Startup and operation of anaerobic EGSB reactor treating palm oil mill effluent

A bench-scale expanded granular sludge bed （EGSB） reactor was applied to the treatment of palm oil mill effluent （POME）. The reactor had been operated continuously at 35℃ for 514 d, with organic loading rate （OLR） increased from 1.45 to 17.5 kg COD/（m^3·d）. The results showed that the EGSB reactor had good performance in terms of COD removal on the one hand, high COD removal of 91% was obtained at two days＇ of hydraulic retention time （HRT）, and the highest OLR of 17.5 kg COD/（m^3·d）. On the other hand, only 46% COD in raw POME was transformed into biogas in which the methane content was about 70% （V/V）. A 30-d intermittent experiment indicated that the maximum transformation potential of organic matter in raw POME into methane was 56%. Volatile fatty acid （VFA） accumulation was observed in the later operation stage, and this was settled by supplementing trace metal elements. On the whole, the system exhibited good stability in terms of acidity and alkalinity. Finally, the operational problems inherent in the laboratory scale experiment and the corresponding countermeasures were also discussed.

The in vitro effects of superoxide, some commercially available antioxidants and red palm oil on sperm motility

In this study, two commercially available superoxide scavengers, tetrakis （1-methyl-4-pyridyl） porphyrin （Mn[III]TMPyP） and superoxide dismutase （SOD）, as well as red palm oil （RPO）, a natural vegetable oil, had been used to investigate their possible in vitro effects against the toxic effects of superoxide （O2＋） on human sperm motility. Semen samples were obtained from 12 normozoospermic healthy volunteer donors aged between 19 and 23 years. The O2＋donor 2,3-dimetoxyl-l,4-naphthoquinone （DMNQ） （2.5 μmol· L^-1-100 μmol· L^-1） was added to normozoospermic post-swim-up sperm in the presence or absence of Mn（III）TMPyP （50 μmol· L^-1）, SOD （50 IU） or RPO （0.1% or 0.5%）. Computer-assisted semen analysis was used to analyze various motility parameters. The parameters of interest were percentage of motile cells, progressive motility, rapid cells and static cells. Concentrations of higher than 25 μmol· L^-1 DMNQ were detrimental to sperm motility. Mn（III）TMPyP was able to attenuate the effect of O2＋ on the motility parameters. In vitro addition of SOD and RPO showed harmful effects on sperm motility.

Nutritional Quality of Biscuit Supplemented with Wheat Bran and Date Palm Fruits (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>L.)

Fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are consumed throughout the world and are a vital component of the diet in most Arabian countries. The effect of partial replacement of wheat flour with a 1:1 mixture of wheat bran and date palm fruit powder on rheological properties of the biscuit dough was studied. Levels of mixture used were 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Dough rheology (farinograph, extensograph properties) and biscuit quality (physical properties, colour, sensory evaluation) were assessed. Results obtained indicated that water absorption gradually increased by increasing the levels of wheat bran: palm date powder, meanwhile mixing tolerance index decreased. Dough stability, which indicates the dough strength, also found to decrease by increasing mixture of wheat bran and date powder (1:1). Furthermore, dough development time gradually increased by increasing the mixture at all levels. It was 6.04 min at level of 40% compared to the control (2.5 min). Extensograph results showed that dough energy and dough resistance to extension and proportional number also increased compared with control sample. The proportional number (R/E) ratios increased largely from 3.20 to 5.27 at the level of 40.0%. Ash and fibre contents gradually increased as the mixture levels increased. However, mineral content progressively increased by increasing the level of date powder in the mixture. Incorporation of wheat bran and date powder mixture decreased the spread of the biscuits from 55.66 to 52.82 mm without change in the thickness of the biscuits. Organoleptic properties revealed that quality of biscuits was acceptable at mixture level of 30%.

