Palm Residues Research Articles

Palm Domain Hydrophobic Residues and ENaC Gating

Epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) gating is allosterically modulated by both its extracellular and intracellular domains. Among several regions that have been implicated in regulating ENaC gating are the extracellular palm domains where three subunits interface. We previously identified a palm domain hydrophobic residue (γL511) as an important determinant of ENaC gating. Interestingly, its homologous residue in chicken ASIC1a (L414), located at the β11 and β12 linker, reportedly adapts flipped conformations in the rest (or open) and desensitized states. In this study, we investigated the roles of γL511 homologous resides in the α and β subunits (αL531 and βF502) in regulating ENaC gating, by mutating these residues to a hydrophilic glutamine and examining channel properties in Xenopus oocytes. ENaCs both transport Na+ and are inhibited by extracellular Na+, a response referred to as Na+ self‐inhibition that reflects a reduction in channel open probability and is often used as a surrogate for ENaC gating. Similar to γL511Q, both αL531Q and βF502Q significantly reduced the magnitude and speed of the Na+ self‐inhibition response (p<0.01 vs WT, n=6). Oocytes expressing αL531Qbg ENaCs also showed significantly greater amiloride‐sensitive currents (relative‐to‐WT currents: 1.9 ± 0.2, Mean ± SE, p<0.001, n=32). However, βF502Q expressing oocytes showed the channel currents that were similar to wild type (relative‐to‐WT currents: 0.9 ± 0.1, p>0.05, n=22). The changes caused by both αL531Q and βF502Q on the channel activity and Na+ self‐inhibition response appear to be less dramatic than the previously reported γL511Q. Our results suggest that the highly conserved palm domain hydrophobic residues in three subunits have similar roles in regulating ENaC gating.Support or Funding InformationDK079307 DK051391This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Solid Fuel from Oil Palm Biomass Residues and Municipal Solid Waste by Hydrothermal Treatment for Electrical Power Generation in Malaysia: A Review

Malaysia generated 156,665 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity in 2016 of which the biggest share of 48.4% was sourced from coal and coke. Malaysia coal consumption was met by 90.5% of imported coal due to high demand from the power sector. Malaysia also has a vast biomass resource that is currently under-utilised for electricity generation. This paper reviews the potential of oil palm residues and municipal solid waste (MSW) for alternative coal replacement employing hydrothermal treatment (HTT). In 2017, about 51.19 million tonnes (Mt) of oil palm waste was available with 888.33 peta-joule (PJ) energy potential to generate 88.03 terawatt-hours (TWh) electricity from oil palm fronds (OPF) and oil palm trunks (OPT), empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), palm kernel shell (PKS) and palm oil mill effluent (POME). Meanwhile, the MSW energy potential and electricity generation potential was estimated at 86.50 PJ/year and 8.57 TWh/year, respectively. HTT with washing co-treatment eliminates the use of drying for converting range of biomass and MSW into clean solid fuel known as hydrochar. The hydrochar increased in caloric value with lower moisture, Potassium (K) and Chlorine (Cl) contents. These value-added fuels can be used as coal alternative and reduce dependency on imported coal for energy security in Malaysia.

Evaluation of Lysinibacillus SP, isolated from Coptotermes curvignathus Gut, for the delignification of oil palm residues

Evaluation of Lysinibacillus SP, isolated from Coptotermes curvignathus Gut, for the delignification of oil palm residues

A PLS-MGA analysis of farming characteristics on the intentions of smallholder oil palm planters to collect palm residues for biofuel production

There is a considerable literature on the influence of farming characteristics on the farmers' intention to supply agricultural and forestry residues. However, the most of the studies focused on the direct causal-effect relationship between farming characteristic variables and the farmers’ intention to supply residues. Different considerations regarding the different farming characteristics segment remain unanswered. Moreover, farming characteristics with insignificant results can be misinterpreted as unimportant by policy makers and biofuel producers, and therefore they can misjudge the influence of the overall farming characteristics. Supported by an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study used the PLS-MGA to demonstrate the moderation effect of the four farming characteristics - dependency on the FFB collectors, landownership status, plantation size, and plantation experience - on smallholder planters' intentions to supply palm residues for biofuel production. The results show that smallholder planters from each farming characteristic group consider supplying palm residues differently, compared to the other groups of planters. Clarifying the different considerations accordingly can provide an insight into formulating an effective engagement strategy to foster the involvement of smallholder planters providing feedstock for biofuel production.

