Palm Kernel Shell Research Articles

Design and Construction of an Aquaponics System: A Sustainable Approach to Enhancing Local Food Security in Offa, Nigeria

The design of an aquaponics system is a major drive in achieving a sustainable agricultural practice, tackling environmental problems, and food security. Aquaponics provides a conservative technique that integrates both hydroponics and aquaculture in regions with minimal arable land. This current study aims to design and build an aquaponics system that is suitable and beneficial to its environment. The objectives of building the aquaponics system are to cultivate fish and plants in a closed system that can reduce the requirement for chemical-based nutrients and increase water-use efficiency. Preliminary assessment, design, and preparations of drawings were applied to obtain a suitable plan for the aquaponics system. Civil, construction, plumbing, welding, and planting works were conducted to physically implement the aquaponics system. A farm base of 8 m X 4 m (hydroponics) was built alongside a concrete tank base of (3 m x 2 m x 0.6 m) to hold the fish tank of 2000 L (aquaculture). A canopy material was then laid to hold water in the hydroponics section. Twelve pieces of polystyrene (2.1 m X 1.2 m) were laid to float inside the hydroponics system with each one carrying 9 lightweight disposable cups to serve as planting mediums. Rice husk and palm kernel shells were filled into the cups to grow the plants (cucumber and pepper). Plant and growing medium weights were considered in determining the number of growing mediums(cups) in the hydroponics system. Other works done included plumbing for water, welding for the aquaponics structure, and installation of a cover. This current study incorporates organic waste materials as systematically grown mediums to create additional nutrients, increase grow mediums for optimized plant production, and reduce cost. The result of the study showed a shorter growth cycle for the plants (pepper and cucumber) between germination and flowering indicating a higher infusion of nutrients created by the hydroponics system. The result of the study can be applied as a guide to designing and building an effective aquaponics system and a tool for developing systems that can reduce food insecurity and farming techniques.

Parametric evaluation of carbon dioxide and steam co-gasification of sewage sludge and palm kernel shell in a downdraft fixed bed reactor: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach

Thermally converting sewage sludge (SS) to harness its energy potential brings challenges like high ash content, which can cause system instability. However, co-gasifying SS with carbon-rich materials has shown to be more advantageous. This study analyses a two-dimensional Eulerian CFD numerical model for a CO2 and steam cogasification of SS and palm kernel shell in a downdraft gasifier by solving the governing equations of mass phases, turbulence, energy, and momentum on a high-resolution mesh model. The devolatilization phase is defined by comprehensive solid carbon pyrolysis kinetic mechanisms and secondary gas reaction mechanisms, whilst the gasification and combustion processes are governed by applying detailed heterogeneous and homogeneous rate-controlled reactions. An experimental assessment with temperature of 1000 °C; ER of 0.28; fuel feed rate of 0.00061 kgs−1; at atmospheric pressure was conducted to validate the current model considering the temperature distribution and gas composition. The validated model is further used to evaluate the effect of mixing ratios, steam-to-fuel ratio (S/F), carbon dioxide-fuel ratio (CO2/F), and gasification temperature on syngas composition, lower heating value, hot gas efficiency, gas yield, H2/CO and synergistic coefficient. The predicted results agree well with the experimental data with the maximum deviational error of 9.52 %. The highest H2 production was recorded during steam gasification, whilst CO was favored by CO2 gasification. Synergistic analysis presented the highest synergy coefficient for the SS mixing ratio of 25 % at 1.91 and 50 % at 1.93 for steam and CO2 gasification respectively.

Melamine-assisted synthesis of mesoporous biochar from palm kernel shells for enhanced paraquat removal from aqueous solutions

Melamine-assisted synthesis of mesoporous biochar from palm kernel shells for enhanced paraquat removal from aqueous solutions

Oxidative fractionation of palm kernel shell waste biomass over bimetallic Co-Cu/Zeolite HY catalyst

Oxidative fractionation of palm kernel shell waste biomass over bimetallic Co-Cu/Zeolite HY catalyst

Effect of Different Parameters of Modified Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Conversion of Palm Kernel Shells to Bio-oil

Effect of Different Parameters of Modified Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Conversion of Palm Kernel Shells to Bio-oil

Optimization of the preparation of palm kernel shell–derived activated carbon via Taguchi method for enhanced methylene blue removal

Optimization of the preparation of palm kernel shell–derived activated carbon via Taguchi method for enhanced methylene blue removal

A study on grounded palm kernel shells (GPKS) as a partial replacement for sand in mortar

A study on grounded palm kernel shells (GPKS) as a partial replacement for sand in mortar

Effect of Palm Kernel Shell Ash Supplement with Egg Shell Ash on Stabilized Lateritic Soil for a Road Work

Effect of Palm Kernel Shell Ash Supplement with Egg Shell Ash on Stabilized Lateritic Soil for a Road Work

Enhancing biofuel pellet quality using torrefaction and co-pelletization of palm kernel shell and empty fruit bunch.

