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The contamination of surface and groundwater with arsenic is an urgent problem in many countries where the population does not have any other water sources. A new renewable/recoverable sugarcane bagasse anion adsorbent (SBAA) for arsenic removal was prepared using a greener, cleaner, and sustainable synthesis method in a mini-pilot reactor. SBAA was prototyped for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated groundwater. Tests carried out with the prototype connected to household clay ceramic water filters showed that SBAA achieved 95 ± 3% arsenic removal, reaching arsenic levels below the WHO's limit of 10 µg L−1. SBAA obtained the NSF/ANSI 61–2016 safety certification, which allows its safe and commercial use. Comparing the performance of the SBAA with commercial materials demonstrates its potential to compete with other technologies in the market. The SBAA is efficient, even in the presence of interfering contaminants. The technology validation classified it at technology readiness level 4. The financial analysis of the proposed business model considered a total sale of 180,000 units in 5 y (semi-industrial process), 4% of the Latin American market, and a sales price of USD $6.95 per unit. A Net present value of USD $52,690.51, internal return rate of 28%, payback of 3.0 y, discounted payback of 3.4 y, and breakeven point of 1.6 y were obtained. The upscaling potential of the SBAA technology was demonstrated, considering technical and market aspects for the development of competitive renewable-based technologies not yet available in the market for the treatment of water contaminated with arsenic. [Display omitted] • Biosorbent (SBAA) prepared under circular economy and cleaner production concepts. • SBAA can solve arsenic-contaminated drinking water in developing countries. • Upscaling and business model show SBAA is technically and economically viable. • SBAA underwent several tests for its safety certification and commercialization. • A prototype was developed for using SBAA in household water filtration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the use of a renewable organic acid (citric acid) as homogeneous catalyst for the pretreatment of raw sugarcane bagasse (SB). A 22 central composite design with two factors (reaction time and citric acid concentration) was used to evaluate the effect of the factors on the chemical composition of the pretreated SB samples and enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. The enzymatic hydrolysis experiments of the pretreated SB samples were performed using the enzymatic cocktail Cellic® CTec 3 and the total reducing sugars (TRS) released after enzymatic hydrolysis was determined. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the changes in the morphology and structure of the pretreated SB samples. The changes in the structure and chemical composition of the pretreated SB resulted in a high TRS concentration (28.2 g L−1) after enzymatic hydrolysis, for the pretreatment condition employing 6 wt% citric acid and 102.4 min, compared to the raw SB (3.06 g L−1). The pretreatment showed potential for application since a moderate conversion of polysaccharides in TRS was obtained, even though it was a pretreatment carried out under milder conditions. The pretreatment studied has the advantage of using weak and environmentally friendly acid catalyst, atmospheric pressure, and low temperature. • Pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SB) with citric acid was studied. • Chemical, structural and morphological changes of SB was investigated. • Changes in the SB was effective in improve sugar conversion by enzymatic hydrolysis. • High concentrations of total reducing sugars (28.2 g L−1) in comparison to the raw SB (3.06 g L−1) was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five fungal strains (Aspergillus niger SCBM1 – Ni, Aspergillus fumigatus SCBM6 – Fu, Trametes versicolor 561 – Tr, Ganoderma lucidum 601 – Ga and Pleurotus ostreatus PL06 – Pl) were cultivated individually and in consortium for biosynthesis of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes by solid-state fermentation (SSF). The enzyme production was investigated using a 25−1 fractional factorial design, with a total of 16 experiments (F1–F16) using raw sugarcane bagasse and raw wheat bran as substrates. Among the enzymatic extracts produced, Ni (F1) exhibited the highest production of endoglucanase (82.70 U/gds) (units per gram of dry substrate), exoglucanase (80.48 U/gds), β-xylosidase (145.01 U/gds) and manganese peroxidase (3.38 U/gds). For filter paper cellulase, Tr cocktail (F5) was the one that stood out (9.45 U/gds). Among the extracts produced in consortium, Ni + Tr + Pl (F6) presented the highest production of β-glucosidase (171.09 U/gds), β-xylosidase (139.99 U/gds) and manganese peroxidase (3.29 U/gds). For FPase, Ni + Fu + Ga (F12) exhibited the best production (10.46 U/gds). The highest xylanase biosynthesis (2582.38 U/gds) was obtained in Ni + Fu + Pl extract (F4). For laccase, the maximum biosynthesis (25.27 U/gds) was obtained in Tr + Ga + Pl (F13). The cocktails that presented the best enzyme production were: Ni (F1), Ni + Fu + Pl (F9), Ni + Tr + Pl (F6) and Ni + Ga + Pl (F10), demonstrating that the use of microbial consortium can be a promising alternative to obtain enzymatic cocktails with high synergism. • Fungal species were cultivated for biosynthesis of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. • A total of 16 solid-state fermentations (SSF) were carried out. • Highest productions were obtained in Ni, Ni + Fu + Pl, Ni + Tr + Pl and Ni + Ga + Pl enzymatic cocktails. • The fungal consortia can be a promising alternative to obtain cocktails with high synergism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the bottlenecks related to the extraction of protein from lignocellulosic biomass is the development of an efficient, selective, economical, and environmentally friendly process. This study investigated the reduced-pressure alkaline pretreatment (RPAP) as an innovative approach for protein extraction from brewer's spent grain (BSG). Experiments were carried out at different temperatures (30–70 °C), pressures (150–1025 mBar), times (1–7 h), and NaOH concentrations (20–180 mM) to obtain a high-yield and selective protein extraction associated with low CO 2 emissions and high processing capacity per batch. Protein concentration, total CO 2 emissions per protein extracted, selectivity (related to sugars), and processing capacity were the responses considered for optimization. The optimum condition (T = 70 °C; P = 455 mBar, t = 1 h, and [NaOH] = 180.00 mM) was able to extract 80% of the total protein present in BSG composition. This condition was also selective (76.8%) and had a low carbon footprint (0.43 g CO 2 g protein extracted −1). Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid in both raw BSG (23.4%) and protein hydrolysate (24.7%), followed by leucine (9.5% and 8.4%, respectively), proline (8.4% and 11.8%, respectively), and aspartic acid (9.0% and 8.1%, respectively). RPAP was demonstrated to be an efficient and sustainable technology for protein extraction from BSG. This opens up new opportunities for BSG and other protein-rich lignocellulosic materials valorization in a biorefinery. [Display omitted] • Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is an important source of protein for food fortification. • Reduced-pressure alkaline pretreatment (RPAP) was efficient to extract protein from BSG. • Optimum RPAP condition extracted protein with high selectivity and low carbon footprint. • Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid in BSG and in the protein hydrolysate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organosolv delignification assisted by high–pressure carbon dioxide (HP–CO 2 ), a low cost, non–corrosive and recoverable compound was evaluated as a potential green pretreatment technology for lignin extraction from liquid hot water (LHW) pretreated sugarcane bagasse to produce fermentable sugars in a lignocellulosic biorefinery concept. In this study, LHW pretreated bagasse (180 °C for 20 min with a liquid–to–solid ratio ( LSR ) of 9 (v/w)) was delignified with an ethanol–water mixture (1:1, v/v) and HP–CO 2 as a co–solvent at milder temperatures (111.7–168.3 °C) and times (23.8–66.2 min) at a LSR of 5 (v/w). To evaluate the effects of varying operational conditions on the lignin content and delignification extent, while preserving the glucan fraction, a 2 2 central composite design was used as a factorial planning. Solid fractions with low lignin contents (7.35% and 10.78%) and high delignification extents (82.5% and 72.2%) with good glucan preservations (84.6% and 85.3%) were obtained at 140 °C for 45 min and 111.7 °C for 45 min, respectively. These solid fractions were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, yielding enzymatic conversions of 60.8% and 63.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, four different adsorbent materials: commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC) from pine tree (PAC-I) and coconut shell (PAC-III) agricultural crop wastes, coal (PAC-II), and carbon nanotubes (CNT) were tested and compared for the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from spiked aqueous solutions. The kinetic, extrathermodynamic, and thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of SMX on PACs and CNT were also determined. The results indicate that PAC-I was the best adsorbent for SMX adsorption. SMX adsorption was only favorable with PAC-I and CNT, leading to Gibbs free energies in the range of −39 to −44 kJ mol −1 and showing that the adsorption process was spontaneous in all temperature ranges (15–45 °C) tested. Langmuir model best described SMX adsorption on PAC-I and led to maximum adsorption capacity of ∼131 mg g −1 (at 25 °C), which was ∼4.6 times higher than that observed for CNT. The mechanism of SMX adsorption on PAC-I and CNT was suggested with basis on thermodynamic and extrathermodynamic parameters. The kinetic studies showed the pseudo-second-order model best described SMX adsorption, yielding k 2 values of 0.0035 and 0.0016 g mg −1 min −1 for PAC-I and CNT, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] LHW-HP-CO2 evaluated as a potential green technology for hemicelluloses extraction. [•] At 100°C for 30min and 115°C for 60min xylan equivalent ranged 10–12g/L. [•] At 115°C for 60min, the cellulose preservation achieved 97.2%. [•] Enzymatic hydrolysis yielded 30.43g/L glucose and 41.17% cellulose conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sugarcane bagasse cellulose was subjected to the extremely low acid (ELA) hydrolysis in 0.07% H2SO4 at 190, 210 and 225°C for various times. The cellulose residues from this process were characterized by TGA, XRD, GPC, FTIR and SEM. A kinetic study of thermal decomposition of the residues was also carried out, using the ASTM and Kissinger methods. The thermal studies revealed that residues of cellulose hydrolyzed at 190, 210 and 225°C for 80, 40 and 8min have initial decomposition temperature and activation energy for the main decomposition step similar to those of Avicel PH-101. XRD studies confirmed this finding by showing that these cellulose residues are similar to Avicel in crystallinity index and crystallite size in relation to the 110 and 200 planes. FTIR spectra revealed no significant changes in the cellulose chemical structure and analysis of SEM micrographs demonstrated that the particle size of the cellulose residues hydrolyzed at 190 and 210°C were similar to that of Avicel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the organosolv delignification of depithed bagasse using glycerol–water mixtures without a catalyst. The experiments were performed using two separate experimental designs. In the first experiment, two temperatures (150 and 190°C), two time periods (60 and 240min) and two glycerol contents (20% and 80%, v/v) were used. In the second experiment, which was a central composite design, the glycerol content was maintained at 80%, and a range of temperatures (141.7–198.3°C) and time (23–277min) was used. The best result, obtained with a glycerol content of 80%, a reaction time of 150min and a temperature of 198.3°C, produced pulps with 54.4% pulp yield, 7.75% residual lignin, 81.4% delignification and 13.7% polyose content. The results showed that high contents of glycerol tend to produce pulps with higher delignification and higher polyoses content in relation to the pulps obtained from low glycerol content reactions. In addition, the proposed method shows potential as a pretreatment for cellulose saccharification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work describes the preparation of a new chelating material derived from wood sawdust, Manilkara sp., and not only the use of a new support, but also a chemically