Solubility of red palm oil in supercritical carbon dioxide： Measurement and modelling

The solubility of red palm oil （RPO） in supercritical carbon dioxide （scCO2） was determined using a dynamic method at 8.5-25 MPa and, 313.15-333.15 K and at a fixed scCO2 flow rate of 2.9 g. mn -1 using a full factorial design. The solubility was determined under low pressures and temperatures as a preliminary study for RPO par- ticle formation using scCO2. The solubility of RPO was 0.5-11.3 mg. （g CO2） -1 and was significantly affected by the pressure and temperature. RPO solubility increased with pressure and decreased with temperature. The Adachi-Lu model showed the best-fit for RPO solubility data with an average relative deviation of 14% with a high coefficient of determination, R2 of 0.9667, whereas the Peng-Robinson equation of state thermodynamic model recorded deviations of 17%-30%.

Packed Supercritical Fluid Chromatography for the Analyses and Preparative Separations of Palm Oil Minor Components

This paper depicts a brief review on the applications of packed supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) in palm oil analyses and purifications from early 1990s to date. Packed SFC has been used for the analyses of various palm oil components. The analytical separations have also been scaled up to preparative scale that leads to the recovery of high value components from palm oil. This review encompasses both analytical and preparative SFC in the oil palm processing.

基于PALM自动检测方法的三峡库区微震活动研究

选用三峡工程水库诱发地震监测系统在库首区布置的24个台站采集的2016~2018年数据,利用PALM微震检测定位方法对三峡库区进行微震检测定位分析。共检测到12 814次地震动事件,约为同时段三峡地震台网目录的4倍,完备震级从ML0.8下降至ML0.3,表明PALM方法可提高台网监测能力。基于构建的更完善的极微震-微震目录,分析库区地震活动空间分布特征。结果表明,巴东地区震源深度较浅,多在5 km以内,主要与岩溶、煤矿塌陷和浅表卸荷等非构造因素有关;秭归地区震源深度较深,多在5~15 km,主要与库区九畹溪和仙女山两条断裂活动有关。

Utilization of Mill Effluent for Growth, Availability and Uptake of Nutrients by Palm Oil Seedlings

A large amount of palm oil mill effluent is one of the issues faced by palm oil producers in Indonesia. To alleviate the environmental pollution, it is necessary to reduce the problem by using it as a liquid organic fertilizer. A pot experiment to determine the effects of mill effluent on growth of palm oil seedlings （Elaeis guineensis Jacq.）, availability and uptake of macronutrients was conducted in Tandun Plantation Unit, province of Riau, Indonesia. The experiment used a randomized block design, consisting nine combinations of mill effluent doses （3.2, 6.4 and 9.6 L） and recommended fertilizer doses （100%, 75%, 50% NPKMg） in 20 kg soil and one control. The experiment was replicated three times. The results showed that plant height, stem diameter and number of fronds of palm oil seedlings at 26 weeks after planting （WAP） were significantly affected by application of 9.6 L mill effluent with 50%-75% NPKMg, The enhancement of soil organic C （Co,g） content, soil pH and cation exchange capacity due to the application of 9.6 L mill effluent combined with 50% NPKMg caused the availability of soil P and total N （Ntot） increased significantly, while exchangeable K was affected by application of 6.4 L mill effluent combined with 100% NPKMg. All treatments did not affect soil exchangeable Mg. A positive correlation between availability of soil N, P, K and its uptake by palm oil seedlings at 26 WAP were indicated by r = 0.61, 0.63 and 0.57, respectively.

