Textile Industry Research Articles

Consolidating lean practices with quick-response manufacturing: a boon or bane for the textiles industry during the era of COVID-19

Purpose This study aims to find out whether firms in the local textiles industry are benefiting from the combined implementation of lean practices (LPs) and quick-response manufacturing (QRM) during the era of COVID-19. The study further explores the mediating role played by quick response manufacturing in the relationship between LPs, internal process performance (IPP) and customer performance. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire is used to garner data from 123 local firms in Ghana’s textile industry. The analysis for all the hypothesized relationships is done using partial least square structural equation. Findings The results of the study indicate that LPs significantly strengthen the implementation of QRM. The result also suggests that LPs and QRM can be combined to influence IPP and customer performance. The results further suggest that QRM mediates the relationship between LPs, IPP and customer performance. Originality/value This study proposes and develops an integrated research model that explores the synergistic application of LPs and QRM in achieving improvements in IPP and customer performance from an emergent country perspective during the era of COVID-19. QRM serves as an important mechanism through which the relationship between LPs, IPP and customer performance can be explained.

ADVANCED BUSINESS ANALYTICS IN TEXTILE & FASHION INDUSTRIES: DRIVING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

This research paper explores the strategic implementation of advanced business analytics within EcoFashions Ltd., a mid-sized company in the textile and fashion industry. The central question it addresses is: How can a specific company leverage advanced analytics in the fashion sector for sustainable growth? Through a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the strategic implementation of analytics at EcoFashions to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and promote sustainability. The findings reveal that the integration of analytics at EcoFashions led to a 25% reduction in material waste and a 15% increase in production efficiency, while also fostering product innovation responsive to market trends. These outcomes not only highlight the potential of business analytics to transform traditional practices within the fashion industry but also suggest that other firms can adopt similar strategies to achieve substantial improvements in sustainability and operational performance. The paper concludes with reflections on the limitations of a single case study and proposes directions for future research to validate and expand upon these findings across the broader industry. This study contributes to understanding how data-driven strategies can facilitate significant sector-wide advancements in sustainability and innovation in the textile and fashion industries.

The Entrepreneurial Content in the Industrial Design Curriculum in Southwest Nigeria: Textile Design Techniques and Trends

This paper explored the incorporation of entrepreneurial content in the industrial design curriculum in universities in Southwest Nigeria, with a specific focus on textile design. Acknowledging the landscape of the global textile industry and the cultural significance of textiles in Southwest Nigeria, the study examined the existing industrial design curriculum, highlighting the level of consideration given to entrepreneurship in the development of the curriculum. The study adopted the content analysis approach to investigate the entrepreneurial content of textile design in the industrial design curriculum. The industrial design curriculum of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) was selected because FUTA is the only university offering the industrial design curriculum in the region. The curriculum was analyzed across all levels, the entrepreneurial courses were highlighted based on the course synopsis while other courses were classified as general courses. The study revealed that entrepreneurship was given good consideration during the development of the curriculum. It was therefore recommended that the curriculum be updated regularly to ensure it remains relevant and meets the entrepreneurial needs of the students.

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and Its Copolymers: A Review on Recent Advances in the Areas of Sensing and Biosensing

AbstractStimuli‐responsive polymers have received increasing attention for various applications due to their ability to adapt physical and chemical properties in response to external environmental stimuli. In this regard, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is the most extensively studied stimuli‐responsive polymer and, consequently has been prominently featured in (bio)‐sensor development, adaptive coating technology, drug delivery, wound healing, tissue regeneration, artificial actuator design, sensor technology, responsive coatings, and soft robotics. This success can be mainly attributed to the accessible and versatile nature of the PNIPAM platform, thus allowing the synthesis of a wide variety of copolymer architectures, topologies and compositions. Within this review, the structural and compositional features of PNIPAM‐based materials in sensor and biosensor applications are discussed with a focus on the literature from 2016 until now. The reader is provided with the current state of the art regarding PNIPAM‐based sensor development and their molecular design. Finally, the challenges ahead in the successful implementation of PNIPAM‐based sensors are highlighted, as well as the opportunities in the rational design of improved PNIPAM‐based sensors. Altogether, this review provides comprehensive insights into the exciting and rapidly expanding field of PNIPAM‐based sensing systems, which will benefit the chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, and biotech industries is believed.

