Empty Fruit Bunch Research Articles

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide from oil palm empty fruit bunches using matoa leaf extract

Reduced graphene oxide is a compound produced by removing oxygen-containing functional groups from graphene oxide. It was synthesized from oil palm empty fruit bunches because of their abundance and carbon elements to obtain an efficient adsorbent. Furthermore, the synthesis was conducted by using the Hummer method, and graphene oxide was reduced by matoa leaf extract. Characterization analysis with XRD reported an angle 2θ peak of 24.4º with a d-spacing value of 0.365 nm, while FTIR showed the O–H, C N, C=C, and C–H functional groups with lower intensities than GO. Characterization by Raman spectroscopy reported a D peak at 1381 cm–1, G at 1592 cm–1, and 2D at 2685 cm–1 with a defect intensity ratio compared to the graphite of 0.93. Meanwhile, the synthesized reduced graphene oxide was applied as an adsorbent to adsorb methylene blue. The concentration of the adsorbent showed the optimum conditions for the adsorption of methylene blue at the optimum concentration of 50 mg/L, the optimum time of 45 minutes, and the optimum adsorbent mass of 25 mg for 36.95 mg/L, 42.40 mg/L, and 49.856 mg/L, respectively. The reduced graphene oxide adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model with a correlation coefficient, maximum adsorption capacity, and a KL value of 0.9998, 54.945 mg/g, and 0.587 L/mg.

Electric Field Characteristics of HDPE-NR Biocomposite Under Breakdown Condition

It is critical to develop new insulating materials that can improve the performance of next generation high voltage cables for creating future electrical networks. The high electric field reduces the resistance of solid insulation and produces partial discharge through imperfections in a dielectric, causing the dielectric to age and eventually fail. Thus, this project seeks to analyse the electric field intensity of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in breakdown condition when added with 10g, 20g and 30g of different types of bio-filler such as coconut coir fibre, pineapple leaves fibre, and oil palm empty fruit bunch. This can be achieved by creating a two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric electrostatic model by using the Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) 4.2 software. The results showed that the unfilled HDPE biocomposites have a higher electric field intensity than 10g, 20g, and 30g biocomposite. This indicates that the maximum electric field intensity changes according to the permittivity and voltage of the bio-filler under breakdown conditions. As a result, the maximum electric field intensity was much lower for HDPE added with a 20g of the pineapple leaves fibre. Hence, pineapple leaves fibre was the best composition as it tends to improve the dielectricproperties since it has a lower electric field intensity at the top electrode as compared to other compositions.

Effect of Equivalence Ratio on EFB Pellet Gasification Characteristic using Thermal Arc Plasma Suction Downdraft Gasifier

The present study investigated the performance of thermal arch plasma suction downdraft gasification which utilizing pelletized empty fruit bunch as a feedstock in producing syngas with high thermochemical conversion efficiency. Gasifying medium of air was used in this system. Syngas produced was evaluated and measured in terms of gas composition, carbon conversion efficiency, cold gas efficiency, syngas yield and calorific value. The effect of different equivalence ratio ranged from 0.18 to 0.46 was also evaluated. The results reported that syngas produced contained higher CO of 14.2 vol% at higher equivalent ratio, 0.42. In contrast to H2 content, higher composition of 9.92 vol% was produced at lower equivalent ratio, 0.18. HHV and CGE value was higher at equivalent ratio of 0.36 which correspond to the balanced constituent of CO, H2 and CH4 at this condition. CCE and syngas yield was maximum at higher equivalent ratio of 0.46 due to higher production of CO from carbon elements. The results of the present study provided a useful data and guideline of equivalent ratio range for operational of plasma downdraft reactor.

