Processing Residues Research Articles

Antifatigue effect of okara protein hydrolysate supplementation during cycling exercise in men: a pre-post uncontrolled pilot study.

Prolonged exercise usually leads to exercise fatigue, which has a negative short-term impact on exercise performance and metabolic rate; thus, fatigue needs to be resolved. Okara is a protein-rich residue of soy processing. Enzyme hydrolysis is known to increase the content of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which have been reported to confer benefits for exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifatigue effect of okara protein hydrolysate (OPH) on cycling exercise. A total of 16 male participants who habitually exercised (2 times or more per week and without participation in athletic contests) were instructed to receive 11.74 g of OPH once a day. They then completed two intense cycling exercise challenges before and after four weeks of supplementation. Exercise time and blood markers related to fatigue and energy metabolism were measured. The results showed that the time to exhaustion significantly increased after the treatment. The levels of lactate during exercise and at the end of exercise were significantly lower after treatment than before. Additionally, postexercise insulin sensitivity was increased after treatment. This study showed that OPH supplementation can promote endurance in exercise by decreasing the accumulation of fatigue-related metabolites during exercise and can promote energy recovery by increasing insulin function. These findings suggest that OPH has an antifatigue property.

Use of volcanic ash and chamotte as substitute temper in the production of ceramic tiles

This paper explores the use of waste materials as substitutes in ceramic paste formulations. Building on previous research which has laid the groundwork for the use of volcanic ash as temper in ceramic tile manufacture, investigation is here extended to a broader spectrum of waste-based ceramic pastes. Specifically, five different mixtures have been manufactured through the hand-made technique by using Etna volcanic ash and/or tile processing residues (chamotte), mixed with clay in variable proportions. Physical-mechanical tests including flexural strength, water absorption, resistance to thermal shock, deep abrasion and impact, have been performed and results compared with those of reference tiles. Notably, ceramic pastes combining clay with chamotte or clay with chamotte and fine volcanic ash, show better performance. This is certainly due to the good physical-mechanical properties of chamotte which binds well with the clayey groundmass so reducing shrinkage / cracking and improving the overall quality of ceramic products. Conversely, volcanic ash does not show a high degree of union with the clayey matrix, particularly when occurring in larger grain size. However, when present in fine clasts and in combination with chamotte, the resulting products display good physical-mechanical characteristics.This study highlights once again the potential of waste materials in ceramic manufacturing, paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry.

Oncom: A Nutritive Functional Fermented Food Made from Food Process Solid Residue

Food security is one of the critical issues in facing the world food crisis. Utilizing food processing residue waste to make nutritious and healthy functional foods should follow a double-merit approach in facing the world food crisis. Oncom, an overlooked traditional fermented product based on local wisdom, might be an example of potential sustainable food to overcome hunger and support the circular economy programme. This review attempts to portray the existence and role of oncom based on a systematic study of hundreds of reports from different angles, mainly focusing on its processing, the microbes involved, its sensory characteristics, nutritional benefits, and promising bioactivities. Oncom can be produced by various raw materials such as tofu dreg (okara), peanut press cake, and tapioca solid waste, involving various microbes, mainly Neurospora sp. or Rhizopus sp., and various processing steps. The products show promising nutritional values. In terms of sensory characteristics, oncom is sensory-friendly due to its umami dominance. Many bioactivity capacities have been reported, including antioxidants, lowering cholesterol effect, and cardiovascular disease prevention, although some findings are still only preliminary. Undoubtedly, oncom has the potential to be developed as a future functional food with standardized quality and reliable bioefficacy. This kind of solid fermented product, based on agricultural residue wastes, is worthy of further development worldwide with full scientific support to create more reliable functional foods with a modern touch to achieve zero hunger.

