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Bioenergy Research
Journal Prestige (SJR): 1.151  Citation Impact (citeScore): 3 Number of Followers: 3  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 1939-1242 - ISSN (Online) 1939-1234 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Argentine Navy Icebreaker Ship “Almirante Irizar” Sludge Microbial
Composition Analysis for Biohydrogen Production-
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Abstract: Sludge from the wastewater treatment plant of the Argentinean Navy icebreaker ship “Almirante Irizar” was used as inoculum for biohydrogen production. The bacterial community was monitored throughout the fermentation, by sequencing 16S rRNA amplicons, to establish the microbial dynamics of the bioreactor over time. The established operating procedure assured a hydrogen content, along the process, in the range of 59.2–70.0%. The predominant species found were Clostridium sensu stricto and Sporolactobacillus sp. Clostridium showed higher values in the beginning of the fermentation with more than 90% of relative abundance. Conversely, Sporolactobacillus reached values close to 20% at its end. Additional topics discussed are the role of lactic acid bacteria in fermentative biohydrogen production systems and a series of in-process parameters that would allow control of this population. The results obtained allow supporting the use of this type of sludge as a source of hydrogen-producing bacteria.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Co-pyrolysis of Spent Tea Waste and Tangerine Peels with Different
Catalysts (ZnCl2, H3PO4 and KOH) by Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis-
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Abstract: In this study, a mixture of tangerine peel (TP) and spent tea waste (STW) is used as a new precursor material to obtain a high surface area of activated carbon (AC) by a two-step chemical activation approach in microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP). In the first step, to produce AC from a mixture of TP and STW, samples were impregnated with alkali metal hydroxide and then ZnCl2, H3PO4 and KOH were used as catalysts. All experiments were conducted under 600–700 W microwave power for 20 and 30 min. The obtained AC was characterized using nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The results showed a higher BET surface area in all samples at higher microwave power. The highest BET surface area was reached in AC activated with ZnCl2 (STT1) at 700 W microwave power at 20 min of microwave irradiation time with 853.41 m2/g. Adsorption–desorption isotherms showed that the obtained ACs have micro and mesopores. While the highest micropore area was obtained in STT1 activated with ZnCl2 at 423.83 m2/g, the average pore size was 1.173 nm.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Enzymatic Hydrolysis Applied to Banana Pseudostem Biomass Compared to
Solubilized Xylan for Xylooligosaccharides Production with High Substrate
Concentration-
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Abstract: Xylan is a polysaccharide present in lignocellulosic biomass, which is obtained in large quantities as agricultural and agroindustrial waste. In this study, xylooligosaccharides (XOS) were produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan, using biomass itself or solubilized xylan as substrate. In addition, enzymatic hydrolysis of solubilized xylan was performed with two cycles in a higher volume and higher substrate concentrations. XOS and xylan molecular weight were evaluated. After partial delignification, the hemicellulose in the material increased by 6 percentual points due to the lignin removal. Milling and partial delignification of biomass helped to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis since conversion went up by 47.13% after the use of both strategies together. Regarding the solubilized xylan enzymatic hydrolysis, the increase of substrate concentration led to a decrease in the yield of around 13%; however, the amount of XOS produced went from 14.68 g/L to 50.40 g/L. The hydrolysis 2nd cycle led to an increase of only around 10% conversion for all substrate concentrations. After hydrolysis, the molecular weight of the xylan decreased, as did the polydispersity. However, after the second hydrolysis cycle, both the molecular weight and polydispersity increased, since probably the enzyme acted in the easing xylan fraction and the remaining complex substrate limited enzyme action. Comparatively, the enzymatic hydrolysis of solubilized xylan resulted in a higher yield and concentration than enzymatic hydrolysis of the partial delignified biomass.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Severity Factor Applied to Microalgal Acidic Hydrolysis: a Proposal of a
Correction Factor when the Process is Carried Out at Different
Temperatures-
