Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 371 in total

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  1. Fulltext Synthesis of jatropha curcas-based methyl ester and ethyl ester as biodiesel feedstocks
    Azhari Muhammad Syam, Robiah Yunus, Tinia Idaty Mohd. Ghazi, Choong, Thomas Shean Yaw
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2012;20(1):165-173.
    MyJurnal
    Research on the use of Jatropha curcas triglycerides as biodiesel feedstock has received worldwide attention due to its inherent characteristics. Unlike palm oil, J. curcas oil is not edible, and thus, it will not disturb the food supply. However, to the researchers' experiences with the synthesis of J. curcas, oil-based biodiesel has shown that the fuel characteristics depend largely on the type of alcohol used as the excess reactants. Transesterification reaction is chosen for this process with sodium methoxide as the catalyst. Comparison studies on the yield of esters using methanol and ethanol, as well as the impacts on the reaction rate are discussed. The effects of reaction time and molar ratio on the reaction conversion are also examined. The determination of reaction yield is based on the conversion of triglycerides into alkyl esters as the main product. The findings are described as follows: the highest percentage yield of product is attained at 96% for methanol as an excess reactant, and this is 90% when ethanol is used. The optimum conditions of parameters are achieved at 6:1 molar ratio of alcohol to triglycerides, 50 min of reaction time and reaction temperature of 65°C for methanol and 75°C for ethanol. The biodiesel properties of both ester fuels were determined according to the existing standards for biodiesel and compared to the characteristics of diesel fuel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  2. Improvement of wheat straw anaerobic digestion through alkali pre-treatment: Carbohydrates bioavailability evaluation and economic feasibility
    Romero-Güiza MS, Wahid R, Hernández V, Møller H, Fernández B
    Sci Total Environ, 2017 Oct 01;595:651-659.
    PMID: 28402918 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.006
    Lignocellulosic biomasses such as wheat straw are widely used as a feedstock for biogas production. However, these biomasses are mainly composed of a compact fibre structure and therefore, it is recommended to treat them prior to its usage for biogas production in order to improve their bioavailability. The aim of this work is to evaluate, in terms of performance stability, methane yield and economic feasibility, two different scenarios: a mesophilic codigestion of wheat straw and animal manure with or without a low-energy demand alkaline pre-treatment (0.08gKOHgTS-1of wheat straw, for 24h and at 25°C). Besides this, said pre-treatment was also analysed based on the improvement of the bioavailable carbohydrate content in the untreated versus the pre-treated wheat straw. The results pointed out that pre-treated wheat straw prompted a more stable performance (in terms of pH and alkalinity) and an improved methane yield (128% increment) of the mesophilic codigestion process, in comparison to the "untreated" scenario. The pre-treatment increased the content of cellulose, hemicellulose and other compounds (waxes, pectin, oil, etc.) in the liquid fraction, from 5% to 60%, from 11.5% to 39.1% TS and from 57% to 79% of the TS in the liquid fraction for the untreated and pre-treated wheat straws, respectively. Finally, the pre-treated scenario gained an energy surplus of a factor 13.5 and achieved a positive net benefit of 90.4€tVS-WS-1d-1, being a favourable case for an eventual scale-up of the combined process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  3. Fulltext Biohydrogen production by local isolate of Clostridium Butyricum: initial nutrients optimization study
    Mohd. Sanusi Che Kadir, Jamaliah Md. Jahim, Nurina Anuar, Mohd. Sobri Takrif, Zahira Yaakub
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2009;17(2):-.
