A solar evaporator fabricated from corncob waste for the desalination of seawater and removal of oil/herbicides from contaminated water.

Corncob (CC) based solar evaporators were employed to desalinize seawater brought from the Vallarta coast in Mexico. The pure CC produced an evaporation-rate and evaporation-efficiency of 0.63 kg m-2 h-1 and 38.4%, respectively, under natural solar light. Later, the CC was coated with carbonized CC (CCCE evaporator) or was coated with graphene (CCGE evaporator). Those evaporators were used for the desalination of seawater and obtained higher evaporation rates of 1.59-1.67 kg m-2 h-1, and higher evaporation efficiencies of 92-94% (under natural solar light). The desalination experiments were repeated under artificial solar light and the evaporation-rates/evaporation-efficiencies slightly decreased to 1.43-1.52 kg m-2 h-1/88-92%. The surface analysis of the evaporators by FTIR, XPS and Raman revealed that the CCGE evaporator had on its surface a lower content of defects and a higher amount of OH groups than the CCCE evaporator. Therefore, the CCGE evaporator had higher evaporation-rates/evaporation-efficiencies in comparison with the CCCE evaporator. Furthermore, we purified water contaminated with three different herbicides (fomesafen, 2-6 dichlorobenzamide and 4-chlorophenol at 30 ppm) by evaporation and using natural solar light. Interestingly, the CCCE and CCGE evaporators also removed the herbicides by physical adsorption with efficiencies of 12-22.5%. Moreover, the CCGE evaporator removed vegetable oil from contaminated water by adsorption and its maximum adsorption capacity was 1.72 g/g. Overall, our results demonstrated that the corncob-based evaporators studied here are a low-cost alternative to obtain clean water under natural solar light and this one was more effective for the desalination of seawater than the artificial sunlight (Xe lamp).

Removal of heavy metal ions with magnetic carbon prepared from corncob biomass.

Four novel magnetic-activated carbons (MACs) were prepared, characterised, and used as adsorbents to remove heavy metal ions from wastewater samples. The MACs prepared, are advanced adsorbents for the removal of Hg(II), Cr(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II). The nature of the acid, amount, composition of the MACs, and the remotion time were evaluated in aqueous solutions. The ions removal percentages obtained, under the best conditions, were 93% for Hg(II) and higher than 99% for Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cd(II) (100 mg L-1, initial concentration in solution), with 100 mg of the MAC-3 in HNO3 3 mM. The capacity of the best adsorbent, MAC-3, for removing heavy metals ions Hg(II), Cr(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II) was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms under the best condition. The maximum adsorption capacities of Hg(II), Cr(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II) were found to be 10.72, 11.51, 11.49 and 11.49 mg g-1, the values of constants of Freundlich models were 17.98, 26.83, 9.18, and 7.18 mg g-1 respectively. For Hg(II) and Pb(II) the correlation factor (R2) was better for Freundlich model, while Cr(III) and Cd(II) showed better R2 with Langmuir model. Finally, the treatment for the elimination of heavy metal ions was carried out, with wastewater samples of industrial and domestic origin, and used for crop irrigation. The samples were collected in Irrigation District 003, Hidalgo, Mexico. The MAC-3 removes heavy metal ions from the wastewater matrix above 99%.

Biosurfactants produced from corncob: a bibliometric perspective of a renewable and promising substrate.

The reuse of agro-industrial waste has been a recurring issue since the 20th century. With a composition rich in carbohydrates and because of the massive amount of residue produced daily all over the world, corncob became a low-cost and suitable substrate to produce high added-value compounds. Biosurfactants are bioproducts of versatile applications due to their chemical structure with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. The current work performed a bibliometric analysis to identify research related to the synthesis of biosurfactants using corncob as substrate. Despite the high availability of corncobs, only nine articles were found in Scopus and Web of Science using different pretreatment processes and microorganisms. After an initial screening, data regarding research organizations, scientific journals, citations, countries, institutions, and keywords were analyzed. Results indicated that corncobs were also used to produce enzymes, adsorbents, activated carbon, and furfural. The presented evaluation updated the status of art, identifying a serious need for more research, especially because of corncob's high potential to provide fermentable sugars and the wide range of variables influencing fermentation processes that still need to be studied. A future association of this low-cost substrate with other methods can result in a promising scenario for technology transference.

Evaluation of a new strategy in the elaboration of culture media to produce surfactin from hemicellulosic corncob liquor.

