Wheat Straw Research Articles

Nutritional improvement of cactus fruit scraps with addition of alfalfa or Atriplex halimus, and comparison of two animal feed preservation methods (silage and solar drying)

This work aimed to study the effect of adding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Atriplex halimus L. on biochemical properties, microbial flora, ferment silage and solar-dried cactus fruit scraps. Alfalfa and Atriplex were added to cactus silage to improve nutrient quality. Three mixtures were prepared: M1 based on cactus, M2 based on cactus and alfalfa, and M3 based on cactus and Atriplex. Bran and wheat straw were added to the mixtures to improve the moisture content. After adding alfalfa and Atriplex, the protein content of the pre-ensiling material increased (p < 0.05), reaching 10.63% DM for M1, 16.35% DM for M2, and 17.22% DM for M3. During ensilage, a significant amount of sugar and protein was degraded. All silage treatments achieved stable pH values (M1: 4.35, M2: 4.55, and M3: 4.54). The M2 and M3 treatments had the highest amount of protein. After drying, the protein content of the dried treatments was higher than that of the ensiled treatments (8.05% DM for M1, 14.96% DM for M2, and 15.36% DM for M3). In both storage methods, the microbial population declined. However, silage reduces coliforms, yeasts and moulds more efficiently than solar drying. The drying operation preserves remarkedly the nutritional quality of the mixtures while ensiling reduces the number of undesirable microorganisms.

Effectiveness of feeding different biochars on growth, digestibility, body composition, hematology and mineral status of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (5.15 ± 0.02 g; n = 315) were fed with different types of biochar (BC)-supplemented sunflower meal-based (SFM) diet to investigate the effects of various BC inclusions on their nutritional digestibility, body composition, hematology and mineral status for 60 days. Seven different diets were formulated based on the SFM based diet: one was a control (TD-I, CON) and the other six diets were supplemented with 2% BC derived from different sources. These BCs were derived from the following: cotton stick (CSBC, TD-II), wheat straw (WSBC, TD-III), corn cob (CCBC, TD-IV), house waste (HWBC, TD-V), grass waste (GWBC, TD-VI), and green waste (GwBC, TD-VII) biochar. There were three replicates for each test diet. Each tank had fifteen tilapia fingerlings, and they were fed with 5% of their live wet weight and twice daily. The outcomes showed that the supplementation of CCBC significantly elevated the growth, nutrient absorption, and body composition of the O. niloticus fingerlings (p < 0.05); with concomitant lowering of the quantity of nutrients released into the water bodies whereas HWBC gave negative impacts. The maximal mineral absorption efficiency (Ca, Na, K, Cu, Fe, P, and Zn) was achieved by the supplementation of 2% CCBC. All hematological parameters showed positive improvements (p < 0.05) with CCBC. Interestingly, CCBC significantly improved the growth, digestibility, body composition, hematology, and mineral status of O. niloticus.

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS BY FREEZING PRETREATMENT

This paper describes the differences between the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of selected lignocellulosic materials after pretreatment by cyclic freezing and thawing. It also discusses the analysis of the positive effect of alkaline conditions on pretreatment. The selected materials were Populus alba L., wheat straw from Triticum aestivum L. and Cannabis sativa. Three pretreatment methods were used to compare the efficiency of enzymatic decomposition of cellulose and cellulose accessibility. The best results show the wheat straw pre-treated at -20°C in the freezer with NaOH addition with a concentration of monosaccharides of 56.6 g.l-1 compared to initial hydrolysed material with a concentration of monosaccharides of 24.4 g.l-1. The results show better digestibility of grass compared to wood dendromass

Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Production Performance in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU). Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P less than 0.05) in buffaloes of T4 over control (T1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

Repurposing lignin rich biorefinery waste streams into the next generation of sustainable solid fuels

Value added lignin rich waste sludges from biorefinery processes are, as yet untapped valuable feedstocks that can be reformed into clean, high quality solid fuels. By water washing sludges produced from base hydrolyzed waste, a material stripped of water-soluble alkali and alkaline earth metals (ash) can be obtained. This work shows how leached bagasse, barley and wheat straw sludges can be valorised into clean, low ash solid biofuels that can be used to supplement global energy demands. Repurposed lignin rich sludges of 1.00–2.00 mm particle size feedstocks were found to exhibit calorific values +17.3 %, +16.8 % and +11.7 % for bagasse, wheat, and barley straw sludges, respectively higher than their untreated waste counterparts. Additionally, by employing densification in the absence of a binder, <0.25 mm particles of leached sludge feedstocks were found to experience 16.0 % (bagasse), 12.0 % (wheat) and 4.0 % (barley) increases to their calorific values. This provides options for sustained energy from waste production and consumption campaigns, diversifying feedstock options for green solid fuels

