Maisaa Kakeh1*
1 Department of Renewable Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Aleppo University, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Maisaa Kakeh, Email: maisaakakeh@yahoo.com)
Received: 10/ 8/ 2025 Accepted: 26/ 3/ 2026
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the feasibility of producing environmentally friendly biopolymers based on cellulose for potential use in the manufacture of water boxes (Water box) intended for arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity necessitates efficient water management to ensure successful afforestation. The experimental work was conducted in the laboratories of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo. Cellulose was extracted from various renewable agricultural residues, including wood, corn cobs, wheat straw, and potato peels. The extracted cellulose was subsequently converted into cellulose-based materials through the addition of glycerin and gelatin, while gum arabic and starch were used as additives to reduce water leakage. Cellulose derived from corn cobs was molded into a prototype simulating a water box, and its water retention capacity was evaluated. The results indicated that cellulose extracted from corn cobs exhibited superior performance, as it could be used without the addition of leakage-preventing materials. In contrast, cellulose obtained from wood, wheat straw, and potato peels required the incorporation of such additives. Corn cob cellulose samples demonstrated the lowest water leakage and retained water for more than 24 hours. Furthermore, these samples showed good biodegradability in soil over time, contributing positively to environmental sustainability, whereas samples made from plastic-based cellulose retained their structure but lacked biodegradability. The study concludes that cellulose extracted from corn cobs represents a promising biodegradable material for the production of water storage units suitable for arid and semi-arid environments. However, further mechanical testing is recommended to assess their load-bearing capacity under natural field conditions.
Keywords: Water box (cocoon), cellulose, water leakage, biodegradable materials.
Full paper in Arabic: PDF