Solid Recovery Research Articles

Spray dried protein concentrates from white button and oyster mushrooms produced by ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation.

In the present study, the optimization of ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction (UAAE) and isoelectric precipitation (IEP) was applied to white button (WBM) and oyster (OYM) mushroom flours to produce functional spray dried mushroom protein concentrates. Solid-to-liquid ratio (5-15% w/v), ultrasound power (0-900 W) and type of acid [HCl or acetic acid (AcOH)] were evaluated for their effect on the extraction and protein yields from mushroom flours submitted to UAAE-IEP protein extraction. Prioritized conditions with maximized protein yield (5% w/v, 900 W, AcOH, for WBM; 5% w/v, 900 W, HCl for OYM) were used to produce spray dried protein concentrates from white button (WBM-PC) and oyster (OYM-PC) mushrooms with high solids recovery (62.3-65.8%). WBM-PC and OYM-PC had high protein content (5.19-5.81 g kg-1), in addition to remarkable foaming capacity (82.5-235.0%) and foam stability (7.0-162.5%), as well as antioxidant phenolics. Highly pH-dependent behavior was observed for solubility (> 90%, at pH 10) and emulsifying properties (emulsification activity index: > 50 m2 g-1, emulsion stability index: > 65%, at pH 10). UAAE-IEP followed by spray drying increased surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl groups by up to 196.5% and 117.5%, respectively, which improved oil holding capacity (359.9-421.0%) and least gelation concentration (6.0-8.0%) of spray dried mushroom protein concentrates. Overall, the present study showed that optimized UAAE-IEP coupled with spray drying is an efficient strategy to produce novel mushroom protein concentrates with enhanced functional attributes for multiple food applications. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Inorganic Salt Pretreatment for Production of Fermentable Sugars from Spent Coffee Ground

Spent coffee ground (SCG) is a solid waste that is generated in the coffee brewing process for coffee beverage production. SCG hold a great potential in reducing sugar production as it consists of high amount of carbohydrates. However, SCG is a lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) which requires pretreatment to degrade the lignocellulosic structure and enhance enzyme accessibility during saccharification process. Hence, this research aims to study the performance of microwave-assisted inorganic salt pretreatment for generation of reducing sugars. Different concentrations of NaCl was applied to determine their effects on reducing sugar produced as well as pH, and solid recovery. Pretreatment with 3% NaCl was found to yield the highest reducing sugar concentration of 43.56 mg/mL, hence it was selected for the subsequent optimization study. Process optimization was designed by using the Response Surface Methodology approach (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD), based on three pretreatment parameters; solid to liquid ratio (1:50 - 8:50), microwave power (300W – 800W) and irradiation time (1-10 minutes). The optimized conditions were achieved at solid to liquid of 8:50, microwave power of 800 watt and irradiation time of 10 minutes for a maximum response of 40.89 mg/mL. Moreover, it was observed that microwave-assisted NaCl pretreatment had significantly caused surface morphological changes of the SCG and the removal of functional groups in lignin, resulted in increment of the crystallinity value. In conclusion, microwave pretreatment is a promising green technology for fermentable sugar production from SCG.

Integral fractionation of Arundo donax using biphasic mixtures of solvents derived from biomass: An environmentally friendly approach

Arundo donax, one of the most invasive plants in the world, but also a promising source of lignocellulose materials was employed as a feedstock for a biorefinery process. Water-extracted Arundo donax samples were subjected to one-step biphasic fractionation in catalyzed media containing water and 1-butanol, an environmentally-friendly solvent. The effects of selected operational variables (catalyst concentration, temperature and reaction time) on the measured effects (solid recovery yield and compositions of the solid, aqueous and organic phases resulting from treatments) were assessed using statistical methods. The results allowed a quantitative discussion on aspects regarding the selectivity of component separation (lignin, glucan, and hemicelluloses), the overall recovery of valuable products, and the selection of operational conditions enabling extensive delignification (around to 90 %) and high recovery rates of glucan and hemicellulose-derived sugars (above 80 % and 75 %, respectively). This study provides new insights into biphasic fractionation, highlighting the selective separation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin into a single and sustainable process, thereby by enhancing biomass resource while reducing environmental impact.

