Enzymatic Pretreatment of Byproducts from Soapstock Splitting and Glycerol Processing for Improvement of Biogas Production.

This study investigated acid splitting wastewater (ASW) and interphase (IF) from soapstock splitting, as well as matter organic non glycerol (MONG) from glycerol processing, as potential substrates for biogas production. Batch and semicontinuous thermophilic anaerobic digestion experiments were conducted, and the substrates were preliminary treated using commercial enzymes kindly delivered by Novozymes A/C. The greatest enhancement in the batch digestion efficiency was achieved when three preparations; EversaTransform, NovoShape, and Lecitase were applied in the hydrolysis stage, which resulted in the maximum methane yields of 937 NL/kg VS and 915 NL/kg VS obtained from IF and MONG, respectively. The co-digestion of 68% ASW, 16% IF, and 16% MONG (wet weight basis) performed at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 1.5 kg VS/m3/day provided an average methane yield of 515 NLCH4/kg VSadded and a volatile solid reduction of nearly 95%. A relatively high concentration of sulfates in the feed did not significantly affect the digestion performance but resulted in an increased hydrogen sulfide concentration in the biogas with the peak of 4000 ppm.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seed: A review on bioactives and biomedical activities.

The processing of tomato fruit into puree, juices, ketchup, sauces, and dried powders generates a significant amount of waste in the form of tomato pomace, which includes seeds and skin. Tomato processing by-products, particularly seeds, are reservoirs of health-promoting macromolecules, such as proteins (bioactive peptides), carotenoids (lycopene), polysaccharides (pectin), phytochemicals (flavonoids), and vitamins (α-tocopherol). Health-promoting properties make these bioactive components suitable candidates for the development of novel food and nutraceutical products. This review comprehensively demonstrates the bioactive compounds of tomato seeds along with diverse biomedical activities of tomato seed extract (TSE) for treating cardiovascular ailments, neurological disorders, and act as antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial agent. Utilization of bioactive components can improve the economic feasibility of the tomato processing industry and may help to reduce the environmental pollution generated by tomato by-products.

Assessment of anammox, microalgae and white-rot fungi-based processes for the treatment of textile wastewater.

The treatability of seven wastewater samples generated by a textile digital printing industry was evaluated by employing 1) anammox-based processes for nitrogen removal 2) microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) for nutrient uptake and biomass production 3) white-rot fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium) for decolorization and laccase activity. The biodegradative potential of each type of organism was determined in batch tests and correlated with the main characteristics of the textile wastewaters through statistical analyses. The maximum specific anammox activity ranged between 0.1 and 0.2 g N g VSS-1 d-1 depending on the sample of wastewater; the photosynthetic efficiency of the microalgae decreased up to 50% during the first 24 hours of contact with the textile wastewaters, but it improved from then on; Pleurotus ostreatus synthetized laccases and removed between 20-62% of the colour after 14 days, while the enzymatic activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was inhibited. Overall, the findings suggest that all microbes have great potential for the treatment and valorisation of textile wastewater after tailored adaptation phases. Yet, the depurative efficiency can be probably enhanced by combining the different processes in sequence.

A Technical and Policy Case Study of Large-Scale Rescue and Redistribution of Perishable Foods by the "Leket Israel" Food Bank.

BACKGROUND: Food banks seeking to rescue and redistribute highly nutritious perishable foods to simultaneously alleviate food insecurity and reduce food waste often encounter practical, ethical, and political dilemmas. OBJECTIVES: We present a case study of "Leket Israel," an Israeli food bank that uses an effective large-scale logistical model for the rescue and redistribution of perishable food and discuss the challenges and solutions it offers. RESULTS: The organization operates in a rich country plagued with poverty and inequality, where the government passively encourages nongovernmental organizations to respond to the serious and growing problem of food insecurity. Operating under a business-to-business model, Leket Israel distributes food via intermediary nonprofit organizations (NPOs), enriching the food they provide with fresh produce. Food is obtained through an Agricultural Gleaning project, Self-Growing Farm project, and Meal Rescue project. The partnering NPOs then distribute the food to people in need. Although the rescue and redistribution of highly perishable food is more costly and complex than acquiring, storing, and distributing dried and staple foods and it requires specialized knowledge and infrastructure in order to maintain rigorous safety standards, it improves the nutritional quality of the aid. In 2015, Leket Israel distributed 15 217 389 kg of food, 90% of which was fruit and vegetables, to 180 partnering NPOs nationwide, reaching an estimated 175 000 recipients. CONCLUSION: "Leket Israel" offers a valuable model that can be studied and emulated by international nutrition scientists, practitioners, and policy makers who are seeking to reduce food insecurity and food waste in other countries.

What makes people leave their food? The interaction of personal and situational factors leading to plate leftovers in canteens.

