Palm Residues Research Articles

Effects of selected pre-emergence herbicide-treated oil palm residues on goosegrass emergence and growth

Background Goosegrass, one of the problematic weeds in the world. Various herbicides have been widely employed for goosegrass control. However, heavy reliance upon the herbicides has led to the evolution of herbicide-resistant biotypes of goosegrass. Diversified approach is needed for sustainable management of goosegrass. Objective Evaluate the phytotoxicity of selected preemergence herbicide-treated oil palm residue powders on goosegrass emergence and growth. Methods A glasshouse experiment was arranged as complete randomized design with five replications. The oil palm residue powders; [...]

Bioethanol production from forest residues and life cycle cost analysis of bioethanol-gasoline blend on transportation sector

In this study, an experimental investigation of pure bioethanol production from the waste biomass of the most significant cultivated feedstock (oil palm and rubber-wood) in Malaysia and life cycle cost analysis of bioethanol-gasoline blend on Malaysian transportation sector has been demonstrated. The experimental investigations presented all the stages from oil palm frond/leaves and rubber-wood sawdust collection to bioethanol purification. Both feedstocks have been pre-treated by sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, hydrolyzed by cellulase enzyme, and fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae within 12–72 h to produce bioethanol. After distillation, 35% and 45% pure bioethanol was obtained for mixed oil palm residues and rubber-wood sawdust, respectively. Detailed life cycle cost analysis of a large-scale bioethanol plant (20 ktonns/y) has been designed based on the experimental outcome for 20 years life time. The possibility of 5% (E5) and 10% (E10) replacement of total gasoline application for Malaysian transportation sector by the produced bioethanol has been simulated using simulation software code blocks. From the economic perspective, the results presented that both waste biomass can be converted into a value-added product, bioethanol, and a by-product, biomass content that can add market value as commercial biofertilizer. This study suggested that partial substitution of gasoline with bioethanol produced from forest residues could lead to the significant commercial aspect of fuel savings for the transportation sector in Malaysia.

Valorization of Lignocellulosic Wastes to Produce Phytase and Cellulolytic Enzymes from a Thermophilic Fungus, Thermoascus aurantiacus SL16W, under Semi-Solid State Fermentation.

Agricultural wastes are lignocellulosic biomasses that contain high mineral and nutrient contents. This waste can be used as a raw material in industrial enzyme production by microbial fermentation. Phytase is an important enzyme used in animal feed to enhance the amount of phosphorus available for the growth and overall health improvement of monogastric animals. Fungi offer high potential as an effective source in the production of various extracellular enzymes. In this study, the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes (endoglucanase and xylanase) and phytase by a thermophilic fungus, namely Thermoascus aurantiacus strain SL16W, was evaluated using sixteen different Thai agricultural forms of waste under conditions of high temperature (45 °C). Semi-solid state fermentation was used in the production experiments. The results of this study reveal that the highest phytase activity (58.6 U/g substrate) was found in rice bran, whereas the highest degrees of activity of endoglucanase and xylanase were observed in wheat bran and red tea leaves at 19 and 162 U/g substrate, respectively. Consequently, the optimal conditions for phytase production of this fungus using rice bran were investigated. The results indicate that the highest phytase yield (58.6 to 84.1 U/g substrate) was observed in rice bran containing 0.5% ammonium sulfate as a nitrogen source with 10 discs of inoculum size at a cultivation period of 9 days at 45 °C and moisture content of 95%. Notably, the phytase yield increased by 1.71-fold, while endoglucanase and xylanase were also increased by 1.69- and 1.12-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the crude enzyme obtained from the optimal condition was extracted. The crude enzyme extract was then separately added to red tea leaves, rice straw, corncobs, palm residue, and peanut husks. Subsequently, total reducing sugar and phosphorus contents were determined. The results indicate that the highest level of reducing sugar (122.6 mg/L) and phosphorus content (452.6 mg/L) (p < 0.05) were obtained in palm residue at 36 and 48 h, respectively, after the addition of the crude enzyme extract. This study has provided valuable information on a potentially eco-friendly way to valorize agricultural waste into value-added products as industrial enzymes.

