Lime Citrus Research Articles

Clarification of Citrus fruit (Mosambi) juice by hybrid (Pretreatment and Membrane) process

Clarify citrus fruit mosambi (sweet lime) juice demand were increased in non-seasoning and pandemic situation due to high content of vitamin C and for enhance immunity. Membrane separation is the unique process to clarify the raw juice and store it for prolonged duration at appropriate environments. Low permeates flux and high fouling rate with operating time is the major drawback in membrane separation process. Enhance permeates flux and fouling was improved by pretreatment of raw juice before membrane separation process. Common pretreatment namely, centrifugation and fining agent (single or combination of two) were applied previously for clarification of juice. Detailed studies for pretreatment of sweet lime juice were done individually. On the basis of these pretreatment method estimated the value of optimum rpm for centrifugation machine and dose concentration in fining agent pretreatment. At optimum conditions in different pretreatments process, membrane operation was coupled to achieve clarified juice from pretreatment juice. Dead end filtration cell (batch cell) with material of stainless steel at capacity of 1000 ml was used for clarification of juice. Polymeric (polyamide) membrane with average pore size 2.5 µm at operating pressure 69 kPa was used to conduct the experiment. Physicochemical properties of raw, pretreated and clarified juice were compared each other’s.

Classification and Indirect Weighing of Sweet Lime Fruit through Machine Learning and Meta-heuristic Approach

ABSTRACT In the past few decades, both academicians and industries have shown interest toward the agricultural post-harvest operation aiming to reduce the post-harvest losses. In order to assist farmers in post-harvest decision-making some effective and innovative methodological frameworks are required. The fruit weight measurement is of prime importance in many food processing industries during sorting, grading, and packaging. In this work, different Support vector machine (SVM) classifiers as well as weighing models developed using the optimized adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) coupled with a computer vision system are proposed. More precisely, the weighing models based on the hybrid ANFIS approach using two well-known optimization algorithms are analyzed. In the first approach, a series of GA-ANFIS models have been evaluated for different population size. In the later approach, different PSO-ANFIS models have been evaluated by varying the most influential parameters. The comprehensive self-built color image database has been used for both calibration and validation of the models. From an economic point of view, this indirect way of weighing fruits may be useful to fruit growers and traders in deciding the market depending on the fruit size and weight before packaging. The result shows the higher reliability and prediction capability of the proposed meta-heuristics (GA-ANFIS) model in estimating the weight of sweet lime fruit.

Determination of an effective method of Citrus aurantifolia lime and Citrus lemon varieties plant explants sterilization for in vitro introduction into the culture

Potted citrus plants are in constant demand, but the propagation of such plants requires the use of a winter greenhouse and several well-developed mother plants to obtain planting material. The use of microclonal propagation can accelerate the production of seed material though it requires detailed development of in vitro cultivation techniques. The aim of the research was to study the effectiveness of sterilizing substances and methods of sterilization on the yield of viable micro shoots of lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia) as well as Meyer and Jubilee lemon varieties and their growth in vitro. The research was conducted in the interdepartmental "Biotechnological Laboratory" of the Agrobiotechnological Faculty of Bila Tserkva NAU. The source material was microshoots from lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia), and lemon varieties (Citrus lemon) Meyer and Jubilee. The objects of the study were selected according to the diversity of genotypes, development type and varietal characteristics. The possibility of using different parts of plants for reproduction is a feature of in vitro culture. We used microshoots with a bud in our research. To neutralize the exogenous bacterial and fungal microflora, we used 70 % ethanol solution C2 H5 OH, sodium hypochlorite 5 %, 15 % solution of hydrogen peroxide H2 O2 , sulema (0.1) and washed the material in sterile water (for 5–10 min) under several schemes. The study revealed the influence of different sterilization regimes for obtaining sterile explants and the introduction into plant culture of explants of the species of lime Citrus aurantifolia as well as Meyer and Jubilee lemon varieties. It was found that the use of step sterilization using 2.5 % solutions of sodium hypochlorite gives a high percentage of sterile viable material – 27.7 %, which is significantly higher than in other variants of the experiment. Key words: microshoots, lime, sterile material, micropropagation, sterilization, hydrogen peroxide, viability of explants.

