Plant By-products Research Articles

New insights into Early Celtic consumption practices: Organic residue analyses of local and imported pottery from Vix-Mont Lassois.

The rich Mediterranean imports found in Early Celtic princely sites (7th-5th cent. BC) in Southwestern Germany, Switzerland and Eastern France have long been the focus of archaeological and public interest. Consumption practices, particularly in the context of feasting, played a major role in Early Celtic life and imported ceramic vessels have consequently been interpreted as an attempt by the elite to imitate Mediterranean wine feasting. Here we present the first scientific study carried out to elucidate the use of Mediterranean imports in Early Celtic Central Europe and their local ceramic counterparts through organic residue analyses of 99 vessels from Vix-Mont Lassois, a key Early Celtic site. In the Mediterranean imports we identified imported plant oils and grape wine, and evidence points towards appropriation of these foreign vessels. Both Greek and local wares served for drinking grape wine and other plant-based fermented beverage(s). A wide variety of animal and plant by-products (e.g. fats, oils, waxes, resin) were also identified. Using an integrative approach, we show the importance of beehive products, millet and bacteriohopanoid beverage(s) in Early Celtic drinking practices. We highlight activities related to biomaterial transformation and show intra-site and status-related differences in consumption practices and/or beverage processing.

Manufacturing of organic swine production: external experience and challenges for Ukraine

The main factors that stimulate the management development of organic forms are systematized: the deterioration of the overall ecological situation, the increase in the demand for environmentally friendly products, the possibilities for expanding the export of organic products, allows obtaining higher profit levels, etc. The approaches to legal regulation of organic products production in foreign countries and Ukraine have been generalized, which allowed to compare the order of organic products production (raw materials) of plant and animal origin, certification of organic farms and bringing organic products to the market. It is substantiated that there is a need to establish a state monitoring of the pig products quality, which should include: regular inspection of the self-inspection plan; inspection of the industrial premises sanitary condition, adjoining territories, vehicles, forages, fodder additives and ingredients; testing of equipment, materials, substances and technological additives in contact with meat raw materials. It has been proved that the frequency and procedure for state monitoring is ensured taking into account the analysis and assessment of the risks associated with the maintenance of animals and the receipt of meat raw materials. It is generalized that the strategic priorities of the organic pig production development is to increase the production of pig slaughter products, accordingly, it requires levers substantiation of the economic regulation to stimulate the producers of the sector in this direction. To sum up, there is a need to develop standards for the certification of animal origin organic products, namely, it is advisable to delimit the production of organic products (raw materials) and inorganic production in the regulatory and legal framework; utilization of waste and by-products of plant and animal origin in the process of organic products production, etc. It is proved that the low demand of consumers in the domestic market makes producers of organic products, including pigs, to focus on the markets of other countries. Measures to motivate foreign investors in the production of organic meat in Ukraine could become one of the most effective instruments for the intensification of organic pig production, and in the future, it could deliver its supplies to foreign markets, but realize it itself. It is obvious that in this approach there is a possibility of increasing value added in the supply chain of organic pig production, provided that the domestic processing capacity of organic produce and organic meat products is adjusted internally. Key words: organic pig breeding, organic livestock breeding, state regulation, control, ecology.

Chemical and biological evaluation of olive leaves as a waste by-product of olive oil industry

Background and objectives Finding new uses for by-products of cultivated plants is of great value economically and to the environment. Leaves represent about 10% of the total weight of olives yield. It is worth to obtain value-added products from this material. In this article, the leaves were evaluated chemically and biologically for phenolics and flavonoids as well as for microelements and macroelements and fatty acids. Also, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were carried out. Materials and methods Air-dried powdered olive leaves were defatted with hexane and the marc was then soaked in 80% methanol and successively extracted with CH2Cl2, EtOAc, and n-BuOH. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined as chlorogenic acid and rutin equivalents, respectively. Microelements and macroelements were detected in addition to fatty acids. The antioxidant effect was determined in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and antimicrobial activity was carried out using in-vitro agar well diffusion method. Results and conclusion Total phenolics were found to be highest in the 80% methanolic extract and the lowest in water and ethyl acetate fractions. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-free radical scavenging activity of olive leaf extracts were in this order: 80% methanolic extract, water extract, ethyl acetate fraction and butanol fraction. Also, the calcium : potassium value was 15: 1. Fatty acid profile revealed that linolenic acid was the major fatty acid in terms of percent (49.45%). Ethyl acetate fraction showed positive antibacterial activity and negative antifungal activity whereas water, 80% methanol, and butanol fractions have positive antifungal and negative antibacterial activity. Conclusion Olive leaves could be considered as a potential inexpensive source for food supplements for human health.

