Review
Environmental Sciences
Amit Kumar, Nirmal Kumar Srivastava, Poonam Gera
Summary: The removal of color from paper mill wastewater is a crucial issue that remains unresolved. Researchers have been exploring various methods, but have not yet found an effective method applicable on an industrial scale.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rajesh Kumar, Anjali Singh, Annapurna Maurya, Pooja Yadav, Ashutosh Yadav, Pankaj Chowdhary, Abhay Raj
Summary: This study identified KL-degrading Bacillus cereus from activated sludge and demonstrated their potential for degrading KL and reducing toxicity in paper mill effluent. The strain produced enzymes responsible for high KL degradation and decolorization, showing promise for pollutant removal in industrial wastewater treatment. Analysis techniques including SEM-EDS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and GC-MS were used to track the KL degradation process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maryam Gholami, Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian, Fahimeh Teimouri, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Abbasali Jafari Nadoushan, Sara Jambarsang, Amir Hossein Mahvi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate indigenous bacteria in RPCM wastewater treatment, identifying dominant strains for bioremediation experiments. The results showed significant COD and color degradation by the isolated bacteria under optimal conditions, with improved efficiency compared to the full-scale RPCM-WWTP.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Peres Ribeiro, Luana Sarinho, Marcia C. Neves, Maria Isabel Nunes
Summary: This study assessed the performance of residual iron dust (RID) as a Fenton catalyst for treating bleach wastewater. The results showed that the novel heterogeneous Fenton process achieved similar AOX removal with lower consumption of chemicals compared to the conventional Fenton process. The optimized heterogeneous Fenton process also had lower operating costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Challa Mallikarjuna, Rajesh Roshan Dash
Summary: This study investigated the treatment of simulated ricemill wastewater using an aerobic inverse fluidized bed biofilm reactor (AIFBBR) and evaluated the process using Box-Behnken design and statistical response surface methodology. The optimal parameters for maximum COD and TOC removal were found to be 2804.27 mg/L influent COD, 23.79 h HRT, and 44.94% bed volume.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Mari Raty, Maarit Termonen, Helena Soinne, Johanna Nikama, Kimmo Rasa, Mikko Jarvinen, Reijo Lappalainen, Harri Auvinen, Riikka Keskinen
Summary: The use of wood fiber-based sludges from the pulp and paper industry can help improve the productivity of coarse-textured soils by increasing their organic matter content. However, these amendments may also lead to competition between plants and microbes for nitrogen uptake.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sanam Islam Khan, Asaf Zarin, Safia Ahmed, Fariha Hasan, Ali Osman Belduz, Sabriye Canakci, Samiullah Khan, Malik Badshah, Muhammad Farman, Aamer Ali Shah
Summary: The newly isolated Bacillus altitudinis SL7 showed efficient degradation of lignin, with optimal conditions at 40 degrees Celsius and pH 8.0. The degradation was confirmed through reductions in color and lignin contents, as well as the emergence of new low molecular weight compounds. The study suggests the potential application of B. altitudinis SL7 in biological treatment of lignin-containing effluents.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiawei Liang, Wenning Mai, Jia Wang, Xiaoqi Li, Minhua Su, Jiaxu Du, Yanwei Wu, Jihua Dai, Qi Tang, Jihong Gao, Yingkui Liu, Jinfeng Tang, Yongjun Wei
Summary: An efficient industrial-scale pulp and paper wastewater treatment plant (PP-WWTP) integrating physicochemical and biological processes was investigated in this study. The plant successfully treated high-level pollutants in the wastewater and generated significant economic benefits.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Thabisile Brightwell Jele, Bruce Sithole, Prabashni Lekha, Jerome Andrew
Summary: Three different pulp and paper mill sludge samples from South African mills were characterized to determine their suitability for various beneficiation pathways. The characteristics of the sludge varied depending on the pulping technique, raw material, and effluent treatment used. From the analysis, it was found that different beneficiation pathways were more suitable for each type of sludge based on their specific characteristics.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rajesh Kumar, Annapurna Maurya, Abhay Raj
Summary: Currently, the excessive consumption of natural resources and rapid urbanization have surpassed the demand for fresh water, which is a significant concern. Paper mill wastewater, containing valuable organic matter, nutrients, and lignin derivatives, has the potential to become ecologically sustainable with technological advancements. Although traditional physicochemical and biological treatment systems have been established for wastewater treatment, they still face operational and procedural challenges. Researchers are not only focusing on treatment approaches but also on the reusability of wastewater in various sectors. Additionally, technological interventions based on Industry 4.0 can expedite and streamline the wastewater treatment and reusability processes.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Iara Fontes Demuner, Fernando Jose Borges Gomes, Jessica Silva Gomes, Marcela Ribeiro Coura, Felipe Pedersoli Borges, Ana Marcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho, Claudio Mudadu Silva
