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Daldinia carpinicola is a newly identified species of wood-rotting fungi, with substantial aspects of its biology and ecological function yet to be clarified. A Nanopore third-generation sequencer was employed for de novo genome assembly to examine the genetic characteristics. The genome consisted of 35.93 Mb in 46 contigs with a scaffold N50 of 4.384 Mb. Glycoside hydrolases and activities enzymes accounted for a large proportion of the 522 identified carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), suggesting a strong wood degradation ability. Phylogenetic and comparative analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between D. carpinicola and D. bambusicola. D. carpinicola and Hypoxylon fragiforme exhibited significant collinear inter-species genome alignment. Based on transcriptome and metabolomic analyses, D. carpinicola showed a greater ability to utilize sucrose over sawdust as a carbon source, enhancing its growth by activating glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and the citrate cycle. However, compared with sucrose, sawdust as a carbon source activated D. carpinicola amino acid biosynthesis and the production of various secondary metabolites, including diterpenoid, indole alkaloid, folate, porphyrin, and biotin metabolism. The study establishes a theoretical basis for research and applications in biological processes, demonstrating a strategy to modulate the production of secondary metabolites by altering its carbon sources in D. carpinicola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are an excellent example of materials that, thanks to the possibility of using recycled raw materials, directly fit into the circular economy. The properties and quality of composites depend largely on the appropriate selection and proportions of components. These studies included composites produced on the basis of an HDPE-recycled matrix filled with sawdust or bark particles in the amounts of 40%, 50%, and 60%. Their structural features were analyzed for the produced composites. It was shown that a smaller share of filler ensures its more even distribution in the matrix. In turn, the type of filler affects the crystallinity and thermal transformations of the composite. The use of bark as a filler provides more favorable structural parameters of WPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste production is a worldwide concern due to its adverse impact on the environment, as well as on the health of living beings. Sustainable development states the urgent need to implement actions to gradually replace fossil resources, including the use of renewable raw materials such as residues and secondary raw materials from other industries as a promising alternative to replace fossil resources. This research explores an approach focused on the design of renewable materials by developing a bio-based textile coating with the use of sawdust from radiata pine, which is the result of industrial wood transformation processes. The methodology adopted a transdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from design, engineering, and sociology disciplines. A perceived sawdust quality study was carried out in its original format, while two different coated textile substrates were developed, using knife-over-roller and spray coating processes, which were evaluated from user acceptance and functional performance points of views. Finally, a clothing prototype for workwear, using the bio-based coatings, was developed, employing a mono-material design concept (i.e., using the same material in all its forms). The results obtained from users and laboratory studies favour the knife-over-roller coating and the removable clothing design, which provides improved usability performance. The obtained conclusions highlight that transdisciplinary collaboration is essential to address complex challenges in the development of solutions, placing the design of material as a necessary prior action in the design process of final products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development and optimization of pyramidal microwave absorbers designed for efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction in anechoic chambers. Based on prior research, this work transitions from conventional flat cement-carbon absorbers to a novel pyramidal design, incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) as ceramic materials. Introducing ceramic materials into the cement-carbon composite aims to enhance absorption across a broader frequency range while maintaining structural integrity. The study evaluates five sets of pyramidal absorbers with varying SiC content within the 1-12 GHz frequency range. Reflectivity performance was assessed using the naval research laboratory (NRL) Arch free space method at a 0° incidence angle. Among the tested absorbers, the set containing 10% SiC demonstrated superior performance, achieving minimum and maximum reflectivity values of -26.6215 and -55.2752 dB, respectively, particularly in the C-band. The findings highlight the significant impact of material composition and porosity on the absorber's effectiveness, providing valuable insights for the future design of highperformance EMI absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments in large-scale CFBC boilers are expensive and time-consuming, while simulations are economical, time-saving, and provide better control over the physical process. In the current research, mathematical modeling of industrial scale CFBC boiler (BG-043, 67TPH capacity, ACC cement factory Bargarh, Odisha, India) using coal and sawdust blended fuel (90% coal + 10% sawdust) is performed by considering the four distinct (coal, sawdust, sand, and mixture