Highly Sensitive Qualitative and Quantitative Identification of Cashmere and Wool Based on Terahertz Electromagnetically Induced Transparent Metasurface Biosensor

Cashmere and wool are both natural animal fibers used in the textile industry, but cashmere is of superior quality, is rarer, and more precious. It is therefore important to distinguish the two fibers accurately and effectively. However, challenges due to their similar appearance, morphology, and physical and chemical properties remain. Herein, a terahertz electromagnetic inductive transparency (EIT) metasurface biosensor is introduced for qualitative and quantitative identification of cashmere and wool. The periodic unit structure of the metasurface consists of four rotationally symmetric resonators and two cross−arranged metal secants to form toroidal dipoles and electric dipoles, respectively, so that its effective sensing area can be greatly improved by 1075% compared to the traditional dipole mode, and the sensitivity will be up to 342 GHz/RIU. The amplitude and frequency shift changes of the terahertz transmission spectra caused by the different refractive indices of cashmere/wool can achieve highly sensitive label−free qualitative and quantitative identification of both. The experimental results show that the terahertz metasurface biosensor can work at a concentration of 0.02 mg/mL. It provides a new way to achieve high sensitivity, precision, and trace detection of cashmere/wool, and would be a valuable application for the cashmere industry.

Optimization studies on laccase activity of Proteus mirabilis isolated from treatment sludge of textile industry factories : Optimization of laccase activity of Proteus mirabilis.

Laccase is an exothermic enzyme with copper in its structure and has an important role in biodegradation by providing oxidation of phenolic compounds and aromatic amines and decomposing lignin. The aim of this study is to reach maximum laccase enzyme activity with minimum cost and energy through optimization studies of Proteusmirabilis isolated from treatment sludge of a textile factory. In order to increase the laccase enzyme activities of the isolates, medium and culture conditions were optimized with the study of carbon (Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Acetate, Carboxymethylcellulose, Xylose) and nitrogen sources (Potassium nitrate, Yeast Extract, Peptone From Soybean, Bacteriological Peptone), incubation time, pH, temperature and Copper(II) sulfate concentration then according to the results obtained. Response Surface Method (RSM) was performed on six different variables with three level. According to the data obtained from the RSM, the maximum laccase enzyme activity is reached at pH 7.77, temperature 30.03oC, 0.5g/L CuSO4, 0.5g/L fructose and 0.082g/L yeast extract conditions. After all, the laccase activity increased 2.7 times. As a result, laccase activity of P. mirabilis can be increased by optimization studies. The information obtained as a result of the literature studies is that the laccase enzymes produced in laboratory and industrial scale are costly and their amounts are low. This study is important in terms of obtaining more laccase activity from P.mirabilis with less cost and energy.

Fiber Quality of Colored Cotton As a Function of Potassium Fertilization in the Semi-Arid Region

ABSTRACT Naturally colored fiber cotton is an essential alternative green and organic for the textile industry, as it does not require chemical dyeing. However, the low availability of potassium during production can directly affect the quality of the fiber. Based on this, this study aimed to evaluate the fiber quality in naturally colored cotton cultivars submitted to potassium fertilization in a semi-arid region. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications, and the treatments were arranged in split plots. In the plot, the following were allocated: five K rates (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha−1 of K2O); and in the subplots, the four colored cotton cultivars (BRS Rubi, BRS Safira, BRS Topázio, and BRS Verde). The results showed that K is involved in the length, uniformity, short fiber index, micronaire index, and reliability index of naturally colored cotton fibers. A longer fiber length of 30.45 mm was obtained at a dose of 240 kg ha−1 of K2O for the cultivar BRS Topázio. In addition, a higher uniformity (84.95%) was achieved with the dose of 240 kg ha−1 of K2O for BRS Verde. The dose of 240 kg ha−1 of K2O reduced (8.62% and 11.28%) the short fiber index in the cultivars BRS Rubi and BRS Safira, respectively.

