Enhanced saccharification yields from rice straw by senescence-induced expression of a cytokinin biosynthesis gene in intragenic rice plants

Insight into effects of torrefaction on biomass: Chemical composition, pyrolysis behavior and products distribution.

Enhanced butanol production from lignocellulose via a two-stage fungal-bacterial co-culture consolidated bioprocessing.

Size assessing of different silica-based materials by asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation: from nanometers to micrometers.

Unveiling the critical roles of iron and phosphorus in magnetic biochar derived from lithium-extraction residues of retired LiFePO4 batteries for peroxymonosulfate activation toward ciprofloxacin degradation.

Statistical and Economic Analysis of Rice Straw Recycling in Egypt and Dakahlia Governorate

Motion and burial characteristics of rice straw during rotary tillage in high-stubble fields using discrete element method

Preparation of N, S co-doped porous carbon derived from degradative solvent extraction product of rice straw for high performance supercapacitor

Advancing anaerobic digestion via co-hydrothermal pretreatment of rice straw and waste algal biomass: Overcoming feedstock-specific limitations in mono-pretreatment for enhanced biomethane production

Nutrient conversion during the fertilization of rice straw: Pyrolysis versus fermentation

Serpentine-modified biochar from dual wastes for enhanced copper removal: Performance and mechanism.

To address freshwater scarcity in agriculture, the use of brackish and reclaimed water for alternate irrigation has emerged as a viable alternative. This study evaluated four biochars (rice husk, peanut shell, rice straw, and wheat straw, applied at 2%) and three silicon fertilizers (Lang-Si (S1), Nayou-Si (S2), and sodium metasilicate pentahydrate (S3)) as amendments for sandy loam soil (Lang-Si, Nayou-Si, foliar spray at 1000× dilution; sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, foliar spray at 150 mg∙L−1). Their effects on soil salinity, physicochemical properties, and microbial community structure were assessed under alternate irrigation with brackish and reclaimed water. Alternate irrigation reduced soil electrical conductivity and increased total phosphorus (TP) content compared to single-source irrigation. The effects of amendments varied by type. Biochars improved soil fertility and reduced salinity: peanut shell biochar decreased EC by 15.5%; rice husk biochar increased total nitrogen (TN), TP, and organic matter (OM) by 11.8%, 8.2%, and 10.1%, respectively; and wheat straw biochar elevated subsurface soil TN and OM by 14.1% and 40.0%. Straw-derived biochars and sodium metasilicate pentahydrate maintained higher bacterial α-diversity (Shannon index ≥ 6.67). These effects corresponded with the nutrient adsorption capacity of biochars and the ionic stress alleviation by soluble silicon. The correlation analysis identified OM, TN, TP, and EC as the key drivers shifting the microbial community. Straw-derived biochars and sodium metasilicate pentahydrate are suitable amendments for alternate irrigation systems. These materials balance salinity control, fertility improvement, and microbial conservation, offering practical options for sustainable use of brackish and reclaimed water in agriculture.

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability and human health. This study proposes a sustainable remediation approach using oxychar derived from rice straw via a low-temperature partial-oxidation process which is an energy-efficient, waste-free method yielding over 55%. We demonstrate the synergistic co-adsorption of Cd(II) and ammonia (NH₃) on oxychar, with adsorption capacity increasing from 31.7 mg g⁻ 1 (raw straw) to 38.9 mg g⁻ 1 (oxychar), and reaching 53.8 mg g⁻ 1 with oxychar-NH₃ in aqueous solution. In soil incubation, oxychar-NH₃ exhibited the most effective and stable performance, reducing diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd by up to 25.2% and achieving an immobilization rate of 69.3% within 20 days. Enhanced microbial respiration, indicated by 49.9% higher CO₂ emissions than the control on day 1, suggests reduced Cd toxicity. Mechanistic analysis identified phenolic groups as key Cd(II) binding sites on oxychar, while on oxychar-NH 3 , the introduced nitrogen-containing functional groups can covalent-like complexes with Cd(II), improving adsorption strength and stability. Economic evaluation revealed that oxychar could reduce total cost by 120 to 310 USD·t⁻ 1 compared to traditional biochar without decreasing the remediation efficiency of Cd. These results highlight oxychar-NH₃ as a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective amendment for remediating Cd-contaminated agricultural soils. Graphical Abstract

Microsized rice straw colloids and their potential interactions with soluble organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, and emerging pollutants

