Gin Trash Research Articles

Comparative treatment of textile dye wastewater with chemical coagulants and bacterial exopolysaccharides

Traces of chemical coagulants, such as alum, commonly used in wastewater treatment, remain in the water effluent and also result in secondary sludge that is difficult to treat. On the other hand, Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) are safer and can be used as alternative bio flocculants. A study was hence done to compare the effectiveness of the treatment of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) textile wastewater with chemical coagulants and bacterial EPS. The jar test method was used to treat the wastewater with Alum and Polyferrous Sulphate (PFS) at varied pH (2–10) and respective dose concentrations. EPS was produced by bacteria isolated from cotton gin trash soil collected from Kitui ginnery in Kenya. EPS treatment was done at 30 °C for 72 h. EPS-producing bacteria isolates were identified by molecular analysis. The chemically and EPS-treated wastewater was analyzed for color, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Respective color and TDS removal capacity by PFS and alum were (86.1% and 42.18%) and (85.1% and 69%) at their optimal conditions of (pH 7 and 100 mg/L) and (pH 7 and 140 mg/L). Similarly, PFS and alum reduced COD by 27.25% and 26.65%. Respective dye removal by YEAK2 −5 and YEPD K2 −2 EPS was 69.1% and 85.7%. However, YEPD K2 −2 and YEAK2 −5 EPS caused a respective rise of TDS by 40.14% and 67.17%. The respective reduction of COD by YEPD K2 −2 and YEAK2 −5 EPS was 56.25% and 54.24%. The chemically and EPS-treated wastewater met the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) limits. The YEPD K2 −2 and YEAK2 −5 isolates were both identified as Bacillus sp. GC–MS and FTIR analysis results indicated that the two EPS were heteropolysaccharides composed of different sugar derivatives and hydroxyl as the main functional group. The results for treatment of the dye wastewater by Alum, PFS, and EPS were therefore comparable. The bacterial EPS bio flocculants can therefore serve as effective and cleaner substitutes to the alum and PFS chemical coagulants.

Repurposing Cotton Gin Trash for Cellulose Nanofibril-Silver Hybrid and Ultralight Silver-Infused Aerogel.

Cellulose nanofibril-silver (CNF-Ag) hybrid and ultralight silver-infused aerogel were produced using cotton gin trash (CGT), an abundant agro-waste material. This repurposing of CGT was achieved by exploiting its potential for CNF extraction and the in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). CNFs were extracted from CGT through a mechanical shearing process. These CNFs served as a multifunctional nanotemplate for the controlled reduction of Ag ions, efficient nucleation, and stabilization of NPs, resulting in the production of a high concentration of Ag NPs (ca. 19 wt %) within the CNFs. Transmission electron microscopy images of cross-sectioned CNFs confirmed the uniform dispersion of NPs (ca. 18 nm diameter) inside the CNFs. Rietveld refinement analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that CNFs produced smaller Ag crystallites compared to CGT microparticles. The CNF-Ag hybrid was then fabricated into an aerogel using freeze-drying, with its weight being light enough to rest on a cotton flower's stamen. The infusion of Ag NPs led to approximately 20% reductions in the specific surface area and pore volume of the aerogel.

Development of bio-composite mulch film from cotton gin wastes: Study of pesticide residue and outdoor stability and degradation

Non-degradable plastic mulch films used in agriculture are polluting the environment by leaving residues and microplastics in the soil. They are also difficult to recycle due to contamination during their use. Biodegradable mulch films are needed as alternatives so that they can be used effectively during the growing season and later be ploughed to be degraded in soil. However, market-available so-called biodegradable mulch films are very slow to degrade in the natural environment and thus do not fit with crop rotation demands or annual cultivation. In this study, we have developed mulch films from cotton gin trash (CGT) and/or gin motes (GM) in combination with biodegradable polycaprolactone and demonstrated their effectiveness over 3 months in outdoor conditions. Both the stability and degradation behaviours of mulch film samples were observed when they were placed on top of the soil and buried in the soil, respectively. Pesticide residue analysis also was carried out on CGT powder to identify and quantify individual pesticides against a matrix of known pesticides. The mulch films prepared in this study showed comparable and stable mechanical properties compared to commercial biodegradable mulch film, though were much quicker to degrade when buried in the soil. No pesticides were detected in the CGT samples. The films produced were vapour-permeable and may be useful in practical agricultural settings by being able to maintain consistent soil moisture and allowing precipitation to penetrate gradually. The lab-scale production cost for the film was 98.8 AUD/kg, which could be lowered by integrating a continuous film line in large-scale production.

