High-quality Oil Research Articles

Obtaining high-quality oil from monguba (Pachira aquatica Aubl.) seeds by using supercritical CO2 process

Monguba seeds show high content of extractable oil, approximately 54% (w/w). Literature data have reported the recovery of monguba seed oil using conventional methods. However, the use of emerging and environment-friendly methods should be applied, especially the supercritical fluid process. Therefore, we evaluated herein the effect of supercritical CO2 process (15–35 MPa and 40–60 °C) on yield, fatty acid profile, tocopherols content, and antioxidant activity of monguba oil. The highest global yield (39.64 g/100 g) was obtained by using 35 MPa and 60 °C. Palmitic acid was the main fatty acid, which partially justifies the highest global yield observed at 60 °C. Supercritical process operated at 60 °C, 35 MPa for 160 min showed global yield equal to the Soxhlet method. The use of supercritical CO2 allows the recovery of high content of high-quality monguba oil without affecting the antioxidant activity and the γ-tocopherol content.

Oil Quality and Yield of Different Carthamus tinctorius Cultivars: Promising Oilseeds for Biodiesel in Semi‐Arid Regions

AbstractIn this study, seed productivity and oil content of three safflower genotypes (IMAMT 1750, IMAMT 946 and IMAMT 894) cultivated in the Brazilian semi‐arid region were evaluated to identify which genotype has the best in‐field performance. The acidity and saponification index were evaluated, as well as the efficiency of lipid extraction through thermal analysis, aiming to estimate the species' potential for biofuel production in semi‐arid regions. Field cultivation under semi‐arid conditions lasted for ~75 days and no herbivory were observed on the plants. The IMAMT 894 genotype presented higher seed yield than the other genotypes, IMAMT 1750 presented 34% oil, and IMAMT 946 and IMAMT 894 presented 32% oil with efficient extraction in the Soxhlet system and high oil content and quality; higher than traditionally used crops such as soybean and cotton. The IMAMT 894 genotype showed higher seed productivity, but all three genotypes presented good oil yield and quality for biodiesel production. Oil extraction in the Soxhlet system was efficient since the thermogravimetric analysis showed no oil in the residual biomass after oil extraction.

Linum usitatisimum L. is the most important crop in Russia for the production of high-quality oil with low cost (review)

Oil crops play an important role in providing society with food, livestock feed, industry and raw materials and are of great importance for economically stable agricultural production. The purpose of this review article was to show the importance of the agricultural crop of oil flax and its oil seeds for various types of industries, the possibility of expanding its cultivation areas in Russia, as well as a way to reduce the cost of production. The article provides overview information on studies conducted on oilseed flax (Linum usitatisimum L.), on the possibility of using its products in food, technical industry, medicine, for the production of biodiesel, in crop production and fodder production. High resistance to abiotic and biotic factors put oil flax in a number of crops that can be cultivated everywhere; however, its yield, oil content and cost in different regions of Russia and the world are very different. This question has not been sufficiently studied in the literature. This review focuses on modern research by both foreign and Russian scientists. The possibilities of cultivating Linum usitatisimum L. in Russia according to the modern no-till farming system (direct sowing technology, zero technology, technology without tillage) and the directions of its oil use are shown, which indicates their relevance and high demand in various fields of human activity. Oil flax is a unique natural and biological resource that has rational and environmental benefits in cultivation.

Electrophoretic characterization, amino acid composition and solubility properties of Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata L.) kernel globulins

Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata L.) fruits are emerging sources to produce high-quality oils from pulp and kernels. Yet, the protein-rich press cake from the kernels remains underutilized, mainly due to lacking knowledge of protein composition and properties. Therefore, our aim was to characterize the main protein fractions of Macauba kernels. The globulins were the major protein fraction (58.5% of storage proteins), which were further separated into 11 S and 7 S globulins. The subunits of both globulins presented heterogeneity in isoelectric point (5.3–8.3), revealing genetic polymorphism. The 7 S globulins were soluble at low ionic strength (0.1 mol/L), whereas the 11 S globulins required higher salt concentration (0.50–0.75 mol/L) for solubilization, independent on selected salt types. Both globulins were rich in essential amino acids, especially methionine and cysteine, making Macauba kernel proteins a valuable source to complement diets based on pulses and oilseeds.

