Pistachio Waste Research Articles

Dietary inclusion of pistachio wastes (Pistacia vera L.) to fattening male goat kids’ feeding: Chemical-mineral compositions, in vitro ruminal fermentation, in vivo digestibility, hemato-biochemical profile, and growth performance

Pistachio (PW, Pistacia vera L.) wastes are a collection of favorite materials that are produced in the pistachio processing factories, in combination with its industry derivatives of clusters, soft hull, leaves, hard shell, and kernel. Two experiments were carried out; in the 1st one, the chemical and mineral compositions, in vitro ruminal-digestive fermentation activities, and buffering capacity parameters were determined for PW and its derivatives. For the 2nd experiment, the nutritional effects of an aluminosilicate (AS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), at 10 g/kg dietary dry matter (DM), on PW-based diets were investigated. However, forty Mahabadi male goat kids [5 months, 22 ± 2.0 kg body weight (BW)] were randomly divided into the four experimental diets: control (a basal diet without PW); PW (replaced 40 % of control ingredients with PW); PW + PEG (PW diet + 10 g PEG/kg DM); and PW + AS (PW diet + 10 g AS/kg DM). Crude protein content, dry matter digestibility (DMD), gas production, and metabolizable energy were increased (P < 0.001) in kernel rather than other treatments. Hard shell exhibited the lowest (P < 0.001) DMD and/or organic matter digestibility (at 24 and 96 h), and highest (P < 0.001) neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and iron concentrations. In leaves, total phenolic and tannins, calcium, magnesium, and manganese had the highest (P < 0.001) concentrations versus other PW derivatives. Soft hull has the greatest (P < 0.001) acid-base buffering capacity among the evaluated derivatives. Dietary supplementation with 40 % PW decreased (P < 0.001) dry matter intake, final BW, average daily gain, nutrient digestibility, ruminal total volatile fatty acids, propionate, and acetate, but with an increase (P < 0.001) in those parameters in PW + PEG and PW + AS diets. Blood urea nitrogen and total protein decreased (P < 0.05) by dietary PW. The inclusion of 40 % PW in the diet reduced the growth performance and diet nutritive value, but improved plasma antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity: and malondialdehyde). Addition of PW in goat kids’ diets with PEG or AS improved the digestibility and ruminal fermentation activities and enhanced growth performance. In conclusion, it is recommended to use PW at the dietary level of 40 % in fattening goat kids, provided that it is accompanied by adding AS or PEG to the diet.

The subsurface application of pistachio waste compost and foliar spraying of organic matter can induce the flower yield and the quality of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms affected by restricted nutrient conditions

Correct use of organic waste in the form of composting can play a constructive role in reducing environmental pollution and increasing saffron sustainable production. Recently, pistachio waste compost has been considered as a soil conditioner, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Along with improving the organic structure, foliar application of amino acids through the recommendation of reputable companies is another sustainable solution that can further strengthen the relationship between trade and agriculture. The current study was conducted in Anbari Agricultural Seeds Company, Mashhad, Iran during 2019-2021. The experiment was performed with three replicates based on a randomized complete block design arranged in factorial-split including 12 main plots [Organic fertilizer (control, pistachio compost (P), wheat straw (W), cow manure (M), P+W, and P+M) × Foliar spraying (control and 2 L. ha−1 DRIN: a commercial organic compound)] and 2 sub-plots (first and second sampling). The minimum number of saffron flowers and stigma weight were observed under no-organic fertilizer; while all organic sources led to increase these traits. The values increased by 27% and 31%, respectively, resulting pistachio compost compared to control treatment. Applying organic sources resulted in a higher crocin and safranal. At the same time, foliar spraying had a significant effect in increasing crocin and safranal concentrations. Organic fertilizers and foliar spraying caused a significant effect in terms of N, P, and K concentration in daughter corms. when control treatment was considered, foliar spraying increased sucrose by 24% compared to non-spraying. Furthermore, sucrose content was recorded to be improved following all organic amendments. Similar responses were observed regarding arginine, glutamic acid, alanine, and aspartic acid. Overall, applying pistachio compost concurrent with spraying of DRIN is recommended for saffron sustainable production, especially under nutrient-restricted conditions.

Pistachio Waste-Derived Activated Carbon Materials for Sustainable Energy Storage: Supercapacitor Applications

This study explores the potential of utilizing pistachio waste which is of low-cost and eco-friendly precursor for the synthesis of activated carbon for supercapacitor applications. Pistachio shells, a common agricultural waste product, were subjected to a controlled pyrolysis process followed by the activation to produce activated carbon materials. The resulting activated carbon was characterized by using various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical testing. The electrochemical performance of the pistachio waste-derived activated carbon was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements. The pistachio waste-derived activated carbon exhibits excellent capacitive behaviour, with a high specific capacitance and good cycling stability. The use of agricultural waste-derived activated carbon not only addresses the environmental concerns but also contributes to the development of green energy storage solutions.

