International Journal of Biomass Utilization and Sustainable Energy (IJBUSE)

Isolation of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Rice Husk using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent

Nur Ain Natasya Ramli — 2024-09-27

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are highly crystalline, rod-shaped nanoparticles derived from cellulose, commonly found in biomass such as rice husks. Rice husks, an agricultural waste rich in cellulose, can be utilized for CNC production. In this study, CNCs were isolated from rice husks using a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES), an environmentally friendly solvent. The objective was to examine the effects of temperature and reaction time on CNC solubility during dissolution with NADES. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method revealed that the optimal conditions were at temperature of 120°C and a reaction time of 8 hours. Morphological analysis using microscopy showed that raw rice husks had a rough, solid, brown appearance, while alkaline-treated rice husks appeared smoother and more porous. Bleached rice husks exhibited a very smooth, white, and fluffy appearance, and CNCs appeared as transparent solids. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of β-glycosidic linkages in all three samples (CNCs, alkaline-treated, and bleached rice husks), suggesting that the cellulose structure remained intact during pretreatment. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, confirming that raw, alkaline-treated, and bleached rice husks, as well as CNCs isolated from rice husks, exhibited antibacterial properties against both gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis). This study successfully isolated CNCs from rice husks using NADES, demonstrating the potential for further improvements to enhance production efficiency.

Effect of Torrefaction Process on the Physicochemical Properties of Solid Fuel from Palm Kernel Shells

Munira Mohamed Nazari — 2024-09-27

This research investigates the effects of torrefaction on the characteristics of solid fuel made from palm kernel seed (PKS). The torrefaction process was conducted on raw PKS to improve its energy density and combustion efficiency. Torrefaction was carried out at 400°C at different durations (30, 40, and 50 minutes), with the goal of improving the energy density and combustion efficiency of raw PKS. The torrefied PKS was then ground and sieved into particle sizes of 150mm and 300mm. After being blended with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the torrefied PKS was compacted using hot press machine into solid fuel and tested for its physicochemical properties. The results indicated that PKS torrefied for 50 minutes with particle size of 300 mm exhibited optimal characteristics, with a high heating value (HHV) of 23.22 MJ/kg. The particle size plays a role, with finer particles (150mm) having lower HHV values compared to coarser particles (300mm). Additionally, the inclusion of HDPE affected the properties of the solid fuel. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy provided insights into its structural features.

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

Keat Yeng Chia — 2024-09-27

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.

Activated Carbon derived from Jackfruit Seeds for Oil Adsorption

Zi Ching Chan — 2024-09-27

Activated carbons (AC) are widely used as adsorbents for treating oily wastewater. An effective, cheap and environmental-friendly method for oil adsorption by using AC derived from jackfruit seeds (JS) was developed in this study. The JS were chemically activated with different concentrations (10 wt.% and 15 wt.%) of chemical activating agents (H₃PO₄ and ZnCl₂) to produce activated carbon. The optimum conditions for developing AC from JS with the highest oil adsorption capacity was found using 15 wt.% ZnCl₂, and carbonised at 500°C resulting in maximum adsorption capacity of 0.8621 g/g. Raw JS and jackfruit seed-derived activated carbon (JSAC) were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. The influence of process parameters such as contact times (0 – 240 minutes), adsorbent dosages (0.5 – 2.5 g) and adsorption temperatures (25 – 65 °C) for oil adsorption were investigated. The results showed that the optimum parameters for maximum adsorption capacity were as follows; 120 minutes of contact time, adsorbent dosage of 1.5 g and at 35 °C. At this condition, the highest oil adsorption capacity was achieved at 1.5674 g/g. The adsorption kinetic studies depicted that the oil adsorption mechanism was represented by pseudo-second-order kinetic model which implies that the adsorption is a chemisorption process. Jackfruit seeds had been proven to have the capability as an effective adsorbent for oil adsorption.

