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Category: Waste and Recycling

Production of Filamentous Fungal Biomass (Aspergillus awamori) in Pellet Form from Almond Hull Extract

Fungal cultivation using agricultural byproducts is a sustainable approach to produce valuable bioproducts for applications such as protein-rich foods. In this study, Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) was cultivated in batch flasks to investigate the effects of different nitrogen sources and initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios of 15, 30, and 45 on fungal yield and characteristics using […]

Efficient and sustainable recovery of bioactive compounds from cashew nut testa shell (Anacardium occidentale L.) using pressurized liquid extraction

Cashew nut processing generates large quantities of byproducts daily, such as cashew nut testa shell (CNTS), which is discarded, leading to environmental and economic issues. However, CNTS contains bioactive substances such as polyphenols and antioxidant components, with potential for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. This study investigated the optimization of pressurized liquid […]

Transforming almond shell waste into high-value activators for low-carbon concrete: life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis

Low-carbon concrete, including through the use of alkali-activated binders (AABs), is being developed globally to meet construction industry decarbonization goals by reducing reliance on Portland cement (PC). However, the cost and environmental impacts of the alkaline resources conventionally used in AABs are among the factors that have hindered their application. Here, life-cycle assessment (scope A1-A3) and technoeconomic […]

Phenolic compounds from macadamia husk: An updated focused review of extraction methodologies and antioxidant activities

  This review explores the potential of agri-food waste materials, with a particular focus on macadamia nut by-products. Industrial processing of macadamia nuts yields a significant volume of by-products, including green husk and woody shell. Recent research has highlighted these by-products as readily available, cost-effective rich sources of phenolic compounds, renowned for their potent antioxidant […]

Upcycling commercial nut byproducts for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications: A comprehensive review

This article presents a comprehensive overview of upcycling commercial nut byproducts (such as Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, peanut (also known as a legume), pecan, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut) for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. Upcycling nut byproducts, namely husk/hull, hard shell, brown skin, defatted flour/meal/cake, pine cone, cashew nut shell liquid, cashew apple, […]

Incorporating date palm fibers for sustainable friction composites in vehicle brakes

The demand for eco-friendly materials in automotive components has spurred research into natural fibers as sustainable alternatives for brake pads. This study examines the potential of date palm fibers, particularly the palm frond midrib (PFM), in brake pad composites. The effects of epoxy, PFM, and calcium carbonate on the composites’ mechanical and tribological properties were […]

Phenolic compounds from macadamia husk: An updated focused review of extraction methodologies and antioxidant activities

  This review explores the potential of agri-food waste materials, with a particular focus on macadamia nut by-products. Industrial processing of macadamia nuts yields a significant volume of by-products, including green husk and woody shell. Recent research has highlighted these by-products as readily available, cost-effective rich sources of phenolic compounds, renowned for their potent antioxidant […]

Cashew Nut Shell Waste Derived Graphene Oxide

The particular properties of graphene oxide (GO) make it a material with great technological potential, so it is of great interest to find renewable and eco-friendly sources to satisfy its future demand sustainably. Recently, agricultural waste has been identified as a potential raw material source for producing carbonaceous materials. This study explores the potential of […]

Improved Straw Decomposition Products Promote Peanut Growth by Changing Soil Chemical Properties and Microbial Diversity

The ameliorative effects of straw decomposition products on soil acidification have been extensively studied. However, the impact of chemically treated straw decomposition products on crop productivity and the underlying microbial mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two dosages of Ca(OH)2-treated straw decomposition products of peanuts on red soil acidity, fertility, […]

Enhancing nutritional status, growth, and fruit quality of dried figs using organic fertilizers in rain-fed orchards: A case study in Estahban, Iran

The majority of Iranian fig production is exported, making it one of the world’s most well-known healthy crops. Therefore, the main objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of various types of organic fertilizers, such as animal manure (cow and sheep), bird manure (partridge, turkey, quail, and chicken), and vermicompost, on the […]