Impact of earthworms on soil Si availability and wheat Si concentration in low- and high-Si soils

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element known to increase growth and the stress resistance of plants, including resistance against drought. However, as with many other elements, only a small fraction of Si in soils is available for plant uptake. Plant-available Si originates either from the weathering of soil minerals or from the dissolution of phytoliths in plant litter. It is known that soil fauna plays a role in both processes that contribute to the availability of Si in the soil. However, very little is known about the interactions between the weathering of soil minerals and the dissolution of Si by earthworms from phytoliths and subsequent Si uptake by plants. In greenhouse pot experiments, this study investigated the effect of an epigeic earthworm species (Dendrobaena veneta) on Si availability and uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in soils with high or low Si availability. In addition, Si-rich plant litter (wheat straw) was added to the topsoil in some treatments. The addition of plant litter significantly increased the available Si in the soil. Plant litter addition was positively correlated with the Si concentration in wheat in low-Si soil, but not in high-Si soil. Earthworms increased Si availability in soil and casts of the low-Si soil and partly of the high-Si soil, but not Si uptake by wheat. These results suggest that earthworms play an important role in regulating the Si status of soils and may influence Si uptake by plants, especially in soils with initially low Si content and when earthworm population densities are high.

Combustion Efficiency of Various Forms of Solid Biofuels in Terms of Changes in the Method of Fuel Feeding into the Combustion Chamber

This study analyzes the combustion of pellets and briquettes made of plant biomass in low-power heating devices powered periodically with fuel being placed on the grate, as well as after modification using an automatic fuel feeding system in the gutter burner. The use of herbaceous biomass in the form of pellets in low-power heating devices with automatic fuel feeding and combustion in a gutter burner is not widely promoted and popular. Therefore, this study used four types of herbaceous waste biomass (wheat straw, rye straw, oat straw and hay) and one type of woody waste biomass (birch sawdust) for testing. The basic chemical characteristics were determined for the raw materials. After appropriate preparation, the selected starting materials were subjected to briquetting and pelleting processes. Selected physical properties were also determined for the obtained biofuels. Biofuels made from birch sawdust had the lowest heat value (16.34 MJ·kg−1), although biofuels made from wheat, rye and hay straw had a slightly lower calorific value, respectively: 16.29; 16.28 and 16.26 MJ·kg−1. However, the calorific value of oat straw biofuels was only 15.47 MJ kg−1. Moreover, the ash content for herbaceous biomass was 2–4 times higher than for woody biomass. Similar differences between herbaceous and woody biomass were also observed for the nitrogen and sulfur content. To burn the prepared biofuels, a domestic grate-fired biomass boiler was used, periodically fed with portions of fuel in the form of pellets or briquettes (type A tests), which was then modified with a gutter burner enabling the automatic feeding of fuel in the form of pellets (type B tests). During the combustion tests with simultaneous timing, the concentration of CO2, CO, NO and SO2 in the exhaust gases was examined and the temperature of the supplied air and exhaust gases was measured. The stack loss (qA), combustion efficiency index (CEI) and toxicity index (TI) were also calculated. The research shows that the use of automatic fuel feeding stabilizes the combustion process. The combustion process is balanced between herbaceous and woody biomass biofuels. Disparities in CO2, CO and Tgas emissions are decreasing. However, during type B tests, an increase in NO emissions is observed. At the same time, the research conducted indicates that the combustion of herbaceous biomass pellets with their automatic feeding into the combustion chamber is characterized by an increase in combustion efficiency, indicating that when the combustion process is automated, they are a good replacement for wood biofuels—both pellets and briquettes.

Soil drives humus formation during composition of wheat straw and cattle manure

Humus formation in compost is key to improving the quality of organic fertilizers. Soil has the potential to promote humus formation due to characteristics such as porousness and large amounts of nutrients, but the mechanisms by which soil drives humus formation are unknown. The study intended to reveal the effects of soil addition on humification and microbial metabolism during composting and to investigate the mechanisms by which soil drives humification. The results showed that hemicellulose and cellulose contents were reduced by 4.67, 11.8 % and 5.85, 6.26 % in compost with Paddy soil (PS) and Laterite soil (LS) addition, respectively, compared to control group. Humus and humic acid increased by 38.1, 38.8 % and 60.6, 77.8 % after composting. Soil addition significantly enriched the hydrolytic bacteria Corynebacterium and fungi Thermomyces, raising the efficiency of organic matter conversion and symbiotic metabolic network complexity. Soil addition improved carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, facilitating polyphenol synthesis and amino acids polymerization, and enhanced the humus through the polyphenol humification pathway. In summary, by regulating the microbial metabolism during composting, soil can successfully encourage humus formation. This study offers a new option and method for quick humification.

