1
|
Kumar R, Dalvi V, Pant KK, Malik A. Microalgal biochar assisted simultaneous removal of particulate matter, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC's) from indoor air. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141866. [PMID: 38565375 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Biochar-based materials for air treatment have gained significant attention for removing health-detrimental volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) in indoor air settings. However, high turnaround time, multiple pretreatment processes involved, and high pore size and low surface area (>10 μm, <100 m2 g-1) of lignocellulosic feedstocks demand alternative biochar feedstock material. Considering this, we designed a simple first-of-its-kind indoor air scrubbing material using diatoms-enriched microalgae biochar. In the present study, the microalgae were cultivated on waste anaerobic digestate (biogas slurry) and were pyrolyzed at three different temperatures: 300 °C (BC300), 500 °C (BC500), and 700 °C (BC700). The BC500 and BC700 showed the highest removal efficiencies (99 %) for total volatile organic carbons (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) at concentrations of 1.22 mg m-3 HCHO and 8.57 mg m-3 TVOC compared to 50% efficiency obtained with commercially available surgical, cloth, and N95 masks. The biochar obtained showed a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 238 m2 g-1 (BC500) and 480 m2 g-1 (BC700) and an average pore size of 9-11 nm due to the mesoporous characteristic of diatom frustules. The comparatively poor performance of BC300 was due to lower surface area (150 m2 g-1) arising from incomplete organic removal, as evidenced by FESEM-EDX and FTIR. The high removal efficiencies in BC500 and BC700 were also attributed to the presence of reactive functional groups such as -OH and R-NH2. Concurrently, the average particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) removal efficiency for BC500 and BC 700 ranged between 66 and 82.69 %. The PM removal performance of BC500 and BC700 was lower (15-20%) than commercially available masks. Overall, the present study highlights the importance of diatoms (reactive Si) present inside the pores of microalgal biochar for enhanced removal of PM, TVOCs, and HCHO at temperatures above 500 °C. This complete approach signifies a step towards establishing a self-sustainable and circular process characterized by minimal waste generation for indoor air treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kumar
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Vivek Dalvi
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Kamal Kishore Pant
- Catalytic Reaction Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India; Current Affiliation: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.
| | - Anushree Malik
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India; Present Affiliation: Fulbright-Kalam (Climate) Academic & Professional Excellence Scholar, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Majeed U, Majeed H, Liu X, Shafi A, Liu T, Ye J, Meng Q, Luo Y. Succinylated starch emulsified Eugenol and Carvacrol nanoemulsions improved digestive stability, bio-accessibility and Salmonella typhimurium inhibition. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129230. [PMID: 38184054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The ultrasonically processed Eugenol (EU) and Carvacrol (CAR) nanoemulsions (NE) were successfully optimized via response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy. These NE were prepared using 2 % (w/w) purity gum ultra (i.e., succinylated starch), 10 % (v/v) oil phase, 80 % (800 W) sonication power, and 10 min of processing time as determined via RSM. The second order Polynomial method was suitable to RSM with a co-efficient of determination >0.90 and a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) ranging 0.12-0.19. NE had small droplet sizes (135.5-160 nm) and low volatility at high temperatures. The EU & CAR entrapment and heat stability (300 °C) confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, the volatility of EU & CAR NE was 18.18 ± 0.13 % and 12.29 ± 0.11 % respectively, being lower than that of bulk/unencapsulated EU & CAR (i.e., 23.48 ± 0.38 % and 19.11 ± 0.08 %) after 2 h at 90 °C. Interestingly, both EU & CAR NE showed sustained release behaviour till 48 h. Their digest could inhibit Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) via membrane disruption and access to cellular machinery as evident from SEM images. Furthermore, in-vivo bio-accessibility of EU & CAR in mice serum was up to 80 %. These cost-effective and short-processed EU/CAR NE have the potential as green preservatives for food industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Usman Majeed
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Hamid Majeed
- Department of Food sciences, Cholistan university of veterinary and animal sciences, 63100 Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Xuehua Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Afshan Shafi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ting Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Jianming Ye
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yane Luo
