Logwood Research Articles

Deep learning artificial neural network framework to optimize the adsorption capacity of 3-nitrophenol using carbonaceous material obtained from biomass waste

The presence of toxic chemicals in water, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, organic pollutants such as pesticides, and industrial chemicals from runoff and discharges, poses critical public health and environmental risks leading to severe health issues and ecosystem damage; education plays a crucial role in mitigating these effects by enhancing awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and integrating environmental science into curricula to empower individuals to address and advocate for effective solutions to water pollution. However, the educational transformation should be accompanied with a technical process which can be eventually transferred to society to empower environmental education. In this study, carbonaceous material derived from Haematoxylum campechianum (CM-HC) was utilized for removing 3-nitrophenol (3-Nph) from aqueous solutions. The novelty of this research utilizes Haematoxylum campechianum bark and coconut shell, abundant agricultural wastes in Campeche, Mexico, for toxin removal, enhancing the adsorption process through artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms to optimize conditions and maximize the absorption efficiency. CM-HC’s surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), BET method, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and pHpzc. Kinetic models including pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), and Elovich were applied to fit the data. Adsorption isotherms were determined at varying pH (3–8), adsorbent dosages (2–10 g/L), and temperatures (300.15–330.15 K), employing Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson models. PSO kinetics demonstrated a good fit (R2 > 0.98) for Ci = 50–100 mg/L, indicating a chemical adsorption mechanism. The Langmuir isotherm model exhibited the best fit, confirming chemical adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 236.156 mg/g at T = 300.15 K, pH = 6, contact time = 3 h, and 2 g/L adsorbent dosage. Lower temperatures favored exothermic adsorption. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed for deep learning, optimizing the predictive model for removal percentage. Correlation heat maps highlighted positive correlations between time, dosage, and removal percentage, emphasizing the impact of initial concentration on efficiency. ANN modeling, incorporating iterative optimization, yielded highly accurate predictions, aligned closely with experimental results. The study showcases the success of deep learning in optimizing adsorption processes, emphasizing the importance of diverse correlation algorithms for comprehensive insights into competitive adsorption dynamics. The 5-14-14-1 deep learning architecture, fine-tuned over 228 epochs, demonstrated strong performance with mean squared error (MSE) values of 4.07, 18.406, and 6.2122 for training, testing, and total datasets, respectively, and high R-squared values. Graphical analysis showed a solid linear correlation between experimental and simulated removal percentages, emphasizing the need to consider more than just testing data for optimization. Experimental validation confirmed a 98.77% removal efficiency, illustrating the effectiveness of combining deep learning with genetic algorithms, and highlighting the necessity of experimental trials to verify computational predictions. It is concluded that the carbonaceous material from Haematoxylum campechianum waste (CM-HC) is an effective, low-cost adsorbent for removing 3-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions, achieving optimal removal at pH 6 and 300.15 K with a maximum adsorption capacity of 236.156 mg/g, following Langmuir model and pseudo-second order kinetics. The validated ANN model offers a reliable tool for practical applications in environmental remediation, advancing both environmental science and educational innovation by integrating artificial neural networks and data science methodologies into student learning experiences.

Chemical reagent for detecting tension wood in selected tree species

Reaction wood is a wood defect arising during the growth of the tree in the part of the trunk that is under tension (hardwood tree species) or compression (coniferous tree species). Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) tension wood has different anatomical and chemical characteristics than normal (opposite) wood. The difference in density is conditioned by the percentage of the gelatinous layer (G-layer). Fibre cells in reaction beech wood have a different cell wall structure and a different chemical composition. Tension wood cannot be detected by the naked eye. It is only possible to assume its occurrence based on the macroscopic characteristics of the logs, such as a woolly surface, taper or eccentric pith, and so forth. However, these are imprecise and unreliable methods that have minimal effectiveness, especially when shortening the length of the log for cut-outs. This study aimed to create a unique chemical reagent for the detection of tension wood in logs and timber and wood products immediately. The present research can contribute to the mitigation of flaws resulting from the reaction of wood in timber production while addressing noticeable constraints in manufacturing, such as energy resources and the availability of wood raw materials. This can be achieved through the efficient identification of reaction wood in materials. The colour change is only temporary and will fade over time. After the chemical reagent has dried on the surface, the surface can be milled. The colour change extends to a depth of approx. of 3 to 5 mm.