    MyJurnal
    In this study, an anaerobic mesophilic bacterial strain, namely Clostridium butyricum KBH1, was isolated from a natural source. This strain grew well and produced biogas with an average hydrogen concentration of 60% (v/v) in the Reinforced Clostridial Media (RCM). To study the basic nutrient requirements, three main nutrients namely peptone (Pep), yeast extracts (Yes) and glucose (Glu) were chosen as factors, using an experimental design. The experiments were run according to 23 Full Factorial Design, followed by the Response Surface Method (RSM). The fermentation was performed in 30 ml serum bottles with 20 ml working volume in a sterile and anaerobic condition at 37°C with 5% inoculums. The results from the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for the factorial design showed that all the three factors had significantly affected the gas production by the C. butyricum. The response surface plot of the gas production by C. butyricum showed that the gas production could be enhanced by increasing peptone and yeast extract concentrations up to 15 g/l and 24 g/l respectively, without showing any substrate inhibition. Meanwhile, the glucose concentration showed an optimum at the middle point (8 g/l) with possible substrate inhibition at a high concentration (12 g/l). The total biogas production could be correlated to the three factors, using the quadratic equation: Gas =0.17 + 7.11Glu - 0.02Pep + 0.77Yes - 0.53Glu2 + 0.09Glu*Pep. The experimental results showed that the strain could grow well in substrate with high organic nitrogen content such as POME and might be not suitable for substrate with high sugar content due to substrate inhibition.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  4. Fulltext Biotechnological applications of microalgae
    Chu, Wan-Loy
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2012;6(10):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Microalgae are important biological resources that have a wide range of biotechnological
    applications. Due to their high nutritional value, microalgae such as Spirulina and Chlorella are being mass cultured for health food. A variety of high-value products including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), pigments such as carotenoids and phycobiliproteins, and bioactive compounds are useful as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, as well as for industrial applications. In terms of environmental biotechnology, microalgae are useful for bioremediation of agro-industrial wastewater, and as a biological tool for assessment and monitoring of environmental toxicants such as heavy metals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, microalgae have attracted much interest due to their potential use as feedstock for biodiesel production. In Malaysia, there has been active research on microalgal biotechnology for the past 30 years, tapping into the potential of our
    rich microalgal resources for high-value products and applications in wastewater treatment and assessment of environmental toxicants. A culture collection of microalgae has been established, and this serves as an important resource for microalgal biotechnology
    research. Microalgal biotechnology should continue to be regarded as a priority area of research in this country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  5. Fulltext Metabolites Re-programming and Physiological Changes Induced in Scenedesmus regularis under Nitrate Treatment
    Ma NL, Aziz A, Teh KY, Lam SS, Cha TS
    Sci Rep, 2018 06 27;8(1):9746.
    PMID: 29950688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27894-0
    Nitrate is required to maintain the growth and metabolism of plant and animals. Nevertheless, in excess amount such as polluted water, its concentration can be harmful to living organisms such as microalgae. Recently, studies on microalgae response towards nutrient fluctuation are usually limited to lipid accumulation for the production of biofuels, disregarding the other potential of microalgae to be used in wastewater treatments and as source of important metabolites. Our study therefore captures the need to investigate overall metabolite changes via NMR spectroscopy approach coupled with multivariate data to understand the complex molecular process under high (4X) and low (1/4X) concentrations of nitrate ([Formula: see text]). NMR spectra with the aid of chemometric analysis revealed contrasting metabolites makeup under abundance and limited nitrate treatment. By using NMR technique, 43 types of metabolites and 8 types of fatty acid chains were detected. Nevertheless, only 20 key changes were observed and 16 were down regulated in limited nitrate condition. This paper has demonstrated the feasibility of NMR-based metabolomics approach to study the physiological impact of changing environment such as pollution to the implications for growth and productivity of microalgae population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  6. Biodiesel Production from Citrillus colocynthis Oil Using Enzymatic Based Catalytic Reaction and Characterization Studies
    Nehdi IA, Sbihi HM, Blidi LE, Rashid U, Tan CP, Al-Resayes SI
    Protein Pept Lett, 2018;25(2):164-170.
    PMID: 28240158 DOI: 10.2174/0929866524666170223150839
    BACKGROUND: Biodiesel is a green fuel consisting of long chain fatty acid monoalkyl esters, which can be blended with diesel or used alone which is usually produced from vegetable oils/fats by either lipasecatalyzed transesterification. In this investigation, an enzyme (Novozym 435) catalyzed process was optimized to prepare methyl esters from crude Citrullus colocynthis oil (CCO) by transesterification of CCO with methanol. However, as per our knowledge, lipase-catalyzed transesterification have not been used for biodiesel production from Citrullus colocynthis.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to transesterify the CCO in the presence of Candida antarctica lipase as catalyst and methanol. Additionally, the physicochemical parameters/fuel properties of the Citrullus colocynthis methyl ester (CCME) were assessed and compared.