Co-firing of oil palm residues in a fuel staged fluidized-bed combustor using mixtures of alumina and silica sand as the bed material

Oil palm kernel shell (base fuel) and empty fruit bunch (secondary fuel) with elevated/high potassium contents were co-fired in a conical fluidized-bed combustor with bottom air injection using fuel staging to reduce NO emission. During the co-firing tests at a fixed heat input into the combustor and variable excess air, alumina sand (AS), mixed with silica sand (SS) in different proportions, was used as the bed material to inhibit bed agglomeration. The study revealed that the effects of energy fraction of the secondary fuel in the total heat input (EF2) and excess air (EA) on the major gaseous emissions and combustion efficiency of the conical FBC were substantial. Under optimal operating conditions (EF2 ≈ 0.15 and EA ≈ 55%), the combustor with the selected bed material can be co-fired at minimal “external” costs and reduced NO emission, as compared to burning the base fuel alone. By using AS/SS bed mixtures with a prevailing proportion of rather expensive AS, bed agglomeration can be prevented for a relatively long operating time. However, the AS/SS beds exhibited time-related alterations in physiochemical characteristics. With a higher SS content in the AS/SS mixture, the NO emission somewhat increased, mainly because of the lowered catalytic activity of the bed for the NO–CO reaction, whereas the bed material showed a diminished capability to withstand bed agglomeration.

Encapsulation of β-carotene extracted from peach palm residues: a stability study using two spray-dried processes

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la estabilidad del β-caroteno procedente de residuos de chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes), mediante dos procesos de encapsulación por secado spray: El primer proceso (MC1) consistió en una mezcla de maltodextrina: goma arábiga como materiales de pared, temperatura de entrada 160 °C, salida 70°C, caudal 12.6 mL/min y en el segundo proceso (MC2) se usó gelatina, azúcar y lecitina, temperatura de entrada 100 °C, salida 65°C, caudal 3.13 mL/min . Las microcápsulas obtenidas de (MC1 y MC2) fueron sometidas a pruebas fisicoquímicas, evaluando su estabilidad ante la temperatura, la luz, pH y oxígeno frente a un control de β-caroteno extraído en aceite de girasol (RCSO). Los resultados indicaron que las microcápsulas obtenidas del proceso (MC2) presentaron una mejor estabilidad de β-caroteno (p <0,05) frente a MC1 y RCSO, al presentar mayores niveles de retención (88.24%), temperatura (90.11%), luz (67.36%), pH (84.21%) y oxígeno 79.23%).

Influence of Treated Palm Oil Mill Effluent Sludge on Maize (Zea mays) Growth Performance and Gas Exchange

The presence of abundant oil palm residues in Malaysia prompted the need to utilize this waste to avoid environmental pollution. This waste was abundant at the oil palm mill and accounted for almost 50% of production. The study was conducted to determine the morphological effect of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) sludge on the maize growth performance and gas exchange. Physicochemical, growth morphology and gas exchange was measured after treated with POME sludge from different treatment pond systems: Mixing, anaerobic, facultative, algae and dumping. The results indicated the pH, C, and CEC of mixing the < anaerobic < facultative < algae < dumping ponds. There was a significant presence of macronutrient (N, Mg, Ca, Fe, S) in the treated POME sludge, contrary to the presence of heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb) elements which were not significantly different in all the treatments and lower than WHO/FAO standard. Root Shoot Ratio (RSR) and Specific Leaf Area (SLA) indicated significant difference in biomass accumulation and yield compared to the control. The gas exchange variable was a significant difference on stomata conductivity (Gs) and transpiration rate (E). However, the POME sludge from the facultative, algae and dumping ponds showed positive correlations between net photosynthesis, stomata conductivity and transpiration rate. Indeed, the increased transpiration rate (E) was correlated with stomata conductance (Gs) after treatment with anaerobic, facultative, algae and dumping ponds. In conclusion, the POME sludge amendment was able to increase the maize biomass and yield.

