Search Results (48)

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), spent coffee grounds from espresso production (SCG), faba bean harvest residues (FBR), pistachio shells (PS) wheat straw (WS) (control) agro-industrial waste were combined in different ratios, with or without supplements (wheat bran, soybean flour), to create novel substrates for Pleurotus columbinus growth. The impact of the substrates on the mycelial growth rate (Kr), biomass production, laccase, total cellulases and carbohydrate synthesis, along with the C and N consumption by P. columbinus, were examined in fully colonized substrates. The incubation period, earliness and biological efficiency (B.E.) (%) were also determined. Then, the intracellular polysaccharide (ICP) contents of the P. columbinus produced mushrooms were evaluated in the most promising substrates. P. columbinus was grown successfully in a wide range of C/N ratios of substrates and the fastest Kr (7.6 mm/d) was detected on the 70 SMS-30 FBR, without supplements, whereas substrates consisting of SCG enhanced biomass production (700.0–803.7 mg/g d.w.). SMS and PS or SCG led to the shortest incubation and earliness period of P. columbinus. The C content was reduced and the N content was substantially increased in all the colonized substrates. The 70 SMS-30 FBR and 80 SMS considerably enhanced the laccase production (up to 59,933.4 U/g d.w.) and substrates consisting of PS promoted total cellulases activities. Greater amounts of carbohydrates (3.8–17.4 mg/g d.w.) than that in the control were recorded for all the substrates. The combination of SMS and SCG or WS led to the highest B.E. values (59.3–87.1%) and ICP amounts (34.7–45.9%, w/w), regardless of the supplement addition. These findings support the effective utilization of agro-industrial waste in P. columbinus cultivation, producing high-value-added compounds and supporting mushroom growth. Full article

In a global context where sustainability is becoming a priority in construction, this paper analyzes the use of composite materials based on clay and plant waste, offering an ecological alternative to conventional materials. This article analyzes the mechanical properties of composite materials made from clay with walnut shell inserts, shredded biomass from corn stalks, wheat straw, and wool waste. These materials are developed for sustainable rural construction. The study evaluates flexural and compressive strength based on measurements at varying insert concentrations. The results indicate that mechanical strength decreases as insert concentration increases. The materials are suitable for partitions and insulating walls, and in lightweight buildings without floors, they can be used as load-bearing walls if reinforced with wood or metal. Future research directions include improving the estimation of mechanical behavior, studying rheological characteristics under environmental conditions, and expanding the application of clay and plant waste composites. Full article

To investigate the effects of biochar on the availability of trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in soils with different properties, biochar derived from wheat straw (WSBC) and peanut shells (PSBC) was added to red and yellow-brown soils for pot experiments. The results showed that WSBC and PSBC significantly increased the red and yellow-brown soils’ organic matter (SOM) and available potassium (AK), C, and C/N, especially with WSBC in red soil. The total and available amounts of trace elements in red and yellow-brown soil decreased after biochar was applied, where the effect of WSBC on the available of Fe, Mn, and Zn was greater than that of PSBC and the effect on the available contents of Fe, Mn, and Zn was less than that of PSBC. WSBC and PSBC decreased the contents of Fe, Mn, and Zn in the grains in both soils, while they increased the content of Cu in the grains. According to the results of a canonical correlation analysis, there was a competitive relationship between Mn and Cu in the grains. Fe and Zn in the grains were negatively correlated with AP in red soil and positively correlated with AP in yellow-brown soil. This study evaluates the effect of biochar on soil nutrient cycles, ultimately maximizing the application of biochar in the field of agriculture. Full article

