Volume 20 Issue 3

Water pollution caused by synthetic dyes, like methylene blue, is a threat to the existence of biogenic components of the environment. This study explores the use of raw cow dung (RCD) and treated (acid treatment) cow dung (TCD) as effective sorbents to remove methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. The optimal conditions for MB removal of 58.3% (RCD) and 86.6% (TCD) were determined as 300 mg/L initial dye concentration, 120 min for RCD, and 100 min for TCD contact time, 50 °C temperature, and pH 5.0. Maximum adsorption capacity of 47.8 mg/g and 64.26 mg/g were determined for RCD and TCD, respectively. Thermodynamic parameter of enthalpy change (ΔH° = 9.32 kJ/mol for RCD and 6.40 kJ/mol for TCD) indicated an endothermic process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) identified functional groups, such as OH, -NH₂, C=O, and C-O, as being responsible for the uptake of the dye molecules. The study confirms that activated cow dung is a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional adsorbents like activated carbon for dye removal.

Mechanical and acoustic properties were studied for hybrid composites developed from Cashew Apple Bagasse (CAB) fibers and Mahogany tree Fruit Filler (MFF) in an epoxy matrix. The effect of alkali treatment (5% and 10% NaOH solutions) on CAB fiber composites at different weight fractions of MFF (0 to 25 wt%) was studied. The composites including 15 to 20 wt% MFF and treated with 5% NaOH offered the highest performance. Tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were improved by 40%, 50%, and 45.7%, respectively, when compared to untreated ones; also, a 56.7% increase in noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was measured. These enhancements can be attributed to the removal of surface impurities on the fiber surface, improving fiber-matrix bonding, and achieving even dispersion of filler in the matrix. Using alkali treatment with NaOH concentration exceeding 10% and with a higher filler content (> 20 wt%) embrittled the fibers, at the same time allowing them to clump together, which decreased both mechanical and acoustic performance. The best approach was to combine CAB and MFF in appropriate quantities into a hybrid composite, striking a good balance between reinforcement and load transfer efficiency. These composites are intended to be used in car interiors, soundproof panels, and lightweight structural parts.

To address the challenge that the perceptual evaluation dimensions of lacquer-wood furniture cultural relics imitations are inherently abstract and challenging to quantify, this study established a systematic perceptual evaluation framework to support the high-quality and large-scale development of lacquer-wood furniture cultural relics imitations. Based on 12 evaluation indicators derived through the Delphi method, six key perceptual evaluation indicators were identified. Using the semantic differential method (SD), evaluators assessed and scored 13 pairs of cultural relic imitation samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to extract the core evaluation factors. At the same time, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the impact of evaluator group type and sample type on the assessment results. Additionally, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory model (DEMATEL) was utilized to determine the weight distribution of the core evaluation factors. The findings indicated that the perceptual evaluation system, constructed based on six core evaluation factors, exhibits strong scientific validity and practical applicability. This system is a standardized and objective tool for evaluating and certifying the quality of lacquer-wood furniture cultural relic imitations in museums.

This study investigated the transverse thermal conductivity of low-density plantation wood species and tropical hardwoods from the Philippines using the guarded hot-plate method. Results showed that thermal conductivity of low density, plantation species and denser tropical hardwoods ranged from 0.128 to 0.188 W/mK and 0.161 to 0.300 W/mK, respectively. Thermal conductivity was directly influenced by both density and moisture content of wood. Transverse thermal conductivity increased by 0.73% and 1.79% per percent increase in MC from 0% to 21% MC for low density (<500 kg/m³) and high density (>500 kg/m³) wood, respectively. Linear regression models fitted for thermal conductivity and ovendry density indicated a strong fit. However, there was a poor to moderate relationship between thermal conductivity and MC. The results of the present study may be of interest in the conversion of woody biomass to bioenergy or to building designers looking for natural materials to improve energy performance and efficiency of wood structures where heat transfer and temperature control are a significant economic consideration.

A choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) system utilizing oxalic acid and citric acid as hydrogen bond donors was used for lignin extraction from Salix babylonica biomass under controlled thermal conditions (130 °C). In choline chloride-oxalic acid system, lignin yield increased from 17.2% (1 h) to 66.1% (9 h) and was stabilized after 7 h of extraction. The optimal samples (DES-E1 and DES-E7, 130 °C/1 h and 7 h) showed high purity lignin (> 89%) while maintaining structural integrity. Both DES systems achieved recovery rates (63.3% and 53.6%) of natural lignin content after 7 h, respectively. Spectral characterization identified selective breaking of the β-O-4 bond between the syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units, indicating DES-mediated bond modification. Furthermore, it was found that the carbon-rich macromolecular structure showed a gradual increase in C/O ratio with prolonged reaction time. This investigation provided a thermal regulation strategy for sustainable lignin extraction while establishing a new pathway for the utilization of Salix babylonica biomass through DES driven structural customization.