The Implementation of Value Chain Holistic Model of Ulos Weaving Fabric Creative Industry

This research has a long-term goal to increase the income of stakeholders in the us weaving fabric industry in North Sumatra and the National Gross Domestic Product in Indonesia. The specific target to be achieved is to improve the concept of a value chain holistic model of the Ulos weaving fabric industry, which will soon be implemented. The methods used in achieving this goal are an experimental study by a value chain holistic model of the Ulos weaving fabric industry using the strength and opportunities strategy. Through a Focus Group Discussion involving MUSRENBANG, KOPERINDAG, City Government, Provincial Government, Ulos Weaving Fabric Manufacturers Group, Weaver Group, and Producers Cooperative, information and data will be collected, which will be grouped into Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats information. The evaluation of data and information through a SWOT analysis shows the results that the proposed model is good and continues to implement a production and marketing strategy, where the establishment of a production cooperative will strengthen SMEs with a joint commitment of members and will facilitate the capital. The Association of SMEs was formed to produce quality production and standardized prices so as to be able to deal with internal competition properly, which will be able to support the Lake Toba tourist destination as a tourism activity in North Sumatera. Standing for marketing is also needed to support the construction of toll roads along the Lake Toba area through the tourist gateways of Medan and Silangit.

The Application of Sheep Wool in the Building Industry and in the Removal of Pollutants from the Environment

The presented review is focused on a brief overview of the scientific works on the use of sheep wool outside the textile industry that were published in recent years. The focus of the information is the on construction industry, which is a significant consumer of heat- and sound-insulating materials. With its properties, sheep wool can compete very well with insulators made from non-renewable resources. Other building elements can also be combined with wool, as long as they are used in appropriate conditions. Due to its chemical and physical structure, wool is extremely suitable for the adsorption removal of pollutants from the living and working environment, in native or modified form. Wool can also be used in recycling processes. However, each application must be preceded by an investigation of the optimal conditions of the given process, which offers researchers inspiration and interesting topics for research.

Advancements of eco‐friendly natural antimicrobial agents and their transformative role in sustainable textiles

AbstractIn the face of mounting environmental concerns, the textile industry is undergoing a pivotal transformation, with sustainability at the forefront of innovation. This review focuses on the exploration of natural compounds, renowned for their antimicrobial properties, as viable alternatives to conventional chemical agents that pose significant environmental challenges. It delves into a diverse array of natural sources, including plant extracts, essential oils, and microbial‐derived compounds, which have been identified for their potent antimicrobial efficacy. These natural agents not only demonstrate a broad spectrum of activity against pathogenic microorganisms but also represent a stride towards eco‐friendly textile processing by offering a sustainable substitute for synthetic antimicrobials. The integration of these green antimicrobial agents into textiles is scrutinized, with a particular emphasis on their impact on enhancing fabric functionalities. This includes improvements in durability, wash resistance, and the sustained antimicrobial effectiveness of treated fabrics, without sacrificing environmental integrity. Moreover, the study underscores the potential health benefits of these natural agents, such as a decrease in allergic reactions and skin irritations commonly associated with traditional antimicrobial treatments. The review culminates by highlighting the significant role these eco‐conscious solutions play in revolutionizing antimicrobial textiles, promoting industry‐wide sustainable practices, and catering to the escalating consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.Highlights Provides eco‐friendly and sustainable alternatives in textile processing, offering a greener choice over synthetic options. Enhances fabric functionality while preserving environmental integrity, addressing sustainability concerns throughout production. Improves fabric durability, wash resistance, and long‐lasting efficacy, thereby contributing to superior product performance. Reduces allergic reactions and skin irritations, underscoring the health benefits of eco‐friendly antimicrobial treatments. Promotes sustainable practices, shaping the future of antimicrobial textiles and catering to the growing demand for environmentally conscious consumer choices in the industry.

Pollution characteristics and risk assessment of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in typical industrial parks in Southwest China.