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Abstract: In this article, the acidic treatment of microalgal biomass (Chlorella vulgaris) for recovery of reducing sugars aiming bioethanol application was investigated using the severity factor approach (acid-combined severity factor (CSF)) which was applied considering different temperatures (110–130 °C), residence times (0–60 min), and acid concentrations (0–5% v/v) and the process transient times (heating and cooling). A suitable kinetic model was evaluated, developed, and applied, and it can be shown that the severity factor theory can be revised and extended using a n order kinetics for biomass solubilization and m order reaction for acid application and considering the transient times (heating and cooling contributions) for microalgal biomass hydrolysis. n and m for Chlorella vulgaris biomass were 3.63 and 1.42, approximately. Activation energy for microalgal biomass was 41.19 kJ/mol. An exponential function was suitable to provide the contribution of the heating and cooling process during the hydrolysis of microalgal biomass with R2 between 0.98 and 0.99. A correction factor (Δln (H.C)) of 1.285 ± 0.175 and 1.928 ± 0.182 for the data obtained at 120 and 130 °C in relation to those at 110 °C, respectively, showed a lower dispersion and better adjustment of the experimental data to the simulated curve when all points are plotted together.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Recent Trends, Potentials, and Challenges of Biodiesel Production from
Discarded Animal Fats: a Comprehensive Review-
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Abstract: Biodiesel is drawing interest as an alternative and eco-friendly substitute energy resource synthesized from vegetative and animals’ origin lipids. However, the costs of biodiesel feedstock still concern the researchers. Besides, the dependence on edible oils of first generation as a feedstock made the total footprint of biodiesel unsustainable since it threatens the sources of human food and consumes many resources during cultivation. For this regard, the current study was scoped to offer a reliable and affordable feedstock utilized from slaughterhouses’ wastes for biodiesel industry. Utilizing the tremendous amounts of discarded animal fats (DAFs) as a feedstock for biodiesel production minimizes slaughterhouses’ wastes and promotes sustainable energy resources. Technologies of DAFs disposal, lipids extraction, treatment, and conversion into biodiesel were critically discussed and compared based on advantages and disadvantages. Discussion was expanded to include the characteristics of animal-based biodiesel distinguished by higher heating value, cetane number, oxidation stability, and lower NOx emissions. Argument was evolved regarding the ethical, production, performance, and economic challenges. The results of this comprehensive review affirm the possibility of DAFs feedstock to offer affordable and sustainable biodiesel fuel. Graphical abstract
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Low-Temperature Catalytic Pyrolysis of Cellulose to Directional Products
5-Methylfurfural by Magnetic Ionic Liquid-
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Abstract: The application of biomass pyrolysis was still limited owing to the high pyrolysis temperature and the complicacy of pyrolysis products. In this work, a homogeneous low-temperature cellulose catalytic pyrolysis system is proposed to directional products 5-methylfurfural. The low-temperature catalytic activity and products distribution of cellulose pyrolysis in [bmim][FeCl4] (Fe-IL) and [bmim]2CoCl4 (Co-IL) at temperature gradients from 150 to 300 °C were studied. As the results, both Fe-IL and Co-IL can catalyze the pyrolysis of cellulose, especially for Fe-IL, which effectively reduced the pyrolysis temperature of cellulose to 200 °C. Nano-scale and micron-scale particles were produced by the catalysis of Fe-IL and Co-IL, respectively. Fe-IL have a high selectivity for the production 5-methylfurfural (5-MF) and furfural (FF), which were 71.12% and 19.14% respectively at the pyrolysis temperature of 200 °C. Furthermore, the mechanism of low-temperature catalytic pyrolysis and the directional evolution mechanism of 5-MF and FF were suggested. Graphical abstract
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Evaluation of the Effect of the Application of Combined Pretreatments and
Inoculum with High Alkalinity on Food Residues Through BMP Tests-
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Abstract: The management and control of food waste is currently seen as a growing concern; anaerobic digestion is a promising alternative for the valorization of food waste. This study evaluates the effect of the application of three pretreatments (grinding, pH control, thermal treatment) and organic load control, employing a high alkalinity inoculum for methane production through BMP tests, using a Taguchi L8 experimental design of 4 factors and 2 levels, resulting in the best performance (65.91 NmL \(\cdot\) g \(^{-1}\) TVS) with pretreatment conditions of grinding with fine particle size, pH 11, thermal pretreatment at 60 \(^{\circ }\) C and a concentration of 14 g TVS \(\cdot\) L \(^{-1}\) , which represents an improvement of 34.66% in comparison with the food waste without pretreatments. Graphical
