The results of screening and bacterial isolation obtained five isolates. The largest amylolytic bacterial colony index value was obtained in the EA3 isolate, which was 1.370 mm. Bacterial isolates with the highest activity were found in isolates coded EA1 and EA2, namely 0.049 U/mL and 0.0479 U/mL. According to the findings of 16S rRNA molecular identification, isolates EA1 and EA2 had similarities with the bacteria Ochrobactrum sp. and Pseudomonas mendocina.

Utilization of Empty Palm Fruit Bunches as a Carbon Source for Cellulase Production to Reduce Solid Waste from Palm Oil

Cellulase enzymes are widely used in textile, food, detergent, pulp and paper industries and biofuel, so the need for enzymes continues to increase every year. One of many biomass wastes found in Indonesia is empty fruit bunches (EFB) that can be used as a carbon source as a substitute for expensive pure cellulose (CMC) and Bacillus subtilis isolates. This study aims to obtain the optimum conditions the production of cellulase enzymes with variations in the pre-treatment of EFB and pH variations of the medium using Bacillus subtilis. Pre-treatment was carried out to hydrolysed lignocellulosic biomass was more easily and increased glucose levels which would enter the next production stage. Variations in pre-treatment were carried out by adding acids, bases and organosolv process, as well as variations in pH at 6.5; 7.0 and 7.5, respectively. Enzyme activity was calculated using the Nelson-Somogyi method. When using acid, the enzyme activity is 0.041, while using organosolv, it is obtained 0.057 each at pH 7. The results showed that the highest enzyme activity was obtained at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 40 ºC on EFB substrate pretreated with a base of 0.204 U/ml. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of using EFB waste as a substrate for cellulase enzyme production, by providing an alternative approach to decrease raw material expenses and mitigate environmental pollution.

Comparison of acid and alkaline pre-treatment on methane production from empty palm oil fruit bunches (OPEFB): Effect on characteristics, digester performance, and correlation of kinetic parameters

This paper focused on comparing the impact of two different chemical pretreatments on various characteristics of OPEFBs (i.e., physical, structural, and morphological properties), methane production, digestate characteristics, and kinetic modelling. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) test showed that alkaline-treated OPEFBs produced higher methane yields than acid-treated OPEFBs. Accordingly, the methane yields became far higher after NaOH pretreatment, showing 0.186–0.224 m3CH4/kg VSadded compared with 0.102 m3CH4/kg VSadded and 0.093–0.115 m3CH4/kg VSadded from untreated and acid-treated OPEFBs. The best treatment was alkaline pretreatment of P2N3, which gave the highest methane yield increase (by 1.2-fold). The Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) results of acid-treated OPEFBs indicated disruption of cell wall and loss of some minerals. However, alkaline-treated OPEFBs have more pores due to silica and other chemicals releases (i.e., lignin, hemicellulose, etc.). The kinetic study showed that all models (i.e., modified Gompertz, logistic, and transference) were in good agreement with the experimental data. Both experimental data and models confirmed P2N3 (i.e., NaOH concentrations of 3.8%) as the best results, indicated by the highest lignin reduction and methane production. This study showed an excellent opportunity to digest alkaline-treated OPEFBS, yet more in-depth investigations with sustainability and circular economy perspectives are needed.

Studi Karakteristik Komposisi Produk Katalitik Pirolisis TKKS dengan katalis Al White

Bio-oil can be produced from biomass which has the potential to become an environmentally friendly renewable energy source. Most of the biomass is found as organic waste or used as mulch. Therefore, this renewable energy source needs to be developed so that its utilization can be maximized as a promising energy source with a catalytic pyrolysis process. The raw material used in this research is empty palm fruit bunches (EFB). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of catalytic pyrolysis temperature on pyrolysis products in the form of char, bio-oil and gas. The experiment was carried out at various temperatures of 300°C, 350°C and 400°C using Al white catalyst. The ratio of Al white catalyst with EFB is 1:2 mixed with the catalyst in the pyrolysis reactor. The desired temperature for the pyrolysis process can be set on the reactor temperature controller. The results showed that the optimum bio-oil production rate of 55.81% was obtained from samples at 350 °C. Bio-oil in this study was divided into BO (bio-oil in the oil phase) and BA (bio-oil in the liquid phase). In this study the bio-oil obtained at process temperatures of 300°C, 350°C and 400°C were 45.28%, 55.81% and 47.40%, with a heating rate of 5.93°C/minute , 6.11 °C/minute, and 6.68 °C/minute and the density of bio-oil ranges from 1.114–1.264 g/ml. BO products are thicker than BA products. BO viscosity is higher at high pyrolysis temperature as well. The most char products at 300oC and the most gas products at 400oC. The higher the pyrolysis temperature, the more gas will be produced. By improving the pyrolysis process, promising bio-oil can be produced with temperature, catalyst treatment, and heating rate playing an important role in it

Draft genome sequence of Hahella sp. CR1 and its ability in producing cellulases for saccharifying agricultural biomass.

