Analysis and optimisation of a novel ‘almond-refinery’concept: Simultaneous production of biofuels and value-added chemicals by hydrothermal treatment of almond hulls.

For the first time, this work investigates the achievability of developing a biorefinery concept around almond hulls by hydrothermal treatment (HTT), thoroughly scrutinising the influence of the temperature (200-300 °C), pressure (100-180 bar), time (20-180 min) and solid loading (5-25 wt%). This process allowed the conversion of almond hulls into four main products: gas (2-13%), […]

Fe3O4 and Iminodiacetic acid modified peanut husk as a novel adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) and Pb (II) in aqueous solution: Characterization, equilibrium and kinetic study.

The presence of higher concentrations of heavy metals in water affects its quality with a concomitant adverse effect on its users thus their removal is paramount. A novel adsorbent, PN-Fe3O4-IDA derived from the chemical modification of peanut husk (a low-cost agricultural biomass produced in significant quantities globally) using magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and iminodiacetic acid was […]

Kinetics characteristics and microwave reduction behavior of walnut shell-pyrolusite blends.

Combining biomass pyrolysis with microwave heating technologies provides a novel and efficient approach for low-grade pyrolusite reduction. The microwave reduction behavior and pyrolysis kinetic characteristics of walnut shell-pyrolusite blends were explored. Results indicated the optimal reduction parameters were: reduction temperature of 650 °C, holding time of 30 min, Mbio/More of 1.8:10, and microwave power of 1200 […]

Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Hazelnuts and Walnuts Shells: Quantitative–Qualitative Analysis and Chromatographic Purification.

Hazelnut (HS) and walnut (WS) shells, an abundant by-product of the processing industries of these edible nuts, are traditionally considered as a low-value waste. However, they are a source of valuable compounds with an interesting chemical profile for the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. In this study, the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts present in HS and […]

Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana.

Biological control is one of the recommended methods for aflatoxin mitigation. Biocontrol products must be developed, and their efficacy demonstrated before widespread use. Efficacy of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02, were evaluated in 800 maize and groundnut farmers’ fields during 2015 and 2016 in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, […]

Impact of climate change on navel Orangeworm, a Major Pest of tree nuts in California.

California's agricultural sector is the highest valued agricultural sector in the United States. It is also a global leader in the production of various specialty crops, including three major tree nuts – almond, walnut, and pistachio. These three nut crops accounted for approximately 16% of the state's total agricultural economy. Current and future changes in […]

Quantification of the aflatoxin biocontrol strain Aspergillus flavus AF36 in soil, and nuts and leaves of pistachio by real-time PCR.

The species Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are commonly found in the soils of nut-growing areas in California. Several isolates can produce aflatoxins that occasionally contaminate nut kernels conditioning their sale. The strain AF36 of A. flavus, which does not produce aflatoxins, is registered as a biocontrol agent for use in almond, pistachio, and fig […]

Hyperspectral Shortwave Infrared Image Analysis for Detection of Adulterants in Almond Powder with One-Class Classification Method.

The widely used techniques for analyzing the quality of powdered food products focus on targeted detection with a low-throughput screening of samples. Owing to potentially significant health threats and large-scale adulterations, food regulatory agencies and industries require rapid and non-destructive analytical techniques for the detection of unexpected compounds present in products. Accordingly, shortwave-infrared hyperspectral imaging […]

Maillard Reaction Products and Phenolic Compounds from Roasted Peanut Flour Extracts Prevent Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia Via Cholinergic Modulation and Antioxidative Effects in Mice.

Research on the beneficial effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and phenolic compounds derived from roasted peanut flour on the nervous system remains insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 28-day oral administration of defatted peanut extract rich in MPRs and polyphenolic compounds on the cognitive impairments and oxidative injury induced by […]