Academic literature on the topic 'Plant-derived raw materials'

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can be derived from a variety of cellulosic materials and is widely used in petroleum mining, construction, paper making, and packaging. CMCs can be derived from many sources with the final properties reflecting the characteristics of the original lignocellulosic matrix as well as the subsequent separation steps that affect the degree of carboxy methyl substitution on the cellulose hydroxyls. While a large percentage of CMCs is derived from wood pulp, many other plant sources may produce more attractive properties for specific applications. The effects of five plant sources on the resulting properties of CMC and CMC/sodium alginate/glycerol composite films were studied. The degree of substitution and resulting tensile strength in leaf-derived CMC was from 0.87 to 0.89 and from 15.81 to 16.35 MPa, respectively, while the degree of substitution and resulting tensile strength in wooden materials-derived CMC were from 1.08 to 1.17 and from 26.08 to 28.97 MPa, respectively. Thus, the degree of substitution and resulting tensile strength tended to be 20% lower in leaf-derived CMCs compared to those prepared from wood or bamboo. Microstructures of bamboo cellulose, bamboo CMC powder, and bamboo leaf CMC composites’ films all differed from pine-derived material, but plant source had no noticeable effect on the X-ray diffraction characteristics, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra, or pyrolysis properties of CMC or composites films. The results highlighted the potential for using plant source as a tool for varying CMC properties for specific applications.

Fruits are a good source of bioactive compounds exhibiting pro-health properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding chokeberry, elderberry, Japanese quince, flax seeds and wheat germs on the antioxidant properties of low-sugar cherry jams stored at refrigeration (10 ºC) or room temperature (20 ºC) for 12 months. The highest levels of total polyphenols (3.036 g/kg), total flavonoids (1.372 g/kg) and total anthocyanins (0.902 g/kg) were recorded in the cherry jam with 15 % chokeberry fruit added, immediately after its production. In the cherry jams studied, the following polyphenols were identified: p-cumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and (+)- catechin. In the jam without plant ingredients the dominant polyphenols were (+)-catechin (0.023 g/kg) and caffeic acid (0.019 g/kg). The content of vitamin C was the highest (0.085 g/kg) in the jam with Japanese quince added. The level of antioxidant activity (ABTS·+, DPPH· and FRAP) was the highest in the cherry jam with 15 % added chokeberry fruit. Both the longer time of storage and higher storage temperature resulted in a decrease in the value of all the parameters analyzed. Enriching cherry jams with pro-health ingredients improved the quality of the final product. These products are a valuable source of antioxidants in daily diet.

Some functional foods contain biologically active compounds (BAC) that can be derived from various biological sources (fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, wastes, and by-products). Global food markets demand foods from plant materials that are “safe”, “fresh”, “natural”, and with “nutritional value” while processed in sustainable ways. Functional foods commonly incorporate some plant extract(s) rich with BACs produced by conventional extraction. This approach implies negative thermal influences on extraction yield and quality with a large expenditure of organic solvents and energy. On the other hand, sustainable extractions, such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), high-pressure assisted extraction (HPAE), high voltage electric discharges assisted extraction (HVED), pulsed electric fields assisted extraction (PEF), supercritical fluids extraction (SFE), and others are aligned with the “green” concepts and able to provide raw materials on industrial scale with optimal expenditure of energy and chemicals. This review provides an overview of relevant innovative food processing and extraction technologies applied to various plant matrices as raw materials for functional foods production.

Consumer interest and research in plant-based dairy analogues has been growing in recent years because of increasingly negative implications of animal-derived products on human health, animal wellbeing, and the environment. However, plant-based dairy analogues face many challenges in mimicking the organoleptic properties of dairy products due to their undesirable off-flavours and textures. This article thus reviews fermentation as a viable pathway to developing clean-label plant-based dairy analogues with satisfactory consumer acceptability. Discussions on complementary strategies such as raw material selection and extraction technologies are also included. An overview of plant raw materials with the potential to be applied in dairy analogues is first discussed, followed by a review of the processing steps and innovative techniques required to transform these plant raw materials into functional ingredients such as plant-based aqueous extracts or flours for subsequent fermentation. Finally, the various fermentation (bacterial, yeast, and fungal) methodologies applied for the improvement of texture and other sensory qualities of plant-based dairy analogues are covered. Concerted research efforts would be required in the future to tailor and optimise the presented wide diversity of options to produce plant-based fermented dairy analogues that are both delicious and nutritionally adequate.