Xylitol biosynthesis and process scale-up from wheat straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate using Candida tropicalis

Due to growing applications of xylitol in pharma and food industries, process development for xylitol biosynthesis from lignocellulosic biomass seems to be a promising strategy. The present study focuses on the process development for facilitating efficient xylose to xylitol bioconversion from wheat straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate using Candida tropicalis ATCC 13803. A methodical attempt to scale up the fermentation bioprocess is demonstrated by maintaining a constant volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) in bioreactors of various scales. Xylitol productivity of 1.47 and 0.58 g/Lh and yield of 1.58 and 0.74 g/g, respectively, were achieved from xylose-rich hydrolysate (41.49 g/L xylose) and synthetic xylose (40.69 g/L) in a 0.5 L bioreactor at an optimum kLa of 0.74 min-1 and 0.68 min-1, respectively. Further, scale-up in 1 L bioreactor using optimum kLa resulted in xylitol productivity (g/Lh) and yield (g/g) of 1.49 & 0.58; 1.57 & 0.74, respectively, from hydrolysate and synthetic xylose. Moreover, scale-up in a 5 L bioreactor using optimum kLa resulted in xylitol yield and productivity of 0.74 g/g and 1.55 g/Lh from synthetic xylose. The successful bioprocess scale-up studies highlight the relevance of lignocellulosic biomass’s valorization to high-valued xylitol.

Agricultural waste-based modified biochars differentially affected the soil properties, growth, and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants

Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically.

Influence of agro-wastes derived biochar and their composite on reducing the mobility of toxic heavy metals and their bioavailability in industrial contaminated soils

The agro-waste derived valuable products are prime interest for effective management of toxic heavy metals (THMs). The present study investigated the efficacy of biochars (BCs) on immobilization of THMs (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cd), bioaccumulation and health risk. Agro-wastes derived BCs including wheat straw biochar (WSB), orange peel biochar (OPB), rice husk biochar (RHB) and their composite biochar (CB) were applied in industrial contaminated soil (ICS) at 1% and 3% amendments rates. All the BCs significantly decreased the bioavailable THMs and significantly (p < 0.001) reduced bioaccumulation at 3% application with highest efficiency for CB followed by OPB, WSB and RHB as compared to control treatment. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), concentration index (CI) and ecological risk were decreased with all BCs. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of all THMs were <1, except Cd, while carcer risk (CR) and total cancer risk index (TCRI) were decreased through all BCs. The overall results depicted that CB at 3% application rate showed higher efficacy to reduce significantly (p < 0.001) the THMs uptake and reduced health risk. Hence, the present study suggests that the composite of BCs prepared from agro-wastes is eco-friendly amendment to reduce THMs in ICS and minimize its subsequent uptake in vegetables.

Enhanced Adsorptivity of Hexavalent Chromium in Aqueous Solutions Using CTS@nZVI Modified Wheat Straw-Derived Porous Carbon.

Using KOH-modified wheat straw as the precursor, wheat straw biochar was produced through carbonization at 500 °C. Subsequently, a synthetic material containing nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) was prepared via liquid phase reduction (nZVI-WSPC). To enhance its properties, chitosan (CTS) was used by crosslinking to form the new adsorbent named CTS@nZVI-WSPC. The impact of CTS on parameters such as mass ratio, initial pH value, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption efficiency of Cr(VI) in solution was investigated through one-factor experiments. Isotherm adsorption and thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) by CTS@nZVI-WSPC conforms to the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 147.93 mg/g, and the adsorption process is endothermic. Kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism, as elucidated by SEM, FTIR, XPS, and XRD, suggests that the process may involve multiple mechanisms, including pore adsorption, electrostatic adsorption, chemical reduction, and surface chelation. The adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) by CTS@nZVI-WSPC remains high after five cycles. The adsorbent is simple to operate, economical, efficient, and reusable, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of Cr(VI) in water.

