Plant Waste Materials Research Articles

Green extraction of colorants from achiote seeds for dyeing mordanted nylon fabric

The extraction of sustainable colorants requires energy efficient technology for their eco-application in different fields. For current study on nylon fabric, the natural dye from achiote (Bixa orellana) has been extracted in aqueous and acidic media and valorized through microwave (MW) radiation. MW treatment has been applied to both extracted biomolecule and nylon fabric up to 10 min and the dyeing variables were optimized using statistical model. For getting permanent shades eco-salts of Al (III) and Fe (II) as well as biomolecules from waste plant materials (pomegranate and myrobalan) were utilized. ISO methods for assessment of colorfast shades have been employed. It was found that for nylon, by MW treatment of the dye material and polymeric stuff for 4 min, good color yield in terms of color strength (K/S=29.52) is obtained. It has been observed that when MW treated extract (pH=6) is employed at 40 °C for 55 min, good quality shade of high strength is obtained by using selected amounts of eco-chemical and organic molecules. It is concluded that MW treatment should be given to dyeing process for getting effective yield and tannin based green molecules as organic mordant can used to make dyeing process more ecofriendly and sustainable.

Synthesis of bioplastics and the effects of additives on the mechanical, thermal and biodegradable properties

The mounting global concern over the environmental consequences of petroleum-based plastics has prompted significant research into sustainable alternatives, with bioplastics emerging as a forerunning solution. This systematic review elucidates the multifaceted synthesis processes of bioplastics, which are derived from renewable sources such as plant starches, cellulose, and waste materials. The synthesis encompasses stages from raw material selection, pre-treatment, to the incorporation of various additives, with the aim to achieve specific properties in the resultant bioplastics. A substantial focus of this review lies in comprehensively understanding the role of additives, which serve as the pivotal agents in tailoring the mechanical and thermal characteristics of bioplastics. Additives, including cross-linking agents, plasticizers, fillers, compatibilizers, and reinforcement agents, are critically examined for their influence on attributes such as tensile strength, flexibility, thermal stability, and biodegradability. Factors such as intermolecular interactions, hydrogen bonding, and moisture content, play a determining role towards the resultant properties. The prospects for bioplastics are rapidly expanding, signalling a transformative shift in various applications ranging from eco-friendly packaging to advanced biomedical devices. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to both researchers and industry stakeholders, providing deep insights into the synthesis of bioplastics and the transformative role additives play in their functional properties.

OPTIMIZATION OF PECTIN EXTRACTION FROM SUGAR BEET PULP USING MICROWAVE TREATMENT

Pectin is a natural heteropolysaccharide contained in plant cell walls and plant waste. In recent years, various alternative methods (enzymatic, microwave, ultrasonic) have been used to increase the yield of pectin, which can increase the efficiency of the process, pectin yield and improve quality. The principal advantages of using microwaves for the extraction of pectin from plant waste materials are the significant reduction in processing time, the higher yield of the natural polymer and the quality maintenance due to the more gentle processing conditions. The purpose of the work is to improve the method of pectin extraction from beet pulp using microwave treatment. Experiments were carried out to establish the optimal conditions of polysaccharide extraction. The pectin extraction was optimized by varying the microwave power, the pH of the medium, the processing time, the type of extracting agent (citric, malic, hydrochloric and acetic acids) and the ratio of beet pulp to extracting agent. A titrimetric method was used to determine the degree of esterification and the uronide component. Results and discussion. Extraction of pectin from sugar beet pulp includes the following main steps: polymer extraction by microwave treatment, pectin purification and drying. Among the studied parameters, the ratio of beet pulp to extracting agent and microwave processing time had a significant effect on the yield and properties of pectin. The highest yield of pectin (5.7%) was achieved at a heating power of 520 W, pH - 2.0, processing time of 30 minutes, using citric acid as the extraction agent and a beet pulp to extraction agent mass ratio of 15:1. IR spectra of the extracted pectin show the presence of characteristic bands typical of the pectin spectrum. Conclusions. Varying the parameters of pectin extraction from sugar beet pulp using microwave treatment allowed to increase the yield of pectin with desired characteristics. The perspective of using ecologically pure organic acids (citric and malic acids) as an extracting agent is shown.