Kinetic modeling and process intensification of ultrasound-assisted extraction of d-limonene using citrus industry waste

Citrus limetta is a widely-processed fruit that generates 40 % peel waste involving considerable constraints for waste management. Citrus limetta peel is a rich source of essential oil, especially d-limonene, commonly used as a fragrance and flavor ingredient. This study investigated the application of ultrasonication as a process intensification tool with improved extraction-efficiency. Peleg’s mathematical model was used to study the kinetics of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of d-limonene. The use of UAE reduces the total extraction time to 20 min compared to 185 min in a conventional process. In UAE, the highest extraction yield of d-limonene (32.9 mg/g, 97 %) was obtained using hexane as food-grade solvent, biomass:solvent ratio of 1:10, 2 mm particle size, agitation speed 300 rpm, temperature 60°C with ultrasonic power 80 W, 50 % duty cycle and frequency 25 kHz. Analysis and characterization of the extract were carried out using HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR. Also, the surface morphology of raw material after extraction was studied using SEM analysis. The acceptable agreement was seen in the calculated values of Ceq from Peleg’s mathematical model and actual experimental results of extracted d-limonene. UAE stands as a fast, efficient, and economical method for the extraction of d-limonene from the fresh sweet lime peel.

Effect of Immobilized Enzymes Naringinase and Tannase Produced from Aspergillus Sp. Isolate Mk156394 Isolated from Rotten Pomelo on Quality Characteristics of Citrus Limetta Juice and Process Optimization by Using Response Surface Methodology

Enzymes naringinase and tannase were produced from Aspergillus sp. isolate mk156394 isolated from rotten pomelo, and the effect of both immobilized enzymes on quality characteristics of Citrus limetta juice has been investigated in this study. Total of 17 experiments were planned according to RSM-BBD. Enzyme ratio (naringinase: tannase) (100:0, 50:50, 0:100) and incubation temperature (30°C, 40°C, 50°C) (each with three levels) were selected as the independent variables. The result of the study clearly indicated that independent variables affected the responses (Naringin content, Tannin content, TPC, and Vitamin C content). Design Expert 10.0.1 software was used to optimize the process parameters. The optimum values for process optimization were found to be 46.05: 53.95, 50°C and 4 hrs, and the optimum values for responses naringin content, tannin content, total phenolic content, and vitamin C content were found to be 225.367 μg/ml, 0.393mg/ml, 1553.966 mg GAE/L, 34.713 mg/100ml, respectively.

One-pot three component synthesis of substituted dihydropyrimidinones using fruit juices as biocatalyst and their biological studies.

New and facile one-pot three component approach for the synthesis of substituted dihydropyrimidinones derivatives (4a-4h) from reaction of equimolar substituted aldehydes (1a-1h), methyl acetoacetate (2a) and urea (3a) in presence of nature derived catalyst viz. Cocos nucifera L. juice, Solanum lycopersicum L. juice and Citrus limetta juice, commonly known as coconut juice, tomato juice and musambi juice respectively, at room temperature has been carried out. All synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro herbicidal activity against Raphanus sativus L. (Radish seeds). The compounds (4a-4h) were also screened for their antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by poisoned food techniques method. Antibacterial activity was also studied against Erwinia cartovora and Xanthomonas citri by inhibition zone method. From activity data, it was found that compounds 4g and 4d were most active against Raphanus sativus L. (root) and Raphanus sativus L. (shoot) respectively. Compounds 4f and 4c was found most active against Rhizoctonia solani and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides fungus respectively at highest concentration. Compound 4g has shown maximum inhibition zone i.e. 1.00-5.50 mm against Erwinia cartovora at 2000 μg/mL concentration. Maximum Xanthomonas citrii growth was inhibited by compounds 4f showing inhibition zone 4.00-12.00 mm at highest concentration. Short reaction time, high yields, mild reaction condition and simple work-up are some merits of present methodology.

Phenolic compounds from peel and callus extracts of sweet lime (Citrus medica)

An experiment was conducted to quantify and evaluate bioactivity of phenolics from peel and callus extracts of sweet lime (Citrus medica). Cotyledon, epicotyl and hypocotyl-derived calli of sweet lime were obtained on solid MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D and Kin. Cotyledon exhibited the best response on callus induction medium. Various extracts were prepared from peel and callus using different solvents, i.e. 50, 80 and 90% (v/v) of ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, methanol and ethanol, employing maceration, orbital shaking, ultrasonic assisted and soxhlet extractions followed by estimation of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Soxhlet extraction with 80% ethanol from peel was found to be the best combination as the yields of extracts; TPC and TFC were found to be the highest. Peel extract of sweet lime (80% ethanol, soxhlet) showed the highest antioxidant potential, i.e. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and antibacterial potential against Bacillus aryabhattai and Klebsiella sp. Thus, peel of sweet lime, being a potential source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, may be used as an ingredient for the preparation of functional foods.