Copper (Cu) is a critical micronutrient for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), essential for growth and grain baking quality, yet its availability is limited because Cu is specifically adsorbed on colloids of highly weathered tropical soils like Oxisols. This study hypothesizes that Cu-doped biochar composites can outperform traditional Cu fertilizers in improving wheat growth and Cu use efficiency. Composites were synthesized from chicken manure (FCM), shrimp shells (FSC), and sewage sludge (FSS), doped with copper sulfate (CuSO₄5H₂O) or copper oxide (CuO), and pyrolyzed at 300 °C or 550 °C. The experimental design involved greenhouse trials in two Oxisols (RYL and DRL), assessing Cu release kinetics, plant Cu uptake, and dry matter production. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful Cu integration. Results revealed that CSS/CS-5 (FSS + CuSO₄5H₂O at 550 °C) improved Cu uptake and shoot biomass in DRL soil, while CSC/CS-3 (FSC + CuSO₄5H₂O at 300 °C) enhanced wheat CuSO₄5H₂O growth in RYL soil. Peak Cu availability varied by CuSO₄5H₂O soil and composite type, with residual Cu highest CuSO₄5H₂O in CuSO₄5H₂O-treated soils. These findings demonstrate that Cu–biochar composites, tailored to soil conditions, offer a sustainable alternative to mineral Cu fertilizers by enhancing the nutrient availability and wheat grain yield. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolomic profile of T. molitor larvae reared on the following innovative growth substrates: wheat bran (control, CTRL); wheat bran supplemented with 12.5% w/w chestnut shell (TRT1); and wheat bran supplemented with 25% w/w chestnut shell (TRT2) for 14 days of trial. At the end of this experiment, larvae were transformed into insect meals for nutritional characterization. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was carried out to evaluate the metabolomic profile of organic acids, sugars, nitrogen bases and derivates, fatty acids, and other compounds. Chemical analysis showed an increased level of crude protein in TRT1 compared to CTRL and TRT2 (p = 0.0391). The metabolite profiles of TRT1 and TRT2 were similar to each other but distinct from those of the CTRL group. Notably, larvae enriched with chestnut shells revealed the presence of uracil, uridine, and glucose, while fumarate was absent. The enrichment analysis showed that in TRT1 and TRT2, the glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism was more relevant compared to CTRL. These findings indicate that chestnut shell inclusion affects the larvae metabolism of T. molitor and demonstrates the effectiveness of NMR spectroscopy in revealing a relation between insect metabolism and growth substrate. Full article

Medicines are pharmaceutical substances used to treat, prevent, or relieve symptoms of different diseases in animals and humans. However, their large-scale production and use worldwide cause their release to the environment. Pharmaceutical molecules are currently considered emerging pollutants that enter water bodies due to inadequate management, affecting water quality and generating adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Hence, different alternatives for pharmaceuticals removal from water have been sought; among them, the use of agro-industrial wastes has been proposed, mainly because of its high availability and low cost. This review highlights the adverse ecotoxicological effects related to the presence of different pharmaceuticals on aquatic environments and analyzes 94 investigations, from 2012 to 2024, on the removal of 17 antibiotics, highlighting sulfamethoxazole as the most reported, as well as 6 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, and 27 pharmaceutical drugs with different pharmacological activities. The removal of these drugs was evaluated using agro-industrial wastes such as wheat straw, mung bean husk, bagasse, bamboo, olive stones, rice straw, pinewood, rice husk, among others. On average, 60% of the agro-industrial wastes were transformed into biochar to be used as a biosorbents for pharmaceuticals removal. The diversity in experimental conditions among the removal studies makes it difficult to stablish which agro-industrial waste has the greatest removal capacity; therefore, in this review, the drug mass removal rate (DMRR) was calculated, a parameter used with comparative purposes. Almond shell-activated biochar showed the highest removal rate for antibiotics (1940 mg/g·h), while cork powder (CP) (10,420 mg/g·h) showed the highest for NSAIDs. Therefore, scientific evidence demonstrates that agro-industrial waste is a promising alternative for the removal of emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals substances. Full article

The behavior of wheat straw biomass (WS), woody sawdust biomass (WB), and their blends during catalytic co-pyrolysis are analyzed in the presence of CaO catalyst, which is obtained from the calcination of mussel shells. Synergy analysis of blends and pure materials is measured by studying the difference between theoretical and experimental values of wt.%/min, (RL%), and (WL%), which correspond to maximum weight loss rate, residue left, and weight loss, respectively. The Coats–Redfern method is utilized for evaluating the thermo-kinetic properties. The chemical reaction order model F1 is the best model that describes the Ea of 60.05 kJ/mol and ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S values of 55.03 kJ/mol, 162.26 kJ/mol, and −0.18 kJ/mol.K, respectively, for the optimum blend 80WS−20WB, reducing the thermo-kinetic properties. Model D3 showed better results for the Ea, ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S for the 5% CaO blend, which certified the viability of co-pyrolysis of WS and WB, while DTG indicated that exothermic and endothermic reactions occur together. Full article

The effects of replacing 5–25% of wheat flour (WF) with Taiwanese cocoa bean shells (CBSs) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, starch digestion, and sensory properties of the bread were studied. The lead (0.18) and cadmium (0.77) contents (mg/kg) of the CBSs were below the Codex Alimentarius specifications for cocoa powder. Ochratoxin A and aflatoxins (B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂) were not detected in the CBSs. The CBSs were rich in dietary fiber (42.9%) and bioactive components and showed good antioxidant capacity. The ash, fat, protein, dietary fiber, crumb a* and c*, hardness, chewiness, total phenols, and antioxidant activities of the bread increased with an increasing CBSs level. The starch hydrolysis rate (45.1–36.49%) of the CBS breads at 180 min was lower than that of the control (49.6%). The predicted glycemic index of the bread (CBS20 and CBS25) with 20–25% of the WF replaced with CBSs was classified as a medium-GI food using white bread as a reference. In the nine-point hedonic test, the overall preference scores were highest for control (6.8) and CBS breads, where CBSs replaced 5–10% of WF, with scores of 7.2 and 6.7. CBS20 supplemented with an additional 20–30% water improved its volume, specific volume, and staling rate, but the overall liking score (6.5–7.2) was not significantly different from the control (p > 0.05). Overall, partially replacing wheat flour with CBSs in the production of baked bread can result in a new medium-GI value food containing more dietary fiber, bioactive compounds, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Full article