The Availability and Assessment of Potential Agricultural Residues for the Regional Development of Second-Generation Bioethanol in Thailand

The agricultural sector is a major source of biomass feedstocks for biofuels. Even though biomass potential in Thailand has been analyzed on a national level, its distribution and potential have yet to be assessed on a regional and provincial scale. Therefore, the study aims to verify the possibility of decentralized second-generation bioethanol production from regionally available agricultural residues. Most of the generated residues stem from the country’s major crops (sugarcane, cassava, rice and palm), totaling 174.1 million tons per year. The volume of bioethanol from these residues is projected to be 20,213.5 million liters per year, meeting 31.2% of the overall fuel demand of the transport sector. At the regional level, the northeast produces the highest amount of bioethanol at 9099.7 million liters per year, followed by the central, northern and southern regions. In terms of provincial distribution, the highest amount of bioethanol is converted in Nakhon Ratchasima, amounting to 1328 million liters per year. Data from the top ten potential provinces suggest that decentralizing production facilities is possible. One of the hotspots is Surat Thani in the south which can potentially utilize palm residues as feedstocks. This regionalized assessment also found that conventional feedstocks could be substituted with regionally available residues in the 26 production plants currently in operation. The results confirm that there would be enough alternative regional feedstocks to meet existing production capacities and they indicate that there would be enough regional residues left over for future value-added utilization.Graphic

Palm oil wastes as feedstock for lipase production by Yarrowia lipolytica and biocatalyst application/reuse.

Palm oil production chain generates a greasy residue in the refining stage, the Palm Oil Deodorizer Distillate (PODD), mainly composed of free fatty acids. Palm oil is also used industrially to fry foods, generating a residual frying oil (RFO). In this paper, we aimed to produce lipase from palm agro-industrial wastes using an unconventional yeast. RFO_palm, from a known source, consisted of 0.11% MAG + FFA, 1.5% DAG, and 97.5 TAG, while RFO_commercial, from a commercial restaurant, contained 6.7% of DAG and 93.3% of TAG. All palm oil wastes were useful for extracellular lipase production, especially RFO_commercial that provided the highest activity (4.9 U/mL) and productivity (465 U/L.h) in 75h of processing time. In 48h of process, PODD presented 2.3 U/mL of lipase activity and 48.5 U/L.h of productivity. RFO_commercial also showed the highest values for lipase associated to cell debris (843 U/g). This naturally immobilized biocatalyst was tested on hydrolysis reactions to produce Lipolyzed Milk Fat and was quite efficient, with a hydrolysis yield of 13.1% and 3-cycle reuse. Therefore, oily palm residues seem a promising alternative to produce lipases by the non-pathogenic yeastY. lipolytica and show great potential for industrial applications.

The Utilisation of Palm Oil and Oil Palm Residues and the Related Challenges as a Sustainable Alternative in Biofuel, Bioenergy, and Transportation Sector: A Review

The importance of energy demands that have increased exponentially over the past century has led to the sourcing of other ideal power solutions as the potential replacement alternative to the conventional fossil fuel. However, the utilisation of fossil fuel has created severe environmental issues. The identification of other renewable sources is beneficial to replace the energy utilisation globally. Biomass is a highly favourable sustainable alternative to renewable resources that can produce cleaner, cheaper, and readily available energy sources in the future. The palm oil industry is essentially ideal for the availability of abundant biomass resources, where the multifaceted residues are vital for energy production through the conversion of biomass waste into value-added products simultaneously. This article discusses the utilisation of palm oil and its residues in the energy and transportation sector. Assessment and evaluation on the feasibility of palm oil and its residues were made on the current valorisation methods such as thermochemical and biochemical techniques. Their potential as transportation fuels were concurrently reviewed. This is followed by a discussion on future challenges of palm oil industries that will take place globally, including the prospects from government and nongovernment organisations for the development of palm oil as a sustainable alternative replacement to fossil fuel. Hence, this review aims to provide further insight into the possibilities of palm oil and its residues towards sustainable development with reduced environmental-related issues.