Influence of Climatic Factors on the Recent Spread of Dubas Bug Ommatissus lybicus （Debergevin） on Date Palm Trees in Some Upper Euphrates Regions of AI-Anbar Province

The dubas bug Ommatissus lybicus （Debergevin） （Homoptera： Tropiduchidae） was almost absent in AI-Anbar Province during the past years, however, field survey conducted in different regions of the province during fall of 2007 indicated the presence of heavy infestation by this pest on date palm trees in some orchards toward the east of Hit city. Infestation was highly influencing in term of affected trees and accumulation of honey dew. Scattered infestations were also recorded in some orchards west of Hit city and near the cities of Haditha, Rawa and AI-Kaim near the Syrian border. However, a sharp decline of dubas population was observed during 2008 and subsequent years as a result of the influence of sever winter in 2008 and the continuous occurrence of dust storms which showed a detrimental effect on moving stages of dubas bug. Data showed that nymphs density reached to about 50 individuals/leaflet recorded during the last week of April and early May of 2008 and was reduced to less than 5 nymphs/leaflet by the end of the third week of May of the same year as a result of the indicated climatic factors. Farther samplings conducted in Spring and Fall seasons of 2009 and 2010 indicated that insects were mainly found on offshoots near the ground with a maximum density reached to 12 individuals/tree. Since the spread of the pest occurred in a discontinuous manner with no correlation to infestations in close by provinces indicating that the arrival or transportation of the pest was happened in a way other than the normal distribution, therefore, dubas bug may not persist in date palm orchards in A1- Anbar Province.

Aerobic Degradation Process in Palm Oil Mill— Issues, Challenges and Upsurging Its Efficiency through Bioremediation

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is liquid waste produced from palm oil extraction process. Discharging it to the river without treatment is violation according to Malaysia Environment of Quality Act (EQA) 1974. In Malaysia, ponding system is a conventional treatment method for POME due to its economical and simple process. The treatment process mainly involves two main treatment phases;anaerobic and aerobic degradation. Anaerobic degradation has a proven track record in reducing pollutant properties in POME up to 85%. The real challenge is to increase the efficiency of aerobic process as the biological oxygen demand (BOD) discharge limit has been further reduced from 100 mg·L-1 to less than 20 mg·L-1. One of economical and feasible approach to increase the efficiency of aerobic phase is via bioremediation. This paper describes the limitation of aerobic degradation in ponding system, besides discussed on the important aspects that need to be optimized for a success implementation of bioremediation and its challenges.

Comparative Effects of Cocoa Pod Husk and Oil Palm Bunch Ash on Nutrient Uptake, Growth and Dry Matter Yield of Cocoa (The-obroma cacao) in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

The high premium placed on the organically produced cocoa in the international market coupled with its health and environmental benefits necessitated recent focus on research into the use of agricultural wastes as source of nutrients in cocoa (T. cacao) production. The study was carried out at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan (Lat. 7&deg25'N Long. 3&deg25'E), South-western, Nigeria during the 2010/2011 seedling production season to compare the effects of NPK (20:10:10) fertilizer, Cocoa Pod Husk and Oil Palm Bunch Ash (CPHA and OPA) on the seedling growth and dry matter yield of cocoa (T. cacao). Equivalent amount of different rates of two nutrients sources CPHA and OPA were applied one month after planting at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 t/ha respectively, recommended rate of 10 kg·N of the conventional NPK (20:10:10). Fertilizer was used as reference fertilizer. Results indicated that all the fertilizer materials positively and significantly (p > 0.05) increased the growth parameters considered. The influence of the ash materials irrespective of sources on the nutrient uptake, dry matter yield of cocoa seedlings and shoot to root ratio were either higher than or had a comparable results with the reference fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10). CPHA and OPA applied at a rate of 4 t/ha significantly (p > 0.05) increased the plant height and root length of cocoa seedlings respectively relative to control and in—organic fertilizer and could therefore be recommended for the prospective and existing Nigerian cocoa farmers for raising their seedlings in the nursery before transplanting to the field.

Occupational Competencies Required by Secondary School Graduates in Palm Wine Tapping for Sustainable Income in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study focused on occupational competencies required by secondary school graduates in palm wine tapping for sustainable income in Enugu State. Four research questions guided the study. Survey research design was adopted. It was carried out in Enugu State. The population for the study was 2,781 registered palm wine tappers. The sample for study was 556 （10%） of palm wine tappers. A random sampling technique was used for the study. A 49 structured competency item questionnaire was used for data collection. Three experts validated the instrument. Cronbach Alphal reliability method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.98 was obtained. 556 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents 541 copies were retrieved and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The result revealed that 48 competencies were required by secondary school graduates in palm wine tapping occupation for sustainable income in Enugu State. Recommendation was made based on the findings of the study.