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hui GT, Meng TK, Kassim MA. Green ultrasonication-assisted extraction of microalgae Chlorella sp. for polysaturated fatty acid (PUFA) rich lipid extract using alternative solvent mixture. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2023; 46:1499-1512. [PMID: 37580470 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-023-02917-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Conventionally, microalgal lipid extraction uses volatile organic compounds as an extraction solvent. However, these solvents are harmful to human and environmental health. Therefore, this study evaluated the feasibility of alternative green solvents, namely, ethanol, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME), and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) in lipid extraction from Chlorella sp. via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). This study indicated that extraction parameters, such as ethanol-to-2-MeTHF ratio, solvent-to-biomass ratio, temperature, and time, significantly affected the crude lipid yield (P < 0.05). The highest crude lipid yield of 25.05 ± 0.924% was achieved using ethanol-2-MeTHF mixture (2:1, v/v) with a solvent-to-biomass ratio of 20:1 (v/w) at 60 °C for 25 min accompanying 100 W and 40 kHz. Ethanol-2-MeTHF-extracted lipids showed dominance in linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and palmitic acid. Overall this findings supported UAE using ethanol and 2-MeTHF as extraction solvents is a promising green alternative to conventional solvent extraction of lipids from microalgae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goh Ting Hui
- Division of Bioprocess Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tan Kean Meng
- Division of Bioprocess Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Asyraf Kassim
- Division of Bioprocess Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yadav A, Yadav K, Abd-Elsalam KA. Nanofertilizers: Types, Delivery and Advantages in Agricultural Sustainability. AGROCHEMICALS 2023; 2:296-336. [DOI: 10.3390/agrochemicals2020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In an alarming tale of agricultural excess, the relentless overuse of chemical fertilizers in modern farming methods have wreaked havoc on the once-fertile soil, mercilessly depleting its vital nutrients while inflicting irreparable harm on the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem. The excessive use of such fertilizers leaves residue on agricultural products, pollutes the environment, upsets agrarian ecosystems, and lowers soil quality. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is lost from the soil (50–70%) before being utilized. Nanofertilizers, on the other hand, use nanoparticles to control the release of nutrients, making them more efficient and cost-effective than traditional fertilizers. Nanofertilizers comprise one or more plant nutrients within nanoparticles where at least 50% of the particles are smaller than 100 nanometers. Carbon nanotubes, graphene, and quantum dots are some examples of the types of nanomaterials used in the production of nanofertilizers. Nanofertilizers are a new generation of fertilizers that utilize advanced nanotechnology to provide an efficient and sustainable method of fertilizing crops. They are designed to deliver plant nutrients in a controlled manner, ensuring that the nutrients are gradually released over an extended period, thus providing a steady supply of essential elements to the plants. The controlled-release system is more efficient than traditional fertilizers, as it reduces the need for frequent application and the amount of fertilizer. These nanomaterials have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, making them ideal for holding and releasing nutrients. Naturally occurring nanoparticles are found in various sources, including volcanic ash, ocean, and biological matter such as viruses and dust. However, regarding large-scale production, relying solely on naturally occurring nanoparticles may not be sufficient or practical. In agriculture, nanotechnology has been primarily used to increase crop production while minimizing losses and activating plant defense mechanisms against pests, insects, and other environmental challenges. Furthermore, nanofertilizers can reduce runoff and nutrient leaching into the environment, improving environmental sustainability. They can also improve fertilizer use efficiency, leading to higher crop yields and reducing the overall cost of fertilizer application. Nanofertilizers are especially beneficial in areas where traditional fertilizers are inefficient or ineffective. Nanofertilizers can provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to fertilize crops while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer application. They are the product of promising new technology that can help to meet the increasing demand for food and improve agricultural sustainability. Currently, nanofertilizers face limitations, including higher costs of production and potential environmental and safety concerns due to the use of nanomaterials, while further research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects on soil health, crop growth, and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, District Banaskantha, Gujarat 385506, India
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aratboni HA, Rafiei N, Allaf MM, Abedini S, Rasheed RN, Seif A, Wang S, Ramirez JRM. Nanotechnology: An outstanding tool for increasing and better exploitation of microalgae valuable compounds. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
|
6
|
Nayak S, Goveas LC, Selvaraj R, Vinayagam R, Manickam S. Advances in the utilisation of carbon-neutral technologies for a sustainable tomorrow: A critical review and the path forward. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 364:128073. [PMID: 36216285 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Global industrialisation and overexploitation of fossil fuels significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in global warming and other environmental problems. Hence, investigations on capturing, storing, and utilising atmospheric CO2 create novel technologies. Few microorganisms, microalgae, and macroalgae utilise atmospheric CO2 for their growth and reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. Activated carbon and biochar from biomasses also capture CO2. Nanomaterials such as metallic oxides, metal-organic frameworks, and MXenes illustrate outstanding adsorption characteristics, and convert CO2 to carbon-neutral fuels, creating a balance between CO2 production and elimination, thus zeroing the carbon footprint. The need for a paradigm shift from fossil fuels and promising technologies on renewable energies, carbon capture mechanisms, and carbon sequestration techniques that help reduce CO2 emissions for a better tomorrow are reviewed to achieve the world's sustainable development goals. The challenges and possible solutions with future perspectives are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Nayak
- Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte, Karnataka 574110, India
| | - Louella Concepta Goveas
- Nitte (Deemed to be University), NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Nitte, Karnataka 574110, India
| | - Raja Selvaraj
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Ramesh Vinayagam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Sivakumar Manickam
- Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Jalan Tungku Link Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei Darussalam.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kumar L, Mohan L, Anand R, Joshi V, Chugh M, Bharadvaja N. A review on unit operations, challenges, opportunities, and strategies to improve algal based biodiesel and biorefinery. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2022.998289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, the demand for energy is increasing with an emphasis on green fuels for a sustainable future. As the urge for alternative fuels is accelerating, microalgae have emerged as a promising source that can not only produce high lipid but many other platform chemicals. Moreover, it is a better alternative in comparison to conventional feedstock due to yearlong easy and mass cultivation, carbon fixation, and value-added products extraction. To date, numerous studies have been done to elucidate these organisms for large-scale fuel production. However, enhancing the lipid synthesis rate and reducing the production cost still remain a major bottleneck for its economic viability. Therefore, this study compiles information on algae-based biodiesel production with an emphasis on its unit operations from strain selection to biofuel production. Additionally, strategies to enhance lipid accumulation by incorporating genetic, and metabolic engineering and the use of leftover biomass for harnessing bio-products have been discussed. Besides, implementing a biorefinery for extracting oil followed by utilizing leftover biomass to generate value-added products such as nanoparticles, biofertilizers, biochar, and biopharmaceuticals has also been discussed.
Collapse
|
8
|
Microorganisms as New Sources of Energy. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15176365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of fossil energy sources has a negative impact on the economic and socio-political stability of specific regions and countries, causing environmental changes due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the stocks of mineral energy are limited, causing the demand for new types and forms of energy. Biomass is a renewable energy source and represents an alternative to fossil energy sources. Microorganisms produce energy from the substrate and biomass, i.e., from substances in the microenvironment, to maintain their metabolism and life. However, specialized microorganisms also produce specific metabolites under almost abiotic circumstances that often do not have the immediate task of sustaining their own lives. This paper presents the action of biogenic and biogenic–thermogenic microorganisms, which produce methane, alcohols, lipids, triglycerides, and hydrogen, thus often creating renewable energy from waste biomass. Furthermore, some microorganisms acquire new or improved properties through genetic interventions for producing significant amounts of energy. In this way, they clean the environment and can consume greenhouse gases. Particularly suitable are blue-green algae or cyanobacteria but also some otherwise pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli, Klebsiella, and others), as well as many other specialized microorganisms that show an incredible ability to adapt. Microorganisms can change the current paradigm, energy–environment, and open up countless opportunities for producing new energy sources, especially hydrogen, which is an ideal energy source for all systems (biological, physical, technological). Developing such energy production technologies can significantly change the already achieved critical level of greenhouse gases that significantly affect the climate.
Collapse
|
9
|
Nigam H, Jain R, Malik A, Singh V. Comparative Life-Cycle assessment of microalgal biomass production in conventional growth media versus newly developed nanoemulsion media. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 352:127069. [PMID: 35367603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae biomass is a potential feedstock for biodiesel, animal feed, biofertilizer, and other products such as bioactive compounds. Most of the reported studies describe microalgae as a green process, however, the impacts associated with its growth media and cultivation have seldom been studied. With an aim to analyze the environmental impacts, the present study compares the life-cycle assessment of microalgal cultivation in two growth media. The data used was obtained from the experimental sets where microalgaeC. pyrenoidosawas cultivated in BG11 (control or SC-1) and silicone oil nanoemulsion (previously developed medium or SC-2) on a lab scale. The environmental impacts were evaluated using the ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint method using Sima Pro 9.0 software based on a "cradle-to-gate" approach. The total environmental score for 1 kg microalgal biomass production was 99.25Pt in SC-1, and 53.39Ptin SC-2, concluding greater environmental burden by SC-1. The photobioreactor construction material along with the operation led to maximum emissions, human toxicity, and resource depletion. In summary, the newly developed nanoemulsion medium was found to be eco-friendly that has the potential to minimize the usage of conventional nutrients and resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Nigam
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Rahul Jain
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Anushree Malik
- Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|