Unveiling sustainable synergy and ageing stability of bio-oils from cotton gin trash and plastic waste co-liquefaction for an integrated waste-to-energy solution

Co-liquefaction is an emerging technology aimed at enhancing bio-oil yield and quality, compensating for decrease in feedstock, increasing productivity, and adding revenue to bio-refineries. This study delves into the influence of plastic waste (PW) types during co-liquefaction with cotton gin trash (CGT) on the yield and quality of the produced crude oil. Various plastics, including PLA (polylactic acid), PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and PS (polystyrene), were investigated in a mixing ratio of 2:1 (CGT/plastic waste) at 320 °C and 2 hours in supercritical ethanol (ScEtOH), without catalyst, to produce energy-dense bio-oil under optimised conditions. The study presents the suitability of different types of plastic waste for co-feeding with CGT, along with their synergistic and antagonistic effects on product fraction yield (oil, solid, and gas), and oil energy yield. High bio-oil yields of 54.5 wt%, 53.7 wt%, and 43.1 wt% were achieved during co-liquefaction of CGT with PLA, PET and PVA, respectively. Bio-oil with the highest Higher Heating Values (HHV) was achieved through the co-liquefaction of CGT with PVA (30.6 MJ/kg) and PS (31.5 MJ/kg). The solid fractions obtained from co-liquefying CGT with PLA and PVA contained 46.9 wt% and 55.1 wt% carbon, respectively, making them potential sustainable sources for soil amendment. Furthermore, the bio-oils were characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), two-dimensional nuclear magnetic spectroscopy-heteronuclear single quantum coherence (2D‐NMR-HSQC), elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to assess their quality and stability. Solid residues were characterised to understand the extent of plastic degradation and their suitable applications. The results indicate that the co-liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass with plastics represents a viable and promising approach for improving bio-oil quality and extending its shelf life.

Overview of biodegradable polymers: synthesis, modification and application

Biodegradable polymeric represents a growing field. Owing to their wide-ranging properties, both synthetic and natural polymeric materials perform a vital and ubiquitous role in everyday life. Amended natural polymeric materials such as starch, cellulose, lignin, chitosan, cottonseed shell (CTS), and cotton gin trash (CGT) have enhanced properties, while synthetic Biodegradable polymeric materials such as poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), biodegradable plastics, biodegradable foams. Bioplastics are a kind of polymers able to be degraded by different microorganisms to small molecules (e.g., H2O, CO2, and CH4). Bioplastics are observed to solve waste materials and biodegradability is just a new material to be exploited at the end of its life in specific terms. They should be used for applications that require cheap methods to dispose of items after it has fulfilled their job (e.g., for food packaging, agriculture, or medical products).

Bioremediation of reactive black 5 textile dye wastewater using bacterial exopolysaccharides

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of bacterial exopolysaccharides (Eps) in reactive black 5 (RB5) textile dye wastewater bioremediation. Design/methodology/approach The Eps were produced by bacteria isolated from cotton gin trash soils collected from different cotton-growing regions in Kenya for comparison purposes. A broth medium reconstituted using molasses was assessed for its capacity to produce the Eps. RB5 textile dye wastewater was optimized for dye removal under different temperatures, times and molasses concentrations. Dye removal was studied by Lovibond-Day Light Comparator, UV–Vis spectrophotometer and FTIR. Findings It was found that cotton gin trash soils contained Eps-producing bacteria. Three of the Eps studied were found to have the capacity to remove at least 80% of the dye from the wastewater. Research limitations/implications This research did not assess the efficacy of the RB5 dye removal from the wastewater by mixtures of the Eps. Practical implications Bioremediation of textile dye wastewater with Eps produced by bacteria cultured from cotton gin trash soil is significant because it will offer an effective and cleaner alternative to the chemical coagulants. Social implications Alternative treatment of textile wastewater with the Eps would result in safer water being released into the water bodies as opposed to the chemically treated wastewater that contains remnant chemicals. Originality/value Research on the use of Eps produced by bacteria isolated from cotton gin trash soils for removal of RB5 dye from textile wastewater has not been done before.