Enhanced mechanical properties and tribological performance of anodic oxide coating by using thermal power plant waste material

Numerous researchers have dedicated their efforts to exploring the utilization of industrial waste, specifically fly ash (FA), as a reinforcement for developing economical composites and minimizing ecological pollution problems. FA consists of multiple phases, including quartz (SiO2) and mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2), which can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of materials. In tribological applications, incorporating FA into surface coatings can offer a cost-effective alternative to enhance surface properties. Meanwhile, the usage of FA and its difference from other commercial ceramics (e.g., SiO2) is still unknown. Thus, the present study aims to clarify the role of FA and factors that contribute to improving mechanical properties and tribological performance with commercial SiO2 as a comparison using electrochemical anodization. The growth mechanism was investigated by varying the anodizing times while maintaining a constant (100 g/L FA) in the electrolyte for the first phase. Meanwhile, the mechanical and tribological properties of different reinforcement content (0, 10, 50, and 100 g/L) were determined for the second phase. Then, evaluations were conducted on the surface morphology, chemical composition, surface hardness, and tribological properties. The results revealed that growth of oxide coating was initiated within the first 5–10 min by forming the barrier layer. Pores began to appear visibly after 30 min of anodizing time, while the complete formation of porous anodic oxide coating was achieved at 60-min with pores dimension (width: 30.75 ± 14.45 μm and depth: 13.4 ± 6.43 μm). Interestingly, 100 g/L of FA-reinforced anodic oxide coating demonstrated lower surface roughness (4.08 ± 0.41 μm), higher surface hardness (444.4 ± 8.63 HV), lowest coefficient of friction (COF) (0.46), and low wear rate (reduction almost 31.8 %) compared to 100 g/L of commercial SiO2 reinforced anodic oxide coating. The electrophoretic deposition effect, combined with the quartz (SiO2) and mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2) phase structure, enhances mechanical properties and tribological performance.

Enriching absinthe bitters with stilbenes and lignans from waste plant materials

The study aimed to enrich absinthe bitters with stilbenes and lignans from waste plant materials, specifically Vitis vinifera and Picea abies. These bioactive compounds, analysed by liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, reached levels up to 580 ± 25 mg/L for stilbenes and 35.02 ± 1.21 mg/L for 7-hydroxymatairesinol. In primary absinthe, these values were below the detection limit. Total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol levels significantly increased, presenting the enriched absinthes as value-added products with enhanced bioactive content. Key aroma components remained unchanged, including terpenes fenchone and trans-anethole. Thujone concentrations complied with legal limits. The findings support the production of absinthe bitters with augmented bioactive substances without compromising key sensory attributes, offering a health-promoting alcoholic beverage.

Mango Peels as an Industrial By-Product: A Sustainable Source of Compounds with Antioxidant, Enzymatic, and Antimicrobial Activity.

Plant waste materials are important sources of bioactive compounds with remarkable health-promoting benefits. In particular, industrial by-products such as mango peels are sustainable sources of bioactive substances, with antioxidant, enzymatic, and antimicrobial activity. Appropriate processing is essential to obtain highly bioactive compounds for further use in generating value-added products for the food industry. The objective of the study was to investigate and compare the biological activity of compounds from fresh and dried mango peels obtained by different conventional methods and unconventional extraction methods using supercritical fluids (SFE). The highest total phenolic content (25.0 mg GAE/g DW) and the total content of eight phenolic compounds (829.92 µg/g DW) determined by LC-MS/MS were detected in dried mango peel extract obtained by the Soxhlet process (SE). SFE gave the highest content of proanthocyanidins (0.4 mg PAC/g DW). The ethanolic ultrasonic process (UAE) provided the highest antioxidant activity of the product (82.4%) using DPPH radical scavenging activity and total protein content (2.95 mg protein/g DW). Overall, the dried mango peels were richer in bioactive compounds (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, catechin, and hesperidin/neohesperidin), indicating successful preservation during air drying. Furthermore, outstanding polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipase activities were detected in mango peel extracts. This is the first study in which remarkable antibacterial activities against the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) were evaluated by determining the microbial growth inhibition rate after 12 and 24 h incubation periods for mango peel extracts obtained by different methods. Ethanolic SE and UAE extracts from dried mango peels resulted in the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) for all bacterial species tested. Mango peels are remarkable waste products that could contribute to the sustainable development of exceptional products with high-added value for various applications, especially as dietary supplements.