modified sugarcane bagasse synthesized in our previous work to remove Zn2+ from aqueous solutions and electroplating wastewater. The first part describes the chemical modification of wood sawdust and sugarcane bagasse using ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD) as modifying agent in order to introduce carboxylic acid and amine functional groups into these materials. The obtained materials such as the modified sugarcane bagasse, EB, and modified wood sawdust, ES were then characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and CHN. The second part evaluates the adsorption capacity of Zn2+ by EB and ES from aqueous single metal solutions and real electroplating wastewater, which concentration was determined through direct titration with EDTA and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). Adsorption isotherms were developed using Langmuir model. Zn2+ adsorption capacities were found to be 80mg/g for ES and 105mg/g for EB whereas for the industrial wastewater these values were found to be 47mg/g for ES and 45mg/g for EB. Zn2+ adsorption in the wastewater was found to be lower than in Zn2+ spiked solution due to the competition between other cations and/or interference of other ions, mainly Ca2+ and Cl− that were present in the wastewater. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a previous work, chemically modified cellulose (EMC) and sugarcane bagasse (EMMB) were prepared from mercerized cellulose (MC) and twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse (MMB) using ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD) as modifying agent. In this work we described in detail the modification of these materials in function of reaction time and EDTAD amount in the reaction media. The resistance of ester bond at pH 1, 2, 11, and 12 was also evaluated by FTIR. The results were used to model the hydrolysis process and a kinetic model was proposed. The modified materials (EMMB and EMC) were used to adsorb Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions from aqueous single solutions. The adsorption isotherms were developed at two pH values. These materials showed maximum adsorption capacities for Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions ranging from 15.6 to 54.1mg/g and 13.5 to 42.6mg/g, respectively. The modified material from sugarcane bagasse (EMMB) showed larger maximum adsorption capacities than modified material from cellulose (EMC) for both metals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study describes the preparation of two new chelating materials, MMSCB 3 and 5, derived from succinylated twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse (MMSCB 1). MMSCB 3 and 5 were synthesized from MMSCB 1 using two different methods as described by . In the first method MMSCB 1 was activated with 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide and in the second with acetic anhydride (to form an internal anhydride) and later both were reacted with triethylenetetramine in order to obtain MMSCB 3 and 5. New obtained materials were characterized by mass percent gain, concentration of amine groups, FTIR, and elemental analysis. MMSCB 3 and 5 showed mass percent gain of 19.9 and 57.1%, concentration of amine groups of 2.0 and 2.1mmol/g, and nitrogen content of 5.8 and 4.4%. The capacity of MMSCB 3 and 5 to adsorb Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous single metal ion solutions was evaluated at different contact times, pHs, and initial metal ion concentrations. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted by Langmuir model. Maximum adsorption capacities of MMSCB 3 and 5 for Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ were found to be 59.5 and 69.4, 86.2 and 106.4, 158.7 and 222.2mg/g, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work describes the preparation of new chelating materials derived from cellulose and sugarcane bagasse for adsorption of Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The first part involved the mercerization treatment of cellulose and sugarcane bagasse with NaOH 5mol/L. Non- and mercerized cellulose and sugarcane bagasse were then reacted with ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD) in order to prepare different chelating materials. These materials were characterized by mass percent gain, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and elemental analysis. The second part consisted of evaluating the adsorption capacity of these modified materials for Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions from aqueous single metal solutions, whose concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. These materials showed maximum adsorption capacities for Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions ranging from 38.8 to 92.6mg/g, 87.7 to 149.0mg/g, and 192.0 to 333.0mg/g, respectively. The modified mercerized materials showed larger maximum adsorption capacities than modified non-mercerized materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Succinylated mercerized cellulose (cell 1) was used to synthesize an anion exchange resin. Cell 1, containing carboxylic acid groups was reacted with triethylenetetramine to introduce amine functionality to this material to obtain cell 2. Cell 2 was reacted with methyl-iodide to quaternize the amine groups from this material to obtain cell 3. Cells 2 and 3 were characterized by mass percent gain, degree of amination and quaternization, FTIR and CHN. Cells 2 and 3 showed degrees of amination and quaternization of 2.8 and 0.9mmol/g and nitrogen content of 6.07% and 2.13%, respectively. Cell 3 was used for Cr (VI) adsorption studies. Adsorption equilibrium time and optimum pH for Cr (VI) adsorption were found to be 300min and 3.1, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm was used to model adsorption equilibrium data. The adsorption capacity of cell 3 was found to be 0.829mmol/g. Kinetic studies showed that the rate of adsorption of Cr (VI) on cell 3 obeyed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study describes the preparation of two new chelating materials derived from succinylated mercerized cellulose (cell 1). Cell 1 was activated through two different methods by using diisopropylcarbodiimide and acetic anhydride (to form an internal anhydride) and reacted with triethylenetetramine in order to obtain cell 2 and 4. New modified celluloses were characterized by mass percent gain, concentration of amine functions, elemental analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Cell 2 and 4 showed degrees of amination of 2.8 and 2.3mmol/g and nitrogen content of 6.07% and 4.61%, respectively. The capacity of cell 2 and 4 to adsorb Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions from single aqueous solutions were examined. The effect of contact time, pH, and initial concentration of metal ions on the metal ions uptake was also investigated. