Browsing by Author "Sakrabani, Ruben"
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Item Open Access A Moroccan soil spectral library use framework for improving soil property prediction: evaluating a geostatistical approach(Elsevier, 2024-12-01) Asrat, Tadesse Gashaw; Breure, Timo; Sakrabani, Ruben; Corstanje, Ron; Hassall, Kirsty L.; Hamma, Abdellah; Kebede, Fassil; Haefele, Stephan M.A soil spectrum generated by any spectrometer requires a calibration model to estimate soil properties from it. To achieve best results, the assumption is that locally calibrated models offer more accurate predictions. However, achieving this higher accuracy comes with associated costs, complexity, and resource requirements, thus limiting widespread adoption. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive frameworks for developing and utilizing soil spectral libraries (SSLs) to make predictions for specific samples. While calibration samples are necessary, there is the need to optimize SSL development through strategically determining the quantity, location, and timing of these samples based on the quality of the information in the library. This research aimed to develop a spatially optimized SSL and propose a use-framework tailored for predicting soil properties for a specific farmland context. Consequently, the Moroccan SSL (MSSL) was established utilizing a stratified spatially balanced sampling design, using six environmental covariates and FAO soil units. Subsequently, various criteria for calibration sample selection were explored, including a spatial autocorrelation of spectra principal component (PC) scores (spatial calibration sample selection), spectra similarity memory-based learner (MBL), and selection based on environmental covariate clustering. Twelve soil properties were used to evaluate these calibration sample selections to predict soil properties using the near infrared (NIR) and mid infrared (MIR) ranges. Among the methods assessed, we observed distinct precision improvements resulting from spatial sample selection and MBL compared to the use of the entire MSSL. Notably, the Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) values using the spatial calibration sample selection was improved for Olsen extractable phosphorus (OlsenP) by 41.3% and Mehlich III extractable phosphorus (P_M3) by 8.5% for the MIR spectra and for CEC by 25.6%, pH by 13.0% and total nitrogen (Tot_N) by 10.6% for the NIR spectra in reference to use of the entire MSSL. Utilizing the spatial autocorrelation of the spectra PC scores proved beneficial in identifying appropriate calibration samples for a new sample location, thereby enhancing prediction performance comparable to, or surpassing that of the use of the entire MSSL. This study signifies notable advancement in crafting targeted models tailored for specific samples within a vast and diverse SSL.Item Open Access Adapting smartphone app used in water testing, for soil nutrient analysis(Elsevier, 2020-06-03) Golicz, Karolina; Hallett, Stephen; Sakrabani, Ruben; Ghosh, JoySmartphone technology has now penetrated every aspect of modern life. At such high rates of access and utilization, there is today much potential for the development of smartphones as high-performing tools in a number of industries. Traditionally, smartphones have been used as e.g. point-of-care testing devices in developing countries; now a similar approach can be extended to agriculture. This paper assesses the viability of utilizing smartphones in soil analysis. An Android-based smartphone application, in conjunction with commercially available Quantofix® test strips, was employed to analyze 92 soil samples collected across Indonesia. The soils tested encompassed a wide range of different textures (with 13%, 60% and 25% of samples constituting sandy, loamy and clayey soils, respectively), soil organic matter contents (range: 0.8–19.7%) and nutrient concentrations (range for plant-available N: 0.1–137.4 mg kg−1 and P: 1.2 to 64.2 mg kg−1; on dry soil basis). The app utilizes the smartphone as a portable reflectometer, which relates the color of test strips to the concentration of particular nutrients present in the soil medium. Three mobile devices currently available on the market, representing low, mid- and high-end products, were used to test the application. The results obtained via the smartphone were compared against standard methods for determination of extractable nitrate-N and exchangeable phosphorus (Olsen-P) under laboratory conditions. The smartphone-mediated soil analysis was found to have a high degree of agreement with standard methods for nitrate-N determination (87% of samples with nitrate-N differed by less than 10 mg kg−1 from the standard method for the high-end smartphone) but not for phosphorus determination where chemical interferences to test strip colour development were noted. All three mobile devices were shown to be effective as portable reflectometers. However, color perception was found to differ amongst the devices, resulting in a consistent bias between the high-end phone and the remaining appliances. Whereas, it is essential to consider the inter-smartphone variability in readings and environmental factors such as temperature prior to the smartphone-mediated soil analysis, the smartphone-test