Rice Husk Research Articles

Rice husk reuse as a sustainable energy alternative in Tolima, Colombia

Colombia has great potential to produce clean energy through the use of residual biomass from the agricultural sector, such as residues obtained from the life cycle of rice production. This document presents a mixed approach methodology study to examine the combustion of rice husks as a possible energy alternative in the Tolima department of Colombia. First, the physicochemical characteristics of the rice husk were analyzed to characterize the raw material. Next, System Advisor Model (SAM) software was used to model a bioenergy plant to obtain biochar, bio-oil, and biogas from the combustion of rice husks and generate performance matrices, such as thermal efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor. Then, the project was evaluated for financial feasibility using a mathematical model of net present value (NPV) with a planning horizon of 5 years. Finally, a subset of the local population was surveyed to assess perspectives on the project in the region. The results of the rice husk physicochemical analysis were the following: nitrogen content (0.74%), organic carbon (38.04%), silica (18.39%), humidity determination (7.68%), ash (19.4%), presence of carbonates (< 0.01%), and pH (6.41). These properties are adequate for the combustion process. The SAM simulation showed that the heat transferred in the boiler was 3180 kW, maintaining an efficiency between 50 and 52% throughout the 12 months of the year, meaning that the rice husk can generate electricity and thermal energy. The financial analysis showed that the internal rate of return (IRR) was 6% higher than the opportunity interest rate (OIR), demonstrating economic feasibility of the project. The design and creation of a rice husk processing plant is socially and environmentally viable and has the potential to contribute to the economic development of the Tolima community and reduce greenhouse gases. Likewise, this activity has the potential to promote energy security for consumers and environmental sustainability while at the same time being economically competitive.

Microalgae Biomass Production from Rice Husk as Alternative Media Cultivation and Extraction of Phycocyanin Using 3D-Printed Ohmic Heating Reactor

Microalgae Biomass Production from Rice Husk as Alternative Media Cultivation and Extraction of Phycocyanin Using 3D-Printed Ohmic Heating Reactor

Role of extracted nanosilica from rice husk on the structure, property and biodegradability of low density polyethylene/starch biodegradable film

Role of extracted nanosilica from rice husk on the structure, property and biodegradability of low density polyethylene/starch biodegradable film

250 Effects of premix carriers rich in iron, calcium, or fiber on growth performance of early-growing pigs

Abstract The study was to evaluate the effect of premix carriers rich in iron (sand), calcium (limestone), or fiber (rice hull) on growth performance of early-growing pigs. A total of 215 pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 39.90 ± 5.06 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments containing 2% of different premix carriers: sand, limestone, or rice hull (30% crude fiber) using initial BW and sex as blocks (5 to 6 pigs per pen, 14 pens per treatment). The total Ca in sand, limestone, and rice hull were 4.28, 39.52, and 0.27 %, respectively, with Fe levels of 2.39, 0.20, and 0.05%, respectively. The analyzed total Ca level of the experimental diet containing sand, limestone, or rice hull was 0.69, 0.71, or 1.88 %, the analyzed total P level was 0.49, 0.49, or 0.48 %, and the analyzed total Fe level was 305, 633, or 347 ppm, respectively with 144 ppm of Fe from FeSO4·H2O in each diet. During the 28 d of the experiment, BW, feed disappearance, and fecal scores (ranging from 0 to 3 with 3 indicating watery feces) were recorded. Blood and feces were collected at the end of the experiment to measure the ATTD of dry matter (DM) and CP, serum iron concentration, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Mixed Procedure of SAS with different premix carriers as the fixed effect. Limestone reduced the average daily gain (ADG; P &amp;lt; 0.05, 0.871 vs. 0.965 and 0.935 kg/d), increased feed conversion ratio (FCR; P &amp;lt; 0.05, 2.55 vs. 2.33 and 2.36), and aggravated diarrhea severity as reflected by greater fecal scores (P &amp;lt; 0.05, 1.53 vs. 1.18 and 1.19) compared with sand and rice hull as carriers. The ATTD of both DM and CP in pigs fed a premix with sand as a carrier were greater than that in rice hull- or limestone-treated pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05, DM: 86.7 vs. 77.7 or 74.1%; CP: 86.1 vs. 75.0 or 73.3%). Furthermore, pigs fed a premix containing sand exhibited the greatest serum iron concentrations among treatment groups (sand, limestone, and rice hull: 2.81, 1.93, and 1.69 mg/L). However, no significant difference was observed in red blood cell count or hemoglobin concentrations among groups. In sum, excessive limestone in premix can negatively affect growth performance and fecal consistency, whereas using sand rich in iron as a carrier in premix exerted minimal impact on nutrient digestibility as opposed to limestone or rice hull.

