Esparto Research Articles

Salt production by ignition during the prehistory in the Iberian Peninsula with special focus on the archaeological site of Espartinas (Ciempozuelos, Spain)

One of the prehistoric techniques of salt production consisted of using ceramic vessels, known as briquetage, for the artificial evaporation of salt water. This paper summarizes all the archaeological sites throughout the Iberinan Peninsula where briquetage has been described to date, with special focus on the well-studied archaeological site of Espartinas saltworks. At Espartinas we found the use of two different kinds of ceramics, which points to a two-step process also involving halfah or esparto grass, which may well have been used for transport or/and as an insulating layer between the vessels walls and the mass of salt to facilitate the extraction of whole salt cakes. Palaeoenvironmental conditions at Espartinas have also been described based on local and regional pollen records and compared with the dry conditions associated to the so-called “4.2 cal kyr BP abrupt climatic event”. Despite the reduced amount of radiocarbon dating, the briquetage appears have been present in the studied region from the Late Neolithic to at least the Bronze Age. However, we cannot discard the fact that it might have reached the early Roman period, when salt evaporation ponds replaced this laborious technique. Moreover, briquetage distribution has been compared with evaporite outcrops throughout the Iberian Peninsula and it has been observed a characteristic pattern with a preference for peripheral, near to coast regions, with the exception of from Aranjuez-Getafe lower-Miocene lacustrine evaporites in central Iberia. Briquetage spread also shows a marked correlation with sites characterized by the presence of Atlantic halberds the first true metal weapon ever made in Western Europe and part of the warrior panoply of Late Copper Age/Early Bronze Age elites. At least during this period, these findings suggest that briquetage was used to obtain solid salt cakes easily transportable to medium and large distances by Atlantic and intra-Iberian trade exchange networks, which confirms previous studies that associate Bell Beaker phenomenon with salt circulation.

Transpiration Dynamics of Esparto Grass (Macrochloa tenacissima (L.) Kunth) in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Climate: Unraveling the Impacts of Pine Competition.

Macrochloa tenacissima (M. tenacissima), or esparto, is a perennial tussock grass that coexists with Pinus halepensis (P. halepensis) in semi-arid Mediterranean woodlands. This research was carried out to explore diurnal transpiration at leaf level in esparto grass under different levels of pine-esparto competition and in contrasting environmental soil water conditions. The measurement period spanned from the summer of 2020 to the spring of 2021. The relationship between transpiration and competition was conducted in open and closed P. halepensis stands, and the type of leaf (green, senescent) and the maturity of the esparto grass were taken into account. We observed a higher control of transpiration in green leaves, and the correlations between the transpiration and pine competition were noted exclusively in this type of leaf. Our results demonstrated a significant impact of pine competitors (closed stands) on the transpiration of esparto grass, particularly during seasons characterized by scenarios of high water demand: the summer drought period and the commencement of the growing and flowering period (spring). Furthermore, our findings revealed a greater response to transpiration in mature bushes compared to young ones under severe water stress, indicating a higher adaptation to drought by esparto as it ages. Although our results confirmed that PAR increased transpiration in all seasons and in both stands, which is attributable to the heliophilia of esparto grass, the site effects on transpiration could also be attributable to competition for water, especially during periods of drought. These results may have important implications for the dynamics and management of these semi-arid mixed woodlands, as well as the planning of reforestation programs aimed at restoring esparto grass formations.

Effect of cationic surfactants on the modification of esparto grass for removal of diclofenac from aqueous solutions

Effect of cationic surfactants on the modification of esparto grass for removal of diclofenac from aqueous solutions

Exploring the impact of water on the morphology and crystallinity of xylan hydrate nanotiles

