Browsing by Author "Chunilall, Viren"
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Item Acid bi-sulphite pulping effects on hardwoods and a softwood revealed by atomic force microscopy(Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 2009-12) Chunilall, Viren; Wesley-Smith, J; Bush, TWood fibres are the raw material used in the production of dissolving pulp for the manufacture of cellulose derivatives such as viscose and cellulose acetate. At the microscopic level, the wood cell wall is organised in layers with different thicknesses and proportions of lignin and hemicelluloses. Within the cell wall layers, cellulose exists as a system of fibrils with diameters of 3-4 nm aggregated into larger structural units. Lignin and hemicellulose bound to cellulose fibrils are removed during pulping, resulting in closer association between fibrils. However, excessive aggregation of fibrils is believed to reduce dissolving pulp reactivity by restricting accessibility of chemicals to cellulose chains. It is therefore critical to control aggregation of cellulose fibril aggregates (CFA) during processing in order to preserve the reactivity of dissolving pulp. Previous atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies on a species of Eucalyptus showed that there is an increase in the CFA dimensions during pulping and bleaching. This increase in CFA was exacerbated by subsequent drying of dissolving pulp fibres. It has been proposed that the incorporation of varying amounts of hemicelluloses and residual degraded cellulose could account for the increase in CFA observed after drying. In this study, the AFM was used to investigate the ultrastructural appearance of CFA in transverse sections of cell walls in wood and unbleached pulp fibres from Pinus patula and four different Eucalyptus species. The content of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin present in the wood fibres was determined and related to the changes in CFA observed.Item Biomass-based wood composite for building material application(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024) Mphahlele, IJ; Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, O J; Chunilall, VirenFossil fuel serves as the primary global source of energy. It is anticipated that fossil fuels will be depleted in the next half-century. Using biomassbased wood composite for building applications serves as a substitute for fossil fuels. Biomass-based wood composite has proved to display good properties for application in the building sector. This chapter illustrates the valorization of biomass-based materials, sawdust, and wood flour in various building applications. Sawdust-based polymer resin polystyrene for particle board production displayed excellent compressive and tensile strengths of 0.157 N/mm2 and 2.362 N/mm2 respectively. Furthermore, cement substituted with sawdust exhibited satisfactory results for producing bricks or blocks. The results displayed a compressive strength of 10.43 N/mm² following ASTM C67. Moreover, clay bricks production using sawdust content of 2.5 wt% fired at 1100°C depicted a high compressive strength of 18.2 MPa, following ASTM C62-13a, which required a compressive strength of 17.2 MPa -according to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), composites panels produced using sawdust with plastic waste and polystyrene exhibited good mechanical properties which can be applied for flooring application. The results displayed a modulus of elasticity (MOE) from 694.88 MPa to 4604.89 MPa and a modulus of rupture (MOR) from 5.73 to 21.24 MPa. Wood flour (WF) also displayed potential use in furniture applications. The results showed that 30 wt% WF-filled r-PP content wood polymer composite (WPC) displayed 24.8 MPa tensile strength. Moreover, the flexural strength of 46.2 MPa was achieved due to using MAPP as a coupling agent. According to the ASTM D 6662, the lowest flexural modulus of 0.34 GPa and 6.9 MPa flexural strength is required for decking boards. The results displayed excellent flexural modulus ranging from 2.49 to 3.8 GPa and flexural strength from 23.05 to 35.82 MPa. This is further evidence that wood flour-based composite can be utilized in decking application.Item Biowaste biorefineries in South Africa: Current status, opportunities, and research and development needs(2023-12) Sekoa, Patrick T; Chunilall, Viren; Msele, K; Buthelezi, L; Johakimu, Jonas K; Andrew, Jerome E; Zungu, M; Moloantoa, K; Maningi, N; Habimana, O; Swartbooi, Ashton MAs one of the highest carbon-emitting nations, South Africa is working tirelessly to swiftly transition to sustainable technologies in order to strengthen its green economy initiatives. Amongst the technologies that are explored in the scientific and industrial community, biorefineries are seen as the most efficient technologies that can be used to create economic opportunities and will contribute to the advancement of a bio-based economy as they can synthesize diverse industrially-competitive products. Despite their numerous socio-economic advantages, the establishment of large-scale biorefineries in developing nations like South Africa is very scarce. Therefore, it is imperative to address the technological gaps that hinder the growth of large-scale biorefineries and provide practical solutions that could be used to solve these bottlenecks. This work provides a comprehensive review of the development of biowaste biorefinery-based