Palm oil is an efficient feedstock for biodiesel production due to its high oil yield and cost‐effectiveness, positioning it as a key component in the global biofuel industry. However, the expansion of oil palm plantations has raised substantial environmental and socio‐economic concerns. This review critically assesses the environmental impacts of palm oil biodiesel, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of water and soil resources. Additionally, it explores the “food versus fuel” debate, emphasizing how competition for land and resources between biodiesel production and food cultivation affects global food security, particularly in developing nations. What distinguishes this review is its focus on Southeast Asian producer countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, where biodiesel policies and land‐use changes intersect with food and environmental systems in unique ways. Unlike previous studies, this article delves into the often‐overlooked consequences of peatland conversion, highlighting its role in exacerbating carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. By providing a detailed analysis of the socio‐economic trade‐offs and sustainability challenges linked to palm oil biodiesel, the review offers insights into the complex interplay between renewable energy, food security, and environmental stewardship. It also evaluates technological innovations and best practices that can mitigate negative impacts. Furthermore, the review critically examines certification initiatives like the roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) and the indonesian sustainable palm oil (ISPO) and their effectiveness in promoting sustainable practices. By integrating case studies, this article demonstrates practical applications of these principles, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in the field.

The dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPECs) incorporating a family of ruthenium complexes [Ru^II(bipyP)(bipy)₂] (P1), [Ru^II(bipyP)(dmb)₂] (P2), [Ru^II(bipyP)(dtbb)₂] (P3) and [Ru^II(bipyP)(dnb)₂] (P4), where bipyP = 2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-diphosphonic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, dtbb = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine, and dnb = 4,4′-dinonyl-2,2′-bipyridine, were fabricated in a dye-only system (do-DSPEC) and in a system where the electrolyte solution was loaded with EDTA sacrificial agent (sa-DSPEC). The increasing number of the alkyl chains of the ancillary bipy ligand shifts the ground- and excited-state potentials to the more negative values, although the introduction of the longer nonyl chain in P4 shows the opposite effect. In do-DSPECs, the photocurrent and hydrogen production performance follows the order P4 > P3 > P2 > P1, which correlates well with the degree of the excited-state quenching by electron injection to the conduction band of TiO₂. The photoelectrochemistry of the sa-DSPECs reveals 10 times as many photocurrents as that measured in do-DSPECs, suggesting the ability of the hole to oxidize EDTA molecule. The hydrogen production performance of sa-DSPECs over five hours follows the order P2 > P1 > P3 > P4, which is consistent with the Ru^III/Ru^II reorganization energies and the hole mobility on the TiO₂ surface. The present study provides evidence that the subtle alkyl chain variation of the ruthenium photosensitizers can fine tune the electron injection capacity, Ru^III/Ru^II self-exchange energetics and photostability of the complexes, which significantly influence the performance of the DSPECs.

Numerous concerns, including environmental impact and public health issues, drive the urgent need to replace nonrenewable fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, with biomass emerging as a viable alternative globally. In this comprehensive review, the urgent need to transition from nonrenewable fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is addressed, focusing on biomass as a global alternative. It examines the role of zirconium‐based catalysts in converting biomass into biofuels and hydrogen. Various biomass extraction methods based on the thermochemical processes (pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrocracking, and steam reforming) are explored, including their merits and limitations. Additionally, the properties of zirconium‐based catalysts and their catalytic efficiency in biomass conversion are assessed, highlighting the factors influencing their performance. In this literature review, the promising potential of zirconium‐based catalysts in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of global biofuel production from biomass is revealed. It underscores the critical role of biomass as a renewable energy source and highlights the significance of zirconium‐based catalysts in advancing sustainable biofuel production. It offers insights into addressing environmental concerns, promoting public health, and supporting the global transition toward renewable energy solutions.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) infection poses a serious threat to banana cultivation, leading to significant economic losses due to the lack of effective and sustainable disease management strategies. Wood vinegar, derived from biomass waste, offers a potential eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for disease control. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of wood vinegar from coconut shells and Acacia wood residues at different concentrations (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% v/v) against Foc TR4 in vitro using the poisoned food technique and assessed its phytotoxicity on banana plants. Our results showed that wood vinegar from both sources completely inhibited the growth of Foc TR4 in vitro at all concentrations tested. The phytotoxicity effects of the different types of wood vinegar on the banana plants were also evaluated using the same concentrations via foliar spray and soil-drenching techniques. Growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter and leaf number, were recorded at 24, 31, and 39 days after transplanting (DAT). Treatments with lower concentrations (2% v/v) promoted the growth of the banana plants, while at higher concentrations, severe phytotoxicity symptoms such as leaf necrosis and yellowing were observed. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential use of biomass waste-based wood vinegar for controlling Fusarium wilt in bananas.

Cascara (Coffea arabica), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), and red ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc. var. rubrum) extracts are potential sources of bioactive compounds, with promising antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the chemical properties and sensory attributes of a novel beverage with functional potential, incorporating these extracts. A randomized complete design was employed to assess different formulations of cascara:roselle, with the addition of red ginger extract. The analysis included pH determination, total phenolic content via the Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activity using DPPH assay, total anthocyanin content analysis, and sensory evaluation through hedonic testing. The formulation containing cascara:roselle (55%:25%) with 20% red ginger extract showed optimal results, with a pH of 3.83, total phenolic content of 15.53 mg GAE/g, total anthocyanin content of 11.79 mg/100 g, and antioxidant activity of 91.38%. This formulation exhibited enhanced consumer preference in terms of color, aroma, taste, and aftertaste. The findings highlight the potential of this novel beverage, offering both nutritional benefits and strong consumer acceptance.

Weeds remain a persistent challenge in agriculture, significantly reducing crop productivity by competing for essential resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Although synthetic herbicides are widely used for weed control, their long-term application raises serious environmental and health concerns. As a sustainable alternative, plant-based bioherbicides that harness allelopathy—the natural chemical interactions among plants—are gaining attention. This review explores recent findings on the allelopathic potential of invasive and native plant species, focusing on key allelochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids that exhibit phytotoxic effects on weed species. Genetic factors, including specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and metabolic pathways involved in allelochemical production, are also discussed as critical determinants of allelopathic expression. Furthermore, environmental conditions such as temperature, soil composition, and light regimes can influence the efficacy and persistence of allelopathic compounds in the field. Understanding the synergistic interaction between genetics and environmental variables is essential for the development and optimization of effective, eco-friendly bioherbicides. This review highlights the current challenges and prospects in integrating allelopathy into weed management strategies for sustainable agriculture.