The main purpose of this paper was to identify the factors affecting the selection of raw materials used by feed operators in feed production. An attempt was also made to indicate the barriers to increasing the use of native protein plants by feed operators in feed production. Today, many EU countries (including Poland) primarily rely on vegetable protein derived from genetically modified soya bean meal (mainly imported from South America and the U.S.) in addressing their needs for protein raw material used in animal feed. For many years now, Poland has taken steps to increase the production and use of native protein raw material to partially replace soya bean meal imports. The use of mixes of diverse domestic protein sources derived from grain legumes (peas, field beans, lupine) can provide an advantageous alternative to compound feeding stuff based on imported post-extraction soya bean meal. To meet the objective defined above, this paper relied on the results of a 2018 survey conducted with a sample of 29 feed operators located across the country. More than half (55%) of the enterprises surveyed did not use legumes in feed production; the use of legumes was above 10% in only 3% of respondents. When asked about the key factors affecting the selection of raw materials used in production processes, the respondents declared to be interested in buying large batches of homogeneous raw materials that meet specific quality parameters (33% replied “rather yes” and 67% replied “definitely yes”). The protein content of plant seeds used in feed production was identified as another aspect of extreme importance (55% replied “rather yes” and 24% replied “definitely yes”).

Due to the major environmental impact of peat-based growing media production and the need of lowering greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, a wider application of peat substitutes in growing media is requested. All peat substitutes under use have constraints associated with their properties. Therefore, a preliminary test procedure for identifying new raw materials as peat substitutes in growing media was developed and validated. By applying the preliminary test procedure, the potential limitations of cultivation of potential peat substitutes are indicated, and measures for cultivation regulation are recommended. For the development of the new preliminary test procedure, four raw materials were investigated: composted heather, alder, cattail, and reed. The preliminary test procedure comprises several material and technological criteria as well as aspects of plant cultivation, enabling the evaluation of the raw materials and the processed components for growing media. Results derived from the preliminary test procedure were checked and confirmed by experiments with horticultural crops in different sections of commercial horticulture. Within two years, the identification of new peat substitutes was possible by the application of the preliminary test procedure and its test criteria, which provide a structure for the systematic investigation of potential new peat substitutes starting with the raw material.

Fish and meat production and processing will grow drastically in the coming decades. In aquacultural systems, insects are gaining interest as feed to provide a sustainable alternative to the fishmeal paradox, whose production leads to high consumption of resources and negative environmental impacts. Within the scope of this study, the production of fish feed from Hermetia illucens larvae and Lemna minor in an inline recirculating aquaponics model for urban sites was developed and optimized, which efficiently combines waste and environmental service concepts in one production system. At the same time, the value chain produces high-quality, market-accessible raw materials for the fish feed industry. All investigations were accompanied by a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to measure and compare ecological effects to finally result in sustainable alternatives. The results achieved in this research show that fish feed based on Hermetia illucens and Lemna minor can have the potential to be ecologically competitive or more sustainable than standard feed. It should be noted that the comparison here represents the results of the project on a pilot scale. Various optimization potentials were shown, which are essential for the large-scale implementation of the breeding of both species as well as their processing up to the fish feed pellets.

Abstract This article provides information on the expansion of the base of vegetable raw material used in the packaging industry. During literature research the following criteria were considered: biodegradability, cheapness, availability, a sprouting area, an impact of used materials on condition of other industries. Plant-derived polysaccharides are contemplated as a source of biodegradable substances. The main subjects of research are plants with medicinal properties, invasive, technical and agricultural crops. The process for producing polysaccharide-based films was also examined. The possibility of introducing technologies into production was assessed. Conclusions are based on the impact of all stages of the process (collection, recycling, receiving and reusing) on the environment. Cogeneration technologies, pharmaceutical wastes and biotechnological biomass cultivation methods usage are taken into account to obtain efficient production.

