Rice Husk Research Articles

Physiological characterization and bioactive compounds of promising accessions of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in the Peruvian Amazon

Cowpea production in the Peruvian Amazon is increasing due to its ability to adapt to diverse environments, its contribution to soil conservation, and its versatility of uses. This crop is particularly valuable in human nutrition due to its high nutritional quality and nutraceutical properties of its bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physiology of cowpea plants in accessions PER1005854, PER1005851, and PER12645, under the influence of rice husk mulch, screw tree litter, and oil palm fiber, as well as to determine the bioactive compounds present in the grains. This study aims to promote sustainable cowpea production, expose the nutritional aspects of the grains, and foster their consumption both locally and nationally. The experiment was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023, in Yurimaguas, Loreto, Peru. The application of organic mulches demonstrates a significantly positive impact on the growth of cowpea accessions during their vegetative phase. This effect is possibly attributed to increased water availability, as the mulch reduces soil evaporation. In particular, cowpea accessions PER12645 and PER1005851 exhibit desirable physiological characteristics for grain production, with short cycles of 71 days and higher yields of 1141 and 1125 kg/ha respectively. In contrast, accession PER1005854 is distinguished by its higher biomass production, reaching a value of 14497 kg/ha, a relevant trait for foliage production and its contribution to soil conservation. The bioactive compounds, such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, present in the accessions PER1005854, PER1005851, and PER12645, are similar to those found in other legumes. However, the antioxidant activity of dark tegument cowpeas proved to be superior, particularly highlighted in accession PER12645 (black tegument) with 26.3 μmolTG/g, and in accession PER1005854 (dark red tegument) with 19.5 μmolTG/g. This characteristic is particularly important for consumption, as it is related to the ability to combat oxidative stress in the human body.

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

Phycocyanin is a highly valued pigment present in Spirulina platensis biomass with applications in the food industry in terms of biorefinery concepts; specifically, its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity are an advantage that could be incorporated into a food matrix. This study aims to use rice husk as an alternative culture medium for S. platensis biomass growth and phycocyanin extraction by ohmic heating processing using a 3D-printed reactor. S. platensis was cultivated in rice husk extract (RHE) from 0-100% (v/v). The highest content of microalgal biomass was 1.75 ± 0.01 g/L, with a specific growth rate of 0.125 ± 0.01 h-1. For the phycocyanin extraction under an ohmic heating process, a 3D-printed reactor was designed and built. To optimize phycocyanin extraction, a central composite rotatable design (CCDR) was evaluated, with three factors: time (min), temperature (°C), and pH. The highest phycocyanin content was 75.80 ± 0.98 mg/g in S. platensis biomass grown with rice husk extract. Ohmic heating is a promising method for rapid phycocyanin extraction, and rice husk as a culture medium is an alternative for the growth of S. platensis biomass in the integration of second- and third-generation biorefineries.

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.

ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GROUNDNUT SHELL AND RICE HUSK FOR THE ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS IN TANNERY WASTEWATER

The Effluents from tanneries are considered to be one of the major environmental pollutants from industries. The challenge from leather processing arises from the nature and quality of the chemicals used along with the amount of wastes generated and discharged. Heavy metals present in tannery wastewater pose a significant risk to both the environment and public health. This study investigates the use of activated Carbon produced from Composite of Groundnut shell and Rice husk (GR-AC) to remove heavy metals (Pb, Cr and Cd) from tannery wastewater. The raw material was carbonized at temperature of 400 ͦ C for 1 hour to obtain bio char. The obtained char was impregnated with NaOH and H 3PO 4 for 24 hours thereafter, filtered and washed several times until a neutral pH was obtained. A measured amount of the adsorbent, 0.5g was introduced into 250mL vessel with 50mL wastewater, it was stirred at 250rpm for 60minutes and later subjected to centrifugation and the concentrations of residual Lead, Chromium and Cadmium was determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The produced adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental composition analysis. The effects of adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption process were studied in a batch system. From the research conducted, it shows that pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial Concentration and temperature plays a vital role in the uptake of heavy metals. Optimal conditions for effective adsorption were determined at a pH range of 7 to 8, an adsorbent dosage of 0.5g, contact time of 60 min and a temperature of 40 0C. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb, Cr and Cd adsorbed onto GR-AC were found to be 98.2, 82.4 and 75.2 mg/g respectively. Therefore, the GR-AC can be effectively utilized as agricultural waste to remove heavy metals in tannery effluents.

