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Abstract: Pharmaceutical pollution in water is a critical environmental issue. This study investigates the removal of paracetamol (PCM) from water using activated carbon derived from Sesbania wood, a fast-spreading plant with promising structural properties for activated carbon. The batch adsorption results demonstrated the effectiveness of Sesbania-derived activated carbon (SDAC) in removing PCM solution, achieving a removal efficiency of 89%. In fixed-bed adsorption, a removal efficiency of 87.6% was attained within 210 min while treating 1050 ml of solution. The Redlich-Peterson model was employed as the best adsorption isotherm, with a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 70.68 mg/g. Kinetics analysis favours the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic results suggest an exothermic and spontaneous adsorption mechanism. The decision tree machine learning (ML) model outperformed the gradient boosting (R2 = 0.88), random forest models (R2 = 0.88), and the artificial neural network model (R2 = 0.75) in predicting PCM removal using the adsorbent. Sensitivity analysis using Shapley additive (SHAP) revealed that adsorbent mass is the most influential parameter in PCM removal. This study presented a novel application of activated carbon derived from the Sesbania plant, highlighting its high efficiency in PCM removal through experimental analysis and ML-based optimization. PubDate: 2025-04-18
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Abstract: Tea is the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage in the world leading to the generation of enormous amounts of spent tea waste (STW). The challenges related to its disposal present themselves as a formidable task. In the present paper, utilization of STW as a suitable substrate for the production of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzyme consortia and cellulose microfiber (CMF) generation has been demonstrated. Aspergillus niger was used for the production of enzyme cocktail (cellulase 11.9 U/gds, xylanase 2693.3 U/gds, and mannanase 1045.1 U/gds) in solid-state fermentation with untreated STW as substrate. For the generation of CMF, dried STW (10 g) was delignified using 4% NaOH, resulting in 6.67 g alkali-treated tea (ATT). The ATT (1 g) was then treated with the aforesaid A. niger enzyme consortia (5 mL) for 24 h at 50 °C for the production of CMF. Multiscale characterization of untreated STW, ATT, and CMF revealed the production of crystalline cellulose microfiber (CMF) with a crystallinity index of 44.2%. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrated the early combustion of CMF in comparison to ATT and STW due to the absence of lignin and hemicellulosic content in CMF, while particle size analysis confirmed the size of CMF to be 184 ± 11 nm, having a crystallinity index of 44.2%. The present paper demonstrates the utilization of STW for enzyme production and a chemo-enzymatic method for the production of CMF from a waste. Graphical abstract PubDate: 2025-04-17
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Abstract: The sustainable green approach is predominant and needed for developing functional nanomaterials. Thus, this article uses a green, non-toxic, and possible recovery chemical pre-treatment using a natural deep eutectic solvent to increase the productivity of isolated cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Furthermore, extraction and characterization of CNC from kenaf fiber using a 2:1 molar ratio of lactic acid and choline chloride were performed. Indeed, various techniques like infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy are used for the deep analysis/characterization of CNC. The results showed that the morphology created by an efficient natural deep eutectic solvent treatment produces CNC with rod and rectangular-shaped structures, whereas a nano-sized needle-like structure was observed in TEM analysis. X-ray results show a higher intensity peak at 22.66° of CNC, and the crystallinity of obtained CNC was 81.2%. Based on the findings, isolated CNC have better morphology. Furthermore, thermally stable CNC is produced compared to traditional CNC-isolated processes. Thus, we believe the green solvent used in the article for the isolation of CNC gives extra advantages compared to the traditional isolation process summarized in the literature. PubDate: 2025-04-16
