Search Results (40)

The sustainable utilization of rice straw is challenged by its recalcitrant lignocellulosic structure, especially under low-to-moderate field temperatures. In this study, a novel microbial consortium (SXJG15) mainly containing Sphingobacterium, Azospirillum, and Pseudomonas was enriched from overwintering rice stubble in Zhejiang, China, and evaluated for its rice straw degradation efficiency at 25 °C. Over an 18-day cultivation period, SXJG15 achieved a 52.5% degradation of total rice straw, including 60.2% cellulose, 76.3% hemicellulose, and 40.7% lignin. High extracellular enzymatic activities, including cellulases (up to 80.3 U/mL) and xylanases (up to 324.8 U/mL), were observed during the biodegradation process. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics analyses revealed a succession of dominant taxa, including Sphingobacterium, Azospirillum, and Cellulomonas. Further, CAZy annotation indicated that the SXJG15 enzyme system was rich in glycoside hydrolases (42.7%) and glycosyltransferases (34.2%), demonstrating its high potential for lignocellulose degradation. This study uniquely demonstrates the mesophilic (moderate temperature 25 °C) efficiency of SXJG15 in lignocellulose breakdown, provides new insights into the microbial mechanisms of straw decomposition, and lays a foundation for bioenergy and soil fertility applications for developing a sustainable agriculture system. Full article

The aim of the work was to innovate in the field of biodegradable straws by valorizing waste materials, specifically spent coffee grounds (SCG), in combination with food-grade biopolymers. Biodegradable straws were produced using pork gelatin and three starch types (corn, rice, and potato) via a dipping technique designed to ensure reproducible layer formation and structural stability. The prepared straws were analyzed for their physicochemical, antioxidant, textural, and solubility properties. Antioxidant potential was assessed using multiple assays (FRAP, ABTS, and CUPRAC), along with determinations of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Texture analysis was conducted to evaluate hardness, fracturability, and compression in comparison with commercial paper and plastic straws. Biodegradability was examined through solubility tests in distilled and seawater. The addition of SCG markedly enhanced antioxidant capacity and increased polyphenol and flavonoid contents, while starch type influenced mechanical performance, with rice starch-based straws showing the highest hardness values. All straws demonstrated complete dissolution in both distilled and seawater within 24 h, confirming rapid biodegradation. The results highlight the dual advantage of SCG incorporation: improving functional properties through antioxidant enrichment and reinforcing environmental sustainability by valorizing food industry waste. This study demonstrates the potential of SCG-enhanced straws as a scalable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional single-use plastics. Full article

Houses constructed using straw bales have typically been built from wheat, rice, or barley straw, depending on local availability. Miscanthus is a perennial biomass crop with a high lignocellulose content that is grown on agriculturally marginal land. We describe the construction and as-built performance of what we believe to be the world’s first Miscanthus straw bale building. We describe the practical differences in working with the material that arise due to the slightly different physical properties of the baled material. The moisture content of the walls 17 months after construction was 11.3 ± 0.5% (pre-construction 10.72 ± 0.4% n.s.d). The in situ U value of the wall was 0.162 W/m²K, which compares to a reported U value of 0.189 W/m²K in wheat straw bale buildings of comparable wall thickness. Given the greater resistance of Miscanthus to biodegradation than wheat straw, its wider use as a construction material should be considered. Full article

Packaging demand currently exceeds 144 Mt per year, of which >90% is conventional plastic, generating over 100 Mt of waste and 1.8 Gt CO₂-eq emissions annually. In this review, we systematically survey three classes of lignocellulosic feedstocks, agricultural residues, fruit and vegetable by-products, and forestry wastes, with respect to their physicochemical composition (cellulose crystallinity, hemicellulose ratio, and lignin content) and key processing pathways. We then examine fabrication routes (solvent casting, extrusion, and compression molding) and quantify how compositional variables translate into film performance: tensile strength, elongation at break (4–10%), water vapor transmission rate, thermal stability, and biodegradation kinetics. Highlighted case studies include the reinforcement of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with 7 wt% oxidized nanocellulose, yielding a >90% increase in tensile strength and a 50% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), as well as pilot-scale extrusion of rice straw/polylactic acid (PLA) blends. We also assess techno-economic metrics and life-cycle impacts. Finally, we identify four priority research directions: harmonizing pretreatment protocols to reduce batch variability, scaling up nanocellulose extraction and film casting, improving marine-environment biodegradation, and integrating circular economy supply chains through regional collaboration and policy frameworks. Full article