    METHODS: Lipase-catalyzed reactions were carried out in three necked flask (50 mL) attached with reflux condenser and thermometer, immersed in oil bath at constant stirring speed (400 rpm). The reaction mixture was consisted of CCO and varying the calculated amount of methanol, tert-butyl alcohol, and Novozym 435. The experimental parameters reaction time, methanol/oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, tert-butanol content, Novozym 435 content and water content were optimized for the transesterification reaction. The CCME yield was measured using gas chromatograph. The fuel properties of the produced CCME were determined as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European (EN) biodiesel standard methods.

    RESULTS: In this study, an enzymatic catalyst was employed to synthesize the CCME from CCO via transesterification. Several variables affecting the CCME yield were optimized as lipase quantity (4%), water content (0.5%), methanol/oil molar ratio (5:1), reaction temperature (43 °C), reaction medium composition (80% tertbutanol/ oil), and reaction time (3.7 h). A CCME yield of 97.8% was achieved using enzyme catalyzed transesterification of CCO under optimal conditions. The significant biodiesel fuel properties of CCME, i.e. cloud point (0.70 °C); cetane number (49.07); kinematic viscosity (2.27 mm2/s); flash point (143 °C); sulfur content (2 ppm) density (880 kg/m3) and acid value (0.076 mg KOH/g) were appraised. CCME also exhibited long-term storage stability (4.80 h) and all the biodiesel fuel properties were within the range of standards (ASTM D6751 and EN 14214).

    CONCLUSION: The lipase-catalyzed transesterification produced better conversion than the base-catalyzed reaction. The fuel properties of CCME were within the limits of the ASTM D6751 and EN14214 standards. Furthermore, CCME showed good oxidative stability and a long shelf life due its high natural antioxidant content. CCME showed better fuel properties and long-term storage stability due to which it can be used as a potential alternative fuel.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  7. Fulltext A Holistic Approach to Managing Microalgae for Biofuel Applications
    Show PL, Tang MS, Nagarajan D, Ling TC, Ooi CW, Chang JS
    Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Jan 22;18(1).
    PMID: 28117737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010215
    Microalgae contribute up to 60% of the oxygen content in the Earth's atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. Microalgae are abundantly available in the natural environment, thanks to their ability to survive and grow rapidly under harsh and inhospitable conditions. Microalgal cultivation is environmentally friendly because the microalgal biomass can be utilized for the productions of biofuels, food and feed supplements, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. The cultivation of microalgal also can complement approaches like carbon dioxide sequestration and bioremediation of wastewaters, thereby addressing the serious environmental concerns. This review focuses on the factors affecting microalgal cultures, techniques adapted to obtain high-density microalgal cultures in photobioreactors, and the conversion of microalgal biomass into biofuels. The applications of microalgae in carbon dioxide sequestration and phycoremediation of wastewater are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  8. Fulltext RNA-seq data of the Jatropha curcas L. shoot system
    Govender N, Senan S, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Isa MNM, Yaakob Z, Ratnam W
    Data Brief, 2018 Dec;21:71-74.
    PMID: 30338276 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.09.081
    Jatropha curcas L. or the physic nut is a monoecious shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant is an ideal feedstock for biodiesel production; oil-rich seed (37-42%), has a broad range of growth habitat such as arid, semi-arid and tropical and a relatively feasible process for conversion of crude oil into biodiesel. The major constraint affecting the success of large-scale J. curcas plantation is seed yield inconsistency. Numerous research projects conducted on J. curcas with integrated genetic, genomic and transcriptomic approaches have been applied on the leaf, apical meristem, flower, root and fruit tissues. However, to date, no genomics data of J. curcas shoot system are publicly available, despite its importance in understanding flowering, fruiting and seed set qualities targeted for yield improvement. Here, we present eighteen sets of shoot and inflorescence transcriptomes generated from J. curcas plants with contrasting yields. Raw reads of the RNA-seq data are found in NCBI׳s Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database with the accession number SRP090662 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/?term=SRP090662). This transcriptomic data could be integrated with the present genomic resources for in depth understanding of J. curcas reproductive system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  9. Fulltext Two-Step Purification of Glycerol as a Value Added by Product From the Biodiesel Production Process
    Abdul Raman AA, Tan HW, Buthiyappan A
    Front Chem, 2019;7:774.
