An agricultural waste-based source of energy in the form of briquettes from rice husk has emerged as an alternative energy source. However, rice husk-based briquette has a low bulk density and moisture content, resulting in low durability. This study investigated the effect of initial moisture contents of 12%, 14%, and 16% of rice husk-based briquettes blended with 10 wt% of kraft lignin on their chemical and physical characteristics. The briquetting was done using a hand push manual die compressor. The briquette properties were evaluated by performing chemical (ultimate and proximate analysis, thermogravimetric analysis), physical (density, durability, compressive strength, and surface morphology) analyses. The durability values of all briquette samples were above 95%, meeting the standard with good compressive strength, surface morphology, and acceptable density range. The briquette made from the blend with 14% moisture content showed the highest calorific value of 17.688 MJ kg−1, thanks to its desirable morphology and good porosity range, which facilitates the transport of air for combustion. Overall, this study proved the approach of enhancing the quality of briquettes from rice husk by controlling the moisture content.
state-of-the-art paper packaging biorefinery utilizes cellulose fibrous material from paddy straw and papaya latex to produce packaging products. This in turn generate wastewater with high organic matter content that if disposed without treatment, will pollute water bodies, and affect aquatic life below water. Therefore, to comply with "clean water and sanitation" (SDG 6) and "life below water" (SDG 14), this study assesses the efficacy of an extended aeration activated sludge (EAAS) in the treatment of paper packaging biorefinery wastewater (PPBW) by employing paddy straw derived activated carbon as a biosorbent. Findings revealed that the system was able to achieve 95%-98.2% and 90.62%-94.96% biological oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction respectively. The maximum organic matter removals were achieved at 2-day hydraulic retention time (HRT) and 60% PPBW concentration. To evaluate substrate removal rates, the First order, Modified Stover-Kincannon and Grau second order models were used. In the Modified Stover-Kincannon model, high correlation coefficients values R 2 of 0.99986 and 0.99991 were obtained for COD and BOD5 respectively. 20 gCOD/L/d and 50 gBOD5/L/d were obtained as Umsr for COD and BOD5 respectively and 20.402 g/L/d and 56.295 g/L/d as KV constants for COD and BOD5 respectively. The COD and BOD5 biokinetic constant values for the Grau second order organic matter removal rate constant kS were 36 d -1 and 0.78 d -1 respectively. Here, 0.9989 and 0.99928 were the obtained R 2 values for COD and BOD5 respectively. The EAAS bioreactor system described by modified Stover-Kincannon model was proven to best suit the experimental data. Therefore, the model can be used in designing an EAAS system and consequently predict the bioreactor behavior. The result of this study provided a benchmark for the actual implementation of PSAC in PPBW treatment for COD and BOD5 removal. It has been proven that PSAC bio-sorbent sourced from a natural agro-waste material is essential and could be used as an efficient substance for organic matter removal. Operating expenses and associated savings were such that PASC was more attractive in an economic analysis of wastewater treatment demands. It is environmentally benign and offers a green treatment option to the PPBW. It could be an alternative to chemical materials because it is harmless to human health and proffer sustainable solution to potable water production.
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