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of cell 2 and 4 were found to be 56.8 and 69.4mg/g for Cu2+; 68.0 and 87.0mg/g for Cd2+; and 147.1 and 192.3mg/g for Pb2+, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work describes the preparation of new chelating material from mercerized sugarcane bagasse. The first part treats the chemical modification of non-mercerized sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse (MMSCB) with succinic anhydride. Mass percent gains (mpg) and degrees of succinylation (DS) of succinylated non- and twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse 1 (SCB 1 and MMSCB 1) were calculated. MMSCB 1 exhibited an increase in mpg and DS of 49.2% and 0.9mmol/g in relation to SCB 1. SCB 2 and MMSCB 2 were obtained by treatment of MMSCB 1 and SCB 1 with bicarbonate solution to release the carboxylate functions and characterized by FTIR. The second part evaluates and compares the adsorption capacity of SCB 2 and MMSCB 2 for Cu2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions in an aqueous single metal solution. Adsorption isotherms were developed using Langmuir model. MMSCB 2 exhibited an increase in Q max for Cd2+ (43.6mg/g) and Pb2+ (83.3mg/g) in relation to SCB 2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the production of fermentable sugars and biogas from thermally pretreated brewer's spent grains (BSGs) was investigated. There were two autohydrolysis conditions (C1-1S: 180 ºC, 30 min, 5 mL H2O g BSG −1 and C2-1S: 180 ºC, 60 min, 5 mL H2O g BSG −1) which were evaluated, with and without a previous low severity pretreatment (80 ºC, 10 min, 10 mL H2O g BSG −1). The highest specific methane production (302.4 NL CH4 kg COD −1) and enzymatic hydrolysis yield (EHY of 98%, 50 FPU g BSG −1) were obtained from the two-stage pretreatment, with the second stage operated at 180 °C for 60 min, 5 mL H2O g BSG −1. However, in the integrated process, the two-stage pretreatment with the second stage performed at 180 °C for 30 min, and 5 mL H2O g BSG −1 was the best condition to produce fermentable sugars from enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated BSGs, using a lower enzyme loading (EHY of 93%, 25 FPU g BSG −1). The burning of biogas produced from an anaerobic digestion of liquid fractions (hydrolysates) generated after two-stage thermal pretreatment in a combined heat and power system can produce a net thermal energy of 1.71 MJ kg BSG dry basis −1 and electrical energy of 0.392 kW h kg BSG dry basis −1. [Display omitted] • Co-production of fermentable sugars and biogas from BSGs proved to be promising. • Two-stage thermal pretreatment of BSGs improved the enzymatic hydrolysis yield (EHY). • C1-2S condition (180 ºC, 30 min, 5 mL H2O g BSG −1) showed an EHY of 93%. • The biogas produced by C1-1S could generate 1.71 MJ kg BSG −1 and 0.392 kW h kg BSG −1. • BSG pretreatment showed potential to add value to it in a circular biobased economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work describes the preparation of new chelating material from mercerized cellulose. The first part treats the chemical modification of non-mercerized cellulose (cell 1) and mercerized cellulose (cell 2) with succinic anhydride. Mass percent gains (mpg) and degree of succinylation (DS) of cell 3 (from cell 1) and cell 4 (from cell 2) were calculated. Cell 4 in relation to cell 3 exhibited an increase in mpg and in the concentration of carboxylic functions of 68.9% and 2.8mmol/g, respectively. Cells 5 and 6 were obtained by treatment of cells 3 and 4 with bicarbonate solution to release the carboxylate functions and characterized by FTIR. The second part compares the adsorption capacity of cells 5 and 6 for Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions in an aqueous single metal solution. Adsorption isotherms were developed using Langmuir model. Cell 6 in relation to cell 5 exhibited an increase in Q max for Cu2+ (30.4mg/g), Cd2+ (86.0mg/g) and Pb2+ (205.9mg/g). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to investigate the production of biobased volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from pretreated olive mill solid waste (OMSW). Three hydrothermal pretreatment (HP) conditions (D1: 125 ºC, 53 min; D2: 161 ºC, 62 min; D3: 191 ºC, 83 min) were selected. The pretreated olive mill solid fraction (OMSF), pretreated olive mill liquid fraction (OMLF), and pretreated OMSW were evaluated as potential substrates for acidification in the anaerobic digestion (AD) in liquid (L-AD), semi-solid (Ss-AD), and solid (S-AD) phases. The best acidification efficiency (AE) observed in this study was 65%, for L-AD and HP condition D2 (161 ºC, 62 min). However, the HP condition D2 applied to the Ss-AD provided a VFA concentration of 18218 mg L−1, about 6-fold higher than that observed in the L-AD system. Polyphenols changed the profile of VFAs, increasing the production of longer chain VFAs in the L-AD and S-AD systems. Also, the influence of the typology of the AD system and HP severity on the microbial community was evaluated. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most representative phyla in acidogenic fermentation of OMSW substrates and the genera Enterobacter , Pseudomonas , Achromobacter , Clostridium , Ochrobactrum , and Peptoclostridium played an important role in the pretreated OMSW fermentation and, consequently, in the VFAs production profile. ga1 • HP applied to Ss-AD had the best potential profitability: US$ 130 per ton of raw OMSW. • The best AE was 65% for L-AD and HP condition D2 (161 ºC, 62 min). • Type of AD system and HP severity had great influence on VFAs production profile. • Phenolics changed the metabolic pathway for the production of longer chain VFAs. • Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in AD of the solid wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technical lignin (TL) is a solid waste generated in industrial activities including pulp and paper mills and second-generation (2G) biorefineries. After isolation processes, TL is available in large