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 […]
From Waste To Wealth: Pistachio Green Hulls as a Novel Source of Antioxidants and Dietary Supplements
Pistacia vera L., known for its rich phenolic content and antioxidant potential, often has its hulls discarded. This study aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of pistachio green hulls, using advanced analytical methods to assess their suitability for dietary supplements. Green hull samples were collected, dried, and extracted with water, methanol, and hexane to isolate […]
Halotolerant Pseudomonas-induced alleviation of salt stress and promotion of growth in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Salinity stress is a major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity, particularly in sensitive crops like peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). This study evaluated the potential of Pseudomonas geniculata ND09 in alleviating salt stress impacts on peanut growth under controlled and field conditions. In pot experiments, salt stress significantly reduced root and shoot lengths, biomass, and pod yield while increasing […]
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, […]
Advancements in peanut mechanization: Implications for sustainable agriculture
Context: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) hold significant global economic and nutritional importance, positioning them as a crucial crop in the realm of sustainable agriculture. In this comprehensive systematic and meta-analytic review, we thoroughly examine the extensive research and innovative strategies related to mechanizing peanut farming, with a specific focus on activities encompassing tilling, sowing, and harvesting. […]
A feasible re-use of an agro-industrial by-product: Hazelnut shells as high-mass bio-aggregate in boards for indoor applications
The present work investigates the feasibility of producing boards, with unconventional materials, namely hazelnut shells as a high-mass bio-aggregate and a sodium silicate solution as a no-toxic adhesive, and discusses possible applications based on an extensive characterization. The aim is to define a feasible reuse of a largely produced agro-industrial by-product to reduce the high […]
Alternative fertilization practices lead to improvements in yield-scaled global warming potential in almond orchards
This study investigates the impact of alternative fertilization practices on the yield-scaled global warming potential (YS-GWP) in almond orchards. Almond production is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to nitrogen-based mineral fertilizers. This research aims to identify strategies that reduce the environmental footprint of almond cultivation while maintaining yield. Field experiments were conducted […]
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 […]
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 […]
Macadamia Breeding for Reduced Plant Vigor: Progress and Prospects for Profitable and Sustainable Orchard Systems
Vigor control in tree crops plays an important role in increasing orchard efficiency and sustainability. It has enabled high-density plantations to maximize yield efficiency while reducing production costs. Although traditional methods such as frequent hedging and pruning are still used, dwarfing rootstocks and low-vigor cultivars are the most effective and sustainable means of vigor control, […]
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 […]
Natural variation in photosynthesis and water use efficiency of locally adapted Persian walnut populations under drought stress and recovery
Persian walnut is a drought-sensitive species with considerable genetic variation in the photosynthesis and water use efficiency of its populations, which is largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to elucidate changes in the efficiency of photosynthesis and water content using a diverse panel of 60 walnut families which were submitted to a progressive drought for 24 […]
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 […]
Dietary Fibers of Tree Nuts Differ in Composition and Distinctly Impact the Fecal Microbiota and Metabolic Outcomes In Vitro
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of dietary fibers (DFs) of commercially important tree nuts (almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, and walnut) on gut microbiota in vitro. Microbial compositions and short-chain fatty acids were determined using 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Neutral and acidic monosaccharides were analyzed using GC/MS and […]
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the rusty patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), an endangered North American pollinator
The rusty patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis, is an important pollinator in North America and a federally listed endangered species. Due to habitat loss and large declines in population size, B. affinis is facing imminent extinction unless human intervention and recovery efforts are implemented. To better understand B. affinis biology and population genetic and genomic […]
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 […]
East Timor as an important source of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) genetic diversity
Background: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a crop currently grown in several tropical countries because of the economic importance of cashew nuts. Despite its enormous economic worth, limited research has been conducted on the molecular diversity of cashew genetic resources. In this study, a wide comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity of cashew trees in […]
Preliminary Evaluation of the Application of Algae-Based Biostimulants on Almond.
To improve almond performance under water limitations, the use of algae-based biostimulants may become a useful tool to reduce drought stress. However, besides possible effects on plant behavior, changes in fruit characteristics must also be considered. In this work, a preliminary study on the effect of two levels of an Ascophyllum nodosum-based biostimulant in the […]
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 […]
The effect of nut growth limitation on triose phosphate utilization and down-regulation of photosynthesis in almond.