Palm kernel shell (PKS) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) are potential biomass resources for producing solid biofuel for energy applications. However, raw EFB and PKS are not uniform in size and pose rotting behavior. Torrefaction and co-pelletization are both effective methods to improve their combustion and mechanical characteristics. This study aims to investigate the effect of torrefaction temperature and the blending ratio of PKS and EFB on the mechanical and combustion characteristics of co-pellets. Initially, PKS and EFB underwent torrefaction process for 30min at three different temperatures (210°C, 240°C, and 270°C). Then, both torrefied PKS and EFB were blended at five different ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0) with carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder (10% by weight). The results showed that pellet produced at higher torrefaction temperature at 270°C resulted in an increment of the higher heating value (HHV) but weaker mechanical strength. Pellet with a blending ratio of PKS to EFB (75:25) torrefied at 240°C showed the comparatively best pellet quality in terms of HHV (17.94MJ/kg), high tensile strength (3.5MPa), low ash content (3.97 wt%), and the lowest density changes (0.66%), which satisfy the standard requirements for commercial pellets, indicating that a high-quality biofuel pellet can be produced using torrefaction and co-pelletization.

Hybrid Analysis of Biochar Production from Pyrolysis of Agriculture Waste Using Statistical and Artificial Intelligent-Based Modeling Techniques

Biochar is gaining recognition as a sustainable material, with several applications in soil amendment, carbon sequestration, nutrient dynamics, the remediation of organic contaminants from soil, and water filtration. However, understanding its characteristics is limited due to its intricate structure. This study used response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to optimize and predict the production of biochar from the pyrolysis of palm kernel shells. To determine how residence time, nitrogen flow rate, and pyrolysis temperature affected biochar production, a Box–Behnken experimental design was employed. The prediction of the biochar yield was modeled using four different models of ANNs: narrow, medium, wide, and optimum. The physicochemical properties of the biochar produced at pyrolysis temperatures ranging from 400 to 800 °C were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), nitrogen (N2) physisorption analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). With a p-value significantly lower than 0.05, the response surface quadratic model was found to be the most suitable to optimize the biochar yield obtained from the PKS pyrolysis. Biochar production was very sensitive to the three operating parameters: pyrolysis temperature, nitrogen flow rate, and pyrolysis time. With a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.900, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.936, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.743, the optimized ANN outperformed the other three ANN models tested. When compared to the optimized ANN, the response surface quadratic model with an R2 of 0.989 had better prediction of biochar yield. At optimized experimental conditions for nitrogen flow rate (150.01 mL/min), temperature (799.71 °C), and pyrolysis time (107.61 min), a biochar yield of 37.87% was obtained at a desirability function of 1.

Utilization of periwinkle and palm kernel shells in load-bearing ecofriendly interlocking concrete paver

Utilization of periwinkle and palm kernel shells in load-bearing ecofriendly interlocking concrete paver

Utilization of Palm Kernel Shell as Coarse Aggregate Replacement in Pervious Concrete: An Alternative Approach to Sustainable Pervious Concrete Walkway

Abstract: Increased urbanization in many cities of the world brings with it the problem of multiplied impervious surfaces on infrastructure like roads. Using pervious instead of impervious surfaces will address these concerns, the use of palm kernel shell (PKS) to replace granite in the matrix will further address the cost and environmental worries. A Pervious Concrete walkway was constructed on an unpaved, waterlogged stretch using agricultural waste product-Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) to replace conventional granite in the concrete matrix. The initial laboratory tests were carried out in accordance with BS 812, Part 101 from 1984 to 1990, and Parts 110 and 112 from 1990. The batching process was weighted, with aggregate percentages for partial replacement set at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% PKS. The mix of 70% granite and 30% palm kernel shell produced the highest compressive strength, with values of 5.33 MPa, 6.19 MPa, and 7.36 MPa at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. The incorporation of PKS into the pervious concrete walkway effectively reduced waterlogging in the area while posing no environmental concerns..