gas) phases using Eulerian–Eulerian multifluid model. Heterogenous chemical reactions kinetics are implemented using user-defined functions. The numerical methodology is validated with the onsite industrial data. The comparison of pressure drop, fluidized bed height, axial velocity profiles, sand, and mixture gas temperature variations, gas compositions, and pollutant emissions (SO2 and NO) using solo coal and sawdust blended fuel are presented in the result section. Hydrodynamics study reveals the recirculation of sand particles in the fluidized bed region of the boiler. The comparison of solo coal and sawdust blended fuel combustion study reveals a 10.61% reduction in pressure drop, 12.13% increase in O2 mass fraction, 9.63% reduction in CO mass fraction, 19.64% reduction in SO2 mass fraction, and 8.67% reduction in NO mass fraction while using the 10% sawdust blends with 90% coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivated bananas (Musa spp.) have a complex reproductive physiology which favours the vegetative methods of propagation, particularly sucker or tissue culture, as the commercial methods. Propagation of banana through macro-propagation technique can be employed to produce quality planting materials using less inputs. With this background, a scientifically designed investigation was carried out for optimizing composition of growing substrate for low-cost planting material production in banana. This study investigates the efficacy of macro-propagation techniques using different growing substrates and bio-fertilizers for two banana cultivars: 'Grand Naine, AAA' and 'Alpan, AAB'. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) with eight different combinations of growing substrate with five replications. Results showed significant differences in the emergence of primary, secondary and tertiary buds, as well as root development. The treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma consistently outperformed others in terms of days taken primary (21.45), secondary (46.91) & tertiary bud emergence (58.99), and maximum number of primary (4.21), secondary (7.16) & tertiary shoots (19.91). Same growing media also recorded minimum days taken for root emergence (17.61 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (161.10), primary roots (24.89), secondary roots (46.32), tertiary roots (89.90) & highest root length (21.88 cm). The cultivar 'Grand Naine, AAA' exhibited superior performance across most parameters compared to 'Alpan, AAB'. Overall, the treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma found to be a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality banana planting materials, enhancing banana production and sustainability. [Display omitted] • A low-cost plant multiplication technique in banana is proposed. • Different growing media compositions were observed and compared. • A comparison between two varieties of banana was carried out. • Sawdust-banana fiber mix with Trichoderma improved plant propagation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prime technique for paused bacterial degeneration in hide/skin is preservation. The most used and familiar technique for preservation is salt curing. In this research, biowaste (sawdust) is used with a lower salt percentage to preserve goatskin. Sawdust is an organic material. It can be used as a preserving agent to reduce salinity in the tannery effluent. Different parameters were observed during the preservation period, e.g., hair slips, moisture content, bad odor, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), hydroxyproline, hydrothermal stability, and bacterial count, and matched with traditional method. The results allude that 5% sawdust with less amount of salt could preserve goatskin for 28 days. The shoe upper leather was produced from both conventional and experimental samples after they were processed. After that, various physical and organoleptic tests were conducted and compared. For characterizing the material, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was tested. Besides, scanning electron microscope analysis was also conducted which showed that there was no structural damage in fibers. Various pollution parameters were determined and compared with conventional samples where the results show that the reduction for Cl−, total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand are 41.4%, 22.7%, 45.3%, 31.6%, and 53.3%, respectively, in the liquor from soaking operation. Hence, the sawdust-based organic preservation method is verified to be beneficial compared to the conventional method in reducing pollution load in the tannery effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of sawdust and rice husks is abundant, so the utilization of these wastes in the South Kalimantan region is very profitable. Apart from that, there are several references that mention rice husk waste and wood dust as prospective biomass sources. In this research, the process of testing the characteristics of composite briquettes made from rice husks and wood dust as an alternative energy source was carried out. This research aims to compare the results of briquette characteristic tests with the results of previous research. The ratio of rice husk-wood dust mixture is 100:0, 70:30, 30:70, and 0:100. For each type of sample, cassava flour with a composition of 10% was used as an adhesive. Of the five parameters; water content, ash content, volatile matter content, fixed carbon, and heating value. There are two parameters that do not meet SNI standards, namely the levels of volatile substances and fixed carbon. For volatile matter levels, the value is still high, namely 45.55%, which should be ≤ 15%, while the value for carbon remains low, namely 35.56%, which should be ≥77%.