Spray Dried Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Juice Ingredients as an Upcycling Strategy for Abundant Cashew Apple

Spray-dried yellow cashew juice ingredients produced under different inlet temperatures (140 and 150 °C) and gum arabic (GA) addition ratios (15% and 25% w/v) were evaluated for their physicochemical and phytochemical attributes and storage stability for 56 days. All spray-dried cashew juice particles showed high solids recovery (>70%) and solubility (>90%), low water activity (<0.3), and low hygroscopicity (<10%). Spray-dried particles prepared with 15% w/v GA showed spherical shapes with a semi-crystalline structure and higher ascorbic acid concentration (>650 mg 100 g−1) and total phenolic content (>330 mg GAE 100 g−1). During storage, spray-dried cashew juice particles maintained their water activity levels within the microbiologically safe range and retained high solubility, in addition to high ascorbic (>68%) and phenolic (>55%) acid retention. Overall, we showed that spray-drying cashew juice is a feasible strategy to upcycle abundant and undervalued cashew juice into stable, phytochemical-rich ingredients for multiple applications.

Investigating the Potential of Grass Biomass (Thysanolaena latifolia) as an Alternative Feedstock for Sugar Platforms and Bioethanol Production

Bioethanol, a lignocellulosic biofuel, has increased energy sustainability and lessened the environmental effects associated with energy production. Thysanolaena latifolia is a common weed found in the northern part of Thailand that is considered non-food biomass, with a high biomass productivity of approximately 10.2 kg/year. Here, we evaluated the potential of T. latifolia biomass as an environmentally friendly material source for producing alternative bioethanol. To this end, we treated the feedstock under mild conditions using various concentrations of phosphoric acid to create ideal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis. Pretreatment with 75% phosphoric acid yielded the highest solid recovery (55.8 ± 0.6%) and glucans (93.0 ± 0.3%). Additionally, the hydrolysis efficiency and glucose yield of treated biomass were significantly improved. As a result, the liquid hydrolysate from T. latifolia used for ethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5339 generated 8.9 ± 0.0 g/L ethanol. These findings demonstrate that glucose derived from liquid hydrolysate is a promising sustainable carbon source for producing ethanol from T. latifolia feedstock. Thus, using T. latifolia as a feedstock for generating ethanol can improve the efficiency of bioenergy production.

Development of a System Suitable for an Apartment Complex for the Collective Recovery of Solid Resources from Food Waste: A Study on South Korea

The installation of food waste disposers has been prohibited in South Korea, due to conflicts with governmental policies that are focused on resource recovery from food waste and concerns about potential damage to the city’s sewer system. However, there is a growing demand for such systems in the country. This study proposes a system for the collective recovery of solid resources from food waste tailored for apartment complexes in South Korea, using an innovative solid–liquid separation technology. In the pilot experiment, 49.60% of the solids fed into the system were recovered as solid matter, confirming its practical applicability. Ultimately, a solid resource collective recovery system suitable for the high-rise apartment residence style of South Korea was developed and applied to an actual apartment complex. The final-stage solids were discharged from the system and processed through bio-drying, subsequently exhibiting a combustible material content of 67.06%, higher heating value (HHV) of 4843 kcal/kg, and lower heating value (LHV) of 3759 kcal/kg; moreover, they have the potential to be repurposed as biomass–solid refuse fuel (bio-SFR), compost, feed, and substrate for biogas production. The proposed food waste disposal system not only aligns with governmental policies, but also facilitates the recovery of high-quality resources from food waste, while providing a sustainable waste management solution.