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Abstract: This work focuses on developing biolubricants from Pongamia pinnata oil (PPO) and Calophyllum inophyllum oil (CIO) blends through a double-stage chemical alteration technique involving transesterification and epoxidation. The appropriate 50:50 blend ratio was selected based on tribological properties. The chemically modified oils, transesterified epoxidized Pongamia pinnata oil (TEPPO) and transesterified epoxidized Calophyllum inophyllum oil (TECIO), were blended. The physicochemical, rheological, tribological, and oxidative stability properties were evaluated for pure, blended, and modified oils and compared to a commercial cutting fluid. The transesterified and epoxidized blend of PPO and CIO (TEPPCIO) exhibited better tribological properties with a 46.5% drop in coefficient of friction (COF) compared to the commercial fluid. Its chemical properties were slightly higher but acceptable. Despite low viscosity, TEPPCIO demonstrated enhanced oxidative stability attributed to the epoxy rings and ester groups introduced during modification. The flash temperature parameter (FTP), total energy consumption (TE), and thermal conductivity values showed better thermal characteristics for the TEPPCIO sample when comparing it with the commercial servocut sample. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) scrutiny established the successful transesterification and epoxidation of the oil blend. Overall, the PPO and CIO blend showed promising potential as an environmentally friendly cutting fluid with optimized properties through chemical modification and blending. PubDate: 2025-04-16
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Abstract: Saline soil paddy agriculture becomes a prominent solution to increase rice production. However, high salinity level, low inorganic nutrient availability, and the absence of halophilic bacteria incorporating inorganic nutrient especially nitrogen become a challenge for a successful saline soil agriculture. We conducted a set of mesocosm research using plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) systems, four levels of fertilizer (cultivation without fertilizer, 100% NPK dose, combination of compost and NPK fertilizer), bacterial inoculation (Staphylococcus saprophyticus ICBB 9554, Citrobacter freundii ICBB 9763, and co-culture of both), and salt addition (salt addition only on anode area, salt addition entire of soil). In addition, we used no paddy, fertilizers, and salt for control. We aimed to investigate the impact of fertilizer, salinity, and addition of exo-electrogenic bacteria for the PMFC performance and paddy growth. The result showed that paddy plant cultivation increased electricity generation two times due to the release of rhizodeposits compared to control without paddy plant. Secondly, a high concentration of mineral fertilizers 2 dS/m negatively impacts power output. Thus, the compost addition + 50% NPK fertilizer was suggested to balance electricity generation and paddy plant growth. Finally, salinity and exo-electrogenic bacteria resulted in positive impacts on electricity generation, with co-culture inoculation and salt addition on the anode area reaching the highest electricity production at an average voltage and power density of 646.17 mV/reactor and 0.22 mW/reactor, respectively. This study provides valuable insight that PMFC can be applied in saline soil paddy agriculture by complementing the halotolerant rice variety and the utilization of bacterial inoculates. PubDate: 2025-04-16
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Abstract: Garden wastes such as leaves and bark are excellent biomass, which could be a potential source of biochar for purifying air or water. Taking the bark of the plane tree shed in summer as an example, a simple method for producing plane trees’ bark biochar by K2CO3 activation was presented. The method had advantages such as activation and carbonation in one step to prepare biochar. Research results showed that the prepared biochar had a large specific surface area of about 1193.290 m2/g. Then, the adsorption kinetics study revealed that the quasi-second-order kinetic model better described the adsorption process. Moreover, the adsorption process was better described by the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity of 1123 mg/g was in the range of 100–250 mg/L of MB. The main adsorption mechanism might involve hydrogen bonding, π-π* stacking, electrostatic interaction, and pore filling. This method could be utilized for the preparation of other types of activated carbon to ensure the efficient and comprehensive utilization of biomass. PubDate: 2025-04-16