The biosurfactant production is characterized by high costs with substrates, which does not make them sufficiently competitive against synthetic surfactants. The insertion of alternative sources of low cost, especially agro-industrial residue, is an excellent alternative to make this competitiveness viable. An alkaline pretreatment was used to extract the hemicellulose from corncob in order to enhance its C5 fraction, common to vegetable biomasses. The hemicellulosic corncob liquor was used with glucose and mineral salt solution as carbon and nutrients sources in a fermentation process for the growth of Bacillus subtilis. It was performed a 23 full factorial design to determine the best conditions for the surfactin production in relation to the following response variables: surface tension reduction rate (STRR) and emulsification index (EI24), from which were obtained two optimized bioproducts under specific conditions. The optimized biosurfactants found to be effected presenting a critical micelle concentration of 100 mg.L-1 and a maximum bioremediation potential of 85.18%, as well as maximum values of 57.38% and 65.30% for STRR and EI24 variables, respectively. Overall results pointed for a successful commercial application for the surfactin produced.

Nitrogen removal in pilot-scale partially saturated vertical wetlands with and without an internal source of carbon.

The aim was to evaluate and compare total nitrogen (TN) removal in pilot-scale partially saturated vertical wetlands (PSVWs) with and without an internal solid source of organic carbon (corncob) in order to distinguish the role of nitrification-denitrification and ANAMMOX in the removal process. The height of the free-drainage zone (FDZ) was 40 cm and the saturated zone (SZ) was 30 cm in system I (SI) and system II (SII) and 40 cm in system III (SIII) and system IV (SIV). In SII and SIV, approximately 30 kg of dry, 5 cm-length corncob was added. The systems were evaluated during two periods, that is, P1 and P2. Measurements of water quality parameters including BOD5, COD, organic nitrogen (Org-N), ammonium, nitrate and nitrite were taken in the influent and effluents on a weekly basis; nitrate measurements were also taken at the interface. Measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) were taken in the SZ. The height of both SZ (40 cm vs. 30 cm in P1) and FDZ (40 vs. 25 and 30 cm in SI/SIII in P2) did not affect the efficiencies (p > 0.05) but the presence or absence of corn cob did (p < 0.05). Thus, SII and SIV were superior when compared to SI and SIII (p < 0.05) with TN average removal efficiencies of 72.9% and 73.2% in P1, and 59.8% and 64.2% in P2, respectively; showing a tendency to lower values when the biodegradable organics supplied by the corncob diminished. In SI and SIII, TN removals were 47.6% and 40.3% in P1, and 46.1% and 44.1% in P2, respectively. In SII and SIV, denitrification took place in both the lower semi-saturated part of the FDZ (probably also ANAMMOX) and SZ; whereas in SI and SIII, ANAMMOX took place in the lower semi-saturated part of the FDZ.

Escherichia coli expressing endoglucanase gene from Thai higher termite bacteria for enzymatic and microbial hydrolysis of cellulosic materials

Background: Endoglucanase plays a major role in initiating cellulose hydrolysis. Various wild-type strains were searched to produce this enzyme, but mostly low extracellular enzyme activities were obtained. To improve extracellular enzyme production for potential industrial applications, the endoglucanase gene of Bacillus subtilis M015, isolated from Thai higher termite, was expressed in a periplasmic-leaky Escherichia coli. Then, the crude recombinant endoglucanase (EglS) along with a commercial cellulase (Cel) was used for hydrolyzing celluloses and microbial hydrolysis using whole bacterial cells. Results: E. coli Glu5 expressing endoglucanase at high levels was successfully constructed. It produced EglS (55 kDa) with extracellular activity of 18.56 U/mg total protein at optimal hydrolytic conditions (pH 4.8 and 50°C). EglS was highly stable (over 80% activity retained) at 40­50°C after 100 h. The addition of EglS significantly improved the initial sugar production rates of Cel on the hydrolysis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose, and corncob about 5.2-, 1.7-, and 4.0-folds, respectively, compared to those with Cel alone. E. coli Glu5 could secrete EglS with high activity in the presence of glucose (1% w/v) and Tween 80 (5% w/v) with low glucose consumption. Microbial hydrolysis of CMC using E. coli Glu5 yielded 26 mg reducing sugar/g CMC at pH 7.0 and 37°C after 48 h. Conclusions: The recombinant endoglucanase activity improved by 17 times compared with that of the native strain and could greatly enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of all studied celluloses when combined with a commercial cellulase.

Nanocrystalline cellulose extracted from pine wood and corncob.

The extraction of nanocrystalline cellulose from agro-residues is an interesting alternative to recover these materials. In the present study, nanocrystalline cellulose was extracted from pine wood and corncob. In addition, microcrystalline cellulose was used as a reference to compare results. Initially, the lignocellulosic residues were submitted to delignification pre-treatments. At the end of the process, the bleached fibre was submitted to acid hydrolysis. Additionally, microparticles were obtained from the spray-drying of the nanocrystalline cellulose suspensions. The nanocrystalline cellulose yield for the pine wood was 9.0-% of the value attained for the microcrystalline cellulose. For the corncob, the value was 23.5-%. Therefore, complementary studies are necessary to improve the yield. The spray-dried microparticles showed a crystallinity index of 67.8-% for the pine wood, 70.9-% for the corncob and 79.3-% for the microcrystalline cellulose. These microparticles have great potential for use in the production of polymer composites processed by extrusion.