Understanding the Solid-Electrolyte-Interface (SEI) Formation in Glyme Electrolyte Using Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used for energy storage due to their long lifespan and high energy density, but the use of unsafe electrolytes poses significant health and safety concerns. An alternative source is necessary to maintain electrochemical efficacy. This research demonstrates new safe glyme-based electrolytes for silica/carbon (SiOx/C) nanocomposite derived from Australian rice husk (RH). The quality of SiOx/C was preserved by using deep eutectic solvent-based pre-treatment and single-step carbonization, which was confirmed through the X-ray analysis of the crystalline phase of silica. The electrochemical assessment of SiOx/C anode using various glyme-based electrolytes for LIBs was carried out. Among them, the resultant half cells based on diglyme electrolyte is superior to others with the first discharge capacity at 1274 mAh/g and a reversible discharge capacity of 759.7 mAh/g. Ex-situ SEM and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF- SIMS) analysis of the electrode indicated that diglyme not only improves the capacity but also sustains the electrode architecture for longer cycle life with more LiF-based components and also showed the absence of HF components. Importantly, the addition of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive enhanced the cycling stability. These results provide a new perspective on developing advanced SiOx/C anode using glyme electrolytes for Li-ion batteries.

Quaternary blended eco high performance concrete utilizing high volumes of siliceous additives

This research examines the optimal feasibility of incorporating siliceous additives as an adjunct material for cement in the formulation of environmentally sustainable high-performance concrete (Eco-HPC). Siliceous materials, including Nano silica (NS), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), and Fly Ash (FA), were fine-tuned within the cementitious system in order to achieve the amplified performance of Eco-HPC by reducing the required cement content from 370 kg/m3 to 273 kg/m3. This is achieved by employing the Modified Andreasen and Andreasen (MA&A) particle packing model, with ‘q’ (distribution factor) as ‘0.3’. The Levenberg Marquardt algorithm (curve fitting) was utilized to validate the packing density of each concrete blends. Initially, the dry NS agglomerates are synthesized into stabilized aqueous dispersion through High shear mixing (10 min/1750 rpm) followed by probe sonication (15 min/(1/3) s/s) with anionic surfactant dosage of 0.1 g/10 g. Incorporating secondary siliceous binders into the cement matrix led to an enhancement in the packing density, increasing from 0.94 (nullary) to 0.96 (quaternary) which in turn alters the reactivity and cohesiveness of the matrix. Compressive strength values for Binary (NS2), Ternary (RN15, FN20), and quaternary mix (FRN25) were observed as 57.42 MPa, 56.83 MPa, 55.34 MPa, and 52.58 MPa, respectively, for primary binder contents of 362 kg/m3, 314 kg/m3, 296 kg/m3, and 273 kg/m3 without compromising durability parameters. An assessment on reduced carbon dioxide emissions indicated that increasing the cement replacement percentages in Eco-HPC by up to 30% for binder contents of 358 kg/m3, 296 kg/m3, 259 kg/m3, and 273 kg/m3 resulted in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 2.98%, 18%, 27%, and 23.33%, respectively. Among the twelve formulated mixes, FRN25, FRN20, FRN15 and FN30 are identified as Eco-HPC mix through a computational framework which integrates the packing density, carbon emission, strength and diffusion coefficient.

Manufacturing Process for Ameliorant Plus Mycorrhizal Powder Using Local Raw Materials for Soil Improvement

The development of ameliorant powder enriched with indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizae for soil amendment has been limited. This study presents a formulation process for creating a high-quality ameliorant powder using local raw materials. The powder incorporates a culture of Glomus mosseae isolate MAA-01, which constitutes 25% of the mixture, combined equally with compost powder, cattle manure powder, and rice husk charcoal powder. This formulation results in a product containing 2500 spores per 20 g of powder, achieving a 95% colonization rate, a moisture content of 5.002 % db, and a shelf life of 12 months. Laboratory tests confirm that this ameliorant powder significantly enhances soil fertility, as well as plant growth and yield, particularly in suboptimal land conditions. The production method is straightforward, making it highly suitable for local farmers seeking to improve agricultural productivity.

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.

Effect of the pyrolysis conditions and type of feedstock on nanobiochars obtained as a result of ball milling