There has been a resurgence of studies on xylan particles describing various properties and exploring new applications. The aim of this study was to analyze xylan hydrate crystals in the wet state and after air-drying using state-of-art imaging techniques in order to assess the impact of water on both crystallinity and particle morphology. Xylan from esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) was crystallized and formed convex platelets, termed ‘nanotiles’. Fully hydrated xylan crystals were examined in a layer of vitreous ice by cryogenic electron microscopy. Selected area electron diffraction of the xylan hydrate crystals revealed an oriented crystalline core, unlike the dried crystals that showed no orientation. The surface topographies and thickness of wet and air-dried xylan nanotiles were observed using atomic force microscopy imaging in both liquid and in air. X-ray diffraction was used to assess the crystallinity of xylan nanotiles after drying to varying levels. Air-dried crystals gave diffraction maxima corresponding to xylan hydrate, while wet crystals gave diffraction maxima corresponding to xylan dihydrate. This study offers new insight into xylan hydrate particles, focusing on the role of water on their crystallinity, ultrastructure, and orientation of the crystalline layers.

Making progress towards promising energetic cellulosic microcrystals developed from alternative lignocellulosic biomasses

ABSTRACT This study reported the valorization of various alternative lignocellulosic feedstocks including giant reed (GR), palm fronds (PF) and esparto grass (EG) for the development of promising nitrated structurally modified cellulosic biopolymers (NNCs). The extracted nanostructured cellulose precursors and their nitrated derivatives were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, chemical structure, crystallinity and thermal stability. Experimental findings confirmed the successful formation of the desired energetic NNCs polymers with increased densities (1.698–1.711 g/cm3) and high nitrogen contents (13.10–13.26%) followed the order NNC-EG>NNC-PF>NNC-GR, which are greater than those of the commonly used nitrocellulose (1.650–1.670 g/cm3 and 12.50–12.70%). Furthermore, isoconversional integral models (TAS, it-KAS and VYA/CE) were exploited based on non-isothermal DSC data to investigate their thermal decomposition kinetics. The predicted kinetic parameters displayed that the synthesized energy-rich NNCs presented close values of Arrhenius parameters within the range of 156 ≤ Eα (kJ/mol) ≤163 and 14.7 ≤ Log(A(s−1) ≤ 15.6, and decomposed following diverse reaction mechanisms. Consequently, the explored lignocellulosic biomasses could be considered as valuable alternative non-woody resources for the production of advanced high-energy dense cellulosic biopolymers for potential application in the next generation of solid propellant formulations and composite explosives.

Valorization of Esparto Grass Cellulosic Derivatives for the Development of Promising Energetic Azidodeoxy Biopolymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Isoconversional Thermal Kinetic Analysis

AbstractIn the frame of developing new high‐energy materials from bioresources, emergent cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose functionalized with explosophoric azides were successfully synthesized from a prominent alternative esparto grass fibres. The designed insensitive nitrogen‐rich cellulosic biopolymers, namely, azidodeoxy esparto grass cellulose (AEGC) and azidodeoxy esparto grass microcrystalline cellulose (AEGMCC), displayed outstanding features, such as nitrogen content (w/w) of 18.24–18.68 %, the density of 1.601–1.626 g/cm3, and thermal decomposition of 203–218 °C. Their kinetic triplet was also determined under non‐isothermal DSC conditions employing isonversional integral approaches. Interestingly, the apparent activation energy and the decimal logarithm of a pre‐exponential factor of the developed AEGC and AEGMCC were found to be better than those of the common nitrocellulose. In addition, the reaction model examination based on Trache‐Abdelaziz‐Siwani (TAS) approach revealed that the produced AEGC and AEGMCC were accurately presented by an autocatalytic Avrami‐Erofeev decomposition process. These results established that esparto grass fibres could be considered as a valuable alternative feedstock for the synthesis of outstanding energetic cellulose‐rich polymers for potential applications in solid propellant formulations.

Archaeometric analysis of a fragment of molded stucco cornice with rope from the House of the Mithraeum (Mérida, Spain)

AbstractDuring the excavations carried out since 2017 in the House of the Mithraeum (Casa del Mitreo) in Mérida a collection of paintings was recovered from Room 11, which had been abandoned in the late 3rd c. CE after a fire. The remains included fragments of molded stucco cornices, with braided esparto grass ropes on the reverse that were used to attach them to the ceiling. This article presents the descriptive and technical study of the finds and their compositional analysis using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Data resulting from these analyses allow us to understand the fragments’ composition and technical execution, and even the possible circulation of workshops and raw materials.