Transforming by-products into renewable energy: Biochemical analysis of anaerobic digestion of biowastes for bioreactors optimization supporting the low-carbon agroindustry

With the expansion in agro-industrial operations there is an urgent need to solve the challenge of dealing with the products waste. Today, an overwhelming portion of this waste ends up in industrial waste disposal sites. Wherefore, anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) emerges as an effective technique for waste treatment, being environmentally and economically viable, since a microbial community converts by-products into renewable energy in the form of biogas, with high levels of hydrogen and other gases. ACoD has proven effective in the management of organic waste from agro-industry. However, mastering the biochemistry of the process, especially when varying the mixtures of waste used, is essential for controlling biological reactors and optimizing energy production. Even though separate studies have evaluated the anaerobic digestion of rice parboiling effluent and peach processing residue, co-digestion of both are scarcely investigated. The knowledge and mastery of the process parameters using this mixture are essential to ensure effective operational control of anaerobic reactors with maximum energy generation. Therefore, this research evaluated the biogas production from ACoD of rice parboiling effluent and waste of peaches processing. The experiment followed a batch regime based on a 22-factorial arrangement. The factors used were the peach percentage in the substrate (P), which varied from 2.5 to 5%, and the substrate-inoculum ratio (S/I), which was alternated between 1.5 and 2.5 gCOD/gVSS. The average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency of the reactors was 82.1% and, after the digestion process, the pH of the reactors remained neutral, showing that anaerobic digestion is a suitable method for treating the assessed wastes. In the analyzed proportions, the higher the peach percentage in the substrate, the lower the total methane production, whereas the S/I demonstrated the opposite effect. Reactors III (S/I = 2.5 and P = 2.5%), presented the most durable and the highest production, being the best combination of the factorial studied. Finally, it can be said that for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the largest rice and peach producer in Brazil, ACoD of the wastes assessed in this research represents a significantly relevant option, enabling the development of the circular economy, the industrial symbiosis, and the sustainable production in the State.

A Review of the Nutritional Composition, Storage Challenges, Processing Technology and Widespread Use of Bamboo Shoots.

Bamboo shoots, as the young bamboo stems, are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as many bioactive substances beneficial to health, and are gaining in importance worldwide as a healthy food and dietary supplement. However, fresh bamboo shoots lignify rapidly after harvesting and contain cyanogenic glycosides, limiting the safe and healthy consumption of bamboo shoots. To this end, based on the changes in nutritional composition and the physiological properties of fresh and post-harvest bamboo shoots, factors affecting the preservation of post-harvest bamboo shoots are emphasized, including a series of physical and chemical regimes and various processing methods for post-harvest preservation. Furthermore, a systematic biorefinery approach for using bamboo shoot processing residue to prepare value-added products is also discussed. Finally, the article also discusses issues related to sustainable development, safeguarding food security, and addressing potential health impacts in order to provide a scientific basis for researchers to further develop and increase the added value of bamboo shoots.

Characterization of xanthan gum–metal complexes biosynthesized using a medium containing produced water and cassava processing residues

The use of residues from petroleum and crop industries is a feasible and sustainable alternative approach for the production of xanthan gum (XG). This study aimed to evaluate the biosynthesis of XG and the resulting final product obtained using Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis 1182 in a medium containing produced water (PW) and cassava processing residues. The combined use of PW and cassava crop residues was beneficial for XG production, achieving a product yield of 6.80 g L−1. The micrographs of recovered XG revealed the presence of elongated fiber-like microstructures rather than large agglomerates. The X-ray diffraction profiles of recovered xanthan comprised well-defined peaks rather than an amorphous halo. The thermogravimetry profiles revealed the presence of approximately 60 % of remaining solids in recovered xanthan, in contrast to 30 % in the commercial sample. All the samples demonstrated a pseudoplastic behavior; however, the consistency indices of the recovered samples were approximately 50-times lower than those of commercial XG. The emulsification indices of the recovered XG were > 50 % and comparable to those of commercial xanthan. In this study, for the first time, we obtained a complex XG–metal structure possessing a high emulsification capacity and low viscosity.