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Abstract: This work assesses the possible uses of a byproduct derived from oil sludge and palm kernel shell waste co-gasification. The thermochemical conversion process was performed in a reverse downdraft gasifier, varying the airflow from 30 to 60 L/min to produce four char samples (F30, F40, F50, and F60). The char chemical composition was determined by proximate and ultimate analyses, higher heating value, and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer, Emmett, and Taller (BET) surface area techniques were utilized to evaluate the char’s physical structure. The results indicated that the char samples had a high carbon (40.37 to 53.33%) attributed to the participation of fossil waste in the gasification process. Furthermore, the XRF analysis indicated the presence of silicon, potassium, and calcium, which are essential soil micronutrients if the char is used as a soil conditioner. The SEM analysis showed that F50 had a less fibrous cell wall and a carbonaceous surface that was more defined due to the oxidation reaction at higher gasification temperatures, while F30 and F40 had fibrous and porous structures, respectively. The SEM analysis agreed with the BET surface area since F50 presented a higher value (269.8 m2/g) due to the formation and widening of micropores and mesopores. Therefore, the physicochemical characterization and surface structure assessment are essential to explore the possible uses of char (such as soil amendment, carbon sequestration, activated carbon, and fuel) as a value-added co-product, seeking to contribute to the sustainability and circular economy of the petroleum and palm oil industries. PubDate: 2025-04-16
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Abstract: Bacterial cellulose demonstrates potential as a sustainable material for bioleather due to its excellent mechanical strength, flexibility, and biodegradability. This study developed a simultaneous water displacement and surface modification of bacterial cellulose using cashew nut shell liquid and evaluated the effect of sodium hydroxide pre-treatment and linseed oil post-treatment. The bacterial cellulose was treated with a 1% sodium hydroxide, immersed in cashew nut shell liquid at 150 °C for water displacement and surface modification, and then coated with linseed oil to improve hydrophobicity. The resulting bioleather was characterized for crystallinity, molecular structure, mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate, contact angle, and microstructure. Sodium hydroxide treatment reduced the crystallinity and tensile strength of bioleather, while linseed oil increased the water contact angle and decreased water vapor permeability. The bioleather exhibited significantly lower water vapor permeability and higher tensile strength compared to freeze-dried bacterial cellulose. These results suggest that this approach could be an efficient and environmentally friendly method for producing bacterial cellulose-based bioleather. PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: Cellulose, a biodegradable and renewable material, is versatile and transforms various fields. This work uses a chemo-mechanical method to discuss the extraction and analysis of palmyra (Borassus flabellifer) fruit derived cellulose nanofibers (PFCNF). The mild acid treatment, steam explosion, and homogenization could increase the physico-chemical properties of Borassus flabellifer fiber. The chemical composition and FTIR analysis confirmed the successful elimination of the hemicellulose, lignin, and other extractives in the palmyra fruit pulp. The solid-state 13C NMR proved the cellulose type I structure of the extracted PFCNF. The crystallinity index of PFCNF was found to be 57%. The yield of the cellulose was calculated to be 44%. PFCNF exhibited fibrous morphology with a nanodimension of 10–80 nm, validated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. With progressive treatments, the thermal stability was increased, and the Tmax of PFCNF was 32 ℃ higher compared to the raw fibers. These superior properties further support their potential in eco-friendly packaging, advanced composites, biomedical materials, film production, electronics, coating materials, and paper production. Graphical abstract PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: A fairly simple yet efficient quantitative protocol was developed to investigate plant composition using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), through biomass analysis arising from the whole shoot system of Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.), Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). An analytical compositional report of the biomasses, serving as a standard method to identify the different chemical groups present, was compared with relevant FTIR spectra and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) thermographs. In order to interpret the highly convoluted absorption spectra, not only a series of reference materials were examined but also extraction protocols were implemented to sequentially isolate the compositional units allowing a spectroscopic monitoring of their progressive removal from the biomass. This approach enabled the assignment and distinction of a series of vibrational peaks and regions identified in the lower wavenumber region. These peaks/regions, were found to be capable of quantitating