Novel plant waste-based cost-effective adsorbent to remove contaminants from sewage wastewater

Discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage wastewater into waterbodies contaminates soil and groundwater. Reducing heavily-laden contaminants from wastewater is an utmost necessity. Recently, the use of organic adsorbents has become a promising approach for wastewater treatment due to their efficacy and sustainability. Objectives of the present study are (a) to explore novel plant waste material for the synthesis of adsorbents (biochars) with and without modifications to reduce inorganic contaminants and excess nutrients from sewage wastewater (b) to validate the efficacy of novel synthesized biochars on germination of Vigna radiata when grown in sewage wastewater. Plant waste materials (Turmeric leaves, Cyperus roots, Juniper leaves, and berries) were collected after oil extraction and Fe-modified and pristine biochars were further synthesized at 500 °C. The highest heavy metals efficiency and maximum seedling germination was observed in biochars derived from turmeric leaf followed by Cyperus root > Juniper leaf > Juniper berry. Fe-modified Turmeric leaf biochar showed 83.9, 96.7, and 94.8% removal for Ni, As, and Pb, respectively. The highest removal for PO43−, NO3−, NO2−, Cl−, and SO42− were observed in Fe-modified Cyperus root biochar as 96, 88, 84, 70, and 70%, respectively. Fe-modification enhance the higher surface area of biochars in the order of CRMBC (143.21 m2 g−1) > TLMBC (93.317 m2 g−1) > JBMBC (79.561 m2 g−1) > JLMBC (77.764 m2 g−1) that amplified the adsorption capacity. Fe-modification developed mesoporous structures that made biochar more thermally stable which was confirmed by thermo-gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Fe-modified biochars offer a sustainable and easily recoverable option for wastewater treatment to efficiently reduce inorganic contaminants and to make treated wastewater suitable for irrigation and other purposes.

Bimetal Enriched Carbon Nanomaterials Synthesized from Bagasse- A Plant Waste Material as an Exceptional Adsorbent for Hydrogen Gas

Abstract: In this study, the process of pyrolysis has been depicted for the synthesis of CNMs from the Bagasse-a plant waste materials at high temperature of 750℃ in an inert atmosphere. The Taguchi optimization methodology is utilized to optimize the parameters for synthesis process. The adsorption of hydrogen was investigated using Sievert’s apparatus. The SEM image demonstrates the bimetal enriched CNMs and HRTEM reveals the CNMs obtained were in cylindrical form as well as transparent sheet. The presence of various bimetal combination is confirmed by EDAX. The spectroscopic studies XRD and Raman reveals the graphitic nature of the CNMs. 4.96 weight percent hydrogen adsorption was demonstrated by CNMs synthesized from bagasse under the parameters predicted by the Taguchi optimization methodology.

Utilization of Plant Waste Materials as a Partial Replacement of Cement and Fine Aggregates in Concrete Production

The research focused on possibility of producing high quality concrete by the way of adding plant waste materials like sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), rice husk (RH) and cassava starch (CS) to concrete mixtures. Varying percentages of SBA (0, 5, 10, 15% - weight of the cement), rice husk (0, 5, 10, 15% - weight of the fine aggregates) and cassava starch (0, 1, 2, 3% - weight of the cement) were incorporated into the concrete mixtures design. Comprehensive laboratory investigations were done on the concrete’s workability (slump), density and mechanical strength, to establish the impact of these organic materials on the mechanical parameters of the concrete produced. The laboratory test results show that SBA and CS augmented the concrete slump rate whereas, the rice husk retarded the concrete’s workability. The result of the density indicated that the rice husk and SBA reduced the concrete’s density; however, the cassava starch caused substantial increment in the concrete’s density. On the concrete mechanical properties, it was noted from the results that the compressive strength was boosted by the incorporation of SBA and CS. The maximum compressive strength (23.7 N mm-2) was recorded through by substituting the cement with 10 and 2% of SBA and cassava starch respectively, in the presence of 10% RH as partial replacement of the sand. This study findings had revealed the potential of SBA, rice husk and cassava starch combinations in the right mixture design, to produce light-weight concrete material having sustainable high compressive strength.