This study investigated the conversion of cellulose from rice husk (RH) and straw (RS), two types of agricultural waste, into Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Cellulose was extracted using KOH and NaOH, hydrolyzed, and bleached to increase purity and fineness. The cellulose synthesis yielded a higher net CMC content for RH-CMC (84.8%) than for RS-CMC (57.7%). Due to smaller particle sizes, RH-CMC exhibited lower NaCl content (0.77%) and higher purity. FT-IR analysis confirmed similar functional groups to commercial CMC, while XRD analysis presented a more amorphous structure and a higher degree of carboxymethylation. A biodegradable film preparation of starch-based CMC using citric acid as a crosslinking agent shows food packaging properties. The biodegradable film demonstrated good swelling, water solubility, and moisture content, with desirable mechanical properties, maximum load (6.54 N), tensile strength (670.52 kN/m²), elongation at break (13.3%), and elastic modulus (2679 kN/m²), indicating durability and flexibility. The RH-CMC film showed better chemical and mechanical properties and complete biodegradability in soil within ten days. Applying the biodegradable film for tomato preservation showed that wrapping with the film reduced weight loss more efficiently than dip coating. The additional highlight of the work was a consumer survey in Thailand that revealed low awareness but significant interest in switching to alternative uses, indicating commercial potential for eco-friendly packaging choices and market opportunities for sustainable materials. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in 3D printing for its biodegradability and ease of processing, but its brittleness and low impact strength often restrict its suitability for more demanding applications. The novelty of this work lies in its direct comparative approach: we systematically reinforce PLA with two distinct agricultural residues—rice husk and rice straw—under identical conditions to clarify how particle size (100 vs. 200 mesh) and NaOH surface treatment affect mechanical performance. Composite filaments containing 5–20 wt% of each fiber were produced and 3D-printed into standard tensile and flexural specimens. The results show that, although tensile strength declines at higher fiber loadings, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and impact resistance can improve significantly—particularly with 200-mesh and NaOH-treated fibers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms partial lignin removal and enhanced cellulose exposure, improving fiber–matrix adhesion, which is corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of reduced voids. This comparative study demonstrates that surface-treated, finely milled rice husk and rice straw significantly enhance PLA’s stiffness and toughness, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional polymeric additives. The insights gained here on fiber content, chemical treatment, and 3D printing parameters can guide the broader industrial adoption of these natural fiber-reinforced PLA composites, particularly in automotive and construction applications that require lightweight, durable materials. Full article

Although chitosan (CS) is used in many industries because of its low cost, biodegradability, nontoxic, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities, it lacks sufficient mechanical and barrier properties. Biodegradable polymers based on CS, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and starch (S) were prepared at various ratios (1/3/6 and 1/5/4) via a blending polymerization process in the presence of water as the solvent and glacial acetic acid as the catalyst. The obtained biodegradable polymers were characterized via FTIR, TGA, SEM, and mechanical tests. The biodegradable polymers were mixed with rice straw and carbon black to study the effects of rice straw and carbon black on the physicomechanical properties of the biodegradable polymer films, including viscosity, tensile strength, elongation, and contact angle. The incorporation of rice straw and carbon black into a polymer blend significantly enhanced the physical and mechanical properties while also boosting their biodegradability by 36% and 15%, respectively, due to their biological activity. Notably, the CS/PVA/S blend with a ratio of 1/5/4, combined with rice straw, emerged as the standout performer. It exhibited superior mechanical strength and the shortest degradation time, outperforming the CS/PVA/S blended with a ratio of 1/3/6 mixed with carbon black. According to these findings, the biodegradable polymers became more soluble as the temperature increased from 30 to 45 °C. Full article

