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Coir Pith – A Medium for Oil Absorption Parameswaran, P. S.; Ravindranath, Anita Das; Sarma, U. S.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 35 No 1 (2019): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Coir pith, the byproduct of coconut husk, due to its abundance nature and its porous structure can be effectively used for oil adsorption. Modification of coir pith to make as hydrophobic may allow them to be used for oil adsorption. Oil spills can destroy marine aquatic life and have a great impact on environment. In this study coir pith have been treated enzymatically (Lipase, Protease & Glucanase) and chemically (Acetylation) to impart hydrophobicity and to enhance oil adsorption capacity. The coir pith samples were characterized periodically by FTIR, SEM. The extent of acetylation was evaluated by weight percent gain.The results suggests that acetylated coir pith could be beneficial in oil adsorption and potentially provide a low cost environmentally friend adsorbent for oil spill.

Coir-Krishimithra: An Apposite Medium for Cultivation of Vegetable/ Medicinal/ Ornamental Plants Radhakrishnan, S.; Ravindranath, Anita Das; Reghuvaran, Abesh; Geena, M. G.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 34 No 1 (2018): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Coir pith is a by-product of the coir fibre processing industry. Accumulation of coir pith leads to an environmental concern and its management is a major problem with all coir industrialists. Therefore biodegradation of coir pith is an essential requirement to control pollution. Coir pith is a potential wealth and can be converted into valuable organic manure by microbial degradation. A method of composting of coir pith with urea has been developed by Coir Board which uses a fungus viz., Pithplus (Pleurotus sajor caju). Application of urea releases higher concentration of ammonia in the soil making it more acidic and retards soil natural fertility. Hence an alternative cost effective nitrogen supplement needs to be developed as a substitute to urea for composting of coir pith. Coir pith can be converted to effective organic manure with the use of fungus (Pleurotus sajor caju) along with the addition of nitrogen supplements like Azolla, Neem cake and Fish waste in 1:1:1 proportion. The present study aims at the formulation of bioorganic manure from coir pith avoiding urea in the composting. Overall assessment on the physico chemical properties of the biodegraded coir pith leads to the conclusion that a combination of Azolla, Neem cake and Fish waste in 1:1:1 proportion was found to be efficient in lignin degradation and contribute to novel changes in coir pith. A study was conducted to evaluate the competence of biocompost thus produced for the cultivation of Amaranthus and Groundnut. Studies confirmed that Coir-KrishiMithra can be used as an effective growing media and hence, the use of Coir-KrishiMithra, a 100% organic manure can be entertained in homes, nurseries and fields for the cultivation of plants mainly vegetables; thereby promoting the eco-friendly organic cultivation and minimize the environmental pollution caused by chemical fertilizers.

Biogenic Nanosilver Mediated by Coir, Medicinal Plant Extracts and their Antimicrobial Validation Kanagaraju, Geethanjali; Sebastian, Sumy; Ravindranath, Anita Das
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 33 No 2 (2017): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Knowing the magnitude of therapeutic plants such as Micrococca mercurialis (MM), Abutilon palmeri (AP) and Callistemon citrinus (CC), we also planned to extend our research work on Cocusnucifera fibers (CF) and dust (CD) as it has copious medicinal properties. The current study deals with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from fresh aqueous extracts and AgNO3 solution. The biogenic conversion of silver ion to silver is relatively expeditious at two different time intervals and pH. The isolated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the bio extracts were identified initially by scrutinizing the colour variations. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV, XRD, Laser Diffraction Particle size Analyser, fluorescence spectroscopy, SEM and TEM. UV absorbance at 435-460nm for silver nanoparticles was observed for the above extracts. The XRD pattern of all extracts showed the distinctive Bragg peaks of face centre cubic (fcc) crystalline system available in nature. SEM and TEM analysis of the silver nanoparticles indicated that the particle size was in the range of 2-100nm with polygonal and spherical shapes. The biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated for antimicrobial activities. The CFAgNPs showed an efficient antibacterial activity at lower concentration (25mg/ml) against Pseudomonas demolytica followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Similarly all plant extracts have better activity against fungal strains. It is concluded that the biogenic blend of AgNPs is simple, extremely rapid, beneficial, eco-friendly and more stable without any toxic effects. Of these, CFAgNps may be used for the preparation of antibacterial groupings against Pseudomonas demolytica and Staphylococcus aureus.