    PMID: 31799239 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00774
    For every ton of biodiesel produced, about 100 kg of glycerol is also generated as a by-product. The traditional method of removing glycerol is mainly by gravity separation or centrifugation. This method generates crude glycerol, which may still contain impurities such as methanol, oil, soap, salt, and other organic materials at ppm levels. The effective usage of crude glycerol is important to improve the economic sustainability of the biodiesel industry while reducing the environmental impacts caused by the generated waste. The application and value of crude glycerol can be enhanced if these impurities are removed or minimized. Thus, it is important to develop a method which can increase the economic and applicable value of crude glycerol. Therefore, in the present study, the dual step purification method comprised of acidification and ion exchange techniques has been used to purify the crude glycerol and convert it into higher-value products. The acidification process started with the pH adjustment of the crude glycerol, using phosphoric acid to convert soap into fatty acid and salts. Then, the pretreated glycerol was further purified by ion exchange with a strong cation H+ resin. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to analyze both crude and purified glycerol and expressed as the weight percentage of glycerol content. A maximum glycerol purity of 98.2% was obtained after the dual step purification method at the optimized conditions of 60% of solvent, the flow rate of 15 mL/min and 40 g of resin. Further, the glycerol content measured being within the accepted amount of BS 2621:1979. Therefore, this study has proven that the proposed crude glycerol purification process is effective in improving the glycerol purity and could enhance the applicability of glycerol in producing value-added products which bring new revenue to the biodiesel industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  10. Biotechnological potentialities and valorization of mango peel waste: a review
    Pradeep Puligundla, Chulkyoon Mok, Sang Eun Oh, Vijaya Sarathi Reddy Obulam
    Sains Malaysiana, 2014;43:1901-1906.
    In recent years, by-products of fruit processing have received a great deal of attention, which is primarily due to their nutritional and economic exploitation through utilization of emerging technologies. Mango peel waste, a by-product from pulp processing units, is an important source of high quality antioxidant dietary fibre, pectin, polyphenols and carotenoids. It also possess significant biotechnological potential since it has been found suitable for several bioprocesses including ethanol, biogas, lactic acid, enzymes and single cell production. Valorization of mango peel through different routes not only can increase the profitability of fruit processing industries, but also help reduce environmental pollution. This review intends to provide a broad view on available technologies for mango peel waste utilization, with an emphasis on its biotechnological conversion into added value products beside other ways of utilization.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  11. Sequential saccharification and simultaneous fermentation (sssf) of sago hampas for the production of bioethanol
    Micky Vincent, Berry Rence Anak Senawi, Ennry Esut, Norizawati Muhammad Nor, Dayang Salwani Awang Adeni
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:899-904.
    Bioethanol is a very environmentally friendly liquid biofuel that is not only renewable, but also sustainable. It is currently
    deemed as a highly suitable additive and substitute energy source to replace fossil based fuel. In this study, bioethanol
    was produced from sago hampas by using commercial amylase, cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae via sequential
    saccharification and simultaneous fermentation (SSSF), a modified version of the simultaneous saccharification and
    fermentation (SSF) process. SSSF was performed on sago hampas at 2.5 and 5.0% (w/v) feedstock load for five days. The
    samples taken from the SSSF broths were analysed via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for ethanol, glucose
    and acetic acid production. From the results obtained, SSSF with 5.0% sago hampas loading exhibited the highest ethanol
    production at 14.13 g/L (77.43% of theoretical ethanol yield), while SSSF using 2.5% sago hampas loading produced
    ethanol at 6.45 g/L (69.24% of theoretical ethanol yield). This study has shown that ethanol not only can be produced
    from sago hampas using different enzyme mixtures and S. cerevisiae via SSSF, but yields were also high, making this
    process highly promising for the production of cheap and sustainable ethanol as fuel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  12. Biological and ethnobotanical characteristics of Nipa Palm (Nypa fructicans Wurmb.): A Review
    Tsuji K, Mohd Nor Faizal Ghazalli, Zulhairil Ariffin, Mohd Shukor Nordin, Khaidizar MI, Mohammad Ehsan Dulloo, et al.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2011;40:1407-1412.