Using Some Available Palm Residues in new Valley as Alternative Bedding Materials for Raising Broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the some available plant residues as alternative litter materials in New Valley on the growth performance of broiler. The study included six groups of treatments, with three replicates for each treatment (3 replicates of 10 chicks each); (wheat straw, wood sawdust, rice hulls, corn stalks chips, chopped palm fiber and palm spines chips litters). Results of growth performance at final periods or at market age, shows significant differences (P≤0.05) was recorded among different litter types. In that broiler reared on wheat straw, corn stalks chips and palm spines chips litters had significant superiority body weight and gain over the broiler reared on wood sawdust, rice hulls and chopped palm fiber. Also, feed conversion of broiler reared on wheat straw, wood sawdust, corn stalks chips and palm spines chips litters had significant superiority values. No significant differences were found in dressed carcass, while, the lowest abdominal fat is observed for broilers raised on wood sawdust, corn stalks chips and chopped palm fiber litters. Broilers raised on wheat straw and wood sawdust had a significantly (P≤0.05) higher bursa percentage than those of birds raised on rice hulls and chopped palm fiber litters. The lowest leg problems score is observed for broilers raised on corn stalks chips litter in comparison with those raised on rice hulls and chopped palm fiber litters. In conclusion, corn stalks chips and palm spines chips can potentially be used as alternative litter materials for managing broilers in New Valley.

Electrocution and containment methods to reduce the activity of red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Ol.)

Aim of study: To evaluate the susceptibility of the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus to electric discharges, to eventually use this application in synergy with other methods as part of an integrated control strategy.Area of study: Worldwide.Material and methods: Three different electric voltage intensities were applied to R. ferrugineus to investigate the insect’s susceptibility in both adult and larval stages. The transmission and diffusion of electricity within a portion of the palm tree was tested. In addition, the suitability of containment materials for handling and transportation of plant residues was tested.Main results: The results of adult test showed that the total number of eggs laid per mating couple and the number of larvae born were about 1.5 times higher in the control compared to the electrified samples. The duration of the electric discharge on larvae had a small impact on the mortality rate, while the electric voltage showed a strong impact on mortality (87% for 10 V and 99% for 15 V). The presence of a significant electric current was observed in a viable portion of stem (distance from the source of electricity 10 cm) providing a direct current with 250 V tension. Among the materials tested for the transportation of palm residues, the aluminium net sheet showed the best results in the containment of both larval and adult individuals.Research highlights: Electrocution has proven to be a system which can help in the control of red palm weevil reducing the use of synthetic chemicals.

Effect of acid catalysts on hydrothermal carbonization of Malaysian oil palm residues (leaves, fronds, and shells) for hydrochar production

Malaysian oil palm industry produces a significant amount of oil palm residue as solid wastes. These solid wastes are comprised of oil palm residue which contains the stem, fronds from the farms, empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), and palm kernel shell (PKS) from the oil palm–processing factories. These residues are not successfully reused for other purposes, and the current dumping methods can possibly trigger unfavourable effects to the environment. As oil palm residues are a readily available waste biomass, it has a high potential to be converted into valuable energy-derived products. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), which is a thermochemical process, is a method used to treat biomass to produce hydrochar under hot-compressed water. Oil palm residues (palm leaves, palm fronds, and palm shell) were used as the feedstock for producing carbonaceous hydrochar. The key objective of this study is to examine the effect of the reaction temperature, residence time, and acid catalysts on the HTC process. HTC of oil palm residues was optimized at different operating temperatures from 140 to 300 °C and different reaction times between 30 and 240 minutes with a biomass-to-water ratio of 1:10 wt%. Acid catalysts such as citric acid and ascorbic acid were used for the HTC process. The hydrochar produced is further characterized using heating value and elemental and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The yield of hydrochar reduces with the rise of temperature and time but it increases in the presence of acid catalysts. The carbon content of hydrochar is observed to be between 44.36 and 49.50%. The FTIR analysis showed that a high intensity at 1423 cm−1 indicates a high content of lignin and cellulose in the hydrochar. A considerable decrease in the H/C and O/C atomic ratio shows that the dehydration and decarboxylation take place during the HTC process.

Pre-evaporation of Ethanol as an Effective Method to Improve Single Cell Protein (SCP) Production from Date Palm Residue by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Unicellular proteins or Single cell proteins (SCP) are proteins that can be used for human foods and animal feed. Their source is microorganisms that grow unicellular, such as yeast, bacteria, mold, and algae. There are many carbon sources, which can be used in the production of a single cell protein (SCP). Many processes have been developed to produce SCP at a low cost. However, in all these processes, productivity was low. The current study aims at using a natural material (turnip extract) to increase the extraction of sugar from palm date residues required for yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermentation. As well as the use of a vacuum pump to remove ethanol from fermentation broth at a certain time interval to increase the growth of the yeast and prevent its inhibition. From the study, the single-cell protein was increased from 30 gm to range between 60-90 gm, while the time of fermentation reduced from 24hr to 9 hr. The main fermentation experiments were performed using a 2 litter bioreactor at a moderate temperature 30 °C and pH value of 6. The use of residues, in addition to the production of single-cell proteins, allows to reduce of environmental pollution.