This study focused on the development of oil-absorbing paper from bio-based materials using rice straw fiber (RF), kaffir lime fiber (KF), and cassava starch (Cultivar 81) as the main components. The effects of KF incorporation at different proportions (0, 10, 30 and 50% by weight of rice straw) were investigated to evaluate the chemical, physical, mechanical, antimicrobial, and biodegradability properties. All samples were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy to examine their chemical structures. The results showed a noticeable decrease in signals corresponding to hemicellulose and lignin after alkaline treatment, while the cellulose structure remained evident. Based on the analysis of physical and mechanical properties and oil-absorbing performance, the sample containing 30% KF exhibited the most balanced and optimal performance. This sample showed enhanced oil absorption, high porosity, suitable thickness, and a fibrous structure that facilitated efficient oil uptake, making it particularly suitable for food applications. Furthermore, the inclusion of KF effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with the inhibition zone diameter increasing proportionally with KF content. However, a higher KF content slightly reduced the biodegradation rate, likely due to its antimicrobial properties that suppressed microbial activity in the soil. Overall, incorporating KF into rice straw-based paper significantly improved its oil absorption capacity, mechanical and hydrophobic properties, and antimicrobial activity, without compromising biodegradability. These characteristics highlight its promise as an environmentally sustainable material for oil-absorbing and packaging applications.

ABSTRACT Introduction Silicon, as a nutrient, has been widely studied for its role as a nano‐fertilizer and in other innovative agricultural applications. The increasing use of silica nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) in advanced research across multiple disciplines highlights their broad usefulness in various scientific and technological fields. Despite being a well‐studied nutrient, there have been relatively few investigations into its application under optimal conditions and the effects of nutrient leaching in soil. Materials and Methods In this study, Si‐NPs were biogenically synthesized from rice straw and were characterized using DLS, XRD, FTIR, and FE‐SEM. The effectiveness of Si‐NPs in wheat plants was examined by assessing their impact on morphological, biochemical, and yield‐related parameters, as well as enzymatic activities and silica leaching in soil. Wheat plants were treated with different concentrations of Si‐NPs foliar spray (30, 60, 90, and 120 mg L −1 ). Results Spherical and agglomerated amorphous Si‐NPs with a hydrodynamic diameter of 132.1 ± 30.37 nm and an average particle size of 36.88 ± 3.70 nm were obtained. Zeta potential values of −36.9 ± 5.29 mV showed good dispersion stability. Among all foliar treatments, plants treated with 60 mg L −1 showed the best results, with statistically significant improvements in plant height, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, microflora, and yield metrics. Si‐NPs also enhanced silica absorption from soil, resulting in reduced leaching. The yield per pot of plants treated with 60 mg L −1 Si‐NPs was 19.71 g, significantly higher (377.24%) than the control yield per pot of 4.13 g. However, higher doses of Si‐NPs (90 and 120 mg L −1 ) were phytotoxic and showed detrimental effects. The findings of our study highlight the capability of biosynthesized Si‐NPs to act as a bio‐stimulant that improves crop productivity and lays a foundation for subsequent research on dose optimization and sustainable agricultural practices.

Adsorption Performance of Methylene Blue by FeCl3/NaOH-Modified Hydrothermal Rice Straw Biochar-Activated White Clay Composite

Purpose The polyurethane sector primarily relies on petrochemical substances, including polyols and isocyanates. Given the swift consumption of fossil fuel resources and the rising concerns about ecological issues and global warming, this study aims to explore the sustainable advancement of polyurethane rigid foam by using renewable biopolyols derived from agricultural waste liquefaction. Design/methodology/approach The liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass involves breaking down complex polymers into smaller molecules using heat, chemicals and catalysts to prepare biopolyol as a renewable feedstock for the polyurethane industry. Spectral analysis of the liquefaction products verified that the process achieved the desired outcome and indicated the presence of hydroxyl groups. The biopolyol analysis demonstrated a biomass conversion rate of up to 87% and a hydroxyl number between 230 and 250 mg KOH/g, suggesting that this biopolyol could serve as a viable alternative to petrochemical polyols. Findings Various formulations of biopolyol obtained from rice straw liquefaction, conducted at 160 °C for 2 h, were prepared. Intensive study was conducted on the applicability of using biopolyol in rigid foam refrigerator formulation in comparison to petroleum counterparts. The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy showed that the biopolyol-based foams had a symmetrical cell structure and a significant proportion of sealed cells. Biobased foam demonstrated superior thermal insulation compared to its petrochemical-based equivalent. Originality/value These results underscore the feasibility of agricultural waste liquefaction as an eco-friendly approach for synthesizing biopolyols and their application in polyurethane foam production. The study contributes to the development of sustainable materials in the polymer industry and supports the transition toward renewable feedstocks in rigid foam applications. The study, moreover, introduces PEG 400 as a novel liquefaction solvent, offering improved compatibility with rigid polyurethane systems and establishing a new benchmark for sustainable rigid foam production.

Characteristics of tetracycline adsorption by different embedded biochar materials.

Characterization and PAH removal performance of microbe-immobilized biochars derived from different feedstocks.