Heat pump drying is a low-carbon and energy-saving sludge drying method. The operating temperature of heat pump is generally no more than 70 ℃. In order to improve the drying rate of sludge at low-temperature, the effects of air parameters and additives on sludge drying characteristics at low-temperature were studied by experimental research and data analysis methods. Experimental results showed that when the air temperature was 50-70 ℃ and the air velocity was 0.5-1.7 m/s, increasing the air temperature, air velocity and the additive ratio could accelerate the drying process of sludge. The average and maximum drying rates of CaO and sawdust premodified sludge were increased by 14.2% and 25.7%, respectively, compared with pure sludge. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that drying temperature had a greater impact on sludge drying than air velocity. Through non-linear curve fitting, the dynamic model of sludge drying process with temperature and air velocity changes was constructed, which provided a data basis for sludge drying under low-temperature conditions.

Abstract Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) is considered an industrial wastewater, which seriously harms the environment due to the high concentration of contaminants such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). Additionally, the wastewater from slaughterhouses contains harmful bacteria. This study used a lap-scale model to treat SWW from a local private slaughterhouse. The treatment process involves three stages: adsorption using activated carbon, which is derived from sawdust, followed by sedimentation, and finally, a slow sand filter with a modified layer of woven textile cotton. The first two steps were tested to obtain the ideal operation condition of the treatment system. After the final step of treatment, we evaluated the overall process using a modified slow sand filter (MSSF). We used a Jar test to determine the optimal dosage of activated carbon from sawdust (ACS). The monitored parameters were physicochemical, such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). The bacteriological examination included both total coliform count (TCC) and fecal coliform count (FCC). The results of the jar test revealed that the optimal ACS dose was 2.0 g/l. After adjusting the contact time and pH levels for the adsorption process, we discovered that the ideal contact time was 100 min and the ideal pH level was 4.0. Finally, we evaluated the entire treatment system by applying the MSSF after the sedimentation process, and found that the removal efficiencies of turbidity, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, TP, and TN were 97.14, 94.80, 91.80, 98.96, 81.17, 81.12, and 82.50%, respectively. This is in addition to the filter's ability to remove bacteria counts at a rate of up to 98.93 and 99.13% of TCC and FCC, respectively.

Carbon based composite has gained interest as a photothermal conversion material for interfacial solar vapor generation towards the generation of clean water through solar– thermal conversion. In this study, successful synthesis of a carbon/ceramic composite containing sawdust hydrochar (SHC) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) was obtained through a simple mixing method. The SHC/TiO2 composite was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis). SEM showed the simple mixing method only minimally damaged the SHC structure, while TEM revealed the integration of TiO2 on the surface of SHC. The existence of the TiO2 elements and various functional groups detected in the EDX, FTIR, and XPS proved the successful integration of TiO2. UV-Vis displayed the SHC/TiO2 had improved light absorption ability in contrast to the SHC and TiO2. The SHC/TiO2 based solar absorber (SHC/TiO2–SA) was fabricated using dip-coating method and utilized for interfacial solar vapor generation in seawater desalination. The interfacial solar vapor generation was conducted outdoors with an average solar intensity of 1.15 kW/m2 where the SHC/TiO2–SA showed the highest average efficiency (76.3 ± 4.6%) and evaporation rate (1.29 ± 0.15 kg/m2.h). While the salinity (180 ppm) and pH (6.97) of the collected clean water was within the World Health Organization drinking water standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the use of sawdust in drilling fluid formulation is covered in this study. The investigation focused on the physicochemical and rheological properties of water-based mud (WBM) drilling fluids that included four different dosages of sawdust. These properties included yield stress, plastic viscosity, rheological behavior, gel strength, filtration test (API filtrate; American Petroleum Institute), and pH. The sawdust was employed as a substitute for the polymers commonly used in water-based muds (WBMs) to serve either as a viscosifier or as a fluid loss controller. The current study set out to evaluate how sawdust (diameter ≤630 µm) affected the primary characteristics of the drilling muds. Sawdust was utilized in place of carboxymethyl cellulose polymer (CMC) as a viscosifier and polyanionic cellulose polymer (PAC) as a filtrate reducer at several dosages (0, 10, 20, 50, and 100 g/L). It was found that the sawdust dosage and its role had a significant impact on the rheological characteristics of the drilling fluids. At amounts between 20 and 50 g/L, the sawdust was added as a viscosifier to the drilling fluids under study, resulting in a significant improvement in their physicochemical and