As alternative substances of PBDEs, organophosphate esters (OPEs), an emerging organic pollutant, were increasingly produced and used in many kinds of industries and consumer products. However, OPEs also have various adverse toxic effects. Information on the pollution levels and exposure to OPEs in related industries is still limited. This study presented data on OPE contamination in the soil, leaf, and river water samples from seven typical industrial parks in Southwest China. Total concentration of seven OPEs (Σ7OPE) including tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP), tris-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), tris-(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tris-(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP), triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) ester (TDCPP), and tris-(chlorisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) in the soil samples (36.2 ~ 219.7 ng/g) and the surrounding river water samples (118.9 ~ 287.7 ng/L) were mostly lower than those in other studies, while the Σ7OPE level in the leaves (2053.3 ~ 8152.7 ng/g) was relatively high. There were significant differences in the concentration and distribution of OPEs in the surrounding environment of different industrial parks. TDCPP, TnBP, and TCPP could be used as the characteristic compound in soil samples from auto industrial park, river samples from shoe making industrial park, and leaf samples from logistics park, respectively. The parameter m (the content ratio of chlorinated OPEs to alkyl OPEs) was suggested to distinguish the types of industrial park preliminary. When m ≥ 1, it mainly refers to heavy industries sources such as automobiles, electronics, and machinery, etc. When m<1, it mainly for the light industrial sources such as textile industry, transportation services, and resources processing, etc. For logistics park, furniture park and Wuhou comprehensive industrial park, the volatilization of materials was the main sources of OPEs in the surrounding environment, while more effort was required to strengthen the pollution control and management of the waste water and soil in the pharmacy industrial park, shoe making industrial park and auto industrial park. Risk assessment showed that there was a negligible non-cancer and carcinogenic risk in the soil, while high attention should be paid to the non-cancer risk for children.

Unraveling the genetic basis of superior traits in Gossypium barbadense: From phenotype to genotype

G. barbadense is renowned for its high-quality fiber and is highly regarded as a natural material in the textile industry. However, research on cotton has mainly focused on G. hirsutum, and progress in sea island cotton has been relatively slow. There was limited understanding of the genetic loci and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of important traits, and the genetic basis for the development of superior traits remains unclear. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was constructed using two sea island cotton parents from different cotton regions. The phenotypic characteristics of the two parents and the RIL population, as well as the phenotypic correlations, heritability, and genetic models of the RIL population, were comprehensively analyzed. The RIL population was genotyped using whole-genome resequencing technology, and a high-density intraspecific linkage map was constructed, consisting of 5295 bin markers and a total genetic map distance of 2721.79 centimorgans (cM). Phenotypic data collected from five different environments were used to detect 169 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) using the composite interval mapping method. Among these QTLs, 30 were related to agronomic traits, 61 were related to yield traits, and 78 were related to fiber quality traits. Additionally, 17 QTL clusters were detected, and the additive effects of these clusters explained the correlation between different phenotypic traits. Candidate genes for stable QTLs related to agronomic and yield traits were identified through variant annotation and functional prediction. Two bin markers associated with lint percentage (LP) were validated as potential breeding markers. Furthermore, using RNA-seq data of cotton fiber from the RIL population parents, the dynamic changes in gene expression during different developmental stages of cotton fiber were revealed, and important differentially expressed genes in the secondary cell wall development and metabolism network of fibers were identified. Importantly, through the combined analysis of fiber trait QTLs and transcriptomes, eight candidate genes involved in regulating fiber quality traits were predicted, and the genetic basis of the excellent allele site qFL_D04_1 in the breeding history of Chinese sea island cotton was elucidated. In summary, this study provides new genetic resources and potential breeding markers for cotton variety improvement, valuable theoretical information for understanding the genetic basis of important traits in sea island cotton, and effectively promotes the development of cotton biotechnology breeding.

The application of renewable materials in green chemistry

Natural substances that are capable of being replaced or renewed over the course of a human lifetime or over a relatively short amount of time through natural processes are referred to as material that is renewable. Due to the fact that these materials are both sustainable and favorable to the environment, they are frequently used in a variety of industries, including the building industry, the textile industry, the energy industry, and the packaging industry. Given the circumstances, it is quite probable that this will have a profound effect on the future of humanity. Renewable materials commonly encompass biomass, bio-based polymers, natural fibers, wood, and lumber. The main focus of the study is to explore the utilization of renewable materials in green chemistry, namely biomass-sourced renewable materials, as well as other renewable materials such as food waste, recyclable plastics, and paper. This paper provides an in-depth review of the advantages and challenges related to renewable materials in the realm of green chemistry.

Gluconic Acid Production by Using Recombinant Escherichia coli Waksman pqq+ Cells with a Novel Approach from Biomass Sources.

