Empty Fruit Bunch Research Articles

Investigation of waste-derived and low-cost calcium oxide-based catalysts in co-pyrolysis of EFB-HDPE to produce high quality bio-oil

This study evaluated and compared the bio-oil yield produced from the co-pyrolysis of empty fruit bunch (EFB) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) feedstock using four calcium oxide (CaO)-based catalysts. Three catalysts were derived from waste sources, namely, clamshell (CS), eggshell (ES), and chicken bone (CB), whereas Malaysia dolomite (MD) was extracted from limestone. Pure CaO catalyst served as a control experiment for comparison purposes. Surface area (BET), particle size (PSA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) examinations were used to compare all catalysts. BET and PSA demonstrated that waste-derived catalysts (CS, CB, ES) have the properties required for co-pyrolysis to produce good yield and quality of bio-oil, whilst XRD and SEM/EDX revealed the existence of CaO compound in each of the catalysts. The co-pyrolysis of EFB-HDPE was performed under controlled conditions in a fluidized-bed reactor. All co-pyrolysis parameters such as catalyst loading, feedstock loading, gas flow, and temperature were fixed for all reactions. The study explored the effect of each catalyst on the catalytic cracking of EFB-HDPE through the bio-oil yield and hydrocarbon composition from the reaction. The chemical composition of the bio-oil samples was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, whereas the bio-oil yield was calculated using mass-balance equation. The maximum oil yield was 26.07 wt% for ES, whereas pure CaO generated a 52.39% hydrocarbon composition, the highest among all catalysts, followed by ES.

Impact of pelletisation on torrefied oil palm empty fruit bunch biochar

This study investigates the impact of pelletisation on the properties and performance of torrefied oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biochar. Torrefaction, a mild pyrolysis process, enhances the energy density and durability of biomass, creating a more stable biochar product. Pelletisation, involving the compression of biochar into pellets, aims to improve its handling, transportation, and application efficiencies. This study examines key parameters such as the effects of pelletisation pressure, temperature, and the use of binders on the physical and chemical properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Evaluations include changes in density, bonding properties, and calorific value. Additionally, the study explores how pelletisation influences the biochar’s porosity, surface area, and elemental composition. Results indicate that pelletisation significantly affects the structural integrity and functional properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Pellets exhibit enhanced bulk density and durability, which are beneficial for storage and transport. However, some reduction in surface area and porosity is observed, potentially impacting the biochar’s effectiveness in applications such as soil amendment and carbon sequestration. Findings suggest that while pelletisation offers practical advantages, optimizing the process parameters is crucial to maintain the beneficial properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the trade- offs associated with pelletising torrefied EFB biochar, highlighting the potential for improved usability in sustainable agriculture and environmental management practices. Future work should focus on refining pelletisation techniques to balance mechanical benefits with the preservation of biochar’s functional attributes.

Antioxidant activity, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) production, and potential for colonization of Lactobacillus fermentum InaCC B1295 encapsulated with cellulose microfiber hydrogel from oil palm solid waste during storage

Lactobacillus fermentum InaCC B1295 is a probiotic bacterium that improves intestinal and immune systems, positively impacting human health. It produces various bioactive compounds, including bacteriocin, antioxidant enzymes, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and colonizes the human gastrointestinal system. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity (IC50), GABA production, and colonization potential of L. fermentum InaCC B1295 with encapsulation by cellulose microfiber from oil palm solid waste (trunk, frond, leaf, and empty bunches) at room and refrigeration temperature with storage time 0, 14, and 28 days. The strain InaCC B1295 showed a high activity to scavenging ability against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) for the treatment with encapsulation with oil palm empty bunches at refrigeration temperature after storage 14 days, which reached 88.56 ppm. Furthermore, L. fermentum InaCC B1295 produced GABA ranging from 0.435 mg/L to 2.215 mg/L. Lactobacillus fermentum InaCC B1295 encapsulated with oil palm leaf produced the most GABA at 0-day storage with a concentration of 2.215 mg/L and decreased during storage for all treatments. L. fermentum InaCC B1295 cells encapsulated in CMF hydrogel from empty oil palm fruit bunches had a lower autoaggregation value than free cells. The cells encapsulated with CMF hydrogel from oil palm empty bunches, on the other hand, had higher coaggregation and hydrophilicity values than the free cells (unencapsulated cells).