strip combination might be employed as acceptable screening tool for soil nutrient concentration assessment to enhance crop outcomes, increasing yield, and preventing over-application of inputs, reducing consequent financial and environmental impact. Further enhancements can test the applicability of smartphone-mediated soil analysis in field conditions.Item Open Access Agro-environmental sustainability and financial cost of reusing gasfield-produced water for agricultural irrigation(Elsevier, 2019-10-29) Alban, Echchelh; Hess, Tim M.; Sakrabani, RubenProduced water (PW) is the largest by-product generated from oil and gas extraction. Currently, half of the total PW volume is managed through environmentally-controverted and costly disposal practices. In dry regions, PW could be beneficially reused to irrigate crops reducing the overexploitation of freshwater resources. However, PW quality, and particularly its high salinity, sodicity and alkalinity, create uncertainties regarding the agro-environmental sustainability and the cost of this practice. The aim of this paper was to identify potential agro-environmentally sustainable irrigation schemes with gasfield-PW in hyper-arid Qatar and to estimate their operating costs. A soil-water model was used to simulate the irrigation of sugar beet with gasfield-PW under the climatic and soil conditions occurring in northern Qatar. Different irrigation strategies combining over-irrigation, PW blending with treated sewage effluent (TSE) and PW desalination were tested in order to protect the soil and the aquifer from salinisation and sodification. The operating costs of identified agro-environmentally sustainable scenarios were estimated through a cost analysis. In the case study, the simulations indicated that using an irrigation volume up to ∼300% of the crop water needs with a blend of two-thirds PW and one-third TSE (or desalinated PW) could preserve the soil stability, crop yield and groundwater quality. The least-cost option was to reduce the irrigation amount at a little over the crop water needs and mix PW with an equivalent volume of TSE or four equivalent volumes of desalinated PW which would cost $0.26/m3 and $0.46/m3 respectively. As traditional PW disposal practices cost between $0.06–$16.67/m3, reusing PW in irrigation is thus potentially a competitive PW management strategy for O&G firms.Item Open Access An analysis of in‐field soil testing and mapping for improving fertiliser decision‐making in vegetable production in Kenya and Ghana(Wiley, 2020-12-01) Mallory, Adrian; Golicz, Karolina; Sakrabani, RubenIn‐field soil testing and soil mapping can contribute to addressing the challenge of poor soil fertility and limited fertilizer application across sub‐Saharan Africa. Semi‐quantitative colorimetric methods, such as paper test strips, are frequently employed in soil nutrient assessment across developing countries, especially in South‐East Asia. This research investigated the accuracy of nutrient‐sensitive paper strips and smartphone, which was re‐purposed to act as a reflectometer, to assess soil nitrate‐N, and different methods for mapping soil fertility to identify areas of land that are suitable for human waste‐derived fertilizers (HWDF) application. The study entailed testing soil samples across 42 different farms in Kenya and Ghana and compared it to laboratory results in‐country. It was found that paper strips were capable of assessing available nitrate‐N concentration present in the soil within ±20 kg ha−1 of the standard method for 86% of the farms. Paper strips were less effective in Ghana as they had been calibrated for a method that was not used by local laboratories. Paper strips were not effective for HWDF samples, where chemical interferences and concentration of different forms of nitrates were too high, resulting in overestimation of readings and thus negatively affecting any associated nutrient management advice. Soil mapping has the potential to use open‐source data to inform farmers through mobile technology. For soil mapping two methods were deployed which includes targeting organic matter deficient areas and stakeholder led mapping, with the latter shown to be more effective in identifying areas for HWDF application.Item Open Access Approaches to maximise the utilisation of residues from thermal conversion of oil palm waste.(Cranfield University, 2020-12) Ukanwa, Kalu Samuel; Patchigolla, Kumar; Sakrabani, RubenPalm oil processing generates enormous volume of waste, which can be used as a feedstock in thermal processing. Subsequently, these can be valuable in the production of activated carbon (AC) and soil amelioration. The production of AC often results in secondary contamination through activating agents. This prompts the necessity for a non-toxic activating agent for high quality production of high adsorptive AC. Therefore this research aims to assess and determine the optimum route for efficient utilisation of biowaste from thermal conversion process of palm oil residues in producing activated carbon and soil amelioration by evaluating the impact of the selected utilisation techniques. In the production process, energy demand and process duration have influence on the efficiency of AC; therefore, an appropriate design configurations and parameter selection