Sorption Behavior of Azo Dye Congo Red onto Activated Biochar from Haematoxylum campechianum Waste: Gradient Boosting Machine Learning-Assisted Bayesian Optimization for Improved Adsorption Process.

This work aimed to describe the adsorption behavior of Congo red (CR) onto activated biochar material prepared from Haematoxylum campechianum waste (ABHC). The carbon precursor was soaked with phosphoric acid, followed by pyrolysis to convert the precursor into activated biochar. The surface morphology of the adsorbent (before and after dye adsorption) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), BET method, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and, lastly, pHpzc was also determined. Batch studies were carried out in the following intervals of pH = 4-10, temperature = 300.15-330.15 K, the dose of adsorbent = 1-10 g/L, and isotherms evaluated the adsorption process to determine the maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax, mg/g). Kinetic studies were performed starting from two different initial concentrations (25 and 50 mg/L) and at a maximum contact time of 48 h. The reusability potential of activated biochar was evaluated by adsorption-desorption cycles. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was 114.8 mg/g at 300.15 K, pH = 5.4, and a dose of activated biochar of 1.0 g/L. This study also highlights the application of advanced machine learning techniques to optimize a chemical removal process. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset, a Gradient Boosting regression model was developed and fine-tuned using Bayesian optimization within a Python programming environment. The optimization algorithm efficiently navigated the input space to maximize the removal percentage, resulting in a predicted efficiency of approximately 90.47% under optimal conditions. These findings offer promising insights for enhancing efficiency in similar removal processes, showcasing the potential of machine learning in process optimization and environmental remediation.

Wood Extracts for Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics—Special View on Mordanting Procedures

Natural dyes offer a bio-based opportunity to support the attractive coloration of textile fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, hemp, and many other textile materials. They can be part of a strategy to realize fully bio-based textiles and clothing materials. In line with this statement, the following study investigates the use of wood extracts for dyeing cotton fabrics. Specifically, extract powders of logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum L.), brazilwood (Caesalpinia spp.), and quebracho wood (Schinopsis lorentzii) are used. The aim of the study is to evaluate which colorations can be obtained by the application of those wood extracts and what fastness properties are reached. For this, different modified process parameters and mordants are evaluated. The dyeing process is modified using different mordants based on iron and aluminum salts. These mordants are applied in pre-, meta-, or post-mordant procedures. The color and fastness properties of prepared textile samples are determined by spectroscopic measurements, color measurements, washing procedures, and a Xenotest for measuring the light fastness. Ultimately, it is shown that a broad range of colorations can be realized through different combinations of wood extracts and mordanting procedures. Notably, stronger color depths are reached with pre- and meta-mordanting compared to post-mordanting. Good wash fastness is obtained for some color shades. However, with post-mordanting, better wash fastness can be achieved. The light fastness of the realized samples is only moderate to low. In conclusion, it can be stated that dyes from wood extracts are excellent materials to dye natural fibers if they are combined with the right mordanting agent in pre- or meta-mordanting procedures. The present study is therefore a good proof-of-concept for the realization of fully bio-based colored textile materials.