This study explores the development of a biodegradable hydroponic substrate derived from rice straw, aiming to address environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and nutritional challenges in agriculture. Traditional non-biodegradable substrates like rockwool have inherent limitations, while the substrates developed herein offer sustainable alternatives by utilizing agricultural waste. This paper details the comprehensive process of converting rice straw into an effective hydroponic substrate through cutting, soaking, defibrating, compressing, and drying. It also evaluates key physical properties such as density, porosity, and permeability. The results indicate that the rice straw substrate meets hydroponic cultivation standards, with a density range of 0.07–0.1 g/cm³, porosity between 88 and 92%, and saturated permeability ranging from 0.02 to 0.08 cm/s, thus demonstrating its potential as a viable substitute for conventional substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM-EDS analysis show that the rice straw substrates exhibit a coarse texture and uniform cellulose particle size. The primary elements identified were carbon (C), oxygen (O), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), and calcium (Ca). Full article

Currently, plastic is used being without any limitations. The livestock sector is no stranger to its use. For example, artificial insemination involves the use of different plastic materials, including semen straws and insemination catheters, which increase the levels of waste in our environment. Finding a sustainable solution to avoid plastic materials is a challenge. The aim of this study was to examine different biodegradable materials as alternatives to conventional syringes used for refrigerated equine semen. The materials tested were bamboo, avocado, grass, paper, Kraft paper, wheat, and rice. Bamboo and avocado were selected to continue testing with the refrigerated semen with a lifespan extended by INRA 96^®; the rest of the materials did not meet the requirements necessary for preservation. Motility and movement kinetics tests were performed at 24 and 96 h of refrigeration to evaluate semen quality; relative to the control, significantly better results were displayed in regard to the total and progressive motility avocado straws. The kinetic parameters were comparable to the control for both materials and within normal ranges. After performing a microbiological control process for both straws, it was confirmed that there was no bacterial growth in either straw. We can confirm that avocado straws can be used to preserve chilled equine semen, guaranteeing seminal quality while being respectful to the environment. Full article

Membrane filtration is one of the preferred choices for petroleum wastewater disposal due to its simplicity and low energy consumption. In this paper, a biodegradable superhydrophobic membrane based on loofah and rice straw (LF-RS) was prepared and modified with dodecyltriethoxysilane to improve its stability, morphology, and performance. The membrane showed an efficiency of 99.06% for oil/water separation with an average water flux of 2057.37 Lm⁻²h⁻¹ and a tensile strength of 11.19 MPa. The tensile strength of the LF-RS membrane was 322.47% higher than that of the PVDF membrane and 126.58% higher than that of the commercially available nitrocellulose membrane. Through molecular simulations, we showed a 96.3% reduction in interaction energy between water and membrane post-modification, which is beneficial for increasing the contact angle and separation performance. This study provides an option for the large-scale, cost-effective fabrication of eco-friendly membranes for pollutant removal. Full article

Biomass waste, which is biodegradable and vastly underutilized, is generated in huge quantities worldwide. Forestry and agricultural biomass wastes are notable for their wide availability, high yield, biodegradability, and recyclability. The accumulation of these wastes not only occupies valuable land but causes serious environmental pollution, which can ultimately harm human health. Therefore, leveraging scientific technology to convert forestry and agricultural bio-waste into bioenergy and other valuable products is crucial. In this paper, common forestry and agricultural bio-waste such as straw, rice husks, livestock manure, tree branches, sawdust, and bioenergy (bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel, biohydrogen) were selected as keywords, with the theme of green and efficient utilization. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the sources of biomass waste, existing recycling technologies, and the potential of forestry and agricultural bio-waste as material additives and for conversion to biomass energy and other derivatives, along with future recycling prospects. Full article