In order to provide a basis for the reduction of food losses, our study analyzes individual food choice, eating and leftover behavior in a university canteen by consideration of personal, social and environmental determinants. Based on an extended literature review, a structural equation model is derived and empirically tested for a sample of 343 students. The empirical estimates support the derived model with a good overall model fit and sufficient R2 values for dependent variables. Hence, our results provide evidence for a general significant impact of behavioral intention and related personal and social determinants as well as for the relevance of environmental/situational determinants such as portion sizes and palatability of food for plate leftovers. Moreover, we find that environmental and personal determinants are interrelated and that the impact of different determinants is relative to perceived time constraints during a visit of the university canteen. Accordingly, we conclude that simple measures to decrease avoidable food waste may take effects via complex and interrelated behavioral structures and that future research should focus on these effects to understand and change food leftover behavior.

The use of exergetic indicators in the food industry - A review.

Assessment of sustainability will become more relevant for the food industry in the years to come. Analysis based on exergy, including the use of exergetic indicators and Grassmann diagrams, is a useful tool for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the efficiency of industrial food chains. In this paper, we review the methodology of exergy analysis and the exergetic indicators that are most appropriate for use in the food industry. The challenges of applying exergy analysis in industrial food chains and the specific features of food processes are also discussed.

Biosorption of heavy metals by Pseudomonas species isolated from sugar industry.

Heavy metal-resistant bacteria can be efficient bioremediators of metals and may provide an alternative or additional method to conventional methods of metal removal. In this study, 10 bacterial isolates were isolated from soil samples of a sugar industry, located at Peshawar, Pakistan. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of these isolates were observed. Sequence analysis (16S ribosomal RNA) revealed that isolated strains were closely related to the species belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Exiguobacterium, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter Bacterial isolates were resistant with a minimum inhibitory concentration (500-900 ppm) to lead ion (Pb(2+)), (500-600 ppm) nickel ion (Ni(2+)), (500-800 ppm) copper ion (Cu(2+)), and (600-800 ppm) chromium ion (Cr(3+)) in solid media. Furthermore, biosorption of metals proved considerable removal of heavy metals by isolated metal-resistant strains. Pseudomonas sp. reduced 37% (Pb(2+)), 32% (Ni(2+)), 29% (Cu(2+)), and 32% (Cr(3+)) and was thus found to be most effective, whereas Enterobacter sp. reduced 19% (Pb(2+)), 7% (Ni(2+)), 14% (Cu(2+)), and 21% (Cr(3+)) and was found to be least effective. While average reduction of Pb(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Cr(3+) by Citrobacter sp. was found to be 24%, 18%, 23%, and 27%, respectively, among recognized species. This study revealed that Pseudomonas sp. may provide a new microbial community that can be used for enhanced remediation of contaminated environment.

Biodegradability and toxicity assessment of a real textile wastewater effluent treated by an optimized electrocoagulation process.

In this work, the application of an iron electrode-based electrocoagulation (EC) process on the treatment of a real textile wastewater (RTW) was investigated. In order to perform an efficient integration of the EC process with a biological oxidation one, an enhancement in the biodegradability and low toxicity of final compounds was sought. Optimal values of EC reactor operation parameters (pH, current density and electrolysis time) were achieved by applying a full factorial 3(3) experimental design. Biodegradability and toxicity assays were performed on treated RTW samples obtained at the optimal values of: pH of the solution (7.0), current density (142.9 A m(-2)) and different electrolysis times. As response variables for the biodegradability and toxicity assessment, the Zahn-Wellens test (Dt), the ratio values of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) relative to low-molecular-weight carboxylates anions (LMCA) and lethal concentration 50 (LC50) were used. According to the Dt, the DOC/LMCA ratio and LC50, an electrolysis time of 15 min along with the optimal values of pH and current density were suggested as suitable for a next stage of treatment based on a biological oxidation process.

[Removal of mixed waste gases by the biotrickling filter].

A biotrickling filter (BTF) was designed for treating mixed waste gases, which contained hydrogen sulfide (H2S), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dichloromethane (DCM) at the start-up and steady states. The removal efficiency of H2S and DCM could maintain about 99% and 60%, respectively, and the removal efficiency of DCM was reduced from 90% to 37% with the shortening empty bed retention time (EBRT) form 50 to 20 seconds when the inlet concentrations were 200, 100, 100 mg x m(-3) of H2S, THF, DCM, respectively. In the theoretical study, the biodegradation efficiency of contaminants was H2S > THF > DCM by analyzing the Michaelis-Menten Dynamic model.

Eco-innovations for waste prevention--best practices, drivers and barriers.