Effect of particle size on physical, thermal and mechanical behaviour of epoxy composites reinforced with food waste fillers

The present study aims to investigate the influence of food waste (citrus limetta peel) filler size on the thermal and mechanical behaviour of epoxy resin based composites. The present research work was undertaken with three different categories of fillers i.e. (i) (100–250) µm and ii) (350–500) µm and iii) (650–800) µm in 15 wt.%. The epoxy resin modified with citrus limetta peel (CLP) fillers was exposed to water soaking for diverse time durations of 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 96 hrs and 120 hrs. Mechanical and thermal properties of modified epoxy resin have been evaluated. A morphological analysis of the fractured surfaces of different composite specimens was also performed. The results revealed that the composites having coarse CLP fillers showed maximum water absorption. The mechanical characterization results revealed that the tensile and flexural strength were reduced in comparison to neat epoxy (NE). The impact strength of the developed composites increased for fine CLP fillers based composites. Overall, it was established that there is a significant effect of variation in filler size on developed composites and composites with fine CLP fillers gave best results compared to medium and coarse fillers based composites.

Valorization of Sweet Lime Peel for the Extraction of Essential Oil by Solvent Free Microwave Extraction Enhanced with Ultrasound Pretreatment.

Essential oils of sweet lime peel, a waste by-product in the juice industry, were extracted using the vacuum assisted solvent free microwave extraction (VASFME) method. The effects of microwave output power (500–1000 W) and extraction time (20–30 min) on the essential oils yield and antimicrobial property were investigated. Optimal conditions were observed at 797.844 W microwave output power and 30 min extraction time. The essential oils yield and antimicrobial property under these conditions were 0.792 ± 0.03% and 18.25 ± 1.45 mm, respectively, which agrees with the predicted values of 0.757% and 16.50 mm. The essential oils were extracted at optimized conditions and analyzed through GCMS for compound identification. A total of 49 compounds were identified, with limonene content (43.47%) being the highest among all sweet lime peel oil compounds. Moreover, the sweet lime peels were subjected to ultrasound pre-treatment before microwave extraction. The ultrasound pre-treatment helped to increase the essential oils yield from 0.84 to 1.06% as the treatment time increased from 30 to 90 min. The increase in yield was 37.66% more compared to VASFME at 90 min treatment time.

Amino acids, betaines and related ammonium compounds in Neapolitan limmo, a Mediterranean sweet lime, also known as lemoncetta Locrese.

The so-called 'Neapolitan limmo' or 'lemoncetta Locrese' is an old and now rare Mediterranean sweet lime, similar to lemon but smaller. It is a fruit distinguished from orange, lemon, mandarin, and lime for its sweeter, watery, and non-acidic taste, with a pH between 5.6 and 5.9. No compositional studies are currently available for this citrus fruit. Here we report, for the first time, the distribution in the limmo juice of free amino acids and their main derivatives such as betaines and related ammonium compounds. Seven proteinogenic amino acids (proline, asparagine, serine, aspartic acid, glutamine, alanine, and threonine) and a non-protein amino acid (γ-aminobutyric acid) characterize Neapolitan limmo juice. Proline betaine is the predominant betaine. The data were compared with those of other important citrus juices. The specific 'taste quality' of Neapolitan limmo juice can be attributed to its peculiar composition in amino acids. The species-specific presence of the ammonium compound derivatives of the amino acid proline, with proline betaine as the predominant betaine, characterize the non-acidic varieties of Mediterranean sweet lime. Our study constitutes an important step towards the repopulation of this ancient plant and its exploitation in food industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Friction and wear behaviour of epoxy composites reinforced with food waste fillers

