How to enhance agricultural plastic waste management in China?Insights from public participation

Agricultural plastics play a pivotal role in agricultural production.However,due to expensive costs,agricultural plastic waste management(APWM)encounters a vast funding gap.As one of the crucial stakeholders,the public deserves to make appropriate efforts for APWM.Accordingly,identifying whether the public is willing to pay for APWM and clarifying the decisions’driving pathways to explore initiatives for promoting their payment intentions are essential to address the dilemma confronting APWM.To this end,by applying the extended theory of planned behavior(TPB),the study conducted an empirical analysis based on 1,288 residents from four provinces(autonomous regions)of northern China.Results illustrate that:1)respondents hold generally positive and relatively strong payment willingness towards APWM;2)respondents’attitude(AT),subjective norm(SN),and perceived behavioral control(PBC)are positively correlated with their payment intentions(INT);3)environmental cognition(EC)and environmental emotion(EE)positively moderate the relationships between AT and INT,and between SN and INT,posing significant indirect impacts on INT.The study’s implications extend to informing government policies,suggesting that multi-entity cooperation,specifically public payment for APWM,can enhance agricultural non-point waste management.

Research Advances in Agricultural Reutilization of Urban-rural Organic Wastes

The author summarized the advantages and potential risks of urban-rural organic wastes agricultural reutilization to reduce the potential risks of urban-rural organic wastes agricultural utilization. The results showed that： the organic wastes generated in urban-rural life as fertilizer applied into farmland made an impact on soil properties, then indirectly affected the soil microbial biomass and soil enzymes activities. In addition, the heavy metals in organic wastes would accumulate in the soil and damage to soil environment. Therefore, it was necessary to make a long- term research on the environment of soil which agricultural utilized of wastes.

Stable Control of Influence Factor during Two-phase Anaerobic Digestion for Agricultural Organic Waste

Two-phase anaerobic digestion process is influenced by acid control for hydrogen production, reaction temperature, substrate detention time, sludge activity, and granular formation. Al of these technological parameters are directly related to success or failure of the system operation and treatment effect.

Solid State Reaction Yielding a Mineral Utilizing Silica Obtained from an Agricultural Waste

Wollastonite, a mineral of wide industrial applications was synthesised from rice husk ash silica and limestone. A number of raw batches consisting of these starting materials, in 1:1 molar ratio, were heat treated to produce it through solid state reaction from 900℃ to 1300℃. The conducted reaction was monitored by XRD step by step. Amount of Wollastonite formed at every temperature was also studied to some extent. Analyses of the obtained data indicated that the target mineral formation was quite effective and almost proportional to a rise in temperature up to 1200℃. The results from both, XRD and chemical analysis were found in fair agreement with one another

Hexavalent Chromium Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Agricultural Waste Materials

Abilities of agricultural waste materials (walnut shell-WS, rice husk-RH, and peanut hull-PH) were tested as adsorbents for the adsorption of Cr(Ⅵ) from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the adsorption kinetics mechanism of Cr(Ⅵ) effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and temperature. The best results are obtained at 15g/L adsorbent concentration, 60min contact time, 298K temperature, and 50mg/L adsorbate initial concentration at pH 2. The adsorption isotherms, using initial concentrations of Cr(Ⅵ) between 10 and 500mg/L for the Cr(Ⅵ) removal, show the maximum metal uptake capacities of adsorbent were 10.48, 6.71, and 8.54mg/g for WS, RH, and PH, respectively. And the adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm for WS, RH, and PH with correlation coefficients of 0.9862, 0.9723, and 0.9714, respectively. Moreover, the FTIR analysis of WS, RH, and PH before and after adsorption of Cr(Ⅵ) suggested that Cr ions were combined to some functional groups of compounds contained in these materials.

The Energy Consumption of Heatingin the Northeast Rural Area of China from the Perspective of the Kang and Agricultural Waste

In China, the heating energy consumption patterns of rural housing are changing due to economic development. This study investigated domestic heating in rural areas of Dalian, a city in northeast China. In rural areas of the country, heating devices such as coal boiler, radiator, and/ or air-conditioner are typically used. The Kang, as the main heating system, has been used together with other heating methods for a long time in detached houses, one-story buildings, and quadrangles. Use of the Kang in collective housing is no longer observed. In addition to coal, agricultural wastes have been used to fuel the Kang; the associated CO2 emissions with agricultural fuels are lower than from other heating equipment. Even when a combination of the Kang and other equipment is used, with agricultural waste as fuel, CO2 emissions remain relatively low.