الجامعة المستنصرية / كلية الادارة والاقتصاد

The oil refining industry in Iraq is one of the industries of strategic importance, and what these industries have been subjected to destruction, obsolescence and neglect in a way that led to the deterioration of oil products in quantity and quality, and in a manner that is not commensurate with Iraq's capabilities in the field of daily crude oil production, as well as its incompatibility with laws and standards. In addition to the inability of these industries to achieve self-sufficiency and resort to closing the gap through imports. The study assumes that rebuilding the oil refineries in Iraq on modern foundations commensurate with international environmental laws and standards, will contribute to achieving self-sufficiency in high-quality oil products and open new horizons for the refining industry. The study reached several conclusions, the most important of which are the most important reasons for the decline in the production of refineries in Iraq, failure to implement investment projects for the oil refineries sector, reliance on old methods of liquidation, obsolescence of treatment units, neglect of maintenance and maintenance operations, and continuous stops due to the interruption of electrical current, and sabotage of some pipelines that transport crude oil to the refineries. The researcher recommended that the existence of a strong sector of refineries in Iraq capable of securing energy sources and achieving self-sufficiency, in addition to its ability to compete, that achieving this goal requires working on building new and modern refineries and rehabilitating old refineries to increase production capacities and obtain high-quality oil products to Iraq can compete in the global

Fruit Ripening, Antioxidants and Oil Composition in Koroneiki Olives (Olea europea L.) at Different Maturity Indices

Harvest timing of oil olives is important for oil quality. Concerning the specific features of each cultivar, physiological and quality characteristics during ripening of Koroneiki olives were investigated in two successive years, A and B, from trees on full production. In A, olives were harvested at maturity indices (MIs) 0.9, 1.4, 2.1 and 4, while in B at MIs 1.1, 3.8 and 6.9. MIs ~1, ~4 and ~7 corresponded to green, red and dark purple peel in olives, respectively. Peel color parameters (L*, h° and C*), respiration and ethylene production rates were evaluated along with phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in olives of both crop years. Additionally, oil composition and a-tocopherol content were examined in olives harvested in years A and B, respectively. During fruit development, respiration and ethylene productions rates, hydroxytyrosol concentration and linoleic acid increased, while TAC, oleuropein, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, linolenic acid and α-tocopherol values decreased. Positive correlations were found among the attributes determined in both crop years that had a similar course of change during ripening, and vice versa, which could be also related to harvest timing and to quality traits of olive products. At MI ~4, at least all determined variables corresponded to oil of high quality. Practically, an early harvest might result in an olive fruit rich in antioxidants and therefore in oil production of high quality, high stability during storage and long self-life.

Optimization of Cold Extraction Parameters for Some Non-Edible Vegetable Oils

Non-edible vegetable oils (NEVOs) have a huge potential for many industrial applications. Most of them are expressed by mechanical pressing, but data on the different operating conditions to achieve optimal extraction yields and high-quality oil are scarce. Hence, the objective of this study was to optimize cold extraction parameters of Balanites aegyptiaca , Ceiba pentandra , Jatropha curcas , and Moringa oleifera oils by increasing the oil recovery. Optimal holding time, applied pressure, compression speed, and press cage charge were determined for whole and crushed oleaginous material. Under the optimal operating conditions, the oil recovery (%. d.b.) from whole (crushed) oilseeds was 73.4 (69.8) B.aegyptiaca kernels, 38.2 (41.2) C.pentandra seeds, 38.2 (42.5) J.curcas seeds, 71.3 (69.5) J.curcas kernels, and 51.4 (22.5) M.oleifera seeds. The extracted NEVOs have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, and linolenic). M.oleifera oil was particularly rich in oleic (70.38%), palmitoleic (2.39%), vaccenic (6.09%), and arachidic (4,14) acids. The oil quality of cold-pressed NEVOs satisfies the requirements set by the DIN 51605: 2010-10 norm for plant oil-based fuels regarding phosphorus and water-volatile matter contents, density, and kinematic viscosity. Valuable material properties of the B.aegyptiaca , C.pentandra , J.curcas and M.oleifera oils make them an ecological and renewable resource for multipurpose applications.

