Green Shell Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Green Porous Palm Shell Based Activated Carbon by Two Step Chemical Activation Using KOH

The large quantity of agricultural waste materials that poses disposal challenge to our environment could be converted into useful products such as activated carbon (AC). Palm oil shell based porous AC was prepared by two step process using KOH as the chemical activant. Palm oil shell was carbonized at 800°C for 2 hours and activated using CO2 at same temperature for 1 hour which yield 23.27% fixed carbon. The AC was characterized by Langmuir surface area, BET surface area and pore volume of 410.7 m2/g, 350 m2/g and 0.2 cm3/g respectively, the FTIR analysis identified the presence of alkanes, carbonyls and hydroxyls as the main functional groups in the AC. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrates the gradual formation of pores from the precursor to the produced AC due to elimination of volatiles and contaminants in the material. However, the AC produced showed basic properties suitable for the removal of hydrophobic organic contaminants in water and wastewater.

Unique morphology and gradient arrangement of nacre's platelets in green mussel shells.

Nacre has long served as a classic model in biomineralization and the synthesis of biomimetic materials. However, the morphology and arrangement of its basic building blocks, the aragonite platelets, are still under hot debate. In this study, using a field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), we investigate the platelets at the edges and centers of green mussel shells. We find that 1) flat and curved platelets coexist in green mussel shells; 2) the immature platelets at the shell edge are aggregates of aragonite nanoparticles, whereas the immature ones at the shell center are single crystals; and 3) the morphology and thickness of the platelets exhibit a gradient arrangement. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the gradient in the thickness and curvature of the platelets may probably result from the difference in growth rate between the edge and the center of the shell and from the gradient in compressive stress imposed by the closing of the shells by the adductor muscles or the withdrawal of the periostracum by the mantle. We expect that the presented results will shed new light on the formation mechanisms of natural composite materials.

The removal of boron from aqueous solutions using natural and chemically modified sorbents

The presence of excessive amounts of boron (B) in water resources can endanger the health of organisms in an ecosystem. In this study, B removal from aqueous solutions was investigated using natural easily available materials including bentonite, kaolinite, zeolite, waste calcite, and residues of wheat, rice, and green shell of walnut as native and chemically modified with FeCl3. The optimum values of pH and contact time for the B sorption were determined before isotherm experiments. The maximum sorption of B by mineral sorbents was observed at pH 9, while it was obtained at pH 7 for walnut shell and rice residues and at pH 8 for wheat residues. The optimum time obtained for mineral sorbents and organic sorbents was 24 and 48 h, respectively. The values of pHzpc measured for chemical sorbents were higher than those for organics. The sorption isotherms were performed using optimum parameters at three CaCl2 concentrations as background electrolytes. Increasing CaCl2 concentration caused to increase in B sorption. The chemical modification of sorbents by FeCl3 had a positive significant effect on B sorption. The fit of Freundlich and Langmuir models to the experimental data was very well. The largest B sorption capacity among the mineral and organic sorbents was, respectively, observed in the waste calcite and rice residues. However, the extent of the B sorption by organics was much higher than by minerals. Therefore, the use of organic materials to remove excess amounts of B from water resources can be considered as an available, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly strategy.

Reinforced Green Ceramic Shell Mould for Investment Casting Process

The development of thin ceramic shell mould in investment casting process is very crucial as this mould inherited brittle property and highly exposed to the cracking mechanism. The slurry composition produces green (unfired) ceramic shell mould which low in strength and easily crack or fail during wax removal or handling process. By strengthening of this brittle ceramic shell mould via reinforcement technique can enhance the strength of green shell mould body. In this work, the presence of the treated rice husk fibre have toughened the green shell mould by creating mechanical interlocking bonding in shell matrix which contributes to higher modulus rupture value. In fact, SEM observations showed that the addition of fiber to the ceramic body to form a composite shell mould prevent the crack propagation mechanism due to the existence of the matrix-fibre bridging which create the resistance of fiber to pull-out. This directly will increase the strength of green shell mould body. .