are required to achieve an anticipated yield. AC was produced by microwave and conventional techniques through pyrolysis. The feedstock was also used in combustion and the thermal residues were applied in agricultural soil and crop yield relative to application rate was assessed on Habanero chili pepper. Therefore, the requisite to quantify the processes, which include appropriate assessment of the technology and economic performance. The accomplishment of the project overall aim was dependent on the design of a microwave system for efficient biomass pyrolysis. The process also evaluated the microwave interaction with reactors implemented to produce AC from mixed oil palm waste, using Trona ore as an activating agent. The AC was analysed to determine the effectiveness of Trona ore for activation using Fourier infrared spectrometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyser and scanning electron microscope. The oil palm waste ash was applied to the soil. The optimum outcome of the microwave assisted technique for combine palm waste (CPW) was obtained at 600 W, BET surface area (SBET) is 980 m²/g compared to 920 m²/g from a conventional technique; total volume (Vtotal) 0.865 cm³/g; mean pore diameter 2.2 nm and AC yield is 42%. Therefore, this study additionally identifies the need for an even distribution of electromagnetic waves within the reactor during activation to ensure uniformity of AC. It also proposes that the design of a composite reactor for an industrial production of AC is necessary to enable heterogeneous waste stream of the process. For ash application, the physiological development and crop yield were measured. The combine maximum yield for both sites were 49 t/ha/first season and 71.8 t/ha/second season, occurred at 8 t/ha treatment plot against the control plot with 1.3 t/ha/first season and 0.7 t/ha/second season. The interaction between oil palm waste ash and soil, improved agronomic efficiency of Habanero chilli pepper by 66-69% and Scoville value by 3.52%. These utilisation routes (AC production and ash to soil) were further integrated for economic and technological benefits using Aspen plus Economy. The processes have 16-17% return on investment for the 8-9 year payback period. This study therefore concluded that thermal residues of oil palm waste are useful in the production of high quality AC and also has rich effect on agricultural soil.Item Open Access Assessing consistency in the aerobic co-composting of faecal sludge and food waste in a municipality in Ghana(Springer, 2023-10-30) Nartey, Eric Gbenatey; Sakrabani, Ruben; Tyrrel, Sean; Cofie, OlufunkeBackground: A faecal sludge (FS) co-composting study assessed the extent of consistency in compost characteristics between and within batches. The study focused on the consistency of the co-composting process by measuring the variability of key parameters. Method: The set up consisted of 12 FS and food waste (FW) co-composting piles in three successive batches (1, 2 and 3). Consistency was assessed in the three successive batches of co-composted FS and food waste (FW). Within batches, consistency was assessed in each of them by dividing it into four separate replicate piles. Characteristics of interest were E. coli, as well as selected physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, Mg, Ca, N, NH4-N, NO3-N, P, avail. P, and K) and heavy metals (Se, Fe, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Cr). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS. Result: Results show that, E. coli levels were not consistent between the successive batches during the entire co-composting process. While variations between batches were only observed for EC and nutrient parameters, variations were evident for several measured characteristics within batches. The measured coefficient of variations (CVs) within batches ranged between 0–125% and 3–111% for heavy metals and nutrients, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was less consistency in nutrients between successive batches and CV within batches was wide. Consistency levels for E. coli may not be an issue if pathogen inactivation is complete. Recommendation: It is recommended that a threshold value be created for determining what is an acceptable level of variation in FS co-composting.Item Open Access Assessing the balance between greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions from Irish pastures amended with cattle slurry(Cranfield University, 2012-09-26) Bourdin, Frederic; Sakrabani, Ruben; Kibblewhite, Mark G.; Lanigan, GaryAgriculture in Ireland is the main source of ammonia (NH3) and contributes 30% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), with the majority of these emissions associated with livestock production. As a result, strategies promoting reductions in NH3 and GHG emissions are required. The aim of this work was: (i) to assess the impact of various NH3 abatement techniques on GHG release from a grassland soil; (ii) to investigate the consequences of organic nitrogen (N) applications in terms of carbon (C) sequestration in soils. The effects of slurry dry-matter content, application technique and timing of application were studied in a fifteen month field-plot experiment where gaseous emissions (CO2, N2O, CH4 and NH3) post-application were