Investigation of antimicrobial activity of polyphenol-enriched extracts against probiotic lactic acid bacteria

The antimicrobial activity of polyphenol-enriched extracts from industrial plant by-products (strawberry and bilberry press residues and distilled rose petals) against probiotic lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus – S10 and S19; Lactobacillus rhamnosus – YW and S25; Lactobacillus gasseri – S20; Streptococcus thermophilus – S13 and S32) was investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in most strains tested was found to be relatively high (from 6.25 mg.mL-1 to 12.50 mg.mL-1). The maximum concentration of polyphenols without inhibitory effect (MCWI) ranges from 0.390mg.mL-1 to 0.781mg.mL-1. The results obtained in the present study showed that among the tested lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus – S19, Lactobacillus rhamnosus – YW and Streptococcus thermophilus – S13 had the best growth characteristics in polyphenol-enriched culture medium. These strains had the highest MIC and MCWI values and could be used as starter cultures for polyphenol-fortified fermented milks. Practical applications: The use of polyphenol-enriched extracts from industrial plant by-products (waste) – distilled rose petals (by-products of rose oil production) and strawberry and bilberry press residues (by-products of fruit juice production) contribute for improving the economic effect and for solving environmental problems in food industry. Development of functional fermented milks with combination of probiotic starter cultures and polyphenol extracts is current and perspective direction of food industry.

Phase Diagrams of Fatty Acids as Biosourced Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage is known as a key element to optimize the use of renewable energies and to improve building performances. Phase change materials (PCMs) derived from wastes or by-products of plant or animal oil origins are low-cost biosourced PCMs and are composed of more than 75% of fatty acids. They present paraffin-like storage properties and melting temperatures ranging from −23 °C to 78 °C. Therefore, they could be appropriate for latent heat storage technologies for building applications. Although already studied, a more detailed exploration of this class of PCMs is still required. In this frame, a screening of fatty acids and of their related binary systems must be performed. The infrared thermography method (IRT), already used for the fast estimation of simple phase diagrams (~2 h), appears to be best suited to achieve this goal. IRT method applicability to the more complex fatty acids phase diagrams is hence studied in this work. A phase diagram comprising more than a hundred data sets was obtained for the palmitic acid–stearic acid binary system. The reliability of the results is assessed by comparison to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements or results from other standard methods presented in literature and to a solid–liquid equilibrium thermodynamic model.

Blast furnace slag or fly ash filled rigid polyurethane composite foams: A comprehensive investigation

ABSTRACTGround granulated blast furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA) are iron‐making industry and power plant byproducts, respectively. Although their use in concrete is quite common, investigation of the effects of these inorganic compounds on polymer properties is quite new, and their use as fillers in polymer foam composites has not yet been really explored. Their properties, such as high electrical resistivity, make them a good asset for use in rigid polyurethane foams that are widely used for insulation. In this study, a comprehensive investigation of the effect of BFS and FA on morphology, electrical and thermal conductivity, and rheological and mechanical properties of water‐blown rigid polyurethane foams was performed. The relationship between these properties was examined. A relative enhancement of the properties is observed for filled foams, especially up to the percolation threshold. The results highlight a noticeable effect of the electrical percolation threshold on the different properties of foams. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47433.