Bioplastic construction from fruit and plant waste material and its application for water purification

Bioplastic construction from fruit and plant waste material and its application for water purification

Biotechnological innovations in nanocellulose production from waste biomass with a focus on pineapple waste

New materials’ synthesis and utilization have shown many critical challenges in healthcare and other industrial sectors as most of these materials are directly or indirectly developed from fossil fuel resources. Environmental regulations and sustainability concepts have promoted the use of natural compounds with unique structures and properties that can be biodegradable, biocompatible, and eco-friendly. In this context, nanocellulose (NC) utility in different sectors and industries is reported due to their unique properties including biocompatibility and antimicrobial characteristics. The bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)-based materials have been synthesized by bacterial cells and extracted from plant waste materials including pineapple plant waste biomass. These materials have been utilized in the form of nanofibers and nanocrystals. These materials are found to have excellent surface properties, low density, and good transparency, and are rich in hydroxyl groups for their modifications to other useful products. These materials are well utilized in different sectors including biomedical or health care centres, nanocomposite materials, supercapacitors, and polymer matrix production. This review explores different approaches for NC production from pineapple waste residues using biotechnological interventions, approaches for their modification, and wider applications in different sectors. Recent technological developments in NC production by enzymatic treatment are critically discussed. The utilization of pineapple waste-derived NC from a bioeconomic perspective is summarized in the paper. The chemical composition and properties of nanocellulose extracted from pineapple waste may have unique characteristics compared to other sources. Pineapple waste for nanocellulose production aligns with the principles of sustainability, waste reduction, and innovation, making it a promising and novel approach in the field of nanocellulose materials.

H2SO4-treated and raw watermelon waste bio-briquettes: Comparative, eco-friendly and machine learning studies

As the world faces the challenges of climate change and diminishing fossil fuel reserves, researchers and scientists have increasingly explored the use of plant waste as a viable biofuel source. Among the various plant waste materials, watermelon peel waste, which is typically discarded during processing of beverages or consumption, has gained attention due to its high cellulose content. This study focuses on comparing the properties and environmental sustainability of watermelon peel waste biofuel treated with H2SO4 to raw watermelon peel waste biofuel. From a sustainable energy perspective, maximizing the amount of energy recovered from solid bio-fuel is a critical consideration. Thus, the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was developed in this study to predict the calorific value (a significant indicator of the energy values) of both H2SO4-treated and raw watermelon waste briquettes while providing useful insights into the effect of the H2SO4 treatment on the energy value of the briquette. The results indicate that the watermelon peel waste treated with acid performed better compared to the untreated sample. It exhibited a higher mean fixed carbon content and calorific value of 22.70 ± 0.16 % and 14.62 ± 0.21 MJ/kg, respectively. Additionally, the treated sample showed a significantly lower mean ash content of 11.20 ± 0.13 %. The EDXRF analysis revealed that the treated samples had reduced proportions of Nickel, Sulfur, and Arsenic, along with a higher carbon count. The FTIR analysis confirmed surface modification in the acid-treated watermelon peel waste (ATWB) through a decrease in lignin content (8.41 ± 0.014 wt%). It also identified a shift in the C-O vibrational stretch from 1021 cm−1 in the untreated watermelon peel waste (UWB) sample to 1028 cm−1 in the ATWB. Moreover, the SEM micrographs displayed a well-packed surface, indicating a reduction in fiber diameter (porosity) in the treated sample. The recorded RMSE, MAD, MAE, and MAPE values of the model are 0.1427, 0.0883, 0.1246 and 1.2313 at the training phases and 0.1581, 0.0997, 0.1484, and 1.9011 at the testing. The regression plot of calorific value with a R2-value of 0.9065, depicts a strong positive linear relationship between the predicted and real values. This outcome of the study suggests an improvement in thermal energy release and enhanced combustibility while the ANFIS model's ability to optimize energy values aligns with the objective of developing eco-friendly bio-briquettes.

Adsorption of Methyl Red and Methylene Blue on Carbon Bioadsorbents Obtained from Biogas Plant Waste Materials.