Exploring the bioactive potential of dried fruit by-products: a focus on hazelnut, peanut, and almond teguments and shells

Dried fruits are renowned for their nutritional value, particularly their seeds. However, their skins, shells, and hulls also hold significant nutritional and commercial potential, yet remain largely unexplored for their bioactive compounds. This study examines the teguments and shells of three types of dried fruits – hazelnut, peanut, and two almond varieties. Ethanol extracts from […]

Green and sustainable use of macadamia nuts as support material in Pt-based direct methanol fuel cells

The successful commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is hindered by inadequate methanol oxidation activity and anode catalyst longevity. Efficient and cost-effective electrode materials are imperative in the widespread use of DMFCs. While Platinum (Pt) remains the primary component of anodic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) electrocatalysts, its utilization alone in DMFC systems is limited […]

Predictive Neural Network Modeling for Almond Harvest Dust Control

This study introduces a neural network-based approach to predict dust emissions, specifically PM2.5 particles, during almond harvesting in California. Using a feedforward neural network (FNN), this research predicted PM2.5 emissions by analyzing key operational parameters of an advanced almond harvester. Preprocessing steps like outlier removal and normalization were employed to refine the dataset for training. […]

Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanocrystals extracted from hazelnut shells: Production and stability under different harsh conditions

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are biodegradable particles that have emerged as promising stabilizers for Pickering emulsions. This study investigated the effectiveness of CNCs in forming the Pickering emulsion from hazelnut shells (HS), an agricultural waste. Following the alkaline and bleaching treatments applied to HS, CNCs were obtained from treated hazelnut shell with acid hydrolysis. The physicochemical […]

Fe2O3/carbon derived from peanut shell hybrid as an advanced anode for high performance lithium ion batteries

Carbon materials derived from biomass behave sustainability, easy availability, low cost and environmentally benign. And Fe2O3 are considered as promising anodes for high-performance Li-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their rich electrochemical properties, higher theoretical capacity (1007 mAh g−1), non-toxicity, high corrosion resistance and safety. However, the high irreversible capacity loss and poor cycling stability of […]

Subcritical Water Extraction for Valorisation of Almond Skin from Almond Industrial Processing

Almond skin (AS) is an agro-industrial residue from almond processing that has a high potential for valorisation. In this study, subcritical water extraction (SWE) was applied at two temperatures (160 and 180 °C) to obtain phenolic-rich extracts (water-soluble fraction) and cellulose fibres (insoluble fraction) from AS. The extraction conditions affected the composition and properties of […]

Production of high protein yeast using enzymatically liquefied almond hulls

Animal feed ingredients, especially those abundant in high quality protein, are the most expensive component of livestock production. Sustainable alternative feedstocks may be sourced from abundant, low value agricultural byproducts. California almond production generates nearly 3 Mtons of biomass per year with about 50% in the form of hulls. Almond hulls are a low-value byproduct […]

Cascading use of macadamia nutshell for production of energy and adsorbents through biomass gasification

This research delves into the viability of implementing macadamia nutshell in a cascading utilization strategy through gasification. The investigation entails a comprehensive scrutiny of the physiochemical attributes of the feedstock, coupled with an in-depth exploration of the transformations in the properties of both gaseous and solid products stemming from gasification under conditions pertinent to industry […]

Construction of eco-friendly multifunctional cashew nut shell oil-based waterborne polyurethane network with UV resistance, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and transparency

Vegetable oil-based waterborne polyurethane possesses numerous advantages, including its sustainability, environmental friendliness, and economic benefits. Nevertheless, its application is constrained by inferior mechanical properties and a low glass transition temperature. Hereon, the renewable polyols of sorbitan monooleate/cytidine were incorporated into the anionic cashew nut shell oil-based WPU network through molecular structure design. Series of CNSL-based […]