Investigation of moisture content and higher heating value in refuse-derived fuel from agricultural residues using statistical modelling

<p>There is an increasing interest in using agricultural residues and wastes for energy production due to concerns regarding climate change and energy security issues. One of the alternative fuels considered is Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from biomass, which has a Higher Heating Value (HHV) comparable to coal. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the moisture content and the HHV value. Palm kernel shells (PKS), coconut husks (CH), and coconut shells (CS) were blended at various ratios (10%–80%) and moisture levels (5%, 7%, 10%). The HHV was analyzed through a proximate analysis, with JMP Pro 17.0 modelling the HHV against the moisture content. Then, the Tukey-Kramer analysis identified the optimal energy ratio, thus providing insights into maximizing the RDF efficiency. The result showed that the highest HHV was 21.617 MJ/kg with the RDF2 formulation. Notably, the RDF2 energy content was less than 4% of that of coal, thus demonstrating the potential of utilizing agricultural waste to produce solid fuel with a positive environmental impact.</p>

Evaluation of 9,10-anthraquinone contamination in tea products from Indonesian manufacturers and its carcinogenic risk to consumer health.

This study aimed to determine 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) levels in Indonesian tea products from different manufacturers and assess the AQ's associated health risks. AQ levels increased significantly during withering and drying stages, using pinewood as a heat source. Generally, black tea was highly contaminated by AQ followed by green tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Out of a total of 116 samples from manufacturers using wood pellets as a heat source, 13% (15/116) of samples were contaminated with AQ exceeding the EU maximum residue level (MRL), and after accounting for measurement uncertainty, this value decreased to only 2% (2/116) that were deemed non-compliant. In contrast, 88% (57/65) and 50% (7/14) of tea samples were contaminated with AQ exceeding the EU MRL when manufacturers used pinewood and palm kernel shells as heat sources, respectively. However, based on our estimation, the risk level due to AQ exposure from Indonesian tea is still manageable, as indicated by calculating incremental lifetime cancer risk, < 10⁻⁶ across all conditions studied (age group, type of tea, and heat source).

Effect of Partial Replacement of CaCO3 with Palm Kernel Shell Particles on the Mechanical Properties of PKS/CaCO3/HDPE Hybrid Composites

Effect of Partial Replacement of CaCO3 with Palm Kernel Shell Particles on the Mechanical Properties of PKS/CaCO3/HDPE Hybrid Composites

Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Concrete with Replacement of Conventional Coarse and Fine Aggregates Using Palm Kernel Shell and Coconut Husk

Concrete is a widely used construction material, but its production has a negative impact on the environment. This study aims to determine the effect and optimal percentage of using palm kernel shells and coconut fiber in concrete mixtures on the compressive strength of concrete. The research method involved making a variety of concrete mixes with the replacement of conventional aggregates by palm kernel shells as coarse aggregate and coconut fiber as fine aggregate. Four mix variations were tested: A (1% coconut fiber, 5% palm kernel shell), B (2% coconut fiber, 5% palm kernel shell), C (1% coconut fiber, 10% palm kernel shell), and D (2% coconut fiber, 10% palm kernel shell). Compressive strength testing was conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days of concrete age. The analysis showed that variation A, with 1% coir and 5% palm kernel shell, produced the closest compressive strength to normal concrete. ANOVA tests confirmed the significant effect of these mixtures on compressive strength. The contribution of this research lies in the development of alternative concrete materials that are more environmentally friendly, utilizing agricultural waste to reduce dependence on natural resources and lower the carbon footprint of the construction industry.

Synthesis of Adsorbent from Palm Kernel Shell through Microwave-Alkali Assisted Delignification and Its Performance in Used Palm Cooking Oil Purification

Palm kernel shell (PKS), a byproduct accounting for up to 60% of palm oil production, is often used solely as fuel. However, due to its silica content, PKS can also function as an adsorbent. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of delignification on the quality of PKS as an adsorbent, specifically its ability to adsorb free fatty acids from used palm cooking oil. Delignification was performed using a microwave-alkali (Mw-A) method. Initially, PKS was cleaned, ground into powder, and sieved to 25 mesh. The powder was then delignified using Mw-A before activation with NaOH concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The temperature settings were 70⁰C, 80⁰C, and 90⁰C, with durations of 30, 35, and 40 minutes. The delignified PKS was carbonized at 400⁰C for 2 hours to produce the adsorbent. The adsorption capacity of each adsorbent was tested on free fatty acids in used palm cooking oil. Results indicated that the Mw-A assisted delignification significantly enhanced the adsorption efficiency, achieving a 55% adsorption capacity at 30% NaOH concentration, 90⁰C temperature, and 35 minutes. In comparison, PKS without Mw-A assisted delignification adsorbed only 32% of free fatty acids. It was showed that the adsorption kinetics belong to pseudo-first order reaction. Thus, delignification proved to be an effective pretreatment method to enhance PKS's adsorption capacity.