Stipa tenacissima L.: A New Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant and Anticancer Potentials

Background: Stipa tenacissima L. (S. tenacissima), called Esparto grass, is a cultivated species used for industrial purposes, including textile production. This species has never been studied for its medical potential before, nor has it been used in traditional medicines. It is thus fitting that the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological potential of S. tenacissima. To achieve this goal, this work was conducted to study the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antiproliferative effects of S. tenacissima against cancerous cell lines, including the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-231). Fractionation and characterization of S. tenacissima extract showed the presence of promising bioactive fractions. The fractions obtained from S. tenacissima extract exhibited interesting antioxidant properties, with IC50 values ranging from 1.26 to 1.85 mg/mL. All fractions, such as F1, F2, F3, and F4, induced an important antiproliferative effect on the cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, scoring IC50 values ranging from 63.58 ± 3.14 to 99.880 ± 0.061 µg/mL. These fractions (F1, F2, F3, and F4) also exhibited a potent antiproliferative effect versus HT-29 cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 71.50 ± 4.97 to 87.500 ± 1.799 µg/mL. Therefore, S. tenacissima could constitute a new natural source of bioactive compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to fight cancer and free radical damage.

Esparto crafting under empire: Local technology and imperial industry in Roman Iberia

Drawing on scholarship in postcolonial archaeology that emphasizes the place of indigenous technology in colonial and imperial contexts, this article explores the role of local communities in esparto grass weaving and basketry in the southeast Iberian Peninsula in antiquity. Esparto crafting became essential to Phoenician and Carthaginian colonial economies of the 1st millennium BCE and, later, to the production equipment for mining and other industries under Roman imperial rule. This paper uses ethnographic studies alongside archaeological evidence of esparto objects, particularly esparto mining equipment, to reconstruct the chaîne opératoire of ancient esparto crafting. It argues that local communities developed landscape learning and tactile technical knowledge surrounding esparto crafting over many generations. In supplying equipment essential to Roman mining, these communities used their technical knowledge to maintain agency and construct their identities under imperial rule. Ultimately, understanding esparto crafting helps elucidate the relationship between resources, technology, and imperial or colonial encounters.

Physicochemical Properties and Thermal Stability of Microcrystalline Cellulose Isolated from Esparto Grass Using Different Delignification Approaches

Esparto grass, known as alfa, is a renewable biomass widely distributed in southern and western Mediterranean basin. The present work focused on the isolation of pure cellulose from alfa stems, via different approaches, i.e., acidified sodium chlorite (NaClO2), totally chlorine free (TCF) or their combination, followed by the preparation of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) using acid hydrolysis method. The obtained samples were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The FTIR spectroscopy exhibited the removal of lignin and hemicellulose after the delignification and alkaline treatments. The XRD data showed that all of the MCCs have higher crystallinity indexes (Alfa-MCC 73–82%) and belong to cellulose I type. From SEM images, it is clear that the different MCC particles presented rough surface and micro-sized particles. The DSC/TGA analyses revealed that MCC samples present better thermal stability than their respective cellulose ones, with higher temperature of decomposition (more than 350 °C). Moreover, the use of a combined process yields to MCC with higher crystallinity and better thermal stability. Consequently, based on these findings, the delignification with combined method can be considered as a promising approach to extract MCC from alfa fibers with outstanding features.

Sound-Absorption Properties of Materials Made of Esparto Grass Fibers

Research on sound-absorbing materials made of natural fibers is an emerging area in sustainable materials. In this communication, the use of raw esparto grass as an environmentally friendly sound-absorbing material is explored. Measurements of the normal-incidence sound-absorption coefficient and airflow resistivity of three different types of esparto from different countries are presented. In addition, the best-fit coefficients for reasonable prediction of the sound-absorption performance by means of simple empirical formulae are reported. These formulae require only knowledge of the airflow resistivity of the fibrous material. The results presented in this paper are an addition to the characterization of available natural fibers to be used as alternatives to synthetic ones in the manufacturing of sound-absorbing materials.