monitored. The natural abundance 13C tracer technique was also used to investigate the short-term dynamic of slurry-derived C and its consequences on soil CO2 efflux. Finally, 15N labelled slurries, supplemented or not with an additional C substrate, were used in a lysimeter study, under controlled conditions, to characterise the interactions between soil C and N processes post-organic fertilisation. Trailing-shoe application technique was shown to be and efficient way to lower NH3 volatilisation from land spread slurry. However, such benefice could be easily offset by an increase in direct N2O emissions and ecosystem respiration. Conversely, adjusting the timing of slurry spreading to get favourable soil and weather conditions, and to better meet herbage N requirements, had a positive effect on field N balance through a simultaneous reduction of both NH3 and N2O emissions. Emission factors (EF) calculated for slurry-induced N2O emissions were significantly lower than those calculated for mineral fertiliser and were greatly affected by weather and soil conditions. Such results support the widely spread idea of an inappropriate use of a single default EF value of 1% for both fertiliser types, under the IPCC Tier 1 methodology for national GHG inventories, and calls for the development of region-specific emission factors based on local soil types and climatic conditions.About 60% of slurry-derived C was shown to remain in the soil, even after 6 months, thus contributing to an increase of SOC pools. However, such incorporation of slurry-derived C may be offset by a positive priming effect of slurry on the degradation of the SOM. Such short-term priming of soil CO2 efflux may be, under certain conditions, compensated by a subsequent negative PE, thus minimising the impact of such phenomenon on the long-term sequestration of added slurry C. The long-term impact of these priming effects on nutrient and GHG balances remains to be further investigated, as these phenomena may occur on a regular basis in grassland ecosystems.Item Open Access Assessing the environmental sustainability of irrigation with oil and gas produced water in drylands(Elsevier, 2019-07-06) Echchelh, Alban; Hess, Tim; Sakrabani, Ruben; de Paz, José Miguel; Visconti, FernandoProduced water (PW) is the largest by-product of the oil and gas industry. Its management is both economically and environmentally costly. PW reuse for irrigation offers an alternative to current disposal practices while providing water to irrigators in drylands. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the environmental effects of irrigation with PW. The SALTIRSOIL_M model was used to simulate the irrigation of sugar beet with 15 PWs of a wide range of qualities in four climates of different aridity and on four contrasting soil types. The impacts on soil salinity, sodicity and pH as well as on crop yield and drainage water salinity were estimated. Well-drained soils with low water content at field capacity (Arenosol) are less sensitive to salinisation while a relatively high gypsum content (Gypsisol) makes the soil less vulnerable to both sodification and salinisation. On the contrary, clayey soils with higher water content at field capacity and lower gypsum content must be avoided as the soil structural stability as well as a tolerable soil electrical conductivity for the crop cannot be maintained on the long-term. Soil pH was not found to be sensitive to PW quality. Drainage water quality was found to be closely linked to PW quality although it is also influenced by the soil type. The impact of drainage water on the aquifer must be considered and reuse or disposal implemented accordingly for achieving sustainable irrigation. Finally, increasing aridity intensifies soil and drainage water salinity and sodicity. This investigation highlights the importance of adapting the existing irrigation water quality guidelines through the use of models to include relevant parameters related to soil type and aridity. Indeed, it will support the petroleum industry and irrigators, to estimate the risks due to watering crops with PW and will encourage its sustainable reuse in water-scarce areas.Item Open Access Assessing the value of fertilisers derived from container-based sanitation systems(2018-02) Moya Diaz-Aguado, Berta; Parker, Alison; Sakrabani, RubenIt is estimated that 61% of the world population lacks access to safely managed sanitation and that in low-income countries (LICs) only 6.7% of the population is connected to a sewerage network. Container-based sanitation (CBS) systems have shown great potential for increasing access to sanitation in densely populated urban slums given that they do not require permanent infrastructures. Resource recovery is usually an essential part of CBS systems to provide sustainable faecal sludge management. Transforming human excreta into fertilisers creates value from faecal sludge while producing an organic soil amendment, addressing both sanitation and soil fertility challenges. Soil amendments made from organic residues are however known to be difficult to market profitably. This thesis therefore investigated the properties of human excreta derived fertilisers (HEDF) and the opportunities and challenges to their commercialisation in LIC. Nutrient characterisation