The Content of Heavy Metals (HM) in the Main and By-Products of the Main Agricultural Plants Cultivated in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The Content of Heavy Metals (HM) in the Main and By-Products of the Main Agricultural Plants Cultivated in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The Content of Heavy Metals (HM) in the Main and By-Products of the Main Agricultural Plants Cultivated in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The Content of Heavy Metals (HM) in the Main and By-Products of the Main Agricultural Plants Cultivated in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

Nitrosamines: A review of formation pathways, precursors, control, and occurrence in drinking water

Nitrogenous disinfection by-products (N-DBPs) are emerging by-products that may be present in drinking water as by-products of water treatment plant (WTP) operations. Nitrosamines are N-DBPs that form by reaction of chloramine with certain organic nitrogen-containing compounds; however, the exact processes and environments in which nitrosamines form are still not well understood. Organic nitrogen precursors react within the WTP and distribution system, forming the toxic by-products during chloramination, or while in distribution. To best control the formation potential of nitrosamines, precursors must be removed from source water prior to chloramine disinfection. These nitrosamine forming precursors are abundant in source waters worldwide, presenting a need for further study of the mechanisms that reduce the formation potential of nitrosamines in chloramination WTPs.

The Content of Heavy Metals (HM) in the Main and By-Products of the Main Agricultural Plants Cultivated in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The Content of Heavy Metals (HM) in the Main and By-Products of the Main Agricultural Plants Cultivated in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

Shelf life and proximate composition of tomato (<i>Solanum</i> <i>lycopersicum</i> L.) fruits as influenced by storage methods

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a perishable fruit with a relatively short shelf life. The quality and nutritional value of fresh produce like tomato are affected by postharvest handling and storage conditions. This work aimed at evaluating the effects of storage methods on the shelf life and proximate composition of four varieties of local (Hausa and Yoruba Nigeran land races) and improved (Tropimech and Roma VF) tomato. The mature green fruits of each variety were manually harvested and stored. Three storage structures were employed viz., plastic crate, raffia basket and pot-in-pot refrigerator. Three botanical preservatives (plant byproducts) were used viz., wood ash from shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), sawdust from African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) and rice (Oryza sativa) straw. Each preservative was mixed with each variety of tomatoes in 1:2 ratios (1.75 kg of preservative to 3.50 kg of fruits) in each storage device. Shelf life was determined when more than 50% of fruits showed symptoms of shrinkage or spoilage (fruit rot). Proximate analysis was carried out for the amounts of moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, crude lipid and carbohydrate in the stored fruits. Shelf life of all the varieties was enhanced by pot-in-pot refrigerator. Proximate analysis revealed that moisture was highest, followed by carbohydrate in all varieties irrespective of storage structure and preservative. The improved varieties showed higher values of all the proximate parameters when compared to the two local varieties (Hausa and Yoruba).Out of the storage structures, pot-in-pot refrigerator seems to be more suitable to enhance shelf life of tomato fruits without compromising its quality.

Distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil around a coal-based power plant and their potential radiological risk assessment

Abstract Coal-fly-ash is one of the major byproducts of coal-based power plant in which naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) are drastically enriched compared to those of feed coals. Thus, improper management of fly-ash may introduce additional radioactivity to the surrounding environment and cause radiological risk. So, in order to study the distribution of radionuclides in soil around a coal-based power plant and to evaluate their radiological risk, soil, coal and fly-ash samples were analyzed by using a HPGe detector for U-238, Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 radioactivity concentrations. Furthermore, soil minerals were also studied by X-ray diffractometer to assess the mineralogical provenance of the radionuclides. Mean radioactivity concentrations (in Bq·kg−1) of U-238, Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in soil samples are 102.9±41.4, 63.6±7.4, 103.4±13.9 and 494.2±107.5, respectively which are comparatively higher than the typical world mean value. Elevated levels of radioactivity are likely due to the presence of illite, kaolinite, monazite, rutile and zircon minerals in the soil samples rather than technogenic contributions from the power plant. Furthermore, mean soil contamination factor (CF) are close to unity and mean pollution load index (PLI) is below unity while the average radium equivalent activity (Raeq in Bq·kg−1), external hazard index (Hex), absorbed γ dose rate (D in nGyh−1), annual effective dose rate (E in mSv·y−1) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR in Sv−1) are 249.5±21.7, 0.67±0.06, 114.2±9.4, 0.20±0.02, 4.9×10−4±0.4×10−4, respectively, which are within the permissible limit. Thus, in terms of radioactivity concentrations and associated environmental and radiological indices, the effect of the power plant is insignificant.