Biocatalyst for carbon veil anode in microbial fuel cells: The effect of precursor and catalyst loading on overall performance

Biocatalysts in anodes have been crucial in improving microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. Biocatalysts derived from biomass such as coconut wood sawdust (SD-B) and pepper processing residue (PS-B), were used to improve the electrocatalytic properties of Carbon Veil (CV) electrodes. The amorphous graphitic carbon biocatalyst with a mesoporous structure was found to have a surface area of 889.31 m2/g for SD-B and 763.56 m2/g for PS-B. Surface functional groups such as -OH which imparts hydrophilicity and -C=O and COOH which promotes bacterial compatibility have been revealed to be present in both catalysts. Catalyst loading played a major role and at an optimal loading of 2 mg/cm2, the electrodes exhibited maximum electrocatalytic activity in the case of both biocatalysts. The voltammetric capacitances of SD-B and PS-B modified electrodes were 191.6 mF/cm2 and 106.6 mF/cm2 demonstrating their pseudocapacitive behaviour too. The performance of MFC with SD-B revealed a maximum power density of 10.1 W/m3 (Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of 850 mV), followed by PS-B at 6.89 W/m3 (OCV of 825 mV) whereas the plain CV was at 0.168 W/m3 (OCV of 760 mV). Anode polarization studies indicated reduced slopes for biocatalyst-modified anodes, signifying improved electrode kinetics, particularly notable in the SD-B modified MFC where the cathode became the limiting electrode. Coulombic efficiencies of the biocatalyst-modified MFCs increased to 54.50%, (SD-B 2 mg/cm2) and 37.78% (PS-B 2 mg/cm2) respectively from 12.74% as noticed in the case of unmodified MFC. This study emphasizes the potential of biocatalysts as a simple and low-cost means of enhancing the anode properties – porosity, conductivity, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility.

Enhanced extraction of procyanidins from avocado processing residues by pulsed electric fields pre-treatment

The waste generated by the global production of avocado (Persea americana Mill), which includes peels, seeds, and pulp, poses environmental challenges. The principles of circular economy offer a sustainable solution by valorizing this waste and transforming it into valuable products. This study investigates the potential of avocado by-products, particularly peels and seeds, as a source of procyanidins. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology has been shown to increase the extraction yield of valuable compounds from food waste/losses. In our study, we optimized the PEF treatment of avocado peels and seeds for the extraction of procyanidins by using Box-Behnken designs with response surface methodology and desirability functions. The effects evaluated were the frequency (1, 50, 100 Hz), the electric field strength (0.8, 1.1, 1.5 kV/cm) and the number of pulses (100, 150, 200) for avocado peel, while for the avocado seeds were the frequency (50, 100, 150 Hz), the electric field (0.6, 0.7, 0.8 kV/cm) and the total operating time (1, 5, 10 s). Our study showed that the procyanidin content measured by HPLC-FLD significantly increased in PEF-pretreated avocado peel and seeds. The optimized treatment conditions include a frequency of 50 Hz, an electric field strength of 1.31 kV/cm, and 175 electric pulses for the avocado peels, resulting in a procyanidin content of 9798.32 ± 103.83 μg CE/g d.w. For avocado seeds, the optimal conditions include a frequency of 100 Hz, an electric field strength of 0.75 kV/cm, and total operating time of 5.5 s, resulting in a procyanidin content of 21103.12 ± 234.76 μg/g d.w. The precision and validity of the mathematical models confirmed the reliability of these optimal conditions. These results emphasize the potential of PEF technology for the extraction of procyanidin from avocado waste and contribute to environmentally friendly extraction techniques in the food industry.

Sorption thermodynamic and kinetic study of Cu(II) onto modified plant stem bark.

In this study, four types of "Juá" stem barks (Ziziphus joazeiro) were investigated for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The tested samples included natural coarse barks, and barks washed with water, ethanol-water, and NaOH solutions. The solvent-modified materials simulated the waste of the industrial extraction of saponins from bark. The valorization of these processing residues as sorbents was evaluated. The NaOH-washed sorbent exhibited the highest sorption capacity for Cu(II) (maximum sorption capacity 32mgg-1). Ion exchange process between copper and exchangeable surface cations and electrostatic attraction of copper with carboxylate and phenolate groups were identified as the primary sorption mechanisms. Desorption tests revealed that a large portion of the metal sorbed (80%) was easily released from the sorbent thus suggesting, in line with the proposed mechanisms, the existence of weak sorbate-sorbent interactions. The sorptive process was found to be exothermic (∆H° = - 48.1 ± 13.5kJ.mol-1) and thermodynamically favorable at lower temperatures.

