Agricultural Engineering

Article Agricultural Engineering

Simultaneous adsorption of phosphate and tetracycline by calcium modified corn stover biochar: Performance and mechanism

Sheng-Nan Zhuo, Tian-Chi Dai, Hong-Yu Ren, Bing-Feng Liu

Summary: In this study, a calcium modified biochar (CaBC800) was successfully fabricated to simultaneously remove phosphate and tetracycline from wastewater. The experimental results showed that CaBC800 had high adsorption capacities for both pollutants and the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Chemical precipitation and ligand exchange were the main mechanisms for phosphate adsorption, while hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions were the main mechanisms for tetracycline adsorption.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Removal of heavy metals from wastewaters with biochar pyrolyzed from MgAl-layered double hydroxide-coated rice husk: Mechanism and application

Anyu Li, Yue Zhang, Wenzhan Ge, Yutong Zhang, Lihu Liu, Guohong Qiu

Summary: This study synthesized a MgAl-LDH rice husk biochar composite and evaluated its performance and mechanism for removing Cd(II) and Cu(II) through adsorption experiments and models. The results showed that the composite material had high adsorption capacity and cycling ability, and the removal of heavy metals was mainly through surface precipitation and ion exchange.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Agricultural Engineering

Organic solid waste: Biorefinery approach as a sustainable strategy in circular bioeconomy

Anil V. Shah, Aditi Singh, Swayansu Sabyasachi Mohanty, Vijay Kumar Srivastava, Sunita Varjani

Summary: Waste generation is a significant environmental concern, leading to discussions about its effects. Biorefineries and bio-based products have a crucial role in reducing emissions and supporting energy systems, but their economic viability remains a challenge. This paper thoroughly studies the concept of biorefinery in waste management, technological advancements, and the importance of techno-economic assessment. Further research is needed to find the most viable solutions. This communication is valuable for decision-makers in identifying environmentally suitable biorefinery options.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Mass cultivation and harvesting of microalgal biomass: Current trends and future perspectives

Aswathy Udayan, Ranjna Sirohi, Nidhin Sreekumar, Byoung-In Sang, Sang Jun Sim

Summary: Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms that can produce high-value metabolites, making them potential candidates for nutraceutical and industrial products. Research on cost-effective cultivation systems and harvesting methods is crucial for increasing biomass yield and reducing downstream processing costs to fully utilize the potential of microalgae in industry.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Agricultural Engineering

Smart sustainable biorefineries for lignocellulosic biomass

Alvin B. Culaba, Andres Philip Mayol, Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Carlo L. Vinoya, Ronnie S. Concepcion, Argel A. Bandala, Ryan Rhay P. Vicerra, Aristotle T. Ubando, Wei-Hsin Chen, Jo-Shu Chang

Summary: Lignocellulosic biomass is seen as a sustainable feedstock for biorefineries, but challenges like commercialization and cost effectiveness exist. This article emphasizes studies on the sustainability of LCB and the role of computational intelligence methods in improving biorefineries.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Adsorption of metal on pineapple leaf biochar: Key affecting factors, mechanism identification, and regeneration evaluation

Kesinee Iamsaard, Chih-Huang Weng, Li-Ting Yen, Jing-Hua Tzeng, Chakkrit Poonpakdee, Yao-Tung Lin

Summary: This study provides direct evidence on the adsorption mechanisms of Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) on pineapple leaf biochar (PLB) through surface characteristics analyses, and proposes cation release, cation exchange, and surface complexation mechanisms. The PLB shows high regenerability and ultrahigh adsorption capacity, making it a promising adsorbent for metal-laden wastewater treatment in future applications.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Carbon nanotube incorporated eucalyptus derived activated carbon-based novel adsorbent for efficient removal of methylene blue and eosin yellow dyes

