Feed Material Research Articles

Iron Oxide Direct Reduction and Iron Nitride Formation Using Ammonia: Review and Thermodynamic Analysis

The steel industry is one of the main contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 7 to 9% of the world’s total output. The steel sector is under pressure to move toward net-zero emissions by reducing its consumption of coke as the main method of reducing iron-rich feed materials to iron. Due to its well-developed synthesis process, high supply chain, straightforward handling technologies, and highly developed long-standing infrastructure, ammonia has the potential to become a replacement for coke as a future iron ore reductant. This work reviews previous research on ammonia direct reduction of iron oxides and the possible formation of iron nitrides. A thermodynamic assessment using FactSage 8.2 thermochemical software was carried out examining the behavior of ammonia gas as the reductant upon heating, detailed evaluations of the stable phases present under different reaction conditions and using different feed materials, and the formation and stability of iron nitride phases. The results suggest that the reduction of hematite with ammonia occurs in two steps below 570 °C and three steps above 570 °C. The ratio of Fe2O3/NH3 was predicted to affect the reduction reactions by promoting a greater reduction degree and simultaneously lowering the initial temperature needed for reduction, while the excess gas concentration can suppress FeO formation. A predominance area diagram was developed showing the main areas of stable phases as a function of the partial pressure of NH3 and temperature. The formation of iron nitrides during the process was predicted and these were not expected to cause issues for the formation of iron due to their instability under the conditions studied. This analysis can be used to inform further experimental studies regarding ammonia reduction of iron oxide.Graphical

Ecological grief in the Fernald Community Cohort: A pilot study

Ecological grief is a psychological response to environmental loss. Ecological grief is especially pronounced in people with close relationships with the environment. The Fernald Community Cohort (FCC) included people who lived near a uranium processing site, also known as the Feed Material Production Center (FMPC), in Fernald, Ohio. The FMPC leaked contaminants such as uranium into the environment, consequently threatening the health, safety, and long-term emotional well-being of people who lived nearby. This study aimed to examine the degree of ecological grief reported by the FCC participants and to discern their degree of ecological grief by residential proximity (how close they lived) to the FMPC, estimated uranium exposure, and cancer diagnosis. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire to assess their degree of ecological grief. Other variables were collected from the existing FCC database. Ecological grief was prevalent among 55.3% of respondents. A direct relationship between ecological grief, residential proximity, and cancer diagnosis was found, with an indirect relationship between ecological grief and uranium exposure. The strongest predictor of ecological grief was a cancer diagnosis. The findings warrant future studies to mitigate the psychological impact of environmental loss on FCC participants.

Research on concentration dosing control based on the ISSA-LSTM model and dynamic concentration detection

ABSTRACT During the thickening process, the dosage of flocculant has a great influence on the overflow concentration and filter cake moisture. The dosage of flocculant cannot be automatically updated according to the feeding situation, especially when the properties of the concentrated feeding material change, and the overflow concentration detection feedback cannot be adjusted in time. To address these problems, a dynamic concentration detection device was designed. In addition, a dosage of flocculant correction model based on dynamic concentration detection was constructed, and a feed-forwards flocculant additioncontrol model based on the ISSA-LSTM neural network was proposed. The results showed that the relationship between the linear slope of the dynamic concentration and the dosage of flocculant was in line with that obtained using the ExpAssoc model. Then, a double-layer LSTMslime water feedforward flocculant addition control model was proposed based on the multistrategy jointly improved Sparrow SearchAlgorithm (SSA). This model can determine the optimal dosage according to the condition of the infeeding during the thickening process. This new method can improve the intelligence of coal preparation plants and reduce the cost of washing. The scientific application of these research results will help to realize intelligent solid – liquid separation.

CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF THE SOY MARKET IN UKRAINE

The growth of the population in the world provides increased demand for soy and its processing products. Because in low-income countries, soy and its processing products are used as a cheap vegetable protein for human nutrition, and in developed countries - as a valuable protein raw material in animal feed. The article calculates the cost of 1 kg of raw protein in protein feeds of plant and animal origin. The cost of vegetable feed per 1 kg of protein is 1.5-3.5 times lower than the cost of animal feed. The dynamics of global soybean production are shown, which indicates that in 2023/24 it was about 395 million tons. The main soybeanproducing countries are Brazil, the USA, and Argentina, whose share in the total world production is more than 80%. The dynamics of soybean production and processing in Ukraine is presented. The largest soybean processors in Ukraine are such companies as Bunge, AdamPolSoya, Cargill, Kreativ OEP, Kyiv-Atlantic, Royal Taste, Vinnytsia OEP and others. The soybean market in Ukraine demonstrates significant success both in cultivation and in export and processing. Despite the difficult conditions caused by military actions and economic challenges, Ukrainian farmers were able to reach historical highs in the production and export of soybeans, ensuring high product quality and competitive prices on the world market. Soy is an export-oriented crop, about ? of which is delivered abroad in the form of raw materials or processed products. The largest importers of Ukrainian soybeans are the European Union, Egypt and Turkey. In connection with the innovations in the supply of soybeans to the EU, soybean producers must not only grow (use of high-quality, certified seed material, mineral fertilizers, general production and administrative costs), but also have a certificate of traceability and confirmation of the absence of deforestation throughout the production chain. Since the violation of EUDR provisions can lead to serious consequences and sanctions, namely fines of up to 4% of the total annual turnover of the enterprise for the previous financial year, confiscation of products, temporary exclusion from procurement procedures and access to public funding, including tender procedures and subsidies

Perceived Constraints and Strategic Recommendations by Commercial Dairy Farmers in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

The present study was undertaken to find out the constraints faced by the commercial dairy farmers in adoption of advance dairy production practices. The Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh was specifically chosen for the study because it is regarded as a centre for commercial dairy farmers and has a well-established infrastructure for the development of the dairy industry. The sample consisted of 203 responders in total. The research findings revealed that the main constraints mentioned by commercial dairy farmers were the unavailability of green fodder year-round, low conception rates through artificial insemination, high cost of veterinary treatment, and low milk prices relative to production costs. Farmers suggest solutions such as increasing milk prices in proportion to feed and service costs, standardize labour costs, reducing feed material costs, and improving access to veterinary services and innovative technologies. Providing suitable solutions can improve dairy farming practices, enhance productivity, and support the economic well-being of dairy farmers

A Review on Chicken Feather Flour Potential for Fish Feed

The escalating demand for chicken meat over the years has led to a corresponding increase in waste generation, particularly chicken feathers. While efforts such as making dusters and cocks have been undertaken to address this issue, they have yielded limited success in effectively managing chicken feather waste. Given the significant levels of nutrients, including protein and amino acids, present in this waste, it holds immense potential as a raw material for fish feed. However, the utilization of chicken feather waste remains relatively uncommon due to the challenging digestibility of its large crude protein structure, primarily composed of keratin protein. Thus, preprocessing is essential to degrade the keratin within chicken feathers, rendering it digestible for fish. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential utilization of chicken feather meal in aquaculture, particularly in fish feed formulations, by exploring its nutritional value and various processing methods to enhance the quality of this raw material.

Biomethane recovery and prokaryotic shifts in anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and paper waste in organic fraction of municipal solid waste: Effect of paper content

Biomethane recovery from paper waste (PW) was achieved by mesophilic co-digestion with food waste. The feeding material containing 0%, 20%, 40% and 50% of PW in total solids (TS) were investigated in the long-term continuous operation. The results showed that the biogas production, pH, alkalinity and biodegradation of volatile solids (79.8 ± 3.6%) were stable for PW contents no more than 50%. The PW = 50% condition was considered the critical limit for the reasons of pump clogging, sufficient alkalinity (2.0 ± 0.3 g-CaCO3/L) and depletion of ammonia. Prokaryotic diversity indices decreased with the increased PW contents. Great shifts were observed in the prokaryotic communities before and after the PW contents reaches 50% as TS (18.4% as total weights). Biomethane recovery yields were deceasing from 445 to 350 NL-CH4/kg-fed-volatile-solids. The PW contents as 40% as TS (13.1% as total weights) obtained the optimal performance among all the feeding conditions.