Manufactured soil: A new use for bauxite residue

Bauxite processing residue produced at an Alumina refinery was used to produce manufactured soil. The residue was first acidified and then leached to remove excess salts. Green waste compost was added at rates of 5 and 10 % w/w, with or without the addition of 20 % w/w dune sand. The products were dried, crushed and sieved and the chemical, physical and microbial properties of the materials characterized. Products had an electrical conductivity and pH of 1.0–1.1 dS m−1 and 8.0–8.1 respectively in 1:5 soil:water extracts and corresponding values in saturation paste extracts were 5.4–5.7 dS m−1 and 7.4–7.5. The effective cation exchange capacity was 202–351 mmolc kg−1, exchangeable Na percentage was 41–46 %, Colwell-extractable P was 108–119 mg kg−1 and the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure showed that extractable metal concentrations were an order of magnitude below regulatory limits so the material can be considered as non-hazardous. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable Cu, Zn and Mn were below reported critical levels. Addition of compost lowered concentrations of extractable Cr, As and V and drying the material further reduced extractable levels. When the material was dried it shrunk and solidified and the aggregates produced had a low macroporosity and high microporosity and water holding capacity compared with dune sand. Aggregates were very stable as measured by wet sieving. Compost addition increased organic C content, and the size (microbial biomass C) and activity (basal respiration and the activity of enzymes involved in C, N, S and P mineralization) of the soil microbial community. It was concluded that the materials produced had soil-like chemical, physical and microbial properties and could potentially be used as a soil substitute.

From cassava peel (Manihot esculenta) to hydrocarbon-rich bio-oil: Catalytic flash pyrolysis as a new valorization route

The valorization of agroindustrial residues for second-generation biofuels has garnered attention due to the increasing demand for low-carbon fuels aligned with transportation sector decarbonization efforts. In this context, cassava processing residues, particularly cassava peel, remain largely unexplored but offer a cheap, abundant, and renewable feedstock that can be converted into hydrocarbon-rich biofuel. Thus, the originality of this study lies in investigating the selective conversion of cassava peel into renewable aromatic hydrocarbons through flash pyrolysis catalyzed by an environmentally friendly MFI-type zeolite synthesized from rice husk ash and diatomite residue. A micro-pyrolyzer interfaced with chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry detection was used to compare the composition of condensable volatile products from catalytic pyrolysis over HZSM-5 with those from catalyst-free pyrolysis. Cassava peel, characterized by high volatile matter content (84.3 %), low ash content (3.19 %), and reasonable energy content (15 MJ kg −1), yielded a high content of valuable platform chemicals, such as carboxylic acids and furans, when subjected to catalyst-free pyrolysis. The catalytic upgrading pyrolysis vapors over the environmentally friendly HZSM-5 catalyst yielded approximately 56.0 % industrially relevant aromatic hydrocarbons and 39.9 % light organic acids. Other strengths of using HZSM-5 in upgrading pyrolysis vapors were its low selectivity for naphthalenes, precursors for coke formation, and the production of hydrocarbons in the gasoline range. Thus, HZSM-5 was an efficient catalyst for promoting deoxygenation and improving hydrocarbon content, with high selectivity for valuable aromatic hydrocarbons. In conclusion, cassava peel showed favorable prospects for conversion into hydrocarbon-rich bio-oil, serving as a valuable precursor for low-carbon biofuels.