Recycling of Hazelnut Husk; from Bio-waste to Phyto-Assisted Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

In the present work, green synthesis is utilized in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles with hazelnut (Corylus Colurna) husk which is the outer leaf part of the hazelnut shell and is considered bio-waste. According to transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis, the morphology of the silver nanoparticles synthesized by 0.1 g/mL hazelnut husk extract is […]

An Eco-Friendly Modification of a Walnut Shell Biosorbent for Increased Efficiency in Wastewater Treatment

Herein, we report the performance of some low-cost biosorbents developed by environment-friendly modification of walnut shells. Two types of biosorbents were prepared by ecological modification of walnut shell surfaces: (1) biosorbents obtained by hot water treatment (WSH2O) and (2) biosorbents produced by mercerization (WSNaOH). Different techniques were used to evaluate the morphological, elemental, and structural […]

Assessment of Raisins Byproducts for Environmentally Sustainable Use and Value Addition

This study investigated the potential and sustainable use of the biomass derived from various stages of the grape drying process. A total of eleven byproducts, each containing varying organic materials, were produced and subjected to testing. Ultimate analysis, as well as analyses of heating values, chemical composition, lignocellulose composition, total solids concentration and biogas production […]

Cashew nut shell oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production: An overview.

Biodiesel outperforms diesel in emissions and engine performance. They burn efficiently in diesel engines and are eco-friendly. Since cashew nut shell liquid (CNSO) is waste, commercial biodiesel production from it should be profitable. CNSO is cheap and can reduce cashew processing factory waste. From cashew kernels, CNSL is extracted using various mechanical, thermal, and solvent […]

High biomass filled biodegradable plastic in engineering sustainable composites

The production of single-use, non-renewable plastic has persistently impacted the environment through non-biodegradable plastic accumulation. Injection-moulded biodegradable polymer blend [poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene-adipate) (PBSA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)] with an inexpensive filler, walnut shell powder (WSP), enables an appropriate melt flow behaviour after incorporating compatibilizer as confirmed by rheological analysis. The sustainable composites with 60 wt% WSP […]

Valorization of pistachio industrial waste: Simultaneous recovery of pectin and phenolics, and their application in low-phenylalanine cookies for phenylketonuria

This study introduces a sustainable approach to simultaneously produce pectin and phenolic compounds from pistachio industrial waste and applies them in the formulation of low-phenylalanine cookies. The co-optimization process was performed using the microwave-assisted technique and a Box-Behnken design, considering four variables and two responses: pectin yield and total phenolic content (TPC). The co-optimized condition […]

An environmentally friendly approach for industrial wastewater treatment and bio-adsorption of heavy metals using Pistacia soft shell (PSS) through flocculation-adsorption process

In this research, the potential application of Pistacia soft shell (PSS) was investigated as a novel bio-based flocculant for pulp and paper wastewater (PPWW) treatment. In line with this, after characterization of the PSS, the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity and heavy metals (Cu2+ and Pb2+) from PPWW were investigated with different dosage […]

Characterization of slow pyrolysis products from three different cashew wastes

A huge amount of waste is generated by the cashew processing industries. This study aims to valorise these cashew wastes generated at different levels while processing cashew nuts in factories. The feedstocks include cashew skin, cashew shell and cashew shell de-oiled cake. Slow pyrolysis of these three different cashew wastes was performed at varying temperatures […]

Rigid Polyurethane Biofoams Filled with Pine Seed Shell and Yerba Mate Wastes

Pine seed shells and yerba mate are common wastes leftover from the food and beverage industry. This study presents the development of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) filled with pine seed shells and yerba mate at 5, 10 and 15 wt%. The fillers were characterized for chemical properties using bench chemistry analyses, and the RPUFs were […]

Activated carbon from almond shells using an eco-compatible method: screening, optimization, characterization, and adsorption performance testing.