Modeling the liquid-liquid chromatography separation ofcannabinoids from hemp extracts.

The separation of cannabinoids from hemp materials is nowadays one of the most promising industrial applications of liquid-liquid chromatography (LLC). Despite various experimental research efforts to purify cannabinoids, there are currently few works on process modeling. Thus, this study aimed to explore a straightforward approach to model the LLC separation of cannabinoids from two hemp extracts with different compositions. The feed materials were simplified to mixtures of preselected key components (i.e., cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabigerol, and cannabinol). The elution profiles of cannabinoids were simulated using the equilibrium-cell model with an empirical nonlinear correlation. The model parameters were derived from the elution profiles of single-solute pulse injections. For the validation of the proposed approach, LLC separations with the two hemp extracts were performed in descending mode with the solvent system composed of hexane/methanol/water 10/8/2 (v/v/v). The injected sample concentrations were gradually increased from 5 to 100mg/mL. The results showed that the approach could describe reasonably well the elution behavior of the cannabinoids, with deviations of only 1-2min between simulated and experimental elution times. However, to improve the prediction accuracy, the model parameters can be refitted to the elution profiles of 3-4 systematically selected pulse injections with specific hemp extracts.

Bio-upcycling of cheese whey: Transforming waste into raw materials for biofuels and animal feed

Cheese whey (CW), by-product of cheese production, has potential as a valuable resource due to its nutritional composition. Although options for CW degradation have been explored, a biological treatment with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has not been reported. This study evaluated the growth and composition of BSFL in four experimental diets with CW under different conditions. Results show that the use of CW allows larval development and weight gain, also, the conversion into larval biomass was up to 0.215. Diets ED3 (fresh CW, 38 °C) and ED4 (fresh CW, room temperature) allowed higher weight accumulation (final weight up to 0.285 g); the highest fat accumulation (12 % higher than control) was observed in ED3 (up to 45.57 %), which had less protein. Moreover, higher amounts of saturated fatty acids are generated. This study highlights the importance of an appropriate pretreatment designed for a specific waste to control desired by-products.

Impact of HPGR operational pressing force and material moisture on energy consumption and crushing product fineness in high-pressure grinding processes

The paper concerns investigations on potential energy savings and breakage effectiveness, resulting from the application of HPGR device into ore mineral processing circuit. A series of laboratory experiments in HPGR for sulphide copper ore was carried out at four values of pressing force in the press and four levels of moisture of the feed material (according to factorial design 42). Fineness analyses on HPGR products were carried out along with a determination of Bond work indices, specific energy consumption, and throughput for each crushing product. Specific mathematical models for Bond work index, energy consumption, productivity, and breakage intensity measured through the yield of finest particle size fraction and specific comminution ratios in relationship to operational pressing force in HPGR and the feed moisture, were calculated. All models appeared to be highly accurate from the statistical point of view and relationships of both pressing force and the moisture appeared significant. The pressing force has generally demonstrated the highest impact on the investigated effects among all analyzed variables, but it depends on the specific model type.

Electrolytic reduction in LiCl-Li2O of titania microspheres synthesized via vibrational droplet coagulation: Effect of feed morphology

In this work, an electrolytic reduction route of TiO2 microspheres with a well-defined morphology is reported. The TiO2 microspheres are synthesized via a vibrational droplet coagulation method and are electrochemically reduced in LiCl-Li2O molten salt. The reduction process of the spheres of different size and morphology is investigated. The electrolytic reduction kinetics, the product chemistry and morphological parameters such as outer diameter, total surface area and pore size are investigated and benchmarked to a conventional TiO2 powder feed. Moreover, the reduced TiO2 spheres were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and BET method. A core–shell structure was observed in the spheres as an intermediate form during electrolysis when charges below 100 % of the theoretical charge were applied. Raman spectroscopy was performed to identify the composition of the core and the shell to further elucidate the reduction pathway of these TiO2 spheres throughout the electrolysis process. After full electrolytic conversion of the feed material, LiTiO2 microspheres were obtained. The presented reduction route provides a novel pathway to synthesize high purity LiTiO2 for practical applications.