Use of Raman Spectroscopy for Analysis and Detection of Some Sudanese Edible Oils

Vegetable edible oils provide high nutritional and health value in the Sudanese diet. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and an essential ingredient in cosmetics. This paper reviews the use of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis, quality and characterization of edible oils, including six types of oils (corn, extra virgin olive, sunflower, factory sesame, presses sesame, and peanut) purchased from local Sudanese stores. The results showed that the spectra of edible oils are similar, but they show some differences that, despite their smallness, allow them to be distinguished from each other. Divide the spectrum into the fingerprint region. The range ranges between (600 and 1800) cm^-1 the silent region", this spectral region is (1800 to 2500) cm^-1, and range is from (2500 to 3400) cm^-1, known as the "high wave number region". Raman spectra also pliable the determination of the degree of saturation and unsaturation of oils. This characteristic is related to the value of iodine, and the degree of unsaturation can be used to classify and approve oils, which is especially useful with high-quality oils in the appearance of the vibration modes at 1155 cm^-1 and 1525 cm^-1. Adulteration of edible oils with cheaper oils is a major concern in the oil industry. The capabilities of a Raman spectrometer were checked to assess the purity of the samples (peanut spectrum and presses sesame spectrum). Raman spectroscopy allowed the examination of secondary components such as sterols, hydrocarbons, terpene alcohols and polyphenols. Raman spectroscopy is used because this innovative method provides fast, non-destructive and reagent-free measurements, samples do not need to be processed and do not require large volumes.

The effectiveness of technological methods for the cultivation of oil flax

Oilseeds and products of their processing, both for the individual and for the entire economy of the country, are of great importance. This is also due to the fact that in recent years there has been an increase in interest in the production of oilseeds due to the high demand for oilseeds and products of their processing on the world and Russian markets. Oil flax provides a high-quality technical oil used in the paint and varnish and leather and footwear industries for the production of paints, varnishes, putties, soaps, oilcloths, waterproof fabrics, linoleum and rubber substitutes. It is also used in metalworking, electrical engineering and other industries. Flax is an environmentally friendly culture. When cultivating it, a minimum amount of chemical protection and fertilizers is required. Flax crops free the earth from heavy metals and radionuclides. Flax seeds obtained from contaminated land do not even show any trace of radiation. In the last three years, a kind of oil flax boom has been observed in Russia. The high demand for products made from it makes it very profitable to grow, which explains the annual growth of the cultivated area.The article provides an economic substantiation of the project for organizing the cultivation of oil flax. With the help of technological maps, the costs of production are calculated.

Публичное акционерное общество «Славнефть-ЯНОС». История развития

the article reviews the stages of enterprise establishment, its modern achievements, as well as deve-lopment prospects and plans for the modernization of production. Currently, the public joint-stock company slavneft yaroslavnefteorgsintez (SLAVNEFT-YANOS PJSC; YANOS) is one of the largest oil refineries in russia. The structure of the enterprise includes main and auxiliary production. The main activity of SLAVNEFT-YANOS PJSC is a production of high-quality commercial oil products and petrochemicals by means of efficient processing of crude oil. the plant produces more than 40 types of products: motor gasolines and disel fuel of euro 5 standard, fuel for jet engines, a wide range of oils (industrial, turbine, compressor, base oils), bitumen (road, roofing, construction), tar, asphalt, paraffin-wax products, aromatic hydrocarbons, liquefied fuel gases and heating fuel oil. High technological level of production, the use of the latest russian and foreign achievements in the field of oil refining, continuous modernization of equipment ensure the competitiveness of SLAVNEFT-YANOS petroleum products in russian and foreign markets.