Chemicals,Energy,and Biomaterials from Agricultural Waste Resources in South China

Owing to its subtropical or tropical environment and climate,South China is home to unique agricultural crops such as sugar cane,pineapple,banana,cassava,and rice,which generate a large amount of lignocellulosic agricultural wastes during agricultural as well as associated industrial processing.The efficient utilization of these wastes will have a significant impact on the economy and sustainable development of South China.This paper reviews the research investigations conducted both in China and elsewhere on the conversion of wastes from these subtropical or tropical agricultural crops into useful chemicals,energy,and biomaterials.The goal of this paper is to promote and summarize the extensive investigations on these agricultural wastes for the development of biorefinery.

Enhanced copper recovery from low grade copper sulfide ores through bioleaching using residues produced by fermentation of agricultural wastes

Effects of residues produced by agricultural wastes fermentation(AWF)on low grade copper sulfide ores bioleaching,copper recovery,and microbial community were investigated.The results indicated that adding appropriate bulk of AWF made contributions to low grade copper sulfide ores bioleaching,which may be mainly realized through reducing the passivation layer formed by Fe3+hydrolysis.Improved copper recovery(78.35%)and bacteria concentration(9.56×10^(7)cells·mL^(−1))were yielded in the presence of 5 g·L^(−1)AWF.The result of 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated that microbial community was differentiated by adding AWF.Bacteria proportion,such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans,Moraxella osloensis,and Lactobacillus acetotolerans changed distinctly.Great difference between samples was showed according to beta diversity index,and the maximum value reached 0.375.Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans accounted for the highest proportion throughout the bioleaching process,and that of sample in the presence of 5 g·L^(−) AWF reached 28.63%.The results should show reference to application of agricultural wastes and low grade copper sulfide ores.

Bioconversion of low quality lignocellulosic agricultural waste into edible protein by Pleurotus sajor-caju(Fr.) Singer

Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer was cultivated on selected agro wastes viz. cotton stalks, groundnut haulms, soybean straw, pigeon pea stalks; leaves; wheat straw, alone or in combinations. Cotton stalks, pigeon pea stalks; wheat straw alone or in combination were found to be more suitable than groundnut haulms; soybean straw for the cultivation. Organic supplements such as groundnut oilseed cake, gram powder; rice bran not only affected growth parameters but also increased yields. Thus bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass by P. sajor-caju offers a promising way to convert low quality biomass into an improved human food.

Preparation of Dicarboxyl Cellulose Nanocrystals from Agricultural Wastes by Sequential Periodate-Chlorite Oxidation

Agricultural waste straw is the renewable resource with the highest annual yield in the world.In value-added applications of agricultural waste,dicarboxyl cellulose nanocrystals(DCCs)are prepared from rice,wheat,and corn straw by sequential periodate-chlorite oxidation.In this study,DCCs from rice,wheat,and corn straw were characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Fourier transform infrared spectrometer,X-ray diffractometer(XRD),and thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA).The carboxyl content of the DCCs was also investigated.XRD results show that the crystallinity index decreased after sequential periodate-chlorite oxidation;however,the cellulose I structure was maintained.TEM results show that rod-shaped DCCs with an average length and width of 287.0 nm and 9.9 nm,respectively,were successfully prepared by sequential periodate-chlorite oxidation.The carboxyl content of the DCCs was around 3.9 mmol/g,and not affected by the type of straw.Experiments to study the removal of copper ions in aqueous medium were performed with the prepared DCCs.The adsorption capacities of copper ions were 131,162,and 144 mg/g for DCCs prepared from rice,wheat,and corn straws,respectively.The results show that DCCs prepared from rice,wheat,and corn straws by sequential periodatechlorite oxidation have potential for the removal of copper ions from aqueous medium.

Research Situation and Development Trend of Resource Recycling Technology for Agricultural Wastes

Rational utilization of agricultural waste resources is of great significance to reducing environmental pollution, improving rural ecological environment, and developing agricultural circular economy. Besides, in the context of global energy crisis, the research of resource utilization technology for agricultural wastes will exert considerable influence on survival and living of human beings. We firstly discuss about general situations of agricultural waste resources in China, research and application situations of agricultural waste recycling technology both at home and abroad. On the basis of development trend of agricultural waste recycling, we put forward countermeasures for agricultural waste recycling in China.