Corn Cob Ash and Palm kernel shell as partial replacement for cement and aggregate respectively in concrete

The sustainability of concrete constituents, particularly cement and coarse aggregates, is a growing concern. Research on using agricultural residues as alternatives has been explored but not fully exhausted, highlighting the need for further studies. This study investigates the viability of using Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Corn Cob Ash (CCA) as alternatives to coarse aggregate and Portland cement. A full factorial experimental design was adopted, including the elemental composition of materials, determination of concrete strength, and workability. Nine concrete mixes were designed, ranging from a control mix (S1) with no replacements to mixes (S2 to S9) with varying percentages of replacements at a 1:2:4 mix ratio and 0.65 water-cement ratio. Results revealed that strength increased as curing progressed from 7 to 28 days in all mixes, attaining a maximum strength of 16.44 N/mm² at 28 days. SEM-EDX analysis showed that corn cob ash contains elements like calcium (Ca), silicon (Si), and aluminum (Al) similar to those found in cement, supporting its potential as a viable partial replacement for cement. Compressive strength analysis on concrete samples demonstrated that as the percentage of replacement increased, there was a general reduction in strength across all mixes with S2, S3, S4 meeting required standard for a M15 concrete. Workability analysis using slump tests revealed variations from low to high workability rates. The study concludes that PKS and CCA can be viable alternatives in concrete production, offering a technical advantage and potential use in green building construction and sustainability initiatives.

Formulation and Characterization of Bio-Briquettes and Bio-Pellets from Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) Biomass as Renewable Fuel

This study evaluates bio-briquettes and bio-pellets made from ramie (Boehmeria nivea), sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), and palm kernel shell (Elaeis guineensis) as renewable fuel sources. Proximate analysis was conducted to measure moisture, ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and calorific values, while combustion tests assessed boiling efficiency and burn time. Results reveal that bio-briquettes generally outperform bio-pellets in calorific value, with sample B-S8R2 achieving the highest at 6455 kcal/kg and the fastest boiling time of 14 min at 88 °C. This enhanced performance is attributed to its high fixed carbon (71.81%) and low volatile matter, optimizing combustion and energy yield. In contrast, bio-pellets like sample P-PO7R3, with a calorific value of 4212 kcal/kg, offer moderate heat and durability, making them suitable for household use. The high density and low moisture content across all samples support efficient combustion, while the bio-briquettes’ low ash production indicates a more environmentally friendly fuel. The findings suggest that bio-briquettes are optimal for high-energy applications due to their superior combustion efficiency and environmental benefits, whereas bio-pellets provide a viable option for moderate-energy needs. This research supports the development of sustainable biofuel from biomass waste, providing a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Development of technetium-99m (99mTc) labeled carbon from palm kernel shell as lung scintigraphy agent

Abstract Specific and accurate diagnostic tools are important to determine diagnosis for various lung diseases with complex characteristics. In this study, high-energy milling (HEM) was utilized to prepare micro-sized carbon from palm kernel shell charcoal as a potential aerosol agent for lung ventilation scintigraphy. The HEM parameters investigated in this experiment were milling time and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR), while the characterization of the obtained powder involves particle size distribution, porosity, specific surface area, and XRD pattern. The optimization of technetium-99m (99mTc) labeling of the obtained carbon powder was carried out concerning SnCl2 amount, carbon dosage, incubation time, and pH. The optimal milling time and BPR were 180 min and 5:1, respectively, resulting in Dx(50) of 1.71 µm. Generally, the 99mTc labeling yield increased with the increase of SnCl2 amount, carbon dosage, and incubation time, while it decreased as the pH increased. The optimal 99mTc labeling condition, SnCl2 amount of 300 µg, carbon dosage of 50 mg, incubation time of 30 min, and pH 5, resulted in an adsorption capacity of 178.89 TBq of 99mTc/g carbon. These results demonstrate that aerosol scintigraphy agents can potentially be prepared from palm kernel shell charcoal with optimization of radiolabeling method, milling process, and further in vitro aerosol performance prior to pre-clinical and clinical stages.