The effect of food waste (citrus limetta peel) fillers on the wear behaviour of epoxy composites has been experimentally explored. The citrus limetta peel (CLP) fillers, 15% by weight of resin have been used to fabricate epoxy composites with three different particle size ranges, i.e., (i) 100–250 μm (CP1); ii) 350–500 μm (CP2) and iii) 650–800 μm (CP3). The dry sliding wear behaviour of the developed epoxy composites has been analysed using the Pin on Disc type wear test machine. Tests were conducted at a track radius of 60 mm and for a constant sliding distance of 5000 m. The wear behaviour of each composition was experimentally investigated by varying the applied normal load (30 N, 40 N and 50 N) and sliding velocity (3 m/s, 4 m/s, 5 m/s). The coefficient of friction and wear loss were recorded and analysed for developed composites with varying particle sizes. The results reveal that the incorporation of CLP fillers into epoxy matrix significantly improves the wear resistance of the developed composites. It was observed that the maximum wear resistance was observed with 100–250 μm size fillers. The SEM results revealed that the wear mechanism of both neat epoxy as well as CLP filled epoxy composites was governed by micro cracking, pit formation and debris formation.

Synthesis of novel benzimidazoles at room temperature, under solvent-free condition and their biological studies

An efficient and facile synthesis of substituted novel benzimidazoles (3a–3h) mediated by fruit juices viz. Cocos nucifera L. juice, Citrus limetta juice and Citrus sinensis L. juice, via condensation of substituted aldehydes (1a–1h) and o-phenylenediammine (2a) under solvent-free condition at room temperature is presented in this paper. The purity of compounds was confirmed by melting point and thin layer chromatography. All synthesized compounds (3a–3h) were fully characterized via NMR and FTIR spectral data and evaluated for in vitro herbicidal activity against Raphanus sativus L. (Radish) seeds. The compounds (3a–3h) were also evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Erwinia cartovora and Xanthomonas citri by inhibition zone method. Antifungal activity was also determined against Rhizoctonia solani and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by poisoned food techniques method. From activity data, it was found that compounds 3d and 3e were most active against R. sativus L. (root) and R. sativus L. (shoot), respectively. Compound 3g has shown maximum inhibition zone i.e. 8.00 mm against E. cartovora at 2000 µg/mL concentration. Maximum X. citrii growth was inhibited by compounds 3a showing inhibition zone 5.20 mm at highest concentration. Compound 3f was found most active against R. solani and C. gloeosporioides fungus at 2000 µg/mL concentration. In comparison with the conventional methods, the present method complies with several key requirements of green chemistry principles such as the utilization of renewable feedstock, auxiliary aqueous conditions and reduces waste with the use of nature-derived catalyst. Therefore, the present method offers an attractive option because of its ecological safety, environmental acceptance, cost effective and easy workup process.

Genetic Diversity and Characterization of Sweet Lemon (Citrus limetta) Fruits

Citrus fruit tree has great importance in Brazil. Despite having many commercial cultivars, the lemon crop in Brazil is basically from “Tahiti” cultivar and there is a lack of studies about the characterization and assay of genetic diversity of sweet lemon (Citrus limetta) fruits. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize and evaluate the genetic diversity from nine stock plants produced in Porto Nacional-TO. Fruits in fully physiologic ripening were harvested and evaluated for weight, length, diameter, juice yield, soluble solids content, and color of peel and pulp. The experimental design was completely randomized with 9 treatments (stock plants) and five replications. For the characterization, the data were subjected to Tukey’s test and similarity measure and clustering of the stock plants were performed by Tocher’s method and UPGMA dendrogram. Weight, length, and diameter of all stock plants have not differed from each other. The coordinate b* indicated that stock plant 1 had fruits with peel and pulp clear when compared to the yellow color of the other stock plants. There was genetic diversity between the assessed stock plants and three groups were created, which stock plant 1 and 2 were the most divergent and compose group 3, according to Tocher’s method. The features contributed similarly to total variation.

Potentiality of Saccharomyces Boulardii in Fermentation of Bio-Ethanol Derived from Fruit Wastes

An astronomical increase in vehicular usage has led to the depletion of existing fossil fuels and forced researchers to find alternative sources of fuels. Extensive studies are utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae for bioethanol production. Therefore, in the present study, the potential application of Saccharomyces boulardii derived bioethanol from fruit wastes was explored. The orange, sweet lime, and banana peels were subjected to various pre-treatment procedures and used as substrates for yeast mediated fermentation. The cellulosic de-linearization of fruit peels induced by alkaline and steam pre-treatments was analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analysis. The chemical nature of fruit waste-derived bioethanol was compared with commercial ethanol using gas chromatographic analysis. Bioethanol used in ratios 0%, 4%, 8%, 12% by volume as part of fuel blends were subjected to performance testing. This testing process was carried out on a single-cylinder, four-stroke spark-ignition engine and the effect of bioethanol content (by volume) on the operational parameters like total fuel consumption, brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, volumetric efficiency, and equivalence ratios were assessed. FTIR spectra showed significant changes in the chemical structure of fruit peels due to pretreatments. The bioethanol yields increased up to 24 h of fermentation after which there was a steady decline. These results were confirmed by an increase in pH of the biomass after 24 h up to 72 h. Enzymatic hydrolysis of fruit peels resulted in higher bioethanol yield as compared to acid treatment. The fruit derived bioethanol showed ideal physicochemical characteristics for use as automobile fuel. The same showed decent performance when tested on a four-stroke, spark ignition engine