technologies in South Africa. Different biowaste valorization technologies applicable to locally available organic waste streams, and the resulting market-based compounds that can be obtained from these sustainable feedstocks, are reviewed. Finally, the work provides insights into research and development needs (knowledge gaps) that should be explored by scientists and industries, as these technological solutions might propel biorefineries toward industrialization in South Africa.Item Cellulose fibril aggregation studies of eucalyptus dissolving pulps using atomic force microscopy(2006-11) Chunilall, Viren; Wesley-Smith, J; Bush, TThe work presented will report on the use of AFM to study the CFA characteristics of dissolving pulp of a clone of Eucalyptus grown in compartments with contrasting growth rates (low and high), at different stages of the pulping process (solid wood, unbleached [raw] and fully bleached) to different end-product purities of alpha cellulose (92 and 96%).Item Cellulose fibril aggregation studies of Eucalyptus dissolving pulps using atomic force microscopy(2006-11) Chunilall, Viren; Wesley-Smith, J; Bush, TDissolving pulp is the end-product of acid-bisulphite pulping and bleaching processes, during which almost all non-cellulosic wood components are removed to produce dissolving pulp with final a cellulose purity of up to 96%. Dissolving pulp is subsequently modified chemically to produce derivatives such as microcrystalline cellulose, viscose and acetate. Therefore, reactivity is an important aspect of dissolving pulp. This study describes the ultrastructural changes in CFA measured in dissolving pulp of Eucalyptus dried using contrasting methods. The 92 and 96% cellulose pulps were freeze-dried to avoid conformational changes, or oven-dried at 105 C degrees for 18 hours.Item Creating value from acidogenic biohydrogen fermentation effluents: An innovative approach for a circular bioeconomy that is acquired via a microbial biorefinery-based framework(2023-06) Sekoai, Patrick T; Chunilall, Viren; Ezeokoli, OAs a response to the environmental and societal issues that emanate from the high reliance on fossil fuels, the world is now transitioning toward a circular bioeconomy. Acidogenic biohydrogen production is envisaged as a clean fuel of the future due to its non-polluting features and affordability. The major encumbrance for the industrialization of this process is due to the accumulation of metabolic inhibitors (volatile fatty acids (VFAs)), which lower the H2 yields. This review discusses novel methods that can be adopted to valorize the acidogenic VFAs via a “cascade microbial biorefinery-based” approach that enables this process to be economically feasible as it leads to the concomitant production of diverse high-value-added products. The work also elucidates the key setpoint parameters governing the recovery of VFAs during the acidogenic H2 process. It further explores the recent advances in the use of VFAs in microbial biorefineries. Finally, the paper provides some recommendations that might help develop acidogenic microbial biorefineries in the future. Studies focusing on microbial biorefineries tailored towards the valorization/beneficiation of acidogenic VFAs are very scarce in the literature. This work aims to provide new insights into microbial biorefinery-based processes involving the use of acidogenic VFAs as substrates.Item Current approaches on natural fiber reinforcement surface treatment for construction material application(2024-11) Mphahlele, IJ; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sithole, B; Chunilall, VirenThe conversion of waste into value-added products is critical to long-term sustainability as waste disposal costs, landfilling space, and climate change would be reduced. Research and production industries investigate the possible use of natural fibers as a substitute for fossil fuels. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites’ physical and mechanical properties can be altered by natural fiber treatment, and the treatment choice relies on the desired properties and performance. In addition to cost-profitability, environmental effects, and required performance, composites can be designed based on the product conditions. Disadvantages such as incompatibility of the hydrophilic natural fiber reinforcements with the hydrophobic polymer matrix often result in the tendency of the composite to have high moisture absorption, poor thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical strength. These factors critically impair the performance of the natural fibers as reinforcements in polymer composites, hence resulting in less-favourable mechanical and physical properties. Physical, chemical, and biological treatments were examined to determine their effect on the durability and thermal, physical, and mechanical properties. It was observed that plasma treatment for bamboo fibers resulted in interfibral spaces and anchoring mechanisms between the resin and fibers, leading to increased load transfer. Chemical treatment at various concentrations improved the surface smoothness. The best mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical properties for application as reinforcement in polymer composites were obtained at 6% for alkali treatments. Enzymatic treatment showed a significant impact on the impact and flexural strength of the composites. Factors such as duration, concentration, and extent of