Analysis of potency and development of renewable energy based on agricultural biomass waste in Jambi province

Indonesia has the big potency of biomass. The source of biomass energy is scattered all over the country. The big potential in concentrated scale is on the island of Sumatera. Jambi province which is located in Sumatra Island has the potency of biomass energy due to a huge area for estate crop and agriculture. The Indonesian government had issued several policies which put a higher priority on the utilization of renewable energy. This study aimed to identify the conditions and distribution of biomass waste potential in Jambi province. The potential biomass waste in Jambi province was 27,407,183 tons per year which dominated of oil palm residue (46.16%), rice husk and straw (3.52%), replanting rubberwood (50.32%). The total power generated from biomass waste was 129 GWhth per year which is consisted of palm oil residue (56 GWhth per year), rice husk and straw (3.22 GWhth per year), rubberwood (70.56 GWhth per year). Based on the potential of biomass waste, then the province of Jambi could obtain supplies of renewable energy from waste biomass with electricity generated amount to 32.34 GWhe per year.

&lt;b&gt;Strategies for decolorization of textile industry effluents by white-rot-fungi with peach palm residue

The aim of this interdisciplinary approach is to provide innovative solutions to environmental problems, in particular, improving the treatment of textile industrial effluents and finding a use for the residual biomass generated from palm tree (Bactris gasipaes) extraction. Three types of white-rot fungi were cultivated applying different strategies for the decolorization the textile effluents: i) solid-state fermentation (SSF), ii) submerged fermentation (SF), and iii) adsorption. In all cases, it was used the peach-palm residue. In the SSF strategy, the decolorization process and laccase production were enhanced by increasing the concentration of final effluent. Even though the highest decolorization percentage (80%) was attained after 10 days of fermentation with G. lucidum EF 31 applied in the treatment of a final effluent, no significant differences were found in relation to the other two fungi. The decolorization efficiency obtained in the SF was lower compared with SSF, however, the presence of final effluent in the SF process improved the laccase activity. It was noted that the addition of peach-palm residue in this system provides a habitat for the fungus as well as a suitable source material for laccase production with the consequent decolorization of the effluent.

Effects of adding nano-wollastonite, date palm prunings and two types of resins on the physical and mechanical properties of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) made from wood fibres

L’étude porte sur les effets de l’ajout de nano-wollastonite (NW) et de résidus de palmier-dattier sur les propriétés physiques et mécaniques de panneaux de fibres à densité moyenne. Des résines d’urée-formaldéhyde (UF) et d’isocyanate (IC) ont été utilisées à 10 % et 5 %, respectivement, du poids sec du matériau pour produire les panneaux. NW à granulométrie &lt; 100 nm a été utilisé à 5 et 10 % du poids sec des résines, mélangé et pulvérisé sur le matériau avant formation du tapis de fibres. Les résultats ont été ensuite comparés à ceux pour les panneaux sans NW. Ils indiquent clairement une moindre absorption d’humidité et un moindre gonflement en épaisseur pour les panneaux produits avec ajout de résine IC. L’ajout de résidus de palmier-dattier a augmenté significativement les valeurs IB des panneaux produits avec les deux résines, UF et IC. L’ajout de NW a réduit les propriétés mécaniques des panneaux produits avec la résine UF, et amélioré celles des panneaux produits avec la résine IC. En conclusion, les résidus de palmier-dattier peuvent être considérés comme matière première potentielle pour la production de panneaux de fibres à moyenne densité en utilisant les deux résines, UF et IC. D’autre part, l’ajout de NW est recommandé pour la production de panneaux composites avec 10 % de résidus de palmier pour compenser en partie leur moindre résistance mécanique.