Gluconic acid (GA) is widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, detergent, textile, leather, and concrete industries. However, cost-effective and high-yield production of GA remains a challenge. Due to currently high raw material inputs of GA, various alternative carbohydrate sources are being investigated. Sucrose is one of the cost-effective biomass sources that can be used as feedstock. The most common industrial production of GA is based on wild-type bacteria and fungi, but there are many problems with this production. This study aimed to optimize the production of GA from glucose produced by hydrolysis of sucrose using recombinant E. coli Waksman (W) pqq+ strain. After sucrose was enzymatically hydrolyzed, significant medium components for GA production were determined as glucose, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), peptone, and ammonium phosphate ((NH4)3PO4) using Placket-Burman Design (PBD). Detailed optimization of the medium components that are significant in GA production was carried out using central composite design (CCD), and optimum values of the independent variables examined in maximum GA production (93.5 ± 2.95g/L) were determined as glucose 95, CaCO3 25, peptone 2, and (NH4)3PO4 1.13 (g/L). Using results obtained in the Erlenmeyer experiments, GA production in the bioreactor was investigated by CCD. The maximum GA efficiency (3.20 ± 0.15g/L. h) was obtained under conditions where the air supply rate was 10.82 L/min, stirring speed was 656.87rpm, and CaCO3 concentration was 16.90g/L. In conclusion, it has been shown that GA can be produced with a high yield with this novel approach using a recombinant strain for GA production from sucrose.

Comparative adsorption of cationic and anionic dye by using non-activated Black Plum seed biochar for aquatic phase: Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Industrial dye effluents play a major role in water pollution. Textile and leather industries are one of the important sectors that pollute the water by discharging many harmful cationic and anionic dyes during the dyeing process. This study aims to compare the dye removal efficiency of Black Plum seed biochar for the cationic and anionic dyes. The non-activated biochar was prepared through pyrolysis of Black Plum seed powder at 5700 C. The sample's surface chemistry was understood using various characterization techniques like Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman-Spectroscopy and Zeta-potential. The experiments were successfully performed by conducting a batch adsorption study at different parameters such as pH, concentration, contact time and temperature. The coefficients of different isotherms and kinetics models were evaluated for non-linear study and the thermodynamic model was also applied. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained as 42.39 mg/g for Crystal Violet (CV) dye and 6.22 mg/g for Eosin Blue (EB) dye by using the Langmuir isotherm model. Hence, the Black Plum seed biochar (BPSB) has superior adsorption capacity for the cationic dye CV ( removal - 98%) as compared to the anionic dye EB ( removal - 65%) at optimum parameters. Therefore, it is concluded that the BPSB is a natural toxin-free biosorbent and it can be used for the remediation of dyes from industrial wastewater.

Effects of Wage Differentials, MFA, and GSP on Exports in the Bangladesh Textile and Garment Industry

ABSTRACT In this paper, we investigate the effect of inter-country wage differentials on textile and garment (T&G) exports of Bangladesh and present an account of the important issue of why textile and garment exports are directed from developing countries to developed countries. Our empirical results imply that the wage differentials between developed and developing countries constitute one of the main drivers of T&G exports. In addition, we checked other factors such as the Multi-Fiber Arrangement (MFA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by including dummy variables representing the MFA quota withdrawal and the GSP. We found that removal of the MFA had a significant negative effect, as expected. Our study confirms the positive correlation between GSP and exports. After phasing out the MFA and its quota system, the wage differentials not only boost the T&G exports from Bangladesh, but also increase the effectiveness of GSP. Given such findings, we discuss relevant policy implications.

Superstrong and tough silk fibers cross-linked with functionalized graphene

Natural silkworm silks with an intriguing integration of good strength, modulus, toughness and biocompatibility, have been widely used in textile and medical industry. However, the strength of silkworm silks is inferior to that of spider dragline silks, which are the strongest natural silks but extremely low yield. Herein, we develop a feasible strategy to continuously produce superstrong and tough regenerated silk fibers (RSFs) through the reconstruction of hierarchical and cross-linked architectures. Amine functionalized graphene (NH2-G) has been introduced to improve the content of β-sheet and crystalline orientation, and glutaraldehyde (GA) has been used to bridge NH2-G and silk micro/nanofibrils (SNFs) to form a highly interconnected and closely packed network, resulting in the remarkably improvement of mechanical properties. The resultant fibers exhibit an excellent tensile strength of 1029.6 ± 144.8 MPa, a Young's modulus of 16.8 ± 1.5 GPa, and a toughness of 277.4 ± 17.0 MJ/m3, exceeding those of the natural silkworm silks, spider dragline silks and most other previously reported regenerated silk fibers. We believe that the high-performance silk-based fibers are promising applications in lightweight and advanced structural materials.