Valorization of Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Anthocyanins to Produce Sustainable Spray-Dried Ingredients

The recent increase in sustainability awareness has triggered the industry to establish novel, eco-friendly sources of plant-based ingredients. In the present study, hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were investigated as a sustainable source of anthocyanins for use in spray-dried ingredients with antioxidant capacity. To this end, the extraction and spray-drying microencapsulation of hibiscus flower anthocyanins were optimized and the final products were evaluated for their oxidative stability index. Initially, preliminary experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of selected processing parameters on anthocyanin extraction. Next, the extraction was optimized through a 22 central composite design, considering ethanol concentration (44–56% v/v) and extraction time (1.6–6.4 h) as independent factors. The optimum extraction conditions (8 h, 41.6% v/v ethanol concentration) were used to produce anthocyanin-rich extracts, which were microencapsulated by spray drying using a 22 central composite design with the carrier addition rate (1–3% w/v) and inlet temperature (160–192 °C) as factors. Maximum values of solids recovery (60.8%) and anthocyanin retention (96.0%) were reached when 3.2% w/v of starch–alginate carrier blend and a 170.7 °C inlet temperature were used. Finally, when hibiscus microcapsules were added to soybean oil, higher oxidative stability was achieved compared to the control. Overall, we demonstrate an industrially friendly and scalable approach that takes advantage of abundant hibiscus flowers as a viable source of anthocyanins for multiple applications.

Optimizing material circularity pathways in industrial waste streams: A decision-making model

The increasing pressures of environmental regulation and the introduction of new policy frameworks by various nations have accelerated the popularization of industrial solid waste management and recovery, underscoring the transition towards a circular economy. This paradigm shift emphasizes the importance of material recovery, reuse, and recycling of industrial waste to minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability. Despite the availability of individual approaches for waste recovery, there exists a significant gap in the systematic selection of optimal recovery pathways that facilitate the reintegration of materials into the production cycle. Addressing this gap, our study introduces a novel optimization model designed to identify the most efficient material circularity routes that leverage both the technical and biological cycles of the circular economy framework. Utilizing the Genetic Algorithm optimization tool in MATLAB, our model prioritizes pathways that maximize material recovery and profit generation simultaneously. This dual-objective function serves as the cornerstone of our analysis, ensuring a balanced approach to environmental sustainability and economic viability. The model's efficacy was tested on pre-calculated quantities of fabric waste generated by the Biyagama Export Processing Zone, providing a practical case study for its application. Our findings reveal diverse scenarios under which the model can allocate varying weights to each objective, demonstrating its flexibility and utility as a decision-making tool for stakeholders in the waste management sector. The results indicate that the model is not only capable of optimizing waste circularity pathways for maximum material recovery and profit generation but also offers a customizable framework that can adapt to the specific priorities of different stakeholders. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by filling a critical gap in the selection of sustainable waste recovery pathways, offering a practical, optimized, and scalable solution that can significantly advance the goals of the circular economy in the industrial sector.•Decision-making model for stakeholders in the waste management sector.•Model selects the best material recovery pathways.•Textile industrial fabric waste stream used as a pilot to test the model's effectiveness.

Urban Waste Management Solution through SRF Cofiring in Coal-Fired Power Plants

Abstract Solid Recovery Fuel (SRF) is a highly effective waste product processed through sorting and separation from non-combustible materials in Indonesia. The SRF is then dried to increase its calorific value and ensure homogeneity. Most Indonesian SRF is derived from urban waste, which is predominantly organic material, making it comparable to biomass and having a calorific value akin to lignite coal. The state-owned electricity company, PLN, collaborates with local governments responsible for waste management to utilize SRF as a fuel source in coal-fired power plants through cofiring. This renewable energy mix is an optimal solution, eliminating the need to construct new power plants and optimize waste management programs and local government budgets without burdening PLN’s operational costs when managed through an appropriate collaborative scheme. PT PLN Indonesia Power has successfully conducted research and development efforts to transform urban waste into SRF through the Waste Treatment Facility program. They have also utilized SRF cofiring in coal-fired power plants up to the heat rate testing stage. This alternative solution benefits all stakeholders in addressing the waste management challenge. This program presents an opportunity to optimize waste management costs implemented by local governments, ultimately saving electricity generation costs. Moreover, it may help reduce the financial burden of constructing and operating conventional solar power plants. SRF cofiring in coal-fired power plants is a reliable and cost-effective renewable energy solution. The successful pilot project showcased the positive outcomes achievable through a collaborative management scheme that utilizes SRF products and environmentally friendly electricity generation for sustainable waste management. This approach effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances renewable energy generation capacity, highlighting the significant impact possible through this method.