There is a controversy regarding when it is appropriate to apply the irrigation restriction in almond trees (Prunus dulcis Mill.) to save water without penalizing yield. We hypothesized that knowing when plants demand fewer photoassimilates would be a good indicator of less sensitivity of the crop to water deficit. One parameter that defines the photosynthetic […]
Physiological characterization of the wild almond Prunus arabica stem photosynthetic capability.
Leaves are the major plant tissue for transpiration and carbon fixation in deciduous trees. In harsh habitats, atmospheric CO2 assimilation via stem photosynthesis is common, providing extra carbon gain to cope with the detrimental conditions. We studied two almond species, the commercial Prunus dulcis cultivar “Um-el-Fahem” and the rare wild Prunus arabica. Our study revealed […]
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 […]
Effect of Acclimatization in Elevated CO2 on Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Production by Aspergillus flavus Strains on Pistachio Nuts.
There is little knowledge of the effect of acclimatization of Aspergillus flavus strains to climate-related abiotic factors and the subsequent effects on growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production. In this study, two strains of A. flavus (AB3, AB10) were acclimatized for five generations in elevated CO2 (1000 ppm × 37 °C) on a milled pistachio-based medium. A comparison was made of […]
Revalorization of Almond By-Products for the Design of Novel Functional Foods: An Updated Review.
The search for waste minimization and the valorization of by-products are key to good management and improved sustainability in the food industry. The great production of almonds, based on their high nutritional value as food, especially almond kernels, generates tons of waste yearly. The remaining parts (skin, shell, hulls, etc.) are still little explored, even […]
Antioxidant activity and some quality characteristics of buffalo yoghurt fortified with peanut skin extract powder.
Peanut is an important crop grown worldwide. Peanut skin, the byproduct of peanut processing is a valuable byproduct due to its content of many functional components. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of fortification of yoghurt with peanut skin extract powder (PSEP) at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L milk on the antioxidant activity […]
An Evaluation of the Impact of the Amount of Potassium Hydroxide on the Porous Structure Development of Activated Carbons.
This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the impact of the amount of potassium hydroxide on the obtained porous structure of the activated carbons derived from the shells of pistachios, hazelnuts, and pecans by carbonization and subsequent chemical activation with potassium hydroxide by different adsorption methods: Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Dubinin-Raduskevich, the new numerical clustering-based adsorption […]
Adsorption of U (VI) from aqueous solution by using KMnO 4-modified hazelnut shell activated carbon: characterisation and artificial neural network modelling.
This study is based on U(VI) removal from wastewater by KMnO4-modified hazelnut shell activated carbon (KM-HSAC) using adsorption technology. A characterisation study of KM-HSAC was conducted through scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The rough surface of KM-HSAC contains many irregular microspores. The EDS pattern confirmed the U(VI) adsorption on the KM-HSAC. […]
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 […]
Films from cashew byproducts: cashew gum and bacterial cellulose from cashew apple juice.
Cashew is a major crop in several tropical countries. Its cultivation is mostly aimed to the production of cashew nuts, whereas its byproducts (including cashew tree gum and cashew apples) are underutilized. In this study, cashew tree gum (CG) has been combined to nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose (NFBC) produced from cashew apple juice, at different ratios […]
Nutshells as Efficient Biosorbents to Remove Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury from Contaminated Solutions
The release of potentially toxic elements into the environment, and their effects on aquatic ecosystems still present a real threat. To avoid such contamination, the use of biological sorbents as an alternative to conventional and expensive water remediation techniques has been proposed. The present study evaluated the potential of 0.5 g L-1 of peanut, hazelnut, […]
Facile Preparation of Activated Carbon from Peanut Shell for Determination of Bisphenol A in Human Urine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.
Herein, a facile and low-cost method for the preparation of activated carbon from peanut shell was developed for the first time for the fast extraction and determination of Bisphenol A in human urine. Bisphenol A was separated by EC-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 4 μm) and was detected by VWD, with retention time for qualitative […]
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. […]
Carboxyl-functionalized biochar derived from walnut shells with enhanced aqueous adsorption of sulfonamide antibiotics.