Activated carbon as a low-cost adsorbent prepared from almond shells using H3PO4 as a chemical activator and room vacuum pyrolysis as a physical activator, which is considered to be an eco-compatible preparation process. Experimental design methodology was used to study and optimize the effects of eight preparation parameters on I2 adsorption expressed by the iodine […]

Efficient Remediation of Cadmium- and Lead-Contaminated Water by Using Fe-Modified Date Palm Waste Biochar-Based Adsorbents.

Heavy metals pollution of water resources is an emerging concern worldwide and seeks immediate attention. Date palm waste was transformed into biochar (BC), which was further modified through Fe-intercalation for the production of magnetic biochar (Fe-BC) in this study. The produced BC and Fe-BC were analyzed for chemical, proximate, surface, and elemental composition. The efficiency […]

Use of Hazelnut Perisperm as an Antioxidant for Production of Sustainable Biodegradable Active Films.

Utilization of food-waste-derived bioactive compounds with biodegradable polymers is an attractive strategy leading innovation in the food packaging sector and contributing to reduce the environmental concerns of plastic packaging disposal. In this field, this work is aimed to use hazelnut perisperm as an antioxidant agent in the production of biodegradable polymeric films for active packaging […]

Study on performance of carbon source released from fruit shells and the effect on biological denitrification in the advanced treatment.

In order to solve the problem of shortage of carbon source for biological denitrification in advanced treatment of the effluent from secondary treatment of sewage, five kinds of fruit shells (pistachio shell, peanut shell, ginkgo shell, walnut shell and hazelnut shell) were preliminarily selected from eight kinds of fruit shells for experiments of static carbon […]

The Use of Waste Hazelnut Shells as a Reinforcement in the Development of Green Biocomposites

Biodegradable Mater-Bi (MB) composites reinforced with hazelnut shell (HS) powder were prepared in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder followed by compression molding and injection molding. The effects of reinforcement on the morphology, static and dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal and rheological properties of MB/HS biocomposites were studied. Rheological tests showed that the incorporation of HS significantly […]

Presence of activated carbon particles from waste walnut shell as a biosorbent in monoethanolamine (MEA) solution to enhance carbon dioxide absorption

Greenhouse effects are a natural phenomenon that plays a high role in shaping the climate system. In this research, MEA solution was used for CO2 capture in presence of activated carbon particles from waste walnut shells as a biosorbent. The process parameters including temperature, pressure, MEA concentration, and activated carbon were used in the central […]

Multipurpose plant species and circular economy: Corylus avellana L. as a study case.

Corylus avellana L. is one of the most cultivated species in the world. Mainly utilized with the purpose of obtaining food material, hazel trees cannot guarantee constant kernels productions given the threats related to pathogens and to adverse conditions, especially in a globalisation and global changes scenarios. This matter led us to consider the opportunity […]

Activated Carbon from Palm Date Seeds for CO2 Capture.

The process of carbon dioxide capture and storage is seen as a critical strategy to mitigate the so-called greenhouse effect and the planetary climate changes associated with it. In this study, we investigated the CO2 adsorption capacity of various microporous carbon materials originating from palm date seeds (PDS) using green chemistry synthesis. The PDS was […]

The Utilisation of Solid Fuels Derived from Waste Pistachio Shells in Direct Carbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

The comprehensive results regarding the physicochemical properties of carbonaceous materials that are obtained from pistachio shells support their usage as solid fuels to supply direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells (DC-SOFCs). The influence of preparation conditions on variations in the chemical composition, morphology of the biochar powders, and degree of graphitization of carbonaceous materials were […]

Green production of hydrochar nut group from waste materials in subcritical water medium and investigation of their adsorption performance for Crystal Violet.

This study evaluates the production of hydrochars from the outer shells of the nut group (peanut, hazelnut, walnut, and pistachio) in an eco-friendly SWM medium and their effects as adsorbents on the removal of crystal violet (CV) from an aqueous solution. The prepared hydrochars were characterized using Brunauer Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), […]

Twist and lock: nutshell structures for high strength and energy absorption.