treatment need to be established for effective treatment, as prolonged treatments may damage the NFs’ properties. This review comprehensively highlights the potential utilization of current natural fiber treatment methods for the potential of natural fibers as value-added products for construction materials, considering their economical affordability, production of lightweight materials, sustainability, utilization of readily available waste material, and nature preservation. Furthermore, the three natural fiber treatment approaches for improving fiber-matrix adhesion are discussed. The physical and mechanical properties of composites are highlighted, which aids in evaluating suitability for construction materials.Item The devastation of waste plastic on the environment and remediation processes: A Critical review(2023-03) Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Chunilall, Viren; Sithole, BThe devastating effect of plastic waste on the ecosystem due to the rapid increase in population has been a concern. Although stakeholders and governments invested in efforts to mitigate plastic waste, their exertions have limited to no effects as the demand for plastic increases annually. Emerging practical advancements in recycling plastic have been critical for achieving a sustainable circular economy. This study reviews the adverse effect of plastic waste on the environment and the inhabiting creature, the regulation for managing plastic waste, and their limitations. This scoping review also provides information on the current route for reducing plastic waste by defining its sources and their applications. After identifying the generation of plastic waste, the plastic polymers are categorized according to the hazard ranking of their monomers according to their environmental toxicity, damaging the inhabiting creature. The discharge pathways of plastic waste into the environment and aquatic systems leading to white pollution and climate change were also determined. Conversion of plastic waste through the remedial channel by manufacturing value-added products using techniques such as reusing, recycling, and energy recovery, reducing the disposal of plastic waste in landfills is outlined. The information on remedial processes provided in this study will help reduce plastic waste from the environment. In addition, correctly applying these suggestions may help reduce environmental pollution and the death of inhabiting creations. Further research is necessary to convert plastic waste as raw materials into high-value products to achieve a circular economy.Item Elucidating the role of biofilm-forming microbial communities in fermentative biohydrogen process: An overview(2022-09) Sekoai, Patrick T; Chunilall, Viren; Sithole, Bishop B; Habimana, O; Ndlovu, S; Ezeokoli, OT; Sharma, P; Yoro, KOAmongst the biofuels described in the literature, biohydrogen has gained heightened attention over the past decade due to its remarkable properties. Biohydrogen is a renewable form of H2 that can be produced under ambient conditions and at a low cost from biomass residues. Innovative approaches are continuously being applied to overcome the low process yields and pave the way for its scalability. Since the process primarily depends on the biohydrogen-producing bacteria, there is a need to acquire in-depth knowledge about the ecology of the various assemblages participating in the process, establishing effective bioaugmentation methods. This work provides an overview of the biofilm-forming communities during H2 production by mixed cultures and the synergistic associations established by certain species during H2 production. The strategies that enhance the growth of biofilms within the H2 reactors are also discussed. A short section is also included, explaining techniques used for examining and studying these biofilm structures. The work concludes with some suggestions that could lead to breakthroughs in this area of research.Item Enterobacter spp. isolates from an underground coal mine reveal ligninolytic activity(2024-10) Rammala, BJ; Ramchuran, Santosh O; Chunilall, Viren; Zhou, NLignin, the second most abundant renewable carbon source on earth, holds significant potential for producing biobased specialty chemicals. However, its complex, highly branched structure, consisting of phenylpropanoic units and strong carbon-carbon and ether bonds, makes it highly resistant to depolymerisation. This recalcitrancy highlights the need to search for robust lignin-degrading microorganisms with potential for use as industrial strains. Bioprospecting for microorganisms from lignin-rich niches is an attractive approach among others. Here, we explored the ligninolytic potential of bacteria isolated from a lignin-rich underground coalmine, the Morupule Coal Mine, in Botswana. Using a culture-dependent approach, we screened for the presence of bacteria that could grow on 2.5% kraft lignin-supplemented media and identified them using 16 S rRNA sequencing. The potential ligninolytic isolates were evaluated for their ability to tolerate industry-associated stressors. We report the isolation of twelve isolates with ligninolytic abilities. Of these, 25% (3) isolates exhibited varying robust ligninolytic ability and tolerance to various industrial stressors. The molecular identification revealed that the isolates belonged to the Enterobacter genus. Two of three isolates had a 16 S rRNA sequence lower than the identity threshold indicating potentially novel species pending further taxonomic review. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed the ligninolytic properties of the isolates by demonstrating structural alterations in lignin, indicating potential KL degradation, while Py-GC/ MS identified the resulting biochemicals. These isolates produced chemicals of diverse functional groups and monomers as revealed by both methods. The use of coalmine-associated ligninolytic bacteria in biorefineries has potential.Item Fiber and textile waste valorization - towards environmental waste reduction(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Baloyi, Rivalani B; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sithole, Bruce B; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Sekoai, Patrick; Chunilall, VirenThe valorization of natural fibers and textile waste represents a promising approach to reducing environmental waste. This strategy involves converting waste materials into valuable products, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. This chapter examines the technical feasibility of various textile recycling processes and assesses the challenges and limitations associated with each. A comprehensive analysis of various methodologies employed in the recycling and regeneration of fibers, extraction of cellulose, fermentation to bioethanol, pyrolysis, and conversion to other value-added products is discussed in detail. Additionally, the chapter offers insights into prospects and recommendations for establishing a sustainable economy for recycling textiles. The primary obstacles encountered in valorizing fibers and textiles encompass the substantial expenses associated with implementing valorization technologies, sorting and separation methodologies, and the limited yields attained during the processes. Consequently, a hierarchical strategy has been determined as the most effective approach for allocating each type of textile waste to the optimal valorization method, thereby facilitating the efficient retrieval of the preserved quality within the waste materials.Item Fundamentals of biomass waste valorization(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Mphahlele, IJ; Sithole, BB; Chunilall, Viren; Sekoai, P; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, JGThe devastating impact of climate change and the necessity for sustainable products and processing approaches are significant concerns for the worldwide population. Interestingly, there is an abundance of biomass resources, which might meet the increasing demand for green products, as using fossil fuels is no longer recommended due to environmental concerns and sustainability. Biomass resources (renewable feedstock for renewable energy generation and specialty chemicals) are sourced from several natural sources and have a variety of applications. Most developed economies follow linear consumption concepts that are not feasible in the long term. The circular bioeconomy concept is a promising solution to minimize waste landfilling, generate revenue, and maximize zero-waste by utilizing biomass waste. The valorization of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose fractions into bioproducts, biofuels, or specialty chemicals depends on the practicality of their pre-treatment and further processing approaches. This chapter discusses biomass feedstock history, valorization processes, and applications, and motivations for their exploration. Several value-added products, which can be harnessed from biomass and residues, are detailed.Item Government initiatives in advancing the circular bioeconomy in South Africa(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sekoai, Patrick T; Sebogodi, Keolebogile R; Johakimu, Jonas K; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sekoai, P; Chunilall, VirenThe concept of a circular economy is receiving widespread attention among various stakeholders in South Africa as this scientific approach allows the management of waste streams in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner while creating new value chains through the synthesis of high-value-added products such as fuels, chemicals, additives, etc. As opposed to the linear model that embraces the take, produce, and discard approach, the circular model embraces the recycle, reuse, and reduce approach, which involves the circularity of the wastes, leading to minimum and/or zero waste during the downstream process. Despite the various socioeconomic benefits that can be achieved from the circular biobased processes, various bottlenecks must be addressed before their full implementation. This chapter discusses the government initiatives to advance circular biobased opportunities in South Africa. The limitations that delay the progress of this technology are also discussed. The study also provides suggestions that could help fast-track the scalability of circular biobased technologies in South Africa.Item Investigating the lignocellulosic composition during delignification using confocal raman spectroscopy, cross-polarization magic angle spinning carbon 13 - nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS 13C- NMR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy(Editura Academiei Romane, 2012-03) Chunilall, Viren; Bush, T; Erasmus, RMThe changes in lignocellulosic composition of four hardwoods, i.e. Eucalyptus grandis camaldulensis (E. gc), E. grandis urophylla (E. gu), E. dunnii