quantities and has favorable compositional characteristics to produce high-performance activated carbons (ACs), such as low amount of residual carbohydrates, high reactivity due to the presence of different functional groups, and high aromatic carbon content. The value of the AC market is projected to reach US$ 7 billion by 2028, led by the water treatment sector. This work provides a brief overview of the status quo in the production of new adsorbents from TL, focusing on biorefineries, together with a bibliometric and patentometric survey. This evidenced a scarcity of publications on this topic, with the primary focus being on chemical modification of TL. A notable increase was observed in the production of ACs for electrochemical applications. Only a few patents were found on the subject, with China predominating technological development in this area. The findings revealed a technical-scientific-economic potential that has been largely unexplored, as no TL-derived AC from 2G biorefineries has yet been produced and applied in water treatment. Hence, there is excellent potential for the wider commercialization of AC produced from TL, representing an excellent opportunity to recycle TL and support the bio-based circular carbon economy, while also contributing to carbon emission neutrality. The marketing of high-performance ACs produced from TL could make biorefineries more profitable and less sensitive to market price fluctuations, while becoming carbon-neutral multiproduct platforms. [Display omitted] • Technical lignin (TL) has untapped technical-scientific-economic potential. • Production of activated carbon is a technological way to add value to TL. • Bibliometrics and patentometrics indicate a scarcity of value-added TL products. • Biorefineries as key contributors to carbon neutral emissions in the energy sector. • New opportunities and challenges identified for excess TL in 2G ethanol plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential of energy generation using a combined heat and power co-generation system (CHP) from biogas produced during the anaerobic digestion of coffee husks (CH) pretreated with steam explosion. Pretreatment conditions assessed were time (1, 5, 15 and 60 min) and temperature (120, 180 and 210 °C). Polysaccharides solubilisation and biogas production were not correlated. While pretreatment with severities higher than 4 resulted in a highest solubilisation of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin; however, furans concentration in those cases hindered biomass biodegradation. Considering a CHP, all pretreatment conditions were worthwhile when compared to non-pretreated CH. The best condition was 120 °C for 60 min, in which a 2.37 severity showed the highest methane yield (144.96 NmL CH 4 g COD −1 ) and electricity production (0.59 kWh kg CH −1 ). However, even better results could be achieved using 120 °C for only 5 min, which would lead to a larger amount of CH daily processed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of a sugarcane biorefinery, sugarcane bagasse produced may be pretreated generating a solid and liquid fraction. The solid fraction may be used for 2G bioethanol production, while the liquid fraction may be used to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion. The aim of this study consisted in evaluating the anaerobic digestion performance of hemicellulose hydrolysate produced after hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. For this, hydrothermal pretreatment was assessed in a continuous upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor operated at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 18.4 h. Process performance was investigated by varying the dilution of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate with a solution containing xylose and the inlet organic loading rate (OLR). Experimental data showed that an increase in the proportion of hydrolysate in the feed resulted in better process performance for steps using 50% and 100% of real substrate. The best performance condition was achieved when increasing the organic loading rate (OLR) from 1.2 to 2.4 g COD/L·d, with an organic matter removal of 85.7%. During this period, the methane yield estimated by the COD removal would be 270 L CH 4 /kg COD. Nonetheless, when further increasing the OLR to 4.8 g COD/L·d, the COD removal decreased to 74%, together with an increase in effluent concentrations of VFA (0.80 g COD/L) and furans (115.3 mg/L), which might have inhibited the process performance. On the whole, the results showed that anaerobic digestion of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate was feasible and may improve the net energy generation in a bioethanol plant, while enabling utilization of the surplus sugarcane bagasse in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study described the anaerobic degradation of the azo dye Remazol Golden Yellow RNL (RGY-RNL) using cellulose-immobilized riboflavin (MC 3) as the redox mediator. This new solid support containing immobilized riboflavin was synthesized from succinylated mercerized cellulose, and was characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, and solid-state 13 C NMR. MC 3 was resistant to pH 2–9, and anaerobic degradation of RGY-RNL using MC 3 in the presence of anaerobic sludge yielded a zero order degradation rate constant ( k 0,obs ) equal to 0.189 mg/L h, which was 56% better than experiments carried out without a redox mediator. Color removal efficiency after 48 h of degradation averaged 89.4% in experiments with MC 3 and 72% without the addition of a redox mediator. These results showed that MC 3 can be used to immobilize redox mediators, allowing reduction of wastewater treatment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) with dilute citric acid solution for biogas production. The black liquor (BL) from pretreatment and residual solid fraction (RSF) obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis were used as substrates for the biogas production. After saccharifications of the pretreated solid fractions performed with Cellic® CTec 3 cocktail, the highest concentration of total reducing sugars (TRS) was in the range of 10.7–184.8 g L−1 and the sugar yields were in the range of 3.5–88.8%. For BL, the contents of glucose, xylose, and arabinose were in the range of 1.9–8.9 g L−1, 4.0–24.7 g L−1, and 0.2–5.4 g L−1, respectively. Biogas production from BL and RSF resulted, respectively, in maximum