Fruit rinds extracted cellulose and its utility in fabricating visible light tin sulfide photocatalyst for the treatment of dye, pharmaceutical and textile effluents

Fruit rinds isolated cellulose supported 2D tin sulfide nanostructures have been developed for the improved photodegradation of the standard and industrial organic pollutants. Some industrial organic pollutants are so persistent that they bioaccumulate in animal tissues and biomagnify along food chains adversely affecting humans, wildlife and the environment. For minimizing the cost of photocatalyst, extraction of cellulose was carried out from waste fruits peels (pomegranate, orange, sweet lime and banana) by simple chemical route which later was lyophilized to attain a nontoxic and economic support. These cellulose/tin sulphide photocatalysts were used to study the photocatalytic activity of Rhodamine B dye as standard as well as real sample analysis of industrial pharmaceutical and textile effluents. In all cellulose/tin sulfide nanocomposites, the greatest photocatalytic activity was attained where cellulose was in optimum amount (500 mg). The maximum rate was found to be ∼0.087 min−1 which was ∼20 times higher than the pristine tin sulfide nanostructures. For the quenching studies and photo stability issues of the photocatalyst, scavenging and recyclability tests were performed respectively. The improvement in an average lifetime from 72 to 123 ns showed that the photocatalytic activity increased with the effect of the cellulose support. This nanoscale photocatalyst would be beneficial for the humans as they don’t generate secondary contaminants unlike other methods and are also valuable for waste water treatment.

Biomolecule assisted morphology-controllable synthesis of Zinc Sulphide nanomaterials for efficient photocatalytic activity under solar irradiation

Tuning the optical and morphological properties of Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) nanomaterials (NMs) may be executed based on its synthetic approaches with experimental parameters that may improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency as compared to bulk ZnS. A bio-molecule (Citrus limetta juice) assisted synthetic method was employed with the variation of precursors and stabilizer ratio for manipulating the morphology of as-synthesized ZnS NMs. Field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed the structure of nanospheres/nanoflowers/nanotubes of ZnS NMs, corresponding to different sulphur ratios and amount of Citrus limetta juice-extract. Chemical composition of the ZnS NMs was substantiated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation ability of the ZnS NMs toward major water pollutants: Rhodamine B and Methyl orange, indicated the correlation between morphological and photocatalytic properties. Highest defect emission due to Sulphur interstices and lowest band edge emission due to less electron-hole pair recombination, as-observed through Photoluminescence spectroscopy, accounted for maximum degradation of dyes by ZnS nanospheres as compared to nanoflowers/nanotubes, which may be attributed to the high separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs and high surface-to-volume ratio. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy established the highest electrical conductivity of ZnS nanospheres. 85% degradation of RhB and 82% degradation of MO under sunlight were achieved with ZnS nanospheres. Reusability and radical scavenging studies revealed reduction of ∼10% degradation efficiency after 3rd cycle and super oxide radical ions as the prominent reactive species during degradation processes, respectively.