and E. nitens during different delignification processes were investigated using confocal Raman spectroscopy, Cross-Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Carbon 13 - Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CP/MAS 13C-NMR) spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with image analysis. The confocal Raman results showed that there were differences in the distribution of lignin between the middle lamella and secondary cell wall layer for all clones and species investigated. The E. gc clone showed high levels of lignin in the secondary cell wall layer compared to the E. gu clone, E. dunnii and E. nitens species. The CP/MAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy results revealed an increase in cellulose crystallinity during chlorite delignification, acid bisulphite pulping and subsequent oxygen delignification. This increase was accompanied by an increase in cellulose "aggregate" area with a corresponding decrease in "matrix" area for each of the clones and species.Item Optimization of setpoint conditions for enhanced biofabrication of silver nanoparticles using helichrysum crispum extracts(2024-11) Mphahlele, Lebogang LR; Sekoai, Patrick T; Gbadeyan, O; Ramdas, Veshara; Ramchuran, Santosh O; Chunilall, Viren; Mkhize, MThis study investigated the optimization of setpoint conditions used for the enhanced biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (H.C-AgNPs) using Helichrysum crispum extracts. A Box–Behnken Design (BBD) model was used to evaluate the effects of reaction time, temperature, an H. crispum extraction volume, and a 0.1 M AgNO3 solution volume. A second-order polynomial regression equation was developed with a high R² of 0.9629, indicating that the model explained 96.29% of the variability in the data. The statistical significance of the model was confirmed with an F-value of 25.92 and a p-value of less than 0.0001. The optimal biofabrication conditions were determined to be a reaction time of 60 min, a temperature of 50 °C, an H. crispum extract volume of 10 mL, and a silver nitrate volume of 90 mL, achieving a peak absorbance of 3.007 a.u. The optimized conditions were experimentally validated, resulting in an absorbance of 3.386 a.u., reflecting a 12.6% increase. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 433 nm. XRD analysis confirmed a crystalline face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with a primary diffraction peak at 2θ = 38.44° (111 plane). SEM and EDS results confirmed a uniform size and high purity, while FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of phytochemicals in nanoparticle stabilization. TEM analysis revealed a uniform particle size distribution with a mean size of 19.46 nm and a dispersity of 0.16%, respectively. These results demonstrate the importance of statistical tools in optimizing the setpoint conditions used in the biofabrication of AgNPs, which have applications in various fields.Item Physicochemical Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystals Extracted from Postconsumer Polyester/Cotton-Blended Fabrics and Their Effects on PVA Composite Films(2024-05) Baloyi, Rivalani; Sithole, BB; Chunilall, VirenThe utilisation of cotton waste as precursors in the synthesis of nanocrystalline cellulose has gained significant attention. This approach suggests a sustainable solution to address the growing concern of textile waste accumulation while simultaneously producing a valuable material. The main aim of this study is to examine the properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtained from postconsumer polyester–cotton waste and assess the effect of different fabric structures on the extraction and these properties. To acquire nanocellulose, a thorough decolourisation pretreatment process was utilised, which involved the treatment of polyester–cotton waste with sodium dithionite and hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, the postconsumer material was then treated with an acid hydrolysis method employing a 64% (v/v) sulphuric acid solution at 50 °C for 75 min, resulting in the formation of CNCs with average yield percentages ranging from 38.1% to 69.9%. Separation of the acid from the CNC was facilitated by a centrifugation process followed by dialysis against deionised water. Uniform dispersion was then achieved using ultrasonication. A variety of analytical techniques were employed to investigate the morphological, chemical, thermal, and physical properties of the isolated CNCs. Among these techniques, attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EF-TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilised to analyse the CNCs. The findings indicated that the separated CNCs exhibited a rod-shaped morphology, measuring between 78 and 358 nm in length and 5 and 16 nm in diameter, and also exhibited high crystallinity (75–89%) and good thermal stability. The extracted CNCs were mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glycerol to assess their reinforcing effect on plastic films. The prepared composite film exhibited improved mechanical properties and thermal stability. Incorporating CNCs led to a 31.9% increase in the tensile strength and a 42.33% rise in the modulus of elasticity. The results from this research proved that CNCs can be extracted from postconsumer mixed fabrics as a potential solution to effectively address the mounting concerns surrounding waste management in the