    Nipa (Nypa fruticans) is one of the most widely distributed and useful palm in the mangrove forests in the South, Southeast Asia and Oceania. Its distribution area is known to be larger in ancient time than at present, as evidenced by its fossils found in North America, South America, Egypt and Europe. Nipa has a wide diversity of use. Traditionally it is used as roof materials, cigarette wrapper, medicine and its sap is fermented to alcohol. Recently, research on nipa has focused on its potential use as a biofuel crop because it has several advantages compared with other biofuel-alcohol crops. For example it has high alcohol content, no competition with other crop for agricultural land and no bagasse disposal problem. In spite of such usefulness, scientific reports on biology of nipa are limited. Information on genetic diversity, cytogenetics and chemical composition are lacking for nipa plant. On the other hand, morphological characters of nipa have been described in many reports. This paper attempted to provide a general review of the nipa plant based on available literatures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  13. Fulltext Removal of hydrogen sulfide from a biogas mimic by using impregnated activated carbon adsorbent
    Zulkefli NN, Masdar MS, Wan Isahak WNR, Md Jahim J, Md Rejab SA, Chien Lye C
    PLoS One, 2019;14(2):e0211713.
    PMID: 30753209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211713
    Adsorption technology has led to the development of promising techniques to purify biogas, i.e., biomethane or biohydrogen. Such techniques mainly depend on the adsorbent ability and operating parameters. This research focused on adsorption technology for upgrading biogas technique by developing a novel adsorbent. The commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CAC) and two types of gases (H2S/N2 and H2S/N2/CO2) were used. CAC was modified by copper sulfate (CuSO4), zinc acetate (ZnAc2), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium iodide (KI), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) on their surface to increase the selectivity of H2S removal. Commercial H2S adsorbents were soaked in 7 wt.% of impregnated solution for 30 min before drying at 120°C for 24 h. The synthesized adsorbent's physical and chemical properties, including surface morphology, porosity, and structures, were characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and BET analyses. For real applications, the modified adsorbents were used in a real-time 0.85 L single-column adsorber unit. The operating parameters for the H2S adsorption in the adsorber unit varied in L/D ratio (0.5-2.5) and feed flow rate (1.5-5.5 L/min) where, also equivalent with a gas hourly space velocity, GHSV (212.4-780.0 hour-1) used. The performances of H2S adsorption were then compared with those of the best adsorbent that can be used for further investigation. Characterization results revealed that the impregnated solution homogeneously covered the adsorbent surface, morphology, and properties (i.e., crystallinity and surface area). BET analysis further shows that the modified adsorbents surface area decreased by up to 96%. Hence, ZnAc2-CAC clarify as the best adsorption capacity ranging within 1.3-1.7 mg H2S/g, whereby the studied extended to adsorption-desorption cycle.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  14. First Report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Stem Canker of Jatropha curcas in Malaysia
    Sulaiman R, Thanarajoo SS, Kadir J, Vadamalai G
    Plant Dis, 2012 May;96(5):767.