Genetic Characterization of Tunisian Lime Genotypes Using Pomological Traits

Abstract Citrus genus includes a wide number of species that have been long cultivated and well adapted in Tunisia. It is represented by small number of plantations and considered as underutilized in Tunisia. Our goal was to genetically characterize Tunisian lime genotypes to obtain data useful for gene conservation and breeding purposes. The survey of genotypes was conducted in the Cap Bon region, where citrus cultivation is the most spread. Sixteen quantitative and 19 qualitative parameters were evaluated. The observed accessions belonged to three different species: Citrus limetta, Citrus latifolia (limes Byrsa), and Citrus limettioides (limes of Palestine) according to Tanaka classification. Principal component analysis confirmed these classifications. Four-cell analysis (FCA) was used to determine the most threatened genotypes. Quantitative traits were evaluated and allowed the discrimination between genotypes. Many quantitative traits of fruit and juice were highly positively and significantly correlated. Phenotypic diversity was determined using Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’). The highest value of diversity index was observed for both vesicle thickness and thickness of segment walls (H’ = 0.98). Intermediate values were observed for both fruit axis (H’= 0.49) and pulp firmness (H’ = 0.43). However, fruit shape (H’ = 0.24), shape of fruit apex (H’ = 0.24), and vesicle length (H’ = 0.33) presented the lowest values of diversity index. Current findings will be useful to conserve threatened genotypes ex situ and on farm and also will guide strategic conservation on Citrus genetic resources for future breeding programs.

Study of Combined Action of Papaya Leaf Extract, Pomegranate and Lemon – A Review

The main motive of this review study is to focus on the essential components present in papaya leaves, pomegranate juice and sweet lime which is mausambi juice and a result of their combined effect on human health with enhanced beneficial components such as saponins, polyphenols etc. The leaves of papaya are generally considered as waste but their extracts have various health benefits. It contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, K and B. It is said that Saponin which is a component present in papaya leaves have anticancer capacity as well as reduces excessive oxidative stress. Here, papaya leaf extract can be added to pomegranate lemonade where both these fruits have predominant nutritional value. Pomegranate boosts immunity and aids in digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is loaded with Vitamin-C and is also antioxidant-rich. Lemon on the other hand also contains a lot of minerals and vitamins, it also reduces oxidative stress. As a result it is an approach of a health drink having medicinal values. The positive effect of all the above extracts when combined can produce immense health benefits in the human body and can act as suitable nutraceutical with chances of less side effects and allergic symptoms.

Biomass-derived porous carbon for excellent low intensity solar steam generation and seawater desalination

In recent times, solar-driven desalination has emerged as a sustainable solution for the impending water crisis. Herein, we report a novel solar-driven steam generator manufactured from porous carbon derived from sweet lime peels (a food waste) and polyvinyl alcohol sponge for efficient steam generation and its application in solar seawater desalination. The solar steam generator fabricated with a unidirectional pathway design satisfactorily absorbed incoming solar illumination, provided localized heat at the air-water interface and produced steam at a rate of 1.386 kg m−2 h−1, exhibiting an excellent photothermal efficiency of 90.88% under 1 sun (1000 W m−2) illumination. Furthermore, the steam generator proved capable of maintaining its performance in lower solar intensities (<1 sun), making it an excellent device for seawater desalination. Bearing in mind the aforementioned virtues, the steam generator was incorporated into a facile laboratory solar still for passive solar desalination. The modified solar still could generate clean water even at low simulated solar intensities with a near-100% salt removal efficiency. Moreover, the excellent performance of the solar still was retained in long-term and real-life experimentation and resulted in sustained clean water generation. The merits of the solar still, such as facile fabrication technique, low cost, scalability, and excellent desalination performance should inspire further research in solar steam generator-based solar stills for solar seawater desalination.

Cellulose supported bismuth vanadate nanocomposite for effective removal of organic pollutant

Abstract Agro waste extracted cellulose supported bismuth vanadate (Cel/BiVO4) nanocomposite has been derived with significant photocatalytic activity by the utilization of discarded biomass. Cellulose was isolated from waste fruit rinds of sweet lime, orange, pomegranate and banana by alkali hydrolysis, bleaching and acid treatment. This isolated cellulose is non-toxic, biodegradable and economical in comparison to other supports like graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nano tubes, etc. Firstly, we synthesized BiVO4 nanostructures by hydrothermal route. Then, by varying the amount of extracted cellulose, Cel/BiVO4 nanocomposites were prepared and characterized via XRD, FTIR, FESEM, XPS and BET analysis. The photocatalytic activity of Cel/BiVO4 photocatalysts was checked for the degradation of methyl orange dye under visible light (Tungsten 200 W). The kinetic studies showed that the rate of pristine BiVO4 (0.017) was less as compared to Cel/BiVO4 (0.024) when the amount of cellulose used was 800 mg. The photocatalytic results concluded that cellulose acted as a support which developed an interface with BiVO4 that aided in lessening the electron-hole recombination by improving the photodegradation efficiency of the catalyst. Thus, organic–inorganic hybrid nanostructures served as a paradigm for this advanced photocatalytic processes.