The crop straw returning to the field is a widely accepted method to utilize and remediate huge agricultural waste in a short period. However, the low temperatures and dry conditions of the winter season in Southwest China can be challenging for the biodegradation of crop straw in the field. With a similar aim, we designed a short-term study where rice straw was applied to the field with different concentrations of nitrogen (N) fertilizer while keeping phosphorus (P) constant; CK, (N0P0); T1, (N0P90); T2, (N60P90); T3, (N120P90); and T4, (N180P90) were added to evaluate its impact on straw degradation during cold weather. We found that high fertilization (T4) significantly improved crop yield, organic matter, and lignocellulose degradation under cold temperatures (21.5–3.2 °C). It also significantly improved soil nitrogen agronomic efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrogen physiological efficiency. The yield was highest in T4 (1690 and 1399 kg/ha), while T3 acted positively on soil lignocellulolytic enzyme activity, which in turn resulted in higher degradation of OM and lignocellulosic material. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus were important variables that had a significant impact on soil EC, bulk density, water holding capacity, and soil enzymes. We found that nitrogen application significantly changed the soil bacterial community by increasing the richness and evenness of lignocellulolytic bacteria, which aided the degradation of straw in a short duration. This study’s finding indicates that the decomposition of crop straw in the field under cold weather stress was dependent on nutrient input, and N, in an appropriate amount (N120-180), was suitable to achieve higher yield and higher decomposition of straw in such an environment. Full article

To standardize, systematize, and improve the efficiency of the evaluation of biodegradable materials for large-scale biogas projects to support clean and sustainable energy development in emerging economies from a sub-Saharan African perspective, this paper analyzes and fits the potential for methane production (biochemical methane potential, BMP) and degradation kinetics of materials based on the gas production and degradation dynamics obtained from methane potential experiments. The first-order, modified first-order, and Gompertz models are used for analysis and fitting. The Gompertz model shows higher accuracy in fitting the methane production potential curve of screened materials, and the fitted methane potential values are close to the experimental values. When using BMP_1% (cumulative gas production reaching 1% of cumulative gas production per day) as a quantitative indicator for the methane production potential of materials, the cumulative methane production reaches over 85% of the cumulative methane production at the end of the experiment. The BMP test time is shortened by 26.98% to 72.06%. Among the screened materials, the methane production potential (calculated using BMP_1%) of dry rice straw, maize leaves, fresh rice, soybean straw, maize stalks, chicken manure hydrolysate, chicken feathers, kitchen/food waste, and chicken offal are 234.14, 241.01, 253.34, 331.40, 305.80, 508.41, 510.10, 630.7, and 621.32 mL/g, respectively. The kinetic parameters show that among the nine materials, cellulose materials (except for maize stalks and soybean straw), chicken manure, and kitchen waste are easily degradable materials. In contrast, chicken feathers and offal are slowly degradable materials. The study posits that comparing standardized methane production potential and methane production kinetic parameters among materials improves the efficiency of screening materials and is critical for biogas projects. Full article

The stability and composting behaviour of monolayers and laminates of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and starch with and without active extracts and cellulose fibres from rice straw (RS) were evaluated. The retrogradation of the starch throughout storage (1, 5, and 10 weeks) gave rise to stiffer and less extensible monolayers with lower water vapour barrier capacity. In contrast, the PLA monolayers, with or without extract, did not show marked changes with storage. However, these changes were more attenuated in the bilayers that gained water vapour and oxygen barrier capacity during storage, maintaining the values of the different properties close to the initial range. The bioactivity of the active films exhibited a slight decrease during storage, so the antioxidant capacity is better preserved in the bilayers. All monolayer and bilayer films were fully composted within 90 days but with different behaviour. The bilayer assembly enhanced the biodegradation of PLA, whose monolayer exhibited a lag period of about 35 days. The active extract reduced the biodegradation rate of both mono- and bilayers but did not limit the material biodegradation within the time established in the Standard. Therefore, PLA–starch laminates, with or without the valorised fractions from RS, can be considered as biodegradable and stable materials for food packaging applications. Full article

Plastic containers, commonly produced from non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), raise significant environmental concerns due to their persistence. The disposal of agricultural waste, specifically rice straw (RS), through burning, further compounds these environmental issues. In response, this study explores the integration of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable material, with RS using a twin-screw extruder and injection process, resulting in the creation of a biodegradable packaging material. The inclusion of RS led to a decrease in the melt flow rate, thermal stability, and tensile strength, while concurrently enhancing the hydrophilic properties of the composite polymers. Additionally, the incorporation of maleic anhydride (MA) contributed to a reduction in the water absorption rate. The optimized formulation underwent migration testing and met the standards for food packaging products. Furthermore, no MA migration was detected from the composite. This approach not only provides a practical solution for the disposal of RS, but also serves as an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic plastic waste. Full article