Metabolites profiling of protein enriched oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm.) grown on oil palm empty fruit bunch substrate

This study aimed to compare the nutritional composition and metabolites profiles of the Pleurotus ostreatus oyster mushroom grown on oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) and rubber wood sawdust (RWS) substrates. The mushrooms were prepared for proximate analysis, beta-glucan content, and metabolites profiling using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flights mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QToF). Proximate analysis showed significantly higher crude protein, and beta-glucan contents (p < 0.05) were recovered from the mushrooms grown on EFB substrate as compared to those grown on RWS. Metabolite profiling of hot water extracts showed that three lipids (PE (17:1/0:0), PE (16:1/0:0), and hydroxyoctadecadienoic), two amino acids (acetyl-leucine, and threonic acid), and one polysaccharide (4-O-beta-d-galactopyranosyl-beta-d-xylopyranose) were present at a relatively higher level (maximum fold change >10) in mushrooms grown on EFB. Our results suggest that the metabolites of the mushroom cultivated on EFB substrate were altered. The innovative use of palm oil waste as mushroom cultivation substrate exerts the concept of waste-to-wealth, promoting Sustainable Palm Oil Initiative (SPOI), and enhancing food security through the production of high-protein mushrooms.

Pyrolysis kinetic study of the thermal degradation of pre-treated empty fruit bunches

Empty fruit bunch (EFB) wastes are a significant source of biomass waste in Malaysia and have the potential to be a high-quality source of energy. This study aims to evaluate the kinetic of EFB biochar degradation and its characteristics under three conditions of washing pre-treatments. Prior to biochar production via slow pyrolysis process, stirring and soaking techniques were utilised as part of the pre-treatment for the washing process, with varying solid-to-liquid (S:L) ratios of 1:50, and 1:50 to 1:70, respectively. The study analysed the higher heating value (HHV), pyrolysis yield and kinetic activation energy of the biochar. The morphology and elemental composition of the biochar samples were determined using ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy (UHR-SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray detector (EDX). The Coats-Redfern model was used to estimate the activation energies of the EFB biochar from thermogravimetric (TGA) data in a temperature range of 30 °C to 800 °C and a constant heating rate of 10 °C/min under a nitrogen atmosphere. The results showed that washing pre-treatment significantly changed the morphology and elemental compositions of the EFB biochar samples. The higher S:L ratio of 1:70 has a more significant impact on the breakdown of the lignocellulosic structure of EFB. The soaked samples had slightly lower biochar and bio-oil yields (22.73 mf wt. % to 24.86 mf wt. % and 27.97 mf wt. % to 39.39 mf wt. %, respectively) than the stirred samples (25.22 mf wt. % and 49.59 mf wt. %). The pre-treatment process improved the carbon content while reducing potassium by 60.7 to 81.39%. The HHVs of EFB-4 (28.24 MJ/kg) and EFB-3 (26.57 MJ/kg) were higher than those of EFB-2 (26.2 MJ/kg) and EFB-1 (23.14 MJ/kg), indicating an improvement in their fuel properties. The higher kinetic activation energies of EFB-4 (43.27 to 48.30 MJ/mol) indicate better thermal stability than the others. Therefore, concerning improved fuel properties, the recommended pre-treatment of EFB for the pyrolysis process is soaking at 90 °C with an S:L ratio of 1:70. The kinetic analysis revealed that the pyrolysis of pre-treated EFBs follows a multi-step reaction mechanism, with different activation energies for each stage. The obtained kinetic parameters can be used to optimize the pyrolysis process and design efficient pyrolysis reactors for the valorization of EFBs. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the thermal behavior of pre-treated EFBs and their potential for bioenergy production.

Sustainability Assessment through Emergy Evaluation Analysis: Agricultural Waste Utilization for Pulp Production Case Study

The concern for reducing environmental impacts in pulp and paper industries can be supported with the tools to measure the environmental impacts quantitatively, such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and Emergy Evaluation Analysis (EMA). The sources of potential agricultural wastes for pulp production in Indonesia include oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, rice straw, and banana stem. In this study, the first attempt at EFB-based pulp production’s EMA has been done. The main tool for conducting this study was based on EMA and was supported by the LCA framework. The foreground data and model used in this study were based on literature related to pulp production from EFB. In addition, the background data was obtained from the life cycle inventory database. The EMA of EFB-based pulp production was based on emergy yield ratio (EYR), environmental loading ratio (ELR) and emergy sustainability index (ESI). The result shows that EFB-based pulp production has 1.23, 4.43 and 0.28 of EYR, ELR and ESI, respectively.