In Situ Functionalisation and Upcycling of Post‐Consumer Textile Blends into 3D Printable Nanocomposite Filaments

AbstractThe linear lifecycle of the textile industry contributes to the enormous waste generation of post‐consumer garments. Recycling or repurposing of post‐consumer garments typically requires separation of the individual components. This study describes a novel and facile chemo‐thermo‐mechanical method for producing extrudable pellets, involving one‐pot, 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of post‐consumer polycotton textiles, followed by mild mechanical treatment, all without isolating the constituents of the polycotton blend. The oxidized blend with high cellulose and carboxylate content of 1221 ± 82 mmol COO− per kg of cotton, is pelletised into a masterbatch and further in situ extruded into nanocomposite filaments for 3D printing. The carboxyl groups introduced on the polycotton‐based filters enable cotton fibrillation into nanoscaled fibers during mechanical treatment and extrusion resulting to a variety of functional and high surface‐finish quality models, including filters and fashion accessories. The electrostatic interactions with positively charged species, such as methylene blue (MB), facilitate their adsorption from water while exhibiting promising adsorption capacities. The adsorption of MB follows the Freundlich model and depends on the printed porosity of the filter. A “trash to treasure” concept for textile waste is further corroborated through the use of the developed 3D printing filament into commodity products.

Parabolic trough concentrator design, characterization, and application: solar wastewater purification targeting textile industry dyes and pharmaceuticals—techno-economic study

AbstractSolar energy, along with other renewable resources, has the potential to be a major contributor to solving environmental issues in the future, as illustrated by the most recent advancements in solar photocatalytic technology. Indeed, wastewater treatment using a parabolic solar collector for industrial processes is gaining ground owing to improved system performance and economic benefits. The fabricated parabolic trough collector (PTC) incorporates reflective, parabolic panels that focus solar energy onto a transparent tube positioned along the parabolic focal line, where solar-powered photochemical reactions occur. This study investigated the design, implementation, and effectiveness of a concentrated sunlight system for removing industrial dyes and emerging large-use pharmaceutical contaminants in the presence of H2O2 at a small demonstrator scale (10 L/h). A spectrophotometric assessment revealed that subjecting Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBB, 60 ppm) and ciprofloxacin (CIP, 10 ppm) to irradiation in the presence of 0.1 M H2O2 (RBB) or 0.01 M H2O2 (CIP) for 3 h resulted in a degradation rate exceeding 60% and 80%, respectively. Furthermore, the total organic content (TOC) analysis indicates a very high total removal yield for RBB. On these bases, a techno-economic analysis is produced, and economic viability is discussed. The data reveal that the annual costs for water treatment, considering investment, electricity, and catalyst expenses over a 12-month period are significantly lower for our PTC-based prototype than for a comparable artificial UV-based equipment.

Discoloration of textile dyes by spent mushroom substrate of Agaricus bisporus

The textile industry discharges up to 5 % of their dyes in aqueous effluents. Here, use of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of commercial white button mushroom production and its aqueous extract, SMS tea, was assessed to remove textile dyes from water. A total of 30–90 % and 5–85 % of the dyes was removed after a 24 h incubation in SMS and SMS tea, respectively. Removal of malachite green and remazol brilliant blue R was similar in SMS and its tea. In contrast, removal of crystal violet, orange G, and rose bengal was higher in SMS, explained by sorption to SMS and by the role of non-water-extractable SMS components in discoloration. Heat-treating SMS and its tea, thereby inactivating enzymes, reduced dye removal to 8–58 % and 0–31 %, respectively, indicating that dyes are removed by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. Together, SMS of white button mushroom production has high potential to treat textile-dye-polluted aqueous effluents.