    PMID: 30727556 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-06-11-0482-PDN
    Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is an important biofuel crop worldwide. Although it has been reported to be resistant to pests and diseases (1), stem cankers have been observed on this plant at several locations in Peninsular Malaysia since early February 2008. Necrotic lesions on branches appear as scars with vascular discoloration in the tissue below the lesion. The affected area is brownish and sunken in appearance. Disease incidence of these symptomatic nonwoody plants can reach up to 80% in a plantation. Forty-eight samples of symptomatic branches collected from six locations (University Farm, Setiu, Gemenceh, Pulau Carey, Port Dickson, and Kuala Selangor) were surface sterilized in 10% bleach, rinsed twice with sterile distilled water, air dried on filter paper, and plated on water agar. After 4 days, fungal colonies on the agar were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C. Twenty-seven single-spore fungal cultures obtained from all locations produced white, aerial mycelium that became dull gray after a week in culture. Pycnidia from 30-day-old pure cultures produced dark brown, oval conidia that were two celled, thin walled, and oval shape with longitudinal striations. The average size of the conidia was 23.63 × 12.72 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.86. On the basis of conidial morphology, these cultures were identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. To confirm the identity of the isolates, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified with ITS1/ITS4 primers and sequenced. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. HM466951, HM466953, HM466957, GU228527, HM466959, and GU219983). Sequences from the 27 isolates were 99 to 100% identical to two L. theobromae accessions in GenBank (Nos. HM008598 and HM999905). Hence, both morphological and molecular characteristics confirmed the isolates as L. theobromae. Pathogenicity tests were performed in the glasshouse with 2-month-old J. curcas seedlings. Each plant was wound inoculated by removing the bark on a branch to a depth of 2 mm with a 10-mm cork borer. Inoculation was conducted by inserting a 10-mm-diameter PDA plug of mycelium into the wound and wrapping the inoculation site with wetted, cotton wool and Parafilm. Control plants were treated with plugs of sterile PDA. Each isolate had four replicates and two controls. After 6 days of incubation, all inoculated plants produced sunken, necrotic lesions with vascular discoloration. Leaves were wilted and yellow above the point of inoculation on branches. The control plants remained symptomless. The pathogen was successfully reisolated from lesions on inoculated branches. L. theobromae has been reported to cause cankers and dieback in a wide range of hosts and is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of stem canker associated with L. theobromae on J. curcas in Malaysia. References: (1) S. Chitra and S. K. Dhyani. Curr. Sci. 91:162, 2006. (2) S. Mohali et al. For. Pathol. 35:385, 2005. (3) E. Punithalingam. Page 519 in: CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Surrey, UK. 1976.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  15. Fulltext Selective Electrochemical Conversion of Glycerol to Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid on a Mixed Carbon-Black Activated Carbon Electrode in a Single Compartment Electrochemical Cell
    Lee CS, Aroua MK, Wan Daud WA, Cognet P, Pérès Y, Ajeel MA
    Front Chem, 2019;7:110.
    PMID: 30931294 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00110
    In recent years, the rapid swift increase in world biodiesel production has caused an oversupply of its by-product, glycerol. Therefore, extensive research is done worldwide to convert glycerol into numerous high added-value chemicals i.e., glyceric acid, 1,2-propanediol, acrolein, glycerol carbonate, dihydroxyacetone, etc. Hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid and lactic acid, which comprise of carboxyl and alcohol functional groups, are the focus of this study. They are chemicals that are commonly found in the cosmetic industry as an antioxidant or exfoliator and a chemical source of emulsifier in the food industry, respectively. The aim of this study is to selectively convert glycerol into these acids in a single compartment electrochemical cell. For the first time, electrochemical conversion was performed on the mixed carbon-black activated carbon composite (CBAC) with Amberlyst-15 as acid catalyst. To the best of our knowledge, conversion of glycerol to glycolic and lactic acids via electrochemical studies using this electrode has not been reported yet. Two operating parameters i.e., catalyst dosage (6.4-12.8% w/v) and reaction temperature [room temperature (300 K) to 353 K] were tested. At 353 K, the selectivity of glycolic acid can reach up to 72% (with a yield of 66%), using 9.6% w/v catalyst. Under the same temperature, lactic acid achieved its highest selectivity (20.7%) and yield (18.6%) at low catalyst dosage, 6.4% w/v.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  16. Fulltext Optimization and blends study of heterogeneous acid catalyst-assisted esterification of palm oil industry by-product for biodiesel production
    Akinfalabi SI, Rashid U, Arbi Nehdi I, Yaw Choong TS, Sbihi HM, Gewik MM
    R Soc Open Sci, 2020 Jan;7(1):191592.