Silver nitrate concentration on silver nanoparticles formation attached on cellulose nanocrystal matrix

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with silver nanoparticle composites are used in various applications, ranging from packaging to biomedical. Therefore, the optimum performance of this hybrid nanomaterial can be achieved by controlling agglomeration in the silver nanoparticle synthesis. The agglomeration behaviour can be monitored by integrating CNCs as polymer matrix during the synthesis. This work aimed to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesised from different silver precursor concentrations and loaded on the surface of CNCs. The cellulose nanocrystal was isolated from an oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB). The AgNPs were synthesised by using the reduction technique of silver nitrate at 0.1 M and 0.5 M concentrations and with the aid of glucose solution. The AgNPs_CNC nanosuspension was analysed by using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, DSC, and FESEM/EDX. The spectroscopy data from UV–Vis indicated a strong absorption peak at 385 nm due to the formation of the nanoparticles in AgNPs_CNC_0.5 nanosuspension. Meanwhile, the morphological result showed that the AgNPs formed were spherical in shape (57.8 nm) with strong existence of silver, carbon, and oxygen. Therefore, the AgNPs_CNC nanosuspension was successfully synthesised by using 0.5 M silver nitrate with uniform and well-distributed nanoparticles.

Growth and Yield of Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) Using Various Compositions of Planting Media

Spinach was a vegetable that was rich in nutrients and has many health benefits. The high level of public consumption of spinach plants in line with population growth, it was necessary to increase production by using organic fertilizers. This research aimed to determine the effects of the composition of the growing media among soil, chicken manure, and oil palm empty fruit bunches fertilizer on the growth and yield of spinach. The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments repeated three times and each treatment unit consisted of 5 plants so that the total number of all plants was 90 plants. The results of the analysis of diversity showed that the treatment of chicken manure and oil palm empty fruit bunches fertilizer had a very significant effect on the plant height, leaf area, plant fresh weight, crown fresh weight, root fresh weight and plant dry weight. The provision of chicken manure and oil palm empty fruit bunches fertilizer had a significant effect on the number of leaves, but had no significant effect on the level of greenness of the leaves and the root shoot ratio. The results of the study showed that the soil treatment: chicken manure: oil palm empty fruit bunches fertilizer (1:2:2) provided the best results on the variables of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight, crown fresh weight, root fresh weight, and plant dry weight. The soil composition : chicken manure : oil palm empty fruit bunches fertilizer (1:2:2) was the best combination of planting media for the spinach growth and yield. Spinach cultivation using the composition of soil planting media, chicken manure, oil palm empty fruit bunches (1:2:2) could increase crop yields.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanofiber/poly-vinyl alcohol (CNF/PVA) nanocomposites for gas barrier applications in paper packaging

The development of nanocomposite film from nanocellulose in polymer matrix for packaging has gained great attention due to its various applications. This paper aimed to utilize cellulose nanofiber (CNF) from micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) made from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) which were composed with poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) for gas barrier applications on paper packaging. The chemical treatment was used to produce MFC from OPEFB. The MFC was then mixed with water to become homogenized and mechanically treated with an ultra turrax homogenizer for 6 h to produce CNF. The nanocomposites were prepared by mixing PVA and CNF with a magnetic stirrer followed by sonication to homogenize the solution with blending ratios of CNF/PVA were 10:90 and 20:80 (%v/v). The nanocomposites were then measured for their viscosity and characterized by FTIR, SEM, and zeta potential. Based on the results, this composite was formed and has a viscosity of 19.41 and 32.55 cP for blending ratios of 20:80 and 10:90 (%v/v), respectively. In addition, FTIR results showed that the blending of CNF/PVA has formed a composite. The zeta potential values of CNF/PVA were −27.5 mV and −28.6 mV for blending ratios of 20:80 and 10:90 indicating that the CNF/PVA is well dispersed and stable. The blended composite was finally coated on A4 size paper using the bar coating method to obtain a transparent film layer and the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) was 1395.91 and 1294.82 g/(m2 0.24 h) for blending CNF/PVA ratios of 20:80 and 10:90 (v/v%), respectively.