173 Assessing the impact of fiber and antioxidant supplementation during the periparturient period on gilt constipation, piglet viability, and body condition score

Abstract Fiber supplementation during the periparturient and lactation period is increasingly recognized for its potential to improve sow and litter performance. Yucca saponins and vitamin C have been shown to improve antioxidant status, reduce hypoxia and increase farrowing performance, but their interaction with fiber remains uncharted. The experimental objective was to evaluate fiber supplementation and its combination with yucca and vitamin C during the periparturient period of gilts on constipation status, body condition score, and farrowing performance. A total of 567 gilts were allotted to a randomized complete block design distributed across six farrowing rooms to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 189/treatment). A subset of gilts from one farrowing room (n = 32/treatment) were selected for fecal sample collection. Dietary treatments included a control top dress targeting a daily intake of 277 g of total dietary fiber (TDF) using ground corn (CON); a top dress consisting of wheat middlings, beet pulp, soy hulls, rice hulls, ground corn, and a stimbiotic (Signis, AB Vista) targeting an intake of 440 g of TDF per d with 40 g being soluble fiber (FIB); and FIB with 680 mg of vitamin C and 2,500 mg of yucca (PLUS). A total of 454 g of the respective top dress was provided on top of lactation diet for a minimum of 3 d pre-farrow, and throughout lactation. Litter performance was collected throughout lactation. A daily constipation score (DCS) was assessed using a five-point scale from study initiation until 3 d post farrowing: 0 = absence of feces, 1 = dry and pellet shaped, 2 = between normal and dry, 3 = normal, soft, but formed, and 4 = wet, not firm. Caliper score (CS) was measured at loading and weaning employing a four-point caliper system: 0 = very thin, 1 = thin, 2 = ideal, and 3 = over conditioned. Litter viability was evaluated at 24- and 72-h post-farrowing using a predefined scale. Categorical data was analyzed using odd logistic regression with a model considering treatment and block as fixed effects. By d 3 of supplementation, there was a greater proportion of gilts fed FIB or PLUS, who had a DCS of 2 or 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, when DCS was categorized as either constipated (0, 1) and not constipated (2, 3, 4), there were less incidences of constipation in FIB or PLUS treatments (P = 0.032). Treatment did not impact litter viability (24-h P = 0.917; 72-h P = 0.882). Similarly, CS distribution pre-farrowing and at weaning did not differ among treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.52). Gilts fed FIB and PLUS tended to wean more pigs per sow (86.9%, 88.6%, and 89.8% of pigs weaned for CON, FIB, and PLUS, respectively, P = 0.093), associated with reduced stillborn rate (P = 0.09) and pre-weaning mortality (P = 0.03). Collectively, increasing TDF during the periparturient and lactation period may aid in alleviating constipation and improve litter performance.

BIO-ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METAL ION FROM WATER USING ACTIVATED CARBON

The discharge of effluent polluted with heavy metals have become a growing concern for researchers around the world. This study evaluated the removal efficiency of commercial activated carbon and rice husk activated carbon as adsorbents for the removal of copper ion in water. A nominal size of 1 mm was obtained after sieving the Rice Husk, washed with distilled water, dried in an oven t at 80 ℃ for 12 hours, and pyrolyzed in a furnace at 550 ℃ for 30 minutes. The chars produced were later air-dried and then activated with lemon juice. The Rice Husk Activated Carbon (RHAC) and Commercial Activated Carbon (CAC) purchased from the market were both subjected to the following analyses: bulk density, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) in order to characterise the adsorbents and to understand their suitability for the removal of copper ion in water. One of the properties of an adsorbent is large pores which is exhibited by the activated carbons as revealed by the SEM analysis. Likewise, the XRF and EDX analyses confirmed that the adsorbents had larger proportion of Silica (50.1 – 50.25%), Carbon (60.06 – 84.87 wt .%) and Oxygen (15.13 – 21.60 wt. %) which is a property of a good adsorbent. BET analysis showed that the surface areas of the rice husk activated carbon and the commercial activated carbon were 998.35 and 1208.25 m2/g, respectively. The bulk densities of the rice husk activated carbon and the commercial activated carbon were 0.3325 and 0.2812 g/cm3, respectively. The maximum removal efficiency using RHAC was observed at 60 ℃ and 120 minutes at 83.96 and 89.21 %, respectively while for CAC the maximum removal efficiency was observed at 60 ℃ at 84.61 % and 30 minutes at 83.3 %. Initial concentration of 20 mg/l was observed to have the highest removal efficiency for the two activated carbon specimens. The modelled effect of initial concentration, temperature and contact time on removal efficiency yielded R2 values of 1, 0.918; 1,1 and 1,1 respectively for the CAC and RHAC.