The novel HNO3-modifitied biochar (NBC) was synthesized from walnut shell. The NBC was characterized from scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectrum. The NBC was then used in the adsorption of sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine and sulfachloropyridazine from aqueous solution. The material surface has carbon/oxygen-contained groups, which is benefit […]
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 […]
Identification and Evaluation Of Volatile Organic Compounds Evolved During Solarization with Almond Hull and Shell Amendments.
Biosolarization is a fumigation alternative that combines solarization with organic amendments to suppress pests and pathogens in agricultural soils. The generation of volatile biopesticides in the soil, stemming from biodegradation of carbon-rich amendments, contributes to pest inactivation. The purpose of this study was to (1) profile volatiles that may contribute to pest control under field […]
Hydrothermal treatments of walnut shells: a potential pretreatment for subsequent product obtaining.
Walnuts are nowadays widely consumed. Since the edible part of walnuts does not account more than 50-60% of their total weight, the total amount of shells produced annually is huge. However, as walnut shells are part of lignocellulosic biomass, they could be valorised via a biorefinery approach in order to extract their diverse constituents. For […]
Effect of sequential pretreatment combinations on the composition and enzymatic hydrolysis of hazelnut shells.
Hazelnut shells, a high lignin containing biomass, were subjected to individual and sequential liquid hot water (LHW), alkaline (AP) and dilute acid pretreatments (DAP). Among the single pretreatments, LHW demonstrated the highest cellulose recovery of 98.1%, DAP resulted in the highest hemicellulose solubilization of 56.0%, and AP of the highest lignin removal of 49.6%. Employing […]
Analysis and optimisation of a novel ‘almond-refinery’concept: Simultaneous production of biofuels and value-added chemicals by hydrothermal treatment of almond hulls.
For the first time, this work investigates the achievability of developing a biorefinery concept around almond hulls by hydrothermal treatment (HTT), thoroughly scrutinising the influence of the temperature (200-300 °C), pressure (100-180 bar), time (20-180 min) and solid loading (5-25 wt%). This process allowed the conversion of almond hulls into four main products: gas (2-13%), […]
Fe3O4 and Iminodiacetic acid modified peanut husk as a novel adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) and Pb (II) in aqueous solution: Characterization, equilibrium and kinetic study.
The presence of higher concentrations of heavy metals in water affects its quality with a concomitant adverse effect on its users thus their removal is paramount. A novel adsorbent, PN-Fe3O4-IDA derived from the chemical modification of peanut husk (a low-cost agricultural biomass produced in significant quantities globally) using magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and iminodiacetic acid was […]
Kinetics characteristics and microwave reduction behavior of walnut shell-pyrolusite blends.
Combining biomass pyrolysis with microwave heating technologies provides a novel and efficient approach for low-grade pyrolusite reduction. The microwave reduction behavior and pyrolysis kinetic characteristics of walnut shell-pyrolusite blends were explored. Results indicated the optimal reduction parameters were: reduction temperature of 650 °C, holding time of 30 min, Mbio/More of 1.8:10, and microwave power of 1200 […]
Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Hazelnuts and Walnuts Shells: Quantitative–Qualitative Analysis and Chromatographic Purification.
Hazelnut (HS) and walnut (WS) shells, an abundant by-product of the processing industries of these edible nuts, are traditionally considered as a low-value waste. However, they are a source of valuable compounds with an interesting chemical profile for the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. In this study, the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts present in HS and […]
Application of isolated halophilic microorganisms suspended and immobilized on walnut shell as biocarrier for treatment of oilfield produced water.
Salinity expressed as total dissolved solids (TDS), is the most challenging parameter in bioremediation of produced water which may inhibit the microbial activities and cause sedimentation problems. The present study explores the feasibility of using walnut shell as an inexpensive and accessible adsorbent-carrier for the immobilization of isolated halophilic microorganisms for treatment of synthetic oilfield […]
Mathematical modeling and experimental study of VOC adsorption by Pistachio shell–based activated carbon.