Valorisation and Thermal Responsiveness of Lignin from Elaesis guineensis

In recent years, advancement in material technology and a better understanding of material propertiescoupled with the quest for bio-compactible materials has driven research towards valorisation of agro-waste like empty palm fruit bunch (EPFB). Elaesis guineensis was a potential source of biomass and was classified as an environmental pollutant and disposal burden. In this study, the valorisation of Elaesis guineensis and its thermal responsiveness as lignin for use as a filler in polymer composites are examined. Lignin from EPFB was extracted via acid hydrolysis, using Di ethyl ether ((C2H5)2O) and HCl as the pretreatment solvent. The thermal stability, crystallinity, heat flow, chemical composition, and functional group of the extracted lignin were studied for treated and untreated EPFB samples using techniques like; Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X- ray diffrraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The percent yield of 23% obtained in this work is within the range specified in literature (20.1-23.8%) using sodium hydroxide(NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2) for alkali treatment. Results of the FTIR analysis of all samples in reference to the wave numbers of lignin are in good agreement with those stated in the literature. The stretching patterns alsoindicate the presence of compounds like phenols, hydroxides, and methyl groups, which are characteristics of lignin compounds. By comparing with the cellulose standard available in the database of the XRD system, two main peaks were observed from the XRD patterns at 2θ = 22.3 and 2θ = 26.7 representing peak 002 for hemicellulose and 011 for lignin, respectively corresponding to the amorphous region of hemicellulose and lignin while peaks I002 represent the crystalline region of cellulose. From the study, it was inferred that the thermal stability of extracted lignin with a Tg of 400C is higher compared to the samples treated with di ethyl ether and untreated EPFB having a Tg of 200C. The extracted lignin has a maximum decomposition temperature of 400oC, which makes it suitable as a filler in polymer composites.

Production of Sodium Lignosulfonate (SLS) Surfactant from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) Using Microwave

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using a microwave in synthesizing Sodium Lignosulfonate (SLS) surfactant made of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) which contains lignin as the content to be processed, especially in the sulfonation process. The observed variables are the NaHSO3 concentration ranging from 0.1 M to 0.7 M, reaction time ranging from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, and microwave power ranging from 300 W to 750 W. on the yield and comparing the results of SLS synthesized with microwave to those obtained through conventional heating methods in the sulfonation process. The process encompassed several steps, including drying, milling, delignification, lignin isolation, and sulfonation using microwaves. Afterward, the SLS results were subjected to analysis through FTIR and HLB testing. The findings revealed a positive correlation between NaHSO3 concentration, reaction time, microwave power, and the yield of SLS Product, with the optimal conditions being at the NaHSO3 concentration of 0.7 M, microwave power of 600 W, and reaction time of 75 minutes. Moreover, the microwave method demonstrated greater efficiency in increasing the SLS Product yield by up to 24% compared to the conventional method.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) as Membrane Material

Indonesia is the world’s largest palm oil producer and exporter, can produce 230 kg of OPEFB. The utilization of OPEFB is still at 10%, even though OPEFB is composed of 37.26% cellulose. This research aims to find out how to synthesize and characterize cellulose acetate from OPEFB cellulose into membrane material. The synthesis of cellulose acetate using the acetylation method is carried out in several processes. The activation process expands the surface of the cellulose fibers. The acetylation process is intended to substitute cellulose hydroxyl groups with acetyl groups. The hydrolysis removes some acetyl groups from trimester cellulose and reduces the combination of sulfate esters. In the results of FTIR analysis, carbonyl groups (C=O) and acetyl groups (C-O) have high peak depths in OPEFB cellulose acetate. Based on the calculation of acetyl content, OPEFB cellulose acetate has an acetyl content of 39.82% with a degree of substitution of 2.44. The results of XRD analysis show that OPEFB cellulose acetate has a crystallinity index of 34.5%. In TGA analysis, the thermal stability of cellulose acetate is up to a temperature of 210°C. Based on the research results, OPEFB cellulose can be synthesized into cellulose acetate using the acetylation method.

Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Pretreatment Simulation with Ammonia Soaking and Ammonia Expansion Method for Levulinic Acid and Furfural Production

OPEFB is a waste product from oil palm mills and is abundant in quantity. OPEFB is a lignocellulosic compound containing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose in OPEFB can be converted into levulinic acid, while hemicellulose can be converted into furfural. The consumption of furfural and levulinic acid in Indonesia is increasing, and so far, the demand has been met through imports. Pretreatment is the first stage in converting OPEFB into valuable products. In this paper, we have simulated furfural and levulinic acid production from OPEFB using two pretreatment methods: ammonia soaking and ammonia expansion. Both process simulations were carried out using Superpro Designer v9.0, with 17,520 metric tons OPEFB/year capacity as input raw material. The simulation of furfural and levulinic acid production using the ammonia expansion pretreatment process resulted in feasibility indicators including a payback period of 2.56 years, an ROI (Return on Investment) of 34.07%, and an IRR (Internal Rate of Return) of 28.62%. On the other hand, using the ammonia-soaking process resulted in an IRR of 22.26%. These parameters indicate that furfural and levulinic acid production is more economically viable using the ammonia expansion pretreatment process than the ammonia soaking pretreatment process.

Isolation and Identification of Lignin Cellulolytic Fungi from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and the Soil Around Palm Trees in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Isolation and Identification of Lignin Cellulolytic Fungi from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and the Soil Around Palm Trees in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Effects of Ethanol: Water Ratio and Reaction Time on Ethyl Levulinate Synthesis from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB)

World energy consumption continues to escalate annually in line with current world development. Meeting this burgeoning demand necessitates the exploration of renewable energy. Biofuel is one of the promising alternatives for renewable energy sources. However, biofuel has a disadvantage in its lower overall performance than fossil fuel. The application of additives such as ethyl levulinate emerges as a potential solution to enhance biofuel performance. This research aims to investigate the effect of ethanol:water ratio and reaction time on the formation of ethyl levulinate from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB). The OPEFB to be utilized was pretreated with 3% NaOH at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:8. The reaction was conducted at 120oC, with varying ethanol:water ratio and reaction time in the presence of H2SO4 as the catalyst. The reaction products were extracted using ethanol and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The optimum reaction conditions obtained were 90 minutes and ethanol:water ratio of 99.1:0.9, resulting in a yield of 1.01%.

Characterization and Selection of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches for Strengthening Hydrogel Films

Characterization and Selection of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches for Strengthening Hydrogel Films

FACILE PRODUCTION OF 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID FROM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH CELL WALLS BY ALKALI DEGRADATION AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

Oil palm empty fruit bunches are biorefinery waste produced from the oil palm factory. Palm lignin is partially ended with p-hydroxybenzoylated structure, which is a promising resource to produce 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Herein, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid is produced by the degradation of oil palm empty fruit bunch cell walls with sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature without lignin isolation. The 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was obtained as the only main monomeric product from the process. The yield of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid can reach 7.87% based on the amount of oil palm empty fruit lignin. The sodium hydroxide concentration is the most important factor that affects the 4-hydroxybenzoic acid production yield and selectivity. The possible 4-hydroxybenzoic acid production routes were proposed. And the production route is considered to be formed mainly by the cleavage of C-O bonds at the γ-hydroxyl position of the syringyl unit in oil palm empty fruit bunch lignin.

The potential of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) in the removal of paracetamol from water

While pharmaceuticals are typically found in trace amounts, their continuous discharge into the environment could eventually lead to significant, lasting concentrations, potentially harming humans, animals, and ecosystems. Studies have identified various pharmaceutical compounds, including paracetamol, in sewage treatment plants and water sources like groundwater and drinking water. Recent research has explored the effectiveness of advanced wastewater treatment methods, mainly focusing on adsorption, to remove pharmaceuticals. This report highlights the challenge of substantial oil palm waste, specifically the oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), posing disposal issues. OPEFB, as an absorbent for pollutants in wastewater, appears to be a viable solution. This study evaluates OPEFB’s capacity to adsorb paracetamol contaminants from water matrixes. It shows that 2.5 grams of OPEFB achieved a removal rate of 99.32% for paracetamol at an initial concentration of 100 ppm after 24 hours while using 5.0 grams of OPEFB resulted in a 99.28% removal rate for paracetamol at the same concentration and duration. This shows that OPEFB have the potential to eliminate pollutants from wastewater through the adsorption process effectively.