Characterization Of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch and Coconut Shell for The Production of Fuel Briquettes

In this study, characterization of agricultural waste (oil palm empty fruit bunch, coconut shell and cassava peel) was done before and after carbonization. Briquettes were produced from the carbonized OPEFB and CS blends with CP as binder. Muffle furnace was used for the carbonization of both biomass; CS was carbonized at 7000C at 60 minutes residence time and OPEFB was carbonized at 4000C at 30 minutes residence time. Proximate analysis showed that raw OPEFB and CS had volatile matter of 70.89 and 63.76wt% which indicates easy ignition but high burning rate. They had low fixed carbon of 18.13 and 17.60wt% for OPEFB and CS respectively which accounted for their low calorific value of 19.61 and 20.70 MJ/kg respectively. Ultimate analysis showed insignificant nitrogen and sulfur content from both biomass. The carbonized OPEFB and CS showed improved Calorific value of 28.38 and 27.91 MJ/kg respectively. This was as a result of devolatilization of the biomass with enrichment of carbon from 45.04 to 69.28wt% for OPEFB and 48.02 to 75.50wt% for CS. The briquettes formed had a mean calorific value, compressive strength, burning rate and density of 27.40 MJ/kg, 2.138 N/mm2, 1.110 g/min and 912.26 kg/m3respectively. With these performance indicators, these selected agricultural wastes biomass could be helpful for production of fuel alternatives for domestic heating in developing and underdeveloped countries that produce such waste.

The potential of Nypa Frutican as an energy source in Indonesia: A review

Nipa (Nypa fruticans Wurmb.) belongs to the Arecaceae family, covering 30% of over 4 million ha of mangrove forest in Indonesia. The most valuable part of nipa is the fruits for food, drink, handicrafts, and medicine, leaving empty fruit bunches as waste. The empty fruit bunch waste reaches 75% of the total weight of nipa fruit, producing approximately 6 Mt/ha or over 6 million Mt in a year. Nipa empty fruit bunches (EFB) are biomass containing 27.3% lignin, 36.1% cellulose, and 21.8% hemicellulose. Due to Indonesia’s increasing nipa fruit harvesting, managing and finding a suitable solution to overcome waste issues is essential. In the present review, nipa EFB’s physical and chemical properties were found suitable as a biomass energy source. Nipa’s EFB energy recovery was potentially generated from direct combustion, pyrolysis, and briquette making. The harvesting challenge and emission from direct combustion or pyrolysis process limit the nipa utilization. Education and technology dissemination is required for the coastal communities to assist in utilizing nipa.

Effects of Density Variation on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Empty Fruit Bunch Cement Board (EFBCB)

A cement board is a composite material mostly comprised natural fibre and cement. Cement board is mainly used in roofing, raised floors, dropped ceilings, prefabricated structures, office containers, and other building components. Fibres in cement composites from discarded palm oil fruit bunches have been used to increase the quality of construction materials. Therefore, the impact density of the natural fibre cement board is essential to enhance the physical and mechanical properties. However, research on untreated fibre at various densities has not been compressively discussed in previous studies. Therefore, this research used empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre in manufacturing empty fruit bunch cement boards (EFBCB) with a cement-to-fibre ratio of 3:1 and thickness of 12 mm. Three target density variations, 1100 kg/m3, 1200 kg/m3 and 1300 kg/m3, were applied in this study to obtain their effect on physical and mechanical properties. The results revealed EFBCB sample with a target density of 1300 kg/m3 showed the most promising results. This sample’s average thickness is 12.38 mm after a 28-day curing period. Besides, at 1300 kg/m3 target density, EFBCB achieved the lowest thickness swelling (TS) value at 1.82%, highest internal bonding (IB) at 0.164 N/mm2, highest modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) at 1398 N/mm2 and 3.51 N/mm2, respectively. Thus, increasing the cement board density and improving the physical and mechanical properties of EFBCB. This study demonstrates that EFB has the capacity to be one of the potential natural fibres for green building materials.