Toxicological studies for some agricultural waste extracts on mosquito larvae and experimental animals

Objective:To evaluate some agricultural waste extracts as insecticide and their effects on enzyme activities in liver and kidney of male mice.Methods:The insecticidal activity of five tested compounds(one crude extract and 4 waste compounds) was bioassay against the 3rd instars of the Culex pipiens(Cx.pipiens) larvae in the laboratory.The LC_(50) values of eucalyptol,apricot kernel.Rice bran,corn,black liquor and white liquor are 91.45.1166.1,1203.3.21449.65.4025.78 and 6343.18 ppm,respectively.Selection of the compounds for the subsequent studies was not only dependent on LC_(50) values but also on the persistence of these wastes products on large scale.Results:White and black liquor did not produce any gross effect at 200 mg/Kg body weight.No apparent toxic symptoms were observed in tested animals during the whole period of the experimenl which run out for 14 days.No statistically significance was observed in the enzyme choliuesterase activity,the activities of liver enzymes and kidney function in treated mice with black and while liquors.While,no and slighl inhibition was observed after the 2weeks ol treatment period with deltamethrin and lenilrothion reached to about 24%in plasma cholinesterase enzyme activity.Significantly increase in the activities ol liver enzymes and kidney function in treated mice with deltamethrin and fenitrothion.Conclusions:Black liquor can be used efficiently In control Cx.pipiens larvae under laboratory condition.Environmental problem caused by rice straw can be solved by converting the waste material to beneficial natural selective insecticide.

Countermeasures of Reclaimed Municipal Wastewater for Safety of Agricultural Use in China

China is facing a severe water resource crisis, and the shortage of water for agricultural consumption is a prominent problem. Irrigation with reclaimed municipal wastewater that can reach the agricultural recycling standards is an important way to deal with water shortage in agricultural production. Owing to the complex sources of municipal wastewater, there are multifarious pollutants in municipal wastewater. Improper use of wastewater can cause potential risks to agoenvironment, agricultural products safety, and human health. This article deals with the current situation and the development prospects of reclaimed wastewater for agricultural use in China and abroad; the potential risks to human health and environmental pollution from the reclaimed municipal wastewater for agricultural reuse are also discussed. And some countermeasures and advices of reclaimed municipal wastewater for safety of agricultural reuse are provided.

Advances in Utilization of Agricultural Waste Based on Production of Edible Fungi

Along with the rapid development of edible fungus industry in China,the traditional mode of production giving priority to wood chips will be severely limited,and using agricultural waste distributed widely,having large yield,and containing high content of organic matter to produce edible fungi has good economic and ecological benefit. In this paper,based on the analysis of characteristics of agricultural waste in China,the present situation of application of agricultural waste in the production of edible fungi at home and abroad was introduced,and the main problems existing in production of edible fungi by using agricultural waste in China at the present stage were pointed out. Finally,the development direction of using agricultural waste to cultivate edible fungi was discussed,and some suggestions were put forward,such as improving the theoretical system for using agricultural waste to produce edible fungi,and establishing the standardized technical system for using agricultural waste to produce edible fungi.

Cellulase Production from Species of Fungi and Bacteria from Agricultural Wastes and Its Utilization in Industry: A Review

In energy deficient world, cellulases play a major role for the production of alternative energy resources utilizing lignocellulosic waste materials for bioethanol and biogas production. This study highlights fungal and bacterial strains for the production of cellulases and its industrial applications. Solid State Fermentation (SSF) is more suitable process for cellulase production as compared to submerge fermentation techniques. Fungal cellulosomes system for the production of cellulases is more desirable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Trichoderma species are considered as most suitable candidate for cellulase production and utilization in industry as compared to Aspergillus and Humicola species. However, genetically modified strains of Aspergillus have capability to produce cellulase in relatively higher amount. Bacterial cellulase are more resistant to alkaline and thermophile conditions and good candidate in laundries. Cellulases are used in variety of industries such as textile, detergents and laundries, food industry, paper and pulp industry and biofuel production. Thermally stable modified strains of fungi and bacteria are good future prospect for cellulase production.

Fungal Decay, Coating, Burning Properties and Change of Color of Particleboards Manufactured with Woody Biomass, Agricultural Wastes and Tetra Pak Residues

Lignocellulosic residues resulting from agricultural activities and urban centers cause pollution. A possible solution to this problem is to combine these residues with woody plants to produce particleboards. The purpose of this study was to evaluate decay resistance, coating and burning properties and the change of color caused by accelerated weathering of particleboards manufactured with a combination of 3 woody species used for commercial reforestation in tropical areas (Cupressus lusitanica, Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis), pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves from the crown and the plant (PL), empty fruit bunch of Elaeis guineensis (EBF) and tetra pak packages (TP). According to the results, the mixtures of T. grandis and EFB were classified as moderately resistant and other mixtures (woody species and PL or TP) were classified as slightly resistant. The finish performance test determined that the mixtures with TP presented the best performance, followed by the mixtures with oil palm components and the mixtures composed of pineapple leaves. Regarding lacquer consumption, no differences were found between the mixtures. The combustion test determined that particleboards with TP and EFB showed the highest resistance to combustion, while pineapple presented the lowest resistances to combustion. In the accelerated weathering exposure test, the mixtures of the three species with TP showed the best performance in accelerated weathering. Contrariwise, the mixtures with pineapple leaves showed the lowest resistance to accelerated weathering. Oil palm particleboards presented lower resistance to weathering than TP, though higher than pineapple leaves’ resistance.