Hahella is a genus that has not been well-studied, with only two identified species. The potential of this genus to produce cellulases is yet to be fully explored. The present study isolated Hahella sp. CR1 from mangrove soil in Tanjung Piai National Park, Malaysia, and performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) using NovaSeq 6000. The final assembled genome consists of 62 contigs, 7,106,771bp, a GC ratio of 53.5%, and encoded for 6,397 genes. The CR1 strain exhibited the highest similarity with Hahella sp. HN01 compared to other available genomes, where the ANI, dDDH, AAI, and POCP were 97.04%, 75.2%, 97.95%, and 91.0%, respectively. In addition, the CAZymes analysis identified 88 GTs, 54 GHs, 11 CEs, 7 AAs, 2 PLs, and 48 CBMs in the genome of strain CR1. Among these proteins, 11 are related to cellulose degradation. The cellulases produced from strain CR1 were characterized and demonstrated optimal activity at 60 ℃, pH 7.0, and 15% (w/v) sodium chloride. The enzyme was activated by K+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Co2+, and Tween 40. Furthermore, cellulases from strain CR1 improved the saccharification efficiency of a commercial cellulase blend on the tested agricultural wastes, including empty fruit bunch, coconut husk, and sugarcane bagasse. This study provides new insights into the cellulases produced by strain CR1 and their potential to be used in lignocellulosic biomass pre-treatment.

A comprehensive evaluation of cofiring biomass with coal and slagging-fouling tendency in pulverized coal-fired boilers

Cofiring coal with various biomasses has received much attention due to environmental factors and is considered a low-cost option. Although cofiring coal with biomass seems feasible, it potentially produces ash, which causes issues in boilers, such as fouling and slagging. This paper comprehensively investigates combustion performances and slagging and fouling behaviors during cofiring biomass and coal. A thorough examination is conducted to investigate the slagging-fouling tendencies employing ash indices. Thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry and a pilot combustion experiment using a drop tube furnace (DTF) are performed to investigate the thermal behavior of the materials, including ash observation using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction systems. Results show that cofiring coal with 25% biomass (mixture of empty fruit bunch and palm frond) has the best combustion performance. It is found that cofiring coal with 25% biomass, either empty fruit bunch or frond, increases the risk of slagging with evidence of the decrease of ash fusion temperatures, deposition material, and sticky material in the probe. The results can provide useful information about cofiring behavior and slagging-fouling tendencies before being implemented into a real plant.

Development of Modified Mesoporous Carbon from Palm oil Biomass for Energy Storage Supercapacitor Application

Energy storage system research including battery and supercapacitor devices has been studied to increase efficiency, lower their cost and improve environmental friendliness. Supercapacitor (SC) device offers high transient response and power density which suitable for many applications. The electrodes in supercapacitor device usually produced from highly porous carbon materials. In this study, the modified mesoporous carbon was produced from Palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biomass. The production of mesoporous carbon was done using a low-temperature hydrothermal carbonization process. The mesoporous carbon from EFB biomass has shown good properties in terms of high surface area and porosity. To improve the electrical conductivity of the carbon the modification by nitrogen doping with ammonium chloride and urea was studied. The effect of different nitrogen sources on surface area and pore properties were reported. The modified mesopore carbon was tested in a symmetrical swagelok supercapacitor cell to evaluate the specific capacitance and efficiency using galvanostatic charge-discharge method. The modified mesoporous carbon with urea doped exhibits the highest specific capacitance of 121 F g-1 at current loading of 0.1 A g-1 in an aqueous 1M H2SO4 electrolyte. The modified mesoporous carbon with urea doped has lower internal resistance due to nitrogen from urea enhance the electronic conductivity of the electrodes and thus increase the supercapacitor performance.