Preparation of Activated Carbon from Green Coconut Shell and its Characterization

In this work activated carbon was prepared from green coconut shells by chemical activation method. It was then characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR and TGA. Different physical properties such as bulk density, moisture content, volatile matter content, ash content, and surface area and porosity were also determined. The activated carbon was used as adsorbent for the removal of carbon dioxide from flue gas as well as various inorganic contaminants from waste water. Removal efficiency of Methylene blue was studied by changing various parameters such as adsorbent dosage and contact time. This study showed that for the removal of various pollutants from flue gas and waste water treatment activated carbon can be used as a good adsorbent.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of high purity β-tricalcium phosphate crystalline powder from the waste of Green mussel shells (Perna canaliculus)

Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was successfully synthesized using the waste of Green mussel shells, Perna canaliculus. Calcined mussel shells and phosphoric acid were mixed in 1.5 Ca/P molar ratio and subjected to microwave irradiation (1100W) for 30min and subsequently calcined at 750°C. The synthesized powder was chemically, compositionally and structurally characterized and was found to be very similar to a commercial β-TCP. Furthermore, the obtained powder was stable up to 1000°C and lost only 2% of its weight. Its toxic metallic contents (e.g. Cd, Pb and As) were lower than standard limits for biogenic calcium phosphate for medical application. The synthesized β-TCP powder shows spherical morphology having diameter in the range of 100–150nm and Ca/P molar ratio of 1.49, which is close to the stoichiometric ratio. The results obtained in this study showed that pure β-TCP can be produced from waste mussel shells in a simple and fast way using microwave irradiation.

The Life and Afterlife of Ling Zhiyuan (1831–1852) and Her Poetry Collection

Abstract This study examines the construction of women's life histories in literary collections through the exemplary case of Ling Zhiyuan 凌祉媛 and her poetry collection, Cuiluoge shici gao 翠螺閣詩詞稿 (Drafts of Poems and Song Lyrics from the Green Snail Shell Loft). Published in 1854 by her young husband Ding Bing (1832–1899) after her untimely death, this small collection is framed by numerous paratexts such as prefaces, verse inscriptions, biographical accounts, and elegies. I explore how Ling's self-representation in her poetry is mediated by these paratexts and show how different readers may have read or interpreted her poems. This essay thus highlights the discursive complexity and kinship and social networks underlying the production and interpretation of life writing in late imperial China.

Valorisation of almond shell waste in ultrasonic biomordanted dyeing: alternatives to metallic mordants

An agroindustrial waste, outer green shell of almond fruit has been valorised as a novel natural dye using chemical solvent-free extraction, small amount of metallic mordants, one-bath biomordanted dyeing, ultrasonic medium, auxiliary-free dyeing and washing. The main objective of this study is to evaluate biomordants vs. metallic mordants depending on heating system both in extraction and dyeing and to reveal alternatives to metallic mordants. Effects of conventional- and ultrasound-assisted systems on dyeing and fastness properties were investigated. Wool fabrics dyed using metallic mordants (alum, iron II sulphate, copper II sulphate and potassium dichromate) were compared with the samples dyed in conjunction with biomordants [powder of valex (acorn of Quercus ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) rind, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thuja (Thuja orientalis) leaves] in terms of colour yield, colour coordinates and fastness properties. Heating system had significant effects on dyeing and fastness results. Power ultrasound did not present any advantage in colour yield increment while it presented different effects on fastness values depending on mordant and process type of which ultrasound was applied. Some biomordants could be replaced with metallic mordants depending on their types and heating system. They could produce completely different colour gamuts just like metallic mordants.

Green walnut shell as a new material for removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions

The removal of aqueous hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) by green walnut shell (GWS) was investigated in batch experiments. GWS is a readily available and low-cost horticulture solid waste. The efficiency of this biomass for Cr(VI) removal as impacted by various operational parameters was characterized. Tested parameters are: initial solution pH (pH0), initial GWS mass loading ([GWS] (g L− 1)), contact time (t (min)), GWS particle size (d (μm)), initial Cr(VI) concentration ([Cr(VI)]0 (mg L− 1)), and ionic strength (I(M)). Results revealed that Cr(VI) chemical reduction (to Cr(III)) followed by adsorption or surface precipitation is the removal mechanism. The optimal operational conditions for Cr(VI) removal from 50 mL of a [Cr(VI)]0 = 10 mg L−1 solution were: pH0 = 3.6, t = 5 min, [GWS] = 6 g L−1, and I = 0.1 M. The corresponding removal efficiency was 95%. The kinetic of the reaction was also studied. Results indicate that using GWS is an affordable, efficient, and applicable method for aqueous Cr(VI) removal and thus a low-cost material for water treatment.