Effect of Cold Exposure on the Biofoam Produced from Different Types of Oyster Mushroom

Siu Siew Tan — 2024-09-27

Mycelium-based biofoam is a sustainable material derived from the growth of fungal mycelium on lignocellulosic agricultural waste substrate, as it has potential use in a variety of applications. The main objective of this research is to advance the sustainable alternatives for various application by investigating the mycelium growth of the biofoam produced from Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus sajor-caju on rice husk substrate, in improving the properties of the biofoam through innovative cold exposure. This study showed P. florida can produce mycelium biofoam at a faster rate, 7.022mm/day compared to P. sajor-caju 6.08mm/day). By cold exposure at 0°C and 10°C for 3 hours, every 2 days and 5 days, respectively until the mycelium are fully grown in the substrate, sample exposed to the latter condition for P. florida exhibits a faster growth rate at 7.3037 mm/day. However, cold exposure on biofoam produced from P sajor-caju had not improved the mycelium growth rate. Cold exposure samples at 0°C every 5 days and 10°C every 2 days have demonstrated capability in water (103.51%) and oil absorption (143.23%), proving their effectiveness in absorbing pollutants for the purpose of environmental remediation. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydrophilic and oleophilic characteristics in the biofoam, indicating its capability to absorb water and oil. By subjecting biofoam to cold exposure, its properties can be altered, broadening its potential applications.

Properties of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch filled with treated and untreated sugarcane bagasse fiber

Maisara Azad Mat Akhir — 2024-09-27

Sugarcane bagasse, comprising fibrous rind and spongy pith, is frequently employed as a reinforcing agent in both concrete and plastic composites. In thin plastic films, sugarcane bagasse is typically utilized as finely ground particles within the composite film. The integration of this agricultural byproduct into biodegradable plastic films could potentially lower production expenses and promote the film's biodegradability. This study presents the development of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) (90/10) formulations incorporating varying loadings of sugarcane bagasse fibers. The impact of alkaline and silane surface treatments on tensile strength, thermal properties, and water barrier properties was investigated. Upon the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), a decrease in tensile strength from 23.47 to 8.41 MPa and elongation at break from 1135% to 55.83% was observed. Conversely, the Young's modulus increased from 47.12 to 188.50 MPa following the addition of 20% sugarcane bagasse in the PBAT/TPS matrix. Modest enhancements in tensile properties, thermal characteristics, and water barrier properties were noted after treating the bagasse fibers with alkaline and silane. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that silane-treated sugarcane bagasse exhibited increased surface roughness due to the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, facilitating better adhesion between the fibers and the PBAT/TPS matrix.

Bioeconomy Sustainability: Integrating Circular Economy Principles with Big Data and IoT for Sustainable Farming in Agriculture 4.0

Ahmad Tajudin Baharin — 2024-09-27

This concept paper explores the synergy between Bioeconomy sustainability and advanced technologies, specifically the integration of circular economy principles with big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), in the context of sustainable farming within Agriculture 4.0 in Malaysia. Despite limited understanding, the study aims to unveil the potential benefits of this integration and assess the current state of technology adoption, bioeconomic practices, and sustainable farming in Malaysia. Challenges faced by Malaysian farmers, such as awareness gaps and resistance to change, are identified, and strategies, including targeted education and financial incentives, are proposed to overcome these barriers. While acknowledging potential limitations in universality due to data access constraints and the dynamic nature of technology and agriculture, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating these innovative approaches to propel Malaysian agriculture toward sustainability within the Agriculture 4.0 framework.

Antioxidant And Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Sesbania grandiflora Extract

Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny — 2024-09-27

Xanthine oxidase is a crucial enzyme in the regulation of uric acid, with elevated levels leading to gout and hyperuricemia. To combat these conditions, a synergistic approach using antioxidants and xanthine oxidase inhibitors presents a promising treatment strategy. Given the side effects of synthetic inhibitors, this study explores the natural xanthine oxidase inhibitory and antioxidant properties of Sesbania grandiflora leaves extract. The analysis revealed a significant free radical inhibition rate of 61.59 ± 0.90% at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The SC₅₀ value for the leaves extract was 16.59 ± 0.67 µg/mL, compared to 7.76 ± 0.23 µg/mL for gallic acid, a positive control. The leaves extract also demonstrated notable efficiency in inhibiting uric acid formation, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.36 ± 0.341 µg/mL, although this was higher than the 0.01 ± 0.005 µg/mL value for allopurinol. A strong correlation (r = 0.9958) was found between the antioxidant activity and xanthine oxidase inhibition of the extract, underscoring its effectiveness. This study is the first to report the combined effects of xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity in Sesbania grandiflora, highlighting its potential as a natural treatment for gout and related diseases.