Abdelkader Benmenine’s research while affiliated with University of Ouargla and other places

This study evaluated the potential of Hmira dates for ethanol production. Several analyses were conducted to determine the physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of the Hmira dates. Accordingly, the moisture content of Humira dates reached 26.33%, with the remaining 73.67% being dry matter. Hmira dates contained 97.71% organic material and just 2.29% ash. The total Sugars were 71%, the protein content was 2.98%, and the pH value was 6.30. The dates underwent extraction to facilitate ethanol production before fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Key factors influencing the fermentation were analyzed, revealing a peak ethanol concentration of 78% and a production rate of 102.57 g/L.h. The optimum conditions for ethanol production were substrate concentration of 25%, pH 6, fermentation temperature of 35 °C, and duration of 72 h. The use of biofuels, particularly in Algeria, could contribute to a cleaner environment and offer a sustainable energy future for the nation. Graphical Abstract

The study investigated the utilization of waste palm fiber as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal. The waste palm fiber was treated by a series of steps to prepare an activated charcoal adsorbent. The adsorption process of MB on the activated charcoal was modeled using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) in the response surface methodology (RSM). Adsorbent mass, solution pH, temperature, and time were selected as factors, while removal efficiency and adsorption capacity were chosen as responses. Both models were significant with correlation factors of 0.85 and 0.99 for removal efficiency and adsorption capacity, respectively. Optimal conditions for MB removal were achieved at an initial pH of 7, an adsorbent dose of 0.05 g/L, and a contact time of 30 min, resulting in a 99% removal efficiency. The adsorption of MB using the activated charcoal indicates the physical nature of the reaction.