The Conversion of Pistachio and Walnut Shell Waste into Valuable Components with Subcritical Water

Pistachio and walnut shells accumulate in large quantities as waste during food processing and represent a promising lignocellulosic biomass for the extraction of valuable components. Subcritical water technology was used as an environmentally friendly technique to study the extraction of active ingredients and other valuable degradation products from walnut and pistachio waste. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) was carried out under different process conditions (temperature (150–300 °C) and short reaction times (15–60 min)) and compared with conventional extraction using different organic solvents (acetone, 50% acetone and ethanol). The extracts obtained from pistachio and walnut shell waste are rich in various bioactive and valuable components. The highest contents of total phenols (127.08 mg GA/g extract at 300 °C for 15 min, from walnut shells), total flavonoids (10.18 mg QU/g extract at 200 °C for 60 min, from pistachio shells), total carbohydrates (602.14 mg TCH/g extract at 200 °C for 60 min, from walnut shells) and antioxidant activity (91% at 300 °C, for 60 min, from pistachio shells) were determined when the extracts were obtained via subcritical water. High contents of total phenols (up to 86.17 mg GA/g extract) were also determined in the conventional extracts obtained with ethanol. Using the HPLC method, sugars and their valuable derivatives were determined in the extracts, with glucose, fructose, furfurals (5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and furfural) and levulinic acid being the most abundant in the extracts obtained by subcritical water. The results show that subcritical water technology enables better exploitation of biowaste materials than conventional extraction methods with organic solvents, as it provides a higher yields of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds and thus extracts with high antioxidant activity, while at the same time producing degradation products that are valuable secondary raw materials.

Optimization of Lutein Extraction from Pistachio Waste Using Experimental Design and Ultrasonic Method

Optimization of Lutein Extraction from Pistachio Waste Using Experimental Design and Ultrasonic Method

The Effect of Pistachio Waste Compost and Mycorrhizal Fungi on Vegetative Growth and Nutritional Status of Pistachio Seedlings in a Saline-Sodic Soil

The Effect of Pistachio Waste Compost and Mycorrhizal Fungi on Vegetative Growth and Nutritional Status of Pistachio Seedlings in a Saline-Sodic Soil

Comparison and toxicity assessment of co-composting process by pistachio wastes and date-palm straw combined with municipal sewage sludge

This study aimed to compare and evaluate the toxicity of the co-composting process of pistachio dehulling waste combined with municipal sewage sludge (PW + SS) and date-palm straw combined with municipal sewage sludge (PS + SS). The process was evaluated over a 60-day period. During the process, physicochemical parameters (temperature, humidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), ash, and volatile organic matter (VOM)), microbial indicators (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and parasite eggs), heavy metals (copper, zinc, iron, manganese, lead, cadmium, nickel), and germination index were measured. In the PW + SS reactor, the maximum temperature reached 59 °C on the 32nd day and in the PS + SS reached 39 °C on 18th day. The pH level in PW + SS reached a minimum of 3.2 on the 14th day and then increased and finally reached 9.5. The pH level in PS + SS had an increasing trend and finally reached 7.1. Ash content had an increasing trend in PW + SS and finally reached 27.5% and reached 19.1% in PS + SS. EC, C/N, and VOM in both reactors had a significant decreasing trend. E. coli microbial indicator in both reactors decreased from ≥ 105 to zero at the end of the process. Toxicity assessment showed that the PS + SS compost was less toxic than the PW + SS compost.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera) waste as adsorbent for wastewater treatment: a review

Pistachio (Pistacia vera) waste as adsorbent for wastewater treatment: a review

Biosynthesis of Organic Nanocomposite Using Pistacia vera L. Hull: An Efficient Antimicrobial Agent.

Here presented a quick and easy synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). Pistachio hull extract has been used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the preparation of CuNPs. This biosynthesis is a kind of supporter of the environment because chemical agents were not used to making nanoparticles, and on the other hand, it prevents the release of pistachio waste in nature and its adverse effects on nature. The biosynthesized CuNPs and CuNPs/silver Schiff base nanocomposite (CSS NC) were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). CuNP and CSS NC antimicrobial activity was examined by both well diffusion and determination MIC methods against four bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and two fungi Aspergillus Niger and Candida albicans. CuNPs and CSS NC showed significant antimicrobial activity on the samples, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi at very low concentrations. CuNPs and CSS NC had the greatest effect on Escherichia coli bacteria and Aspergillus niger fungi. Phenolic compounds are one of the most important antioxidants that are involved in various fields, including pharmacy. Pistacia vera hull is a rich source of phenolic compounds. In this study, the most phenolic compound in Pistacia vera hull is gallic acid and rutin, which has been identified by HPLC analysis. In this study, Pistacia vera hull essential oil analysis was performed by the GC-MS method, in which α-pinene, D-limonene, and isobornyl acetate compounds constitute the highest percentage of Pistacia vera hull essential oil.