Сравнительная оценка качеств товарных и синтетических трансформаторных масел

. Petroleum transformer oils previously produced in the USSR met the requirements of ГОСТ 982-80. Balakhany oil and Dossor low-paraffin oil of the Emben field were the raw materials for obtaining transformer oil. The composition of transformer oils is taken into account when choosing raw materials and their regeneration. Т-1500у – transformer oil of improved quality, is used in electrical equipment up to 500 kV and up to 750 kV. ГК oil is a hydrocracking transformer oil, used in voltages up to 1150 kV, contains ionol. Тсп is oil from West Siberian oils, used up to 220 kV. This oil is of relatively low quality, characterized by a high sulfur content, low oxidation stability, and high dielectric loss tg. In the Institute of Petrochemical Processes of ANAS, research has been carried out on the selective purification of transformer oil distillate from Balakhany oil using a new highly effective solvent – ionic liquid (IL) – a quaternary ammonium salt of formic acid and a number of amines – morpholine, aniline or di-, triethylamines. The optimal conditions for the selective purification of the distillate have been developed. Due to the shortage of high-quality transformer oils, as well as the high cost, in recent years, oils have been imported from Sweden and Austria. An ionic liquid as a solvent is highly selective and selective. The analysis of the extract from selective purification showed that it does not contain naphthene-paraffins, the content of aromatic hydrocarbons in the extract is 65%, and when purified with furfural it is 40.8%. The ionic liquid is environmentally friendly.

The Effect of Different Irrigation Treatment on Yield and Yield Parameters of Sunflowers in Semi-Arid Conditions

Bu çalışmada ayçiçeğinin farklı gelişme dönemlerinde yapılan sulama uygulamalarının verim ve verim parametrelerine olan etkileri araştırılmıştır. Araştırma Trakya Bölgesinde yer alan Tekirdağ ilinde 2019 yılında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Denemede 8 farklı sulama konusu oluşturulmuş ve sulamalar damla sulama yöntemiyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucuna göre verim ve verim parametrelerinde I1 konusu (geç vejetatif dönem, çiçeklenme dönemi, tane oluşum döneminde sulama uygulaması yapılan konu) en olumlu sonuçları vermiştir. Buna karşın sulama yapılmayan I8 konusunda ise en düşük sonuçlar elde edilmiştir. Özellikle verim değerlendirildiğinde I1 konusundan 520.6 kg da-1 verim alınırken, I8 konusundan 319.6 kg da-1 verim elde edilmiştir. Sulanmayan I8 konusunda her dönem sulama yapılan I1 konusuna göre yaklaşık %40 verim azalması meydana gelmiştir. Yağ içeriği ve yağ verimi açısından konular değerlendirildiğinde, I1 konusundan %43.6 yağ içeriği ve 226.7 kg da-1 yağ verimi elde edilmiştir. I5 konusu her dönem sulama yapılan I1 konusuna yakın sonuçlar vermiş ve %43 yağ içeriği ve 199.3 kg da-1 yağ verimi elde edilmiştir. I8 konusu ise %39.1 yağ içeriği ve 124.9 kg da-1 yağ verimiyle en düşük değerlere sahip olmuştur. Sulama suyu kullanım randımanı (IWUE) değerleri 1.76 kg m-3 ile 4.30 kg m-3 aralığında, su kullanım randımanı (WUE) değerleri ise 0.96 kg m-3 ile 1.24 kg m-3 aralığında olduğu ve istatistiksel analiz sonucu konular arasında anlamlı farklılıklar olduğu belirlenmiştir. IWUE ve WUE değerleri üzerine yapılan istatistiksel analizlerde I6 konusunun öne çıktığı görülmüştür. Sulama suyunun yeterli olduğu koşulda I1 konusu önerilebilir. Su kaynağının kısıtlı olduğu koşullarda eğer iki sulama yapılabilirse I5 konusu (çiçeklenme ve tane oluşum dönemlerinde sulanan), tek sulama yapılabilecekse I6 konusu (çiçeklenme döneminde sulanan) önerilebilir. Sulama programlamasında yüksek verim ve yüksek yağ kalitesi için ayçiçeğinde çiçeklenme döneminde su eksikliğinden kaçınılmalıdır.