Shailesh K. Yadav, S. R. Dhakate, Bhanu Pratap Singh

Summary: A novel carbon nanotube-incorporated eucalyptus-derived activated carbon-based adsorbent was synthesized for the removal of dyes from wastewater. The maximum adsorption efficiency for methylene blue and eosin yellow was found to be 49.61 and 49.15 mg/g, respectively, with the pseudo second order model best describing the reaction kinetics involved in the process. This activated carbon adsorbent shows great promise for water decontamination applications.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Emerging technologies for biodiesel production: Processes, challenges, and opportunities

Arman Amani Babadi, Shahrooz Rahmati, Rafieh Fakhlaei, Bahram Barati, Shuang Wang, William Doherty, Kostya Ostrikov

Summary: Fossil fuel shortages and increasing interest in renewable energy have led to a rise in biodiesel production. This study discusses the advancements and challenges in biodiesel production technologies, focusing on established catalytic technologies as well as emerging alternative techniques. The limitations of conventional technologies are highlighted, while the potential of new techniques in lowering production costs and promoting industrial scale-up is emphasized. Furthermore, the study explores the applications of glycerol by-products for economical biodiesel production. These alternative technologies not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provide a solution to fossil fuel shortages and high demand.

BIOMASS & BIOENERGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Production of biochar from rice straw and its application for wastewater remediation-An overview

Shin Ying Foong, Yi Herng Chan, Bridgid Lai Fui Chin, Serene Sow Mun Lock, Cia Yin Yee, Chung Loong Yiin, Wanxi Peng, Su Shiung Lam

Summary: Biochar as a green and low-cost adsorbent offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical-intensive and expensive wastewater treatment technologies. Upgrading biochar through modification techniques enhances its adsorption capacity and robustness for efficient removal of metal ions and organic compounds in wastewater. Future research should focus on the optimal temperature and pH levels that affect the efficiency of contaminants removal by biochar.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Microbial valorization of lignin: Prospects and challenges

R. Reshmy, Palanisamy Athiyaman Balakumaran, K. Divakar, Eapen Philip, Aravind Madhavan, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi, Ranjna Sirohi, Parameswaran Binod, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Raveendran Sindhu

Summary: Lignin, the second most prevalent biomaterial, can be valorized using bacteria to produce valuable products. Challenges include product separation and purification difficulties, as well as methods to enhance lignin decomposition.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Agricultural Engineering

A review on the diverse interactions between microalgae and nanomaterials: Growth variation, photosynthetic performance and toxicity

Zhi Lin Lau, Sze Shin Low, Ejikeme Raphael Ezeigwe, Kit Wayne Chew, Wai Siong Chai, Amit Bhatnagar, Yee Jiun Yap, Pau Loke Show

Summary: This study reviews the interactions between nanomaterials (NMs) and microalgae, finding that NMs can improve microalgal growth and photosynthetic efficiency at low concentrations, but have negative effects at higher concentrations. The toxicity of different types of NMs on microalgae varies.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Agricultural Engineering

Recent advances in hydrodynamic cavitation-based pretreatments of lignocellulosic biomass for valorization

Xun Sun, Shuai Liu, Xinyan Zhang, Yang Tao, Grzegorz Boczkaj, Joon Yong Yoon, Xiaoxu Xuan

Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in hydrodynamic cavitation-based pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) and evaluates its effectiveness in delignification, fermentation, paper production, and other applications. The enhancement mechanism of hydrodynamic cavitation, including physical and chemical effects, is analyzed. Several key operational factors are discussed, and future research directions on this technology are highlighted.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Torrefaction, temperature, and heating rate dependencies of pyrolysis of coffee grounds: Its performances, bio-oils, and emissions

Jiawei Fu, Jingyong Liu, Weijie Xu, Zhibin Chen, Fatih Evrendilek, Shuiyu Sun

Summary: The study demonstrates that torrefaction pretreatment can improve the efficiency of coffee grounds pyrolysis, decrease activation energy, and promote the generation of C=C. The optimal conditions are pyrolysis temperature > 600 degrees C and torrefaction temperature <= 270 degrees C. Different torrefaction temperatures have an impact on the composition ratio of bio-oils, with 200 and 250 degrees C potentially being more suitable for the torrefaction of coffee grounds.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Impregnation of phytic acid into the delignified wood to realize excellent flame retardant

Kaihao Wang, Dan Meng, Shuheng Wang, Jun Sun, Hongfei Li, Xiaoyu Gu, Sheng Zhang

Summary: Introducing bio-based acid sources into the cellulose lumens effectively enhances the flame retardant properties of wooden products. The treated wood showed significantly improved flame retardancy and mechanical properties, making it a promising option for furniture applications.

INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Anaerobic co-digestion of various organic wastes: Kinetic modeling and synergistic impact evaluation

Renisha Karki, Wachiranon Chuenchart, K. C. Surendra, Shihwu Sung, Lutgarde Raskin, Samir Kumar Khanal

Summary: Anaerobic mono- and co-digestion of coffee pulp, cattle manure, food waste, and dewatered sewage sludge were evaluated using biochemical methane potential tests. Mono-digestion of coffee pulp and food waste yielded higher methane yields compared to the co-digestion ratios examined, with no synergistic or antagonistic effects observed. Nine different kinetic models were compared, with cone and modified Gompertz models identified as best-fit for mono- and co-digestion of coffee pulp and cattle manure, and superimposed model for food waste and dewatered sewage sludge.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Precision Irrigation Management Using Machine Learning and Digital Farming Solutions

Emmanuel Abiodun Abioye, Oliver Hensel, Travis J. Esau, Olakunle Elijah, Mohamad Shukri Zainal Abidin, Ajibade Sylvester Ayobami, Omosun Yerima, Abozar Nasirahmadi

Summary: Freshwater is crucial for agriculture and the integration of different machine learning models can optimize irrigation decision management. This paper reviews the research trend of machine learning techniques in sustainable irrigation management and discusses the use of digital farming solutions for remote monitoring and control.

AGRIENGINEERING (2022)

Review Agricultural Engineering

Synthesis of Bio-based monomers and polymers using microbes for a sustainable bioeconomy

Sourbh Thakur, Jyoti Chaudhary, Pardeep Singh, Walaa F. Alsanie, Sotirios A. Grammatikos, Vijay Kumar Thakur

Summary: Renewable biomass-based chemical extraction has gained attention due to environmental concerns and depletion of biomass assets. Bio-based chemicals provide opportunities for sustainable development of non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible products, particularly in biomedical applications. Researchers are focused on developing innovative technologies with social benefits utilizing renewable feedstock bio-resources through microbial fermentation.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Agricultural Engineering

A review on physico-chemical delignification as a pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for enhanced bioconversion

Sumitha Banu Jamaldheen, Mayur B. Kurade, Bikram Basak, Chang Geun Yoo, Kyeong Keun Oh, Byong-Hun Jeon, Tae Hyun Kim

Summary: This review summarizes various physicochemical pretreatment methods for delignification and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The article also discusses methods for overcoming lignin recalcitrance and recovering lignin, providing insights for sustainable lignocellulosic biorefinery.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass: Technological advances and challenges

Reeta Rani Singhania, Anil Kumar Patel, Anusuiya Singh, Dibyajyoti Haldar, Shveta Soam, Chiu-Wen Chen, Mei -Ling Tsai, Cheng-Di Dong

Summary: Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) is a production method that directly produces value-added compounds from biomass, reducing inputs and chemical use. However, commercialization has been limited due to low conversion efficiency. The key challenge is developing a cost-effective CBP process with bifunctional catalysts.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Agricultural Engineering

Effect of temperature on simultaneous separation and extraction of hemicellulose using p-toluenesulfonic acid treatment at atmospheric pressure

Chengqi Feng, Jiatian Zhu, Yajun Hou, Chengrong Qin, Wangqian Chen, Yuhao Nong, Zhangpeng Liao, Chen Liang, Huiyang Bian, Shuangquan Yao

Summary: This study effectively separated and extracted hemicelluloses using p-toluenesulfonic acid treatment. The effects of temperature, p-TsOH concentration, and time were investigated, and optimal conditions were determined. Additionally, the dissolution mechanism of hemicellulose was analyzed.

BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY (2022)