144 Utilizing invasive pigweed (Amaranthus Spinosus) as a novel methane mitigation strategy in beef cattle feed: A sustainable approach

Abstract By 2050, the US beef industry must produce an extra 40 million tons of beef to satisfy the global demand, while reducing methane (CH4) emissions. This surplus of cattle will be provided mostly by cow-calf operations, which rely primarily on grazing. Those pastures are often infested with weeds such as pigweed (Amaranthus spinosus), one of the most invasive in the US, known for its increased polyphenols concentration. Despite the known effect of polyphenols on CH4 reduction, few studies have explored pigweed as a feed additive. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of in vitro addition of pigweed on ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and CH4 production. We collected ruminal fluid from three American Aberdeen steers (374 ± 21 kg) receiving a backgrounding diet (80:20% corn silage:cotton gin trash, as fed). We incubated (24 h, 39°C) diet (0.7 g) plus the inclusion of 0, 2.5, 5, or 10% (of diet DM) of roots, stems, leaves, seeds, or the whole pigweed plant (WHO). Volatile fatty acids (VFA), CH4 (mmol g-1 organic matter), ammonia, pH, gas, in vitro dry matter, and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD) were determined. Using the MIXED procedure of SAS, data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments with plant part (n = 5) and inclusion level (n = 4) as fixed main factors. Incubation and bottle within incubation were random effects. Polynomial orthogonal contrasts were used to determine linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of inclusion level. Plant × level interactions were detected in acetate, propionate, and butyric molar proportion, total VFA, CH4 production, and IVDMD (P < 0.01). Increasing levels of stems increased acetate concentration (P = 0.03), while those from WHO led to a linear reduction of acetate (P < 0.01). The inclusion of 2.5% of leaves, seeds, and WHO increased propionate concentration (P = 0.05), but greater levels decreased it (P < 0.01). Increasing levels of all parts decreased acetate:propionate proportion (P < 0.001). Increasing levels of WHO resulted in a linear reduction of CH4 production (P < 0.05), while increasing inclusion of roots and stems increased CH4 production (P < 0.01). Quadratic reductions in CH4 production were observed after increasing the addition of leaves, seeds, and WHO (P < 0.001). Increasing levels of leaves and roots decreased ammonia concentration (P < 0.01) while stems increased it (P = 0.01). Except for stems and roots, there was a linear decrease in IVDMD with increasing levels of all parts (P < 0.001). The inclusion of low levels of seeds, leaves, and WHO promoted ruminal changes leading to a reduction of CH4 production without significantly compromising the digestibility.

A baseline study of the application of cottonseed protein and gin trash as heat-sealable paper coating for food packaging

This study explores the potential use of cottonseed protein (CSP) and gin trash blend as an alternative coating material to polyethylene (PE) for food packaging paper. The main objective of this research was to document the preparation methods and baseline characterization data for three CSP based coatings: CSP coating, CSP+ 2% wt% gin trash coating, and CSP+ 10 wt% gin trash coating. Baseline data were obtained for CSP and gin trash coatings, including density, coating weight and volume solids on paper, adhesion ability to paper, heat sealing strength, water absorption behavior during coating, mechanical tensile strength, and oxygen and water vapor barrier properties. The results indicated that CSP exhibits potential as a viable alternative to PE as a paper coating, as it demonstrated noticeable adhesion to paper. The incorporation of gin trash enhanced heat sealing strength and transverse tensile strength. The 10 wt% gin trash concentration added CSP emerged as a viable option for further investigation. Finally, baseline improvement and further research focuses were discussed in this study to address performance gaps between PE coated paper and CSP+ gin trash coated paper were identified.