Bioethanol production from pistachio (pistacia vera L.) shells applying ozone pretreatment and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis

ABSTRACT Pistachio (pistacia vera L.) is a lignocellulosic raw material. One of the most pistachio produced three countries in the World is Turkey and Şanlıurfa is the city that most pistachio production in Turkey. As a result of this production, a large amount of pistachio waste is generated. Therefore, this study was conducted considering the abundant pistachio waste and furthermore, the effects of ozone and combined (ozone and hot water) pretreatments for bioethanol production from pistachio shells were investigated. Initially, the ozone and combined pretreatments were applied to the pistachio shells. It has been observed that applying the combined pretreatment provides better lignin removal than only ozone pretreatment and on the other hand, the ozone pretreatment provides better lignin removal than the hot water pretreatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of pretreated and untreated pistachio shells were compared. Enzyme activity was measured, and 30–60 FPU enzyme loading was applied in an enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymatic hydrolysis was applied to obtain fermentable sugar from the pistachio shells after pretreatments. As a result of enzymatic hydrolysis, 2.34–8.24 g/L reducing sugar was obtained. On the other hand, 1.21–2.33 g/L ethanol concentration was obtained end of the fermentation process. Fermentation efficiency was calculated between 42% and 55%. As a result, this study showed that combined pretreatment was more effective than the single pretreatment in the ethanol production process.

Activated carbon prepared from pistachio waste for dye adsorption: experimental and CCD-based design

PurposeThis study aims to activated carbon prepared from pistachio waste by using phosphoric acid as chemical activator agent. Activated carbon adsorbents were prepared from pistachio waste by using phosphoric acid as chemical activator agent.Design/methodology/approachThe optimum conditions for the highest adsorption performance were determined by central composite design (CCD). The adsorbent was used for the adsorption of dye reactive black 5 (RB5), and the parameters affecting the adsorption were discussed like pH, initial concentration, contact time and adsorbent dosage. The adsorbent synthesized has been characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The kinetic models including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to investigate the kinetic and isotherms parameters.FindingsWhen the dye concentration is 10 mg/L, RB5 dye removal rates reach 87.5 per cent. Moreover, the adsorption process of RB5 follows the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm.Practical implicationsThis study provided a simple and effective way to prepare activated carbon adsorbents from pistachio wastes. This way was conductive to protect environmental from a huge amount of agricultural waste produced and subsequent application for removal of pollutants from aqueous solutions.Originality/valueThe activated carbon adsorbents are prepared via chemical activation, which is prepared with pistachio wastes. There are two main innovations: one is that the novel adsorbents are prepared successfully by waste and the other is that the optimized conditions are designed by CCD.

Pistachio waste management using combined composting-vermicomposting technique: Physico-chemical changes and worm growth analysis

Abstract In this study a combined composting-vermicomposting process with Eisenia fetida was investigated for pistachio waste (PW) treatment mixed with cow dung (CD) in different ratio (100% CD (T1), 25% PW (T2), 50% PW (T3), 75% PW (T4), and 100% PW (T5)) as a substrate in experimental scale. The process was performed in two stages, including pre-composting, and vermicomposting which operate in 45d for each stage in the pilot scale. Physico-chemical parameters and worm growth ratio in different treatments were measured and compared. The results showed that the combined process significantly increased the quality of final product and the produced fertilizer was homogeneous, granular, odorless, and nutrient rich. Physico-chemical analysis showed a significant reduction in the C:N ratio (41.13% in T2 to 69.14% in T5), total organic carbon (TOC) (12.26% in T2 to 37.06% in T5), and total potassium (K) (14.63% in T1 to 42.64% in T3) and increase in total nitrogen (N) (55.1% in T4 to 140.47% in T1), available phosphorus (P) (4.41% in T2 to 51.22% in T5), and pH (2.74% in T5 to 6.8% T3). The number of worms during the process has also increased in all treatments and the net weight and growth rate of worms in T2 and T5 were higher than other treatments. Therefore, combined Composting-vermicomposting process can be used as an effective method for managing pistachio waste and CD.