Agronomic Practices and Macronutrients Status of Different Age Groups of Smallholder Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Plantations in Dibombari Sub-Division, Cameroon

Oil palm is cultivated by agro-industries and smallholders for vegetable oil production. Good farm management practices with balanced soil and plant macronutrients are needed to attain optimum yields. Smallholder oil palm farmers of Dibombari Sub-Division, Cameroon, suffer from low on farm yields which could emanate from the agronomic practices implemented, which also has an influence on the soil and plant macronutrient status. This study provides information on the agronomic practices, soil and plant macronutrients status in smallholder oil palm fields. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 farmers to collect data on their agronomic practices, using a stratified random sampling design. Soil and plants were sampled from plantations of different age groups (control, >0 - 4 years, >4 - 8 years and >8 - 15 years’ plantations) in four locations of the Sub-Division (i.e. Dibombari-central, Bonamateke, Bomono and Nkapa) using a randomized complete block design. Data collected, was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 65% of farmers planted Tenera variety, with majority of them below the standards for weeding (81%), fertilizer use (100%), pruning (62%), pest/disease control (90.5%) and harvesting (96%) practices. Soil macronutrients were low across the different plantations except P which was optimal at >0 - 4 years and >4 - 8 years’ plantations but low at >8 - 15 years’ plantation. Similarly, for plant macronutrients, N and P were optimal across the different plantations, while K and Mg were optimal at >0 - 4 years’ plantation but low at >4 - 8 years and >8 - 15 years’ plantations. Thus, agronomic practices and macronutrient status of soil and plants were below standards in smallholder oil palm plantations of Dibombari, leading to low yields of fresh fruit bunches.

Redefining biofuels:Investigating oil palm biomass as a promising cellulose feedstock for nitrocellulose-based propellant production

This review paper explores the potential of oil palm biomass as a valuable cellulose source for the production of nitrocellulose-based propellants,contributing to the green revolution and sustainable energy solutions.It highlights the availability of the corresponding biomass in Malaysia and in line with global studies,the chemical compositions,as well as a brief description of current technologies for converting biomass of oil palm into value added products specifically cellulose.Steps to achieve maximum utilization of biomass from oil palm industry for cellulose production and prospective source for nitrocellulose-based propellant are also proposed.The methodology section outlines the pretreatment of lignocellulosic fibres,cellulose extraction,and nitrocellulose production processes.Overall,the review underscores the prospective of palm oil biomass as a sustainable cellulose source for propellant manufacturing,while acknowledging the need for further research and advancements in the field.

Quantification of the adulteration concentration of palm kernel oil in virgin coconut oil using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

The adulteration concentration of palm kernel oil(PKO)in virgin coconut oil(VCO)was quantified using near-infrared(NIR)hyperspectral imaging.Nowadays,some VCO is adulterated with lower-priced PKO to reduce production costs,which diminishes the quality of the VCO.This study used NIR hyperspectral imaging in the wavelength region 900-1,650 nm to create a quantitative model for the detection of PKO contaminants(0-100%)in VCO and to develop predictive mapping.The prediction equation for the adulteration of VCO with PKO was constructed using the partial least squares regression method.The best predictive model was pre-processed using the standard normal variate method,and the coefficient of determination of prediction was 0.991,the root mean square error of prediction was 2.93%,and the residual prediction deviation was 10.37.The results showed that this model could be applied for quantifying the adulteration concentration of PKO in VCO.The prediction adulteration concentration mapping of VCO with PKO was created from a calibration model that showed the color level according to the adulteration concentration in the range of 0-100%.NIR hyperspectral imaging could be clearly used to quantify the adulteration of VCO with a color level map that provides a quick,accurate,and non-destructive detection method.