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Influence of Reaction Time, Temperature, and Heavy Metal Zinc on
Characteristics of Cellulose- and Wood-Derived Hydrochars from
Hydrothermal Carbonization-
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Abstract: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising technique to convert biomass into valuable solid fuels. In this work, cellulose- and wood-derived hydrochars were synthesized under hydrothermal carbonization conditions with different temperatures (200–250 °C) and reaction times (6 h or 12 h). The content of fixed carbon in the cellulose-derived hydrochar is higher than that of the wood-derived hydrochar. Moreover, cellulose can be carbonized more easily during the HTC reaction than wood. O/C and H/C ratios of all hydrochars were similar to those of lignite and decreased with increasing reaction temperature. The composition of solids recovered after 12 h is similar at all temperatures, consisting primarily of sp2 carbons (furanic and aromatic groups) and alkyl groups. When a large amount of metal is introduced, except for part of the zinc combined with the energetic group, the remaining part will condense on the surface of the sample as zinc ions.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Soybean Straw as a Feedstock for Value-Added Chemicals and Materials:
Recent Trends and Emerging Prospects-
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Abstract: Soybean straw is an agricultural residue of soybean whose yield is up to 1.5 kg per kg of soybean. The existing literature shows the vast potential of soybean straw as an environmentally friendly carbon source to produce value-added chemicals, materials, fuels, and energy in a similar way to oil refineries. However, the use of this biomass on a commercial scale in biorefineries still faces some challenges. This comprehensive review discusses the available literature in several topics related to the application of this agricultural residue, such as productive potential; quality of feedstock; feedstock delivery; challenges in the breakdown of the cell wall polymeric structure; conversion process into chemicals, heat, and power; and the production of advanced materials. Several examples of fiber treatment are presented to demonstrate the potential of taking advantage of the mechanical properties of soybean straw. Current knowledge gaps and challenges related to the conversion of soybean straw to fermentable sugars and the low performance of hydrolysate fermentation are discussed, besides other applications in the sugar platform. Thermochemical conversion is discussed as well because of the possibility of readily employing this biomass in co-processing plants. In the end, an outlook of potential directions for future research towards the next generation of integrated soybean/soybean straw biorefinery is presented to demonstrate the potential of further developing applications for this biomass. Graphical abstract Synopsis Potential applications of soybean straw are reviewed, with a focus on the sustainable production of biofuels, bioenergy, and advanced materials.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Biomass Quality Responses to Selection for Increased Biomass Yield in
Perennial Energy Grasses-
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Abstract: Perennial grasses are candidates for biomass cropping systems that are focused on providing a wide range of ecosystem services in addition to sustainable bioenergy production. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) are two of the dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie and both are candidates for development of multifunctional diverse production systems. Breeding programs for both species are aimed at increasing biomass yield as a mechanism of improving economic sustainability without increasing production costs. The objective of this study was to determine if long-term selection for increased biomass yield in these two species has had any adverse impacts on biomass quality, or the ability to convert biomass into bioenergy. Check cultivars and improved breeding populations of both species were evaluated for a wide range of biomass quality traits at 13 locations in the North Central and Northeastern USA, and a subset of these populations were also subjected to more intensive and detailed fermentation analyses. In general, lignin and ferulates either remained constant or decreased following selection for increased biomass yield in the various genetic pedigrees. These changes resulted in some increases in predicted ethanol production and in vitro digestibility. The prediction of increased digestibility was confirmed by higher glucose release by pretreatment and deconstruction of an advanced lowland population. However, bioreactor fermentations with two different biofuel-producing microbes showed no differences in ethanol production. Overall, these studies indicated that the improved switchgrass and big bluestem populations had greater biomass yields without significantly reducing biomass quality or conversion efficiency into ethanol, suggesting that selection can achieve increases in biomass productivity while maintaining consistent biomass quality.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Mechanical Pretreatment of Various Types of Biomass from Animals: What