Environmentally Friendly Processing of Forestry Biomass Side Streams – Coniferous Needles and Greenery

Replacement of fossil materials with renewable biomass is essential to address climate change challenges and implement bioeconomy as essential element of sustainable development model. A significant source of biomass is forestry, however besides timber significant amounts of forestry biomass side streams are formed and from circular bioeconomy perspective full utilisation of valuable resources is requested. One of side products of coniferous tree processing are needles and greenery and as these trees are dominant in Northern regions full use of their biomass can provide significant input to replace fossil resource-based substances and materials. Coniferous tree needles and greenery are a rich source of biologically active substances with wide application potential as resource for biopharma industries, for food and feed supplements and materials for diverse application. Traditionally for extraction of biologically active substances from coniferous needles and greenery toxic and hazardous solvents, such as organochlorine and hydrocarbon solvents has been used. The aim of the present study is to develop possibilities to use green chemistry approaches for coniferous needle and greenery extraction and following biorefinery to obtain biologically active components. For extraction of coniferous needle and greenery green solvents has been tested as well as so called intensive extraction methos has been used. The yield of extracts depends on extraction temperature, duration, solvent and other factors and optimal extraction conditions provide possibilities to obtain yield of extracts higher that use of traditionally used solvents. As a powerful tool to increase yields of extracts so called intensive extraction methods, such as treatment with ultrasound, microwaves, accelerated solvent extraction has been studied. The obtained extracts were characterised using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, liquid chromatography and other methods. Possibilities of biorefinery of obtained extracts to isolate groups of substances or individual substances has been discussed.

Detection of Microplastic Contamination in Commercial Insect Meals

Background: Escalating global plastic production, expected to reach 34,000 million tons by 2050, poses a significant threat to human and environmental well-being, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP), which originate from the degradation of plastics, are of concern due to their potential bioaccumulation and uptake of pollutants. This study addresses identification methods and focuses on insect meal, a raw material for aquaculture feed. Methods: By using different techniques, the study was able to detect MP and NP in insect meal samples. Chemical digestion with KOH at 60 °C efficiently removed organic matter without affecting the synthetic polymer polyethylene (PE). Filtration, confocal Raman microscopy, SEM, and TEM were used for comprehensive analysis, and integrity tests on PE films were performed using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed the presence of PE microplastic particles in the insect meal, which was confirmed by correlative Raman and SEM mapping on a positively charged surface. In addition, the increased resolution of the Raman microscope identified submicrometric PE NP (800 nm). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed plastic-like structures in the insect meal, highlighting the presence of PE plastics characterized by irregular shapes and some agglomeration. The higher carbon concentration in the EDX analysis supported the plastic nature, which was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Conclusions: The study provides a robust method for the detection of MP and NP in insect meal and provides valuable insight into the possible presence of plastics in insect-based aquafeeds. The combination of different analytical methods increases the reliability of the results and sets the stage for future investigations that could focus on the quantification of NP and the assessment of their potential environmental impact.

Application of Cystoseira myrica phycosynthesized selenium nanoparticles incorporated with nano-chitosan to control aflatoxigenic fungi in fish feed.