Preparation and characterization of graphene film using biogas derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method

This study aims to fabricate graphene films using biogas derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as carbon precursors using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method under various conditions. The fabricated graphene films were deposited on copper substrates at different temperatures and gas compositions. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman Spectroscopy, and the I-V test were used to analyze and characterize the properties of the fabricated film. From the characterization results, SEM images of films grown at 800°C (without additional H2 gas), and 900°C (without additional H2 gas) show a not so well-defined hexagonal domain shape with non-uniform morphology with variations in domain shape and orientation, while Raman spectra show it has only the D band and G band which are attributed to graphene oxide. On the other hand, at 900°C (with additional H2 gas), the SEM image shows more defined hexagonal domain shape and variations in domain shape and orientation, as well as the D, G and 2D band on the Raman spectra, which are like graphene with defects structure. Hence, it is concluded that graphene film was successfully produced at 900°C with additional H2 gas.

EVALUASI STATUS KESUBURAN TANAH DI MASA REPLANTING PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT PADA TANAH MINERAL PROVINSI JAMBI

Appropriate fertilization recommendations are needed to maximize the production of oil palm plants on land that has been used for a long time. This study aimed to determine the status of soil fertility during the oil palm replanting period in Kemang Manis Village, Muara Papalik Sub-district, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, and determine fertilization recommendations according to the needs of oil palm plants based on soil fertility. This study used a survey method; soil samples taken were disturbed soil samples, and sampling was carried out at two depths, namely 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm. Determination of sampling points using stratified random sampling method based on homogeneous land units that were processed based on soil type and slope in the research location. The collected soil samples were analyzed for H, CEC, BS, organic C, P2O5, K2O, and total N. The results showed low fertility status during the oil palm replanting period in the research location. Observations of the soil profile also showed that the O horizon was thin. Fertilization recommendations that must be made to improve soil fertility include adding dolomite fertilizer to increase soil pH value and increasing the availability of N, P, and K elements in the form of Urea, SP36, and KCl. To increase the content of organic materials in the soil, applying oil palm empty fruit bunches can also improve the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Cellulose Powder from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch as Green Nanofluids

Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Cellulose Powder from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch as Green Nanofluids

Fabrication and characterization of polyether sulfone membrane with cellulose additive of oil palm empty fruit bunches for reducing iron content in water

Fabrication of polymer-based membranes polyether sulfone (PES) which is hydrophobic which is easily experiences fouling and will a decrease in membrane performance with the addition of various organic additives from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) waste and dimethyl formamide (DMF) as solvents to look at the formation of Ultrafiltration membrane pores (UF). OPEFB additive concentration variations were 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% for each addition of 18% PES polymer. The manufacture of cellulose was alkalization, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. The characteristics were carried out by the FTIR test to see the wavelength of OPEFB cellulose where at 1093.64 cm -1 there is a C-O functional group which proves the presence of cellulose in OPEFB, SEM, and porosity tests on the membrane. Membranes with polyether sulfone polymer are prepared by a phase inversion process. The results obtained by the flux values with variations in additive concentration and pressure variations of 0.5 %, 1%, and 1.5% obtained flux and rejection results (selectivity) using FeCl3.

Pemanfaatan Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit (Tkks) Sebagai Arang Aktif Untuk Penjernihan Air di Desa Muara Sebapo Kecamatan Mestong Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

The need for clean water in Muara Sebapo Village remains a serious issue to this day. The water obtained by the community from dug wells or boreholes often appears yellow and has an unpleasant odor. This water typically has a high concentration of Fe3+ ions, causing the water to turn yellow and become odorous. On the other hand, Muara Sebapo Village has extensive oil palm plantations, which generate solid waste in the form of Empty Palm Fruit Bunches (EFB). Until now, this waste has been underutilized, and in some cases, it has been disposed of or burned. Therefore, efforts are needed to address this issue so that the community can access clean water and utilize waste wisely. In this program, outreach and education are conducted on how to treat well water using solid waste EFB effectively. EFB waste can be transformed into activated carbon, which can be used as a water purification medium in a water treatment unit in the plantation areas and the surrounding community. Activated carbon will act as an adsorbent capable of adsorbing metal ions and organic pollutants present in well water.