textile industry and also provide avenues for enhancing the qualities of eco-friendly composite films.Item Process techniques for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biogas(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sebogodi, Kelebogile; Sekoai, Patrick T; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Sekoai, Patrick; Chunilall, VirenThe urgent need to combat climate change and establish sustainable energy sources has propelled biofuel research and development. Biogas production through anaerobic digestion is widely recognized as a pivotal solution to divert biomass waste from landfills, reduce environmental pollution, and provide a carbon-neutral energy source for humanity. Secondgeneration feedstocks, specifically lignocellulosic biomass waste from the agricultural, forest, and timber industries, have emerged as the optimal alternative to foster economic growth without jeopardizing food security or misusing arable land. However, their intrinsic resistance hampers the complete extraction of their fermentable sugars, necessitating the exploration of diverse methods to facilitate the easy access of sugars for hydrolysis. Hence, this chapter delves into various lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment techniques employed to optimize easy access to fermentable sugars for valorization in biogas production.Item Processing and characterization of biomass-based wood composites(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sekoai, Patrick T; Sithole, B; Olagunju, Olusegun A; Chunilall, VirenWood composites are gaining increased attention as sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials. This chapter explores the processing and characterization of biomass-based wood composites. We discuss various methods of processing biomass materials, including particle preparation, resin formulation, and composite manufacturing techniques. Additionally, we delve into the characterization techniques used to evaluate these composites' physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The chapter aims to provide insights into the production and evaluation of biomassbased wood composites, highlighting their potential for a wide range of applications.Item Recent advances in recycling technologies for waste textile fabrics: A review(2023-11) Baloyi, R; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sithole, B; Chunilall, VirenThe fast fashion trends in the textile industry have resulted in high consumption of fiber with concomitant generation of waste. Awareness of environmental pollution resulting from textile production and disposal has increased significantly. This increase has pushed research activities toward more sustainable recycling alternatives to properly handle the end-of-life of textiles. This review provides an overview of existing technologies, the latest developments, and research studies on the recycling technologies employed in the textile industry. Different types of recycling—mechanical, chemical, and biochemical recycling of standard fabrics used in garments, cotton, wool, polyester, polyamide 6 6, and acrylic—are explored. Recent advances in recycling technologies such as advanced sorting techniques, innovative chemical processing, and emerging biochemical processes are revealed. The review also highlights efforts being made by various agencies and companies in facilitating and employing the technologies on a commercial scale. Various methods for efficient textile waste sorting and identification are also discussed. The reviewed studies revealed that most recycling technologies were conducted on post-industrial textile waste, which tends to be homogenous in the types of dyes and fibers present in the waste. It also suggested that post-consumer textiles could be recycled using chemical and biological options that have the potential to valorize the waste into high-value products.Item Remediation of marine pollutants for biorefinery innovations(Springer, 2024-10) Khoaele, KK; Mphahlele, IJ; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sithole, B; Chunilall, Viren; Aransiola, Sesan Abiodun; Bamisaye, Abayomi; Abioye, Olabisi Peter; Maddela, Naga RajuThe exponential growth of plastic production and consumption worldwide has been a growing concern for environmentalists. Mismanaged waste plastic significantly contributes to marine pollution, which can have severe environmental implications. To fully understand the environmental impact of plastics throughout their lifecycle, it is essential to identify their sources, pathways, and removal during remediation. Plastic waste harms marine species, threatening their survival and affecting the food chain. The ingestion of plastic waste is the primary way marine animals are affected. However, the consumption of waste plastic by “invader” species and the absorption of chemical additives from ingested plastics are lesser-known threats. This can help determine the adverse effects of waste plastic on overall ecotoxicity. Recycling waste plastic to develop composites with naturally sourced fiber as reinforcement is another measure for reducing resources and remediating the environment. This practice has increased the demand for waste plastic biocomposite for various applications in various industries, helping reduce waste and lessen environmental outcomes. This chapter focuses on integrating marine waste plastic into value-added products using biorefinery innovation.