Сорт льна масличного Амбер

To use flax oil in food, it is necessary to decrease the content of linolenic acid. We developed the oil flax variety Amber by individual selection from the hybrid population of the 3rd generation from crossing of the low-linolenic variety Linol and the breeding line 34725. The variety is mid-ripening, the duration of its growth season is 90-98 days, it is well adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of Siberia. It differs from the standard variety by its low content of linolenic acid in oil – 4.8-6.3 %. According to the results of competitive variety testing in 2016-2018, the variety Amber exceeded the standard variety Severny in terms of seed productivity by 0.29 t/ha. The variety ripens in uniformity, it is resistant to Fusarium blight, lodging and shedding, it is suitable for mechanized harvesting, it is developed to obtain edible oil of high quality. The potential cultivation areas of the oil flax variety are Volgo-Vyatsky region, Ural and West Siberia.

Prabal Kumar, Devendra Kumar, Rashmi and Sapna Bhardwaj

Abstract-Oil and fats are important component of human dietary system. Increase in demand and different applications of oil foster the search for vegetable and seed oil of high quality. In India several regions have developed specific preference for edible oil locally available. Several pockets in Garhwal Himalayan region, people give preference to some wildly growing species. Prinsepia utilis(bhekal) is one of that kind. This paper deals with the investigation of physicochemical characteristics, fatty acids composition and mineral content seed oil of bhekal (P. utilis). Mature seeds were collected fromChakrataforestdivision,Chakrata,Uttarakhand,India and oil was extracted byconventional method. Extracted oil was yellow in colour, tasteless, odour less, soluble in benzene, pet-ether and slightly soluble in acetone. Its physico-chemical and proximate values were determined by appropriate lab method. The elements present in seed oil were also determined which reflect that oil is rich in Iron, Sodium, Potassium and appropriate range of Potassium, Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium which makeit suitable foredible consumption and commercial purposes. The composition of fatty oil was determined by Gas Chromatography (GCMS). From GCMS analysis the main constituents of oil such as Myristic acid (13.10%), Palmitic acid (10.20%), Stearic acid (21.90%) and Oleic acid (4.50%) were determined. Nutritional and physico-chemical properties of the Prinsepia utilisoil and their comparison with other food grade oil suggested that oil is suitable for use in domestic and for the industrial uses.Keywords: Prinsepia utilis, Edible oil, Proximate value, Fatty acid composition, Mineral content.

Effect of the application of plant hormones on the formation of parthenocarpic fruits and oil production in oil palm interspecific hybrids (Elaeis oleifera Cortes x Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

ABSTRACT Oil palm is the most important oil crop globally, accounting for almost 40% of fats and oil consumption worldwide. The OxG interspecific hybrid results from the crossing of African oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and the American oil palm Elaeis oleifera Cortes. It is a promising genotype for its high productivity, oil quality, and partial resistance to some diseases. These hybrids require assisted pollination, an activity that is time-consuming and expensive. Oil production in the OxG hybrids depends on the formation of normal (fertile) fruits and seedless (parthenocarpic) fruits. Thus, it is appealing to stimulate parthenocarpic fruits without assisted pollination. This research evaluated artificial methods of inducing parthenocarpy by applying plant hormones, and the effect on bunch formation and oil quality and its potential implementation at an industrial scale. The study was carried out in a 6-year-old hybrid (OxG) Coari x La Mé. The effects of the plant hormones indoleacetic acid (IAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and an ethylene precursor (ethephon) were evaluated. IAA and ethephon did not result in consistent bunch production of parthenocarpic fruits. The plants presented abnormal fruit growth, low-weight bunches, and high abortion rates. 2,4-D and NAA promoted proper parthenocarpic fruit development with oil-to-bunch (O/B) values similar to those obtained with assisted pollination. Thus, NAA and 2,4-D are an excellent alternative for oil production in the OxG hybrids that can be implemented in the African oil palm, with particular relevance that pollinators are endangered, and highly female genotypes are widely used.