different chemical units, such as lignin, fats and lipids, even in the case of structural polysaccharides, like cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin, which are the primary constituents of plant cells. Fats and lipids were easily detected at the 3050–2800 cm−1 region, with their concentration determined by the isolated 720 cm−1 and the 728 cm−1 peaks, when present. Lignin concentration was determined via the 1508 cm−1 peak. Hemicellulose is contributing to the 1640, 1245 cm−1 as well as the 1740 cm−1 peak, with its concentration determined in the 850–750 cm−1 region. Cellulose content was quantified via the 895 cm−1 peak, while pectin appeared at the 915 cm−1 peak and also contributed to the 1640 cm−1 signal. Consequently, a better understanding of the vibrational convolution could thus be achieved when studying plant cells where multiple structural units contribute to the spectra. It is therefore expected that plant cellular composition can be adequately revealed with a single FTIR spectrum, without the need for intensive analysis methods, offering a faster and more efficient approach. PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: The thermal decomposition behaviour of Himalayan nettle fibre is investigated using dynamic TG analysis under a nitrogen environment at heating rates 5, 10, and 20 °C/min. The pyrolysis of the fibre occurred in three stages. Around 73–75% of the nettle fibre thermally decomposed in the second stage of degradation within the temperature range of 190–450 °C. The average activation energies estimated from the Friedman, FWO, and KAS methods were 173.82, 169.47, and 164.56 kJ/mol, respectively, suggesting the apparent activation energy range of 160–175 kJ/mol, which is suitable for thermoplastic polymer processing. First-order-kinetics can be inferred from the master plot and Coats–Redfern (CR) methods. Eighteen kinetic models were used for the CR method, and among them, three integral functions F1, P2/3 and R3 best-fitted the experimental thermogravimetric data considering the higher correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.98). The average activation energy and pre-exponential factors for F1, P2/3, and R3 functions were estimated as 157.24, 154.61, and 135.20 kJ/mol; 5.26E + 12, 5.59E + 11, and 1.86E + 10 min−1, respectively. The master plot method showed the suitability of F1, R3, and P2/3 mechanisms at low temperature and conversion (≤ 0.5), while at higher conversion (0.5–0.8), the dominant mechanisms were R3 and P2/3. The study helps establish Himalayan nettle fibre as a sustainable reinforcement for polymer composite synthesis. PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: Preparation and characterization of biopolymer-based packaging materials have significantly gained importance because of sustainability, biodegradability, and eco-friendly nature. In this study, novel wheat gluten (WG)/cloisite 30B (C30B) organoclay–based bionanocomposite (BNC) films were prepared by solution casting method at various C30B concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%). X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed intercalation/exfoliation of C30B sheets into the WG matrix. WG-C30B 10% film was thermostable. It showed low surface roughness along with higher water barrier properties and surface hydrophobicity. The tensile strength values of WG and WG-C30B 10% films were found to be 0.7 ± 0.02 and 1.11 ± 0.01, respectively, indicating improvement in mechanical properties. WG-C30B 10% film demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica. Shelf life of green grapes was monitored under different conditions: 4 °C, ambient conditions, and 42 °C. WG-C30B 10% film proved effective in extending shelf life up to 18 days under ambient conditions. More than 50% of the bionanocomposite films were degraded in agricultural soil within 2 weeks, while completely degraded in sewage sludge soil after a few days. WG-C30B 10% film appeared to be promising regarding the demonstrated physico-chemical and antibacterial properties. This report would be useful in preparing biodegradable biopolymer-based packaging materials. PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: In recent years, the combination of experimental and theoretical studies to elucidate adsorbate-adsorbent interactions has gained significant attention. In this context, the research focuses on the adsorption of two cationic dyes, Aniline Blue (AB) and Malachite Green (MG), using activated carbon (AC) derived from pig hooves biomass (PHB) as a green adsorbent. The AC exhibited a BET surface area of 334.031 m2/g and an average pore volume of 0.007 cm3/g. Under optimized conditions, the removal efficiencies for AB and MG were exceptionally high, reaching 99.3% and 99.16%, respectively, with Langmuir model providing the best fit. Kinetic data were well described by a pseudo-second-order model for both dyes, with a high coefficient of determination (R2 close to unity), low chi-square (χ2), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Thermodynamic analysis revealed the adsorption process as spontaneous and endothermic. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations confirmed the experimental results, indicating the adsorption of AB and MG onto AC was highly favorable. Amongst the analyzed oxygen functional groups, carboxyl group had the most significant impact on adsorption with the most negative adsorption energies. Regeneration studies demonstrated that the AC could be reused for up to six cycles, suggesting its reusability. These results highlight the efficient adsorption of both dyes onto the AC, in agreement with isothermal adsorption observations, making it a promising solution for wastewater treatment applications. Graphical Abstract PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: Here in this research, activated carbon derived from susbine biomass was prepared and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate. To prepare composite beads, the gel was added into 4% CaCl2 solution. The CaCl2 was used as cross-linking agents. After cross-linking, the composite beads were successfully synthesized and used to adsorb methylene blue from water. For characterization of the composite beads, various analyses like FTIR, SEM, EDX, and TGA were used. Various adsorption variables such as pH (2–11), dose of composite beads (0.0025–0.020 g), concentrations (100–600 mg/L), time (30–300 min), and temperature (25–45 °C) were investigated. The current study showed that maximum MB adsorption on composite beads was 1428.25 mg/L at pH 10. Moreover, the results of MB adsorption studies on composite beads indicated that it best followed pseudo-second kinetic model (R2 0.999), whereas the data best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm (R2 0.999). Thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic (∆H° = 1.21 J/mol), while the negative value of ∆G° (− 2.028 J/mol at 298 K) described that MB is spontaneously adsorbed on composite beads. Graphical Abstract PubDate: 2025-04-15
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Abstract: The presence of antibiotics in industrial wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge, threatening ecosystems and public health. This study explores a green and sustainable approach to address this issue by synthesizing gold-embedded zinc oxide nanoparticles using Amaranthus retroflexus leaf extract (A. retroflexus@Au-embedded ZnO NPs). The eco-friendly phenolic compounds present in the extract acted as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, eliminating the need for conventional chemical reducers. Comprehensive characterization using FT-IR, DLS, XRD, and TEM confirmed the high purity of the synthesized nanoparticles, with an average particle size ranging 45–65 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in degrading penicillin G under optimized conditions. In addition to their photocatalytic performance, the nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable anticancer activity against human gastric cancer (AGS) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines, enhanced antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and significant antioxidant potential compared to pure ZnO. These findings highlight the multifunctional potential of A. retroflexus@Au-embedded ZnO NPs for applications in environmental remediation and biomedical fields. PubDate: 2025-04-14
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Abstract: This study compares a less toxic hexane-based extraction with the modified Bligh-Dyer method for lipid extraction from dried Scenedesmus obliquus biomass, focusing on FAME yield and biodiesel quality. Additionally, various catalyst combinations were tested under consistent reaction conditions across both conventional methods and one- and two-step in-situ processes. The findings indicate that hexane-based extraction achieved a 17.7% lipid recovery, marking an 18% decrease compared to the Bligh-Dyer method. This reduction was reflected in the final FAME yield, with hexane extraction producing 23% less FAME than the chloroform-based method. However, hexane extraction contributed to a higher cetane number (CN:69.2) with increased saturated fatty acid ratios, improving the ignition and combustion properties of the resulting biodiesel. Across transesterification methods, FAME yields ranged from 14.0% to 30.6%. While NaOH as a single catalyst resulted in the lowest FAME content (C1: 12.4%; IS1: 14.1%) in both conventional and in-situ transesterifications, single-step acid-catalyzed reactions using HCl (IS2: 30.3 wt%) and H₂SO₄ (IS3: 30.1 wt%), along with two-step reactions involving an acid catalyst followed by NaOH (IS6: 28 wt%), demonstrated significant potential for enhancing efficiency in in-situ transesterifications. These findings highlight in-situ transesterification as a viable alternative to conventional methods, with the choice of catalyst and reaction sequence playing a key role in maximizing yield and fuel quality. By potentially minimizing solvent and chemical use, in in-situ methods offer a more sustainable and cost-effective pathway for biodiesel production. PubDate: 2025-04-14
