From waste to treasure trove: High-value cellulose-rich materials with exceptional water retention properties in soil
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Drought can negatively impact agricultural productivity by limiting water and nutrient uptake leading to water scarcity. Addressing these impacts necessitates a systems-based approach, which may involve integrating waste-derived moisture retention materials. In this study, common agricultural and forestry wastes were converted to cellulose-rich materials by oxidation and alkaline treatments. The raw biomass and cellulose-rich materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and their potential for water retention in the soil was preliminarily explored. Results showed that most of the cellulose-rich materials tested have significantly improved soil water retention properties as compared to the control and raw biomass materials, due to the increase in cellulose content and removal of lignin and hemicellulose. This was confirmed by the FTIR analysis where peak at1740 cm−1 associated to lignin disappearance and new absorbance peaks appeared at 560 cm-1, and 780 cm-1 which are associated to glycosidic linkages in cellulose demonstrating the potential application of these materials as agricultural water retaining materials. From the perspective of waste resource utilization, this study explored application potential of cellulose-rich materials derived from agricultural and forestry residues in water retention, providing an experimental basis for resource recycling and sustainable development in agriculture.
Source: Environmental Research
Institution: Griffith University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,880
Award: G1561865438
OpenAlex ID: W4414620034