New insights into the formation and transformation of active species in nZVI/BC activated persulfate in alkaline solutions

In this study, a nanocomposite material synthesized by loading nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) onto biochar (BC, gasification plant byproduct) was successfully prepared, and the nZVI/BC5 (mass ratio 1:5) exhibited oxidative resistance, reutilization and stability via COD removal experiments. The nZVI/BC5 nanocomposites was used in persulfate (PS) activation for the synergistic degradation of aromatic pollutants in alkaline wastewater. The nZVI/BC5 selectively adsorbed aromatic pollutants through π-π, π-π-metal (BCsurface-OFeO) bonding interactions in textile dyeing wastewater (TDWW), and make the free radicals easier to react to aromatic pollutants. FTIR, XPS and EPR analyses showed that some PFRs generated through the reaction between nZVI and the surface functional groups of BC, the other PFRs were transformed from the BCsurface-OFeO species. The chemisorption provided electrons for the BCsurface-O-Fe(III)O- to produce the BCsurface-Ȯ··Fe(II)-O- (persistent free radicals, PFRs). The formation and transformation of the BCsurface-OFeO species were the dominant processes in the radical pathways, they could quickly and sustainably produce SO4·- and ·OH through heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of water (mediator) and S2O82- (from 0.81 to 0.02 g/L). Finally, a favorable synergistic combined process was initiated via chemisorption and degradation of aromatic pollutants. The BCsurface-OFeO species offer a new understanding of synergistic heterogeneous degradation in alkaline solutions. The byproduct BC could be reused and applied in wastewater pretreatment by this new feasible strategy.

Process Optimization for Improved Phenolic Compounds Recovery from Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Septum: Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities.

Plant by-products can be valuable sources of polyphenol bioactive compounds. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a very important tree nut rich in biologically active molecules, but its septum was scarcely researched. Experimental data indicated a hypoglycemic effect of septum extracts, with almost no details about its phytochemical composition. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to obtain walnut septum (WS) extracts with high content in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity based on an original experimental design; (2) characterization of the phytochemical profile of the WS extracts using HPLC-MS/MS; (3) evaluation of the biological potential of the richest polyphenolic WS extract. The variables of the experimental design were: extraction method (maceration and Ultra-Turrax extraction), temperature, solvent (acetone and ethanol), and percentage of water in the solvent. The first quantifiable responses were: total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, condensed tannins, and ABTS antioxidant capacity. The phytochemical profile of lyophilized extracts obtained by Ultra-Turrax extraction (UTE), the most efficient method, was further determined by HPLC-MS/MS analysis of individual polyphenolic and phytosterols compounds. It is the first study to assay the detailed composition of WS in hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. The biological potential of the richest polyphenolic WS extract was also evaluated by FRAP and DPPH antioxidant capacity and the inhibition of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the browning in fruits and vegetables, skin wrinkles and aging. Conclusion: The phytochemical profile of the analyzed extracts proves that WS can be a valuable source of biologically active compounds (polyphenols) for food and/or pharmaceutical industry and warrant the continuation of current research in further evaluating its bioactive potential.