Toxicity evaluation and management of co-composting pistachio wastes combined with cattle manure and municipal sewage sludge

To manage the pistachio de-hulling waste (PW), investigated the co-composting process using a mixture of PW and cattle manure (CM) (5.5:10 dry weight) as well as PW and municipal dewatering sewage sludge (DSS) (1:10 dry weight) at the laboratory scale for 60 days. Compost toxicity was evaluated using the seed germination index (GI). The maximum temperatures in co-composting processes of PW+CM (51.9 °C) and PW+DSS (49.9 °C) were reported on the seventh day. The increase of temperature was higher in PW+CM and remained in the thermophilic phase for five days. In both reactors, the pH rates decreased, increased, and finally remained neutral. The C/N ratio decreased in both reactors, but the reduction rate was faster in the PW+DSS reactor. Sodium (Na%) and potassium (K%) contents were increased, while the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were decreased during the processes. The numbers of parasite eggs in the final composts of the reactors containing PW+CM and PW+DSS were zero and 8 Number/4gDW, respectively. The amounts of Salmonella were zero in the final products of reactors containing PW+CM and PW+DSS. The results of GI showed that the final compost of PW+CM process was not toxic for the plants, whereas the PW+DDS final compost was toxic. In conclusion, the co-compost product of the PW+CM reactor had higher quality than the PW+DSS reactor. So, it is suitable for PW management.

Biogas production from pistachio (Pistaciavera L.) de-hulling waste

ABSTRACTPistachio processing wastes create significant waste management problems unless properly managed. However, there are not well-established methods to manage the waste generated during the processing of pistachios. Anaerobic digestion can be an attractive option not only for the management of pistachio processing wastes but also producing renewable energy in the form of biogas. This study investigated anaerobic digestibility and biogas production potential of pistachio de-hulling waste from wet de-hulling process. Best to our knowledge, this is the first report on biogas production from pistachio de-hulling waste. The results indicated that (1) anaerobic digestion of pistachio de-hulling wastewater, solid waste, and their mixtures in different ratios is possible with varying levels of performance; (2) 1 L of de-hulling wastewater (chemical oxygen demand concentration of 30 g/L) produced 0.7 L of methane; (3) 1 L of de-hulling wastewater and 20 g of pistachio de-hulling solid waste produced 1.25 L of methane; and (4) 1 g of de-hulling solid waste produced 62.6 mL of methane (or 134 mL of biogas).

Effects of Salinity and Pistachio Waste Application on Growth and Physiological Responses of Pistachio Seedlings

ABSTRACTLow organic matter and high salinity are widespread throughout all pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) growing areas of Iran. The objective of this study was conducted to investigate effect of pistachio waste (PW), salinity, and their interaction on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings. The experiment was carried out based on factorial and completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The treatments contained salinity in three levels [0, 1000, and 2000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg−1 soil] and PW in three levels (0, 3, and 6%). The results indicated that salinity application decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights; leaf area; and length of stem, while this effect diminished with 3% PW application. Application of PW at the rate of 6% significantly reduced these parameters and accelerated effect of salinity levels. Leaf, stem, and root potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were decreased by salinity application, while leaf, stem, and root sodium (Na) concentrations was increased. However, PW application increased these nutrient concentrations in the leaves, stem, and root, but significantly diminished the effect of salinity. The results showed that proline accumulation and reducing sugar content in the leaves were increased by salinity, PW, and their combination application. The results suggest that application of PW, especially at rate of 3%, can reduce some adverse effects of salinity on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings.

Risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders by OVAKO Working posture Analysis System OWAS and evaluate the effect of ergonomic training on posture of farmers

Received: January 2016, Accepted: April 2016 Background: The agricultural sector is one of the most important sectors in production. The safety and health of farmers are important factors that can cause a significant increase in efficiency and productivity. The aim of this study was the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) using the OVAKO Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and evaluation of the effect of ergonomic training on posture of farmers. Materials and Methods: In this study, 400 farms were evaluated in 5 major activities including gathering of pistachios by men, gathering of pistachios by women, spading, gathering of pistachio waste, picking of wheat, and fertilizing regarding MSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and OWAS. Then, the required ergonomic training was presented as face-toface to farmers and again evaluation was performed after the intervention. Results: Low back pain and knee problems had the highest frequency and can be caused by standin g or sitting for long periods of time, displacement and manual material handling, and undesirable workstations. A significant relationship was found between age and work experience, and MSDs (P ˂ 0.001). Risk level in pistachio and wheat gathering tasks wa s lowered significantly after the ergonomic interventions and required training compared to before the intervention (P ˂ 0.050). However, no significant change was observed in the spading and fertilizing tasks. Conclusions: The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs was relatively high in the studied farmers. Moreover, the level of risk that was obtained according to the OWAS indicated that the working conditions and environment in this industry are harmful. Therefore, t aking corrective actions in order to improve the working conditions is necessary.