Selection criteria of MPOB-Angola germplasm collection for yield improvement of the oil palm

Oil palm germplasm collected from Angola,Africa in 1991 were subjected to genetic variability potential studies.The collection was planted in the form of open-pollinated families as trials at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board(MPOB)Kluang Research Station,Johor,Malaysia,in 1994.Dura palms from 52 families and tenera palms from 44 families of MPOB-Angola were evaluated for their bunch yield and bunch quality components.The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the families and performance of MPOB-Angola germplasm for yield improvement.The analysis of variance(ANOVA)revealed highly significant differences between the dura and tenera families for most of the traits,suggesting the presence of high genetic variability,which is essential for breeding programmes.Among the duras,family AGO 02.02 displayed the best yield performance,with a high fresh fruit bunch,oil yield and total economic product at 240.40,29.46 and 37.93 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.As for the teneras,family AGO 03.04 recorded the highest FFB yield and oil yield at 249.25 and 45.22 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.Besides that,several families with big fruit sizes or producing a mean fruit weight of 14-17 g were also identified.Both dura and tenera from AGO 01.01 recorded the highest oil to bunch(O/B)of 17.76%and 28.65%,respectively.These findings will facilitate the selection of palms from the MPOB-Angola germplasm for future breeding programmes.

Correlation between hardness and SEM-EDS characterization of palm oil waste based biocoke

This research investigates the relationship between hardness and microstructure obtained through SEM-EDS analysis of palm oil waste-based biocoke.The mechanical qualities and chemical composition of biocoke are being studied concerning the influence of temperature conditions.The manufacturing temperature of biocoke may vary between 150℃ and 190℃.Utilizing SEM-EDS,we were able to characterize the microstructure and analyze the elemental composition,while the Hardness Shore D approach was used for the most complex materials.These results highlight the possibility of optimizing production temperature to produce biocoke with better mechanical performance.They show a positive correlation between biocoke hardness and structured carbon content.At 150℃ and 180℃,respectively,the EFB biocoke reached its maximum hardness level of 62±5.At 190℃,OPM biocoke generated a 60±5 times greater hardness than that of OPM and OPF biocoke.The OPT biocoke sample had the highest porosity with a score of 0.86,or 85.76%.Furthermore,compared to EFB biocoke,OPM and OPF biocokes had a priority of 0.84(84.20%)and 0.83(83.48%),respectively.Biocoke hardness is a quality indicator of physical and chemical qualities;the vital link between biocoke hardness,structural features,and elemental composition supports this idea.

Genotypic effects on accelerated propagation of oil palm breeding materials selected(Elaeis guineensis jacq.)using somatic embryogenesis

Vegetable oil production from oil palm(Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)is an important industry due to the rising demand every year.The somatic embryogenesis culture can propagate oil palm duplicate as parent plant,which can be selected as breeding material to produce new planting germplasm with high production or disease resistance.This study aims to evaluate the genotypic effect of somatic embryogenesis,while immature leaflets were employed as explants.The culture used embryo induction medium based on Murashige and Skoog(MS)modifications that contained 5 mg/L Naphthalene Acetic acid(NAA)and 0.5 mg/L Benzyl Amino Purine(BAP).The genotypic effect was statistically significant in the percentage of callus induction,producing somatic embryos,and germination embryos.In this study,we successfully cloned thirteen oil palm genotypes(GE-02,GE-03,GE-06,GE-07,GE-09,GE-23,GE-24,GE-27,GE-28,GE-32,GE-33,GE-34,and GE-35),with the highest number of somatic embryos formed on GE-27 with a percentage of 70.1%.The cloning was successful in accelerating the propagation of oil palm for materials breeding programs to create new varieties with high production and disease resistance.It is necessary to observation the performance of these clones in the field in terms of mantle flower appearance.