Integrating Heavy Metal Adsorption on Organic Waste Materials into Defense and Security Studies: A Sustainable Approach

This study aims to examine the plausible fusion of heavy metal adsorption through lignin derived from organic waste materials into the realm of defense and safety studies. This study underscores the imperative nature of addressing heavy metal pollution within defense operations and environmental conservation. It proposes utilizing lignin, derived from organic waste materials, as a pivotal solution to combat heavy metal contamination. By synthesizing insights from existing literature, this research delves into lignin's potential as a highly effective adsorbent tailored for the defense sector. The study illuminates lignin's versatility in interacting with heavymetals through multifaceted adsorption mechanisms, offering a sustainable strategy to mitigate environmental harm while fortifying national resilience. Derived from diverse biomass sources, including peanut shells, cocoa pod shells, coconut shells, rice husks, and empty oil palm fruit bunches, lignin exhibits promising adsorption capacitiesattributed to its ample surface area and diverse functional groups. Emphasizing a holistic perspective, this research advocates for an integrated approach that harnesses lignin's robust adsorption capabilities to meet the specific demands of defense and security, envisioning a future that is both secure and sustainable. This is attributed to the inherent properties of lignin, such as its abundant surface area and diverse functional groups. The lignin derived from these biomasses offers a versatile and effective solution, showcasing high adsorption potential due to its ability to accommodate various heavy metal ions and contribute to sustainable environmental remediation practices. By synergizing lignin's robust adsorption attributes with therequisites of defense and security, this research advocates for a comprehensive approach, fostering a vision of a secure and sustainable future.

Exploration of study objects on the potential of wild mushrooms growing on oil palm empty bunches for learning in the subject of IPAS project at vocational school

The IPAS Project has a study object in the form of concrete objects and social phenomena found in nature, and it is developed based on empirical experience. This study aimed to find out various alternative study objects regarding the potential of wild mushrooms growing on oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFBs) piled at oil palm plantations. The research was descriptive exploratory research. Data were collected through field study, documentation, and literature study. The collected data were analyzed by using thematic analysis from Philip Marrying. The result of the field study found 12 types of wild mushrooms growing on the decayed OPEFBs. Those mushrooms were then identified based on their morphological characteristics. In this study, we found three alternative study objects towards mushrooms growing on OPEFB, which can be developed in the IPAS Project learning: (1) mushroom cultivation using OPEFB waste which includes 4 aspects (living things and their environment, substance, and their changes, earth and space, economic behavior and welfare), (2) morphological characterization for classification of mushroom including 3 aspects (living things and their environment, substance and their changes, social interaction and social dynamics), and (3) detection of chemical compounds present in mushroom, covering 3 aspects (living things and their environment, substance and their changes, economic behavior and welfare).

Isolation, Identification and Screening of Humic Acid Producing Fungi from Soil Environment of Oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) Associated with Empty Fruit Bunches

The demand for sustainable and sustainable biotechnological processes has developed as a result of a growing interest in converting agricultural waste into valuable products. In this study, fungal strainswere isolated from soil environment ofoil palm empty fruit bunchesandscreened for humic acid production. In Osun state, Nigeria, soil sample was taken from a local palm oil mill. Different colonies of fungi were obtained for further research using the serial dilution plating procedure. Plate screening was used to evaluate the fungal biomass as well as colony diameter of the fungal isolates, and a submerged fermentation test was used to measure the amount of humic acid concentration the isolates produced. Fungal isolates were identified by using molecular methods and morphological analysis. The fungi species Aspergillusniger, Rhizopusstolonifer, and Penicilliumchrysogenum were isolated from the soil environment. When compared to Rhizopusstolonifer, Aspergillusniger grew more superiorly in terms of zone diameter (26.5 1.50 mm) and biomass (2.23 0.16 g), while Penicilliumchrysogenum showed no growth. Throughout the fermentation process, Aspergillusnigeralso produced a greater quantity of humic acid, with concentrations varying from 0.70 mg/l to 2.20 mg/l. Aspergillusniger strain HR18's existence was confirmed by molecular analysis. This experiment proved that Aspergillusniger can efficiently produce humic acid from OPEFB, providing a useful method for waste utilization and sustainable practices.