Optimizing the final rest period of sludge treatment wetlands: Assessment of biosolids quality

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) generate a substantial amount of sludge as a residue of the wastewater treatment process. The management of this sludge requires the adoption of cost-effective and environmentally friendly techniques. Sludge Treatment Wetlands (STW) have emerged as an effective means to manage and treat sludge, resulting in the production of biosolids suitable for agricultural purposes. This study aimed to ascertain the optimal operation in terms of final rest period for STWs in the Mediterranean region to boost the production of biosolids for agricultural applications. Two WWTPs in Spain were monitored for a period of 9 months, during which several physic-chemical parameters were monitored to determine the optimal final rest period. The findings revealed that, when sludge feeding period was stopped in summer, a final rest period of 6 months was sufficient to reach biosolids suitable for agricultural re-use. These biosolids displayed a content of 53% total solids (TS), a mineralization rate of 40% volatile solids (VS/TS), a stabilization degree (SD) of 40%, and a high nutrient content. Moreover, the presence of heavy metals, pathogens, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), antibiotics, and pesticides was generally low. Overall, this study demonstrates that, in the Mediterranean Region, 6 months of rest period starting in summer are appropriate for sludge treatment wetlands to effectively generate biosolids with suitable characteristics to be safely re-used as a bio-based fertilizer.

Simultaneous recycling of flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids from Chenpi processing residue based on their complementary action on glycolipid lowering activity: Innovative combination use of yeast and aqueous two-phase system

This study aimed at recycling flavonoids with glycolipid lowering activity from Chenpi processing residue produced by essential oil extraction. The crude Chenpi flavonoids obtained by ethanol reflux mainly contained flavonone (hesperidin) and polymethoxyflavonoids (nobiletin, tangeretin, sinensetin, and isosinensetin), which complementally exerted strong glycolipid lowering activity as revealed by digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, molecular docking and network pharmacology. The reducing sugar and water-soluble impurities were efficiently removed by yeast fermentation and aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) extraction, respectively. The optimal combination use of yeast (2 % w/v, CN36) and ATPS formed by 22 % (w/w) (NH4)2SO4 and 25 % (w/w) ethanol improved flavonoid purity to 60.25 %, enriched flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids by 6.69-fold, and enhanced digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, which was superior to the use of individual yeast or ATPS, unoptimized combination, macroporous resin (XAD-16), and ethyl acetate. This study was the first to develop a recyclable biophysical method for simultaneous enrichment of flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids.

RESEARCH OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION TECHNOLOGY USING GASIFICATION OF PREPARED BIOMASS

The rapid growth of the part of decentralized power generation, associated with the use of renewable energy sources for its production, is one of the main directions of the modern development of power generation systems. The article summarizes the state and direction of development of the world and Ukrainian energy industry. The development of electricity generating equipment based on gas generation is briefly described. The results of the study of electricity production technology using gasification of prepared biomass are given. The technological schemes for the preparation of generator gas as motor fuel and the requirements of manufacturers for the quality of gaseous fuel in the case of its use as motor fuel in modern engines are presented. Methods of determining the content of polluting components in gas, data on the composition of condensate taken from generator gas are given. The presented scheme of gas purification is intended for the use of solid residues of the gasification process for gas purification from finished biofuel. The results of the analysis of the sorption properties of coke-sol residue and the results of gas purification using it as a filter are given. The results of the operation of the complex for the production of electricity by the gasification method are given. It is shown that the environmental indicators of the installation in terms of CO and NOx emissions into the atmosphere meet Euro-5 requirements. Bibl. 20, Fig. 4, Tab. 4.