rheological parameters (yield stress, plastic viscosity, and gel strength). However, the drilling fluids showed extremely high rheological properties and a viscosity that can slow down fluid circulation in the well when 100 g/L of sawdust were used, totally substituting for the polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat pump drying is a low-carbon method of sludge drying. The operating temperature of a heat pump is generally not more than 70℃. To improve the drying efficiency of heat pump dryers, the effects of air parameters and additives on sludge drying characteristics at low temperatures were studied. The sludge drying experiments were conducted at an air temperature 50-70℃ and an air velocity of 0.5-1.7 m/s. The experimental results showed that the increase of air temperature, velocity and the addition ratio of additives can accelerate the sludge drying process. The average and maximum drying rates of sludge pre-conditioned by CaO and sawdust increased by 14.23% and 25.71%, respectively, compared with those of pure sludge. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the influence of air temperature on the sludge drying was higher than that of air velocity. Five reference models were fitted by the drying experiment data. The Page model has the highest R2, so it is the most suitable model to predict the drying time of sludge at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel thermochemical conversion process to synthesize lignin-derived activated carbons (LEGHs) from sawdust, utilizing ethylene glycol (EG) as a liquefaction agent and phosphoric acid as an activating agent. The process was conducted at a 1:1 impregnation ratio, with temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 500 °C. The obtained materials were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. Optimal activation at 350 °C produced an activated carbon with a high surface area of 1230 m2/g and a micropore volume of 0.348 cm3/g. Adsorption tests for the removal of Basic Blue azo dye (BB9) were conducted in batch experiments mode to assess the influence of various parameters including pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature. The highest adsorption efficiency was obtained at pH 4, dose of 1 g/L and a contact time of 5 h, resulting in an adsorption capacity of 668 mg/g. The Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption equilibrium data (R2 = 0.99), indicating adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The adsorption kinetics study well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99). Thermodynamic studies showed a spontaneous (ΔG°: −45.73 to −50.34 kJ/mol) and endothermic (ΔH° = 196 kJ/mol) adsorption process These findings underscore the potential of LEGHs as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for industrial wastewater dye removal, leveraging lignin, a byproduct of the paper and pulp industry, to enhance sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current treatment of wastewater has unintended negative environmental impacts. Conventional methods frequently involve the use of harmful chemicals, generate disinfectant by-products, consume significant amounts of energy, and produce wastes requiring additional efforts for safe disposal. Water stress exacerbated by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and climate change, is further straining aging treatment systems. A slow sand filter (SSF), with ligno-cellulosic layers, offers a novel, promising, and economic alternative for wastewater reclamation. This review examines the key SSF characteristics, obtained from recent studies, and explores the use of sustainable materials such as ligno-cellulose, as a treatment companion. The optimal SSF design includes a bed depth of >0.6 m, particle effective size (D10) between 0.15 mm and 0.40 mm, and a uniformity coefficient (CU grain size ratio) of ≤2.0. It is established that SSF's characteristic biolayer of microorganisms enhances contaminant removal via biodegradation. While biofilm-based removal of micropollutants is a proven mechanism, further research is needed to address CEC challenges. For example, the inclusion of sawdust in SSF filter layers can reduce energy consumption compared to conventional methods and can be recycled through thermal conversion, aligning with circular economy principles. This approach has the potential to improve wastewater treatment in emerging economies, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainability Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the production of fuel briquettes from carbon-containing technogenic raw materials with a certain energy potential, flotation concentrate of coal enrichment sludge and wood and plant residues with binders. The technical characteristics of fuel briquettes of experimental batches are presented. The applicability of the selected binders for obtaining high-quality fuel briquettes was demonstrated. Aspects of the formation of the structure and properties of fuel briquettes are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon prepared from sawdust, magnetized by magnetite nanoparticles, was used for the adsorption of crystal violet dye (CV) from an aqueous solution. The nanocomposite Fe3O4/AC was characterized by means of XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET analyses, along with size distribution and zeta potential assessments. The pHPZC and BET surface area of Fe3O4/AC were 6.05 and 160 m2/g, respectively. The study identified the optimum pH condition as