Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
08:46
Analysis and Specification of Starch Granule Size Distributions
Published on: March 4, 2021
5.6K
Eco-compatible cassava starch films for fertilizer controlled-release
Florencia Versino1, Marina Urriza2, María A García3
1Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos, CIDCA (UNLP-CONICET-CICPBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP, 47 y 116, CP.1900 La Plata, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115, CP.1900 La Plata, Argentina.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|May 11, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed biodegradable cassava starch films with urea for controlled fertilizer release. These eco-friendly films reduce soil pollution and enhance soil properties, offering a sustainable agricultural solution.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Non-degradable plastics and overuse of fertilizers cause significant environmental issues, including soil pollution.
- There is a need for sustainable agricultural materials that can manage fertilizer application and minimize environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop bio-based and biodegradable composite films for controlled fertilizer release in agriculture.
- To utilize cassava starch and bagasse to create eco-compatible materials for agricultural applications.
Main Methods:
- Cassava starch and bagasse composite films were prepared with varying urea content (0-50 wt%).
- The films' properties, stability, biodegradation rate, and urea release in soil were analyzed.
- Urea was used as both the active compound and a plasticizer.
Main Results:
- Urea acted as an effective plasticizer, increasing film flexibility over time.
- Biodegradation rate in soil increased with higher urea content.
- Films with 50 wt% urea showed 57% weight loss and 95% urea release within 15 days.
Conclusions:
- Cassava starch and bagasse composite films are suitable for controlled urea release in soil.
- This approach offers an eco-compatible solution for sustainable fertilizer management in agriculture.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:38Fertilization
90.3K
During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
90.3K
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
922
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
922
01:28Energy-releasing Steps of Glycolysis
146.5K
Glycolysis is divided into two phases based on whether energy is utilized or released. While the first phase consumes ATP, the second phase produces energy in the form of ATP and NADH. The energy is released over a sequence of reactions that turns G3P into pyruvate. The energy-releasing phase—steps 6-10 of glycolysis—occurs twice, once for each of the two 3-carbon sugars produced during steps 1-5 of the first phase.
The first energy-releasing step—the 6th step of glycolysis...
The first energy-releasing step—the 6th step of glycolysis...
146.5K
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
1.6K
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
1.6K
01:31ATP Energy Storage and Release
14.1K
ATP is a highly unstable molecule. Unless quickly used to perform work, ATP spontaneously dissociates into ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), and the free energy released during this process is lost as heat. The energy released by ATP hydrolysis is used to perform work inside the cell and depends on a strategy called energy coupling. Cells couple the exergonic reaction of ATP hydrolysis with endergonic reactions, allowing them to proceed.
One example of energy coupling using ATP involves a...
One example of energy coupling using ATP involves a...
14.1K
01:21Control System Problem
421
In an open-loop system, such as a basic thermostat, the poles of the transfer function influence the system's response but do not determine its stability. However, when feedback is introduced to form a closed-loop system, such as an advanced thermostat that adjusts heating based on room temperature, stability is governed by the new poles of the closed-loop transfer function.
When forming a closed-loop system, issues can arise if the poles cross into the unstable region, leading to potential...
When forming a closed-loop system, issues can arise if the poles cross into the unstable region, leading to potential...
421