Treatment of biowaste commingled with biodegradable bioplastic films using Black Soldier Fly larvae: Generation and fate of micro-plastics

The use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae is emerging as a promising alternative for biowaste (i.e. food waste) treatment, generating larval biomass and process residues, suitable for use as animal feed and fertilizer, respectively. In line with an increasing use of starch-based bioplastics in food packaging, the presence of these biopolymers and associated biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) in food waste is expected to rise. Knowledge of the generation of BMPs and their fate in the BSF treatment process is scarce, or indeed, completely lacking in the case of small-sized BMPs (<50 μm). The present study aims to investigate the generation and potential accumulation of BMPs in BSF larvae process. Food waste mixed with starch-based bioplastic films was fed to larvae and BMPs of two particle sizes (inferior to and exceeding 10 μm in diameter) were monitored over time in rearing substrate and larval biomass. BMPs concentrations in substrate were compared with larvae-free control tests. The presence of larvae favoured the generation of BMPs. Concentrations of smaller-sized BMPs (<10 μm) increased by approximately 172% in the final substrate, and accumulated in the larval biomass with a peak exceeding the initial larval concentration by over 1000% just before prepupation, which is the typical stage they are collected when used as animal feed. These results indicate a potential risk of soil contamination by BMPs when final substrate is used as fertilizer and a risk of biomagnification phenomena when larvae are used as animal feed.

Biotransformation of insect processing residues: Production of lactic acid bacterial biomass and associated partial removal of proteins from chitin

Processing of edible insects typically involves fractionating into high-value food ingredients, which results in by-products containing chitin and insoluble proteins. This study examined the effectiveness of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in removing proteins from chitin in insect processing residues. Lesser mealworm processing residues were biologically treated for 48 and 120 h using LAB strains without added carbon sources. Results showed partial deproteinization, up to 29 % with Levilactobacillus brevis after 120 h. Most LAB grew up to 2 log10 colony-forming units/mL in the first 48 h. Confocal microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectra indicated that some protein remained attached to chitin. The molecular weight of solubilized proteins was affected by strain and time of incubation, with antioxidant activity increasing significantly after 120 h with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. The biological treatment of insect processing streams can be a sustainable approach to producing high amounts of LAB biomass with subsequent protein solubilization and chitin release.

Sustainable chromium ore processing residue (COPR) waste treatment with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)

Chromium elements are prevalent in daily life, and millions of tonnes of Chromium Ore Processing Residue (COPR) remain untreated in China, posing significant environmental risks. In search of a cost-effective and environmentally friendly treatment method, this study investigated the potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as a biological treatment for COPR. Experiments were conducted using BSFL to treat 100 % COPR and a mixture of 50 % COPR with 50 % wheat bran. Post-treatment analysis using ICP-MS, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy revealed a significant reduction of approximately 43 % in COPR dry mass and a decrease in total hexavalent chromium content from 5636 ppm to 563 ppm. The optimal treatment conditions involved mixing 50 % COPR with 50 % wheat bran. The results suggest that BSFL can serve as a sustainable and economically viable biological treatment for hazardous waste such as COPR, offering potential benefits for both the environment and the economy. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms and effects of BSFL on hazardous waste treatment.

Understanding substitution impacts of harvested wood and processing residues to mitigate climate change: A case of Chattogram, Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the role of harvested wood (e.g. wood products and associated processing residues) to mitigate climate change is less known and often ignored. This study aims to understand the substitution impacts of harvested wood products and associated processing residues in Chattogram city area, Bangladesh. Additionally, we also explored sellers' and users' perceptions towards the use of wood biomass and associated effects, with users’ level of satisfaction with using different categories of products of wood, bamboo, steel, and plastic. The study only considered sawn wood from sawmills to the wooden furniture and building materials, and associated residues, but excluded carbon in the forest ecosystem. A survey, using three different types of pre-tested questionnaires consisting of open and close-ended questions, was carried out in 36 sawmills, 62 timber merchants, and 55 furniture manufacturers or shops, with their owners or managers in Chattogram City Corporation area, Bangladesh. We used the general displacement factors of 0.5, 0.45, 1, and 1.3 tC tC−1 for processing residues, composite wood furniture, solid wood furniture, and building materials, respectively. The amount of wood products and associated residues and their avoided emissions due to substitution were presented in m3 industry−1 year−1 and Mg industry−1 year−1. Results revealed that the highest mean annual consumptions of timber (783.95 m3 industry−1 year−1) and processing residues (196.05 m3 industry−1 year−1) were in the sawmills and the lowest (60.56 and 0.66 m3 industry−1 year−1) in the furniture manufacturers. Altogether, the processing of round logs generated 36% residues of its mass from sawmilling to furniture manufacture. Sawn wood (of sawmills and timber merchants) consumed in the building houses produced the highest annual avoided emissions (1029.51 Mg CO2 industry−1 year−1). The development of efficient products with long lifespans, in addition to factors such as forest management, emissions, waste generation, and life cycle assessments of products likely play a significant role in determining the overall impact on displacement factors. The future study should focus on developing material flow analysis integrated with a life cycle assessment approach for various products for the construction and associated sectors, thus generating a country-specific displacement factor. The perception-based study documented that wood furniture and processing residues as bioenergy were perceived as a good substitute for non-wood furniture (e.g., steel, plastic) and fossil fuels (gas, oil) and thus lowering fossil emissions as wood products were perceived as user-and-environment-friendly and attractive. However, environmental awareness of both consumers and sellers about wood and bioenergy use and forest degradation is crucial for turning them into positive from neutral perceptions.

