Pachira aquatica fruits shells valorization: renewables phenolics through analytical pyrolysis study (Py-GC/MS)

ABSTRACT: This research valorized Pachira aquatica Aubl.’s fruit shells (PAS) through its energetic characterization and flash pyrolysis for biofuels or chemicals production. The characterization was performed through proximate and ultimate analysis, bulk density, higher heating value (HHV), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin content, thermogravimetric analysis and absorption spectra in the infrared region obtained by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR). The analytical flash pyrolysis was performed at 500°C in a Py-5200 HP-R coupled to a gas chromatograph (Py-GC/MS). The PAS biomass presents potential for thermochemical energy conversion processes due to its low moisture and ash content, 76.90% of volatile matter, bulk density of 252.6 kg/m3 and HHV of 16.24 MJ/kg. Flash pyrolysis products are mostly phenols or light organic acids derived from the decomposition of polysaccharides. Results confirmed the potential of PAS to produce bio-phenolics, such as 4-methoxyphenol which is an important active ingredient for skin depigmentation used in drugs and cosmetics, and as phenolic extract that can be used as a precursor to resins, applications that convert this forest waste into bio products for industry into a green circular economy.

Web-Based Animation Video for Student Environmental Education at Elementary Schools

<p>This research and development aim at knowing the effectiveness of web-based animation videos application on environmental education of elementary school students in East Jakarta in Indonesia. Web-based animation videos for environmental education produced consisted of climate change, mangrove forest, waste recycling, biodiversity, and ozone depletion animation video pages. Student environmental education measured was related to satisfying student natural curiosity, enhancing environmental awareness, and strengthening student pro-conservation values. In the conclusion, it is highlighted that there is a positive effect of web-based animation videos application on student environmental education at elementary school students in Jakarta in Indonesia</p>

ANALYSIS OF THE LOCAL PATTERN FOR THE PARANÁ SECTOR OF FOREST BASED PRODUCTS: 2005-2015

The objective of this paper was to analyze the Locational Quotient (LQ) for the main products forest – by the Paraná mesoregion between 2005 and 2015, such as seeds, seedlings, firewood, sawmill and laminator, cellulose, and paper, and other (pine knot, poplar, fence posts, splinters, and forest waste). The use of indicators and methods to identify the concentration of these resources and their constraints can support the design of policies more suitable for the management of available resources, as well as guide the need for investments. Also, we observed the scarcity of research using such a method (LQ) in the forest area. The period was selected according to the availability of information from the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (SEAB). The results indicated both positive and negative oscillations in the analyzed period. This dynamic is related to seasonal, bureaucratic, and market issues. The conclusions considered the wood production chain to interpret the results and not only the specificities of each product, given the lack of available information.

Distributed Activation Energy Modelling Using a Parabolic Heating Profile

This work investigates the thermal decomposition of forest waste for a non-linear temperature distribution inside the pyrolysis reactor. Quantitative analysis of the distributed activation energy model is explained graphically. It has been assumed that thermal profile varies according to the general parabolic equation with the initial condition (0, T0). The approximated solution of the non-analytical integral is determined by the Laplace integral method. The integral limit for the distributed activation energy model (DAEM) is found to vary from 211 to 810 kJ·mol−1; whereas the frequency factor (the first-order reactions) for the corresponding range of the activation energy lies in the domain of 400–2000 min−1. The acceleration in the char formation has been found for the reactions other than that of the first order.