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Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of using Parthenium hysterophorus biomass as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Amido Black 10B dye from aqueous solutions. Raw biomass from Parthenium flowers (RPF) and activated (PFAC) was tested in batch experiments under various conditions, including adsorbent doses (0.02–0.1 g/L), pH levels (2–12), initial dye concentrations (50–500 mg/L), and contact times (5–30 min) at 298 K. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, and pHPZC confirmed the adsorbent’s properties and its potential for corrosion inhibition. The adsorption process was analyzed using isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) and kinetic models. Electrochemical tests assessed the untreated and treated biomass’s adsorption capabilities on metal surfaces with efficiencies (η %) 66.08 and 78.82 for RPF and PFAC respectively. Von’t Hoff plots show that the ΔG is − 3.34, 3.98, and − 3.91 kJ/mol respectively at three different temperatures; ΔS is − 28.22 kJ/mol; and ΔH is − 17.87 kJ/mol. The structural stability and reactivity of the adsorbent were further analyzed using graph theory maximum eigen value of RPF 2.4892 and PFAC 2.0799. Graphical Abstract PubDate: 2025-04-12
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Abstract: Lignocellulosic waste is a promising alternative for reducing raw material costs for the microbial production of biosurfactants – amphiphilic biomolecules with promising tensoative and emulsifying properties. The current study promoted the valorization of sunflower stalk by using it as a partial substitute for glucose in the production of biosurfactants by Bacillus subtilis LMA-ICF-PC 001. The liquor obtained after an alkaline pretreatment of sunflower stalk samples was rich in hemicelluloses (67.30%) but did not present any growth-inhibitory compounds, such as furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. A central composite design (CCD) was performed considering hemicellulosic liquor from sunflower stalk, glucose, and mineral salt solution as independent variables. The biosurfactant had a strong capacity for surface tension reduction (58.70%) in media containing 8.16% hemicellulosic liquor, 1.02% glucose, and 1.61% mineral salt solution. Results also indicated that the biosurfactant obtained at 8.16% hemicellulosic liquor, 4.02% glucose, and 1.61% mineral salt solution showed an affinity for emulsifying open-chain hydrocarbons, such as hexane (57.23%). These results highlight the potential of sunflower stalk as a cost-effective and sustainable substrate for biotechnological applications. PubDate: 2025-04-12
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Abstract: Natural fabrics, such as jute fabrics, can be used as geotextiles, and are called jute geotextiles (JGTXs). Natural treatments using turmeric spent powder and soap nuts have been recognized for their surfactant properties. These natural alternatives are considered more effective and sustainable compared to chemical treatments, which often have higher toxicity. The primary objective of the present study was to develop a more durable and sustainable treatment for JGTXs using turmeric spent powder and soap nut. JGTXs were treated with chemical (chlorpyrifos) and natural agent (the combination of turmeric spent powder which is a biomass and soap nuts) to enhance their resistance against accelerated degradation. A wetting–drying test was designed to accelerate degradation. Untreated and treated JGTXs were subjected to alternate wetting–drying cycles of 10, 30, and 60 under different aqueous mediums in neutral (pH 7), acidic (pH 4), and alkaline (pH 11) media. The degradation was measured in terms of weight, thickness, tensile strength, and hole diameter. Naturally treated JGTXs subjected to alternate wetting–drying cycles under alkaline environmental conditions retained about 50% of their initial tensile strength after 60 cycles. In contrast, untreated JGTXs lost 86.42% of their initial tensile strength after the same number of cycles. Increasing the utilization of turmeric spent powder aligns with biorefinery and circular bioeconomy principles and contributes to the achievement of sustainable development goals. PubDate: 2025-04-11
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