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Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.168.24.11:4000/handle/123456789/237
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Item Parthenium hysterophorus: From Weed to Eco-friendly Solution for Biogas and Waste Water Treatment(Taylor and Francis, CRC Press, 2026) Shazia Qamar , Syed Khalida Izhar, Uzma AfaqParthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), also known as carrot grass or congress grass, is one of the most prolific invasive weeds, endangering agricultural landscapes and natural ecosystems. This notorious plant has recently been shown to have a wide range of innovative uses, such as the elimination of aquatic weeds and the removal of dye and heavy metals from contaminated water. P. hysterophorus has been used for nano-catalytic gasification, which uses Co and Ni as nanocatalysts to produce biofuels (biogas, biodiesel, and charcoal). These weeds contain minimum nutritional values but can be used effectively in production of biofuels. It is also added to cattle dung as an additive to produce biogas, with the prevalence of this weed and the vast number of cattle in India, P. hysterophorus should be given careful consideration as a substrate for anaerobic digestion-based biogas production. Heavy metal pollution of the environment is becoming a worldwide problem. Wastewater contaminated by heavy metals such as chromium, nickel and cadmium need to be treated using affordable alternative technologies or absorbents, particularly in developing countries like India. P. hysterophorus is found to be an effective adsorbent of Cr, Ni and Cd. It is used to generate activated carbon, which is a very effective adsorbent material produced through chemical activation using concentrated H2SO4. The concerns with industrial wastewater contamination have led to an increase in the use of activated carbon made from P. hysterophorus for wastewater treatment.Item Transforming Ecological Burden into Economic Opportunities: Biochemical Conversion of Parthenium hysterophorus Waste into Bio-Fertilizers and Valuable Byproducts(Taylor and Francis, CRC Press, 2026) Aliya Firdaus, Snober S. Mir, Uzma AfaqParthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus also known as congress grass is an invasive plant with a rapid rate of development that causes serious problems for agricultural and ecological systems around the world. Despite the problems it causes, this weed’s biomass is a great unexplored opportunity for biochemical potential into useful goods. Recent studies suggest the potential avenues for converting this biomass into valuable products through biochemical processes. Multiple methods, including composting, vermicomposting, anaerobic digestion, and enzymatic breakdown, can be used to convert weeds into bio- fertilizers, biofuels, and other biochemicals. The weed’s biomass was converted into compost and biochar by utilizing microbial and enzymatic activities, which are rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil quality. The composting has shown encouraging effects in terms of nutrient stabilization and pathogen reduction, leading to the development of a highly efficient bio-fertilizer. Vermicomposting, aided by certain types of earthworms, improves the nutrient composition and makes it easier to incorporate into the soil. In addition, the application of cellulase and xylanase enzymes facilitates the conversion of cellulose and hemicellulose present in the weed into sugars that may be readily fermented. These sugars are subsequently utilized in the manufacturing of bioethanol. These biochemical processes not only reduce the environmental effects of P. hysterophorus but also support sustainable agricultural methods by producing affordable, high-quality bio-fertilizers and generating extra income from by-products such as bioethanol. This chapter aims to provide insights and knowledge of effective management of P. hysterophorus waste, transforming an ecological burden into an economic opportunity.Item Microalgae Biomass as a Source of Renewable Energy: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives(Taylor and Francis, CRC Press, 2026) Syed Khalida Izhar, Shareen Fatima Rizvi, Saba Siddiqui, Uzma AfaqDue to the economic devastation and rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources, there is a pressing requirement for the establishment of a low carbon economy. Traditional energy sources are fraught with concerns regarding security and sustainability. Consequently, the quest for alternatives to fossil fuels has garnered considerable attention. Microalgal biomass emerges as a compelling solution to this modern quandary, offering a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. With their abundant oil content and rapid growth rates, microalgae present themselves as highly promising candidates for biofuel production. Significant strides in catalytic reaction research have facilitated the efficient conversion of biomass into biofuels. Processes like hydrolysis, trans-esterification, hydrogenation, and isomerisation have seen notable advancements in recent years, enabling the extraction of high-grade hydrocarbons from microalgal lipids. A plethora of processing methods underscores the vast potential of microalgae in bioenergy production, showcasing their adaptability and effectiveness.