Thrombolysis efficiency of urokinase plasminogen activator-loaded anionic lipid microbubbles combined with low-frequency ultrasound in vitro

Objective To prepare urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-loaded anionic lipid microbubbles (uPA-MBs) for thrombolysis with low-frequency ultrasound in vitro.Methods Anionic microbubbles composing of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(l'-rac-glycerol) (DPPG),1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanol amine-N (succinyl PEG2000) (DSPE-PEG2000) and perfluoropropane (C3F8) were prepared by the mechanical vibration method.Then,the resulting anionic microbubbles were incubated with uPA.uPA-MBs were obtained via electrostatic adsorption.Bubble size and distribution were measured by particle size analyzer.FITC-labeled uPA-MBs were obtained and observed under fluorescence microscope.The surface potential of uPA-MBs and plain microbubbles (P-MBs) were detected by Zeta potential analyzer.Sodium dodecyl sulfonate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used for confirming the binding of uPA protein and anionic microbubbles.The encapsulation efficiency of uPA-MBs was determined by bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay kit under three different dosages of uPA (10 000,50 000 and 100 000 U).The thrombolysis efficiency of uPA-MBs combined with low-frequency ultrasound was examined in vitro.Two-sample t test,one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were performed to analyze the data.Results UPA-MBs were successfully obtained with the mean particle size of (1.76±0.29) μm.The surface potential of these bubbles was significantly higher than that of P-MBs:(-36.64±0.21) mV vs (-66.33±2.38) mV (t =21.538,P＜0.05).Fluorescence microscope showed a green shell of FITC-labeled uPA-MBs.The encapsulation efficiency of uPAMBs with the added dosage of 10 000 U was (42.01±2.02) ％,which was significantly higher than those of 50000 and 100 000 U ((33.24±1.95)％ and (33.10±1.65)％ respectively,F=22.340,P＜0.05).The thrombolysis efficiency by saline was (4.09±0.80)％,saline + ultrasound (8.50±1.48)％,MBs + ultrasound (14.27± 1.59) ％,uPA-MBs + ultrasound (35.72±6.31) ％ and uPA (16.87±0.46) ％,respectively (F =48.783,t =-8.613,-7.273,-5.942,-6.908,all P＜0.05).Conclusion Anionic microbubbles can successfully load uPA,and achieve significantly better thrombolysis effect when combined with low-frequency ultrasound. Key words: Thrombolytic therapy ; Microbubbles ; Urokinase ; Ultrasonography

Comparison of delignified coconuts waste and cactus for fuel-ethanol production by the simultaneous and semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation strategies

It is of the highest importance to study different alternatives/strategies as simultaneous (SSF) and semi-simultaneous (SSSF) saccharification and fermentation process, as well as the prospects of the utilization of lignocellulosic residues as raw materials for fuel-ethanol production. In the first part of this work, different raw materials (cactus (CAC), green coconut shell (GCS), mature coconut fibre (MCF) and mature coconut shell (MCS)) were pretreated by sequential alkaline hydrogen peroxide (Alk-H2O2)–sodium hydroxide (NaOH) process. The characterization of the obtained solids by FTIR, SEM, X-ray and crystallinity indexes confirmed the higher susceptibility of these pretreated materials to enzymatic action. These results were further confirmed by the corresponding glucose conversion yields – 68.44%, 70.20%, 76.21% and 74.50% for CAC, GCS, MCF and MCS, respectively. Subsequently, the comparison between SSF and SSSF using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia stipitis, Zymomonas mobilis and pretreated MCF (selected in the enzymatic hydrolysis step) was done, being shown that a short presaccharification step at 50°C for 8h in the SSSF had a positive effect on the overall ethanol yield, with an increase from 79.27–84.64% to 85.04–89.15%. In all the cases, the SSSF strategy allowed the obtention of higher ethanol concentrations than SSF.

Morphological and certain economic traits under rural conditions of local ducks of Kashmir

The present study was aimed at characterizing the local ducks of Kashmir Valley. The overall average adult body weight of the adult ducks was 1.70±0.01 kg. The highest average body weight of 1.72±0.01 kg was found in the ducks of district Bandipora and followed by 1.70±0.02 kg and 1.69±0.02 kg in ducks of Budgam and Ganderbal respectively. Males were heavier than females, with 1.62±0.01 kg weight. Four types of bill colors, viz. greenish black (mosaic), pinkish black, yellow and greenish yellow mosaic, were observed. Yellow was predominant with frequency of about 74%. Four types of bean colors were observed viz. black, pink, white and yellow with preponderance of black (96%). There was equal distribution of grey and brown eye colors while as 99% shanks were orange colored and only 1% had orange with black patches on it. Egg analysis of 305 eggs from three districts revealed green and white shell colors. The overall weight of the eggs was recorded to be 66.20±0.42 g with Ganderbal district having the highest egg weight of 69.19±0.80 g and Budgam with the least of 62.10±0.46 g. Haugh unit score was 69.37±0.43 and the highest score was recorded in the eggs from Ganderbal district (70.58±0.71).