Several studies in Germany aimed at the development of a sound database on existing waste prevention measures by public bodies at the local, regional and federal levels. These results are the starting point for the creation of a national prevention program, which has to be presented by all European Member States until the end of 2013--due to the revised European Waste Framework Directive. Based on this empirical foundation, this paper draws conclusions with regard to drivers and barriers for eco-innovations in the field of waste prevention. The analysis shows that an optimized adaptation of information on waste prevention to the needs of specific target groups is still missing but could be a relevant driver. With regard to barriers the results of the study show that waste prevention is by no means always a win-win-situation. Institutional frameworks are missing to coordinate the different interests and for the exchange of experiences that could help to realize learning effects regarding innovation approaches.

Preparation and application of a molecularly imprinted polymer for determination of glibenclamide residues.

The performance of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as selective packing material for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of residual glibenclamide in an industrial process was investigated. MIP was prepared using 4-vinylpyridine as monomer, ethylenedimethacrylate as cross linker, 2,2'-azobis-2-methylpropionitrile as initiator and dimethyl formamide as porogen. Use of acetonitrile as a rebinding solvent allows good recognition of the glibenclamide template. It was found that this polymer can be used for determination of trace levels of glibenclamide with a recovery percentage that could reach 87.1 %. Furthermore, the synthesized MIP showed higher selectivity towards glibenclamide than other compounds such as glimepiride and metformin. The synthesized MIP enabled direct determination of the target contaminant after an enrichment step that allowed quantification of glibenclamide at a concentration as low as 0.016 mg L-1. Combination of high performance liquid chromatography with MIP-SPE could be successfully used for quality control of pharmaceuticals during the cleaning process in the production of dry drug forms.

Removal of COD and colour in real pharmaceutical wastewater by photoelectrocatalytic oxidation method.

In this study, TiO2/Ni photo-anode and multi-walled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs) air cathode were prepared by the dip-coating method, and the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of real pharmaceutical wastewater was investigated in the self-made reactor. The combination of the TiO2/Ni electrode and MWCNTs air cathode was adopted to treat the pharmaceutical wastewater by the process of photoelectrocatalysis. Various operational parameters to achieve optimum efficiency of this photoelectrocatalytic degradation system are presented, such as applied bias voltage, NaCl concentration, pH and different degradation methods. Under the optimal conditions, the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and colour are 93.5% and 78.5% respectively. The possible roles of the anode-cathode on the reactions and the probable mechanisms of effect were also discussed. The photoelectrocatalytic technology can be used for the long-term treatment of real pharmaceutical wastewater.

[Study on strategies of pollution prevention in coastal city of Zhejiang Province based on scenario analysis].

Scenario analysis was used to study the environmental burden in a coastal city of Zhejiang province under different patterns of economic development. The aim of this research is to propose advices on decision making by illustrating how to make emissions reduced by transforming the pattern of economic development in a developed coastal area, which had acquired the level of 70 000 yuan GDP per cap. At first, 18 heavy pollution industries were screened out, by referencing total emissions of chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. Then, a model of scenario analysis and the back-up calculation program were designed to study the sustainable development of the heavy pollution industries. With 2008 and 2015 as the reference year and the target year respectively, emissions of four pollutants mentioned above in the 18 heavy pollution industries in the city were analyzed under six scenarios. The total emissions of 4 pollutants should be reduced to an expectant degree, which is set as the constraint prerequisite of the scenario analysis. At last, some suggestions for decision-making are put forward, which include maintaining a moderate increase rate of GDP around 7%, strengthening the adjustment of economic structure, controlling the increasing rate of industrial added value of the industries with heavy pollution, optimizing the structure of industries with heavy pollution, decreasing the intensity of waste emission by implementing cleaner production to reduce emission produce at the source, and strengthening regulations on the operation of waste treatment plants to further promote the efficiency of waste treatment. Only by implementing such measures mentioned above, can the total emissions of chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide of the 18 industries with heavy pollution in the city be reduced by a 10%, 10%, 5%, and 15% respectively based on the reference year.

Technology alternatives for tapping the pruning residue resource.

Four commercial harvesters were compared with respect to recovery of pruning residues for energy conversion. These harvesters were tested side-by-side on 17 test fields, totaling 15 ha. The test fields consisted of vineyards and apple and pear orchards. The residue yield was between 0.7 and 9 green tonne per hectare, at a moisture content from 37% to 48%. Yield was highest for the orchards, and lowest for vineyards. Harvesters collected the residues and moved them to the roadside at a cost of between 11 and 60€ per green tonne, depending on field conditions and technology choice. Single-pass harvesting was the cheapest, especially if applied through a dedicated tractor and a towed unit with a large integral container. Two-pass harvesting was the most flexible, but also the most expensive: it should be favored only when space, weather or other management constraints limit the application of the other systems.

Nonrenewable energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions of a "pig-biogas-fish" system in China.