Cette étude se concentre sur les performances hygro-mécaniques de la terre crue compactée comme matériau de construction alternatif aux matériaux de construction classiques à forte empreinte énergétique. Les briques en terre ont été fabriquées en appliquant des pressions de compactage élevées (jusqu’à 100 MPa, d’où la dénomination d’hyper-compactage) pour augmenter la densité du matériau et ainsi obtenir des propriétés mécaniques similaires à celles des matériaux de construction traditionnels tels que les briques cuites, les blocs de béton et la terre stabilisée. Une vaste campagne expérimentale a été menée sur des échantillons constitués de différents mélanges hyper-compactés de terres à leur teneur en eau optimale respective. La rigidité et la résistance mécanique ont été mesurées par des essais de compression non confinés et triaxiaux, tandis que l’adsorption/désorption de vapeur a été évaluée par la valeur de MBV (Moisture Buffering Value). La durabilité à l'érosion hydrique a été étudiée en effectuant des tests de adsorption capillaire, d'immersion et de goutte-à-goutte conformément aux normes DIN 18945 (2013) et NZS 4298 (1998). Les résultats ont confirmé que l'hyper-compactage améliore les performances mécaniques de la terre crue compactée, mais qu'une augmentation sensible de l'humidité ambiante pouvait entraîner une réduction considérable de la résistance. Néanmoins, les tests de durabilité ont révélé que la terre compactée non stabilisée ne pouvait pas être utilisée pour la construction des parties de structures exposées aux intempéries naturelles en raison de sa sensibilité vis-à-vis de l’eau liquide. Les expériences ont démontré la dépendance de la résistance, de la rigidité, du comportement hydrique, de la sensibilité à l’eau liquide et de la durabilité à la taille des particules. En particulier, il a été observé qu'un mélange de terre à faible granulométrie et calibrées présentait des caractéristiques pour les propriétés susmentionnées supérieures à celle d’un sol à la granulométrie grossière et non maîtrisée. Un défi important a été l'amélioration de la durabilité de la terre crue à l'érosion hydrique en adoptant de techniques de stabilisation à faibles impacts environnementaux, ce qui a conduit à la mise au point d’une méthode originale de stabilisation basée sur l’utilisation d’extraits de plantes. Cette méthode était conforme à la précipitation de calcite induite par voie enzymatique via l'action de l'enzyme uréase pour catalyser l'hydrolyse de l'urée. Cette réaction produit des ions carbonates, qui réagissent ensuite avec les ions calcium du sol dissout dans l’eau interstitielle pour précipiter sous forme de carbonate de calcium, liant ainsi les particules du sol
The present work investigates the hygro-mechanical performance of compacted earth as an alternative to conventional energy-intensive building materials. Earth bricks were manufactured by applying high compaction pressures up to 100 MPa (hyper-compaction) to increase the density of the earth and hence to obtain mechanical properties that are similar to those of traditional construction materials such as fired bricks, concrete blocks and stabilised earth. A wide campaign of laboratory tests was performed on samples made of different earth mixes that were hyper-compacted at their respective optimum water contents. Stiffness and strength were measured by unconfined and triaxial compression tests while vapour adsorption/desorption was assessed by measuring moisture buffering value (MBV). Durability to water erosion was also evaluated by performing suction, immersion and drip tests according to the norms DIN 18945 (2013) and NZS 4298 (1998), respectively. Results showed that hyper-compaction largely improved the mechanical performance of compacted earth but that a marked increase in ambient humidity could produce a considerable reduction of strength. Durability tests highlighted that the unstabilised compacted earth could not be employed for the construction of structures exposed to natural weathering. The experiments also demonstrated the dependency of strength, stiffness, moisture buffering capacity and water durability on particle grading. In particular, it was shown that a fine and well-graded earth mix exhibited higher levels of strength, stiffness, moisture buffering capacity and durability than a coarse and poorly-graded one. One important challenge lied in the improvement of the earth durability against water erosion by adopting novel stabilisation techniques, which led to the development of an original stabilisation method based on the utilisation of plant extracts. The method was consistent with the principles of Enzymatic Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP), which utilises the action of the urease enzyme to catalyse the hydrolysis of urea. This reaction produces carbonate ions, which then react with the calcium ions dissolved in the pore water to produce the precipitation of calcium carbonate (i.e. calcite), thus binding the soil together. The novelty of the present work resides in the utilisation of crude plant-derived urease enzyme instead of pure reagent-grade products available from chemical suppliers, which reduces environmental and financial costs. In particular, the urease enzyme was obtained from a liquid soybeans extract, inside which the urea and calcium chloride were subsequently dissolved to induce the precipitation of calcite. Measurements of pH, electrical conductivity and precipitation ratio indicated that the optimum equimolar concentration of urea and calcium chloride (leading to the largest precipitation of calcite) was 2.5 mol/L. An experimental campaign was finally undertaken to implement the proposed bio-stabilisation method into the manufacture of compressed earth bricks. The most promising versions of the proposed bio-stabilisation method were also the object of further investigation to assess the hygro-mechanical behaviour of the stabilised earth by means of unconfined compression and moisture buffering value tests. The findings, although preliminary, suggested that a noticeable improvement of strength and water durability could be achieved by the proposed stabilisation protocol, in spite of the difficulty in replicating exactly quantitative results

In recent years, an increased interest has been shown in fuels derived from renewable energy resources of animal and vegetable origin, raw materials of which are practically unlimited. The use of biofuels makes it possible not only to replace petroleum motor fuels with alternative ones, but also to improve exhaust gas toxicity indicators (as a rule, there is a marked decrease in emissions of toxic exhaust gas components). This work is devoted to the study of the possibilities of solving these problems in order to adapt diesel to biogas, a theoretical study of ways to create an experimental model of a power plant for generating electricity from biogas, a theoretical study on the processes occurring in the main components of the plant being developed and the creation of this plant.