Ecofriendly Organosolv Process for Pulping of Tender Coconut Fibre Jincy, P. J.; Ravindranath, Anita Das; Sarma, U. S.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 31 No 1 (2015): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

The huge biomass generated by vendors of tender coconut is the broken husks refuse dumped along roads and highways in Kerala. These dumps become breeding grounds for diseased causing germs and carrier mosquitoes causing threat to human life. In order to avoid pollution and find use of the rejected biomass of tender husks, a study was carried out on pulping of tender coconut husk fibre which could be used for papermaking. The optimum pulping condition, the quality of the pulp and its yield was evaluated using different variables like time and temperature. It was observed that the organosolv process could efficiently remove lignin from the tender coconut fibre yielding maximum cellulose. During the traditional pulping processes such as Kraft pulping to isolate the cellulose fibers for the production of paper, the hemicellulose and lignin fractions are degraded, limiting their valorization possibilities. Organosolv pulping has been advocated as the environmentally benign version of the kraft process. Unlike other pretreatment methods, organic solvents can easily be recycled and reused. The lignin dissolved by organosolv pulping is easily recovered by dilution and is unsulphonated and relatively unmodified. Products like handmade paper, egg cartons, handicraft items, garden articles like paper pots could be made from the organasolv pulp of tender coconut husk fibre.

Nanocellulose from Diseased Coconut Wood Biomass Jayaraj, A. P.; Ravindranath, Anita Das; Sarma, U. S.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 30 No 1 (2014): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Cellulose is the most widespread biopolymer on earth. In biosynthesis, cellulose polymers aggregate to form substructures, microfibrils, which in turn aggregate to form cellulose fibers. By applying effective methods these fibers can be disintegrated into cellulose substructures with micro- or nano-size dimensions. This article covers some aspects related to the sources of cellulose micro- and nanofibers and the most important methods for their isolation. One of these methods, acid hydrolysis, was experimentally used to obtain cellulose nano-fibers from diseased coconut wood biomass. They were studied by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning electrom microscope (SEM). The ‘Replanting and Rejuvenation of Coconut Gardens’ was the sponsored scheme of the Coconut Development Board with an objective to eliminate all disease- affected coconut palms in eight districts of Kerala state in India. The main components of the scheme included cutting and removal of all old, unproductive and disease-hit palms followed by a replanting exercise. The present work was carried out under the Board sponsored project entitled “Diversified uses of diseased coconut wood”.

Synthesis of Nanocellulose from Coir Pith Subha, P. V.; Ravindranath, Anita Das
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 28 No 1 (2012): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Coir pith is lignocellulosic in nature and abundantly available by-product of the coir industry. It is a pollutant as it is resistant to biodegradation in the environment. It is mainly composed of cellulose (28%), hemi cellulose (9.5%) and lignin (31%). In this study, cellulose was extracted from the coir pith, and treated generally for the production of nanocellulose. Cellulose is proved to be a versatile material due to its unique chemical structure, which provides a superior platform for several new biomaterials. Nanophase materials are prepared from inorganic materials and hardly any are reported from natural products. When particles are made up to nano size their reactivity increases. FT-IR, TGA, XRD and SEM characterized the extracted cellulose and nanocellulose. The hydrolyzed nanocellulose was found to be the mixed crystalline forms of cellulose I and II. Conversion of this lignocelluloscic biomass to nanocellulose will lead to the preparation of new-nano composites materials for biomedical applications.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes-Lignin Peroxidase and Manganese Peroxidase by P. Sajor Caju During Coir Pith Composting Radhakrishnan, S.; Ravindranath, Anita Das; Hanosh, M. S.; Sarma, U. S.; Jayakumaran, Nair A.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 28 No 1 (2012): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Coir is the natural hard fruit fibre extracted from the exocarp of the coconut. The fibre has over 40 percent lignin and is spun into yarn and rope. Coir is used globally for manufacturing floor coverings as home furnishing. The Coir Industry enjoys the status as the largest cottage industry in Kerala giving employment to over a million people, of which 80 percent constitute women. Coir pith is a biomass residue generated during the extraction of coir fibre from coconut husk. Coir pith produced during coir fibre extraction is of environmental concern as its dumping on shore line and leaching of its constituents alter water quality and aquatic life. Management of coir pith is a major problem with all coir industrialists. Hillocks of coir pith accumulate in the vicinities of coir fibre extraction units in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Orissa. These agricultural wastes have traditionally been disposed by burning which resulted in various environmental problems. Therefore, composting is an alternate way to dispose coir pith and is of critical importance. Ligninolytic enzyme production during coir pith composting by Pleurotus sajor caju has been studied in detail. Pleurotus sajor caju produces oxidative enzymes which degrade lignin in the presence of urea as nitrogen source. Substitution of urea with vegetative sources has resulted in the vigorous growth of the mushroom which leads to decreased lignin content and C: N ratio in the biodegraded coir pith. Combination of Azolla and Soya hulls as biological supplements was observed to be the best substitute for lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase production. Activity of manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase was maximum on the twentieth day of fermentation of coir pith. The level of enzyme activity during biological composting using vegetative sources was compared with the conventional process using urea. The enzyme profile exhibited variation with change in substrate and duration of decomposition. The colonization of Pleurotus sajor caju by its utilization leads to biochemical changes in coir pith converting it into an ideal plant nutrient.

