Optimization of Cellulose Extraction and TCF Bleaching from Olive Tree Pruning Residues by Box–Behnken Design

Some agroforestry residues such as orange and olive tree pruning have been extensively evaluated for their valorization due to its high carbohydrates content. However, lignin-enriched residues generated during carbohydrates valorization are normally incinerated to produce energy. In order to find alternative high added-value applications for these lignins, a depth characterization of them is required. In this study, lignins isolated from the black liquors produced during soda/anthraquinone (soda/AQ) pulping of orange and olive tree pruning residues were analyzed by analytical standard methods and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (solid state 13C NMR and 2D NMR) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) and antioxidant capacity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) were also evaluated. Both lignins showed a high OH phenolic content as consequence of a wide breakdown of β-aryl ether linkages. This extensive degradation yielded lignins with low molecular weights and polydispersity values. Moreover, both lignins exhibited an enrichment of syringyl units together with different native as well as soda/AQ lignin derived units. Based on these chemical properties, orange and olive lignins showed relatively high thermal stability and good antioxidant activities. These results make them potential additives to enhance the thermo-oxidation stability of synthetic polymers.

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A tri-generation plant fuelled with olive tree pruning residues in Apulia: An energetic and economic analysis

Renewable Energy ◽

10.1016/j.renene.2015.11.085 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 89 ◽

pp. 411-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Riccardo Amirante ◽

Maria Lisa Clodoveo ◽

Elia Distaso ◽

Francesco Ruggiero ◽

Paolo Tamburrano

Keyword(s):

Economic Analysis ◽

Olive Tree ◽

Generation Plant ◽

Pruning Residues ◽

Tree Pruning

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Analytical Characterization of Water-Soluble Constituents in Olive-Derived By-Products

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10061299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1299

Author(s):

Pablo Doménech ◽

Aleta Duque ◽

Isabel Higueras ◽

José Luis Fernández ◽

Paloma Manzanares

Keyword(s):

Olive Tree ◽

Mediterranean Area ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Olive Pomace ◽

Olive Leaves ◽

Olive Stone ◽

Olive Trees ◽

Tree Pruning ◽

By Products

Olive trees constitute one of the largest agroindustries in the Mediterranean area, and their cultivation generates a diverse pool of biomass by-products such as olive tree pruning (OTP), olive leaves (OL), olive stone (OS), and extracted olive pomace (EOP). These lignocellulosic materials have varying compositions and potential utilization strategies within a biorefinery context. The aim of this work was to carry out an integral analysis of the aqueous extractives fraction of these biomasses. Several analytical methods were applied in order to fully characterize this fraction to varying extents: a mass closure of >80% was reached for EOP, >76% for OTP, >65% for OS, and >52% for OL. Among the compounds detected, xylooligosaccharides, mannitol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, and hydroxytyrosol were noted as potential enhancers of the valorization of said by-products. The extraction of these compounds is expected to be more favorable for OTP, OL, and EOP, given their high extractives content, and is compatible with other utilization strategies such as the bioconversion of the lignocellulosic fraction into biofuels and bioproducts.

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