365 Effects of Supplementing Carinata Meal Compared with Cottonseed Meal on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Sensory Attributes in Beef Steers Consuming a Finish Diet

Abstract The value of carinata, a non-food oilseed crop, has been demonstrated as a high-quality jet fuel alternative and successful cover crop in the southeastern U.S.; however, research is limited regarding carinata as an alternative for commonly used protein sources in livestock. Thirty-two Angus crossbred steers were used in a generalized randomized block design to evaluate the effects of supplementing carinata meal compared with cottonseed meal on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat sensory attributes in a finishing diet. Treatments included: either 90% basal diet + 10% inclusion of Brassica carinata meal (BCM) or 90% basal diet + 10% inclusion of cottonseed meal (CSM), on a dry matter (DM) basis. The basal diet consisted of 40% cracked corn, 35% soyhull pellets, 5% gin trash, 5% bermudagrass hay, and 5% vitamin-mineral supplement. Treatments were premixed before delivery and provided ad libitum, with individual intake measured using the GrowSafe system. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS. Protein source did not affect (P > 0.05) final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, gain to feed ratio, or residual feed intake. Protein supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) initial or final evaluations of longissimus muscle area (LMA), rib fat thickness (RF), and intramuscular fat performed via ultrasound during the performance portion of the experiment. Hot carcass weight (P = 0.10) dressing percentage (P = 0.61), LMA (P = 0.33), RF (P = 0.42), yield grade (P = 0.47), and marbling score (P = 0.89) were not affected by protein source. No effect of protein source was observed (P > 0.05) on slice shear force, juiciness, beef flavor, tenderness, connective tissue, off-flavor, crude fat, thaw loss, cook loss, lightness, redness, or yellowness. The frequency of Prime (P = 0.76), upper 2/3 Choice (P = 0.71), low Choice (P = 0.46), and Select (P = 0.34) USDA quality grades did not differ with protein source. carinata meal inclusion at 10% of the diet DM performed similarly to cottonseed meal in steers fed a finishing diet, thereby enhancing its value in the southeastern U.S.

208 Impact of Feeding a Novel Probiotic on Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Production, and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Cattle

Abstract The search for alternatives to mitigate enteric methane emissions remains a top priority to ensure the continued sustainability of the livestock industry. Exploration of new direct-fed microbials with potential in ruminant nutrition is an active and promising area of research. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding a novel probiotic on ruminal fermentation parameters, in vitro methane production, and nutrient utilization in beef steers. A total of 12 ruminally cannulated American Aberdeen steers (348 ± 37 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with each period lasting for 35 d. The steers were fed a basal diet comprised of 82% corn silage, 12% cotton gin trash, 5% cottonseed meal, and 1% vitamin and mineral supplement on a dry matter (DM) basis. Four treatments were used in this study: CTL (no additive), B2 (probiotic at a dosage of 2 × 109 CFU/animal/d), B10 (probiotic at a dosage of 10 × 109 CFU/animal/d), and B30 (probiotic at a dosage of 30 × 109 CFU/animal/d). Steers were housed in two pens and were sorted daily to receive the treatments individually in a carrier of corn silage (250 g/d). The experiment consisted of 4 periods, with 21 d of adaptation to the treatments, 7 d of measurements, and 7 d of washout between periods. During the study, two in vitro batch culture incubations were performed in each period collecting ruminal fluid from each animal individually (experimental unit): one on d 0 before steers received the treatments, and one after 21 d of adaptation. The incubations on day 0 were used as a baseline. The use of this probiotic did not affect (P > 0.05) in vitro ruminal fluid pH, volatile fatty acids, or acetate to propionate ratio. However, there was a cubic effect (P < 0.05) on in vitro organic matter digestibility with the inclusion of probiotic, and the greatest digestibility was observed in the B2 treatment. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen linearly increased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of probiotic with CTL and B2 treatments showing the least values. While there was no effect (P > 0.05) on total gas production among treatments, methane production (CH4) was decreased (P < 0.05), showing a quadratic effect where the B2 treatment showed the least values. These results suggest that adding this novel probiotic to beef steers fed a corn silage-based diet at a dose of 2× 109 CFU per day (B2) may have positive results in reducing CH4 and improving digestibility. However, confirmation of these results will be required by in vivo methane emissions data.