Azolla & Soya Hulls-Substitutes for Urea in Coir Pith Composting Using Pleurotus Sajor Caju Radhakrishnan, S.; Ravindranath, Anita Das; Sarma, U. S.; Jayakumaran, Nair A.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 27 No 2 (2011): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Bio composting process is the available means of converting various organic wastes generated from the industry and the agricultural sectors into beneficial products such as biofertilizers and as a soil conditioners. The unique feature of these agricultural wastes are their organic content, pH, and high C: N ratio. Coir pith is a biomass residue obtained during the extraction of coir fibre from coconut husk. Accumulation of coir pith leads to an environmental concern and its management is a major problem with all coir industrialists. The high quantum of its production and the difficulties experienced in its disposal have tended to create a major problem of pollution of large areas of land and water in coir fiber extraction units. Therefore, biodegradation of coir pith is an essential requirement to control pollution. Coir pith, even though a problematic waste; it is a potential wealth when it is converted into valuable organic manure by microbial degradation. A method of composting of coir pith with urea has been developed by Coir Board, India using a fungus viz., Pleurotus sajor caju commercially known as Pithplus. Application of urea releases higher concentration of ammonia in the soil making it more acidic and retards soil natural fertility. Hence an alternative cost effective nitrogen supplement needs to be developed as a substitute to urea for composting of coir pith. The present study aims at the formulation of bio organic manure from coir pith avoiding inorganic urea in the composting. Overall assessment on the physico chemical properties of the biodegraded coir pith leads to the conclusion that a combination of Azolla and Soya hulls (2:1 ratio) was found to be efficient in lignin degradation and contribute to novel changes in coir pith

Coir Pith as Growth Medium for Azotobacter Vinelandii and Azospirillum Brasilense Reghuvaran, Abesh; Ravindranath, Anita Das
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 27 No 2 (2011): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Coir pith is a lignocellulosic biomass which is recalcitrant under ordinary conditions. Nitrogen fixation is commonly carried out in the soil and these soils acts as the medium for plant growth. This paper attempts to utilize coir pith as a substrate for two important nitrogen fixing organisms viz. Azotobacter vinelandii and Azospirillum brasilense. Coir pith was used as a source of carbon and energy by the bacteria and the ammonia produced during the process of nitrogen fixation was studied, the amount of ammonia produce indicates the fixation process by the bacteria. The present work succeeded in establishing the use of these two organisms to degrade the coir pith effectively and the resultant biodegraded material could be used as organic manure for plants.

Bio-softening of Coir Yarn for Ecofriendly Wet Processing Ravindranath, Anita Das; Chitralekha, M.
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 26 No 2 (2010): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Conventional chemical bleaching of coir generates a considerable amount of effluent which is discharged into the local water bodies thereby affecting the water quality there. The possibility of bio-bleaching and bio-softening of coir yarn in order to reduce the requirement of softening and bleaching chemicals in wet processing of coir was studied. Treatment of coir yarn for 72 hrs using Trametes versicolor (NCIM 993) and Coirret, a bacterial consortium was carried out. The bio-treatment could impart an appreciable degree of softness to the yarn which was confirmed by the Flexural Rigidity Test. An improvement in softness of the yarn to the extent of 38% using bacterial treatment and 46% using fungal treatment was achieved. A noticeable change was observed in surface morphology of the fibre through SEM analysis. The lignin content of the fungal treated yarn was also reduced to some extent. An increase of 10% in Brightness Index of the fungi treated yarn was observed and a reduction in the requirement of bleaching chemicals could also be achieved. The physico-chemical parameters of the residual bleach liquor were also studied and a considerable decrease in BOD, COD and phenol content was observed.

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