The recurrent contaminations of feed materials with mycotoxigenic fungi can endanger both farmed animals and humans. Biosynthesized nanomaterials are assumingly the ideal agents to overcome fungal invasion in feed/foodstuffs, especially when utilizing sustainable sources for synthesis. Herein, the phycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was targeted using Cystoseira myrica algal extract (CE), and the conjugation of CE/SeNPs with chitosan nanoparticles (NCt) to produce potential antifungal nanocomposites for controlling Aspergillus flavus isolates in fish feed. The phycosynthesis of SeNPs with CE was effectually carried out and validated using visible/UV analysis, X-ray diffraction and transmission microscopy; CE/SeNPs had diameters of 8.7 nm and spherical shapes. NCt/CE/SeNPs nanocomposite (173.3 nm mean diameter) was achieved and the component interactions were validated via infrared spectroscopic analysis. The antifungal assessment of screened nanomaterials against three Aspergillus flavus strains indicated that NCt/CE/SeNPs exceeded the fluconazole action using qualitative/quantitative assays. Severe alteration/distortions in A. flavus mycelial structure and morphology were microscopically observed within 48 h of NCt/CE/SeNPs treatment. The treatment of feed ingredients (crushed corn and feed powder) by blending with nanomaterials (NCt, CE/SeNPs and NCt/CE/SeNPs) led to significant reduction in A. flavus count/growth after storage for 7 days; NCt/CE/SeNPs could completely inhibit any fungal growth in feed material. The pioneering phycosynthesis of CE/SeNPs and their nanoconjugation with NCt generated bioactive antifungal agents to control A. flavus strains. The innovatively constructed NCt/CE/SeNPs nanocomposite is advised for application as an effectual, biosafe and natural fungicidal conjugate for the protection of fish feed from mycotoxigenic fungi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Safety and Efficacy of Hemp-Derived Products in Animal Feeds – A Narrative Review

The current interest in hemp is not limited to the medicinal use for humans, it is also gaining attention as a valuable feed ingredient for animals. For instance, the processing of whole hemp seed (HS) for the extraction of the oil can result in various feed materials for animals, including HS hulls (HH), dehulled HS, HS oil (HO), and HS cake/meal (HC/HM). However, currently, HS-derived products are not approved as feed ingredients in Canada, in part, because the safety and efficacy of these derivatives, like other jurisdictions, require certification by regulatory bodies for their use in animal feeds. In this context, this document reviews previous studies testing the application of hemp-derived products in various animal feeds including poultry, swine, ruminants, as well as in aquaculture production to support their safety and efficacy. Furthermore, the document attempts to review available data on the transfer of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the psychoactive component) into animal products. Hence, the aim of this work is to support future policy directions and guidelines for the application of various hemp-derived products in animal feeds.

Phytochemical contents and bioactivity of four endemic Salvia seeds from Turkey: a comparative study to chia seed

AbstractRecently, the importance of medicinal plants such as Salvia species has been increasing both in medicine and in industrial branches, which includes food, feed, and cosmetic raw materials. On the other hand, chia seed is a functional food that has recently increased industrial importance due to its superior nutritional value, phytochemical components, and therapeutic effects. In our study, the antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from the seeds of endemic Salvia cadmica Boiss var. cadmica, and Salvia caespitosa Montbret & Aucher ex Benth., Salvia pisidica Boiss. & Heldr. ex Benth., and Salvia potentillifolia Boiss. & Heldr. ex Benth. collected from Burdur-Antalya/Turkey were determined via 1,1-diphenyl,2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, cupric (II) reducing antioxidant capacity, b-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and total phenolic, and total flavonoid content tests and compared with that of chia seed. Antimicrobial activity was determined according to minimum inhibitory concentration values, on S. aureus, E. coli, S. enterica, L. monocytogenes, C. albicans strains, but it was found negligible. Phenolic and fatty acid contents of the seed extracts were also determined by HPLC and GC–MS, respectively. S. pisidica and S. potentillifolia were found to be highly active. The major fatty acid composition of the chia seed was linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid while the others were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Despite fatty acid ratios of chia seed being more favorable; 1,1-diphenyl,2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, cupric (II) reducing antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity of S. pisidica seed extracts and total flavonoid content and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching of S. potentillifolia seed extracts was higher than that of chia seed. These findings suggest seed extracts of these Salvia species are richer in phytochemicals and they are more active as antioxidants when compared to chia seed.

