Pusat Pengajian Teknologi Industri - Tesis

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Enhancement Of Cellulase-Poor Xylanase Production By Native Fungi Via Solid State Fermentation Process
(2016-09)
Tai, Wan Yi
High cost of cellulases remains the most significant barrier to the economical production of bio-ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass (LB). The present study aims at developing a local cellulolytic fungal strain with enhanced cellulolytic ability through random mutagenesis coupled with the feasibility of solid-state fermentation (SSF) by utilizing oil palm frond (OPF) as the substrate. Out of 95 wild isolates isolated from agricultural sites and tested both qualitatively and quantitatively, a native filamentous fungal strain designated DWA8 was found to be the top enzymatic secretor. During qualitative screening, 38 isolates were found to produce distinctive halo but only 23 were chosen to proceed with quantitative screening. For quantitative enzyme analysis, enzyme supernatant was extracted from the SSF process which was conducted using IxlO6 spore/mL inoculated onto 5 g of ground OPF, incubated at room temperature for 7 days. DWA8 was found to be the best candidate for further studies, as it produced the highest amount of fpase and xylanase with a considerably high amount of cmcase, which Aspergillus niger (Genebank accession no. KP299287) based on colony morphology and the best cultivation period where the cmcase, fpase and xylanase activities of A. niger DWA8 were 1.13 U/g, 2.55 U/g and 2.38 U/g respectively.
Recovered Spent Engine Oil Treatment By Using Silica Gel Filtration Technique
(2024-09)
Nasir, Nurfarah Azlin Mohd
Recycling spent engine oil is essential for supporting sustainable environmental, economic, and health concerns arising from improper disposal. This research explores the effectiveness of using ultrafine filter cloth and silica gels during filtration of spent engine oil under ambient temperature. The experimental conditions influencing the pH, density, viscosity and color appearance were mass of silica gels and working volume for the spent engine oil. The spent engine oil were characterized in terms of physical and chemical characteristics including SEM, AFM, FTIR and DSC. One factor at a time approach (OFAAT) was adopted to control certain variables while other variables were varied during the experimental work. Results have shown that oil's visual clarity, density, pH, viscosity, and chemical composition were improved by the use of ultrafine filter cloth. They effectively removed particulate matter, contaminants, and impurities, resulting in a lighter color, reduced density, increased pH, and decreased viscosity of the filtered engine oil (FEO). SEM analysis of the filter cloth pre- and post-filtration revealed substantial accumulation of contaminants, demonstrating the cloth's efficacy in trapping impurities. The filtered engine oil assisted with silica gels (SG FEO) exhibited greater improvements, including a further lightened color, lower density (0.77 g/cm³), pH closer to fresh engine oil (6.694), and reduced viscosity (32.3 cSt), aligning it closely with the properties of fresh engine oil. FT-IR analysis showed the significant reduction of acidic and aromatic compounds, indicating effective removal of contaminants. DSC analysis revealed a lower melting point for SG FEO, comparable to fresh engine oil,confirming the improved thermal properties post-filtration. SEM and topographical analysis of the silica gels pre- and post-filtration highlighted their role in absorbing contaminants, evidenced by increased surface roughness and the presence of hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds on the silica gel surfaces post-filtration. These findings proven the the ability of advanced filtration techniques in enhancing the quality and recyclability of spent engine oil, potentially leading to better engine performance, reduced wear, and improved environmental sustainability.