Properties of Eco-Friendly Oriented Strand Board Produced from Oil Palm Trunk

Despite its considerable potential,oil palm trunk(OPT)remains underutilized,largely owing to the cyclical replanting process that occurs every 25–30 years.This study aimed to address this issue by developing an ecofriendly oriented strand board(OSB)using vascular bundles(VBs)from oil palm,both in binderless form and with the incorporation of natural adhesives made from sucrose and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate(ADP).The VB was extracted from OPT using a pressure cooker and mixed with a sucrose-ADP solution at various ratios.The mixture was then pressed at temperatures of 180℃ and 200℃ for 10 min to form boards,which were evaluated based on the Japanese Industrial Standard(JIS)A 5908 for particleboards.Binderless OSB was also manufactured without the use of any adhesive components.Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy was conducted to evaluate the VB and its board.The results indicated that the mechanical properties of the binderless OSB met the JIS A 5908 Type 8 requirements.Furthermore,the addition of sucrose-ADP improved the physical and mechanical properties of the board,with an optimal sucrose-to-ADP ratio of 85:15.The OSB with the best properties met the JIS A 5908 Type 13 requirements.The FTIR results indicated that carbonyl groups,furan rings,and lignin played important roles in the bonding properties of the OSB.In conclusion,this research demonstrated the potential of VBs as a raw material for producing environmentally friendly OSB,both in binderless form and with the use of sucrose-ADP.

Reactions of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Progenies to Fusarium Wilt Disease Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Elaeidis under Natural Infection

The oil palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq) is used worldwide in commercial agriculture for the production of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm wine. It produces more oil per plant than any other oil-producing crop in the world. Production is constrained by several factors among which pests/diseases are of utmost importance. Vascular wilt (VW) caused by Fusarium oxysporum is the most devastating disease infecting this crop. Its soil-borne ecology has made the use of fungicides to manage this disease too expensive and inpragmatic. There is need for concerted research in the breeding and selection of wilt-tolerant progenies as an essential step in the management of Fusarium wilt disease. The study aims to assess the incidence and severity of vascular wilt among tested oil palm progenies, to evaluate the reduction in yield caused by the disease in the susceptible progenies and to identify the wilt-tolerant, high-yielding progenies. The study was carried out at Pamol Plantations Limited (PPL) in Ndian Estate (Ndian Division), in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Three field trials were evaluated for tolerance/susceptibility to Fusarium wilt. Each trial consisted of 15 oil palm progenies replicated 4 times. Each progeny had 25 oil palm stands in each replicate. Hence, a total of 1500 oil palm stands were assessed. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with trial codes: Trial 2001/1, planted in 2001;Trial 2001/2, planted in 2002;Trial 2001/3, planted in 2003. Each trail had an area of 12 ha, with a plant density of 143 palms·ha−1. Wilt incidence, severity, index, and yield were evaluated on 45 progenies from the 3 trails after identifying Fusarium oxysporum from oil palm plant part. Data was subjected to analysis of variance, Fischer’s least significant difference test (LSD) for mean separation. Identification of Fusarium was based on descriptive analysis. Incidence of VW in the 3 trials ranged from 1% - 39%. Also, 45% of infected plants were from progeny 676 while 1% was from progenies 689, 693, 694 and 710. Disease severity was from 0.9 in progeny 686 to 4.55 in 676. Wilt index ranged from 131 for progeny 694 and 710 to 495 for progenies 705. Out of the 45 progenies evaluated, 27 were tolerant (1 < 100) and 18 susceptible (1 ≥ 100). Within the tolerant progenies, 4 were significant (1 < 20) while 5 out of 18 were significantly susceptible (1 ≥ 185). Mean yield reduction of the susceptible progenies was 34.8% while in the tolerant progenies, it increased by 9.5% when compared to their controls. Progenies 702, 703 and 709 are recommended for planting based on the level of tolerance to Fusarium wilt disease and yield.