Geotextiles are widely used for separation, drainage, filtration, and erosion control, as well as for enhancing plant growth conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of incorporating poultry feathers on the biodegradation rate of nonwoven geotextiles in arable soil. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions, with biodegradation assessed based on mass loss. The findings confirmed that the presence of keratin-rich waste positively influenced the biodegradation rate of the tested materials. Additionally, the potential ecotoxicological effects of biodegradation were examined, revealing no adverse impact on microbiological activity. Statistical analysis demonstrated a correlation between material composition and biodegradation time. This study represents a significant step toward the sustainable management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could serve as an environmentally viable alternative for long-term applications, aligning with ecological sustainability principles by simultaneously enriching soil with essential nutrients and promoting waste valorization.

This study presents a method for extracting lignin and hemicellulose from black liquor using organic acids (citric, malic, and acetic) in comparison to the traditional sulfuric acid method. We investigated and compared the influence of the acid type on the structural properties of the resulting precipitates in the context of their potential applications. The lignin fractions were characterized for their chemical structure (ATR-FTIR, NMR), thermal stability (TGA), morphology and surface elemental composition (SEM-EDS), bulk elemental composition (C, H, N, S), and molecular weight distribution (GPC). The hemicellulose fractions were analyzed for their molecular weight (GPC), surface elemental composition (EDS), and chemical structure (ATR-FTIR). These analyses revealed subtle differences in the properties of the individual materials depending on the extraction method. We showed that organic acids, particularly citric acid, can effectively precipitate lignin with yields comparable to the sulfuric acid method (47–60 g/dm³ vs. 50 g/dm³). Simultaneously, this method produces lignin with higher purity (regarding sulfur content) and an increased content of carboxyl groups. This latter aspect is of particular interest due to the enhanced potential of lignin’s adsorption functions towards metal ions. AAS analysis confirmed that lignin precipitated with citric acid showed better adsorption efficiency towards heavy metals compared to lignin precipitated with sulfuric acid, especially for Cu²⁺ ions (80% vs. 20%) and Cr³⁺ ions (46% vs. 2%). This enhanced adsorption efficiency of the isolated lignins, combined with the environmental benefits of using organic acids, opens a promising perspective for their application in water treatment and environmental remediation. Furthermore, the presented research on the valorization and reuse of paper industry by-products fully aligns with the fundamental principles of the Circular Economy.

Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and sealing of anti-erosion protection, as well as for improving plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this work was to verify the effect of adding poultry feathers on the acceleration of biodegradation of nonwovens in arable soil. The studies were conducted in laboratory conditions and were based on the assessment of mass loss. The experiments confirmed the positive effect of the presence of waste rich in keratin on the time required for biodegradation of the tested materials (the biodegradation period was 1–24 weeks). In addition, the effect of biodegradation of the tested materials on ecotoxicity was examined and no negative effect on microbiological activity was found (106 cfu). The studies also included determining the carbon to nitrogen ratio in the test substrate (blank test, 12–14:1; with the addition of feathers, 19–20:1). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between mechanical properties and biodegradation time. This research was an important step in the management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could be seen as an alternative that meets all ecological criteria, which seems to be a golden solution that not only allows the supply of important nutrients to the soil but also manages the waste in an environmentally safe way. These results open up possibilities of using feather waste as a component of environmentally friendly agricultural nonwovens that can be degraded in-situ in the soil.