Process Optimization and Biomethane Recovery from Anaerobic Digestion of Agro-Industry Wastes

Among the sustainable initiatives for renewable energy technologies, anaerobic digestion (AD) is a potential contender to replace fossil fuels. The anaerobic co-digestions of goat manure (GM) with sorghum (SG), cotton gin trash (CGT), and food waste (FW) having different mixing ratios, volumes, temperatures, and additives were optimized in single and two-stage bioreactors. The biochemical methane potential assays (having different mixing ratios of double and triple substrates) were run in 250 mL serum bottles in triplicates. The best-yielding ratio was up-scaled to fabricated 2 L bioreactors. The biodegradability, biomethane recovery, and process efficacy are discussed. The co-digestion of GM with SG in a 70:30 ratio yielded the highest biomethane of 239.3 ± 15.6 mL/gvs, and it was further up-scaled to a two-stage temperature-phased process supplemented with an anaerobic medium and fly ash (FA) in fabricated 2 L bioreactors. This system yielded the highest biomethane of 266.0 mL/gvs, having an anaerobic biodegradability of 67.3% in 70:30 GM:SG co-digestion supplemented with an anaerobic medium. The BMP of the FA-amended treatment may be lower because of its high Ca concentration of 205.74 ± 3.6. The liquid fraction of the effluents can be applied as N and P fertigation. The Ca concentration was found to be 24.3, 25.1, and 6.3 g/kg in GM and GM:SG (TS) and SG solid fractions, respectively, whereas K was found to be 26.6, 10.8, and 7.4 g/kg. The carbon to nitrogen ratio of solid fraction varied between 2.0 and 24.8 for return to the soils to enhance its quality. This study involving feedstock acquisition, characterization, and their anaerobic digestion optimization provides comprehensive information and may assist small farmers operating on-farm anaerobic digesters.

Cotton GinTrash Feeding Amid Feed Scarcity in Sheep and Factors Driving Inclusion in the Yarn Spinning Industrial Cluster of Tamil Nadu, India

Cotton gin trash (CGT) is composed of fibre residues, leaves, dust particles, soil, and other materials derived during the ginning and yarn-spinning process in processing industries. In the cotton-spinning industrial clusters, farmers are using CGT as one of the alternative roughage feeds for their sheep, mainly during forage shortages in the summer months. Baseline information on farmers using gin and the factors driving them to choose CGT as a roughage source needs to be identified for future planning regarding the usage of CGT in sheep feeding. Considering the above facts, the present study was undertaken to assess the socio-personal characteristics and managemental practices associated with farmers using cotton gin in the feeding of sheep; also, it was conducted to identify the factors driving the choice of the CGT as the primary source of roughage in the cotton-spinning industry cluster of Tamil Nadu, India. For this, a survey among 80 sheep farmers was carried out using a pre-tested interview schedule. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logit regression. The results indicated that the majority of male, aged, and large-land farmers were involved in practicing CGT feeding during the summer and also indicated the non-availability of green fodder during the same period of time. The coarse type of CGT is preferred over the fine type of CGT trash in that area due to quality perception and price. The replacement level of CGT as roughage ranged from 33 to 75% of the total roughage requirement per day. About 88% of farmers were highly satisfied with the results of using CGT and they also expressed that the presence of foreign particles and dust was the major problem with using CGT. The choice of CGT as primary roughage among sheep farmers was primarily influenced by selective farming contexts, namely, landholding, access to labour, and the feeding practices of other livestock with cotton gin. Furthermore, research needs to be focused on improving the quality of CGT in the future as it is being utilised largely by sheep farmers.

Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri Sheep of India

This study investigated the effects of feeding cotton gin trash (CGT) to Mecheri ram lambs, as an alternate diet, on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A growth performance trial was conducted with thirty-two weaned Mecheri ram lambs with an average body weight of 12.64 ± 0.74 kg, which were assigned to four groups (n = eight animals in each group). The diet’s roughage part was replaced by CGT at percentages of 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), and 75% (T4). The growth trial lasted six months (180 days) from weaning lambs at 3–4 months until 9 months for marketing. All the animals were fed on a dry matter requirement basis at 4% of their body weight. The study revealed that the lambs fed with 50 (T3) and 75 (T4) % inclusion levels of CGT showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher total body weight gain than the T1 and T2 groups. The average daily gain of lambs in T3 (99.24 g) and T4 (105.51 g) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than T1 (80.77 g) and T2 (83.61 g) groups. Throughout the study period, there was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference in the average Dry Matter Intake (DMI) (g) between the groups; however, the lambs in T4 demonstrated higher feed efficiency (7.4) than the T1 (9.3) group. The slaughter studies revealed that the lambs in the T4 followed by the T3 groups registered significantly (p < 0.01) higher hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and meat: bone ratio than T2 and T1 group animals. The T3 and T4 groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher weights of the liver, spleen, head, stomach, and empty intestines when compared to T1 and T2 groups; however, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the weights of edible and inedible offals. In addition, there were no significant variations (p > 0.05) in pH, WHC, shear force value, sensory characteristics, and proximate composition of meat among treatment groups. The SFA levels in the T3, T4, and T2 groups were substantially (p < 0.01) greater than in the control group (T1). In contrast, the proportion of MUFA in the T1 group was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than in the T3 and T4 treatment groups. There was no significant difference in PUFA or the PUFA/SFA ratio between the treatment groups. In accordance with current research findings, the CGT can be added up to 75% of the roughage component in sheep feed as an effective unconventional supplementation, as it improves body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics in Mecheri ram lambs.

Co-liquefaction of cotton gin trash and low-density polyethylene wastes via supercritical ethanolysis for hydrocarbon-rich oil

Bio-oil produced from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) offers significant advantages as a sustainable energy source for future generations. However, its low-quality demands better approaches to solve problems such as low calorific value, low stability, and high oxygen content. This study investigates the feasibility of producing hydrocarbon-rich oil through supercritical ethanolysis (scEtOH) co-liquefaction of cotton gin trash (CGT) and plastic waste. The scEtOH co-liquefaction studies were carried out using various mixing ratios of cotton gin trash (CGT) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at a temperature range of (240–340 °C), for reaction time (0–3 h) without catalysts. Positive effects on oil yield and higher hydrocarbon content were observed at 320 °C for 2 h with CGT/LDPE ratio of 1:2 under the optimised reaction conditions. Further co-liquefaction studies on the CGT/LDPE feedstock ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) at 320 °C and 2 h showed positive synergistic effects on oil yield and the hydrocarbon content in the oil increased from 3.7 wt% to 17.2 wt% when LDPE proportion was increased from 33.33% to 66.66%. Maximum higher heating values (HHV) of 31.5 MJ/kg for oil and 42.5 MJ/kg for solid products were obtained at CGT/LDPE ratio of 1:2. Additionally, the co-liquefaction of CGT and LDPE improved the carbon content in solid products from 50.9 wt% to 85.4 wt% which can be used as a sustainable carbon resource. Our results demonstrate that the co-processing of LCB and plastic wastes through scEtOH co-liquefaction is a sustainable approach to improve fuel quality, facilitate plastic recycling, and compensate for decreased availability of biomass due to seasonal variations.

Sustainable Cotton Gin Waste/Polycaprolactone Bio-Plastic with Adjustable Biodegradation Rate: Scale-Up Production through Compression Moulding.

Cotton gin trash (CGT), a lignocellulosic waste generated during cotton fibre processing, has recently received significant attention for production of composite bio-plastics. However, earlier studies were limited to either with biodegradable polymers, through small-scale solution-casting method, or using industrially adaptable extrusion route, but with non-biodegradable polymers. In this study, a scale-up production of completely biodegradable CGT composite plastic film with adjustable biodegradation rate is proposed. First using a twin screw extruder, the prepared CGT powder was combined with polycaprolactone (PCL) to form pellets, and then using the compressing moulding, the pellets were transformed into bio-plastic composite films. Hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as a plasticiser in the mixture and its impact on the biodegradation rate was analysed. The morphology of CGT bio-plastic composite films showed even distribution of CGT powder within the PCL matrix. The CGT incorporation improved the UV resistance, thermal stability, and Young's modulus of PCL material. Further, the flexibility and mixing properties of the composites were improved by PEG. Overall, this study demonstrated a sustainable production method of CGT bio-plastic films using the whole CGT and without any waste residue produced, where the degradation of the produced composite films can be adjusted to minimise the environmental impact.

