INFORM April 2025

32 • inform April 2025, Vol. 36 (4)

Distillation analysis of diesel-biodiesel mixtures: A comparative study with ASTM norms, experimental data, and novel correlations This study investigates the importance of biodiesel as an alter native fuel to reduce pollutant emissions from diesel engines and mitigate the ecological impacts of fossil fuels. Biodiesel, derived from renewable sources, is notable for its environmental benefits and is produced through a transesterification reaction. This study aims to provide distillation data for biodiesel-diesel blends using grape seed, corn, and linseed biodiesel; the volumetric composi tions analyzed are 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 % biodiesel in diesel. These data were obtained with an Anton Paar Diana 700 auto matic distiller. Additionally, properties such as density, viscosity, refractive index, cetane index, and flashpoint were evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials − ASTM D975 (diesel) and ASTM D6751 (biodiesel) standards. Two correlative models based on the Riazi and Daubert were developed to calculate dis tillation temperatures and the distillation curves of diesel and bio diesel mixtures. A total of 207 experimental distillation points were determined. The results indicated that biodiesel addition shifts the distillation curves to higher temperatures, affecting both volatility and combustion. The pseudopure curves of biodiesels differed sig nificantly from those of diesel because of the chemical differences between the compounds. The proposed correlations for biodiesel and diesel + biodiesel mixtures exhibited mean absolute percent age deviation (MAPD) of 3.61 %, 1.59 %, and 1.61 % for distilla tion temperatures at 10 %, 50 %, and 90 % of the distilled volume, respectively, for biodiesel. For the volumetric proportions of 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 % of biodiesel in the mixture, deviations of 1.46 %, 1.25 %, 1.06 %, and 0.83 % were observed without system atic deviations with increased biodiesel content. The correlations proposed for biodiesel and diesel + biodiesel mixtures demon strated acceptable deviations, significantly contributing to the understanding and advancement of biofuels. Comparisons of the physical properties of the blends with the ASTM D975 standard confirmed compliance up to a proportion in the range of 67–76 % biodiesel by volume for viscosity and 37 % for density. Alves, A.A.A., et al. , Fuel , 383, 133864, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2024.133864

Something from nothing: attempts to commercialize food waste. These articles present critical evaluation of the key parameters that affect the extraction of targeted components, since food byprod ucts can be extracted using a variety of processes. The success of the extraction depends on numerous factors. Among them the thermal stability of the bioactive compounds which are intended to be recovered, the extraction technology being used, the type of sol vent, and the time of the extraction process all play a role. Finally, it is important to design unit operations that cause minimal harm to the environment along with investigations into economic feasibility to ensure sustainable processes extraction systems. Innovative strategies for valorization of byproducts from soybean industry: A review on status, challenges, and sustainable approaches towards zero waste processing systems Karim, A., et al. , Heliyon , 11, 3, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42118 The agro-food supply chain generates significant quantities of waste and byproducts globally, influenced by regional socioeco nomic conditions, policy frameworks, and environmental con cerns. The soybean industry generates various byproducts during the production processes of oil, soy milk, tofu, soy yogurt, eda mame, miso, tempeh, natto, and soy sauce, presenting both chal lenges and opportunities for sustainable valorization. The review aims to outline the composition, status, and potential applica tions of key byproducts within the soybean industry including soy okara, soy whey, soy hull, soy meal, and lecithin, elucidating inno vative strategies for their comprehensive valorization. The goal is to establish a sustainable zero-waste processing system by effectively utilizing these byproducts. This review explores emerging biotech nological advancements and eco-friendly processes aimed at max imizing resource recovery through the valorization of these soy byproducts. Various commercially viable products derived from repurposing the carbohydrate and protein fractions of diverse soy byproducts are highlighted. Additionally, a cutting-edge frame work is proposed, advocating for the establishment of a zero-waste system within the soybean processing sector, emphasizing inte grated biorefinery technologies, circular economy strategies, and sustainability principles. The framework proposed encompasses maximizing okara utilization, extracting value-added products, and implementing a closed-loop byproduct management approach within collaborative supply chains. Despite promising prospects, challenges such as anti-nutrients, viscosity and solubility of soy powder, and environmental impact must be addressed. This study could inspire further research into innovative technologies for the comprehensive and integrated valorization of soy byproducts, aim ing to mitigate food waste and enhance the sustainability of the soybean industry.

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Ignacio Vieitez is a research professor at the Universdad de la República in Montevideo, Uruguay. He studies green extraction processes to isolate bioactive compounds and determines their potential benefits as food ingredients.