DeadWood: Including Disturbance and Decay in the Depiction of Digital Nature

The creation of truly believable simulated natural environments remains an unsolved problem in Computer Graphics. This is, in part, due to a lack of visual variety. In nature, apart from variation due to abiotic and biotic growth factors, a significant role is played by disturbance events, such as fires, windstorms, disease, and death and decay processes, which give rise to both standing dead trees (snags) and downed woody debris (logs). For instance, snags constitute on average 10% of unmanaged forests by basal area, and logs account for 2 \(\frac{1}{2}\) times this quantity. While previous systems have incorporated individual elements of disturbance (e.g., forest fires) and decay (e.g., the formation of humus), there has been no unifying treatment, perhaps because of the challenge of matching simulation results with generated geometric models. In this paper, we present a framework that combines an ecosystem simulation, which explicitly incorporates disturbance events and decay processes, with a model realization process, which balances the uniqueness arising from life history with the need for instancing due to memory constraints. We tested our hypothesis concerning the visual impact of disturbance and decay with a two-alternative forced-choice experiment ( n = 116). Our findings are that the presence of dead wood in various forms, as snags or logs, significantly improves the believability of natural scenes, while, surprisingly, general variation in the number of model instances, with up to 8 models per species, and a focus on disturbance events, does not.

Defects in local atomic structure of ZnO films sensitized with tinto and mangrove organic dyes

In this work, the dye/ZnO complex was prepared, using natural dyes extracted from the red tree (Haematoxylum campechianum L.) and mangrove tree (Rhizophora Mangle), with a concentration of 5 × 10−3 M, impregnation time of 2 and 6 h, using a mixture of ethanol-water and ethanol as solvents. The ZnO particles were obtained by sol gel method and deposited on Corning glass by the doctor blade technique. X-ray diffraction indicates that these particles belong to the wurtzite-type hexagonal crystalline structure. Anthraquinone and anthocyanin molecules were identified in the natural dyes used. The results of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of the complexes show the band associated with the functional group of the carboxyls, which represents evidence of the presence of the dyes in the semiconductor. X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows changes in the local environment around the Zn atoms. Both dyes introduce a greater quantity of electrons in the unoccupied p states of Zn. The simulation developed and the analysis of the EXAFS signals show the formation of new bonds between Zn and O with dye atoms thus reducing the Zn O and Zn–Zn bond lengths. Also, the distribution of the bonds of the neighbors closest to the Zn, in the ZnO matrix, is modified due to the generation of vacancies of O and Zn. These results imply that the obtained dyes can effectively be used as photosensitizers in ZnO-based solar cells.

Błękit i rośliny lecznicze – słów kilka o indygo i nie tylko

Blue color and medicinal plants – a few words about indigo and more Until the development of organic chemistry and the production of synthetic dyes in the second half of the 19th century, substances of natural origin were the only source of color compounds. These could be mineral, plant, and animal products, used in the form of raw products (e.g., crushed metals, minerals, animal fragments, or their excretions) and preparations derived from them. Among the plants we find many species that have been used as sources of coloring substances. They were valued primarily in the production of various utility or decorative fabrics and were used to dye natural fibers. Plant extracts or purified fractions of color compounds were also used as pigments in painting, in the illumination of books, and as substances that improve the look of medicines or foodstuffs. Some had medicinal significance per se. Among them, a small group of plant substances with a blue color is of special interest. The most famous natural raw material of this group is indigo (Indigo), obtained from Indigofera tinctoria L. and its substitutes. Noteworthy is also the less known wood of the logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum L.), known as the blue tree. This work presents the history, uses, and therapeutic importance of the abovementioned raw materials and their contemporary use.

Mycobiota of Ips sexdentatus (Bö;rner, 1776) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Belarus