Staged organosolv pretreatment to increase net energy and reactive lignin yield in whole oil palm tree biorefinery

Pretreatment is the most crucial and energy-intensive unit process affecting the feasibility of biorefinery, especially when lignin valorization is of concern. This study investigated and quantified the potential benefits of an innovative staged organosolv (OS)-dilute acid (DA) pretreatment process for whole oil palm tree residues conversion. The staged OS-DA pretreatment resulted in approximately five times higher net energy (1.50 GJ/tonne) over the single-step OSDA process (0.30GJ/tonne) due to potential energy saving on solvent recovery and less water consumption. For sugar, OS-DA pretreated substrate achieved more than 90% of cellulose digestibility which was more than 40% higher than DA-OS substrate. For mono-lignin, significant reduction in crude lignin condensation (21.7%) was confirmed by two-dimensional NMR analysis. The overall mass balance showed that approximately 142.45 tonnes of bioethanol, or a net energy yield of 969.5 GJ, can be produced by OS-DA process from palm tree residues per hectare of oil palm farm.

Eco-friendly composites of polyurethane and sheath palm residues

This work prepared eco-friendly biocomposites of polyurethane (PU) and sheath palm residues, using castor oil as a polyol. PU composites filled with natural fibers were prepared at different loading rates: 0 to 20 wt.%. Results indicated that the sheath palm was hydrogen-bonded to PU chains and increased the foams' density. Pore size decreased with an increase in fiber content, from 256 to 116 µm. The fiber's addition improved the ductility of PU foams (compressive modulus from 4.74 to 0.26 MPa) and the foams' crystallinity index (from 5.4 to 15.4%). Compared to pristine PU, the composites showed high hydrophobicity (reaching 123° of contact angle for PU-15%) and thermal stability (Tonset from 96 to 96.3°), and high density (from 41 to 60 kg.m−3), making the developed composites an excellent option for environmental applications, such as oil removal and contaminant adsorption.

Elaeis guineensis-activated carbon for methylene blue removal: adsorption capacity and optimization using CCD-RSM

The activated biochar is a carbonaceous material obtained from thermal degradation of biomass with high adsorption potential. On the other hand, the high production cost has still limited its use in large-scale, so that low-cost raw materials derived from biomass have been encouraged. For instance, waste from palm oil industry, such as palm endocarp (Elaeis guineenses), has shown high potential to produce cheaper activated carbon since high amount of palm residues are annually generated worldwide. Moreover, as far as we know, Elaeis guineensis-biochar activated by ZnCl2 has not been tested as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal. In addition, optimization studies on activation variables focused on maximizing MB removal are still scarce. This work aims to investigate the adsorption capacity of the Elaeis guineensis-activated carbon for MB removal and to find optimized conditions. Thermo-chemical activation was carried out using ZnCl2. Temperature ( $$T$$ ), activation time ( $$t$$ ) and particle size ( $$PS$$ ) were the variables evaluated through a full factorial design. The optimal condition was obtained based on central composite design (CCD) and surface response methodology (RSM) techniques. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were also carried out. CCD and RSM predicted an optimal MB removal of 93.2% adopting 0.05 g of activated biochar, PS = 65 mesh, $$T\hspace{0.17em}$$ = 700 °C and $$t\hspace{0.17em}$$ = 3 h. Kinetic and adsorption equilibrium results agreed to pseudo second-order model and Langmuir’s model, respectively. Finally, Elaeis guineensis showed to be a promising feedstock to produce activated biochar aiming MB removal from water and wastewater.

