Impact of Plasticizers on Lignin–Carrageenan Formulation Properties and on Phosphorus Release from a Coated Triple Superphosphate Fertilizer

Valorization of lignin from aqueous-based lignocellulosic biorefineries

An additional 100 million tons/year of lignin coproduct will result when lignocellulosic biomass is processed in biorefineries to fiber, sugars, biofuels, and bioproducts. This will double the amount of lignin already generated from pulping and paper production. Unlike pulping that results in lignosulphonate (88% of total) or Kraft lignin (9%), aqueous-based biorefining leaves behind non-sulfonated lignin and aromatic molecules. This new type of lignin provides opportunities for large volume agricultural uses such as controlled-release carriers and soil amendments as well as feedstocks for new chemistries that lead to molecular building blocks for the chemical industry and to precursors for sustainable aviation biofuels.

Organo-monomers coated slow-release fertilizers: Current understanding and future prospects

The increasing urge to make an impactful contribution towards attaining nutritional security amidst the ever-rising demand for food, changing climate and maintaining environmental health and safety has become the main focal point for today's researchers globally. Slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are a broad, dynamic, and advance category of fertilizers but despite its environmental benefits and scientifically proven results it often faces some critical challenges, primarily due to its high cost, often stemming from synthetic coatings, deteriorating soil health and with unrevealed potential environmental impacts. Organo-monomers have gained immense popularity due to their organic origin, biodegradable nature, biocompatibility, bio-sustainability and as a targeted delivery of nutrients in the plant system leading to increase in nutrient use efficiency (NUE). They can form strong bond with other monomers, fertilizers elements and improve the soil quality, carbon sequestration and holistically the environment. This review emphasizes on organo-monomers based SRFs, its synthesis, application and deliberate mechanism of nutrient release; boosting crop productivity and global economy. In conclusion, provided the significant challenges posed by the classical or synthetically coated fertilizers; the application of organo-monomers based SRFs demonstrates immense potential for achieving sustainable yield, to help build a global nutritionally secure population.

Preparation and characterization of liquefied eggplant branch bio-based controlled-release fertilizer

Bio-based coating materials have received increased attention because of their low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sustainable properties. In this paper, a novel coating material was developed to coat ureas using bio-based coating material derived from liquefied eggplant branches to form controlled-release ureas (CRUs). Also, the optimum proportion of liquefier was studied. Furthermore, dimethyl siloxane was used to modify liquified eggplant branches to make them hydrophobic, resulting in hydrophobic controlled-release ureas (SCRUs). This hydrophobic-enabled coating is environmentally friendly and highly efficient. The products were characterized by specific scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, and the water contact angles of CRUs and SCRUs were determined. The nutrient-release characteristics of the SCRUs in water were determined at 25 °C and compared with those of CRUs. The results showed that the modification with dimethyl siloxane reduced the N release rate and increased the longevity of the fertilizer coated with hydrophobic bio-based coating material. In addition, organosilicon atoms on the SCRU surface also block the micro-holes on the coating and thus reduce the entry of water onto the coating. The results suggest that the new coating technology can create a hydrophobic surface on bio-based coating material and thus improve their controlled-release characteristics.

The current status and challenges of biomass biorefineries in Africa: A critical review and future perspectives for bioeconomy development

Africa benefits from diverse biomasses that are rich in high-added value materials and precursors for energy, food, agricultural, cosmetic and medicinal applications. Many African countries are interested in valorizing biomasses to develop efficient and integrated biorefinery processes and their use for local and regional economic development. Thus, this report critically reviews the current status of African biomass richness, its diversity, and potential applications. Moreover, particular attention is given to bioenergy production, mainly by biological and thermochemical conversion processes. This also includes biomass valorization in agriculture, particularly for the production of plant-based biostimulants, which are a potential emerging agri-input sector worldwide. This study points out that even though several processes for biofuel, biogas, biofertilizer and biostimulant production have already been established in Africa, their development on a larger scale remains limited. This study also reports the different socioeconomic and political aspects of biomass applications, along with their challenges, opportunities, and future research perspectives, to promote concrete technologies transferable into an industrial level.

Recent Developments and Formulations for Hydrophobic Modification of Carrageenan Bionanocomposites

Versatility of the anionic algal polysaccharide carrageenan has long been discussed and explored, especially for their affinity towards water molecules. While this feature is advantageous in certain applications such as water remediation, wound healing, etc., the usefulness of this biopolymer is extremely limited when it comes to applications such as food packaging. Scientists around the globe are carrying out research works on venturing diverse methods to integrate a hydrophobic nature into these polysaccharides without compromising their other functionalities. Considering these foregoing studies, this review was designed to have an in-depth understanding of diverse methods and techniques adopted for tuning the hydrophobic nature of carrageenan-based bionanocomposites, both via surface alterations or by changes made to their chemical structure and attached functional groups. This review article mainly focused on how the hydrophobicity of carrageenan bionanocomposites varied as a function of the type and refinement of carrageenan, and with the incorporation of additives including plasticisers, nanofillers, bioactive agents, etc. Incorporation of nanofillers such as polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, nanoclays, bioceramic and mineral based nanoparticles, carbon dots and nanotubes, metal oxide nanoparticles, etc., along with their synergistic effects in hybrid bionanocomposites are also dealt with in this comprehensive review article.

Next generation applications of lignin derived commodity products, their life cycle, techno-economics and societal analysis

The pulp and biorefining industries produce their waste as lignin, which is one of the most abundant renewable resources. So far, lignin has been remained severely underutilized and generally burnt in a boiler as a low-value fuel. To demonstrate lignin's potential as a value-added product, we will review market opportunities for lignin related applications by utilizing the thermo-chemical/biological depolymerization strategies (with or without catalysts) and their comparative evaluation. The application of lignin and its derived aromatics in various sectors such as cement industry, bitumen modifier, energy materials, agriculture, nanocomposite, biomedical, H2 source, biosensor and bioimaging have been summarized. This comprehensive review article also highlights the technical, economic, environmental, and socio-economic variable that affect the market value of lignin-derived by-products. The review shows the importance of lignin, and its derived products are a platform for future bioeconomy and sustainability.

Composition and Properties of Triple Superphosphate Obtained from Oyster Shells and Various Concentrations of Phosphoric Acid

Triple superphosphates [TSPs, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O] were produced by exothermic reactions of oyster shells and different concentrations of phosphoric acid (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70% w/w) in a molar ratio of 1:2. The percentage yields, P₂O₅ and CaO contents, metal impurities, and thermal behaviors of all the as-prepared products are dependent on the concentrations of phosphoric acid added during the production processes, which confirm to get the best optimum of 60% w/w phosphoric acid. All the as-prepared products were characterized by several characterization methods [X-ray fluorescence, thermal gravimetric/derivative thermal gravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy], verifying that all the obtained compounds are TSP that can be used as fertilizers without metal toxic contaminants. From the successful results, the method for TSP production can be applied in the fertilizer industry based on starting waste materials of oyster shells that can replace the use of unsustainable phosphate or calcium minerals obtained from nonliving things.