The purpose of this study is to assess the energy savings and emission reductions of the present rural biogas system in China. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method is used to analyze a "pig-biogas-fish" system in Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China. The nonrenewable energy cost and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the system, including the pigsty, the biogas digester, and the fishpond, are taken into account. The border definition is standardized because of the utilization of the database in this paper. The results indicate that the nonrenewable energy consumption intensity of the "pig-biogas-fish" system is 0.60 MJ/MJ and the equivalent CO2 emission intensity is 0.05 kg CO2-eq/MJ. Compared with the conventional animal husbandry system, the "pig-biogas-fish" system shows high renewability and GHG reduction benefit, which indicates that the system is a scientific and environmentally friendly chain combining energy and ecology.

Business waste prevention: a review of the evidence.

Waste prevention is a policy priority in many countries. For example, European Union member states are currently required to prepare a national Waste Prevention Programme. This article reports on a major international review of the evidence base for business waste prevention to underpin such policy-making. A strict definition of waste prevention is used, including waste avoidance, waste reduction at source or in process, and product reuse-recycling is outside the scope of this article. The review was organised with two key dimensions. Eight types of policy intervention were identified: standards, labelling, procurement, commitments and voluntary agreements, communication, incentives, waste minimisation clubs and other business support. Six illustrative sectors were selected: construction and demolition, food and drink, hospitality, retail, automotive and office-based services. Four broad approaches to business waste prevention have been distinguished and used as part of the analytical framework, classified into a two by two matrix, using supply- and demand-side drivers as one axis, and incremental versus radical change as the other. A fundamental focus was on attitudes and behaviours. A conceptual framework is presented to navigate the various behavioural influences on businesses, and to discuss those motivations and barriers for which the evidence is relatively robust. The results suggest that the (financial) benefits to business of waste prevention are potentially huge, and that some progress is being made, but measurement is a challenge. A taster of some of the learnings on the effectiveness of the different policy interventions to promote waste prevention is also presented.

Strategies to enhance waste minimization and energy conservation within organizations: a case study from the UK construction sector.

Strategies for enhancing environmental management are a key focus for the government in the UK. Using a manufacturing company from the construction sector as a case study, this paper evaluates selected interventionist techniques, including environmental teams, awareness raising and staff training to improve environmental performance. The study employed a range of methods including questionnaire surveys and audits of energy consumption and generation of waste to examine the outcomes of the selected techniques. The results suggest that initially environmental management was not a focus for either the employees or the company. However, as a result of employing the techniques, the company was able to reduce energy consumption, increase recycling rates and achieve costs savings in excess of £132,000.

Economical production of poly(γ-glutamic acid) using untreated cane molasses and monosodium glutamate waste liquor by Bacillus subtilis NX-2.

The production of poly(γ-glutamic acid) by Bacillus subtilis NX-2 from cane molasses and monosodium glutamate waste liquor (MGWL) was studied for the first time in this work. When batch fermentation was carried out with untreated molasses, 33.6±0.37 g L(-1) PGA was obtained with a productivity of 0.46±0.006 g L(-1) h(-1). In order to minimize the substrate inhibition, fed-batch fermentation was performed with untreated or hydrolyzed molasses in 7.5 L bioreactor, giving 50.2±0.53 and 51.1±0.51 g L(-1) of PGA at 96 h, respectively. Further studies were carried out by using MGWL as another carbon source, resulting in a PGA concentration of 52.1±0.52 g L(-1) with a productivity of 0.54±0.003 g L(-1) h(-1). These results suggest that the low-cost cane molasses and MGWL can be used for the environmental-friendly and economical production of PGA by B. subtilis NX-2.

Evaluation of processed green and ripe mango peel and pulp flours (Mangifera indica var. Chokanan) in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant compounds and functional properties.

BACKGROUND: Mango is a highly perishable seasonal fruit and large quantities are wasted during the peak season as a result of poor postharvest handling procedures. Processing surplus mango fruits into flour to be used as a functional ingredient appears to be a good preservation method to ensure its extended consumption. RESULTS: In the present study, the chemical composition, bioactive/antioxidant compounds and functional properties of green and ripe mango (Mangifera indica var. Chokanan) peel and pulp flours were evaluated. Compared to commercial wheat flour, mango flours were significantly low in moisture and protein, but were high in crude fiber, fat and ash content. Mango flour showed a balance between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber proportions, with total dietary fiber content ranging from 3.2 to 5.94 g kg⁻¹. Mango flours exhibited high values for bioactive/antioxidant compounds compared to wheat flour. The water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity of mango flours ranged from 0.36 to 0.87 g kg⁻¹ and from 0.18 to 0.22 g kg⁻¹, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed mango peel flour to be a rich source of dietary fiber with good antioxidant and functional properties, which could be a useful ingredient for new functional food formulations.