An endophyte of Macrochloa tenacissima (esparto or needle grass) from Tunisia is a novel species in the Fusarium redolens species complex

ABSTRACT Here, we report on the morphological, molecular, and chemical characterization of a novel Fusarium species recovered from the roots and rhizosphere of Macrochloa tenacissima (halfa, esparto, or needle grass) in central Tunisia. Formally described here as F. spartum, this species is a member of the Fusarium redolens species complex but differs from the other two species within the complex, F. redolens and F. hostae, by its endophytic association with M. tenacissima and its genealogical exclusivity based on multilocus phylogenetic analyses. To assess their sexual reproductive mode, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was designed and used to screen the three strains of F. spartum, 51 of F. redolens, and 14 of F. hostae for mating type (MAT) idiomorph. Genetic architecture of the MAT locus in the former two species suggests that if they reproduce sexually, it is via obligate outcrossing. By comparison, results of the PCR assay indicated that 13/14 of the F. hostae strains possessed MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs and thus might be self-fertile or homothallic. However, when the F. hostae strains were selfed, 11 failed to produce perithecia and one only produced several small abortive perithecia. Cirrhi with ascospores, however, were only produced by 8/28 and 4/84 of the variable size perithecia, respectively, of F. hostae NRRL 29888 and 29890. The potential for the three F. redolens clade species to produce mycotoxins, pigments, and phytohormones was assessed by screening whole genome sequence data and by analyzing extracts on cracked maize kernel cultures via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

<em>New Grub Street</em>'s Ecologies of Paper

This essay argues that George Gissing’s novel New Grub Street (1891)—long noted for its powerful, if gloomy, representation of late-Victorian authorship and publishing—not only presupposes but also critically incorporates the era’s epochal transition from rag paper to paper made from harvested esparto grass and wood pulp. In Gissing’s treatment of industrialized publishing, the trade in printed writing takes on central features of the thriving paper industry carefully placed in the novel’s background, including its linking of overproduction via inexpensive inputs to the specter of wholesale devastation. Reading New Grub Street as a novel on paper draws our attention to the resource ecologies and even the natural histories of late-nineteenth-century authorship, media, and print capitalism.

Insights into the manufacture of laced watercraft through a pollen analysis of the fibrous materials from Roman-era laced boats of the upper Adriatic, Italy

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to understand the season and location of manufacturing of Roman-era north-western Adriatic laced vessels through an analysis of the pollen trapped inside the cordage and seam wadding used to hold these boats together. Samples were collected from three separate hull remains of this tradition of boatbuilding. Results suggest that, in most instances, the esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) cordage was manufactured in Spain and then shipped to Italy, while the seam wadding (bast fibres) was likely processed in close proximity to the shipyard. By expanding pollen analysis, especially of seam wadding material, it may be possible to distinguish various building locations within this region of Italy in antiquity.

Toxicity Removal of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent by Employing Chemicals

<em>Pulp and paper are manufactured from raw materials containing cellulose fibers, generally wood, recycled paper, and agricultural residues. In developing countries, about 60% of cellulose fibers originate from nonwood raw materials such as bagasse (sugar cane fibers), cereal straw, bamboo, reeds, esparto grass, jute, flax, and sisal. Large amount of toxic effluent is released during process of paper production. Pulp and paper mill spent wash (raw effluent) is highly acidic in nature with high BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, phenol, sulphate, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and metals viz. Mn Zn Cu Ni Fe and Na . Effluent was treated with chemicals FeCl3 and KMnO4. pH was found to increase from 7.8 to 8.4 on increasing concentration (1 gl-1 to 5 gl-1) of KMnO4. Similarly colour, COD and BOD were decreasing with increasing concentration of KMnO4. Maximum colour, COD and BOD reduction were recorded 21.25%, 93.79% and 81.48% respectively at 5g l-1 concentration of KMnO4. Decrease in pH was recorded from 3.3 to 2.0 on increasing concentration (1 gl-1 to 5 gl-1) of FeCl3 (Ferric chloride). Decrease in colour, COD and BOD were also observed with increasing concentration of FeCl3. Maximum colour, COD and BOD reduction were recorded 99.10%, 54.16% and 85.92% respectively at 5g l-1 conc. of FeCl3.</em>