values of 563.6 and 57.8 NmL g COD −1, indicating the feasibility of using dilute citric acid pretreatment coupled to biogas production in biorefineries. Brief energy and economic assessment were carried out considering the energy balance (thermal energy generated by burning biogas - thermal energy spent in the pretreatment), as well as revenue from a possible sale of electricity generated in a combined heat and power system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Novel application for adsorbents after treating solutions containing metal ions. [•] New biobased heterogeneous catalysts were prepared for monoterpenes oxidation. [•] Production of high economic value oxygenated derivatives from monoterpenes. [•] Conversions among 49 and 78% and combined selectivity up to 59% were obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Bifunctionalized chitosan(C4) was synthesized for removal of both Cu2+ and Cr6+. • C4 was insoluble in water in a pH range of 1–10. • The maximum adsorption capacity of C4 for Cu2+ adsorption at pH 5.5 was 2.60 mmol/g. • The maximum adsorption capacity of C4 for Cr6+ adsorption at pH 2.0 was 3.50 mmol/g. • The re-adsorption efficiency of C4 was 106% for Cu2+ and 44% for oxyanions of Cr6+. Abstract This study describes the chemical modification of chitosan to produce a novel bifunctionalized adsorbent material (C4) for the removal of Cu2+ and oxyanions of Cr6+ from a single aqueous solution. The chemical modifications allowed C4 to be insoluble under acidic conditions, improving the chemical properties of the modified chitosan in aqueous solution. C4 adsorbent was synthesized by reaction of the amino group of chitosan with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, a reduction of imine group, followed by esterification with EDTA dianhydride (EDTAD). C4 was characterized by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The adsorption studies of Cu2+ and oxyanions of Cr6+ in a batch mode were evaluated as a function of the contact time (kinetics), solution pH, and initial metal ion concentration. The maximum adsorption capacities (Q max) of C4 for the adsorption of Cu2+ (pH 5.5) and Cr6+ (pH 2.0) were 2.60 and 3.50 mmol/g, respectively. The reusability of the recovered C4 adsorbent was also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone pretreatment of coffee husks (CH) was evaluated to generate hydrolysates for biogas production and to preserve cellulose of the solid phase for 2G ethanol production. Pretreatment variables included liquid-to-solid ratio ( LSR ), pH and specific applied ozone load ( SAOL ). Considering single-stage anaerobic digestion (AD), the highest methane production (36 NmL CH 4 /g CH) was achieved with the hydrolysate generated in the experiment using LSR 10 mL/g, pH 11 and SAOL 18.5 mg O 3 /g CH, leading to 0.064 kJ/g CH energy recovery. Due to the presence of toxic compounds in the hydrolysate, the addition of powdered activated carbon (4 g/L) to the reactor enhanced biogas production, leading to 86 NmL CH 4 /g CH yield and 0.58 kJ/g CH energy recovery. When two-stage AD was applied, methane production resulted in 49 NmL CH 4 /g CH, with additional 19 NmL H 2 /g CH production, resulting in a net 0.26 kJ/g CH energy recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation, characterisation and application of two pyridine-modified chitosan derivatives ( C1 and C2 ) containing Cu(OAc) 2 adsorbed as catalysts for the conversion of benzaldehyde into 2-nitro-1-phenylethanol are described. Quantitative solid-state 13 C multiple-contact cross-polarization, magic-angle-spinning, nuclear magnetic resonance (MC-CP MAS NMR) measurements confirmed the successful grafting of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and 6-methylpyridine-2-carboxaldehyde to the chitosan backbone and indicated that 47(±2)% of the NH 2 groups were grafted for both C1 and C2 . The use of C1 -Cu(OAc) 2 as a catalyst in the nitroaldol reaction led to 96(±1)% conversion and 19(±4)% enantiomeric excess (ee), while the use of C2 -Cu(OAc) 2 as a catalyst also promoted the nitroaldol reaction, affording almost quantitatively the expected 2-nitro-1-phenylethanol (98(±1)%) with 14.5(±1.5)% ee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the ozonation of sugarcane bagasse (SB) at different operational conditions (pH, time, liquid-to-solid ratio ( LSR )) was evaluated with the aim of generating a soluble liquid fraction (SLF) suitable for biogas production (CH 4 and H 2 ) via anaerobic digestion and a solid fraction prone to enzymatic hydrolysis and 2G ethanol production. The SLFs obtained were characterized for sugars, total organic carbon (TOC), soluble lignin, furans and other components identified by GC/MS. The results showed that it was possible to solubilize 45.2% of lignin, 48.3% of hemicelluloses and 40.7% of cellulose with the use of ozone (8 mg min −1 ) at pH 11 for 15 min, employing a LSR of 13.3 mL g −1 . The best results of biochemical methane potential (BMP) and biochemical hydrogen potential (BHP) were 2.6 Nm 3 of CH 4 and 0.18 Nm 3 of H 2 per kg of TOC, respectively. An energy balance for the best pretreatment conditions indicates that the combustion of such biogas led to an energy surplus of 0.1 MJ kg −1 SB for methane and to an energy deficit of 0.191 MJ kg −1 SB for hydrogen. Potentially inhibitory compounds for anaerobic digestion such as oxalic acid, butanal, xylitol, furanone, benzaldehyde, d -erythrotetrofuranose, d -erythro-pentofuranose and 2,5-furandione were identified in the hydrolysates, which negatively affected the anaerobic digestion and the energy balance. Nevertheless, the energy generated from the hydrolysates (as biogas) and from the ozonized solid fraction (as 2G ethanol) offsets the ozonation energy input and led to positive energy balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the synergistic efficiency of crude enzymatic extracts (CEE) produced by fungal strains Aspergillus fumigatus SCBM6 (AFE) and Aspergillus niger SCBM1 (ANE) in the hydrolysis of alkali pretreated sugarcane bagasse (2% NaOH (w v −1 ), ∼100 °C, 4 h and liquid-to-solid ratio of 25 (v w −1 )). CEEs were produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and presented high concentration of β-glucosidase (AFE = 78.4 U g −1 and ANE = 43.02 U g −1 ), β-xylosidase (ANE = 78.0 U g −1 ) and xylanase (AFE = 1774.5 U g −1 and ANE = 3289.6 U g −1 ). A 2 4 full design of experiments was used to optimize the hydrolysis of