Descoloração de azul de bromofenol utilizando peroxidase imobilizada em pó de sabugo de milho altamente ativado / Bromofhenol blue discoloration using peroxidase immobilized on highly activated corncob powder

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of peroxidase immobilized on corncob powder for the discoloration of dye. Peroxidase was extracted from soybean seed coat, followed by amination of the surface of the tertiary structure. The aminated peroxidase was immobilized on highly activated corncob powder and employed for the discoloration of bromophenol blue. Amination was performed with 10 or 50 mmol.L-1 carbodiimide and 1 mol.L-1 ethylenediamine. The amount of protein in the extract was 0.235 ± 0.011 mg.mL-1 and specific peroxidase activity was 86.06 ± 1.52 μmol min-1. mg -1 , using 1 mmol.L-1 ABTS as substrate. Ten mmol.L-1 and 50 mmol.L-1 aminated peroxidase retained 88 and 100% of the initial activity. Following covalent immobilization on a corncob powder-glyoxyl support, 10 and 50 mmol.L-1 aminated peroxidase retained 74 and 86% of activity, respectively. Derivatives were used for the discoloration of 0.02 mmol.L-1 bromophenol blue solution. After 30 min, 93 and 89% discoloration was achieved with the 10 mmol.L-1 and 50 mmol.L-1 derivatives, respectively. Moreover, these derivatives retained 60% of the catalytic properties when used three times. Peroxidase extracted from soybean seed coat immobilized on a low-cost corncob powder support exhibited improved thermal stability.

Nesta pesquisa a enzima peroxidase foi extraída do tegumento de sementes de soja, e a superfície da estrutura terciária foi aminada. A peroxidase aminada foi imobilizada em suporte pó de sabugo de milho altamente ativado e utilizado na descoloração de azul de bromofenol. A aminação da peroxidase foi realizada com carbodiimida em concentrações de 10 e 50 mmol.L-1 , e 1 mol.L-1 de etilenodiamina. A quantidade de proteínas no extrato foi de 0,235 ± 0,011 mg.mL-1 , e a atividade específica da peroxidase foi 86,06 ± 1,52 μmol min-1 .mg-1, usando 1 mmol.L-1 de ABTS como substrato. A peroxidase aminada a 10 mmol.L-1 reteve 88% e a aminada a 50 mmol.L-1 reteve 100% da atividade inicial. As peroxidases aminadas a 10 ou 50 mmol.L-1 foram covalentemente imobilizadas em suporte glioxil-pó de sabugo de milho com atividade recuperada de 74% e 86%, respectivamente. Os derivados obtidos foram utilizados na descoloração de solução de azul de bromofenol 0,02 mmol.L-1 . Após 30 min 93% de descoloração foram alcançados com o derivado glioxil-pó de sabugo de milho com a peroxidase aminada 10 mmol.L-1 e 89% com a aminada 50 mmol.L-1 . Estes derivados mantiveram 60% das propriedades catalíticas, quando utilizado por três vezes. A peroxidase extraída do tegumento da semente de soja imobilizada em suporte de baixo custo pó de sabugo de milho apresentou melhoria na estabilidade térmica da enzima.

Production and properties of the cellulase-free xylanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus IOC-4145

In recent years, xylanases have expanded their use in many processing industries, such as pulp and paper, food and textile. Thermomyces lanuginosus IOC-4145 was able to produce a very high level of cellulase-free xylanase in shaken cultures using corncob as substrate (500 U/mL). An optimization of the medium composition in submerged fermentation was carried out aiming at a low cost medium composition for enzyme production. Statistical experiment design was employed for this purpose, pointing out corncob as the most important parameter, which affects enzyme production. Additionally, the influence of several chemicals on xylanase activity was investigated in the crude extract. A slight stimulation of the enzyme (5-15%) was achieved with NaCl and urea, both at 3 and 5 mM of concentration. On the other hand, dithiothreitol and beta-mercaptoethanol at a molarity of 5mM have caused a strong stimulation of the enzyme (40-53%). The crude xylanase displayed appreciable thermostability, retaining almost 50% of activity during 24 hours of incubation at 50ºC; about 50% of activity was present at 60ºC even after 4 hours of incubation. The enzyme also exhibited good storage stability at -20ºC without any stabilizing agent.