Nutshells achieve remarkable properties by optimizing structure and chemistry at different hierarchical levels. Probing nutshells from the cellular down to the nano- and molecular level by microchemical and nanomechanical imaging techniques reveals insights into nature’s packing concepts. In walnut and pistachio shells, carbohydrate and lignin polymers assemble to form thick-walled puzzle cells, which interlock three-dimensionally […]

Feeding high amounts of almond hulls to lactating cows.

California is the leading state for the production of almonds, with more than 400,000 bearing hectares of orchards that produced approximately 1 billion kg of shelled nuts in 2017. Almond hulls (AH) are a regional by-product feedstuff fed predominately to dairy cattle in California. A 2012 study surveyed 40 dairy farms in California and found […]

Acid hydrolysis of almond shells in a biphasic reaction system: obtaining of purified hemicellulosic monosaccharides in a single step.

The aim of this work is to comprehend the biphasic reaction systems through another perspective; the simultaneous purification and production of carbohydrates during the pretreatment of biomass. A dilute acid hydrolysis of almond shells in a 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran/H2O system was optimised to maximise the obtaining of hemicellulose-derived monosaccharides with the minimum formation of degradation products. The […]

Effects of NaOH, thermal, and combined NaOH-thermal pretreatments on the biomethane yields from the anaerobic digestion of walnut shells.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of walnut shells (WS) results in only a limited biomethane yield because of their high fibre content, which ultimately represents an essentially nonbiodegradable lignocellulosic biomass. In the present study, thermal (i.e. 50-250 °C), alkaline (i.e. 1-5% w/w NaOH) and combined alkaline-thermal (i.e. 4% w/w NaOH + 150 °C thermal) pretreatment methods have […]

Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Biowaste-Peanut Shell and Application to Preconcentration/Removal of Uranium.

This study aims to synthesize and characterize an economical and ecological adsorbent with high adsorption capacity. For this purpose, the peanut shells (Pistacia vera L.) were modified chemically. After the synthesis of activated carbon (AC), the optimum conditions for enrichment steps were performed using parameters: pH and contact time for uranium in the model solutions. […]

Combustion of pellets produced from the powders of coconut and cashew nut shells: Chemical, thermal and emission analyses.

Most of the energy consumed worldwide comes from non-renewable sources, such as oil derivatives, making it necessary to search for renewable, clean energy sources, with emphasis on biomass from agricultural and industrial waste. Coconut shell pellets (CSPs) and cashew nut shell pellets (CNSPs) were manufactured and subsequently subjected to chemical, thermal and exhaust gas analyses […]

Performance Characterization of Broad Band Sustainable Sound Absorbers Made of Almond Skins.

In order to limit the environmental impact caused by the use of non-renewable resources, a growing research interest is currently being shown in the reuse of agricultural by-products as new raw materials for green building panels. Moreover, the European directives impose the goal of sustainability supporting the investigation of passive solutions for the reduction of […]

Elimination of organochlorine pesticides from water by a new activated carbon prepared from Phoenix dactylifera date stones.

This work focused on the characterization of activated carbon (AC) prepared by pyrolysis-chemical activation with phosphoric acid (60%) from date stones derived from three categories of date palm Phoenix dactylifera (Ajwa, Anbari, Khudri), and on its feasibility of elimination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water samples. The obtained results showed that the three-produced AC date […]

Leaching Performance and Zinc Ions Removal from Industrial Slag Leachate Using Natural and Biochar Walnut Shell.

This study aims to investigate leaching characteristics of zinc slag according to leaching tests, including; TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure), SPLP (Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure), ASTM-D3987 (American Society for Testing and Materials), and TS EN-12457-4 (Turkish Standards Institute) tests methods. The present study describes the adsorption potential of natural and biochar walnut shells for removing […]