The paper presents the results of a study of the fungal component of the microbiome associated with six-toothed bark beetle on the territory of Belarus to clarify the role of this xylophage as a vector of dangerous phytopathogenic fungi. More than 360 pure cultures of fungi isolated from the surface and hemocoel of Ips sexdentatus were analyzed by cultural-morphological and molecular-genetic methods. 35 species of fungi from 25 genera of 17 families in 3 divisions were identi ed. Based on their impact on the stored wood, all species are conventionally classi ed into three groups: (1) fungi that cause discoloration of wood (mold, blue stain, etc.), (2) fungi that cause rot of growing forest and harvested wood, and (3) fungi whose . Five species of fungi from the family Ophiostomatacea e were identi ed: Leptographium Lagerb. & Melin sp., Ophiostoma ips (Rumbold) Nannf., O. minus (Hedgc.) Syd. & P. Syd., O. canum (Münch) Syd. & P. Syd., and O. piceae (Münch) Syd. & P. Syd. associated with blue wood. Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. was found in 7.8% of the studied samples of the fungal ora. Fairly high frequency of occurrence con rms the participation of the six-toothed bark beetle in the formation of complex centres of pine desiccation in the territory of Belarus. In the I. sexdentatus population, a signi cant proportion of entomopathogenic fungi (11.4%) was recorded using the molecular genetic method, which may indicate natural processes of self-regulation, or the attenuation of the outbreak of bark beetles in Belarus.

How Different Analytical and Stylistics Investigations Can Help in Describing Artefacts Made of Non-coeval Parts: The Imago Pietatis in Breno

ABSTRACT Valcamonica is an Italian Alpine valley that has been the transit route for people and goods in prehistoric, Roman, medieval, and modern times. This led to the presence of artefacts from different eras and/or the occurrence of artefacts made of non-coeval parts. This research reports the characterization of an artefact in the Museum of Breno (Brescia Province). It is surmised that the artwork is made of different and non-coeval parts. The aim of the research is to investigate the natural pigments dyeing the different parts of the artefact, to infer information also on the origin and the dating. The investigation is supported by different analytical techniques (microscopic, spectroscopic, chromatographic, and spectrometric evaluation). The artifact is an Imago Pietatis, with Christ emerging from the tomb with his open arms. Microscopic observation allowed a preliminary evaluation of the colouration and to hypothesize the pigments used. 1H NMR analysis and spectrophotometric analysis suggested the presence of Tyrian purple and logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) in the background of the sacred image, that was probably a liturgical vestment dismembered and overdyed. It is very likely that the image was in use to a brotherhood of Disciplini, a secular congregation very active in Valcamonica whose activities consisted in praying for the dead and making processions. Our work was important for the narration of this artefact and could be useful for the reconstruction of the object in the original colours, for providing to the local stakeholders a suitable recognition for this historical discovery.

Historically Inspired Strategy to Achieve Sustainable and Effective Coloration of Bioplastics

The use of historical organic pigments is an interesting strategy to provide color nuances to biopolymers while achieving good solid optical effects. In this work, aqueous extracts of logwood (LW) are tested as a natural source of color for the sustainable production of an organic purple pigment (LWP) taking advantage of the historical lake approach. Different amounts of LWP (0.01–2% wt) are used for the effective coloration of polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polylactide (PLA). The full characterization of LWP and LWP-treated biopolymer samples enables the spectral and color properties of the composites to be defined where the exceptional color efficiency of LWP is demonstrated by the very low amount (0.5% wt) necessary to reach the saturation. The evolution of spectra and color coordinates under accelerated aging conditions is monitored for LWP-polymer samples. A 10–12% decrease of the visible absorption band is detected after prolonged irradiation, resulting in a moderate color fading for PBS compared to PCL samples, while negligible changes are observed for PLA samples. The results demonstrate that LWP constitutes an efficient and sustainable source of color for the analyzed polymers without causing significant changes in the tensile and thermal properties of the polymeric matrix.

The response of lichens inhabiting exposed wood of spruce logs to post-hurricane disturbances in Western Carpathian forests