pretreated bagasse as a function of time, temperature, amount of pretreated bagasse and AFE-to-ANE ratio. After hydrolysis optimization, the maximum concentration of total reducing sugars (TRS) was 21.68 g L −1 . It was also noticed a significant production of xylose (135.59 mg) and arabinose (58.10 mg) per gram of hemicelluloses and a slight production of glucose (20.18 mg) per gram of cellulose. As fungi consortium were excellent producers of hemicellulases, it is suggested that they could be used for pentoses saccharification and production of ethanol via C-5 fermentation, xylitol, biopolymers, among other bioproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioethanol production from lignocellulose biomass offers a solution to current environmental challenges caused by fossil fuel energy resources, while satisfying the biorefinery concept. In this study, two-stage fractionation (autohydrolysis (AH) followed by glycerol organosolv delignification (GOD)) of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was studied as a function of temperature, time, glycerol content and liquid-to-solid ( LSR ) ratio using experimental designs. The effect of three different AH pretreatment severities on delignification extents ( DE ) of the solid fractions were also evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the changes in the surface of SCB pretreated by AH. Energy balances of four fractionation conditions were estimated, and the use of pure and crude glycerol in GOD was evaluated based on DE and lignin contents. A DE of ∼64% was obtained at 210.3 °C, 40 min, LSR of 6.5 (v/w) and 80% (v/v) pure glycerol for GOD of SCB pretreated by AH at 175.8 °C, 49 min and LSR of 5.3 (v/w), which resulted in an energetic profitability ( EP ) of 141.48 MJ/kg SCB . The use of crude glycerol at 80% (v/v) under the same process conditions optimized for pure glycerol also proved to be feasible ( DE of ∼64% and EP of 142.67 MJ/kg SCB ), widening the possibilities for its direct use in GOD of SCB pretreated by AH in a 2G bioethanol integrated plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the use of succinylated twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse containing adsorbed Cu 2+ or Ni 2+ ions from spiked aqueous solutions (2MSBA-Cu and 2MSBA-Ni) as heterogeneous catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of n -hexane and n -heptane in gas phase. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which a spent adsorbent material based on lignocellulose biomass is used in the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds. The adsorbent and spent adsorbent materials were characterized by FTIR, TGA and XRD. The amount of Cu 2+ and Ni 2+ adsorbed on 2MSBA was 0.49 and 2.49 mmol g −1 , respectively. The catalysts were active for total oxidation of n -hexane and n -heptane, even at low temperatures. 2MSBA-Cu exhibited higher catalytic activity than 2MSBA-Ni and surprisingly their performances were comparable or superior to those of some catalysts reported in the literature, including noble metal-based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at optimizing the net energy recovery from hydrogen and methane production through anaerobic digestion of the hemicellulose hydrolysate (HH) obtained by desirable conditions (DC) of autohydrolysis pretreatment (AH) of sugarcane bagasse (SB). Anaerobic digestion was carried out in a two-stage (acidogenic-methanogenic) batch system where the acidogenic phase worked as a hydrolysis and biodetoxification step. This allowed the utilization of more severe AH pretreatment conditions, i.e. T = 178.6 °C and t = 55 min (DC3) and T = 182.9 °C and t = 40.71 min (DC4). Such severe conditions resulted in higher extraction of hemicelluloses from SB (DC1 = 68.07%, DC2 = 48.99%, DC3 = 77.40% and DC4 = 73.90%), which consequently improved the net energy balance of the proposed process. The estimated energy from the combustion of both biogases (H 2 and CH 4 ) accumulated during the two-stage anaerobic digestion of HH generated by DC4 condition was capable of producing a net energy of 3.15 MJ·kg SB −1 dry weight . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize through design of experiments, the process variables (temperature – T , time – t and solid-to-liquid ratio – SLR ) for sugarcane bagasse (SB) autohydrolysis (AH) to obtain hemicellulose hydrolyzates (HH) prone to anaerobic digestion (AD) and biochemical methane production (BMP). The results indicated that severe AH conditions, which lead to maximum hemicelluloses dissolution and sugar content in the HH, were not the best for BMP, probably due to the accumulation of toxic/recalcitrant compounds (furans and lignin). Mild AH conditions (170 °C, 35 min and SLR = 0.33) led to the highest BMP (0.79 Nm 3 kg TOC −1 ), which was confirmed by the desirability tool. HH produced by AH carried out at the desired condition DC2 (178.6 °C, 43.6 min and SLR = 0.24) showed the lowest accumulation of inhibitory compounds and volatile fatty acids (VFA) and highest BMP (1.56 Nm 3 kg TOC −1 ). The modified Gompertz model best fit the experimental data and led to a maximum methane production rate ( R ) of 2.6 mmol CH 4 d −1 in the best condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes, in detail, the chemical modification of sugarcane bagasse with phthalic anhydride to produce a carboxylate-functionalized sugarcane bagasse (SPA). The optimized modification conditions yielded SPA with a percent weight gain of 77.08% and an amount of carboxylic acid groups of 4.76 mmol/g. The SPA was characterized by PZC, FTIR, elemental analysis, TGA, and SEM-EDX. An SPA adsorbent was used to remove Co 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Ni 2+ from aqueous solution in mono- and multicomponent systems in batch mode. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption rate constants assumed the following order: k 2,Co 2+ > k 2,Ni 2+ > k 2,Cu 2+ . Four mono- and multicomponent isotherm models were used to model the adsorption data. Monocomponent data were well described by the Langmuir model, whereas bicomponent data were well described by the modified extended Langmuir and P -Factor models. The maximum adsorption capacities ( Q max,mono ) for the Langmuir model were 0.561, 0.935, and 0.932 mmol/g for Co 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Ni 2+ , respectively. Adsorption in bicomponent systems revealed that Cu 2+ suppressed the adsorption of Co 2+ and Ni 2+ , whereas Ni 2+ suppressed the adsorption of Co 2+ . Desorption studies revealed that the SPA adsorbent could be fully desorbed with a 1 mol/L HNO 3 solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) were extracted from different sources by acid hydrolysis using H 2 SO 4 and HCl. The thermal decomposition of resulting CNs was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic parameters were determined using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger methods. CNs were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), elemental analysis (EA), Zeta Potential (ZP) and degree of polymerization (DP). The results of the XRD analysis showed different profiles, making it possible to differentiate cellulose I from cellulose II. The results obtained by the FWO method showed that cellulose II CNs had an increased activation energy ( E a ) with conversion ( α ), while in CNs of cellulose I the E a remained constant or decreased slightly. This difference between E a values for the thermal decomposition of CNs was mainly attributed to different crystalline arrangements of cellulose I and cellulose II, and to the type of acid employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new carboxylated-functionalized sugarcane bagasse (STA) was prepared through the esterification of sugarcane bagasse with trimellitic anhydride. The optimized synthesis conditions yield STA with a percent weight gain of 73.9% and the number of carboxylic acid groups accounted for 3.78 mmol/g. STA was characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, TGA, PZC, and SEM. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption rate constant showed the following order: k 2,Ni 2+ > k 2,Cu 2+ > k 2,Co 2+ . Four mono- and multi-component isotherm models were used to model the adsorption systems. Monocomponent experimental data were fitted to Langmuir and Sips models; whereas, multicomponent data were fitted to modified extended Langmuir and P -factor models. The maximum adsorption capacities ( Q max,mono ) obtained from the Langmuir model were 1.140, 1.197, and 1.563 mmol/g for Co 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Ni 2+ , respectively. The competitive studies demonstrated that the multicomponent adsorption capacity ( Q max,multi ) was smaller than Q max,mono , as a result of the interaction between the metal ions. Desorption studies showed that all metal ions could be fully desorbed from STA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new carboxylate-functionalized sugarcane bagasse (SMA) was prepared via a solvent-free procedure involving esterification of sugarcane bagasse with Meldrum's acid. The optimized conditions provided SMA with a percent weight gain of 86.0% and 4.69 ± 0.20 mmol/g of carboxylic acid groups. SMA was characterized by FTIR, TGA, elemental analysis and SEM. Kinetic experiments showed that the amount of crystal violet adsorbed increased with increasing temperature and equilibrium was reached at 12 h. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The Arrhenius and Eyring models were used to obtain the activation energy and changes in free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of activation for the adsorption process. The calculated activation energy (14.14 kJ/mol) suggested physical adsorption of CV onto SMA. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir and Sips isotherms. Maximum adsorption capacity was 692.1 mg/g at 45 °C. Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in free energy, enthalpy and entropy were also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The proposed SB fractionation strategy led to substantial savings of H 2 O 2. • Alkaline extraction after hydrothermal pretreatment led to high delignification. • The higher accessibility of pretreated SB led to an enzymatic conversion of 88.9%. • 190.8 L ethanol ton SB −1 were produced by fermentation using S. cerevisiae LBCM1047. • The anaerobic digestion of residual liquid streams produced 27.46 Nm3 CH4 ton SB −1. The fractionation of sugarcane bagasse (SB) by hydrothermal pretreatment (HP, autohydrolysis) followed by alkaline extraction (AE) and advanced oxidative pretreatment (AOP) for production of second-generation ethanol and biogas was investigated. The AOP of SB was optimized using a Doehlert design, varying the applied H 2 O 2 load, liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), and time. The responses evaluated were yield (Y), residual cellulose (RC), delignification (DE), and enzymatic conversion (EC). The AE of SB pretreated by HP led to 61.8% DE (using 0.2 mol L−1 NaOH). This high lignin removal enabled substantial savings of H 2 O 2 in the AOP. The optimized AOP conditions led to 78% Y , 82.2% RC , 42.7% DE , and 88.9% EC (overall glucose yield of 60.9%). Fermentation of the enzymatic hydrolysate with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yielded 190.8 L ethanol ton SB −1. Biogas production by anaerobic digestion of residual liquid streams of the pretreatment steps yielded 27.46 NL CH4 kg SB −1. An energy balance was estimated for the SB fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The anaerobic co-digestion (AcD) of sugarcane biorefinery wastes was investigated. • Hemicelluloses hydrolysate, yeast extract (YE), vinasse and SBFA were used in AcD. • Sugarcane bagasse fly ash (SBFA) act as an adsorbent for toxic compounds during AcD. • The nutritional supplements and alkalinity for AcD were provided by YE and SBFA. • A positive energy balance was obtained by the net energy generated by AcD system. In this study the anaerobic co-digestion (AcD) of sugarcane biorefinery by-products, i.e. hemicelluloses hydrolysate (HH) (obtained by hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse), vinasse, yeast extract (YE) and sugarcane bagasse fly ashes (SBFA), was optimized by means of biochemical methane potential experiments. The best experimental conditions of AcD (25–75% HH-to-vinasse mixture ratio; 1.0 g L−1 YE; 15 g L−1 SBFA and 100–0% HH-to-Vinasse; 1.5 g L−1 YE; 45 g L−1 SBFA) led to the production of 0.279 and 0.267 Nm3 of CH 4 per kg of chemical oxygen demand (COD) with an energy surplus of 0.43 and 0.34 MJ kg SB−1, respectively. Adsorption experiments using SBFA were carried out and showed this residue could adsorb up to 61.71 and 17.32 mg g−1 of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde and 2-furfuraldehyde, thereby reducing toxicity and improving biogas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]