    PMID: 32218977 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191592
    The optimum conditions to produce palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD)-derived-methyl esters via esterification have been demonstrated with the aid of the response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite rotatable design in the presence of heterogeneous acid catalyst. The effect of four reaction variables, reaction time (30-110 min), reaction temperature (30-70°C), catalyst concentration (1-3 wt.%) and methanol : PFAD molar ratio (3 : 1-11 : 1), were investigated. The reaction time had the most influence on the yield response, while the interaction between the reaction time and the catalyst concentration, with an F-value of 95.61, contributed the most to the esterification reaction. The model had an R2-value of 0.9855, suggesting a fit model, which gave a maximum yield of 95%. The fuel properties of produced PFAD methyl ester were appraised based on the acid value, iodine value, cloud and pour points, flash point, kinematic viscosity, density, ash and water contents and were compared with biodiesel EN 14214 and ASTM D-6751 standard limits. The PFAD methyl ester was further blended with petro-diesel from B0, B3, B5, B10, B20 and B100, on a volumetric basis. The blends were characterized by TGA, DTG and FTIR. With an acid value of 0.42 (mg KOH g-1), iodine value of 63 (g.I2/100 g), kinematic viscosity of 4.31 (mm2 s-1), the PFAD methyl ester has shown good fuel potential, as all of its fuel properties were within the permissible international standards for biodiesel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  17. Effects of different doses of fertilizers on growth and yield components of biodiesel plant (jatropha curcas l.)
    Inam Ali Shah, Sultan Mehmod Wazir, Rahmat Ali Khan
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:117-122.
    Effects of different doses of fertilizers on growth and yield components of biodiesel plant (Jatropha curcas L.), was
    made in the prevailing environment of University of Science and Technology Bannu. The experiment was carried out in
    randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were applied
    in the form of urea, single super phosphate and potash in the shape of combined NPK, respectively, during sprouting
    of leaves and thereafter with each irrigation in split doses. The analysis of variance for number of branches per plant
    showed significant results indicated in ANOVA. Significantly the number of primary branches per plant 8.07 was recorded
    in T4 with the application of dose of (N P K: 2507.5 gm: 1091.5 gm: 501.5 gm). Maximum No. of secondary branches
    per plant (9.100) were recorded in T1 especially at both plots. Flower per inflorescence showed that maximum value
    (122.810) was recorded in T5 of especially at both plots. Inflorescence plant-1 showed that maximum value (39.477) were
    recorded in T1 and minimum value were noted as (12.733) at T3 on both the flats. The data for fruits per plant showed
    that maximum value (143.300) was recorded in T1. The seed index, which was the output of the aim of this research work,
    reflects highly significant differences in mean value observed for both subplots. Mean values showed that maximum seeds
    weight 45.86 was recorded in T1 of especially at both plots while low seed index was noted as 22.84 at T5 (N: 3400 gm,
    P: 1480 gm, K: 680 gm) at both the subplots.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  18. Integrated palm oil mill effluent treatment and co2 sequestration by microalgae
    Nur Anira Syafiqah Hazman, Hassimi Abu Hasan, Kamrul Fakir Kamarudin, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Mohd Sobri Takriff, Noor Irma Nazashida Mohd Hakimi
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1455-1464.
    Malaysian economy relies on palm oil industries as a driver for rural development. However, palm oil mill effluent
    (POME) that is generated from palm oil processing stages causes major environmental challenges. Before being
    released to the environment, POME treatment is crucial to comply with standard discharge limit. Microalgae have
    demonstrated excellent potential for phycoremediating POME and capturing CO2
    . In this study, local microalgae isolate
    such as Chlamydomonas sp. UKM 6 and Chlorella spp. UKM 8 were used for POME treatment in 21 days with different
    inoculum sizes (5%, 10% and 15%). In addition, an integrated treatment process was performed by taking the treated
    POME supernatant for cultivation of Chorella spp. UKM 2, Chorella sorokiniana UKM 3 and Chlorella vulgaris for CO2
    sequestration study. Different CO2
    concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) were used and the experiments were carried
    out in 10 days under continuous illumination. The results showed that among two species involves in POME treatment,
    Chlamydomonas sp. UKM 6 showed a great potential to remove pollutant such as COD (56%), nitrogen (65%) and
    phosphorus (34%). The biomass after POME treatment and CO2
    biofixation content high lipid (90 mg lipid/g biomass)
    which can be the potential source for biodiesel production. In CO2
    sequestration study, C. sorokininana UKM3 able
    to takes up to 15% CO2
    with CO2
    uptake rate of 273 mgL-1d-1. In this study, the integrated system of POME treatment
    and CO2
    sequestration were feasible using microalgae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  19. Assessment of carbon footprint emissions and environmental concerns of solid waste treatment and disposal techniques; case study of Malaysia
    Malakahmad A, Abualqumboz MS, Kutty SRM, Abunama TJ
    Waste Manag, 2017 Dec;70:282-292.