Recent Advance on Torrefaction Valorization and Application of Biochar from Agricultural Waste for Soil Remediation

With the increase of global proportion of soil pollution and the number of areas at risk,researchers have sought to develop various pathways to repair or relieve the pollutants in soil.Among them,biochar represents one multi-dimensional soil amendment which has got great deal of attention on its physicochemical properties towards the removal or mitigation of contaminants in soil.A variety of agricultural wastes like straw and manure prepared from different torrefaction process have been employed as feedstock for the production of biochar,which can be applied to the contaminated soil to facilitate the growing environment for crops,and to improve soil fertility and microbial environment.In addition,the utilization of biochar for soil remediation is also considered as a pro-cess of carbon sequestration.The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research progress in torrefac-tion processes and mechanism of agricultural waste,the effects of different torrefaction methods on the formation and properties of biochar were explained,coupled with the effects of process parameters.Especially,the conver-sion and mechanisms of biochar prepared from agricultural wastes composed mainly with lignocellulosic material were discussed,and the characteristics of biochar prepared for improving soil physical and chemical character-istics,microbial community characteristics,nutrients,and the stability and relief of soil pollutants,especially heavy metals,are compared.Finally,this work discussed the application and future technical challenges of soil remediation based on agricultural waste derived biochar.

Current Situation and Suggestions for Energy Utilization of Agricultural Waste in Hubei Province

Energy utilization is high-value use pattern of agricultural waste, and is main development direction of agricultural biomass energy industry in China. Planting and breeding industry in Hubei Province occupies important position in whole country. Agricultural waste resources are rich, and it has huge potential for developing agriculturel biomass energy. By statistical data during 2000 -2011, we analyzed current situation and problem for energy utilization of agricultural waste in Hubei Province, and put forward several countermeasures and suggestions, vigorously promoting energy utilization of agricultural waste.

Photocatalytic removal of heavy metal ions and antibiotics in agricultural wastewater:A review

In recent years,the treatment of agricultural wastewater has been an important aspect of environmental protection.The purpose of photocatalytic technology is to degrade pollutants by utilizing solar light energy to stimulate the migration of photocarriers to the surface of photocatalysts and occur reduction-oxidation reaction with pollutants in agricultural wastewater.Photocatalytic technology has the characteristics of high efficiency,sustainability,low-energy and free secondary pollution.It is an environmental and economical method to recover water quality that only needs sunlight.In this paper,the mechanism and research progress of photocatalytic removal of heavy metal ions and antibiotics from agricultural water pollution were reviewed by combining photocatalytic degradation process with agricultural treatment technology.The mechanism of influencing factors of photocatalytic degradation efficiency was discussed in detail and corresponding strategies were proposed,which has certain reference value for the development of photocatalytic degradation.

Composting of Disposal Organic Wastes: Resource Recovery for Agricultural Sustainability

One of the major problems of agricultural soils in the tropical regions of the Pacific is the low organic matter content.Because of the hot and humid environment,the soil organic matter(SOM)is minimal due to rapid decomposition.Composted organic material is being applied on agricultural fields as an amendment to provide nutrients and enhance the organic matter content for improving the physical and chemical properties of the cultivated soils.In addition land application of composted material as a fertilizer source effectively disposes of wastes that otherwise are buried in landfills.In our soil program at the University of Guam,we are evaluating the use of organic material as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers.Its goal is to develop management strategies and use available resources for improving crop production while conserving resources and preserving environmental quality.Our case study project is designed to improve soil fertility status by using composted organic wastes and assessing how the nitrogen and other essential nutrients contribute to long-term soil fertility and crop productivity without application of synthetic fertilizers.In our pilot project,compost is produced from wood chips,grinded typhoon debris mixed with animal manure,fish feed,shredded paper and other organic wastes.Mature compost is then applied on the field at the rates of 0,5,10 and 20 t/ha as a soil amendment on the eroded cobbly soils of southern Guam.Corn is planted and monitored for growth performance and yield.The effect of land application of composted material on the SOM content and overall soil quality indices are being evaluated in this pilot study.