Asha Embrandiri

Land application of biomass residue generated from palm oil processing: its potential benefits and threats

Man’s increased demand for food and better living conditions has led to over exploitation of resources and the consequent generation of enormous amounts of liquid and solid waste materials. This is one of the global challenges for mankind. In Malaysia, palm oil mill waste (POMW) contributes the highest proportion of industrial solid wastes produced yearly. Wastes from the mills include palm oil mill effluent, decanter cake, empty fruit bunches, seed shells and the fibre from the mesocarp. Direct application of POMW into agricultural soil has resulted in a number of problems such as water pollution, leaching. However, with application rates specific for targeted plant species, land application can be employed as a permanent solution to the problem of waste from palm oil mills. This review examines the characteristics of each of the palm oil wastes and their potential for use as a future fertilizer supplement.

Biochemical, morphological, and yield responses of lady's finger plants to varying ratios of palm oil mill waste (decanter cake) application as a bio-fertilizer

BackgroundDecanter cake is produced in large amounts, and its disposal is a major concern in palm-producing countries. Growth morphology and biochemical responses of ladys finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants grown on soil amended with different ratios of decanter cake (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were investigated.ResultsThe soil pH decreased (unamended soil), whereas the electrical conductivity increased as compared with the control. There was a significant difference in ascorbic acid content with the increase in treatment ratio. Phenol content was however highest in 20% of the amendment (13.197 ± 0.36mg g-1).ConclusionsThe results indicate that decanter cake amendments of up to 10% may be a probable substitute for inorganic fertilizers with respect to ladys finger (A. esculentus) plants due to high nutrient content, yield and biomass, as well as morphological characteristics. However, there were observable negative effects after 10% decanter cake amendment ratios.

The phytoextraction potential of selected vegetable plants from soil amended with oil palm decanter cake

PurposeThe investigation of the phytoextraction potential of three vegetable plants grown in soils amended with decanter cake.MethodPot experiments were conducted to investigate the response of decanter cake composition on the phytoextraction of metals (Mg, Zn, Ni and Cu) by lady’s finger, tomato and brinjal plants. The phytoextraction properties of these plants were determined by calculating the bioconcentration and translocation factors at different decanter cake amendments (10, 20 and 30%).ResultsResults indicated that in all three plants, there was no transfer of excess metal ions from the control soil or amendments to the fruit portion as evidenced by bioconcentration factor (BCF). In addition, substantial amount of the metals was found to be accumulated in the roots and shoots, which depicts the phytoextraction ability of these vegetable plants. The translocation factors (TF) of the three plants were found to be higher than control plants. The accumulation of metal ions did not exceed the permissible standards for vegetables thus rendering the fruits safe for human consumption.ConclusionOn the basis of significant findings, lady’s finger, tomato and brinjal plants were not found to be suitable for phytoextraction of metals as both BCF and TF were not greater than 1.

Environmental Xenobiotics and Its Effects on Natural Ecosystem

Environmental contamination by xenobiotics is a worldwide phenomenon as a result of human activities resulting from rise in urbanization and population growth. There are numerous sources of xenobiotics ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. Recently, the demand for pharmaceuticals versus population growth has placed the public at risk. In addition, the making of unlawful drugs has led to the discharge of harmful carcinogens into the water system. The release of these harmful pollutants results in numerous short- and long-term effects to the natural ecosystem. This review takes a look at the sources of xenobiotics, their fate in the ecosystem and means of action with possible prevention methods.