In this study, biocarbon was obtained from the waste material corn digest. Carbon adsorbents were obtained by physical activation of the precursor with CO2. Detailed physicochemical characterization of the biocarbon was carried out using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, Boehm titration, zero-charge point (pHpzc) and iodine number. In addition, the sorption capacity of the biocarbon agents towards an aqueous solution of methylene blue and methyl red was determined, and the kinetics of the adsorption process were determined. The biocarbon adsorbents were characterized by an average developed specific surface area covering the range from 320 to 616 m2/g. The sorption capacity of the biocarbon adsorbents against methylene blue ranged from 40 mg/g to 146 mg/g, and for methyl red it covered the range from 31 mg/g to 113 mg/g. It was shown that the efficiency of organic dye removal by the obtained biocarbons depends on the initial concentration of the adsorbate solution, its mass, shaking rate, adsorbent-adsorbate contact time and temperature. The results obtained from the Langmuir and Freundlich kinetic models showed that the Langmuir model is the most suitable model for describing the adsorption of the studied pollutants on biocarbon. In turn, the adsorption kinetics of dyes is described according to the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption studies also showed that as the process temperature increases, the removal efficiency of methylene blue and methyl red increases.

Production of PVA-chitosan films using green synthesized ZnO NPs enriched with dragon fruit extract envisaging food packaging applications

In this work, the PVA-chitosan composite packaging films doped with biomass-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and dragon fruit waste extract (DFE) were developed for potential use in food packaging applications. ZnO NPs were synthesized using a sustainable method employing C. sinensis waste extract as a reducing agent. Chitosan and PVA were blended in a specific ratio (1: 1 w/w) to obtain a film-forming solution, into which the ZnO NPs and dragon fruit waste extract were incorporated. The resulting solution was cast into films, which were characterized using various analytical techniques. Mechanical properties, water solubility, and thermal stability of the films were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of green ZnO NPs and dragon fruit waste extract enhanced the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the films while reducing water vapor permeability. Moreover, the films exhibited biocidal and excellent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging properties, indicating their use in the food packaging sector. The production of these films offers a practical approach to produce bioactive food packaging materials. The use of plant extract and waste material as reducing agents can reduce the overall cost of production while providing added benefits, such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Potential Use of Industrial Biomass Waste as a Sustainable Energy Source in the Future

Aspects related to the growing pollution of the natural environment and depletion of conventional fossil fuels have become the motive for searching for ecofriendly, renewable, and sustainable alternative energy sources. Particular attention is paid to industrial waste, especially waste of biomass materials, which can be converted into biofuels and energy that meets the growing needs of humanity. The use of biomass for energy purposes is less damaging to the environment, the materials are low-cost, locally available in large quantities, and create employment opportunities for workers in suburban and rural areas around the world. This article discusses issues related to the use of waste biomass materials as renewable energy sources. The current energy situation in the world is analyzed in terms of production, consumption, and investments in green energy. Types of biomass and individual physicochemical and energy properties of waste plant materials obtained for energy purposes are described. Currently available methods of converting biomass into energy, including mechanical, thermal, and biochemical techniques are discussed. The conducted analysis indicates the possibility of using it as a competitive source of electricity and heat. Understanding the properties of biomass materials allows us to understand the right way to use them for energy and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in the future.

Bimbingan Teknis Pupuk Organik Cair untuk Meningkatkan Produksi Karet Rakyat di Payaraman Barat Kabupaten Ogan Ilir