Summary: Kraft lignin is a residue from the pulping process, but integrating the biorefinery concept is crucial for sustainable development. This study evaluated the production of lignosulfonates from eucalypt kraft lignin through sulfomethylation and acid sulfonation processes. Sulfomethylation was more effective in producing lignosulfonates with a higher sulfur content, solubility in water, and confirmed chemical modifications, while acid sulfonation showed lower efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pooja Sharma, Diane Purchase, Ram Chandra
Summary: It was found that discharged pulp and paper mill wastewater contained high levels of pollutants and heavy metals, which were difficult to biodegrade and could be toxic to aquatic organisms, highlighting the need for treatment to protect the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Wang, Jialing Song, Mengying Yan, Jun Li, Jianmao Yang, Manhong Huang, Ruiyun Zhang
Summary: Reduced pressure distillation was proposed as an effective method to recover reusable waste lignin from textile degumming black liquor. The structure of the recovered material was determined and recycled lignin-based polymers were synthesized. The synthesized polymers showed stable decolorization performance in anionic dye wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Di Francesco, Christian Dahlstrand, Joakim Lofstedt, Alexander Orebom, Johan Verendel, Christopher Carrick, Asa Hakansson, Soren Eriksson, Henrik Radberg, Henrik Wallmo, Martin Wimby, Florian Huber, Christopher Federsel, Mattias Backmark, Joseph S. M. Samec
Summary: By using mild reagents for esterification and recycling acetic anhydride and acetic acid, lignin is successfully converted into lignin esters for fuel production, thereby increasing the efficiency of pulp production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oxana N. Fedyaeva, Sergey Morozov, Anatoly A. Vostrikov
Summary: This study investigated the oxidation of watered toxic waste from the pulp and paper industry in supercritical water-oxygen fluid, revealing that only CO2, CO, N2, and N2O were detected in volatile oxidation products at higher oxygen content. Increasing the oxygen ratio led to a decrease in phenols and chlorophenols produced, with 2,6-dichlorophenol and 2-chlorophenol being the most resistant to oxidation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Puneet Pathak, Ankush Gupta, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Arun Goyal, Vijayanand Suryakant Moholkar
Summary: This study focuses on the impact of formic acid-based organosolv (FAOS) pretreatment on sugarcane tops (SCT) for biomass fractionation. The best conditions for FAOS pretreatment of SCT were found to be 125 degrees Celsius pretreatment temperature, 90 min pretreatment time, and 1:7.5 solid to liquid ratio. Temperatures and times higher than these values adversely affected SCT fractionation.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandeep Kumar Tripathi, Daljeet Kaur, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Puneet Pathak, Sunil Kumar
Summary: In India, there is great potential for biogas production from agricultural wastes. This study focuses on co-digestion of banana stem juice with agro residues washings to enhance biomethanation. Addition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to increase methane share in biogas, showing potential for improved efficiency in biogas production.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chhavi Sharma, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Puneet Pathak
Summary: The study presents a method for producing low-cost and eco-friendly BNC films from fermented black tea using SIFB technology, resulting in commendable BNC production and effective antibacterial properties for active packaging applications. The modified BNC-chitosan films show great potential in terms of mechanical strength, crystallinity, air resistance, and shelf life assessment, meeting the high demand for low-cost active packaging in the industry.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chhavi Sharma, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Puneet Pathak
Summary: Ternary nano-biocomposite films of BC-C-G were successfully fabricated by immersing BC pellicles into chitosan and gelatin mixture and freeze-drying. The composite films exhibited interconnected pores, good hydrophilicity, and in vitro degradability, making them promising for tissue engineering scaffold application. The interactions among BC, gelatin, and chitosan molecules in the film were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy analysis.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Varun Kumar, Puneet Pathak, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj
Summary: An industry compatible chemo-refining approach was tested for preparation of MNFC from bleached softwood pulp, which showed potential as a strength additive for paper quality improvement. Addition of MNFC resulted in significant improvements in paper properties without affecting tear index and optical properties.