Impact of variability of cotton gin trash on the properties of powders prepared from distinct mechanical approaches

Cotton gin trash (CGT), a large quantity by-product of cotton ginning process can differ in its contents among different seasons, cotton harvesting methods and ginning processes, due to its complex mixture. Finding a sustainable and constant powder fabrication method across different variety of CGT is important for practical application of CGT powder. However, the impact of variability of CGT and the powder preparation methods on the properties of CGT powder have not been addressed in the literature so far. In this study, achieving micro-sized powder from CGT was targeted and difference in the particle size and properties of the prepared powders were investigated in relation to their fractional content across different batches and drying techniques. This will facilitate choosing the right method to reach desired particle size and properties of CGT for a targeted application. Three different batches of CGT were collected from New South Wales, Australia, across three different years (2017, 2018, and 2022). The micro-sized CGT powders were then fabricated through mechanical milling and using two different methods: spray drying and ring grinding. A wide range of micro-sized particles (4.9–92.6 μm) was achievable from CGT by varying the milling time and drying method. Though the cotton fibre content affected particle size of the milled slurry, its impact was found minor when the milled slurry was converted into dried CGT powder. The powder morphology and chemical structure of CGT powder from different batches were not significantly different though the crystallinity index was found higher for the samples with higher amount of cotton fibres. The thermal stability of powders was mainly affected by milling time, drying technique, and fibre content though the impact was minimal. The moisture absorption of the CGT powder was found higher for ring ground powders, which was further improved by lower cotton content. Overall, this study provides an applicable and sustainable powder production method which could be used to optimise milling times, and drying techniques across different CGT sources to obtain required particle size for utilisation of CGT, such as composite reinforcement. • Reporting a sustainable and constant cotton gin trash (CGT) powder fabrication method. • A wide range of micro-sized CGT particles (4.9–92.6 μm) was produced. • Drying method was found more impactful on CGT powder size rather than CGT variability.

Untreated or ammoniated cotton gin trash in the ensiling of elephant grass reduces silage quality

This study examined the inclusion of untreated or urea-ammoniated CGT on the chemical composition, pH, gas, and effluent losses, dry matter recovery (DMR), and aerobic stability of elephantgrass silage. The experiment was laid out in a randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement represented by three levels of inclusion of CGT during ensiling (0, 5, or 10%) and three levels of ammoniation of CGT with urea before ensiling (0, 4 or 8% for 28 days), using four replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test, considering a 5% significance level. The pH and DM, NDIN, ADIN, NDF and ADF contents of the silages increased (p < 0.05) with the inclusion of CGT, regardless of ammoniation. The lowest (p < 0.05) effluent loss was achieved using 10% of CGT ammoniated with 8% urea. In contrast, the elephantgrass silage exhibited the lowest (p < 0.05) gas loss and the greatest (p < 0.05) DMR. The inclusion of CGT compromised the aerobic stability of the silage. Therefore, the inclusion of CGT – either untreated or ammoniated – in the ensiling of elephantgrass is not recommended.

PSVI-19 Effect of Processing Methods and Inclusion Level of Dried raw Garlic on in Vitro Fermentation Profile and Methane Production in a Corn Silage-Based Diet