Effect of Alkali Treatment on Alfa Fibers Behavior

The object of this study is to characterize of Algerian Alfa (Esparto grass or Stipa tenacissima L), and also to examine the effect of chemical treatment on different properties of this fiber. The surface of the Alfa vegetable fibers was modified by alkali treatment in 5% (NaOH) aqueous solution for 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. The chemical, physical, and morphological properties of the Alfa fibers were investigated. The results show that the Alfa fibers are composed of 39% cellulose, 33% hemicelluloses, 20% lignin, and certain minerals (e.g., SiO2, K2O, and CaO). The alkali treatment of the fibers contributes to a decrease in the rate of moisture absorption and to an increase the crystallinity and stiffness. The processing time for adequate alkali treatment is observed at 6 h.

Allergen of the Month—Mucor

Allergen of the Month—Mucor

Storage in traditional farming communities of the western Mediterranean: Ethnographic, historical and archaeological data

This paper presents ethnographic, historic and archaeological data from the western Mediterranean in order to explore the variability of storage methods and the various strategies that may have existed in the past in this region. The paper includes ethnographic information on traditional storage methods collected in farming communities in northern Morocco (Rif area). We record the use of plant fibres such as canes (Arundo donax), dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) and dis (Ampelodesmos mauritanica) to make containers. Recipients made of cow dung and unfired clay, as well as underground silos, have been also used in this region to store food. In addition, we explore historical and ethnohistorical data on the use of large storage structures, including the study of communal granaries, a particular type of granary located at inaccessible places, such as cliff faces or mountain tops, or within fortified buildings, from which harvests can be easily protected and defended. We also examine the archaeological evidence of storage strategies in the Iberian Peninsula during prehistoric times. The paper informs of the large variety of systems and materials used, the functioning of storage structures, and more generally, provides a framework for reflecting on the enormous diversity of solutions that could have existed in the past and that may have left little or none archeological traces.

Study of the performance of Esparto grass fibers as adsorbent of dyes from aqueous solutions

In this work, the sorption behavior of two basic dyes, Toluidine blue and Crystal violet (CV), on Esparto grass fibers Stipa tenacissima L., an abundant semi-arid region biomass was investigated. The surface properties of this new adsorbent were analyzed using various techniques such as FT-IR, BET, Differential scanning calorimetric, Boehm titration, and pHPZC determination. Batch experiments were carried out to analyze the sorption kinetics and isotherms. The effect of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, ionic strength, pH, and temperature onto dye removal was studied. Under optimum conditions (25°C, pH 7.0, contact time of 150 min, and 2 g L−1 adsorbent dose), the monolayer sorption capacities were about 40.00 mg g−1 for TB and 43.47 mg g−1 for CV. Equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm equations, and these data were found to be well represented by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption kinetics is represented by second-order kinetic model. Evaluated ΔG and ΔH specify the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption. The adsorption takes place with an increase in entropy (ΔS is positive). FT-IR spectrum was also taken to investigate the functional groups involved in the biosorption of cationic dyes. The obtained results indicated that Stipa tenacissima L. could be used to treat dye containing effluents.

Extraction and Characterization of Algerian Alfa Grass Short Fibers (Stipa Tenacissima)

Alfa fibers are cellulose-based fibers extracted from esparto grass leaves using alkaline procedure to remove noncellulosic substances such as pectin, lignin, and hemicelluloses. Morphological characterizations (length, width) of esparto fibers are analyzed. The cellulose fiber extracted was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, thermal analysis TG and DSC, optical and scanning electron micrographs (SEM). In this study, we attempted to characterize the esparto fiber obtained from a chemical extraction using sodium hydroxide then sodium hypochlorite as a bleaching agent. The characterization was based on the measurement of the morphological structure.