Decolorization of textile industry wastewater in solid state fermentation with Peach-Palm (Bactris gasipaes) residue.

In this work we have assessed the decolorization of textile effluents throughout their treatment in a solid-state fermentation (SSF) system. SSF assays were conducted with peach-palm (Bactris gasipaes) residue using the white rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum EF 31. The influence of the dye concentration and of the amounts of peach-palm residue and liquid phase on both the discoloration efficiency and enzyme production was studied. According to our results, independently of experimental conditions employed, laccase was the main ligninolytic enzyme produced by G. lucidum. The highest laccase activity was obtained at very low effluent concentrations, suggesting the existence of an inhibitory effect of higher concentrations on fungal metabolism. The highest percentage of color removal was reached when 10 grams of peach palm residue was moistened with 60 mL of the final effluent. In control tests carried out with the synthetic dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) decolorization efficiencies about 20% higher than that achieved with the industrial effluent were achieved. The adsorption of RBBR on peach-palm residue was also investigated. Equilibrium tests showed that the adsorption of this dye followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Hence, our experimental results indicate that peach-palm residue is suitable substrate for both laccase production and color removal in industrial effluents.

Application of oil palm empty fruit bunch effects on soil biota and functions: A case study in Sumatra, Indonesia

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is an important tropical crop which provides one-fifth of the world’s vegetable oil, yet its rapid expansion can negatively influence the soil ecosystem. Identifying suitable agronomic management such as crop residue application is important for the sustainable development of oil palm. We examined the effects of adding empty fruit bunches (EFB), a major oil palm residue, on multiple soil abiotic properties, soil biota, and indicators of soil functions. We compared treatments of EFB applications with three application rates, and a chemical fertilizer treatment in a 15–year trial in Central Sumatra, Indonesia. EFB application increased pH and aggregate stability in 0–10 cm soils and decreased the soil bulk density. EFB application increased the abundance of soil detritivore mites, soil fauna feeding activity, and soil microbial activity. EFB application decreased the biomass of a dominant invasive earthworm species, Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857). Results from structural equation modelling suggested that EFB directly affected soil biota and functions, rather than through altering soil abiotic properties. The effects of EFB application on most soil abiotic properties, soil biota and function indicators were independent of the application rate. Our results revealed that EFB application has a high potential to enhance soil biota and functions in oil palm plantations.

Downdraft Co-gasification of Oil Palm Frond with Other Oil Palm Residues: Effects of Blending Ratio

As the largest amount of biomass residues produced from the palm oil industry, the oil palm frond (OPF) is a promising solid fuel resource for gasification. However, the difficulty in processing OPF into solid fuel may affect the solid fuel production rate and consequently the gasifier operation. To ensure a continuous gasifier operation unaffected by the shortage of OPF fuel, empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) were introduced as a pairing fuel with OPF for co-gasification. The potentials of the fuel mixes and the effects of the fuel blending ratio on syngas higher heating value, specific syngas yield, carbon conversion efficiency and cold gas efficiency were studied. The experiments concluded that all fuel mixes of all blending ratios satisfied all the syngas quality indicator requirements and that all the tested fuel mixes can be utilized for downdraft co-gasification to produce results similar to the downdraft gasification of 100% OPF.