Abstract Garlic (Allium sativum) contains secondary compounds known to modify rumen fermentation parameters and decrease methane (CH4) emissions; however, results from previous research on the effects of garlic-byproduct supplementation are quite variable. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of increasing inclusion levels and processing methods of dried raw garlic on in vitro ruminal fermentation and CH4 production. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design, where 24 h incubations were conducted on three separate days, with corn silage and gin trash (80:20, respectively) used as basal substrate. Treatments were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial with garlic inclusion (0, 2.5, and 5% of the diet) and processing method (freeze-dried, oven-dried, and autoclaved) as factors. Three ruminally cannulated steers were fed ad libitum a corn silage and gin trash diet, for at least 35 d prior to collection of ruminal fluid used as inoculum. Final pH, concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), total gas production, and CH4 concentrations were determined at the end of incubation. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS. Final pH and concentration of total VFA were not affected (P > 0.05) by the processing method nor inclusion level of garlic. Increasing garlic inclusion decreased NH3-N concentration (P < 0.05), reduced (P < 0.05) the proportion of acetate, tended to increase (P < 0.10) the proportion of propionate, and tended to decrease (P < 0.10) the acetate:propionate ratio. Neither garlic inclusion level nor processing methods modified IVOMD, total gas production, or CH4 concentration. Modifications in VFA molar proportions and NH3-N concentration may be related to differences in N concentration in the incubated substrates. In conclusion, neither processing method nor garlic level inclusion modified CH4 production or nutrient digestibility.

Cotton farming sustainability: Formation of trans-isoeugenol/ bio-aromatics, 5-chloromethylfurfural, C13–C17 liquid hydrocarbons & fertilizer from cotton gin trash

We have examined a sustainable biorefinery process for the conversion of cotton gin trash (CGT), a waste from the cotton industry to multiple high value products. Herein, we found CGT native lignin to have unique features as it not only contains the p -hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacol (G) and syringol (S) units, but structures of flavonoids , tyrosine , and phenylalanine associated with it. We have used the lignin-first approach to exploit its features in CGT and depolymerize it using argon gas and ethanol over Pd/C. The results show that 50% of the bio-aromatics is trans -isoeugenol, a precursor to produce vanillin. The cleavage of N-compounds from CGT during the fractionation process follows similar path as the rate of formation of the bio-aromatics. CGT impurities were shown to affect the reusability of the Pd/C catalyst. The fractionated cellulose-rich portion of CGT was converted to 39 mol% (80% purity) of 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF), and a solid fuel which has a higher heating value of 20 MJ kg −1 . The liquid extract, removed prior to CGT processing, was hydrogenated to produce C 13 –C 17 liquid hydrocarbons , and the solid extract rich in nutrients is suitable for crops and plants growth. • Flavonoid structures and amino acids linked to cotton waste native lignin. • High purity CMF from cotton waste. • Utilizing CGT to generate multiple high value products eliminate wastes. • High yields of trans -isoeugenol, a vanillin precursor from cotton waste. • Chemicals, liquid and solid fuels from cotton waste.

29 Cotton Gin Trash Processing, Quality and Safety Impacts on Feeding Recommendations for Beef Cattle

Abstract Cotton gin trash is a byproduct of the cotton industry that consists of any remaining plant material leftover after the ginning process. The objective of this study was to determine intake, animal performance, and safety of using loose or baled gin trash in beef cattle diets. Sixteen crossbred, non-lactating, gestating cows and 8 crossbred, gestating heifers were randomly assigned to one of two groups consisting of 8 cows and 4 heifers per group for a 60-day intake trial utilizing the Calan Gate ® system. After a training period, each group was assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments: 1) ad libitum baled cotton gin trash or 2) ad libitum loose cotton gin trash, each with 2.2 kg of a 50:50 mixture of corn gluten feed and soyhull pellets per day to meet nutritional requirements for their stage of production. Animal body weight (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded at days 0, 30, and 60. Jugular blood samples were collected weekly to monitor clinical animal immune responses due to feeding cotton gin trash containing cotton defoliant residue (4.84 ppm and 1.98 ppm tribufos for baled and loose, respectively). Intake was greater (P < 0.0001) for cattle consuming loose than baled gin trash. All cattle maintained or gained BW across treatments during the trial. On average throughout the study cattle consuming baled gin trash had greater BCS (P = 0.0173) than cattle fed loose gin trash, although animals maintained a BCS of 6 or greater during the study. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cell count were within normal ranges for beef cattle during the trial. Cotton gin trash in either loose or baled form can be used to maintain non-lactating, bred cows with little additional energy supplementation, providing an outlet for cotton byproduct usage in beef operations in the Southeast United States.