Treatment influence on green coconut shells for removal of metal ions: pilot-scale fixed-bed column

This work investigates copper, nickel and zinc ion biosorption in single- and multi-component systems in a fixed-bed column using green coconut shells (CS). Approximately 85% of biosorbents are in a particle size ranging from 0.25 to 2 mm. Operational parameters selected include a flow rate of 200 mL min−1 and a bed height of 100 cm, which were selected for a shorter execution time and good adsorption capacity. Empty-bed contact time and Thomas models were applied, showing a good fit with the experimental data. The column adsorption capacity increased after the green CS powder was treated in a column with NaOH at a concentration of 0.1 mol L−1. The highest values of adsorption capacities founded were 0.69, 0.45 and 0.39 mmol L−1 for Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II), respectively, using green CS treated inside a column with NaOH of 0.1 M. The pH and chemical oxygen demand were monitored in the treatment solution and indicated that the adjustment of these parameters is necessary before disposal of these solutions. A study of desorption using an acid solution was carried out for recovery of metal ions.

Comparison of Spectral and Image Morphological Analysis for Egg Early Hatching Property Detection Based on Hyperspectral Imaging

The use of non-destructive methods to detect egg hatching properties could increase efficiency in commercial hatcheries by saving space, reducing costs, and ensuring hatching quality. For this purpose, a hyperspectral imaging system was built to detect embryo development and vitality using spectral and morphological information of hatching eggs. A total of 150 green shell eggs were used, and hyperspectral images were collected for every egg on day 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 of incubation. After imaging, two analysis methods were developed to extract egg hatching characteristic. Firstly, hyperspectral images of samples were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and only one optimal band with 822 nm was selected for extracting spectral characteristics of hatching egg. Secondly, an image segmentation algorithm was applied to isolate the image morphologic characteristics of hatching egg. To investigate the applicability of spectral and image morphological analysis for detecting egg early hatching properties, Learning Vector Quantization neural network (LVQNN) was employed. The experimental results demonstrated that model using image morphological characteristics could achieve better accuracy and generalization than using spectral characteristic parameters, and the discrimination accuracy for eggs with embryo development were 97% at day 3, 100% at day 4. In addition, the recognition results for eggs with weak embryo development reached 81% at day 3, and 92% at day 4. This study suggested that image morphological analysis was a novel application of hyperspectral imaging technology to detect egg early hatching properties.

Use of almond shell extracts plus biomordants as effective textile dye

Abstract An ecological approach has been presented by valorisation of outer green shell of almond fruit as a novel natural dye using chemical solvent free extraction, small amount of metallic mordant, alternative natural mordants, auxiliary free dyeing and washing. The main objective of this study is to evaluate biomordants versus metal mordants and to reveal the substitution of the prevalent metallic mordants for biomordants as renewable natural sources. The use of a smaller amount of metallic mordant (0.2 g/L - 1 %) and less plant (1 g plant/3 g fabric) than in most current natural dye applications is a major advantage of dyeing with almond shell extract. Wool fabrics dyed using metallic mordants namely alum, iron II sulfate, copper II sulfate and potassium dichromate were compared with the samples dyed using biomordants; powder of valex (acorn of Quercus ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis ), pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) rind, rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) and thuja ( Thuja orientalis ) leaves in terms of colour measurements, light and wash fastness values. These biomordants were used alone and in conjunction with almond shell extract in the same bath to dye wool fabric. Rose, brown, cinnamon and burgundy/reddish hues were achieved by using alum, iron II sulfate, copper II sulfate and potassium dichromate respectively. Especially rose and burgundy/reddish shades are unique colours for natural dyes. Biomordants exhibited different interactions with almond shell extract resulting in quite different colour gamuts. Rosemary can be alternative to alum (pre and post mordanting), iron II sulfate (pre mordanting) and copper II sulfate (pre, simultaneous and post mordanting). Thuja orientalis leaves, valex and pomegranate rind cannot be precisely substituted for any of the metallic mordants used in this research. However, thuja leaves with almond shell ensured relatively similar colours to alum (pre and post mordanting). Considering the fastness properties; thuja was not effective on washing and light fastness, valex and pomegranate rind improved both washing and light fastness, rosemary was not effective on light fastness while it slightly improved the washing fastness. Valex and pomegranate produced equal light fastness to copper and iron mordant while they exceeded that of the alum and chromium. The light fastness values of rosemary and thuja were similar to alum and chromium and less than copper and iron. Use of biomordants is very promising concept as an alternative method that may help to reduce the reliance on toxic metal salt mordants.