Activated carbon is one of the most effective materials for removing a wide range of contaminants from water, e.g., industrial and municipal wastewater. In this paper, physical (steam) activation of peach pit biochar obtained from a biomass gasification power plant is explored. Activation experiments were carried out at various temperatures, steam flow rates, and activation times. The initial biochar and activated biochar samples have been analyzed for porosity, chemical composition and surface morphology. From the porosity analyses it was determined that the raw biochar had a surface area in the order of 1 m2/g, whereas the activated samples had surface areas ranging from 379 m2/g to nearly 600 m2/g. The burn off ranged from 29 % to 56 %. Energy wise, the biochar sample processed for the shortest time with the lowest flow rate had the largest ratio of surface area-to-consumed energy.

The Radioactive Depth Analysis Tool (RADPAT) is a PhD bursary project currently being undertaken at Lancaster University in the UK. The RADPAT project involves the development of nuclear instrumentation capable of ascertaining depth of radioactive contamination within legacy plant materials such as concrete. This paper evaluates the merits of two types of detector; sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) and cadmium zinc telluride (CZT), both of which have been identified as possible solutions for the final RADPAT detector. A bespoke concrete phantom has been developed to allow a set depth of simulated contamination to be obtained with a low measurement error within a concrete analogue: silica sand. Utilising this phantom, in combination with the selected detectors, a set of measurements have been obtained varied with increasing depth of caesium-137 contamination. By comparing the relative attenuation of the x-ray and γ-ray photo-peaks from the data-set to that suggested by a differential attenuation law, a set of model parameters can be obtained. This model, once calibrated, describes the contact depth of contamination with the relative intensity of the peaks in a measured spectrum with a high degree of accuracy. Thus, this technique allows for a set of measurements across the surface of a given material to obtain the inherent distribution of the depth of caesium-137 contamination. This paper is primarily interested in the ability of each detector type to derive the attenuation model, paying particular attention to the associated statistical uncertainty of the fitted parameters and thus the error in the derived depth. The paper describes the contributing effects of the inherent properties of each detector; effects such as their energy resolution, absolute efficiency as well as peak-to-Compton ratio. Finally a commentary on the applicability of each selected detector type is presented, including a comment on the extension the technique to a more generic, real world solution.

Transition welds represent a challenge for the assessment of structural integrity of nuclear plant due to the complexity of the microstructure, properties and local stress state. This paper presents the initial findings of a study aimed at characterising the local microstructure and properties of a transition weld between SA508-4N ferritic steel and SS316LN austenitic stainless steel using a nickel-base filler of Alloy 82. The local microstructures and local composition of the material interfaces are characterised using backscattered electron imaging and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The ferritic steel shows significant grain refinement in the heat affected zone compared to the base metal. This refinement is also observed in the heat affected zone of the austenitic stainless steel although not as significant. Micro-hardness testing has also been incorporated to provide an indication of the influence of local microstructure on flow properties across the weld region. The results indicate a hardness range of between 180–340HV across the weld with the highest value in the heat affected zone of the ferritic steel and the lowest in the austenitic stainless steel. Yield and flow properties derived from flat transweld tensile tests incorporating digital image correlation are related to the micro-hardness results and microstructural characterisation, and an initial assessment of the fracture mechanism performed using fractography.