We investigated which of the following environmental factors: the number of years since the windthrow of the tree (the age of dead wood), the phytocenosis (the type of forest community), altitude, exposure, wood hardness and the spatial scale of forest disturbances (small gaps with a few fallen spruces vs large-area windthrows) contributed to the diversity and abundance of lichens inhabiting the exposed wood of windthrown spruce trees in Polish Western Carpathian forests. Both Shannon H index and sum of coverage coefficients rose with increasing age of the wood, levelling off after 11–14 y (diversity) and 14–17 y (abundance). This factor appeared to be the most important for this group of lichens, but the significant positive impact of large-area windthrows on the lichen abundance was also demonstrated by using a GLM model. The age of the wood we precisely determined on the basis of data on Norway spruce mortality collected annually in permanent plots of the Gorce National Park since 2000. Using the Shore durometer we linked the course of the wood-inhabiting lichen succession with wood decay more precisely than before. The largest number of species was associated with medium hard wood, i.e., 51 < x ≤ 80 on the Shore scale. Based on the NMDS analysis, we distinguished four age groups of logs, differing in lichen abundance and defined by the dominance of distinctive species. A large number of usually corticolous lichen species used the wood of windthrown spruce logs as an optional habitat to survive large-scale, post-hurricane forest disturbances.

Botanical characterization of Apis mellifera honeys in areas under different degrees of disturbance in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Apiculture is an important economic activity in Mexico, and deforestation, extensive agriculture, and other types of land use threaten sustainable honey production. This study aimed to determine the floral resources used by Apis mellifera for honey production, in vegetation types with different disturbance degrees in Southern Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo state. A total of 24 honey samples, from eight apiaries, were collected during the months of the highest honey production in the region (February to May 2022). Standard acetolysis technique was applied for melissopalynological analysis. A total of 68 pollen types were identified. Our results suggest that the disturbance degree of the vegetation does not affect the pollen diversity and honey composition, mainly because the available floral resources remain similar. Viguiera dentata (Asteraceae) was the most abundant (>45%) herbaceous species in honey samples of February and March. Piscidia piscipula (Fabaceae) and Haematoxylum campechianum (Fabaceae) in samples of March (16%-45%), and P. piscipula in April (>45%). Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae), Bursera simaruba (Burseraceae), and Metopium brownie (Anacardiaceae) were the most abundant (16%-45%) arboreal species found in samples of May. Although our results can be used to develop conservation strategies looking for sustainable honey production, further studies should focus on vegetation with a better conservation state, during longer time periods, and during periods with fewer resources available for honeybees.

Palynological characterisation of palm honey (Sabal yapa) produced in Yucatan (Mexico)

The palm honey (Sabal yapa C. Wright ex Becc.) (Sabal honey henceforth) is one of 22 unifloral honeys recognised in the Yucatan Peninsula. This honey is harvested in February and March when Sabal yapa bloom but encompasses other important melliferous plants during the harvest season. A melissopalynological study of 24 honey samples from Tizimín, Yucatan (Mexico) was used to determine if Sabal honey is monofloral or multifloral, and to investigate the pollen contribution of other plants. Consequently, we determined the plant resources foraged by Apis mellifera. After analysis, 54 different pollen types were identified with the number of pollen types per honey sample ranging between nine and 21, with a mean of 14.75. Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most diverse families and represented the highest percentage of contribution in pollen spectra. Sabal yapa pollen had a mean content of 56.9% (with a range of 45.4% to 84%). Bursera simaruba, Haematoxylum campechianum, Piscidia piscipula and Viguiera dentata were categorised as secondary pollen. Important minor pollen corresponded to Caesalpinia gaumeri, Ceiba pentandra, Pisonia aculeata, Thouinia paucidentata, and Trixis inula. Pollen composition revealed details of not only the rich native flora that accompanies Sabal yapa, but traditional human activities that occur around the apiaries. As expected, pollen of nectariferous species predominate in the samples, but also a number of nectarless species were found. Honeybees foraged mostly in trees present in remnants of primary vegetation, or at its different succession stages. Sabal honey could be labelled as monofloral.