Development of solid recovery fuel for power generation with bacterial bio-drying of municipal solid waste in Lombok Island West Nusa Tenggara

Abstract The growth of waste in big cities in Indonesia increases sharply every year. The Government’s ability to manage solid waste only reaches 40.09% in urban areas and 1.02% in rural areas, so the right policies are needed so that Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) does not save potential problems that will impact the future. The waste problem is no longer just a matter of cleanliness and the environment but has become a social problem that has the potential to cause conflict. The most likely solution to solving the MSW problem is to use it as a source of alternative fuel, which can be done by a mechanical-biological treatment technology into Solid Recovery Fuel (SRF). The proposed SRF processing method is straightforward and requires a little technology; thus, it could be developed at the community level. The MSW is collected and processed by communities and then sold to power plants or factories or used in communities to replace solid fuels such as wood or charcoal. Compared with the standard RDF and SRF specifications, MSW SRF falls under medium-grade Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or SRF specifications. Further comparison with coal, water hyacinth SRF, and sorghum shows that MSW SRF has several advantages, such as low fixed carbon, sulfur, and moisture, that could be beneficial for combustion performance, which concludes that MSW has potential and meet the specification as an alternative fuel for thermal power plant or other industry that utilizes thermal energy. This paper proposes a processing methodology for municipal solid waste into alternative energy. The method could guide local people in using biomass resources to improve local economic prosperity.

Enhanced productivity of nutrient-rich single cell protein from Paradendryphiella arenariae PG1 through valorization of agro-industrial waste: A Green symphony from Waste-to-Protein Approach

The rise in global population strains agro-industrial waste management, positioning single-cell protein (SCP) production as a cost-effective solution. Evaluating eight agro-waste residues identified wheat bran with a high solid recovery rate (67.15 %). SCP production increased from 1.29 ± 0.23 gL−1 to 21.05 ± 0.33 gL−1, achieving a microbial conversion efficiency of 90.88 % by Paradendryphiella arenariae (PG1). Nucleic acid content in SCP was reduced by 31 % using NaOH and 36 % via heat shock, significantly enhancing SCP quality, digestibility, and safety. SCP's impact on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) revealed a maximum lifespan of 18 ± 0.2 days, notable pharyngeal pumping rates (117 ± 2.541 and 67 ± 3.473 min−1 on days 5 and 10), and body bending rates (115.3 ± 0.86 and 44.8 ± 0.28 min−1 on days 5 and 10). This comprehensive approach demonstrates the promise of SCP production in sustainable waste management, resource optimization, and detailed toxicity analysis in C. elegans, broadening the potential applications of SCP in various fields.

Artificial Intelligence-Powered Optimization and Milk Permeate Upcycling for Innovative Sesame Milk with Enhanced Probiotic Viability and Sensory Appeal.

Consumer demand for plant-based alternatives drives innovation in nondairy beverages. This study explores the development of a novel sesame milk with enhanced functionality using an artificial neural network (ANN) and milk permeate integration. An ANN model effectively optimized water-based sesame milk (WSM) extraction, maximizing total solids (T.S.) recovery. The ANN model's predicted T.S. yield (99.65%) closely matched the actual value (95.18%), demonstrating its potential for optimizing high-yield production. Furthermore, milk permeate was incorporated (5:1 ratio) to create permeate-based sesame milk (PSM), which supported the growth of lactic acid bacteria, suggesting its potential as a growth medium for future probiotic applications. PSM also displayed superior nutritional value and sensory characteristics compared to WSM. These findings highlight the promise of ANN-powered optimization and milk permeate integration for creating innovative sesame milk alternatives with enhanced probiotic viability and sensory appeal. Future research should focus on ANN optimization of alternative-based-plant milk, including permeate-based sesame milk production, the health benefits of LAB fermentation, and consumer preferences for flavors and textures. Optimizing fermentation and LAB selection remain key for commercial success.