Effects of the depth of hydro desulfurization of raw materials on the yields of catalytic cracking products

The article is devoted to the problem of complex processing of oil feedstock and increasing the output of light petroleum products, in particular, catalytic cracking gasoline. Currently, the oil refining industry of Kazakhstan is faced with the task of complex processing of hydrocarbon raw materials, increasing the depth of processing and output of light petroleum products. In this connection it is urgent to solve the problem of lack of raw materials for oil refineries of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The complexity of solving the problem of processing residues of oils, fuel oil and intermediates of secondary processes lies in the fact that they contain a large amount of various sulfur compounds. This problem concerns not only domestic refineries, for example, oil from Uzbekistan fields contains a relatively large amount of SO2 compounds, which in turn contains about 1.28% sulphur. The high content of sulfur compounds in oil not only negatively affects the quality and environmental friendliness of manufactured products, but also reduces the service life of equipment and oil refineries. In this regard, the preparation and hydrodesulfurization of raw materials is one of the main issues of intensifying the process of catalytic cracking of petroleum raw materials of "PKOP" LLP. The issues of possibility of modernisation of catalytic cracking process units by including the process of hydrodesulphurisation of feedstock in order to improve the quality and yield of light products when using fuel oil and secondary intermediates having a large volume of various sulphur compounds in their composition have been considered by the authors. To evaluate the influence of the depth of hydrodesulfurisation of feedstock on the yields and composition of catalytic cracking products, the cracking of crude and hydrotreated hydrogenated vacuum gas oil mixed with fuel oil was carried out on a laboratory unit. The experiments were carried out on a fluidised catalyst bed at mass feed rates of 2h-1 and 4h-1, catalyst to feed ratio of 3:1 and temperature equal to 5100 C. The analysis of the experimental data obtained showed that preliminary hydrotreating of a mixture of vacuum gas oil and sulfur fuel oil followed by catalytic cracking increases the depth of oil refining and helps to increase the yield of catalytic distillate, improves its quality, which ultimately leads to a decrease in environmental pollution with sulfur compounds.

Impact of enzymatically derived manno-oligosaccharides on the growth of select lactobacillus strains under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

This study highlights the ability of beta-MOS derived from coconut processing residues (copra meal) to promote the in vitro growth of Lactobacillus probiotics. Enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were manipulated to produce Low Molecular Weight (LMW) and (HMW) Manno-oligosaccharide (MOS) extracts. The LMW MOS contained more mannose and mannobiose, and the HMW MOS contained more mannotriose and higher molecular weight oligosaccharides. The growth of Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG on the MOS Extracts was evaluated and compared with growth on Inulin, FOS and XOS. There was significant growth of each probiotic on the MOS extracts. Probiotic growth was similar on MOS extracts and on FOS, while growth was much lower on XOS and Inulin. Probiotic growth was greater under anaerobic than under aerobic conditions. The results confirm the value of a bioactive compound from copra meal to support human and animal health, while contributing to a circular bioeconomy.