<p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Technical Assistance Using Liquid Organic Fertilizer for Improving Small-Scale Rubber Production in Payaraman Barat, Kabupaten Ogan Ilir.</strong> Liquid organic fertilizer (POC) is getting more attention from users (researchers, farmers, planters and others) because of the various advantages it has. Its manufacture is not too difficult and can use local raw materials</span><span> (</span><span lang="EN-US"> agricultural waste, market waste or potential household organic waste</span><span>). </span><span lang="EN-US">One of the advantages is that it can reduce the cost of fertilization. POC can be used to improve soil fertility and it is hoped that in the end it will be able to increase the productivity of rubber plants. This community service activity aims to provide technical guidance on how to make POC in a simple way and then apply it to rubber plants, accompanied by sanitation of the garden environment by cleaning weeds. There are four waste materials or plant materials used to make POC, namely pineapple peel waste, papaya fruit, banana peel and water hyacinth. The material is fermented in a simple reactor made of a gallon or bucket of used paint that is perforated and fitted with a faucet. The fermentation process is assisted by black soldier flies which will come into the reactor by themselves. After two weeks </span><span>it </span><span lang="EN-US">will begin to produce fermented liquid. After four weeks the liquid is dried in the sun until it turns dark brown and is ready to use. In this activity, doses of 10, 20, 30 or 40 mL of POC </span><span>were </span><span lang="EN-US">dissolved into 1 liter. The results of the socialization showed that 15 members of the farmer group did not know about POC and were very interested in using it. Preliminary data (n=30) showed a fairly large variation in sap production (59.7±48.6 grams/tree). Some rubber stems do not release sap, and the highest can reach 142.9 grams/tree with an average of 41 to 83 grams/tree. The collection of results is carried out every week according to latex sales. After 4 weeks of application of POC pineapple peel production can reach 165 to 470 grams/tree.</span></p>

Opportunities beyond CO2 for climate mitigation

Opportunities beyond CO2 for climate mitigation

Bimetal Decorated Carbon Nano Materials (CNMs) Synthesized from Plant Waste Materials as An Excellent Hydrogen Storage Material

Abstract: In this study, Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) were synthesized from plant filaments and were investigated for the hydrogen adsorption capacity. Synthesis was carried out using Bagasse-a plant waste materials by pyrolyzing at high temperature of 700℃ in an inert atmosphere and were activated by different alkali solutions. The activated carbon fibres were further loaded with nano size bimetal particles. The SEM images show highly porous carbon nano structures impregnated with different combinations of metals. The EDAX and SEM confirmed the presence of bimetals. Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction indicates the presence of crystalline and amorphous carbon material. The designed carbon nanomaterial with bimetal particles has the higher specific surface area (SSA) than the carbon obtained without activation which was confirmed by the BET analysis. This makes it a front runner for its utilization in hydrogen adsorption among numerous others. The adsorption was studied using a Sievert’s apparatus

Characterization and Valorization of 'Sulmona Red Garlic' Peels and Small Bulbs.

'Sulmona red garlic' is an Italian variety characterized by a red tunica surrounding a white bulb. Red tunicae and non-commercial small bulbs are food wastes that must be studied for their added value. Hydroalcoholic extracts, obtained by separated inner and outer tunicae and peeled bulbs of small commercial 'Sulmona red garlic' bulbs, harvested at two different years, were first characterized with respect to their color, polyphenolic content, and antiradical activity. Then, an untargeted metabolic profile by means of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FT-ICR) mass spectrometry led to a comparative evaluation of the chemical diversity of six different samples. The study was completed by biological tests aiming to evaluate the associated health potential. Data on monocytes/macrophages showed good biocompatibility and a promising cytoprotective effect under oxidative stress conditions of all the extracts. At a molecular level, all the garlic extracts were able to downregulate the hydrogen peroxide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression through the modulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) and peroxynitrite intracellular amounts, at different extents depending on the extract, the cell type, and the concentration. On the whole, data highlight an associated health potential of the extracts of this waste plant material both in terms of cytoprotection and of anti-inflammatory activity.

S7.3d Environmental surveillance of Aspergillus fumigatus in Dutch agricultural crops

S7.3 Emergent theories on pathogenic fungal dispersal around the globe, September 23, 2022, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PMObjectivesAzole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from the environment hamper the treatment of patients suffering from Aspergillus diseases due to cross-resistance with agricultural azoles. Previous work has suggested A. fumigatus likely gains resistance through environmental azole exposure in so-called hotspots.MethodsWe investigated A. fumigatus resistance at multi-environmental sites including the compost, strawberry, and potatoes, where farmers used azole fungicides for crop protection.ResultsOn average 105 A. fumigatus CFU/g was recovered of which roughly half were itraconazole and tebuconazole resistant. Similar tandem repeat-mediated resistance mechanisms were found in colonies cultured from these environmental sites as reported in clinical azole-resistant isolates.ConclusionsOur results suggest that not only azole-containing plant-waste material but also other agricultural crops can be hotspots for resistance selection in A. fumigatus and underscores the need to further investigate transmission routes.