Currently, the production of nanobiochar (n-BC) using ball milling is a promising and cost-effective method. Studies concerning the physicochemical properties of bulk biochar (b-BC) in relation to pyrolysis temperature, various feedstocks or types of carrier gas have been thoroughly investigated. However, there is a lack of information on how the mentioned conditions determine the properties of the obtained n-BCs. In this study, b-BCs produced from different feedstocks (willow (WL), sewage sludge (SSL), rice husk (RH) and oilseed rape (OSR)), temperatures (450–750 °C) and carrier gases (N2 or CO2) were ball-milled to produce n-BCs. The specific surface area (SBET), elemental composition (C, H, N, O), morphology (SEM), functional groups (FT-IR), and crystalline and amorphous nature of the carbon (RAMAN) were determined. The size of n-BCs depended on the feedstock used (particles ranged from 30 to 87.9 nm). The type of feedstock mostly determined the properties of n-BCs. The most visible differences between n-BCs and b-BCs were observed for surface properties and C content. For all n-BCs, an SBET increase was observed after ball milling, which may enhance the adsorption potential of biochar. The most intense SBET changes were noted for WL-derived n-BCs obtained at 450 °C (increase from 7.2 to 146.3 m2/g) and at 750 °C (increase from 3.9 to 160.8 m2/g) and for RH-derived n-BCs produced at 550 °C (increase from 3.7 to 158.6 m2/g). The C content decreased for n-BCs produced from plant biomass (WL, RH and OSR) and increased (from 20 to 28%) for n-BCs derived from sewage sludge (SSL). Other physicochemical properties mainly depended on the feedstock used for biochar production.

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.

Preemergence Herbicides and Mulches for Cutting Propagation—Impact on Rooting, Growth after Transplant, and Weed Control

Weed control in cutting propagation is limited to manual hand weeding, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Preemergence herbicides and mulches may be viable weed control methods for cutting propagation, but crop safety and weed control efficacy must be better understood. Four preemergence herbicides (indaziflam, isoxaben, isoxaben + dithiopyr, and oxyfluorfen + oxadiazon) and two mulches (pine pellets and rice hulls) were assessed in cutting propagation for their impact on rooting and subsequent liner growth (butterfly bush [Buddleja davidii Franch.] and crape myrtle [Lagerstroemia indica L.]) and control of four common weed species. Butterfly bush cuttings had lower rooting percentage and root dry weight with isoxaben and isoxaben + dithiopyr, but no damage was observed for all other treatments during propagation or after transplant. Crape myrtle cutting root development and liner growth were statistically similar for all treatments compared to the non-treated control. Isoxaben, isoxaben + dithiopyr, oxyfluorfen + oxadiazon, and pine pellets provided excellent control (87 to 100%) of all four weed species tested. Overall, several preemergence herbicides and mulches were safe for use in cutting propagation and effective weed control varied by product and weed species.

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.

Ionic liquid-assisted pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass using purified Streptomyces MS2A cellulase for bioethanol production

In recent years, the process of producing bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass through biorefining has become increasingly important. However, to obtain a high yield of ethanol, the complex structures in the feedstock must be broken down into simple sugars. A cost-effective and innovative method for achieving this is ionic liquid pre-treatment, which is widely used to efficiently hydrolyze the lignocellulosic material. The study aims to produce a significant profusion of bioethanol via catalytic hydrolysis of ionic liquid-treated lignocellulose biomass. The current study reports the purification of Streptomyces sp. MS2A cellulase via ultrafiltration and gel permeation chromatography. The kinetic parameters and the biochemical nature of the purified cellulase were analyzed for the effective breakdown of the EMIM[OAC] treated lignocellulose chain. The two-step cellulase purification resulted in 6.28 and 12.44 purification folds. The purified cellulase shows a Km value of 0.82 ± 0.21 mM, and a Vmax value of 85.59 ± 8.87 μmol min−1 mg−1 with the catalytic efficiency of 1.027 S−1. The thermodynamic parameters like ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG of the system were studied along with the thermal deactivation kinetics of cellulase. The optimal temperature and pH of the purified cellulase enzyme for hydrolysis was found to be 40 °C and 7. The rice husk and wheat husk used in this study were pretreated with the EMIM [OAC] ionic liquid and the change in the structure of lignocellulosic biomass was observed via HRSEM. The ionic liquid treated biomass showed the highest catalytic hydrolysis yield of 106.66 ± 0.19 mol/ml on the third day. The obtained glucose was fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to yield 23.43 g of ethanol/l of glucose from the rice husk (RH) and 24.28 g of ethanol/l of glucose from the wheat husk (WH).

Effect of Water and Rice Husk Ratio in Water-Based Planting Medium on Growth of Three Rice Varieties (Oryza sativa L.)

The agricultural sector faces two serious threats: declining production due to agricultural land conversion and water shortages due to global warming. Therefore, an agricultural system that accommodates the use of vacant land and water saving, in this case, urban farming with the use of soil-less media can be applied. In recent studies, both innovations have shown positive results in various commodities but have not been explored much specifically for rice crops. This study observed the effect of soilless media application (mixed water and rice husks media) on the growth of rice. This experiment was conducted in Sumber Jeruk, Jember (altitude 281 m asl, temperature 21-31°C, RH 65-75%), January-June 2022. The experiment used a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the ratio of water to rice husk (1:0; 4:1; and 8:1). The second factor was rice varieties (Inpari 46, IR 64, and Mapan 05). The combination of Mapan 05 and media ratio 4:1 showed the highest result on shoot fresh weight (351.95 g) and root fresh weight (346.35 g). Meanwhile, the highest number of root length (45.20 cm) was found in the combination of Mapan 05 and media ratio 8:1. Moreover, Mapan 05 (93.94 cm) and Inpari 46 (93.88 cm) showed no significant difference in plant height. It can be concluded that soil-less media 8;1 promotes the highest result on rice plant growth observed.