Methane produced from paddy fields has a negative impact on global climate change. However, the role of soil bacterial community composition in mediating methane (CH₄) emission from waterlogged paddy soil using the column experiment is poorly known. In the present study, various fertilization treatments were adopted to investigate the effects of fertilizer reduction combined with organic materials (CK: control; CF: conventional fertilization; RF: 20% fertilizer reduction; RFWS: RF plus wheat straw amendment; RFRS: RF plus rapeseed shell amendment; RFAS: RF plus astragalus smicus amendment) on CH₄ emission and soil bacterial community during an 85-day leaching experiment. We hypothesized that the fertilizer reduction plus the organic materials could enrich the bacterial communities and increase CH₄ emission. The average CH₄ flux varied from 0.03 μg m⁻² h⁻¹ to 76.19 μg m⁻² h⁻¹ among all treatments in the nine sampling times, which may account for the experimental conditions such as air temperature, moisture, and anthropogenic factors. In addition, high-throughput sequencing was utilized to investigate the alteration of the soil bacterial community structure. It was revealed that the diversity and composition of the bacterial community in the topsoil amended with organic materials underwent significant shifts after the 85-day leaching experiment. Proteobacteria was identified as the dominant phylum of the soil bacteria, with an average proportion of 35.2%. For Firmicutes, the proportion of RFRS (11%) was higher than that in the CK (8%), RF (8%), RFWS (7%), RFAS (6%), and CF (5%) treatments. Additionally, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobateria were supposed to be the major class bacterial communities, with average proportions of 12.8% and 12.2%, respectively. For the RFWS treatment, the contribution of Alphaproteobateria was the highest among all the bacterial relative abundance. According to the correlation heatmap analysis, the top ten bacterial communities were positively related to soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) (p < 0.01). The findings also indicated that the RFRS treatment was the favorable management to alleviate CH₄ emission during an 85-day leaching experiment or possibly in paddy production. Collectively, these results predict that the impacts of different treatments on CH₄ production are strongly driven by soil microbial communities and soil properties, with soil bacteria being more prone to the crop residue degradation stage and more sensitive to soil properties. The discoveries presented in this study will be useful for assessing the efficacy and mechanisms of organic material amendments on CH₄ emissions in paddy soil. Full article

Tenebrio molitor larvae represent a sustainable protein source for food and feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of chestnut shell, a by-product of the agro-industrial chain, in growth substrates for T. molitor larvae rearing. Seven-week-old larvae were reared on three different growth substrates: the control group (CTRL) was fed wheat bran, treatment group one was fed wheat bran supplemented with 12.5% w/w chestnut shell (TRT1), and treatment group two was fed wheat bran supplemented with 25% w/w chestnut shell (TRT2). Larval weight, substrate consumption, and mortality were recorded weekly. After 14 days, insect meals were produced for bromatological and colorimetric analysis, and bacterial inhibition activity assay using a microdilution method. The amino acid profile of insects was determined using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our results showed a lower feed conversion ratio and higher larval survival rate % in TRT2 compared to CTRL (p < 0.05). Proteins and lipids of TRT2 were higher than other groups (p < 0.05). Important differences were observed in the amino acid profile of TRT1 and TRT2 compared to CTRL (p < 0.05). TRT1 and TRT2 showed higher E. coli inhibitory activity than CTRL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, chestnut shell supplementation improved the survival and functional characteristics of larvae and likely impacted the insects’ metabolism. Full article

Sorption technologies are essential for various industries because they provide product quality and process efficiency. New encapsulated microspherical composite sorbents have been developed for resource-saving contact drying of thermolabile materials, particularly grain and seeds of crops. Magnesium sulfate, known for its high water capacity, fast sorption kinetics, and easy regeneration, was used as an active moisture sorption component. To localize the active component, porous carriers with an accessible internal volume and a perforated glass–crystalline shell were used. These carriers were created by acid etching of cenospheres with different structures isolated from fly ash. The amount of magnesium sulfate included in the internal volume of the microspherical carrier was 38 wt % for cenospheres with ring structures and 26 wt % for cenospheres with network structures. Studies of the moisture sorption properties of composite sorbents on wheat seeds have shown that after 4 h of contact drying the moisture content of wheat decreases from 22.5 to 14.9–15.5 wt %. Wheat seed germination after sorption drying was 95 ± 2%. The advantage of composite sorbents is the encapsulation of the desiccant in the inner volume of perforated cenospheres, which prevents its entrainment and contamination and provides easy separation and stable sorption capacity in several cycles. Full article