Optimizing municipal solid waste recovery through density-based waste plastic segregation

Optimizing municipal solid waste recovery through density-based waste plastic segregation

Considerations for the use of porcine organ donation models in preclinical organ donor intervention research.

Use of animal models in preclinical transplant research is essential to the optimization of human allografts for clinical transplantation. Animal models of organ donation and preservation help to advance and improve technical elements of solid organ recovery and facilitate research of ischemia-reperfusion injury, organ preservation strategies, and future donor-based interventions. Important considerations include cost, public opinion regarding the conduct of animal research, translational value, and relevance of the animal model for clinical practice. We present an overview of two porcine models of organ donation: donation following brain death (DBD) and donation following circulatory death (DCD). The cardiovascular anatomy and physiology of pigs closely resembles those of humans, making this species the most appropriate for pre-clinical research. Pigs are also considered a potential source of organs for human heart and kidney xenotransplantation. It is imperative to minimize animal loss during procedures that are surgically complex. We present our experience with these models and describe in detail the use cases, procedural approach, challenges, alternatives, and limitations of each model.

Mechanisms of metabolic regulation and enhanced methane production by hydrolytic nanozyme in sludge anaerobic digestion

Artificial nanozymes have demonstrated potential as natural enzyme substitutes due to their efficient biomacromolecule hydrolysis. However, the metabolic and catalytic mechanisms of nanozyme during the biodegradation of complex organics remain inadequately understood. This study evaluated the effect of the hydrolytic mechanism of cerium-based metal–organic frameworks (Ce-MOFs) hydrolytic nanozyme on shaping microbiome and metabolic functions. Biochemical methane potential test revealed that Ce-MOF-based hydrolytic nanozyme increased methane production by 7.8 − 22.2% as the hydrolytic nanozyme dosage increased from 50 to 150 mg/g VS. The highest methane production observed in 150 mg/g VS dosage of Ce-MOF (Ce-MOF-150) could be attributed to the enhanced sludge hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis processes, proven by the increased relative abundance of dominant acidogens and methanogens. Furthermore, 150 mg/g VS hydrolytic nanozyme bolstered the relative abundance of genes encoding acetyl-CoA carboxylase (accABCD) and involving in glycolysis (hxk and pfkA). These quantities were higher (8.31 − 34.14%) than that without nanozyme addition. The enhanced relative abundance of ackA, pta, cdhCDE, mvhAD, fpoABCDHIJKLMNO, vhoC, rnfABCDEG, mtrABCDEFGH, and hdrABC in the Ce-MOF-150 test indicated that the high proton conductivity of nanozyme facilitated acetoclastic methanogenesis and membrane-bound electron transport system, thereby enhancing methane production. These findings contribute to the expanding understanding of the application of artificial nanozymes as biocatalysts for solid waste resource recovery, providing a promising approach for methane production from sewage sludge.

Effect of fat on physicochemical, rheological, textural and sensory properties of Ricotta cheese spreads

SummaryThe effect of different fat contents of milk and cheese whey mixture (20:80) on physicochemical, rheological and sensory properties of Ricotta cheese spread (RCS) was evaluated. Four types of product such as no‐fat milk (NFM)‐RCS, low‐fat milk (LFM)‐RCS, medium‐fat milk (MFM)‐RCS and full‐fat milk (FFM)‐RCS were prepared from Ricotta cheese curd added with salt (1.5%) and guar gum (0.4%). The NFM‐RCS had higher (P < 0.05) protein, ash, acidity, dynamic modulus (G' and G"), critical stress, firmness, work of shear, stickiness, work of adhesion values and lower fat, and pH, L*, a*, b* values when compared with LFM‐, MFM‐ and FFM‐RCS. Except spreadability, highest sensory scores for all other attributes were found in MFM‐RCS when compared with other experimental samples. This study indicated that increase in fat content or decrease in protein content of RCS samples produced lower viscoelastic modulus values, firmness, stickiness, adhesiveness and higher spreadability, yield, solids recovery and highly acceptable sensory characteristics.

Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana

Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana

The Creep‐Induced Micro‐ and Nanostructural Evolution of a Eutectic Mo–Si–Ti Alloy at 1200 °C

In the present study, the creep deformation mechanisms of a eutectic Mo–Si–Ti alloy (comprising a body‐centered solid solution and a hexagonal silicide) are verified. The microstructural changes occurring at the various microstructural length scales are correlated to the nature of the creep curve. The creep curve exhibits a transient strain‐hardening region followed by a distinct minimum and then creep rate accelerates after that. The formation of a high fraction of disperse (Ti,Mo)5Si3 precipitates in the solid solution lead to significant strengthening in the transient creep regime. By the simultaneous decrease of the initially high dislocation density in the solid solution, diffusional creep contributes to effective creep behavior. At the minimum, the load and strain are also carried by the silicide phase which undergoes plastic deformation. Continuous coarsening of precipitates and loss of precipitation strengthening in the solid solution and dynamic recovery in the silicide phase lead to creep acceleration.

NaY zeolite synthesis from rice husk ash for Chromium(VI) ion adsorption

NaY zeolite in this study is novelly synthesized from rice husk ash with a one-stage process instead of passing the solid silica recovery process as usual. NaY zeolite applies to assess adsorption ability of chromium(VI) ions in water with varying key factors. The as-synthesized zeolite is characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscope, specific surface area analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with optical emission spectroscopy. As a result, the optimal conditions for silica extraction are at 90oC with a NaOH concentration of 4 M for 4 h with recovery efficiency 87.5%. NaY zeolite is successfully synthesized with Si/Al ratio of 10, aging time of 24 h and crystallization time of 24 h with synthesis yield of 31.25% and crystallinity of 96%. The optimal conditions for the chromium(VI) adsorption in aqueous solution are at pH 2.0, adsorption time of 120 min, initial concentration of 20 mg/L with an adsorbent mass of 0.1 g. The kinetics and adsorption isotherms show a good agreement with pseudo-second order and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. NaY zeolite is synthesized via environmentally friendly approach with time and energy savings and shows its high adsorb-ability of chromium(VI) in water.

Bio-based aerogel composites of coconut pith-derived carbon and chitosan for efficient anionic dye-polluted water treatment

Abstract Biomass-based aerogels are of interest due to their abundant precursors, ease of functionalization, eco-friendliness, low cost, and effectiveness in dye-contaminated water treatment. Coconut pith (CP) known as a by-product after coconut processing is a sponge-like and lightweight material discarded in large volumes. For the first time, carbon micro-particles resulting from two-step treatment and pyrolysis of CP have been successfully incorporated with chitosan to produce aerogel composites by high-speed homogenization and freeze-drying. After pretreatment, holocellulose content and crystallinity index of the recovered CP pulp are respectively 75.4 and 58.6 % along with a solid recovery rate of 27.5 %. Characteristic properties of the aerogel composites are featured by their density as low as 15.23–28.17 mg/cm3, remarkably high porosity of 98.17–99.05 %, and Young’s modulus of 1.64–12.23 kPa. Synergistic effects of the porous network, electrostatic interactions between both amine groups in chitosan and carbon surface with methyl orange (MO) cause the as-fabricated aerogel composites to achieve an extremely high adsorption capacity of 454.13 mg/g and removal efficiency of 92.32 % at initial MO concentration of 500 mg/L. Therefore, the CP-derived carbon/chitosan aerogel composites synthesized from a feasible procedure exhibit their great potential in enhancing the value of coconut waste and dealing with dye-contaminated water pollution by simple and economical adsorption.