pH 9.0, with a maximum removal efficiency of 100%. Kinetic studies were conducted, and the data fitted well with the pseudo-second order equation. The synthesized Fe3O4/AC exhibits a maximum uptake capacity of 76.0 mg/g. Overall, this nanocomposite provides an effective type of adsorbent for removing CV dye. Its primary advantage lies in its simple synthesis compared to other magnetic materials, along with its economic viability, rapid preparation, and environmental friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) is considered an industrial wastewater, which seriously harms the environment due to the high concentration of contaminants such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). Additionally, the wastewater from slaughterhouses contains harmful bacteria. This study used a lap-scale model to treat SWW from a local private slaughterhouse. The treatment process involves three stages: adsorption using activated carbon, which is derived from sawdust, followed by sedimentation, and finally, a slow sand filter with a modified layer of woven textile cotton. The first two steps were tested to obtain the ideal operation condition of the treatment system. After the final step of treatment, we evaluated the overall process using a modified slow sand filter (MSSF). We used a Jar test to determine the optimal dosage of activated carbon from sawdust (ACS). The monitored parameters were physicochemical, such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). The bacteriological examination included both total coliform count (TCC) and fecal coliform count (FCC). The results of the jar test revealed that the optimal ACS dose was 2.0 g/l. After adjusting the contact time and pH levels for the adsorption process, we discovered that the ideal contact time was 100 min and the ideal pH level was 4.0. Finally, we evaluated the entire treatment system by applying the MSSF after the sedimentation process, and found that the removal efficiencies of turbidity, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, TP, and TN were 97.14, 94.80, 91.80, 98.96, 81.17, 81.12, and 82.50%, respectively. This is in addition to the filter's ability to remove bacteria counts at a rate of up to 98.93 and 99.13% of TCC and FCC, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil stabilisation by waste materials has been recently employed to enhance soil engineering properties. The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of utilising sawdust in its raw form versus sawdust ash as a soil stabiliser. This is to determine if sawdust (SD) can be considered as a substitute for sawdust ash (SDA) in order to reduce incineration and air pollution. To fulfil this aim, the Atterberg limits, modified Proctor test, and Direct Shear test were performed on both stabilised and non-stabilised mixtures of clayey soil. The soil was treated with 2%, 5%, 8%, 12%, 15%, and 20% by soil dry weight of both SD and SDA. The findings show that the use of SD and SDA leads to a reduction in the plasticity index and the maximum dry unit weight of the soil while increasing its optimum moisture content. The bearing capacity of the soil was greatest at 5% for both SD and SDA, with SD exhibiting a greater enhancement (31.89%) than SDA. Therefore, it is recommended to utilise SD instead of SDA for soil stabilisation due to its superior effectiveness and less harmful environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the strength characterization of concrete produced with sawdust as a partial replacement for fine aggregate and utilizing domestic kitchen wastewater. The materials used are Sawdust, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, ordinary Portland cement, potable water and kitchen wastewater. The sawdust was used to replace 5-30% of fine aggregates by volume, while kitchen wastewater was compared to potable water for mixing. Tests were conducted on fresh and hardened concrete properties including workability, water absorption, compressive strength, and tensile strength. The experimental results demonstrate that replacing up to 30% of fine aggregate with sawdust is feasible without significantly compromising the workability of concrete, as indicated by consistent slump test results. However, water absorption increased with higher sawdust content and curing time, attributed to the porous nature of sawdust. Concrete made with potable water exhibited slightly higher water absorption compared to that made with kitchen wastewater. Compressive strength tests revealed that strength decreased as the sawdust content increased, with the most significant strength gains occurring within the first 7 to 14 days, and continued development up to 28 days. The 30% sawdust replacement achieved approximately 60% of the control mix strength at 28 days. The optimal sawdust replacement percentage was identified as 5-10%, balancing environmental benefits with structural performance. The study also highlights the necessity of treating kitchen wastewater before use in concrete production, due to its high organic content, acidity, and elevated levels of potentially harmful ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering (17264073) is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Industrial Water Treatment is the property of CNOOC Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Worldwide, there is growing concern over the toxicity of arsenic in drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency and Central Pollution Control Board (India) have set a safe limit