Bioconversion in biorefineries is a way to valorize residues from agriculture and food processing. Pretreatment is an important step in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials, including crop residues. This Special Issue includes nine articles on several pretreatment and bioconversion approaches applied to different agricultural residues and food-processing by-products. The materials addressed in this collection cover straw from wheat, rye, and miscanthus, olive tree pruning residue, almond shells and husks, avocado waste, sweet sorghum bagasse, soybean meal, and residues of non-edible oilseeds. Full article

Molded plywood is used for furniture components such as seats, backrests, or integral seat shells, and it must be durable and harmless to health. Molded plywood is made with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives; therefore, the issue of the fillers used in them is important. The potential of using ground beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) bark as an eco-friendly additive in UF adhesives for molded plywood manufacturing was investigated in this work. Wheat flour was used as a reference filler. The beech bark (BB) level as a filler was 10%, a value verified under laboratory conditions. Nine-layer flat and molded plywood were produced under industrial conditions from beech veneers bonded with a UF adhesive mixture. The mechanical (bending strength and bonding quality) and physical (swelling and absorbency values after 2 and 24 h) properties of the industrially fabricated molded plywood were evaluated and compared with the European standard requirements (EN 310 and EN 314-2). The mechanical properties of the molded plywood with the addition of BB in the adhesive mixture were acceptable and met these standards’ requirements. The positive effect of BB in the UF adhesive mixture on a reduction in formaldehyde emissions from the molded plywood was also confirmed. BB, considered to be wood-processing industry waste or a by-product, has significant potential to be used as a filler in UF resins for molded plywood production, providing an environmentally friendly, inexpensive solution for the industrial valorization of bark as a bio-based formaldehyde scavenger. Full article

The presence of antibiotics in water environments increases the resistance of bacterial and can also cause irreversible damage to ecosystems and the human body. In this study, disposable bamboo chopsticks were used as raw material to prepare bamboo biochar (BB) via oxygen-limited pyrolysis to remove norfloxacin (NOR) from aqueous solutions. The properties of the BB were explained through the characterization of its SBET, morphology, structure, and functional groups. The effects of the dosage, pH, ionic strength, and water type on the removal of NOR using BB were investigated. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacities (Q_max) of NOR removed by BB at 25, 35, and 45 °C obtained using the Langmuir model were 76.17, 77.22, and 105.19 mg/g, respectively. To facilitate a comparison with other types of biochar, this study also prepared biochar of rice straw, wheat straw, soybean straw, corn straw, rape straw, peanut shell, Eichhornia crassipes, and other biomass raw materials under the same preparation conditions as the BB. The results demonstrated that the removal rate of NOR using BB was the highest under the same adsorption conditions, reaching 99.71%. Biochar from waste disposable bamboo chopsticks can be used for the treatment of new types of pollutants in water bodies, such as antibiotics and other organic contaminants, which will help to achieve sustainable solid waste management. Full article

The grains of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and achenes of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) were tested after treatment with two sources of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (DCSBD, MSDBD) with different treatment times (0, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 s). The effect of these treatments was monitored with regard to the seed surface diagnostics (water contact angle—WCA, chemical changes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy—FTIR); twenty parameters associated with germination and initial seed growth were monitored. A study of the wettability confirmed a decrease in WCA values indicating an increase in surface energy and hydrophilicity depending on the type of seed, plasma source, and treatment time. Surface analysis by attenuated total reflectance FTIR (ATR-FTIR) showed no obvious changes in the chemical bonds on the surface of the plasma-treated seeds, which confirms the non-destructive effect of the plasma on the chemical composition of the seed shell. A multivariate analysis of the data showed many positive trends (not statistically significant) in germination and initial growth parameters. The repeated results for germination rate and root/shoot dry matter ratio indicate the tendency of plants to invest in underground organs. Durum wheat required longer treatment times with non-thermal plasma (10 s, 20 s) for germination and early growth, whereas buckwheat required shorter times (5 s, 10 s). The responses of durum wheat grains to the two non-thermal plasma sources used were equal. In contrast, the responses of buckwheat achenes were more favorable to MSDBD treatment than to DCSBD. Full article