Properties of Mexican bloodwood (Haematoxylum campechianum L.). Part 1: anatomical and colourimetric characteristics

Abstract Bloodwood (Haematoxylum campechianum L.) native to Central America has been known as dye source since the prehistoric times by the Maya. Nowadays, bloodwood is increasingly used for plantations but its use for furniture, flooring, or fencing is only of regional importance. The reason is seen in lacking knowledge of its properties. To expand that knowledge, this Part 1 of the two-part study series investigated the anatomy and the discolouration due to leaching of heartwood of H. campechianum. Anatomical characteristics were described qualitatively and quantitively using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography. Detailed wood anatomical data are presented, together with numerical analyses of cell parameters. Apart from wood anatomy, colourimetric analyses were obtained after 10 leaching cycles. The colour change of the wood due to water exposure was determined measuring in CIE L*a*b* colour system. In addition, the extinction of the leachate was determined spectrophotometrically after each leaching cycle. The resulting colour change was evaluated according to colour change after each cycle. The most prominent change in colour was observed for the first cycle due to leaching. Because of the extensive leaching of extractives, further investigation might address the effect of leaching of water-soluble extractives on adhesion properties of bloodwood.

Logwood Writing Inks: History, Production, Forensics, and Use

Abstract In the 16th century, the Spanish brought logwood from Mexico to Europe. Its extract was used for textile dyeing. The French introduced the logwood tree to Western Hispaniola, which became Haiti in 1804. Around 1880, Haiti exported most of its logwood to France. In 1847, Runge introduced the black chrome-logwood ink as an alternative for iron-gall ink, because the latter attacked the steel writing nibs. The most important constituents of logwood are hematoxylin and hematein. Due to the profitable import conditions from Haiti, chrome-logwood ink became the cheapest and most commonly used black writing ink in France. This could explain why Vincent van Gogh, during his French period, used it for writing and drawing and why most of the French postcards from the first half of the 20th century, studied in this publication, were written with chrome-logwood ink, while most of the Dutch postcards were written with an iron gall ink.

Anxiolytic effect of the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L. and sappanchalcone in an in vivo model in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHaematoxylum campechianum L., is a well-known plant in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is named as “palo tinto” or “palo de Campeche”, in English there are vernacular names such as “redwood”, “bloodwood tree” or “campeachy wood”. Traditional medicine refers its use for the treatment of different disorders including depression. Aim of the studyConsidering the traditional use of this plant for the alleviation of depression, the aim of this study was the evaluation of the anxiolytic effect of the methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts from the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L., and the sappanchalchone (Sapp). Additionally, it is presented the characterization of the new compound 4-hydroxyhematoxylol (2) isolated from the hydroalcoholic extract. Material and methodsThe anxiolytic effect of the extracts and Sapp was evaluated by using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) additionally the sedative effect was assessed with the Open Field Test (OFT). The chemical characterization of Sapp and 2 was performing by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. ResultsThe EPM test showed that the administration of the plant extracts increased the percentage of time spent in open arms (76.32 ± 6.35 and 66.68 ± 20.64%, respectively for the methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts), whereas the administration of Sapp increased the percentage of time spent in open arms by 60.07 ± 14.28%, these results are similar to Diazepam (DZP, positive control) which caused an increment of 74.06 ± 23.42%. For the OFT, all of the doses evaluated for both extracts and Sapp diminished the number of rearing (R) and total corssing (TC) behavior in a similar way to the positive control (DZO) and statistically different with respect to the vehicle. ConclusionThe results obtained showed that the polar extracts from the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L. possess both anxiolytic and sedative effect and that the chalcone-type compound Sapp, isolated from the methanolic extract, is partially responsible of these activities.

Emission factors and chemical characterization of particulate emissions from garden green waste burning