Background: Enbridge Pipelines (Lakehead) was interested in a method to analyze longitudinal butt and fillet welds on pipeline repair sleeves and stopple tee fittings with the goal of finding weld defects such as inadequate root penetration, weld porosity, slag inclusions and other structural defects. Problem: Traditional pipeline x-ray techniques to not generate enough energy to overcome steel thicknesses up to 3.6 inches (91.4 mm) and the density of crude oil in a 34 inch (863.6 mm) diameter pipe. Attempts using cobalt 60 with up to 60 minute exposures did not produce x-rays with distinguishable features. Technology Comparison: Two methods were considered. One utilized an automated array of ultrasonic probes each specifically targeting regions within the longitudinal butt weld. This method was successfully developed for butt welds, however Enbridge chose to pursue using a high power XRay source called a Linear Accelerator (Linac) to look at butt and fillet welds. Linear Accelerator Technical Description: Derived from work done by the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI), the Linac unit has demonstrated that it can produce code quality in service inspections for power plant boilers, nuclear plant piping, pre-stressed concrete bridge sections and other applications. Its design has been adapted from the Los Alamos Science Research Center’s work with the atomic bomb program. This is the highest power portable x-ray source in the world with a total power of 6 million volts as compared with the 200,000 equivalent volts produced by a Cobalt 60 radiation source. Field Trial and Results: The test specimen was a 34 inch (863.6 mm) diameter stopple tee which had been removed from the pipeline system and filled with water. Hole type penetrameters were placed directly next to the long seam welds on the stopple tee to verify the image quality, X-Ray images were exposed in 13–15 seconds and consistently produced sensitivities of 2T on 25 & 30, which was well within code requirements for the material. This technology displayed weld defects including lack of root penetration, porosity and slag inclusion that could be interpreted to code standards. Summary: This field trial proved that the Linac could be used in actual conditions. The Linac unit would requires some minor modifications for pipeline application including special mounting brackets and other small adjustments. Public safety is also a concern with this high power source as public evacuation is required within a 250 foot (76.2 m) radius of the source. Enbridge did not undertake a larger program with this technology but demonstrated that it could be used successfully if required.

Objectives: 1) develop a thorough understanding of the sorption mechanisms of Pi and Po onto the Al/O- WTR; 2) determine the breakthrough range of the composite Al/O-WTR during P capturing from agro- wastewaters; and 3) critically evaluate the performance of the composite Al/O-WTR as a fertilizer using selected plants grown in lysimeters and test-field studies. Instead of lysimeters we used pots (Israel) and one- liter cone-tainers (USA). We conducted one field study but in spite of major pretreatments the soils still exhibited high enough P from previous experiments so no differences between control and P additions were noticeable. Due to time constrains the field study was discontinued. Background: Phosphorous, a non-renewable resource, has been applied extensively in fields to increase crop yield, yet consequently has increased the potential of waterway eutrophication. Our proposal impetus is the need to develop an innovative method of P capturing, recycling and reuse that will sustain agricultural productivity while concurrently reducing the level of P discharge from and to agricultural settings. Major Conclusions & Achievements: An innovative approach was developed for P removal from soil leachate, dairy wastewater (Israel), and swine effluents (USA) using Al-based water treatment residuals (Al- WTR) to create an organic-Al-WTR composite (Al/O-WTR), potentially capable of serving as a P fertilizer source. The Al-WTR removed 95% inorganic-P, 80% to 99.9% organic P, and over 60% dissolved organic carbon from the agro-industrial waste streams. Organic C accumulation on particles surfaces possibly enhanced weak P bonding and facilitated P desorption. Analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM- EDS), indicated that P was sparsely sorbed on both calcic and Al (hydr)oxide surfaces. Sorption of P onto WW-Al/O-WTR was reversible due to weak Ca-P and Al-P bonds induced by the slight alkaline nature and in the presence of organic moieties. Synchrotron-based microfocused X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) spectrometry, bulk P K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES), and P K-edge micro-XANES spectroscopy indicated that adsorption was the primary P retention mechanism in the Al- WTR materials. However, distinct apatite- or octocalciumphosphatelike P grains were also observed. Synchrotron micro-XRF mapping further suggested that exposure of the aggregate exteriors to wastewater caused P to diffuse into the porous Al-WTR aggregates. Organic P species were not explicitly identified via P K-edge XANES despite high organic matter content, suggesting that organic P may have been predominantly associated with mineral surfaces. In screen houses experiments (Israel) we showed that the highest additions of Al/O-WTR (5 and 7 g kg⁻¹) produced the highest lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolial) yield. Lettuce yield and P concentration were similar across treatments, indicating that Al/O- WTR can provide sufficient P to perform similarly to common fertilizers. A greenhouse study (USA) was utilized to compare increasing rates of swine wastewater derived Al/O-WTR and inorganic P fertilizer (both applied at 33.6, 67.3, and 134.5 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) to supply plant-available P to spring wheat (TriticumaestivumL.) in either sandy loam or sandy clay loam soil. Spring wheat straw and grain P uptake were comparable across all treatments in the sandy loam, while Al/O-WTR application to the sandy clay loam reduced straw and grain P uptake. The Al/O-WTR did not affect soil organic P concentrations, but did increase phosphatase activity in both soils; this suggests that Al/O-WTR application stimulated microorganisms and enhance the extent to which microbial communities can mineralize Al/O-WTR-bound organic P. Implications: Overall, results suggest that creating a new P fertilizer from Al-WTR and agro-industrial waste sources may be a feasible alternative to mining inorganic P fertilizer sources, while protecting the environment from unnecessary waste disposal.