Dyeing effect on silk-fabric with vegetable dye using greencoconut (cocos nucifera) shell

Silk fabric was dyed with vegetable dye using green coconut shell extract. The dyeing characteristics of the dye were investigated with regard to dye concentration, pH of dye-bath, different mordant uses and dyeing time. A small variation in these above experimental parameters gave numerous shades of satisfactory fastness when applying various destructive agents like wash and light. In all cases the optimum dyeing time was one hour and the pH of dye bath was 4.0-4.5 for 2-3% dye concentration and 3.0-3.5 for 5% dye concentration.

Removal of Chromium(VI) from waste water by using adsorbent prepared from green coconut shell

In recent years, industrial effluents containing heavy metals have become a major problem. For the removal of heavy metals, several types of adsorbents have been developed economically from waste materials by different processes. In present work, “Green Coconut Shell,” which is waste material, was chosen for the development of adsorbent by treatment with orthophosphoric acid economically. This adsorbent was used for the removal of chromium(VI) in batch mode in concentration and temperature range of 10–100 mg/g and 10–80°C, respectively. The influence of contact time, temperature, concentration, adsorbent dose, particle size, and pH was studied. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were fitted for equilibrium data with maximum adsorption capacity of 22.96 mg/g. Pseudo-second-order model also confirmed that the chromium(VI) uptake capacity of adsorbent was due to pore, film, and particle diffusion. To know the properties of adsorbent different analysis such as XRF, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscope, and particle size distribution using Malvern analyzer were studied. The adsorption capacity of green coconut shell-based adsorbent achieved was greater than 90% for 10 mg/l solution and contact time of 30 min.

Evaluation of Free Radical-Scavenging Activity of Sea Urchin Pigments Using HPTLC with Post-Chromatographic Derivatization

Chromatographic separation, analysis of in situ radical-scavenging activity, and quantitative analysis of green sea urchin shell pigments were carried out by online HPTLC-DAD and HPTLC-DPPH methods. Methanol:chloroform:acetic acid:water (11:50:5:2, v/v) was selected as the best mobile phase on silica gel plates for the separation of the pigments. Two pigment spots, S1 and S2, were observed on the TLC plates, while echinochrome A was not detected in the pigment extract of green sea urchin shells. Based on the estimated ID50 values, the antiradical activity was S2 (0.043 μg) > S1 (0.058 μg) > echinochrome A (0.134 μg).

Observations on land-snail shells in near-ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared radiation

The shells of a broad range of land snails were digitally imaged in the near-ultraviolet (NUV), visible range (VIS) and near infrared (NIR). NIR images were recorded in both incident and transmitted illumination. In most cases, shell and periostracal pigmentation observed in the VIS was completely translucent in the NIR, while its contrast was enhanced in the NUV. Exceptions to the above rule fit into four main categories. (1) Snails with green or tan shells or periostraca, presumably functional as camouflage among vegetation, were often highly absorbing in the NUV, thus matching the optical characteristics of green vegetation in this range. (2) Pigmented spiral stripes in the shells of several Camaenidae and Helicidae were adjacent to nonpigmented areas that display a heightened reflectivity and reduced translucence in the VIS and NIR. This enhanced the contrast of the colour pattern in the VIS, but appeared to lack functions in the NIR. (3) Snails from arid or desert environments exposed to high levels of sunlight often have largely white shells, highly reflective throughout the studied range of wavelengths. This is likely an adaptation to reduce the thermal effects of solar irradiation, and may also be a form of masquerading camouflage. (4) Among numerous Bradybaenidae and a few Camaenidae, Helicidae, Orthalicidae and Enidae, reflective patches or stripes, white in the VIS, were present in the periostracum or outermost shell layer. These structures were highly reflective (and highly opaque to transmitted radiation) across the NUV, VIS and NIR. They may have a dual function as disruptive camouflage in the NUV and VIS, and as reflectors to reduce the thermal effects of solar irradiation in the VIS and NIR.

Use of green coconut shells as an alternative substrate for the production of xanthan gum on different scales of fermentation

Xanthan, a biopolymer with extensive industrial applications, is commercially produced by fermenting glucose or sucrose using the bacteria Xanthomonas. Green coconut shells, rich in nutrients, could be an alternative substrate to obtain xanthan. This study aimed to evaluate the production and rheological properties of xanthan obtained on different fermentation scales using green coconut shells as the substrate, using its production from sucrose for comparison. Media containing minimal nutritional requirements (carbon, urea, phosphate) were prepared. Upon changing from the conventional medium to the alternative medium there was a 30% increase in production using the shaker and 81% increase using the bioreactor. Increasing the fermentation scale resulted in an increased yield of xanthan and a 30% increase in apparent viscosity. Coconut shells deserve special attention, constituting a possibility for the large scale production of xanthan with cost reduction and application of a residue.