Biochemical, functional and antioxidant dynamics potential of higher fungi cultivated on agro-industrial residues. Part I: Cultures on media supplemented with yeast extract, gypsum and commodity vegetable oils

Mushroom cultivation is an implementation of the industrial biotechnology in the valorization of various lignocellulosic materials. In the present study, common lignocellulosic residues (wheat straw - WS and barley and oats straw - BOS) were supplemented with ‘novel’ compounds (sunflower and corn oil, yeast extract and CaSO4⋅2H2O) and their impact on the biochemical properties (composition of intra-cellular polysaccharides - IPSs, proteins, lipids, glucans, tocopherol content, carbohydrates and fatty acids composition), total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and the antioxidant activity of Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms, cultivated in ‘bag-logs’, was evaluated. Results revealed that supplements enhanced IPSs in carposomes cultivated on BOS substrates and the most positive were corn oil 2%, w/w and CaSO4⋅2H2O for P. ostreatus and P. eryngii, respectively (50.86 and 57.65%, w/w). In all treatments, there was a variety in the carbohydrate's composition and a great production of glucans (40.67–62.15%, w/w), especially of the bioactive β-glucans (32.10–61.93%, w/w) in the stipes of both species. Significant protein content was detected in P. ostreatus and P. eryngii carposomes grown on substrates with yeast extract (28.99 and 30.09%, w/w; WS and 29.49 and 24.94%, w/w; BOS). Although mushrooms presented a low lipid content in general, high values of fat content were observed for both species when cultivated on BOS substrate supplemented with sunflower and corn oil (4.54–6.58%, w/w). The nutritional value of mushrooms was comparable between the two flushes. The greatest amount of TPCs were detected in supplemented WS (22.31–35.30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g d.w.) and BOS (21.03–41.74 mg gallic acid equivalents/g d.w.) with CaSO4⋅2H2O, in all parts of mushrooms and a strong antioxidant activity and tocopherols production, in all treatments. A higher quantity of lipids, antioxidant activity and reducing power was present in the pilei rather than the stipes, while the latter were richer in IPSs, regardless of the supplement's presence. Therefore, the outlined supplemented substrates could be used to produce mushrooms with high nutritional and medicinal values.

Impact on Growth, Yield, and Fruit Nutrients in Greenhouse-Grown Tomato Crop Using Wheat Straw Composted with Oyster Mushrooms

Impact on Growth, Yield, and Fruit Nutrients in Greenhouse-Grown Tomato Crop Using Wheat Straw Composted with Oyster Mushrooms

Comparative Study of Vermicomposting: Apple Pomace Alone and in Combination with Wheat Straw and Manure

Considering the sporadic number of scientific studies on vermicomposting apple pomace waste, this research conducts a comparative analysis of vermicomposting processes using Eisenia fetida, focusing on apple pomace both independently and in combination with wheat straw and/or manure (experiment 1: 60% apple pomace and 40% cattle manure; experiment 2: 60% wheat straw and 40% cattle manure; experiment 3: 80% apple pomace, 10% wheat straw, and 10% cattle manure; and experiment 4: 100% apple pomace). After a 240-day substrate transformation period, all four variations of vermicompost produced demonstrated favorable sensory properties, along with high microbiological and physicochemical quality. Throughout the vermicomposting process, the pH of all vermicomposting mixtures changed, converging towards approximately neutral values by the process’s conclusion. There was an increase in dry matter content, as well as total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, along with organic matter. Notably, the levels of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in both the vermicomposting materials and resulting vermicomposts remained significantly below the maximum permissible levels stipulated by Republic of Serbia and European Union legislation, which is directly linked to the ecological origin of the raw materials used. The microbiological quality of the final vermicomposts was deemed satisfactory. Over time, there was a decrease in the counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria as well as Escherichia coli. The counts of sulfite-reducing clostridia in all substrates remained below 102 CFU/g, while Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in either the composting materials or the resulting composts. The vermiculture of apple pulp exhibited advantageous characteristics, notably a shortened vermicomposting period (150 days) compared to other agricultural waste. This reduction in processing time contributes an additional layer of advantage to the overall quality and efficiency of the resulting vermicompost.

Glucose production from wheat straw by cellulase activity produced by local isolate of Aspergillus terreus AJ3 under solid-state fermentation

Glucose production from wheat straw by cellulase activity produced by local isolate of Aspergillus terreus AJ3 under solid-state fermentation

Evaluating Sustainable Practices for Managing Residue Derived from Wheat Straw.