APPLIED NANOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shubhang Bhardwaj, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Yuvraj Singh Negi
Summary: Chitosan, as a renewable biopolymer, can be applied on the surface of writing and printing grade paper to enhance its properties. The degree of acetylation (DA) of chitosan has a significant impact on its performance in various applications, with high DA chitosan outperforming low DA chitosan in some properties. Overall, chitosan with different DA levels has diverse effects on the individual properties of paper.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raksha Nagpal, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Ritu Mahajan
Summary: This study investigated the potential of crude xylano-pectinolytic enzymes for bleaching rice straw pulp, leading to reduction in toxic waste load and improvement in physical properties of the pulp. The enzymatic pre-bleaching treatment showed significant reduction in kappa number of the pulp, active chlorine dioxide dose, and improvement in various physical properties, as well as reduction in BOD and COD values.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sirine Werghi, Charfeddine Gharsallah, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Hatem Fakhfakh, Faten Gorsane
Summary: Global warming has intensified, affecting crop growth and survival, which requires plants to undergo transcriptional reprogramming to adapt to stress. By analyzing the genetic basis of heat stress response in tomatoes, two contrasting cultivars were identified based on CDDP markers. Further analysis of differential gene expression revealed a complex regulatory network involving heat shock proteins and miRNAs.
PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES-CHARACTERIZATION AND UTILIZATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
V. Gupta, N. K. Bhardwaj, R. K. Rawal
Summary: The study focused on producing activated carbon from char for efficient adsorption of pulp and paper mill wastewater. Experimental results showed significant reduction in color and lignin content of wastewater at optimized conditions, with a maximum reduction of 96.48% in color and 94.25% in lignin achieved with activated carbon.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Divya Sharma, Raksha Nagpal, Sharad Agrawal, Nishikant Bhardwaj, Ritu Mahajan
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of xylanase-pectinase enzymes in bleaching wheat straw pulp, finding optimal conditions for reducing impurities and improving paper quality. The enzymatic treatment resulted in reduced consumption of active chlorine, increased burst and tear indices, as well as enhanced pulp properties. Effluent values of BOD and COD also decreased, showing the environmental benefits of this eco-friendly approach in the paper and pulp industry.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Raksha Nagpal, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Om Prakash Mishra, Ritu Mahajan
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of crude xylano-pectinolytic enzymes in bio-pulping of rice straw to reduce environmental pollution and improve paper quality. The integration of bio-pulping strategy before chemical pulping enhances pulp yield, brightness, and physical strength properties, while reducing alkali dose and pollution. Using crude enzymes produced by a bacterial isolate, this environmentally sustainable approach can lead to cleaner pulping of rice straw.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mandeep Dixit, Guddu Kumar Gupta, Monika Yadav, Deepak Chhabra, Rajeev Kumar Kapoor, Puneet Pathak, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Pratyoosh Shukla
Summary: The present study demonstrates the efficient enzymatic production and improved deinking efficiency of thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus VAPS25. The combinatory artificial intelligence-based tool increased the activity of endoglucanase, amylase, and lipase. Metal ions also enhanced the activity of these enzymes. Furthermore, the enzymes improved the deinking efficiency and paper strength parameters, suggesting their potential for an economical paper recycling process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Chhavi Sharma, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Puneet Pathak
Summary: Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a highly useful biomaterial with wide applications. This study investigates BNC production using a rotary disc bioreactor (RDBR) and Gluconacetobacter xylinus NCIM 2526 strain, achieving high yield and conversion rate. RDBR shows potential for large-scale BNC production, and BNC pellicles have potential biomedical applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raksha Nagpal, Om Prakash Mishra, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Ritu Mahajan
Summary: This study presents the eco-friendly pulping of rice straw using ultrafiltered xylanase and pectinase enzymes to manufacture better quality paper. The results showed significant improvement in the strength of the paper while reducing the use of toxic pulping chemicals.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Varun Kumar, Puneet Pathak, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj
Summary: This study tested a simple refining approach to prepare advanced fibrillated cellulosic material, which can be used as an additive for improving paper quality.
CELLULOSE CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