Effects of Fibre Length on the Physical Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Cement Board (OPEFB-CB)

In a cement board (CB) composite, fibres reinforce the board. It is because the length of the fibres significantly impacts the strength of the CB composite. Nonetheless, the physical properties of the CB are also an important aspect when dealing with the quality control of the final product. This study investigates the effects of various fibre lengths in CB fabrication on its physical properties, including the cement-hydration rate, tensile strength, density stability and thickness swelling (TS). Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres at different lengths are used based on the mesh retained size of R7M, R14M, and R30M. The OPEFB-CB mixture used in this research is 3:1 (cement: fibre ratio), with a target density of 1,300 kg/m3. The sample is compressed using a 1000 psi cold-compression load to achieve the desired composite thickness of 12 mm. This research revealed that the longest fibres retained on the R7M mesh with an average length of 5 mm resulted in lower density and the highest TS value. Meanwhile, lower dimensional stability was achieved by OPEFB-CB composites using fibre that retained on the R14M and R30M, having an average length of 3 mm and 1 mm, respectively. Based on the results, the optimum fibre length recommended in the fabrication of OPEFB-CB composites is processed fibres retained on the R14M sieve with an average length of 3 mm. This recommendation is made based on the most stable density and lowest TS results achieved by the R14M retained fibres which is in the range of 1,231–1,309.4 kg/m3 and TS of 0.65 %.

Harvesting Patterns of Merang Mushroom on Planting Media Empty Fruit Bunch

Empty fruit bunches (tankos) are a by-product, which is equal to the amount of CPO, which is 23%. Several attempts have been made to utilize tankos as a growing medium for mushroom, but these efforts have not been optimal. This is because they only take the edible mushroom product once, even though the waste still has the potential as a growing medium for the next mushroom, as well as the potential for compost. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of new EFB, EFB that have been used once, and twice (used EFB I and used EFB II) on the pattern and daily production of straw mushrooms on the pilot plant scale.Pilot plant scale research has been carried out at CV Lintang Agro Farm Raman Adji East Lampung with three treatments, namely new EFB, used EFB I, and second-hand boarding houses. The study was repeated two times. The raw materials used are EFB, lime, katul, mushroom seeds, second-hand tankos I and second-hand EFB. The stages of the research process began with the preparation of EFB, the process of making edible mushrooms and observing the results of the research. The results showed that (1) EFB could be used as a planting medium for straw mushrooms 3 times, (2) the most productive production of straw mushrooms with EFB media was carried out until day 20 of the inoculation process, and (3) planting straw mushrooms on EFB media was able to reduce cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content significantly. Keywords: Pilot plant, EFB, Mushrooms, Harvest Pattern

Energy absorption behavior of oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber-reinforced composites subjected to low-velocity impact

In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB)-reinforced composites were subjected to a low-velocity impact test to study their energy absorption characteristics. Two sets of OPEFB-reinforced composite specimens were used, comprising 30:70 and 40:60 fiber/epoxy fractions. One set of specimens was treated with a 3% NaOH solution. The drop impact responses, fragmentation characteristics, energy absorptions, and residual strengths of both sets of specimens were analyzed. Drop impact tests were performed using three different energy levels, namely, 10, 13, and 16 J. In general, the results indicated that all the untreated specimens absorbed higher energy than that of the treated specimens, thus suffering severe surface and structural damage. This result is attributed to the treated specimens providing a better interlocking mechanism between the matrix and fibers and dissipating the impact energy through the impactor. Regarding fiber loading, all the 30:70 fiber/epoxy composites exhibited slightly less energy absorption than the 40:60 fiber/epoxy composites.

Effect of Temperature on Co-Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure and Empty Fruit Bunch: A Kinetic Parametric Study

The rapid growth of the Malaysian poultry and palm oil industries has led biomass waste generation in abundance specifically chicken manure and empty fruit bunch (EFB). Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a circular economy-based approach which converts chicken manure and EFB into biogas which can be utilized for heating and power generation. Operating temperature is an imperative consideration for AD hence the objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of different temperature profiles namely, psychrophilic (20 °C), mesophilic (35 °C) and thermophilic (50 °C) on AD of chicken manure and EFB. The kinetic parameters are also evaluated using five kinetic models to enable readers to comprehend the kinetic behaviours of the systems. The volume and composition of biogas is measured every five days for a 50-day retention time. The findings observed that mesophilic condition is the most favourable with cumulative methane, CH4 composition of up to 17.07%, almost two folds that of thermophilic (9.12%) and five folds that of psychrophilic (3.49%). The CH4 generation rate, Rb based on the modified Gompertz model which is deemed the best fit further supports these findings as the Rb under mesophilic condition is significantly higher (0.330 mL/gvs day) compared to psychrophilic (0.088 mL/gvs day) and thermophilic (0.120 mL/gvs day) conditions.