of 50 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water. Millions of people are at immediate risk due to high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, particularly in developing nations where arsenic poisoning symptoms have been observed. One of the essential techniques described in this article is the absorption of arsenic from contaminated water by sustainable cellulosic materials like jute and wood sawdust after suitable modification. Jute and sawdust are cheap and abundantly available in South Asia. They are functionalized with polypyrrole coating by in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous medium in the presence of ferric chloride. Polypyrrole-coated jute fabric (with 11.28% polypyrrole add-on) and polypyrrole-coated sawdust (with 5.28% polypyrrole add-on) are found to be excellent adsorbers of arsenic ion (As3+) from water. The effect of dosage of polypyrrole-coated adsorbents, treatment time and pyrrole concentration on the As removal efficiency have been investigated in this work. The arsenic concentration in water is determined using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer with the highest level of accuracy. Maximum As removal efficiency by the polypyrrole-coated sawdust and polypyrrole-coated jute fabric is found to be 80.90% and 97.3%, respectively, from a 50 mL, 7.5 parts per million As solution with a dosage of 1 g at neutral pH. The polypyrrole-coated jute and sawdust are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to understand the chemical interaction between cellulose and polypyrrole molecules. The scanning electron microscope studies reveal a uniform coating of polypyrrole around the surface of jute fibre and sawdust particles. Thermo-gravimetric analysis shows good thermal stability of jute and sawdust after polypyrrole coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste (FW) management demands sustainable community-level solutions such as composting. This study investigates food waste composting using leaf powder (LP) and sawdust (SD) as bulking agents and their effect on compost physicochemical parameters. Four combination trials of FW, LP, and SD were composted using the heap method for 45 days. The physico-chemical analysis showed that LP and SD, as bulking agents, regulate moisture and enhance the compost quality of food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigates the effect of adding a low-cost biomaterial (sawdust biomass) to kaolinite clay on the properties of insulating refractory materials. Natural kaolinite clay from NW Tunisia has been selected for porous ceramic preparation due to its high alumina content (23.64%) with low impurities, especially iron and alkaline oxides. For this study, a set of cylindrical samples were prepared from mixtures of Tabarka clay with different proportions of sawdust (10, 15 and 20%). Those green specimens were pressed and sintered to 1350 °C for 2h. Experimental data showed that the increase in sawdust proportion increased the open porosity from 24 to 35%. SEM images showed higher important porosity with higher biomass addition. Similarly, bulk density and compressive strength decreased to 1.65 g/cm³ and 17 MPa, respectively. Mullite phase was also generated by the abundant alumina and silica in the raw feed. Several ceramic specimens were also manufactured under optimal conditions: sawdust (20%), pressure (10 kN), and sintering at 1200, 1250 and 1300 °C. The obtained ceramics showed higher porosity (57%), but lower bulk density (1.13 g/cm³). These are the required standards for silica-alumina insulating materials, confirming the possible valorization of kaolinite clay from Tunisia for refractory insulating ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, around the world, there is huge demand for natural materials that are biodegradable and possess suitable properties. Natural fibers reveal distinct aspects like the combination of good mechanical and thermal properties that allow these types of materials to be used for different applications. However, fibers alone cannot meet the required expectations; design modifications and a wide variety of combinations must be synthesized and evaluated. It is of great importance to research and develop materials that are bio-degradable and widely available. The combination of PLA+, a bio-based polymer, with natural fillers like sawdust and soybean oil offers a novel way to create sustainable composites. It reduces the reliance on petrochemical-based plastics while enhancing the material's properties using renewable resources. This study explores the creation of continuous hexagonal-shaped 3D-printed PLA+ samples and the application of post-print fillers, specifically sawdust and soybean oil. PLA+ is recognized for its eco-friendliness and low carbon footprint, and incorporating a hexagonal pattern into the 3D-printed PLA+ enhances its structural strength while maintaining its density. The addition of fillers is crucial for reducing shrinkage and improving binding capabilities, addressing some of PLA+'s inherent challenges and enhancing its load-bearing capacity and performance at elevated temperatures. Additionally, this study examines the impact of varying filler percentages and pattern orientations on the mechanical properties of the samples, which were printed with an infill design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a novel process for production of additive-free wood composites by ionic liquid treatment of wood powder involving extraction of