Pupunha heart of palm residue silage as an option of roughage for ruminants

It was aimed in this study to evaluate the ensiled pejibaye residue in the feeding of ruminants as roughage. For the in vitro digestibility assay, a randomized block design was used, with four treatments (pejibaye residue without additives; pejibaye residue + banana residue; pejibaye residue + rice residue and pejibaye residue + citrus pulp), with four replications. The variables studied were: chemical composition, specific mass, pH, average particle size, fermentation temperature and fermentative losses. Apparent digestibility was performed with sheep in a completely randomized design, to evaluate the same treatments mentioned above, using five replications. Heart-of-palm pejibaye residue silages showed average particle size, pH and density values within the range appropriate for their manufacture. Among the additives used in this study, silage with 15 g/100g of rice provided improvements in several nutritional parameters, such as DM, NDF, ADF, CF and NDF/NFC. High moisture content impairs the ensiling process, but it was solved with high dry matter content ingredients addition to promote the material stability.

Extraction and characterization of nanocellulose from three types of palm residues

Carbon footprint and nonrenewability are among the motives to mitigate dependence on oil resources. On the other hand, palm trees exceeded 100 million around globe, which poses enormous amount of biowastes to get exploited per annum. Moreover, nanocellulose is emerging as efficient low cost material, which shows increasing versatility throughout time. In this investigation we will attempt to extract nanocellulose from palm wastes (fronds, leaves, and coir), and characterize them. Dry biomass was pulped by being subjected to 10% (wt/wt) NaOH alkaline treatment at 160 °C for 2 h. Pulped non-bleached biomass underwent acidic hydrolysis by mechanical stirring in 20% H2SO4 (v/v) and heating to 120 °C for 30 min. After filtration, neutralization, and centrifugion, resultant particles were characterized to assess their morphology, size, particle charge, existing chemical groups, and crystallinity. For the three types of palm residues, our preparation technique was successful to isolate lignin containing nanocellulose particles. However, coir was more recalcitrant to acidic hydrolysis than fronds and leaves. Our palm residues yielded 42–82 nm spherical particles, and zeta potential ranging between −11 and −19 mV. Crystallinity was higher after pulping, and lower after hydrolysis, which suggests promotion of amorphous content of cellulose. Lignin-containing nanocellulose prepared in this study initiates promising horizon especially in heavy metal (cations) removal from water in environmental applications and sustained drug delivery for medical applications.

Crude oil and S500 diesel removal from seawater by polyurethane composites reinforced with palm fiber residues

In this work, we prepared PU-composites with Australian palm residues (PR) in different contents (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) and granulometry (28 and 35 mesh) to improve the oil (crude oil and S500 Diesel) sorption capacity. The foams were characterized by life cycle assessment (LCA), scanning electron microscopy, oil sorption, desorption, and Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin sorption isotherms. LCA indicated that higher PR contents decreased the foam environmental impacts than the classical residue handling, indicating that 20 wt% PR is the better environmental option, independent of the residues granulometry. The PR incorporation into PU foams resulted in smaller pore sizes, with a higher number of homogeneous open-cells. The PU composites exhibited higher oil adsorption capacity than the pristine foam. The PU sample showed maximum absorption capability of 6.1 and 6.7 g g−1 for diesel S500 and crude oil, and the composites showed increased values of ∼18 g g−1 and ∼24 g g−1. The Langmuir model presented the best fit and predicted a maximum adsorption capacity of 30.39 and 25.57 g g−1 for PU-20% PR 28 and 35 mesh, respectively. The composites presented excellent reusability with PU-20% PR (28 mesh) and PU-20% PR (35 mesh), showing removal efficiency after 16 and 9 cycles, respectively. The results classify the developed foams as excellent materials to sorb spilled crude oil in marine accidents.

Enzymatic activities and analysis of a mycelium-based composite formation using peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) residues on Lentinula edodes

By seeding fungus on top of industry residues, a mycelium can grow and form a compact network structure; however, it may not develop due to lack of optimal nutrients from the substrate. Consequently, peach-palm residues can be a potential alternative; so, to test this hypothesis, this work evaluates the effect of peach-palm residues as substrate for the growth of mycelium based on Lentinula edodes. They were also supplemented with cassava bran and various sources of nitrogen-ammonium sulphate, potassium nitrate, and soy flour—to analyse its effects on its physico-chemical, enzymatic activities, and thermal and mechanical properties of the final composite at 12 and 20 days of cultivation. This mycelium was able to grow at optimum source treatment conditions, which depends on the ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen, within only 12 days of inoculation. Furthermore, the enzyme activities directly correlate with the mycelium growth with optimum conditions of pH, water activity, and moisture for L. edodes to grow having lower enzyme activities for a well-developed composite; whereas higher activities were seen for a weakly developed material, and this material demonstrates mechanical and thermal properties similar to common mycelium-based composites. Therefore, this work demonstrates that peach-palm residues can be a potential alternative for mycelium-based composite.