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

Silicon (Si) has gained substantial interest as a potential component of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes due to its high theoretical specific capacity. However, conventional methods for producing Si for anodes involve expensive metal reductants and stringent reducing environments. This paper describes the development of a calcium hydride (CaH2)–aluminum chloride (AlCl3) reduction system that was used for the in-situ low-temperature synthesis of a core–shell structured silicon–carbon (Si–C) material from rice husks (RHs), and the material was denoted RHs-Si@C. Moreover, as an LIB anode, RHs-Si@C exhibited exceptional cycling performance, exemplified by 90.63 % capacity retention at 5 A g−1 over 2000 cycles. Furthermore, the CaH2–AlCl3 reduction system was employed to produce Si nanoparticles (Si NPs) from RHs (R-SiO2, where SiO2 is silica) and from commercial silica (C-SiO2). The R-SiO2-derived Si NPs exhibited a higher residual silicon oxides (SiOx) content than the C-SiO2-derived Si NPs. This was advantageous, as there was sufficient SiOx in the R-SiO2-derived Si NPs to mitigate the volumetric expansion typically associated with Si NPs, resulting in enhanced cycling performance. Impressively, Si NPs were fabricated on a kilogram scale from C-SiO2 in a yield of 82 %, underscoring the scalability of the low-temperature reduction technique.

Organometallic-component analysis of lignocellulosic biomass: A thermochemical-perspective-based study on rice and bamboo waste

Thermochemical treatment significantly impacts the physiochemical properties of lignocellulosic biomass. Traditional characterization methods lack granularity, requiring advanced analytical techniques for comprehensive biomass characterization. This study analyzed elemental composition and distribution in untreated rice husk, rice straw, and bamboo chips at micron and sub-micron scales. Results reveal significant variations in composition and spatial distribution among agro-residues. Thermogravimetric analysis shows divergent decomposition patterns, while spectroscopic analysis indicates structural complexities and distinct silica content. Surface mapping illustrates prevalent silica and alkali metals on rice husk and rice straw. Atomic force microscopy depicts distinctive surface morphologies, with rice straw exhibiting heightened roughness due to silica bodies. Inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry identifies the abundance of alkali and alkaline earth metals in rice waste. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry elucidates elemental spatial localization, affirming heterogeneous distribution across rice waste and homogenous distribution across bamboo waste. Findings bridge the gap between biomass composition and optimized thermochemical conversion outcomes.

Investigating the effects of biofilm, biopolymer, and enzymatic treatment methods on natural fiber for improving concrete strength properties

In today's age, finding harmony between construction endeavors and safeguarding the environment is of utmost importance. Consequently, there is a substantial requirement to explore the feasibility of utilizing waste materials as a replacement for traditional construction substances. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information regarding the possibilities of incorporating recycled glass, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse ash into concrete production. This study investigated the viability of integrating recycled glass fibres and agricultural waste ash into concrete to bolster its strength and sustainability. When evaluating mechanical and durability properties across five mixtures, the concrete formulations ranged in fibre content percentages from 1% to 3% and in ash content percentages from 10% to 20%. Specifically, Mixtures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 contained 1% fibre and 10% ash, 2% fibre and 15% ash, 2.5% fibre and 20% ash, 3% fibre and 12% ash, and 1.5% fibre and 18% ash respectively. Mixture 2 and Mixture 5, boasting heightened fibre and ash content, showcased outstanding compressive strength at 38.5 MPa and 37.2 MPa, respectively, indicating a positive correlation between these materials and concrete strength. Conversely, Mixture 3, burdened with excessive fibre and ash content, witnessed diminished strength, underscoring the necessity for meticulous optimization. In terms of tensile and flexural strength, Mixture 2 and Mixture 5 displayed commendable performance, while Mixture 3 suffered setbacks from excessive content. Durability assessments unveiled Mixture 1 and Mixture 4's superior freeze-thaw resistance, with minimal mass loss (1.5% and 1.8%, respectively) and no visible damage, rendering them favorable choices for sustainable construction. Contrastingly, Mixture 3 exhibited poorer freeze-thaw resistance and higher environmental impact, highlighting the need for careful consideration in material selection. Overall, this study underscores the importance of optimizing concrete formulations through the integration of recycled materials, paving the way for stronger, more durable, and environmentally friendly construction practices.