Physic-Chemical Studies of seed oil of Prinsepia utilis Royle (bhekal) grown in Chakrata Region and its comparison with conventional food oils

Oil and fats are important component of human dietary system. Increase in demand and different applications of oil foster the search for vegetable and seed oil of high quality. In India several regions have developed specific preference for edible oil locally available. Several pockets in Garhwal Himalayan region, people give preference to some wildly growing species. Prinsepia utilis (bhekal)isoneofthatkind.Thispaperdealswiththe investigation of physicochemical characteristics, fattyacidscompositionandmineralcontentseedoil of bhekal (P. utilis). Mature seeds were collected fromChakrata forestdivision,Chakrata, Uttarakhand, India and oil was extracted by conventional method.Extracted oil was yellow in colour,tasteless,odourless,solubleinbenzene,pet- ether and slightly soluble in acetone. Its physico- chemicalandproximatevaluesweredeterminedby appropriatelabmethod.The elements present in seed oil were alsode term in ed which reflect that oil is rich in Iron,Sodium,Potassium and appropriate range of Potassium, Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium which make it suitable for edible consumption and commercial purposes. The composition of fatty oil was determined by Gas Chromatography (GCMS). From GCMS analysis the main constituents of oil such as Myristic acid (13.10%), Palmitic acid (10.20%), Stearic acid (21.90%) and Oleic acid (4.50%) were determined. Nutritional and physico- chemical properties of the Prinsepia utilis oil and their comparison with other food grade oil suggested that oil is suitable for use in domestic and for the industrial uses.

Organic petrology and geochemistry of Lower Cretaceous lacustrine sediments in the Chaoyang Basin (Liaoning Province, northeast China): Influence of volcanic ash on algal productivity and oil shale formation

Airfall volcanic ash deposited in the form of tuff layers is widely distributed in oil-shale bearing basins in western Liaoning Province, northeast China. In order to investigate the impacts of volcanic ash on algal productivity and the formation of organic-rich oil shales, the organic petrology and organic geochemistry of lacustrine sediments of the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation were investigated. Molecular geochemical data (the pristane/phytane ratio, the gammacerane index and the relative amount of β-carotane) indicate that they were formed in suboxic/anoxic depositional environments, with salinity fluctuations from freshwater to saline. Oil shales in the semi-deep to deepwater lake facies were mainly deposited under still and anoxic bottom water conditions, concomitant with water column salinity stratification. The relative abundances of diterpenoids and regular steranes indicate a limited terrigenous conifer plant contribution and a predominantly algal contribution to the organic matter. Blooms of algae contributing to high primary productivity, and anoxic depositional environments contributing to organic matter preservation, were key to organic-rich oil shale formation. Fish bones, ostracod shells, and alginite are present below the thick tuff layer. Alginite richness gradually increased from very low just above the tuff layer, to a higher concentration further above the tuff layer, indicating that during major volcanic eruptions, large quantities of volcanic ash led to water column poisoning, causing the sudden mass mortality of some aquatic organisms that were sensitive to turbid, acidified and toxic water. The increased proportion of brackish/saline-water dinoflagellates, which is corroborated by the high concentration of telalginite, abundant dinoflagellate-specific biomarkers (C31 4,22,23,24-tetramethylcholestanes), high values of the C27/C29 ααα-20R and C28/C29 ααα-20R sterane ratios, 4-methylsterane index, dinosterane index, and tetramethylsterane index, suggest that brackish/saline-water dinoflagellates show a positive response to volcanic ash input. Some specific brackish/saline-water dinoflagellates are present in organic-rich tuff laminae, indicating that during periods of minor volcanic eruptions or in intermissions between major eruptions, a minor volcanic ash input was more likely to result in rapid and efficient volcanic fertilisation effects and high-quality oil shale formation. Although the lacustrine oil shale system of the Jiufotang Formation shares some similar petrological and geochemical characteristics with the classical saline lacustrine oil shale system of the Green River Formation in the United States of America, the significant influence of airfall volcanic ash on algal productivity makes the formation mechanism of oil shales within the Jiufotang Formation strata quite different from that of oil shales within the Green River Formation.

