Peel Ash Research Articles

Exploiting waste: towards a sustainable production of biodiesel using Musa acuminata peel ash as a heterogeneous catalyst

Today, biodiesel, a renewable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly fuel, is attracting increasing attention worldwide as an alternative to fossil fuel.

Application of Agricultural Waste-Based Catalysts to Transesterification of Esterified Palm Kernel Oil into Biodiesel: A Case of Banana Fruit Peel Versus Cocoa Pod Husk

This study aimed at modeling and optimizing the production of fatty acid methyl esters from esterified palm kernel oil using two heterogeneous biowaste catalysts namely calcined banana peel ash (CBPA) and calcined cocoa pod husk ash (CCPHA). The central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for investigating the individual and interactive effects of the process input variables (methanol/oil ratio, catalyst weight and reaction time) on the palm kernel oil methyl esters (PKOME) yield. The same optimal conditions (methanol/oil ratio 0.8 v/v, catalyst weight 4 wt% and reaction time 65 min) were predicted by RSM for the transesterification reaction catalyzed by CBPA and CCPHA at constant temperature of 65 °C. The observed PKOME yields under the optimal condition using the two catalysts were 99.5 and 99.3 wt% for CBPA and CCPHA, respectively. The developed quadratic models were appraised using different statistical indicators such as coefficient of determination (R2) and average absolute deviation (AAD). R2 of 0.9064 and 0.8245 and AAD of 0.5526 and 0.6901 computed for CBPA and CCPHA-catalyzed transesterification reactions, respectively, showed both models gave good predictions. In both cases, methanol/oil ratio was the most significant factor on the PKOME yield. The PKOME produced using the two catalysts satisfied both the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standard specifications. Both banana fruit peel and cocoa pod husk could adequately serve as low-cost feedstock for PKOME synthesis.

Turbidity removal from surface water by natural coagulants and its potential application

The Natural coagulant Vigna mungo, Zea mays were used to remove the turbidity from synthetic wastewater . Vigna mungo, Zea mays are ancient crop and having high proteins and nutrients. Chemical coagulants used it induce Alzheimer’s, Carcinogenic and neurotoxic health effects. This is alternative method for turbidity removal in synthetic wastewater. In this study Vigna mungo, Zea mays, Allium cepa ash, waste tea powder ash, Phyllanthus niruri ash used for turbidity removal. Vigna mungo seeds extract have highest percentage (90%) turbidity removal compared to Zea mays (76%). Microwave and ultrasonic assisted both methods are very efficient; 87% of turbidity removal achieved for Vigna mungo; 70% for Zea mays. Allium cepa peel ash, Waste tea powder ash, Phyllanthus niruri ash approximately almost above 95% of turbidity removal achieved. The various optimized parameters were studied and results are discussed. Natural coagulants are eco-friendly method for turbidity removal because the sludge disposal is very easy. The sludge it can be used as biocompost or biofertilizer.

Phenol Removal from Aqueous Environment by Adsorption onto Pomegranate Peel Carbon.

IntroductionPhenol and its derivatives are the most common poisonous compounds which are stable in aqueous media and lead to many health issues. In this study, application of the carbon resulted from pomegranate peel is investigated in removal of phenol by adsorption method.Methodsto perform this cross-sectional study, first, samples of phenol with concentrations of 10 to 100 mg/L were prepared for six months in 2016. Then, the impacts of parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration of phenol in adsorption process were investigated independently in Gonabad Chemistry Lab using a spectrophotometer at 505 nm as the wavelength. Furthermore, adherence of the samples to the isotherm models of Langmuir and Freundlich was determined by Excel 2016 and descriptive statistical methods were then reported.ResultsThe obtained results demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity (ash) of 148.38 mgg-1 at pH 7, initial concentration of 100 mg L−1, and temperature of 23 ± 2 °C. The phenol removal rate was found to correlate directly to the adsorbent dosage and contact time, and inversely to the initial concentration of phenol. In addition, the investigations showed that the adsorption of phenol on the pomegranate peel ash follows the Freundlich model well with a correlation coefficient of R2 0.9056.ConclusionPomegranate peel ash could be used as an efficient and low-cost adsorbent for phenol removal from aqueous media.

PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF FLAVONOID EXTRACT OF COAGULATED TOFU (CURDLED SOY MILK) AGAINST ACETAMINOPHEN-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

The total flavonoid contents of the various coagulated tofu and the hepatoprotective potential of all tofu flavonoid extracts were investigated. Tofu was prepared from locally sourced coagulants (steep water, alum, lemon, and lemon peel ash extract). Total flavonoid contents of all coagulated tofu were investigated as established in vitro flavonoid assay. The hepatoprotective activities of tofu flavonoid extracts against acetaminophen-induced hepatic cell toxicity in rats was also investigated in this study. The activity was analyzed by assessing the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The concentrations of the serum sugar, total protein, albumin, and cholesterol as well as prothrombin time (PT) of experimental rats with histopathological analysis were also conducted. The range of the total flavonoid contents of tofu was 4.3-6.4 mg/g. Tofu flavonoid extracts significantly reduced the activities of serum AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH; total cholesterol, and sugar levels, but total protein and albumin concentrations increased compared to acetaminophen-intoxicated rats. Also, the prothrombin time prolongation of serum in acetaminophen intoxicated rats was reduced. Histology of the liver tissue demonstrated that tofu flavonoid extracts inhibited the acetaminophen-induced hepatic cell necrosis, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and accelerated hepatocellular regeneration. Therefore, all tofus exhibited high total flavonoid contents, and the tofu supplement in human diets is highly recommended as it can be used as a functional food to prevent liver injuries.

Evaluation of the Structural Performance of Lateritic Soil Stabilized with Cassava Peel Ash (CPA) and Cement

Evaluation of the Structural Performance of Lateritic Soil Stabilized with Cassava Peel Ash (CPA) and Cement

Evaluating the Stability of Indigenous Akwadum Soil with Cassava Peel Ash and Quarry Dust

Cassava peels are produced as a waste from cassava, which are disposed into landfills. These become an environmental problem; therefore the use of cassava peel ash (CPA) as a soil stabilizer must be encouraged. This study investigates the effects of CPA and quarry dust (QD) on the engineering properties of Akwadum soil behavior, using compaction test, Atterberg limit, and California bearing ratio (CBR). These properties were compared with those of unstabilized soil (original) and soil stabilized with CPA and QD. The natural soil was obtained from a borrowed pit at Akwadum near Koforidua at an average depth of 0.8 m which is meant for road works. This soil sample was stabilized with CPA and QD at 5%, 10% and 20% respectively. The compaction, California bearing ratio and Atterberg limit test were performed on the stabilized soils to thoroughly evaluate them. The results indicate that increasing the percentage of CPA to the natural soil decreases the maximum dry density at increasing optimum water content. The addition of QD at higher percentage increases the maximum dry density at decreasing optimum water content. The results reveal that both QD and CPA improve the engineering properties of the soil with QD providing better results.

ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Green Protocol for Ligand Free Suzuki—Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions in WEB at Room Temperature.

AbstractWater extract of banana peel ash (WEB) is employed in ligand‐free Suzuki—Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions.

English

White variety of Lasianthera africana leaves were blanched in hot water (control) and in different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0,75, 1.00 and 1.25%) of unripe plantain peel ash solution for 3 min at 100°C, cooled, drained, oven dried (50°C) for 36 h. Then, raw leaf and all oven dried samples were analyzed for minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The raw leaf contained potassium (78.98±0.78 mg/100 g), calcium (190.25±0.44 mg/100 g), sodium (75.69±0.95 mg/100 g), magnesium (14.68±0.74 mg/100 g), iron (3.96±0.55 mg/100 g), zinc (5.95±0.52 mg/100 g), phosphorus (17.79±0.81 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (109.64±0.08 mg/100 g), beta-carotene (2.86±0.04 mg/100 g), riboflavin (0.22±0.03 mg/100 g), thiamine (1.01±0.06 mg/100 g), alkaloids (2.67±0.33 g/100 g), flavonoids (0.32±0.03 g/100 g), saponins (3.09±0.04 g/100 g) and tannins (0.28±0.01 g/100 g). Blanching the leaves either in hot water or in different concentrations of unripe plantain peel ash solution led to varying losses of the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. Samples blanched in different levels of ash solution retained higher mineral content than hot water blanched samples. Percentage minerals retained increase with increased levels of ash in the blanching solution. Conversely, percentage retention of vitamins and phytochemicals decreased with increase in the levels of ash in the blanching solution. Ash concentration had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the levels of magnesium, zinc, beta-carotene and tannins retained in the blanched samples. For higher retention of vitamins and health benefiting phytochemicals, lower concentration of unripe plantain peel ash solution (0.50% to 0.75%) should be used to debitter L. africana leaf.   Key words:  Lasianthera africana leaf, debittering agent, minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals.