    PMID: 28935377 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.044
    Malaysian authorities has planned to minimize and stop when applicable unsanitary dumping of waste as it puts human health and the environment at elevated risk. Cost, energy and revenue are mostly adopted to draw the blueprint of upgrading municipal solid waste management system, while the carbon footprint emissions criterion rarely acts asa crucial factor. This study aims to alert Malaysian stakeholders on the uneven danger of carbon footprint emissions of waste technologies. Hence, three scenarios have been proposed and assessed mainly on the carbon footprint emissions using the 2006 IPCC methodology. The first scenario is waste dumping in sanitary landfills equipped with gas recovery system, while the second scenario includes anaerobic digestion of organics and recycling of recyclable wastes such as plastic, glass and textile wastes. The third scenario is waste incineration. Besides the carbon footprint emissions criterion, other environmental concerns were also examined. The results showed that the second scenario recorded the lowest carbon footprint emissions of 0.251t CO2 eq./t MSW while the third scenario had the highest emissions of 0.646t CO2 eq./t MSW. Additionally, the integration between anaerobic digestion and recycling techniques caused the highest avoided CO2 eq. emissions of 0.74t CO2 eq./t MSW. The net CO2 eq. emissions of the second scenario equaled -0.489t CO2 eq./t MSW due to energy recovery from the biogas and because of recycled plastic, glass and textile wastes that could replace usage of raw material. The outcomes also showed that the first scenario generates huge amount of leachate and hazardous air constituents. The study estimated that a ton of dumped waste inside the landfills generates approximately 0.88m3 of trace risky compounds and 0.188m3 of leachate. As for energy production, the results showed that the third scenario is capable of generating 639kWh/t MSW followed by the second scenario with 387.59kWh/t MSW. The first scenario produced 296.79kWh/t MSW. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study recommend an integrated scenario of anaerobic digestion and recycling techniques to be employed in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
  20. Fulltext Carbon Derived from Jatropha Seed Hull as a Potential Green Adsorbent for Cadmium (II) Removal from Wastewater
    Mohammad M, Yaakob Z, Abdullah SRS
    Materials (Basel), 2013 Oct 09;6(10):4462-4478.
    PMID: 28788340 DOI: 10.3390/ma6104462
    Carbon from jatropha seed hull (JC) was prepared to study the adsorption of cadmium ions (Cd(2+)) from aqueous solutions under various experimental conditions. Batch equilibrium methods have been used to study the influences of the initial metal ion concentration (0.5-50 ppm), dosage (0.2-1 g), contact time (0-300 min), pH (2-7), and temperature (26-60 °C) on adsorption behavior. It has been found that the amount of cadmium adsorbed increases with the initial metal ion concentration, temperature, pH, contact time, and amount of adsorbent. A kinetic study proved that the mechanism of Cd(2+) adsorption on JC followed a three steps process, confirmed by an intraparticle diffusion model: rapid adsorption of metal ions, a transition phase, and nearly flat plateau section. The experimental results also showed that the Cd(2+) adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were used to describe the experimental data, with the former exhibiting a better correlation coefficient than the latter (R² = 0.999). The monolayer adsorption capacity of JC has been compared with the capacities of the other reported agriculturally-based adsorbents. It has been clearly demonstrated that this agricultural waste generated by the biofuel industry can be considered a potential low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Cd(2+) from industrial effluents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biofuels
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