Differentiation of Italian extra virgin olive oils by rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry

The present work aims to differentiate Italian extra virgin olive oils through the analysis of about 100 samples for the building of a spectral database useful for the comparison beetwen top-quality oils. High-quality oils belonging to two different harvest years and coming from different Italian regions, labelled as PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) or obtained from a single variety of olives (monocultivar), were available.Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry, in combination with a monopolar handpiece as sampling device was explored for the first time on liquid and poorly conductive samples. Multivariate analyses were applied to build different chemometric models. The monocultivar oils gave positive feedback, leading to the reliable identification of each cultivar. The recognition of PDO oils resulted more challenging (failure percentage > 5%), probably due to the major intra-class variability, since oils labelled with the same PDO trademark often are produced from different cultivar in different percentages.

Biosurfactant assisted degradation of High Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by mixed cultures from a car service oil dump from Pretoria Central Business District (South Africa)

Abstract Biomineralisation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other toxic organic pollutants to CO2 and H2O is one of the most environmentally friendly and economically efficient options for treatment of deleterious organic pollutants in water and soil. Although most intermediate and high molecular weight (I-, HMW) PAHs are biodegradable, the degradability of these PAHs is limited by their low solubility. Experiments were conducted in batch reactors, and later, in continuous flow fixed-film bioreactor systems to take advantage of mass-transport resistance to reduce toxicity exposure within the biofilm. The results from this study showed a tenfold performance improvement in cumulative removal of PAHs in the biofilm reactor system. The active microbial agents were predominated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MS-1 and Acinetobacter species. 98%, 88%, and 63% degradation of fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene was achieved in the biofilm process, respectively, at steady doses of 45 kg/d fluoranthene, 12 kg/d pyrene and 7.5 kg/d chrysene, respectively. Product purification was further evaluated in a continuous flow fed-batch and plug-flow reactor system in which a high quality oil product was separated from oily sludge.

Agronomic potential of two European pennycress accessions as a winter crop under European Mediterranean conditions

The growing interest in oilseed crops for sustainable biofuel production has promoted the exploration of new plant species with high oil content and quality. One of these species is pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.; Brassicaceae), a winter annual plant that, due to the characteristics of its seed oil, has a great potential as feedstock for advanced biofuels. However, pennycress is not cultivated in Europe and, in contrast to the USA, the research has been very scarce, especially regarding its agronomic behaviour and production. In this work we performed a comparative analysis of the agronomic potential of two pennycress accessions of European origin (French and NASC), with respect to two from USA (Beecher and Elizabeth), to be cultivated under Mediterranean agroclimatic conditions. Stand establishment, growth, and yield data of the four pennycress accessions were collected during two growing seasons (2016−17 and 2017−18) in experimental fields situated in Aragon (NE Spain). The European accessions had less germination success than those from USA (20−50 % less). However, the seed yield of the French accession was similar or superior to that of USA origin (730–1390 vs 500−1340 ha−1). This was because French plants were able to compensate for the lower plant density with increased production of tillers and inflorescences. The other European short cycle accession, NASC, requires further research to understand and overcome its erratic germination and low seed yield. In terms of seed oil and erucic acid content, higher variability was found between the growing seasons than among the pennycress accessions, suggesting that weather conditions, especially rainfall distribution, have a pronounced effect on seed, oil and erucic acid yield and must be considered for growing pennycress in Europe.