Highly Efficient, Biochar‐Derived Molybdenum Carbide Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst

AbstractThe establishment of an economic means of hydrogen production by electrochemical water‐splitting can help alleviate the intermittency problem associated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and also provide for the extensive commercialization of fuel cell technologies. To enable this, cheap, active, and stable hydrogen evolution catalysts that can replace precious metal catalysts such as Pt must be developed. Herein, a scalable synthesis of porous Mo2C nanostructures derived from biochar, an inexpensive plant byproduct, is reported. The Mo2C catalyst materials prepared using this solid‐state method, loaded on planar substrates, require overpotentials of only 35 and 60 mV to drive current densities of −10 and −100 mA cm−2 in 0.50 m H2SO4 solution and exhibit stable operation for >100 h at operating current densities of −10 and −100 mA cm−2.

Use of Biomass Ash for Development of Engineered Cementitious Binders

Using waste agriculture and power plant byproducts to replace materials that are energy-intensive to produce can make these materials more “green”. Improved compressive strength can be obtained when rice husk ash (RHA) partially replaces ordinary Portland cement, a substance potentially hazardous and energy-intensive to make. When RHA is combined with other nanoparticles to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC), strength can be further enhanced. The microstructure of cement binders with replacement of OPC by combinations of coal fly ash, silica fume, RHA, nanosilica, and metakaolin were investigated using X-ray diffraction, backscattered electron imaging with energy-dispersive spectrum analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen sorptiometry. A combination of sustainable, renewable RHA and the waste product coal fly ash was found to synergistically improve cement binder strength. Analyses suggested the enhanced strength was due to RHA increasing amorphous reactive silica and coal fly ash contributing alumina to form calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel along with calcium–aluminum–silicate–hydrate (C–A–S–H). Thus, this work shows the potential benefits of merging residual wastes from the agricultural sector with wastes from coal in combustion-based power plants.

Energetical Examination of Pyrolysis Carbon Black and Pine Shavings Blend Pellets

Pellets for firing are not only made of wood or by-products of herbaceous plants, it can also be used for energy purposes by using different waste materials or mixtures thereof. These materials do not appear in conventional pellet firing or residential sectors. Waste pellets could be used in larger industrial facilities and in waste combustion plants. During the work pellets are produced of various proportions using furniture industrial pine-based wood shavings and carbon black from the pyrolysis of waste tires. The carbon black is purely purified by the usual wood-pellet making methods, in most places the wet materials are reused in rubber industry. The energetic utilization of wood-based and carbon black mixture pellets was only slightly explored. During the tests, pellets are prepared for pine-based wood which were analyzed by energetic and mechanical properties. In the wood industry, large quantities of contaminated byproducts also appeared: surface-treated materials, glue, paint residues, which cannot be wood pellets in residential use according to EN-14961-1 standard. The study dealt with pyrolysis carbon black (up to 20% mixing) could be used with this contaminated wood.

Part II: Economic Analyses and the Growth Performance of Broiler Finisher (29-58day) Birds on High Fibre-low Protein Industrial Plant By-products

Part II: Economic Analyses and the Growth Performance of Broiler Finisher (29-58day) Birds on High Fibre-low Protein Industrial Plant By-products

Biotechnological Upgrade of High Fiber-Low Protein Industrial Plant By-products in Broiler Diets: Haematology and Serum Evaluation

Biotechnological Upgrade of High Fiber-Low Protein Industrial Plant By-products in Broiler Diets: Haematology and Serum Evaluation

Effects of ionizing radiation on bio-active plant extracts useful for preventing oxidative damages

Humans are exposed to ionizing radiations in medical radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy that cause oxidative damages and degenerative diseases. Airplane pilots, and even more astronauts, are exposed to a variety of potentially harmful factors, including cosmic radiations. Among the phytochemicals, phenols are particularly efficient in countering the oxidative stress. In the present study, different extracts obtained from plant food, plant by-products and dietary supplements, have been compared for their antioxidant properties before and after irradiation of 140 cGy, a dose absorbed during a hypothetical stay of three years in the space. All the dry extracts, characterized in terms of vitamin C and phenolic content, remained chemically unaltered and maintained their antioxidant capability after irradiation. Our results suggest the potential use of these extracts as nutraceuticals to protect humans from oxidative damages, even when these extracts must be stored in an environment exposed to cosmic radiations as in a space station.