Bio-methanol production from oil palm residues: A thermodynamic analysis

The thermodynamic analysis of bio-methanol production from oil palm residues was performed using a process model developed in Aspen Plus. Among the different types of oil palm residues, i.e., trunk, frond, and empty fruit bunch, the trunk residue offers the highest synthesis gas (syngas) (H2 and CO) yields via the gasification process; therefore, it was selected as the biomass model compound. The effect of gasification operating conditions on the syngas composition, yield, bio-methanol production, energy consumption, and exergy performance was examined. The yield of syngas increased with increasing gasifying temperature, whereas that of bio-methanol exhibited the opposite trend due to the decrease in H2 concentration of the syngas. The gasifier was an important unit for enhancing the exergy efficiency of the system, which was decreased when the equivalent ratio (ER) and gasifying temperature increased. Recirculating pressure swing adsorption offgas to the gasifier did not benefit bio-methanol production, nor did it improve energy and exergy performance. The maximum yield of bio-methanol was achieved by a once-through process that maintained the gasifying temperature at 750 °C and ER at 0.25. Under these conditions, the maximum energy and exergy efficiencies were 38.57 and 25.44%, respectively.

A novel hybrid polyurethane composites with ZnO particles and sheath palm residues: Synergistic effect

AbstractTechnological advances related to the development of new sustainable materials have driven the search for composites containing green fillers. Polyurethane (PU) composites with natural fibers have stood out; however, these materials have limited mechanical and thermal properties. This study developed hybrid PU composites filled with ZnO and palm sheath residues and evaluated the fiber loading (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) on morphological, chemical, thermal, crystalline, and mechanical properties. Microscopic and scanning electron microscopy images showed that ZnO promoted homogeneous and isotropic cell structures. Sheath palm residues were well dispersed throughout the PU matrix and increased the foam's density and further decreased the cell sizes due to limited expansion caused by the fibers that altered nucleation and growth mechanisms. Strong hydrogen bonds formed between the fillers and the PU matrix resulted in a new network that improved thermal resistance. Also, crystallinity enhanced PU chains' organization due to filler incorporation, and these changes on the PU matrix increased impact resistance. The best results were obtained for the hybrid PU composite with 20 wt% of palm fiber. The properties improvements show the reinforcements' character in PU foams with environmentally friendly materials.

Influence of the granulometry and fiber content of palm residues on the diesel S-10 oil sorption in polyurethane /palm fiber biocomposites

The use of technologies with sustainable adsorbents from agro-industrial residues with hydrophobic characteristics has induced the interest of the scientific community, due to the accidents involving spills and leaks of organic pollutants, generating the concern impacts caused to the environment. Thus, in this study was proposed an alternative for palm residues as reinforcing in castor oil-based polyurethane, obtaining eco-friendly biocomposites for sorption of S10 diesel oil. Biocomposites were obtained by mass mixing the polyol with the prepolymer (1:1) and reinforced from 5 to 20% m/m with palm residues and different particle sizes (28 mesh and 35 mesh), to evaluate the influence of same. The palm residues, pure PU, and biocomposites were characterized by techniques scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), apparent density, porosimetry (BET), contact angle, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA), and spectroscopy infrared (FTIR). To evaluate the sorption capacity and efficiency as a function of the content and particle size of the fiber added to the polymeric matrix, tests were performed in times of 30–240 ​s in three systems: S10 diesel oil, S10 diesel oil/saline water and S10 diesel oil/mineral water. Results showed that biocomposites presented greater capacity and better sorption efficiency compared to pure PU in the three sorption systems analyzed; however, a greater performance was obtained in the S10 diesel oil system. Besides, the fiber content and particle size directly influenced the results. Biocomposites with higher particle size fibers (28 mesh) and higher content showed the best results with sorption capacity (10.02 ​g/g) and sorption efficiency (24.10%). The contour diagram showed that different particle size fiber (28 and 35 mesh) in the biocomposites presented a linear trend between the sorption/time/fiber fraction. Also, biocomposites presented a reuse efficiency of five cycles, maintaining their hydrophobicity even after the process.