Two kinds of deep eutectic solvents (DES) were synthetized and utilized microwave-assisted technology to rapidly disrupt the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass, thereby further enhancing the yield of lignin and obtaining lignin with high-purity and notable antioxidant properties. The DES system, synthetized with choline chloride/formic acid and choline chloride/tartaric acid in a molar ratio of 1:6, was carried out at 140 °C for efficient lignocellulosic biomass separation. Surprisingly, the application of microwave-assisted DES for extracting lignin from Salix babylonica wood was able to substantially shorten the conventional 12 h extraction process to 30 min while significantly improving the separation efficiency. Especially for the DES system synthetized with choline chloride and formic acid, after pretreatment for 30 min, the lignin yield was 70.8%. The lignin fractions had high purity (>88%) and low molecular weight (M_w 1756 to 2546 g/mol). Infrared spectroscopy and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that the recovered lignin components retained intact aromatic structures, which showed typical structure of G/S-type. Furthermore, the DES lignin fractions exhibited excellent antioxidant properties compared with butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA), thereby laying a foundation for the value-added utilization of lignin.

This study aimed to assess the economic efficiency of laurel harvesting (Laurus nobilis L.) in Andırın, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. To achieve this, a household survey with 51 participants involved in laurel harvesting was conducted to identify the socio-economic factors influencing laurel harvesting. Principal component analysis (PCA), Sperman’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression modeling were conducted to analyze the relationships between socio-economic factors and laurel harvesting. Exploratory analysis of the dataset showed that laurel is an essential income source for almost 90% of households, particularly during agricultural off-seasons. However, only about 10% of the respondents considered laurel harvesting a profitable business. Statistical analyses revealed that distance to the town-city center, daily harvest earnings, and selling location are key factors in determining profitability from laurel harvesting. The current study’s evidence strongly supported the conclusion that market asymmetries and socio-economic heterogeneity shaped the viability of non-timber forest product-based livelihoods. On the other hand, the findings directly supported the Multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Enhancing local producer autonomy in pricing and market access emerged as a crucial factor in promoting equitable and sustainable laurel utilization in rural forest economies.

Engineering properties of Turkish pine wood were evaluated to determine effects of a bio-oil thermal immersion process. Wood samples were impregnated with linseed oil, castor oil, and a mix of both oils. The investigation encompassed antilarvicidal activity, bending and compressive strength, anisotropic swelling, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Linseed and castor oils demonstrated potent antilarvicidal properties, achieving 100% and 92% mortality rates, respectively. The mixed oil exhibited 79.2% mortality. The thermal immersion treatment significantly enhanced the bending and compressive strength, and linseed oil yielded the highest improvements at 28.7% and 77.0%, respectively. Anisotropic swelling notably decreased. The linseed oil showed the greatest reduction (7.1%) and the mixed oil the least (2.7%). TGA results indicated improved thermal stability, with weight losses of 1.7%, 2.0%, and 2.2% for linseed oil, castor oil, and mixed oil, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed new peak regions ranging from 1159 to 3398 cm⁻¹ and suggested significant interactions between the bio-oils and the cell wall components, particularly for linseed oil. In conclusion, the thermal bio-oil immersion treatment effectively improved the selected properties of this wood.

This study explores the colorimetric sensing of chlorpyrifos (CP) pesticides using neem root extracts-synthesized silver nanoparticles (NRE-AgNPs). The NRE-AgNPs were synthesized via a cost-effective bio-reduction method from neem (Azadirachta indica) and evaluated for their pesticide’s  colorimetric sensing property. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of tannins (80.4 mg/mL), phenols (60.8 mg/mL), flavonoids (54.6 mg/mL), alkaloids (28.9 mg/mL), reducing sugars (59.1 mg/mL), and cardiac glycosides (47.6 mg/mL), which facilitated nanoparticle formation and stability. Scanning electron microscopy revealed nanoparticles with an average particle size of 68.3 nm, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum confirmed the presence of silver (0.14% atomic, 0.25% weight) alongside stabilizing organic compounds. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed NRE-AgNP synthesis with a surface plasmon resonance peak at 405 nm. The nanoparticles responded sensitively to the presence of the chlorpyrifos, especially at 300 to 350 nm, marking a clear deviation from their original 405 nm signature, thus confirming the viability of AgNPs as an optical sensor. This study underscores the potential of neem root-based AgNPs as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for pesticide sensing, offering promising applications in the environmental field.

Wastepaper-derived fibers, natural starch binders, and micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) additives were preliminarily studied as key components in injection-moldable bio-composite formulations. Commercially available paper cups coated with polyethylene, corn starch, and MFC prepared in a laboratory were selected as raw materials. Since the injection molding machine is yet to be developed, handsheets were prepared as a substitute for the future injection-molded composites, and their physical properties were evaluated to assess the promising formulation candidates of recycled fibers, binder, and reinforcing agent. The optimal paper cup powder–starch ratio was 60:40, which balanced the tensile strength, elongation at break, and burst strength of the material while maintaining good processing characteristics and avoiding problems related to dewatering and adhesion to equipment during drying. The incorporation of up to 5% (by weight) MFC considerably improved the mechanical properties of the sheets by enhancing their fiber–fiber bonding. However, increasing the MFC content above 5% prolonged the dewatering time, compromising process efficiency, and making handsheet preparation impossible. These findings suggested that used paper cups, when combined with starch and MFC, could be effectively recycled into injection-molded composite materials, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and the advancement of resource circulation in manufacturing.