lignin followed by precipitation onto particle surfaces, and hot pressing to form a cellulose-reinforced lignin biocomposite. Physicochemical properties of lignin-coated wood powders, as well as their degree of fusion upon hot pressing, were evaluated with the aim of optimising ionic liquid treatment and hot-pressing conditions. Optimal conditions to achieve complete fusion while minimising process energy demand were determined using response surface methodology, and mechanisms of process parameter effects investigated using gas pycnometry, electron microscopy, image analysis, thermogravimetry, and calorimetry. These novel materials, derived solely from waste with only reusable reagents, represent a sustainable alternative to existing engineered wood products, which rely on petrochemical additives that release toxic volatile compounds, offering a means to reduce environmental and health hazards associated with production and use of composites from wood waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate substrate mixtures for the production of Mexican marigolds grown in containers in the community of Santa Cruz Itundujia, Oaxaca, Mexico. Methods: Four mixtures were tested: 1) 70% ocote pine needles+30% soil, 2) 70% leaf mold+30% soil, 3) 70% river sand+30% soil, and 4) 70% sawdust+30% soil. Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta) var. Inca II Deep Orange plants were established in pots under open field conditions. Height, number of leaves, plant width, branching, leaf area, and number of buds were evaluated in the different phenological stages of the plant (15, 45 and 90 days after transplant). Soil fertility parameters were analyzed, and physical analysis of the substrates was performed. Results: The treatments produced differential results; ocote pine needles+soil and leaf mold+soil were the best for producing container-grown marigolds. The lowest results in yield variables were found with the river sand+soil mixture. Implications: Using local and inexpensive substrates will impact production costs for marigold farmers. Currently, a variety of commercial mixes and substrates of foreign origin are available and used for the production of container-grown plants. Conclusions: The best substrate for the cultivation of pot-grown Tagetes erecta var. Inca II Deep Orange under open field conditions were soil+ocote pine needles and soil+leaf mold. These materials are common, cheap and easily acquired in the region, which will facilitate the production of various ornamental species in containers based on the results of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study empirically evaluated the performance of a downdraft biomass gasifier integrated with a diesel engine using a combination of biomass and diesel fuel. The employed downdraft gasifier consisted of two interconnected oil drums measuring 60x151 cm. A combustion chamber was installed in the conical steel drum with a central axis having a throat diameter of 31 cm. Rubberwood, tamarind wood, and sawdust were used as fuel sources. These woods were combusted to produce gas, which was subsequently channeled through a filtering and temperature-reduction apparatus before being blended with diesel fuel. A Nissan RD28 94 hp diesel engine was used for the experiments, with an airflow rate set at 0.226 m³/s. The experimental results showed that burning a mixture of rubberwood and sawdust (7.5 kg each) produced gas for 61 minutes. Tamarind wood combustion (15 kg) resulted in 58 minutes of gas production. Burning pure rubberwood (15 kg) produced gas for 37 minutes. Combusting a blend of tamarind wood and sawdust (7.5 kg each) produced gas for 45 minutes. The gooseberry wood (15 kg) was burned for 57 minutes with gas formation lasting 48 minutes. Adjusting the air input to the gasifier combustion chamber to 100%, the rubberwood and sawdust mixture exhibited the highest gas production. Furthermore, engaging the RD28 engine at 978 RPM in gear L resulted in the gear halting at 99 RPM after gradually adding steel blocks. The torque required to cease the gear was measured at 10.68 N.m, highlighting the potential for stopping gear L within the low-speed range due to misalignment between the engine's end flywheel and the gear pulley spline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize fecal sludge (FS) combined with sawdust (SD) as non-charcoal briquettes. The combination consists of var.1 (FS 75% : SD 25%), var.2 (FS 50% : SD 50%), and var.3 (FS 25% : SD 75%). Fecal sludge was obtained from the sludge drying bed of a fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) in Malang City, and sawdust was obtained from the furniture workshop. Labor scale briquettes were produced, measured and analyzed the calorific value (ASTM D 5865-01), proximate analysis (SNI 06-3730-1995 and SNI 01-6235-2000), sulfur (ASTM D3177), and density (SNI 8021-2020). The characteristic results the moisture content 3.26%-7.57%, volatile matter 48.68%-68.97%, ash content 12.02%-32.97%, fixed carbon 11.44%–26.62%, calorific value 4,237.78–5.158.64 cal/g, sulfur 0.23%–0.41%, and density 0.50-0.68 (g/cm3). Compared with pure fecal sludge briquettes, the addition of sawdust increased the calorific value of fecal sludge briquettes by up to 32% and decreased ash content by up to 40%. All variations met the standard of SNI 8021:2020, except for the density for var.2 and var 3. Based on MCA, the best variation is var.2 with a score of 45 and requires modification for density to meet the standard of SNI 8021:2020.