of composts, anaerobic digestate and vermicompost from two CBS ventures showed significant differences in nutrient content between these three HEDF types. Pathogen and heavy metal analyses demonstrated that there is no pollution threat from HEDF when produced according toWHO guidelines. Field and glasshouse crop trials demonstrated the positive effect HEDF can have on crops and soil health. These benefits however do not currently translate into their commercial value. A case study approach was used to identify barriers and enabling conditions faced by two CBS organisations that successfully produce and sell HEDF. The low market value of compost prevented both organisations from recovering treatment costs from HEDF sales. One major barrier to wider adoption of HEDF use was the lack of regulations or certifications specific to this type of fertiliser. Perception challenges exist because of the potentially harmful components human excreta contain such as pathogens and heavy metals. It is therefore essential to create a way of proving or guaranteeing the quality and safety of HEDF products. The value of qualityassuring schemes for HEDF became evident when applying the Biosolids Assurance Scheme from the UK to HEDF, which helped identify a contamination issue in one of the treatment sites considered.Item Open Access Assessment of silt from sand and gravel processing as a suitable sub-soil material in land restoration: A glasshouse study(Elsevier, 2018-12-01) Mašková, Lucie; Simmons, Robert W.; De Baets, Sarah; Montero, Moran; Delmer, Aude; Sakrabani, RubenAnnually, sand and gravel processing generates approximately 20 million tonnes of non-commercial by-product as fine silt particles (<63 μm) which constitutes approximately 20% of quarry production in the UK. This study is significant as it investigated the use of quarry silt as a sub-soil medium to partially substitute soil-forming materials whilst facilitating successful post-restoration crop establishment. In a glasshouse pot experiment, top-soil and sub-soil layering was simulated, generating an artificial sub-soil medium by mixing two quarry non-commercial by-products, i.e. silt and overburden. These were blended in three ratios (100:0, 70:30, 50:50). Pots were packed to two bulk densities (1.3 and 1.5 g cm-3) and sown with three cover crops used in the early restoration process namely winter rye (Secale cereale), white mustard (Sinapis alba) and a grassland seed mixture (Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Festuca rubra). Three weeks into growth, the first signs of nitrogen (N) deficiency were observed in mustard plants, with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deficiencies observed at 35 days. Rye exhibited minor N deficiency symptoms four weeks into growth, whilst the grassland mixture showed no deficiency symptoms. The 70:30 silt:overburden sub-soil blend resulted in significantly higher Root Mass Densities of grassland seed mixture and rye in the sub-soil layer as compared with the other blends. The innovation in this work is the detailed physical, chemical and biological characterisation of silt:overburden blends and effects on root development of plants commonly used in early restoration to bio-engineer soil structural improvements.Item Open Access Biodegradability of organic matter associated with sewer sediments during first flush.(Elsevier, 2009-04-01) Sakrabani, Ruben; Vollertsen, Jes; Ashley, Richard M.; Hvitved-Jacobsen, ThorkildThe high pollution load in wastewater at the beginning of a rain event is commonly known to originate from the erosion of sewer sediments due to the increased flow rate under storm weather conditions. It is essential to characterize the biodegradability of organic matter during a storm event in order to quantify the effect it can have further downstream to the receiving water via discharges from Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). The approach is to characterize the pollutograph during first flush. The pollutograph shows the variation in COD and TSS during a first flush event. These parameters measure the quantity of organic matter present. However these parameters do not indicate detailed information on the biodegradability of the organic matter. Such detailed knowledge can be obtained by dividing the total COD into fractions with different microbial properties. To do so oxygen uptake rate (OUR) measurements on batches of wastewater have shown itself to be a versatile technique. Together with a conceptual understanding of the microbial transformation taking place, OUR measurements lead to the desired fractionation of the COD. OUR results indicated that the highest biodegradability is associated with the initial part of a storm event. The information on physical and biological processes in the sewer can be used to better manage sediment in sewers which can otherwise result in depletion of dissolved oxygen in receiving waters via discharges from CSOs.Item Open Access Biohydrogen production and quantitative determination of monosaccharide production using hyperthermophilic anaerobic fermentation of corn stover(MDPI, 2024-04-04) Rupani, Parveen Fatemeh; Sakrabani, Ruben; Sadaqat, Beenish; Shao, WeilanSecond-generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass remain critical and require