The Effect of Natural Degradation on the Properties of Three Types of Oil Palm Residue

This study aims to investigate natural degradation behavior for three different types of lignocellulosic biomass; oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fiber and kernel shell. The degradation behavior was investigated by monitoring the change of their physical and chemical properties for 84 days. From the analysis and observation, natural degradation was found to result in a decrease in carbon content and calorific value of biomass but increase in nitrogen and ash contents. From the van Krevelen plot, it was found that carbon and hydrogen were eliminated at almost the same atomic ratio from the biomass during natural degradation regardless of biomass type used in this study.&#x0D; Keywords: Degradation, lignocellulosic biomass, empty fruit bunches, kernel shell, mesocarp fiber

English

Harmful gases are released into the atmosphere through burning of residues which is commonly practiced in Nigeria and can be attributed to climate change issues. Agricultural residues have the potentials to be used as energy and chemical source and meet its deficit in the country. This paper focuses on utilization of lignocellulosic materials obtained from two agricultural residues through renewable technology to produce bio-energy and chemical feedstock. The lignocellulosic materials were extracted from palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis) fibre and physic nut (Jatropha curcas) shell, and pyrolyzed under low temperature and pressure at various particle sizes. The main properties of solid (lignocellulosic) materials were tested and the bio-oil produced was analyzed using GC-MS. Results show proximate analyses (volatile, ash and fixed carbon contents) and ultimate analysis (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc). The pH value of the bio-oil from both residues increased with increase in temperatures. The density, viscosity and calorific value of the palm and physic residue oil are 831.99 and 947.5 kg/m3, 0.695 and 1.58 cPa at room temperature, 22.33 and 14.169 kJ/g, respectively. Aromatics and other compounds are major dominant compounds in the palm fruit fibre oil which is characterized for bio-fuel production. Physic nut shell oil contains aromatic ethers, cyclic ethers, secondary amides and organic halogen compound which are important chemical feedstock. Conversion of these residues to useful products will alleviate the energy supply deficit, improve social and economic development, promote clean and healthy atmosphere of the nation and significantly contribute to global climate change mitigation. &nbsp; Key words: Palm fruit fibre, physic nut shell, lignocellulose, pyrolysis, bio-energy, climate change.

Characterization of Mixed Biomass Pellet Made from Oil Palm and Para-rubber Tree Residues

In this study, the potential of the important economic crops of Southern Thailand for pellet making was utilized. The biomass pellets were prepared from oil palm leaves (PL) and frond (PF), para-rubber leaves litter (PAL) and branch (PB) and their blend (mixing of 50 wt.% of two materials). The raw materials which collected from local plantation were cleaned, dried and milled into small particles less than 1 mm and then continued with pellet forming by a single unit press in a laboratory under the temperature and pressure of 130°C and 350 psi. Some characteristics were analyzed to evaluate quality of pellet, i.e. moisture content, density, ash content, calorific value. Moreover, the combustion behavior was investigated by means of thermogravimetry analysis. The lowest ash content of 2.27% and 2.82% were received from PB in case of pure pellet and PB+PAL in case of mixed pellets, respectively. The calorific values of pure pellets were 16.05, 17.68, 18.71 and 19.64 MJ/kg for PF, PL, PB and PAL, respectively. The combustion characteristics were exhibited in the ignition and burnout temperature, which drawn from TG curved. The burnout temperature was improved with higher in all cases of mixed biomass pellet. The characteristics of mixed biomass pellets differed from pure biomass pellets which contribute to the further improve its quality.

Factors affecting seawater-based pretreatment of lignocellulosic date palm residues

Seawater-based pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is an innovative process at research stage. With respect to process optimization, factors affecting seawater-based pretreatment of lignocellulosic date palm residues were studied for the first time in this paper. Pretreatment temperature (180°C–210°C), salinity of seawater (0ppt–50ppt), and catalysts (H2SO4, Na2CO3, and NaOH) were investigated. The results showed that pretreatment temperature exerted the largest influence on seawater-based pretreatment in terms of the enzymatic digestibility and fermentability of pretreated solids, and the inhibition of pretreatment liquids to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Salinity showed the least impact to seawater-based pretreatment, which widens the application spectrum of saline water sources such as brines discharged in desalination plant. Sulfuric acid was the most effective catalyst for seawater-based pretreatment compared with Na2CO3 and NaOH.