A comparative ammonia recovery study of solid wastes discharged from rice husk gasifi cation and combustion plants

A comparative ammonia recovery study of solid wastes discharged from rice husk gasifi cation and combustion plants

Exploring the Impact of Rice Husk Ash Masonry Blocks on Building Energy Performance

Operational building energy consumption accounts for 55% of global energy consumption. Most of this is attributed to residential buildings, as they make up the largest building type when compared to the total building stock worldwide. As the building envelope is a major contributor to building energy performance, especially the external walls, its optimisation is therefore imperative to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study set out to assess the effects of waste material additions to external walls and their effect on building energy performance. This research aimed to critically investigate the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) masonry blocks on building energy performance when compared to conventional masonry blocks in tropical climates. A mix of methods, including experimental investigation and simulation studies, were employed for this study. Three variations of RHA block samples were created for this investigation: RHA 5%, RHA 10%, and RHA 15%. Using prototype buildings from the study context, the building simulation results helped quantify the impact on building energy performance from the reuse of rice waste. The largest improvement to the building fabric was recorded with the RHA15% blocks, which resulted in a 9.9% and 11.3% reduction in solar heat gains through the external walls for the selected bungalow and duplex/storey building, respectively. This resulted in a 6.55% and 4.2% reduction in cooling loads and a 4.1% and 2.8% reduction in carbon emissions, respectively, for the bungalow and duplex/storey building. The findings of this research will prove valuable to householders, researchers, architects, and policymakers in their decision-making processes. The findings will also be useful in introducing new methods that can be adopted for similar studies, bridging the knowledge gap while promoting a circular economy through the reuse of landfilled waste.

Effects of various pyrolysis temperatures on the physicochemical characteristics of crop straw-derived biochars and their application in tar reforming

As a by-product of the rapid pyrolysis of biomass, biochar not only plays an important role in the biomass conversion process but also holds significant potential value in the catalytic conversion field. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties changes of biochars at different pyrolysis temperatures and their potential application in tar reforming. Biochars derived from three feedstocks of maize straw (MS), rice husk (RH), and cotton straw (CS) were achieved by fast pyrolysis within a broad temperature range of 300~900 °C, respectively. The results showed that the pyrolysis temperature exerted a pronounced influence on the structural characteristics of biochar. With increasing temperature, the H/C and O/C ratios progressively decreased, accompanied by a significant reduction in oxygen-containing structures. In addition, elevated pyrolysis temperatures contributed favorably to the formation of the crystalline structure of biochar. Raman analysis unveiled a correlation between the fused aromatic ring system and H/C ratios, validating the aromatization progress of biochar. In the tar catalytic reforming process, the three representative biochars, under the effect of MS-600 (standing for MS biochar derived at 600 °C), RH-600, and CS-600 catalysts, exhibited outstanding catalytic performance with tar conversion efficiencies of 73.26%, 68.51%, and 71.43%, respectively. This study provided systematic support for the high-value use of biochar from crop straw.

Bioenergy and Biorefinery Potential of Residues: A Representative Case of the Sucre Region in Colombia

AbstractAgricultural and agroindustrial residues are produced worldwide but these residues do not have a specific use. Then, a high potential to produce bioenergy and value-added products has been wasted. Biomass conversion routes should be proposed based on regional needs, making different upgrading processes more reliable and feasible. Thus, bioenergy applications should be analyzed as potential solutions before analyzing prospective products based on the biomass chemical composition. The objective of this research is to provide an approach for defining potential energy-driven applications of lignocellulosic biomass in developing countries with high availability of biomass sources as a result of the agricultural vocation of a region/country. As a case study, this paper shows the Sucre region in Colombia. A methodological approach to define thermochemical, anaerobic digestion, and biorefining upgrading pathways is provided based on chemical characterization, proximate analysis, fuel properties, and biogas production potential. Corn cobs, rice husk, cassava stem, and subverified cassava stem were the most suitable feedstocks for thermochemical upgrading. Avocado seeds, peels, and cassava leaves were selected as the most suitable raw materials for biogas production. Finally, plantain peel, rachis, and organic food waste were selected as potential and prospective raw materials in biorefinery systems to produce high-value-added products. Graphical Abstract