Recovery and utilisation of waste heat for sponge iron process through combined preheating and power generation

This paper deals with an option accounted for total waste gas heat recovered through combined preheating as well as power generation of feed material, kiln air, as well as slinger coal when it reaches 250 °C from 994 °C. The heat recovery is obtained through GCC Profile is plotted using HINT software. The power produced is 2.757 MW with an optimal condition having a temperature of 280 °C saturated, 600 °C superheated, as well as superheated pressure of 350 bar. The heat required around the superheater, boiler and preheater is 5066.9 kW, 12,669.93 kW and 6873.6 kW. The air requirement for this option is 52.588 t/h after iteration. Also, the iterative waste gas flow rate is 22.31 kg/s. Three new heat exchangers are required to achieve possible heat recovery by designing HEN through Pinch Analysis. The water requirement around EC is 14.88 t/h and 7.8 t/h as in the case of actual and modified HEN. The calculated pressure drops of different ducts having lengths 25 m and pressure 0.034 atm, 80 and 105 m are obtained pressure as 0.034, 0.12 and 0.16 atm. 3 FD fans are required for maintenance of required pressures in the duct. The TAC is INR 8068.8/y; payback period is 2.62 y.

Trade-off between drag and catch performance when designing zooplankton trawls

The aquaculture sector is in pursuit of sustainable and cost-effective raw materials for feed, and the copepod Calanus finmarchicus is a marine zooplankton species of commercial interest because of its high abundance in northern areas. These copepods have the potential to meet the demand for vast quantities of marine raw materials. However, the lack of an energy- and catch-efficient trawl technology has limited the development of this fishery. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of two central trawl net design parameters mesh size and taper angle to identify which values that provide optimal trade-off balance between gear drag and catch efficiency. We conducted flume tank experiments using a series of plankton nets varying in mesh size (250–1000 μm), solidity ratio (0.54–0.76), and taper angle (5°– 30°) to acquire data on gear drag. The same nets were then used in fishing trials to obtain data on their catch performance. This study shows that zooplankton nets with a mesh size of approximately 500 μm and a low taper angle of about 5° provided the best trade-off between drag and catch performance.

Exposure Experiences of Area Residents Near a Chronic Environmental Contamination Site

Background: The study aims to analyze and interpret the exposure experiences of local residents living within 5 miles of the Fernald Feed Materials Production Center, a former uranium processing site. The goal is to enhance public health efforts addressing psychological stress resulting from environmental exposure. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July 1998 to February 2001 as part of the Fernald Living History Project. The study focuses on 4 key phenomenological events: air releases of uranium by-products, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency public notifications of water contamination, a citizens' class action lawsuit against the US Department of Energy and National Lead of Ohio, Inc, and extensive media coverage. Researchers used descriptive inductive coding to analyze data from these events, involving 34 participants. Results: The study identified 5 central themes in the residents' exposure experiences: disruptions to life, loss of trust, seeking answers, interpreting ambiguous threats, and adaptive responses. Participants recounted how these events affected their lives and triggered emotional responses. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals living near environmentally contaminated sites and offers guidance for future prevention and mitigation strategies.

Circularity Assessment in Aquaculture: The Case of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Systems

Aquaculture is a strategic sector that aims to meet the increased demands for healthy food for current and future populations. However, this progression needs to be sustainable, which can potentially be achieved by the implementation of circular practices. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems promote the incorporation of circular principles. Nevertheless, the lack of harmonized definitions and standards impedes the quantification of these circular attributes. This study aims to explore the potential principles embedded in IMTA and the existing alternatives to quantify circularity. Two basic pillars (nutrient management and resource use efficiency) were identified as the most relevant circularity attributes for IMTA systems and were quantified through aquaculture-specific indicators. Bioremediation indicators, together with the efficiency indicators in terms of feed, water, energy, and infrastructure materials used, were selected to evaluate the circularity performance of four IMTA trials in three aquaculture facilities in Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa. Salmon, white shrimp, tilapia, abalone, and sea urchins were studied and cultivated together in various combinations with several low-trophic species in these IMTA trials to evaluate the improvement in circularity compared with corresponding monoculture conditions. The results showed an increase in circularity of up to 90% in terms of water recirculation, as well as bioremediation, which was improved by 80%–90%, providing evidence for the potential role of IMTA in the circularity transition.