The Potential Use of Oil Palm Frond Mulch Treated with Imazethapyr for Weed Control in Malaysian Coconut Plantation

Introduction of new weed management strategy for coconut plantation in Malaysia is essential since the current weed control methods are less effective and highly herbicide dependent, thus leading to development of herbicide resistance in weeds as well as environmental and human health concerns. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of oil palm frond mulch treated with imazethapyr at a reduced rate on weed emergence and growth. The results of glasshouse experiments have shown that imazethapyr at 12 g a.i. ha-1 in combination with oil palm residues of leaflet (OPL), rachis (OPR) or frond (OPF) at rates of 1.4-1.8 t ha-1 inhibited Eleusine indica emergence and growth by 90-100%, implying that imazethapyr is compatible with oil palm residue mulches. In the field experiment, hand weeding followed by OPF at 3.4 t ha-1 treated with imazethapyr at 24 g a.i. ha-1 have demonstrated excellent control of Mikania micrantha, Asystasia gangetica, Phyllanthus amarus, Panicum sp. and Echinochloa colona by reducing their total dry weight up to 95% at three months after treatment. The present results suggested that the integration of chemical, physical and mechanical methods can provide effective weed control in the coconut plantation for months.

Long-term crop residue application maintains oil palm yield and temporal stability of production

Crop residue management is an important agricultural practice that has a high potential to improve soil health and optimize crop production. Compared to annual crops, relatively little is known about crop residue management effects on the yield and temporal stability of perennial crop production. This study focused on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), an important tropical crop that had expanded rapidly over the past decades. We aimed to understand the effects of applying a major oil palm residue, the empty fruit bunch, on crop yield and temporal stability of production. We compared 15 years of crop yield performance from a field trial in Sumatra, Indonesia. The treatments included empty fruit bunch application of three application rates (30, 60, and 90 t ha−1 year−1), and a reference treatment of chemical fertilizers with no addition of empty fruit bunch. Compared to the reference treatment, the cumulative crop yield over 15 years under low, medium, and high application rates of empty fruit bunch increased by 2.4, 5.9, and 4.8%, respectively. The annual crop yield and temporal stability in production were not significantly different between treatments. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher under medium application rate of empty fruit bunch compared to that under the chemical fertilizer treatment. Soil organic carbon and relative humidity were positively associated with annual crop yield with a time lag of 2 years. This study is the first to show that both crop yield and temporal variability of oil palm production can be maintained under crop residue application, compared to chemical fertilizer treatment. Furthermore, climatic conditions had strong effects on the temporal variability of oil palm production. These findings will inform the design of optimal empty fruit bunch application schemes that enhance sustainable intensification of oil palm cultivation.

ANÁLISE TERMOECONÔMICA DE COGERAÇÃO COM RESÍDUOS DA PALMA

A cultura da palma representa mais de um terço da produção mundial de óleosvegetais. O processamento dos frutos da palma demanda grande quantidade eletricidade evapor, entretanto, gera biomassa residual com elevado conteúdo energético. Devido a essascaracterísticas a cogeração é empregada para de reduzir custos operacionais. O objetivodesse estudo foi avaliar os custos de produção de vapor e eletricidade via cogeração deresíduos da palma utilizando a metodologia SPECO. A unidade de cogeração foidimensionada para atender a demanda energética de uma planta de extração de óleo comcapacidade de processamento de 50 toneladas de cachos de palma por hora. Os custosobtidos para o vapor e eletricidade foram, respectivamente, de 12,18 R$/ton e 124,12R$/MWh. Ao se comparar o custo de produção da energia com o custo de sua compra,constatou-se que a implantação da cogeração pode gerar uma economia anual de R$4.795.083,92 para a unidade de processamento de palma.