Exploration of rice husk ash as a green corrosion inhibitor in nH4cl 7.5% solution

Exploration of rice husk ash as a green corrosion inhibitor in nH4cl 7.5% solution

Application of Hydroxyapatite Functionalized Magnetic Rice Husk Biochar for the Adsorption Removal of Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Application of Hydroxyapatite Functionalized Magnetic Rice Husk Biochar for the Adsorption Removal of Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Synthesis of core–shell silicon–carbon nanocomposites via in-situ molten salt-based reduction of rice husks: A promising approach for the manufacture of lithium-ion battery anodes

Synthesis of core–shell silicon–carbon nanocomposites via in-situ molten salt-based reduction of rice husks: A promising approach for the manufacture of lithium-ion battery anodes

Insulating refractories based on rice husk ashes functionalized by flame-sprayed alumina coatings for steel ingot casting

This study investigates a new insulating refractory material based on rice husk ashes (RHA) for its application in the steel ingot casting process. The excellent insulating properties of this material may improve heat- and energy balance during ingot casting. A flame-sprayed alumina coating is applied to provide chemical inertness of the substrate material against the steel melt. The refractoriness, oxidation resistance, phase evolution and thermal expansion of four different grades of RHA materials and phase evolution and thermal expansion of flame-sprayed alumina coatings are studied. The refractoriness of the RHA materials increased with increasing silica content, showing sufficient refractoriness up to 1600°C for SiO2>94wt%. Immersion tests with composite materials made from RHA substrate and flame-sprayed alumina coating were successfully performed in a steel casting simulator. No deformation of the substrate material nor spalling of the flame-sprayed alumina coating was observed despite an immersion without preheating.

Enhanced Copper Ion Adsorption by Rice Husk and Sugarcane Bagasse-based Magnetic Nanoparticles Biocomposites

Rice husk and sugarcane bagasse are biomass waste by-products of agriculture activities. High cellulose content makes them a potential material to develop. Biomass utilization is more interesting to develop due to its high cellulose content and nature abundance. Cellulose from rice husk and sugarcane bagasse is utilized as fiber in producing magnetic biocomposites. The Biocomposites can adsorb Cu(II) ions in aqueous solutions. A one-step solvothermal reaction was used to synthesize biocomposites. The amine functionalization on biocomposites was also studied for adsorption performance. The magnetic particle was generated on the surface of fiber and verified by XRD as Fe3O4. Amine group on biocomposites is also found on 570 cm-1 and 1636 cm−1 peaks for Fe-O bonds and N-H bending, respectively. Batch isothermal adsorption employing magnetic biocomposites has optimal conditions for Cu(II) ions adsorption at pH 5 for 60 minutes, with an adsorption capacity of 118.26 mg/g. The reusability of biocomposites for the next run showed a good performance at 3rd repetitions with only a decrease in adsorption capacity of 8.81%. The rice husk and sugarcane bagasse-based magnetic nanoparticles biocomposites can adsorb Cu(II) ions and potential material to develop for wastewater treatment.

Soil Stabilization Using Agricultural Waste (Wheat Husk, Rice Husk and Sugarcane Straw)

Abstract: For civil engineers, the safe disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste is a challenge. This is because just a few states can securely deposit agricultural trash. This study includes studies on the safe disposal of agricultural wastes such as wheat husk (WH), rice husk (RH), and sugarcane straw (SCS). In this study, attempts were undertaken to improve soil quality by employing WH, RH, and SCS. The primary goal of ground improvement is to increase shear strength and reduce soil compressibility.The investigation was done utilizing the expansive soil by taking variable volumes, which are then mixed with the different stabilized material for Atterberg limit tests and California bearing ratio (CBR) test. These tests are tested and proven using the standard tests IS 2720, and it is ultimately decided that the test results improve the geotechnical qualities of the soil.

Effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn

In Indonesia, corn is an important commodity that serves as the second source of carbohydrates after rice, whose productivity is influenced by management practices applied during cultivation. This research aimed to determine the effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn. This research was arranged in a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design, with different agriculture management practices as treatments, consisting of TI1 = Best Practices (Drip Irrigation + Rice Husk + Mycorrhiza), TI2 = Farmers’ Practices (Furrow Irrigation) + Mycorrhiza, and TI3 = Farmers’ practices (Furrow Irrigation). The data observed were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and followed by the Post Hoc Tukey’s HSD at α= 5%. The results showed that the TI1 produced significantly higher plant height, stem diameter, leaf dry weight, weight of cob with cornhusk and kernel dry weight, and effectively suppressed weed growth compared to TI2 and TI3. TI1 produced a significantly higher number of leaves, root dry weight, and total dry weight compared to TI3, but not significantly different compared to TI2. TI1 produced not significantly different stem dry weight and harvest index compared to TI2 and TI3. The kernel dry weight per plant observed in TI1 was 157.63 g, which was 14.22% and 22.91% higher than in TI2 and TI3, respectively. Based on the coefficient correlation and path analysis, the number of leaves, plant height, and total dry weight should be considered as important plant growth variables to produce high kernel dry weight. 

Formulating new types of rice husk biochar‐based fertilizers for the simultaneous slow‐release of nutrients and immobilization of cadmium

AbstractChina, as a significant global consumer of chemical fertilizers and a leading producer of rice, faces challenges associated with low fertilizer efficiency and fewer utilization options of rice husks. The development of rice husk biochar‐based fertilizers (RHBF) offers a strategic solution to address these issues. In this study, diverse biochar fertilizer production techniques were used to develop four types of fertilizers: blended RHBF, soaked RHBF, high‐pressure soaked RHBF, and pure rice husk biochar coated fertilizer. The nutrients slow‐releasing performance of these four RHBF were compared by hydrostatic and soil column intermittent leaching methods. Effects of their application on rice growth, yield, and cadmium reduction potential were analyzed and compared by the pot trial. Results demonstrated that nutrients of the four RHBF were generally released slower in the soil compared with the conventional compound fertilizer (CK). The slow nutrient release effect was more pronounced under high‐pressure soaked RHBF. Notably, in the soil column leaching experiment, the cumulative leaching rates of nitrogen and K2O for RHBF3 (12.0% and 13.9%) were greatly lower than those of CK (42.3% and 51.3%). Moreover, the application of RHBF induced a marked enhancement in the nutrient use efficiency, grain yield, harvest index, and photosynthetic characteristics compared to CK. The average agronomic efficiency of P2O5 for the four RHBF increased by 102.8% compared with CK, while the average grain yield of the four RHBF increased by 20.6%. In addition, RHBF showed a significant reduction in Cd mobilization by an average of 80.1% compared to CK. This study offers a promising model for enhancing the comprehensive performance of RHBF and optimizing traditional fertilizer application practices.

Effectiveness of Rice (Oryza sativa) Hull Ash (RHA) as Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete Exposed in Coastal Conditions

Cement use and production are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gases. Thus, we endeavor to utilize agricultural wastes to reduce the consumption of cement while improving the properties of the concrete. This study aimed to determine the effect of rice hull ash (RHA), as partial cement replacement, on concrete's workability, permeability, and compressive strength. Also, it aimed to compare the changes in compressive strength before and after exposure to coastal conditions and perform a cost analysis of concrete mixtures. This experiment used three different RHA loadings (5%, 10%, 15%) as partial replacement to cement. This study concludes that replacing cement with RHA resulted in low workability and lower chloride penetration. Also, replacing cement of up to 10% RHA has comparable compressive strength with pure concrete before exposure to coastal conditions. Replacing up to 15% of RHA has comparable compressive strength with pure concrete after exposure to coastal conditions. Using RHA replacement has a lower production cost than pure concrete.  

Potential of rice husk ash as cement alternative in constructing bricks: Utilization for “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program

This research aims to investigate the “Potential of Rice Husk Ash as Cement Alternative in Constructing Bricks: Utilization for ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan’ Program”. The success of this study provides cheaper option of construction materials. The pandemic experience of the Philippines, economic deterioration became a challenge. Prices of prime commodities continuously increases, including the construction industry. Nowadays, there are various cement alternative being utilized inside and outside of the country. Some part here in the Philippines use fly ash as a cement alternative. But fly ash is not readily available in Laguna. That is why the researchers look for an alternative that is readily available, inexpensive and do not harm the environment. In this study, the researchers examine the potential of rice husk ash and they constructed bricks in which they plan to use for the beautification of school’s garden. In accordance with the governing specification of American Standard of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the researchers conducted a standardized laboratory test. After series of test, researchers concluded that rice husk ash is not a significant alternative to cement as it reduce the strength and durability of the brick made out of it. However, since the chemical composition, fineness test, and water absorption test of rice husk ash and rice husk ash bricks passed the requirements of American Society for Testing and Materials, the researchers inferred that rice husk ash could still be used as additive in creating a decorative bricks.