several challenges due to lignin compounds’ inefficient degradation and recalcitrate characteristics. In this regard, this study focuses on enzymatic technology as a promising treatment that is beneficial in breaking down the biomass’s hemicellulose and cellulosic parts. Thermostable bacterial species owe thermostable enzymes that are able to degrade complex carbohydrate compounds and produce efficient hydrogen production. The present study investigates the direct utilization of ligninolytic enzymes such as cellulase and xylanase derived from the hyperthermophilic bacteria Thermotoga maritima (ATCC 43589 strain). The results show that xylanase and cellulase enzymes extracted from Thermotoga maritima could depolymerize the lignin bonds of corn stover substrate and release monomers such as Galactose in the media. In conclusion, this study can open a new advanced research window on directly applying a hyperthermophilic consortium of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing lignocellulose material toward hydrogen production.Item Open Access CEiA_07:08:2019.xlsx(Cranfield University, 2020-08-07 08:41) Golicz, Karolina; Hallett, Stephen; Sakrabani, Ruben; Ghosh, JoyData collected during laboratory experiments, which took place at Cranfield University. The dataset provides raw data, which accompanies a scientific paper titled: 'Development of a smartphone-mediated screening tool for determining soil nutrient content analysis in Indonesia'.Item Open Access Challenges to the use of fertilisers derived from human excreta: The case of vegetable exports from Kenya to Europe and influence of certification systems(Elsevier, 2019-05-11) Moya, Berta; Parker, Alison; Sakrabani, RubenLand degradation and inadequate faecal sludge management are two major issues in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The transformation of human excreta into soil amendments and their wide-scale adoption could improve soil health and contribute to solving the sanitation crisis in SSA. There are however perception challenges around these fertilisers because of the potentially harmful components they contain such as pathogens and heavy metals, which can be removed with appropriate treatment such as composting. A major barrier to the wide scale commercialisation of human excreta derived fertiliser (HEDF) is the unclear regulations surrounding their use. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to the use of HEDF by farmers participating in the horticultural export market with Kenya as focus area since horticultural exports are a major contributor to the country’s economy. Global GAP is the most widely adopted standard for quality assurance of horticultural crops and the use of human sewage sludge is currently not allowed on certified farms. Interviews with stakeholders along the food export chain highlighted the complex interactions that exist between them and showed that Global GAP certified farmers were not willing to use HEDF on their farms even if local regulations recognise treated sludge as a valid input to agriculture. Several countries (like the UK, Sweden, Australia and the USA) created specific certification or assurance schemes to improve public perception of biosolids. The creation of a similar assurance or certification scheme specific to fertilisers made from source-separated human excreta would be a step into formalising them as a product, establishing production procedures, limits on contaminants content as well as testing protocols. Such a certification scheme could increase the confidence of regulating bodies in HEDF and lead to their acceptance by global farming standards.Item Open Access Co-gasification of oil palm biomass in a pilot scale downdraft gasifier(Elsevier, 2020-07-22) Anyaoha, Kelechi E.; Sakrabani, Ruben; Patchigolla, Kumar; Mouazen, Abdul M.The present study focused on co-gasification of empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) in a 75 kWth pilot scale downdraft gasifier for possible synergic reactions between the biomass. A series of experiments was carried out using equal blend of EFB, MF, and PKS (particle sizes of 14 and 6.7 mm) and equal blend of MF and PKS. Advanced infrared multi-gas analyser, and thermal conductivity gas analyser were employed to measure the produced gases. The elemental compositions of the raw biomass, ash and slag generated were determined using Scanning Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy with accelerating voltage 20.0 kV and working distance 6 mm and the measurements processed using AztecEnergy V2.2 software. The co-gasification of blend of EFB, MF, and PKS, compared to the blend of MF and PKS led to higher gas yield (4.82 and 3.47 m3/kg_biomass), cold gas efficiency (16.2 and 13.37%), and carbon conversion efficiency (56.3 and 34.18%), respectively. When compared to particle size of 14 mm, the PKS of particle size of 6.7 mm in the EFB/MF/PKS blend increased the lower heating value and the higher heating value of the producer gas by 20% and 20.3%, respectively, and the residue yield was 18.6% less. The overall result has provided evidence on the importance of co-gasification of biomass especially EFB, MF and PKS, which will result in increased utilization of EFB.Item Open Access The contribution of natural burials to soil ecosystem services: review and emergent research questions(Elsevier, 2023-11-22) Pawlett, Mark; Girkin, Nicholas T.; Deeks, Lynda K.; Evans, Daniel L.; Sakrabani, Ruben; Masters, Peter; Garnett, Kenisha; Marquez-Grant, NicholasThe modern funeral industry faces many environmental risks and challenges, such as the use of sustainable materials for coffins, the release of potentially damaging materials and organisms to the soil and groundwater, and reduced space available for cemeteries. “Natural burial” proposes an alternative and more sustainable funeral practice, omitting the use of preservatives that inhibit body decomposition, thus proposing to reduce environmental degradation and benefit soil ecosystem services. This study conducted a literature review to identify proposed risks and benefits of “natural” compared to “traditional” burial practices, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes further research questions. The approach was multidisciplinary, including literature from soil, environmental, forensic, and archaeological sciences, and the Humanities. Results identified that here are some clear environmental benefits to natural burial, such as habitat creation and aboveground biodiversity. However, there is a substantial deficit of research that compares the unseen risks and benefits of natural burial practice. Multiple potential risk factors include: (i) groundwater contaminated with biochemical products of decomposition, pathogens, and pharmaceutical products, (ii) atmospheric emissions, including greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O). There is also a deficit of information related to the release of cadaver decomposition products to soil ecological processes. More detailed scientific research is required to identify the risks and benefits of funeral options, thus develop fit for purpose regulations and legislation and to describe the cultural incentives for natural burial. This paper identifies key areas of research required to understand and mitigate the potential environmental and cultural implications of human burial practices.Item Open Access Critical evaluation of oil palm fresh fruit bunch solid wastes as soil amendments: Prospects and challenges(Elsevier, 2018-05-28) Anyaoha, Kelechi E.; Sakrabani, Ruben; Patchigolla, Kumar; Mouazen, Abdul M.Sustainable land use has been identified as one way of tackling challenges related to climate change, population expansion, food crisis and environmental pollution. Disposal of oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) solid wastes is becoming a challenge with an increased demand and production of palm oil. Whilst this poses a challenge, it could be turned into an opportunity by utilising it as a resource and fully valorise it to meet soil and crop demands. This review presents the potentials of FFB solid wastes, which include empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), palm kernel shell (PKS), as soil ameliorants. The major findings are the following: 1) pyrolysis, gasification, combustion, and composting are processes that can enhance the value of FFB solid wastes. These processes lead to new products including biochar, ash, and compost, which are valuable resources that can be used for soil improvement. 2) The application of EFB mulch, ash from EFB, MF and PKS, biochar from EFB, and PKS, and compost of EFB, and MF led to improvement in soil physico-chemical properties, and growth and performance of sweet corn, mushroom, oil palm, sweet potato, cauliflower plant, banana, maize, cocoa, cassava, eggplants, and pepper. However, reports show that EFB compost and ash led to decrease in growth and performance of okra. Therefore, the use of appropriate conversion technology for FFB solid wastes as soil ameliorants can significantly improve crop yield and soil properties, reduce environmental pollution, and more importantly increase income of oil mill processors and savings for farmers.Item Open Access Data for "Storage duration and temperature affect pathogen load, heavy metals, and nutrient levels in faecal derived fertiliser"(Cranfield University, 2024-02-08 15:33) Gbenatey Nartey, Eric; Sakrabani, Ruben; Tyrrel, Sean; Cofie, OlufunkeThis dataset describes the changes in nutrient characteristics and pathogen in two types of stored faecal derived fertiliser over a period of time.Item Open Access Data for 'The potential for using smartphones as portable soil nutrient analyzers on suburban farms in central East China' paper(Cranfield University, 2019-11-12 16:40) Golicz, Karolina; Sakrabani, Ruben; Hallett, Stephen; Pan, GenxingThe data presented in the spreadsheet underpins 'The potential for using smartphones as portable soil nutrient analyzers on suburban farms in central East China' paper published in Scientific Reports. Each tab corresponds to particular figure and/or table presented in the paper.Item Open Access Data supporting the publication 'Energy and economic assessment of mixed palm residue utilisation for production of activated carbon and ash as fertiliser in agriculture'.(Cranfield University, 2021-09-29 09:26) Ukanwa, Kalu; Patchigolla, Kumar; Sakrabani, RubenData supporting the publication 'Energy and economic assessment of mixed palm residue utilisation for production of activated carbon and ash as fertiliser in agriculture'.