Effect of Soaking African Yam Bean Seeds in Unripe Plantain Peel Ash Solutions on the Nutrients, Anti-nutrients and Functional Properties of the Flour

The dark brown coloured variety of African yam bean seeds (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) were soaked in distilled water (control) and in 1,2,3,4 and 5% solutions of unripe plantain peel ash (1:3w/v) for 15h at room temperature (27+0C), decorticated and processed into flours. The effects of soaking the seeds in different concentrations of the ash solution on proximate, mineral and anti-nutrient composition as well as on the functional properties of the flours were investigated. Result showed that the treatments had varying effects on the parameters evaluated. Flours prepared from seeds that were soaked in ash solutions had significantly (p 0.05) higher swelling index and marginally (p>0.05) lower water absorption capacity and bulk density than the flour from seeds that were soaked in water. It is evident from the study that soaking African yam bean seeds in unripe plantain peel ash solutions has beneficial effects as the flours prepared from the soaked seeds had higher levels of protein and mineral elements, lower levels of anti-nutrients and the functional properties were not impaired when compared with flour from seeds that were soaked in water.

Neural network model and isotherm study for removal of phenol from aqueous solution by orange peel ash

Artificial Neural Network model and isotherm study were done to predict the removal efficiency of phenol. An inexpensive adsorbent was developed from orange peel ash (OPA) for effective uptake of phenol from aqueous solution. The influence of different experimental parameters (initial concentration, pH, adsorbents dose, contact time, stirring rate and temperature) on phenol uptake efficiency was evaluated. Phenol was adsorbed by the OPA up to maximum of 97.34 %. Adsorption of phenol on OPA correlated well with the Langmuir isotherm model, implying monolayer coverage of phenol onto the surface of the adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 3.55 mg g−1 at 303 K. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided a better correlation for the experimental data. Moreover, the activation energy of the adsorption process (Ea) was found to be −18.001 kJ mol−1 indicating physorption nature of phenol onto OPA. A negative enthalpy (∆H°) value indicated that the adsorption process was exothermic. Again multi-layer Neural Network model was in very good agreement with the experimental results.

One-step approach to prepare magnetic iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid for efficient organic and inorganic pollutants removal

An environmentally friendly effective technique was demonstrated to prepare iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid (IO/RGO) at room temperature by using banana peel ash aqueous extract as the base source and Colocasia esculenta leaves aqueous extract as the reducing agent. The nanohybrid was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, Raman spectroscopy and thermal studies. The results indicated the decoration of superparamagnetic IO nanoparticles on the surface of the RGO. Both organic and inorganic pollutants were effectively removed from the contaminated water (for Pb2+ and Cd2+ within 10 min, whereas for tetrabromobisphenol A within 30 min) by IO/RGO. The study revealed that adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics and isotherms were well described by the Langmuir model in all the cases. The thermodynamics parameters (ΔG°, ΔS° and ΔH°) were calculated from the temperature dependent isotherms and indicated that the adsorptions were endothermic and spontaneous.

Soap Production Using Waste Materials of Cassava Peel and Plantain Peel Ash as an Alternative Active Ingredient, Implication for Entrepreneurship

Soap Production Using Waste Materials of Cassava Peel and Plantain Peel Ash as an Alternative Active Ingredient, Implication for Entrepreneurship

Use of orange peel ash for removal of direct black 22 dye from aqueous environments