Nos últimos anos tem crescido o uso de xilanases em muitas indústrias, tais como polpa e papel, alimentos e têxtil. Thermomyces lanuginosus IOC-4145 foi capaz de produzir um alto nível de xilanase livre de celulase em culturas agitadas usando sabugo de milho como substrato (500 U/mL). Procedeu-se, inicialmente, à otimização da composição do meio de produção em fermentação submersa, com o intuito de alcançar uma composição de meio de produção de baixo custo para produção da enzima. Para este propósito, utilizou-se planejamento estatístico de experimentos. O sabugo de milho revelou-se como a mais importante variável que afeta a produção enzimática. Adicionalmente, a influência de vários reagentes na atividade xilanásica foi investigada no extrato bruto. Um pequeno estímulo na atividade enzimática (5-15%) foi observado para NaCl e uréia, ambos nas concentrações de 3 e 5 mM. Por outro lado, ditiotreitol e beta-mercaptoetanol 5mM causaram um grande estímulo na atividade xilanásica (40-53%). A xilanase produzida apresentou apreciável termoestabilidade, retendo quase 50% da atividade inicial durante 24 horas de incubação a 50ºC e, aproximadamente, 50% da atividade foram mantidos a 60ºC, mesmo após 4 horas de incubação. A enzima também exibiu boa estabilidade à estocagem a -20ºC na ausência de qualquer agente estabilizante.

Grain, straw and cob percentage in ears of 20 corn cultivars / Porcentagem de grão, palha e sabugo na espiga de 20 cultivares de milho

Grain, straw and cob percentage in ears of corn was studied in an experiment where 20 cultivars for silage production were under evaluation, in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. A randomized block design with 2 replications was used. The corn was sampled when plants were completely mature and dried. The results showed that grain percentage varied from 74.57 to 65.32% and differences (p 0,05) were detected between cultivars. Straw plus cob percentages varied from 25.42 to 34.67% and there were diferences (p 0.05) between cultivars for both straw and cob percentages. There were diferences (p 0.05) between cultivars for crude protein percentages of the ground ears, that varied from 7.87 to 11.09% according to the cultivars. Grain crude protein percentages varied from 9,14 to 13,51 % and diferences (p 0.05) were found between cultivars.

A porcentagem de grão, palha e sabugo da espiga de milho foi estudada em experimento que avaliou 20 cultivaresde milho para produção de silagem, em Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com 2 repetições por tratamento. A avaliação foi realizada quando as plantas já estavam totalmente secas, após amostragem do milho para produção de silagem. Os resultados mostraram que a porcentagem de grãos na espiga variou de 74,57 a 65,32%, havendo diferenças entre os cultivares. A porcentagem de palha + sabugo variou de 25,42 a 34,67%, ocorrendo diferença entre os cultivares, tanto para porcentagem de palha como de sabugo. A qualidade do rolão de milho depende do cultivar utilizado. As porcentagens de proteína bruta no rolão de milho e no grão desse cereal variaram de 7,87 a 11,09% e de 9,14 a 13,51%, na matéria seca, respectivamente. Houve, também, diferenças entre os cultivares para essas duas características.

Grain, straw and cob percentage in ears of 20 corn cultivars / Porcentagem de grão, palha e sabugo na espiga de 20 cultivares de milho

Grain, straw and cob percentage in ears of corn was studied in an experiment where 20 cultivars for silage production were under evaluation, in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. A randomized block design with 2 replications was used. The corn was sampled when plants were completely mature and dried. The results showed that grain percentage varied from 74.57 to 65.32% and differences (p 0,05) were detected between cultivars. Straw plus cob percentages varied from 25.42 to 34.67% and there were diferences (p 0.05) between cultivars for both straw and cob percentages. There were diferences (p 0.05) between cultivars for crude protein percentages of the ground ears, that varied from 7.87 to 11.09% according to the cultivars. Grain crude protein percentages varied from 9,14 to 13,51 % and diferences (p 0.05) were found between cultivars.

A porcentagem de grão, palha e sabugo da espiga de milho foi estudada em experimento que avaliou 20 cultivaresde milho para produção de silagem, em Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com 2 repetições por tratamento. A avaliação foi realizada quando as plantas já estavam totalmente secas, após amostragem do milho para produção de silagem. Os resultados mostraram que a porcentagem de grãos na espiga variou de 74,57 a 65,32%, havendo diferenças entre os cultivares. A porcentagem de palha + sabugo variou de 25,42 a 34,67%, ocorrendo diferença entre os cultivares, tanto para porcentagem de palha como de sabugo. A qualidade do rolão de milho depende do cultivar utilizado. As porcentagens de proteína bruta no rolão de milho e no grão desse cereal variaram de 7,87 a 11,09% e de 9,14 a 13,51%, na matéria seca, respectivamente. Houve, também, diferenças entre os cultivares para essas duas características.