A5002191173- Advanced Cellulose Research Studies
- Lignin and Wood Chemistry
- Heavy Metals in Plants
- Heavy metals in environment
- Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production
- Material Properties and Processing
- Recycling and Waste Management Techniques
- Plant Micronutrient Interactions and Effects
- Bioeconomy and Sustainability Development
- Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
- Municipal Solid Waste Management
- Wood Treatment and Properties
- Biofuel production and bioconversion
- Textile materials and evaluations
- Microbial bioremediation and biosurfactants
- Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
- Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications
- Plant Physiology and Cultivation Studies
- Coal and Its By-products
- Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
- Proteins in Food Systems
- Odor and Emission Control Technologies
- Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
- Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
2017-2025
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2002-2024
The rapidly increasing population and climate change pose a great threat to our current food systems. Moreover, the high usage of animal-based plant-based protein has its drawbacks, as these nutritional sources require many hectares land water, are affected by seasonal variations, costly, contribute environmental pollution. Single-cell proteins (SCPs) gaining lot research interest due their remarkable properties, such content that is comparable with other sources; low requirements for water;...
Abstract BACKGROUND The study focuses on succinic acid production in synthetic and industrial media using wild type Corynebacterium glutamicum , a known carboxylic producer. South African sugar industry is facing many challenges, largely due to increased competition the implementation of levy, which has resulted decrease demand. Sugarcane material was selected as cheap abundant carbon source assess capabilities C. . RESULTS Small‐scale flask studies (700 mL) showed that glucose favorable...
The uptake of an element by a plant is primarily dependent on the species, its inherent controls, and soil quality. Amaranthus hybridus (green herbs) dubius (red were chosen to investigate their response ability accumulate tolerate varying levels elements in roots shoots. Red herbs green grown pots contaminated with three mixtures Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Hg(II). Plants control treatment absence heavy metals mixture. distribution Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg plants (in roots, stems, leaves) was determined...
Abstract Changes in supramolecular properties of cellulose I, namely its lateral fibril aggregate dimension (LFAD), bleached hardwood acid bisulphite pulp during drying was studied using cross-polarization/magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS 13 C-NMR) combination with spectral fitting. A significant change dimensions noticed when each the grades were oven dried. The effect further investigated samples subjected to different methods. comparison a harsh drying,...
As a response to the environmental and societal issues that emanate from high reliance on fossil fuels, world is now transitioning toward circular bioeconomy. Acidogenic biohydrogen production envisaged as clean fuel of future due its non-polluting features affordability. The major encumbrance for industrialization this process accumulation metabolic inhibitors (volatile fatty acids (VFAs)), which lower H2 yields. This review discusses novel methods can be adopted valorize acidogenic VFAs...
The utilisation of cotton waste as precursors in the synthesis nanocrystalline cellulose has gained significant attention. This approach suggests a sustainable solution to address growing concern textile accumulation while simultaneously producing valuable material. main aim this study is examine properties nanocrystals (CNCs) obtained from postconsumer polyester–cotton and assess effect different fabric structures on extraction these properties. To acquire nanocellulose, thorough...
Abstract Spinach plants were grown in soil pots contaminated with increasing mixtures of lead, mercury, cadmium, and nickel salts. Plants the control absence heavy metals mixture. The elemental distribution Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg roots leaves (Spinacia Oleracea) was determined two stages, Stage 1, after five weeks plant growth 2, 10 full growth. Under influence contamination metal mixtures, most accumulated element root spinach a concentration 283 ppm recorded highest soil, followed by Cd at 148 ppm.
The elemental uptake and the growth response of Spinacia oleracea (spinach) to soil contaminated with South African bituminous coal mine dump soil, viz. 0%, 5%, 15%, 25% w/w, was investigated. soils were analyzed for pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (SOM), concentrations selected heavy metals. SOM, CEC decreased an increase in contamination indicating acidic nature raise binding sites. distribution Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb roots leaves plants determined two stages plant growth....
The impact of coal mine dump contaminated soil on the elemental uptake by two edible plants, namely, Amaranthus dubius (red herbs) and hybridus (green herbs), was studied investigating their response ability to tolerate accumulate varying levels elements in roots shoots. vegetation grown amounts soil, viz. 0%, 5%, 15%, 25% w/w using soil. analyzed for pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (SOM), moisture content, selected heavy metals. distribution six metals, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni,...
The conversion of waste into value‐added products is critical to long‐term sustainability as disposal costs, landfilling space, and climate change would be reduced. Research production industries investigate the possible use natural fibers a substitute for fossil fuels. Natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites’ physical mechanical properties can altered by fiber treatment, treatment choice relies on desired performance. In addition cost‐profitability, environmental effects, required...