The adsorption of benzene vapor, as a volatile organic component, from inert gas (N2) by activated carbon was studied experimentally in the isothermal fixed bed reactor at various operating conditions. The activated carbon used in this study had pistachio shell base with high surface area. To improve the adsorption capacity of VOC vapor, the activated […]
Study of the Influence of the Almond Shell Variety on the Mechanical Properties of Starch-Based Polymer Biocomposites.
This article is focused on the development of a series of biodegradable and eco-friendly biocomposites based on starch polymer (Mater-Bi DI01A) filled with 30 wt% almond shell (AS) of different varieties (Desmayo Rojo, Largueta, Marcona, Mollar, and a commercial mixture of varieties) to study the influence of almond variety in the properties of injected biodegradable […]
Recycling of Almond By-Products for Intestinal Inflammation: Improvement of Physical-Chemical, Technological and Biological Characteristics of a Dried Almond Skins Extract.
Background: Almond skins are rich in bioactive compounds that undergo oxidation/degradation phenomena and are poorly soluble in water, reducing in vivo absorption and bioavailability, factors that influence the pharmacological activity of an active product. We developed a dried acetonic almond skins extract/cyclodextrin complex to improve extract solubility, dissolution rate and biological activity. Methods: A lyophilized acetonic almond […]
Valorisation of agricultural biomass-ash with CO 2.
This work is part of a study of different types of plant-based biomass to elucidate their capacity for valorisation via a managed carbonation step involving gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2). The perspectives for broader biomass waste valorisation was reviewed, followed by a proposed closed-loop process for the valorisation of wood in earlier works. The present work […]
Catalytic ozonation oxidation of ketoprofen by peanut shell-based biochar: Effects of the pyrolysis temperatures.
A series of peanut shell (HS)-based biochar were prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures and subsequently used as the effective ozonation catalysts for ketoprofen (KET) degradation in aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties and morphology of the obtained biochar were analyzed by ICP, TG, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, BET and etc. characterizations. The results demonstrated that the pyrolysis temperature […]
Isolation and characterization of micro and nanocrystalline cellulose fibers from the walnut shell, corncob and sugarcane bagasse.
The present study aims to extract and characterize the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) present in different agro-industrial wastes such as walnut shells, corncob, and sugarcane bagasse. Moreover, it is also the aim of this study to convert MCCs to nanocrystalline cellulose fiber (NCCF), to demonstrate the difference in morphological, structural, thermal, and chemical natures. Corncob cellulose […]
Development of an antioxidant formula based on peanut by‐products and effects on sensory properties and aroma stability of fortified peanut snacks during storage.
Background: An antioxidant formula based on peanut skins and hulls, was developed and characterized for total and single polyphenols, and antioxidant power, considering the contribution provided by each peanut by-product. Then, it was evaluated for its effect on sensory properties and aroma stability of peanut bars over a 100-day period. To this purpose, snacks fortified and […]
Synthesis of novel chemicals from cardanol as a product of cashew nutshell processing.
The conversion of the worldwide chemical production from fossil to sustainable resources is currently one of the most urgent tasks for the chemical industry. Based on this approach cardanol, a mixture of phenols with C15-chains as substituents is produced in some countries of the tropical zone from the processing of cashew nutshells. The paper reports […]
Novel Antioxidant Packaging Films Based on Poly (ε-Caprolactone) and Almond Skin Extract: Development and Effect on the Oxidative Stability of Fried Almonds.
Antioxidant films based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) containing almond skin extract (ASE) were developed for food packaging applications. The effect of ASE incorporation on the morphological, structural, colour, mechanical, thermal, barrier and antioxidant properties of the prepared films were evaluated. The structural, tensile and thermal properties of the films were not altered due to ASE addition. […]
Multiproduct biorefinery based on almond shells: impact of the delignification stage on the manufacture of valuable products.
In this work, an integral valorisation of almond shells through a biorefinery approach was studied. The three main components of almond shells were extracted, isolated and characterised. The autohydrolysis process permitted the extraction of the hemicellulosic fraction obtaining a liquor rich in xylooligosaccharides (22.12 g/L). Then, two different delignification processes, alkaline and organosolv treatments, were […]