Pili nutshell (PS), an abundant agro-industrial byproduct in the Bicol Region, Philippines, demonstrates substantial potential as a solid biofuel and bioenergy feedstock. Proximate and ultimate analyses revealed high volatile matter (72.00 ± 0.20 wt%), low ash content (4.33 ± 0.76 wt%), and a higher heating value of 20.60 MJ/kg, indicating strong suitability as a solid fuel for thermochemical conversion and biofuel production. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted from 30 °C to 900 °C at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min under nitrogen to examine its thermal decomposition behavior. The process followed three stages: initial moisture loss, active devolatilization, and lignin-rich char formation. The resulting kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are directly relevant for designing fast pyrolysis processes aimed at liquid biofuel production and optimizing downstream fuel utilization of the derived bio-oil and char. Kinetic analysis using the Coats–Redfern method identified third-order reaction (CR03) and diffusion-controlled (DM6) models as best-fitting, with activation energies ranging from 64.03–96.21 kJ/mol (CR03) and 66.98–104.72 kJ/mol (DM6). Corresponding thermodynamic parameters—ΔH (58.67–90.95 kJ/mol), ΔG (201.51–231.46 kJ/mol), and ΔS (−174.57 to −255.08 kJ/mol·K)—indicated an endothermic, non-spontaneous, entropy-reducing reaction pathway. Model-free methods confirmed a highly reactive zone at α = 0.3–0.6, with consistent E_a values (~130–190 kJ/mol). These findings affirm the viability of PS for fast pyrolysis, offering data-driven insights for optimizing advanced fuel and bioenergy systems in line with circular economy objectives.

Waste is increasingly recognized as misplaced biomass, underscoring its potential for reintegration into sustainable environmental management strategies. Biomass pyrolysis has emerged as a promising value-adding process capable of enhancing material properties for diverse applications. In this study, discarded Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) nutshells (PS) were utilized as a pyrolysis feedstock to upgrade their fuel characteristics. Pyrolysis conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) to maximize fixed-carbon content and higher heating value (HHV). The optimized biochar achieved a maximum fixed-carbon content of 86.15% and an HHV of 32.10 MJ/kg at a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C and a residence time of 60 min, values comparable to those of conventional coal. Under these optimized conditions, the fixed-carbon content and HHV of the precursor biomass were enhanced by up to 254.7% and 58.4%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that pyrolysis temperature was the most significant factor influencing both fixed-carbon content and HHV (p < 0.05). The optimized biochar exhibited low volatile matter (8.88%), low ash content (4.97%), and low atomic ratios (H:C = 0.291; O:C = 0.077), indicating a high degree of carbonization and thermal stability. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis identified alkali and alkaline earth metals (Ca, Mg, Na), which contributed to the ash fraction, with minor heavy metals present, predominantly Pb. Hence, these findings enhance understanding of how pyrolysis conditions affect PS–biochar properties, improving fuel quality indicators.

Screw press conveyors are widely used in a wide range of industrial applications, particularly for managing substances such as pig slurry and cattle slurry (sludge). However, adapting a screw press conveyor to handle fresh chicken waste presents significant challenges. In the field of poultry farming, the development of a specific dewatering machine modified to chicken manure is critical. Our principal focus is on the development of such equipment, specifically designed to handle the high moisture content of chicken manure. Our primary goal is to effectively handle the daily waste output of a poultry house with 40,000 chickens. This study assesses the performance of a recently developed Chicken Manure Dewatering Machine by examining its capacity and effectiveness. We carefully assessed the machine's capabilities, utilizing experimental methods with three different treatments (17 rpm, 22 rpm, and 29 rpm). The results show significant actual capacities of 351.40 kg/h, 443.60 kg/h, and 619.40 kg/h, machine efficiency of 86.9%, 90.9% and 96.3%, and separation efficiencies of 17.2%, 13.1%, and 9.7%, respectively. These results confirm the machine's efficacy in efficiently dewatering chicken manure, making it a feasible solution for poultry waste management. The conclusion emphasizes the practical implications of these findings and advocates for further exploration and enhancement of sustainable agricultural practices.

Nanomaterial is widely researched because of its enormous potential. In this study, the anti-fungal activity of electrospun nanofiber polymer composites infused with malunggay extracts (ME) was investigated. Cellulose acetate (CA) from abaca fiber, nano silica (nSiO₂) from rice husks, and nano copper oxide nCuO from cavendish banana peel were synthesized, characterized and used as stabilizing agent. Electrospun nanofiber polymer composites infused with malunggay extracts was successfully fabricated. The inhibitory effects of the fabricated nanofiber were determined using different concentrations of ME. Results showed that 100 % concentration of malunggay extract (ME) mixed with 50 mg of nSiO₂ and 50 mg of nCuO) had a presence of small crystal-like structures that indicates the successful infusion of the bio-materials. The nanofibers showed inhibitory effect against A. niger both in in vitro and in vivo. It displayed the highest zone of inhibition, lowest weight loss and disease severity index which is comparable to the fungicide. This study confirms the antifungal potential of the Electrospun nanofiber polymer composites infused with malunggay extracts on the test fungi and suggests the possibility of employing them in food preservation were spoilage is mainly caused by A. niger.