Conversion of oil palm empty fruit bunch into bioethanol through pretreatment with CO2 as impregnating agent in alkali explosion

Conversion of oil palm empty fruit bunch into bioethanol through pretreatment with CO2 as impregnating agent in alkali explosion

Preliminary Study on The Bio-Oil Production from Multi Feed-Stock Biomass Waste via Fast Pyrolysis Process

Biomass is a good resource for renewable energy. Biomass can be converted into bio-fuel (bio-oil) through a catalytic fast pyrolysis process. Previous studies only used single feedstock biomass as raw material for bio-oil production. In this study, bio-oil production is based on a multi-feedstock biomass waste consisting of rice husk, sugar cane bagasse, and palm oil empty fruit bunch. The mixture of biomass waste as a raw material is expected to enhance the yield and quality of the bio-oil produced. This study aimed to investigate the bio-oil products obtained from catalytic pyrolysis of the biomass waste mixture. Mixture Design from Design Expert was used to study the effect of biomass composition on the bio-oil products. Each biomass, i.e., rice husk, sugar cane bagasse, and palm oil empty fruit bunch, was previously chopped and sieved into a uniform 60 mesh. The pyrolysis process was conducted at 500°C with an N2 flow rate of 3 L min-1. The mixture of biomass waste husks contains more phenolic compounds than single-feedstock. The chemical characterization also showed that the multi-feedstock bio-oil compound was dominated by aldehydes, esters, and phenolic compounds.

Analysis of the Utilization of Agricultural Waste Fermentation in Increasing Shallot Production

Shallot farming increasing production plays a crucial role in providing fertilizer, but inorganic fertilizers are costly and rare, so that they can cause failure in shallot cultivation. The solution to the fertilizer problem can be utilizing agricultural waste in organic fertilizer. Raw materials from agricultural waste can be processed into solid and liquid organic fertilizers. The benefits of organic fertilizers increase soil fertility while also being able to change or improve soil structure and microbes. The research objective was to determine the utilization of agricultural waste in increasing shallot production. The farm waste consists of egg shells, rice husks, tofu dregs, rice washing water, goat manure, vegetable waste, banana cobs, chicken blood, pineapple skins, and empty palm fruit bunches, which are fermented into organic fertilizer. This study is new to utilizing ten types of organic waste to increase macronutrients. Research activities will be carried out in April 2022. The variables measured are plant height (cm), number of tillers (tubers), dry tuber production (g), and conversion of shallot bulb production per hectare (kg) using an analysis tool factorial randomized block design consisting of two factors, namely the first-factor solid organic fertilizer (P) with levels P0=0 kg/plot, P1=1.5 kg/plot, P2=2.5 kg/plot, and P3=3.5 kg/plot. Then the second factor is liquid organic fertilizer (C) with the treatment level C0=0 ml/liter water/plot, C1=250 ml/liter water/plot, C2=500 ml/liter water/plot, C3=750 ml/liter water/ plot. The research variables were plant height (cm), number of tillers (tubers), dry tuber production (g), and shallot production conversion per hectare (kg). The results showed a significant effect on solid fertilizers at the P3 level compared to the P2, P1, and P0 levels. In contrast, the liquid fertilizer treatment at the C3 level significantly affected the C2, C1, and C0 levels.

Enhancement of the ligninolytic activity of Lysinibacillus sphaericus by the addition of MnSO4 and its impact on subsequent methane production from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB)

Palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) is a recalcitrant agricultural waste not readily digested which is produced in abundance. The recently isolated bacteria, Lysinibacillus sphaericus is a facultative anaerobe which can digest lignin. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of L. sphaericus and MnSO4 could aid the bioconversion of OPEFB, and if this could enhance methane production during subsequent anaerobic digestion (AD). The untreated OPEFB had a specific methane potential of 0.099 L/g VS which was doubled following pre-treatment with L. sphaericus. In the presence of 0.25 mM MnSO4 a further 1.5-fold increase in methane production was observed. This illustrates for the first time how the addition of inducers (MnSO4) can significantly enhance this bacteria's ability to degrade lignocellulose through enhancement of its lignin degrading enzymes. Thus, enabling this agricultural waste to be utilised more effectively for biogas production.