This work provides an evaluation of the emission factors (EFs) of typical garden waste burning (fallen leaves and hedge trimming) in terms of particulate matter (PM), elemental and organic carbon (EC-OC) together with a detailed chemical characterization of 88 particle-bound organic species including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), levoglucosan and its isomers, lignin breakdown products (methoxyphenols), cholesterol, alkanes, polyols and sugars. Furthermore, wood-log based burning experiments have been performed to highlight key indicators or chemical patterns of both, green waste and wood burning (residential heating) sources, that may be used for PM source apportionment purposes. Two residential log wood combustion appliances, wood stove (RWS) and fireplace, under different output conditions (nominal and reduced) and wood log moisture content (mix of beech, oak and hornbeam), have been tested. Open wood burning experiments using wood logs were also performed. Green waste burning EFs obtained were comparable to the available literature data for open-air biomass burning. For PM and for most of the organic species studied, they were about 2 to 30 times higher than those observed for wood log combustion experiments. Though, poor performance wood combustions (open-air wood log burning, fireplace and RWS in reduced output) showed comparable EFs for levoglucosan and its isomers, methoxyphenols, polyols, PAHs and sugars. Toxic PAH equivalent benzo[a]pyrene EFs were even 3–10 times higher for the fireplace and open-air wood log burning. These results highlighted the impact of the nature of the fuel burnt and the combustion performances on the emissions. Different chemical fingerprints between both biomass burning sources were highlighted with notably a predominance of odd high-molecular weight n-alkanes (higher carbon preference index, CPI), lower levoglucosan/mannosan ratio and lower sinapylaldehyde abundance for green waste burning. However, the use of such indicators seems limited, especially if applied alone, for a clear discrimination of both sources in ambient air.

Torrefied Biomass and Where Is the Sector Currently Standing in Terms of Research, Technology Development, and Implementation

Torrefaction is a thermal conversion method of biomass used to produce a high-quality solid biofuel that can be used for combustion, gasification, and additional non–energy-related applications. Torrefied biomass has numerous advantages above today’s standard biomass fuels like log wood, wood chips, and white wood pellets (WWPs). This is known and promoted for long, and has been proven in numerous research and demonstration projects; however, large-scale industrial proof is still underway only in these days. First, project implementations with name plate capacity of 100 kmt/a or higher are in construction or hot commissioning. In this review, the main advantages of torrefaction are shortly described, and the latest industry developments and future opportunities for the products as well as areas of need for further R&amp;amp;D are presented.

Eco-friendly Dyeing Using Hematoxylin Natural Dye for Pretreated Cotton Fabric to Enhance Its Functional Properties

This study presents an environmentally benign bioactive dyeing and finishing of bio-mordanting cotton fabric via hematoxylin dye extracted from Haematoxylum Campechianum L. medicinal tree. A facile approach to fabricate bio-mordanting cotton fabrics based on gelatine and aloe vera for sustainable green dyeing with hematoxylin dye to achieve a wide range of functional properties and environmental benefits was explored. Optimization of dyeing conditions in terms of salt concentration and pH was conducted. Also, build-up properties and fastness characterization haswere studied in the presence and absence of bio-mordants. The natural functional groups of the dye extract were investigated by FTIR spectral analysis. The results reflect the success of bio-mordant chemical modification and mechanism for dyeing process in the course of increasing K/S values associated with improving colorfastness to washing and light as compared to unmordant fabric. All the dyed bio-mordanting fabrics in this work showed great potential value-adding applications in terms of excellent UV protection, antioxidant activity, and high antibacterial activity. The outcomes of this study deal to have implications to the eco-textile green dyeing for the achievement of healthy and sustainable environment applications.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT OF EUCALYPTUS AND CORYMBIA WOOD

The properties of wood influence its use as a final product, so it is essential to know their relation and influence on the quality of preservation. In this sense, for the present study we aim at the determination of the physical properties of Corymbia citriodora [Eucalyptus citriodora Hook]; Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. x Eucalyptus grandis, and the quality of the preservative treatment with CCA-C in an autoclave. We determined diameter, heartwood and sapwood percentages, and their relationship, as well as the basic density for the three genetic materials. The quality of the preservation was evaluated through the area treated and not treated by CCA, besides its penetration and retention. The highest proportion of sapwood, treated area, and highest density value was found in C. citriodora, whereas the hybrid E. camaldulensis x E. grandis presented the highest level of CCA retention. The diameter and density showed the highest correlation with CCA retention in wood, the length and moisture of the small logs also shown to be influential. All clones presented satisfactory chemical treatment quality for use as fence posts.