Farm leftovers, particularly crop residues, are a key source of renewable energy in Canada. The nation's robust agricultural industry provides ample biomass, derived from forestry and agriculture resources, for energy generation. Crop residues, such as straws and husks, play a crucial role in this biomass reservoir, contributing to biofuel production and greenhouse gas mitigation efforts. Focusing on supply chains, waste management, and emission reduction, this study evaluates the sustainability of wheat straw, an agricultural biomass by-product. The environmental issues of various approaches to managing agricultural biomass were explored. Following an evaluation of biomass features, conversion methods, and economic and environmental advantages, the results show anaerobic digestion to be the most sustainable approach. Four metrics were examined in relation to social elements, and numerous aspects were considered as inputs in the evaluation of transportation costs. The use of electric trucks versus fuel-based trucks resulted in an 18% reduction in total operating costs and a 58% reduction in consumption costs. This study examined CO2 emissions over four different transportation distances. The data indicate that a significant reduction of 36% in kg CO2 equivalent emissions occurred when the distance was lowered from 100 km to 25 km. These findings offer insights for creating practical plans that should increase the sustainability of agricultural biomass leftovers.

New wheat straw fermentation feed: recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe efficient degradation of lignocellulose and increase feed protein

Wheat straw contains a high amount of lignin, hindering the action of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes, leading to difficulties in nutrient absorption by animals from straw feed. However, currently, the biological treatment of straw relies primarily on fungal degradation and cannot be directly utilized for the preparation of livestock feed. This study focuses on enzymatic co-fermentation of wheat straw to produce high-protein, low-cellulose biological feed, integrating lignin degradation with feed manufacturing, thereby simplifying the feed production process. After the optimization using Box-Behnken Design for the feed formulation, with a glucose oxidase addition of 2.46%, laccase addition of 3.4%, and malonic acid addition of 0.6%, the wheat straw feed prepared in this experiment exhibited a true protein content of 9.35%. This represented a fourfold increase compared to the non-fermented state, and the lignocellulose degradation rate of wheat straw reached 45.42%. These results not only highlight the substantial enhancement in protein content but also underscore the significant advancement in lignocellulose breakdown. This formulation significantly enhanced the palatability and nutritional value of the straw feed, contributing to the industrial development of straw feed.

Wheat straw as base paper for barrier coating

A smooth and dense surface of the base paper is advantageous when the goal is to apply a liquid coating as a barrier layer. For such a base paper, non-wood fibers derived from wheat straw could be an alternative to wood fibers. In this research paper, wheat straw pulp was refined with different beating levels (up to 600 revolutions) followed by different calendering pressure loads (up to 50 N/mm) to test its influence on mechanical and surface properties. Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) was used as sizing agent with concentrations up to 0.2 wt% followed by a mineral-based precoating to test its influence on the smoothness. Eucalyptus pulp was chosen as a benchmark. After beating, the initial Schopper-Riegler degrees of 28 °SR increased to 56 °SR. Beating also increased the tensile index from 24 to 49 Nm/g, the burst index from 1.2 to 2.8 kPa·m²/g, and the tear index decreased from 3.3 to 2.8 mN·m2/g. Calendering reduced the initial roughness of 370 mL/min to 30 mL/min. When precoated and calendered again, the value was lowered to 15 mL/min. In summary, wheat straw paper is a relevant alternative to wood-derived base paper to produce barrier papers. Compared to eucalyptus, wheat straw paper showed better smoothness and much lower air permeability indicating excellent suitability for barrier coating.

Effects of pelletization on biomethane production from wheat straw

ABSTRACT The high lignin content and low bulk density of wheat straw pose challenges for biogas production. To overcome these hurdles, pretreatment and biomass pelletization have emerged as viable options. Thus, this research aims to reduce the recalcitrant nature of WS by employing various thermal pretreatment techniques and identifying the optimum parameters (temperature and time). To prepare pellets, a mixture comprising wheat straw (subjected to the best pretreatment) and cow manure pellets (WCP) at varying substrate and binder (Svs/Bvs) ratios ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 were used. Parameters such as density, water absorption, and drop shattering were evaluated to evaluate the physical characteristics of produced WCP. Additionally, the biomethane yield test of WCP (exhibiting the most favourable physical characteristics) was performed with various total solids (TS) concentrations from 4 to 12%. The WS demonstrated the highest sCOD solubilisation of 9066 mg/L when subjected to a hot air oven pretreatment (90 min at 110°C). The physical qualities of WCP were found to be dependent on the Svs/Bvs ratio (with the optimal ratio being 2.0). It was also observed that a TS content of 6% yielded the highest biomethane production (253.85 mL/g-VSconsumed). In summary, this study’s conclusion waves the path of management of wheat straw and cow dung while simultaneously generating bioenergy.