Fermentation Effectiveness Of Various Ratios Of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (Pome) And Empty Fruit Bunch (Efb) Mixture By Lysinibacillus Sp. For Solid Biomass Fuel Production
(2024-05)
Dominic, Debbie Anak
Biovalorization of agro-industrial wastes to produce an alternative energy source such as solid biomass fuel is gaining attention worldwide due to its potential to produce sustainable valuable products. In the current study, the potential use of palm oil mill effluent (POME) waste and empty fruit bunches (EFB) was explored for the production of solid biomass fuel. Fermentation of POME and EFB was carried out in a benchtop bioreactor at 37 ± 2 °C, 180 rpm for five-days in the presence of Lysinibacillus sp. bacteria, followed by oven drying. Two main categories of fermentation media consisted of autoclaved and non-autoclaved mixture of POME and EFB are explored to investigate the metabolic activities of Lysinibacillus sp. Additionally, the different composition ratio of POME and EFB mixture of the fermentation media is elucidated to assess the ideal fermentation conditions, particularly their impact on CEV for solid biomass fuel production. Among the tested conditions, Group 4 exhibited the highest calorific energy value (CEV) of 29.54 MJ/kg after fermentation at day 1. Fermentation in the presence of Lysinibacillus sp. showed efficient removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 27.64 ± 0.53 %, chemical oxygen demand (COD) at 70.42 ± 0.01 %, oil and grease at 87.68 ± 0.14 %, and total suspended solids (TSS) 93.94 ± 2.03 %. The concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) remained unchanged before and after fermentation in all conditions.
Diversity And Enzyme Production From Lignocellulose-Degrading Bacteria In Soil From Penang Landfill
(2024-04)
Chukwuma Ogechukwu, Bose
Lignocellulosic biomass has become a very appealing energy source to produce energy when compared to using food crops. Research is focusing on developing processes and technologies that can use this biomass to produce valuable polymers and energy instead of using expensive and exhaustible fossil sources. Lignocellulolytic enzymes act as biocatalysts that breakdown lignocellulose into its components for further hydrolysis into useful products. The study was done to provide extensive characterization and identification of lignocellulolytic bacteria in an environment that has been sparing studied for the purpose of discovering bacteria with lignocellulolytic potential for future applications. Another objective was to screen the bacteria for multi-enzymatic suitability in lignocellulose-driven refinery, and then generate information and recommendations for designing future consortia for the complete degradation of lignocellulose in the future. Culture independent study was carried out using metagenomic methods to determine the bacterial diversity of municipal solid waste sediments after DNA extraction and Polymerase chain reactions. Culture dependent methods formed the basis of isolating and screening bacteria from the same environment to identify potential bacteria that exhibit multi-enzymatic activity. Kinetic studies were then carried out using the growth rate and doubling time of bacterial isolates in lignin and starch as the criteria for selection. Qualitative studies using various cellulolytic media were used to further screen candidates. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the 16S rRNA sequences of the bacterial isolates.
Optimization Of Flame Retardant Composite Parameters Based On Oil Palm Trunk Using Response Surface Methodology And Its Suitability For Other Biomass
(2024-07)
Yusof, Madihan
The flame retardant composite discussed in the study was developed by treating oil palm trunk (OPT) with a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and then bonding it with poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVOH) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a filler. The experimental design utilized central composites design (CCD) within the response surface methodology (RSM) framework to optimize the combination of NaCl, PVOH, and CaCO3 in the OPT composites. The range of combinations for NaCl, PVOH, and CaCO3 varied from 10% to 30%, 10% to 20%, and 4% to 10%, respectively. Optimization criteria were based on their effects on bending strength (MOR), internal bonding (IB), and limited oxygen index (LOI). Through analysis, the optimal ratio for producing flame retardant composite boards from OPT was determined to be NaCl 10%, PVOH 20%, and CaCO3 4%. Predicted values from the empirical model for MOR, IB, and LOI were 12.96 MPa, 4.19 MPa, and 33.73%, respectively. Experimental results closely aligned with these predictions, with MOR at 11.13 MPa, IB at 5.78 MPa, and LOI at 32.3%. The study also investigated the application of this optimal ratio to rubberwood particles, comparing the resulting flame retardant composite board with that of OPT. Various analyses such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), UL 94 Testing, Cone Calorimeter testing, image fracture observation, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were conducted on the OPT flame retardant composite board.

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