Background & objectives: The treatment of textile industries wastewater due to excessive coloring matter and pollution is one of the environmental health experts concerns. As, adsorption is one of the effective process in colorfully wastewater treatment. The aim of this study was surveying about introducing an inexpensive and available adsorbent capability, orange peel ash, in removal of Direct Black 22 Dye from aqueous environments. Material & Methods: In this study, orange peel ash was produced in vitro. The elimination of direct black 22 was studied in aqueous solution in a batch system by the adsorbent. Therefore, the effect of operational parameters such as contact time, pH, initial concentration of soluble dye Direct Black 22 and the adsorbent dosages were investigated. Measurements were performed using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 585.5 nm. Finally, adsorption isotherm and kinetic analyses were carried out. Results: data showed high selectivity and efficiency of orange peel ash to rapidly remove the color from solution and equilibrium was achieved within 90 minutes. Maximum removal of color (95.2%) was observed at pH=2. Adsorption efficiency was reduced with increasing initial concentration of dye solution and decreasing the adsorbent dose. Adsorption isotherm studies revealed the binding occurred within surface and correlated with the Freundlich model. Kinetic models indicated a correlation between the adsorption processes with the pseudo second kinetic model. Conclusion: pH affects the cell surface and on physical-chemical reactions and adsorption sites. At low concentrations of color soluble, adsorption sites absorbed dye more easily, but at higher concentrations colored ions must be penetrated into the inner places. According to the results, the carbon obtained from orange peel as an agricultural product, showed good performance for Direct Black 22 dye.

English

Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, antimalarial and antimutagenic effects of Punica granatum (PG) have already been supported by different studies. PGhas a rich history of traditional use in medicine. For centuries, the barks, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of this plant have been used to heal several diseases. However, in South Anatolia, Turkey, some people employ the ashes of PG fruit peel as a protective against skin infections, especially after male circumcision. There have been no reports about the antimicrobial activity of PG fruit peel ash as far as the current literature is concerned. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of ashes of PG fruit peels. The ethanol and a solvent cocktail (dH2O:ethanol:methanol:aceton:CH2Cl2 (1:2.5:2.5:2:2)) extracts of PG fruit peel and peel ashes were tested against Candida albicans ATCC 26555, Escherichia coli ETEC LM 63083, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella entericaSerotype Typhimirium SL 1344 and Shigella flexneri. The results indicated that both PGfruit peel and peel ashes showed antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms tested. In conclusion, since PG fruit peel ashes showed promising degrees of antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, these preliminary data should be supported by further large-scale studies.   Key words: Punica granatum, pomegranate, fruit peel ash, antimicrobial activity, disc diffusion test, male circumcision.

Some Aspects of Palm Oil Bleaching with Activated Plantain Peel Ash

The present study seeks to investigate the bleaching of palm oil with activated plantain peel ash (APPA). Concentrations of β-carotene, iron, copper, lead, and phosphorus in the crude (unbleached) and bleached palm oil were evaluated. The peroxide value, anisidine value, acidity and colour of the oils were also determined. The objectives were to assess the bleaching performance of the APPA, compare the performance of APPA with that of a commercial natural earth (Pure-Flo Neutral B-80) and investigate the effects of particle size of APPA and APPA/oil ratio on the bleaching performance of APPA. The results indicated that APPA significantly decreased all the investigated characteristics apart from acidity. Results also indicated that Pure-Flo Neutral B-80 slightly performed better than APPA under the same experimental conditions.

Solid Soap Production using Plantain Peel Ash as Source of Alkali

The making of soap using vegetable matter (plantain peel) ashes was examined. All the factors that could cause blackness in the colour of the soap, when the water extract of ashes derived from vegetable matter was reacted with palm oil/palm kernel oil blend, were studied with a view to remedying them. These remedial procedures included a clearer filtration in the extraction stage, which removed virtually all black particles from the extract; elimination of any metallic ions in the ash extract, which could colour the resulting soap, and bleaching of the oil blend. The saponification stage of the soap making process was also changed from those of previous practices since some of the previous saponification processes led to charring of the soap and hence caused it to be black. A neat soap, which was milky white in colour, was obtained when the improved ash extract was reacted with the bleached oil blend. This was also the colour of two other soaps made from pure potassium hydroxide and pure sodium hydroxide alkalis, respectively and the same bleached oil blend. It was concluded that solid soap, which was not black, could be made from ash-derived alkali. This is the first reported case of such an attempt. (Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2002 6(1): 73-77)