Potential Applications to Anaerobic Digestion'-
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Abstract: Although drawing inspiration from live animals to develop processes, technologies, or materials is not a new approach, there is rising interest toward biomimicry for implementing new ideas. This review presents the mechanisms and strategies of mechanical pretreatment developed by animals to enhance the digestion of their food. There is ample data in the literature describing animal digestive systems; however, very few compilations encompass all clades with a main focus on mechanical pretreatment. The objective is to improve, through a bioinspired approach, the design of anaerobic digestion processes that are comparable but less efficient than animal digestion. To assess the variety and diversity of strategies that animals have developed during their evolution to adapt and optimize this pretreatment step, the following items were identified, classified, and related: (i) types of mechanical pretreatments, (ii) organs used, (iii) body location of mechanical pretreatment organs, and (iv) substrates, according to their accessibility. Animals are found to have converged toward several solutions to mechanically process their food. The type of organ is associated with the phylogeny while the type of pretreatment is rather associated with the type of food protection. Grinding is the most commonly used pretreatment, covering the widest range of substrates and ensured by the largest number of organs. Finally, animal pretreatment strategies and industrial grinders are compared and discussed in order to identify potential technological improvements.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Techno-Economic Analysis for Direct Processing of Wet Solid Residues
Originated from Grain and Inedible Plant Wastes-
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Abstract: Large number of solid wastes is produced from ethanol and wine plants sourcing from grain and inedible plant wastes, for example, WDGS (wet distiller’s grain with soluble) and DDGS (dry distiller’s grain with soluble) produced from ethanol plants using corn. This study investigates alternative methods for using these co-products through combustion and anaerobic digestion. Process simulation and economic analysis were conducted using current market prices to evaluate the viability of the processes. Products in the form of energy are produced. Optimization of the corn ethanol plant was also explored for re-using the heat and electricity produced in those processes. These processes will supply more viable options to utilisation of those wastes. The anaerobic digestion of WDGS to produce electricity scenario was found to have the biggest profit among the four scenarios which can bring the annual income of 14.1 million Australian dollar to the ethanol plant. An environmental analysis of the CO2 emissions was also conducted. Using the Australian state emission factor, the amount of CO2 offset through both combustion and anaerobic digestion can be seen. The anaerobic digestion of WDGS to supply heat to the plant was proved having the largest CO2 abatement with the value of 0.58 kg-CO2e/L-EtOH.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Impact of Amendment with Hog, Cattle Manure, and Biochar on N2O, CO2, and
CH4 Fluxes of Two Contrasting Temperate Prairie Agricultural Soils-
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Abstract: Liquid hog manure (LHM) and solid cattle manure (SCM) are valuable soil amendments for the nutrients and organic matter they augment. However, desire to mitigate the N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes attendant with their use has led to the question of whether biochar co-applied with LHM and SCM could mitigate these greenhouse gas fluxes. A split-plot design was used at two agricultural field sites with contrasting soil types (Brown Chernozem and Black Vertisol) in Saskatchewan, Canada, to assess the effect of LHM and SCM (100 kg N ha−1), alone and in combination with two different biochars applied at 8 Mg C ha−1; produced using either slow or fast pyrolysis of willow (Salix spp.) feedstock. Intact cores were collected from the plots and the N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes were measured during a 6-week (42 days) lab incubation. The impact of manure amendment on greenhouse gas fluxes, was more apparent with LHM than SCM; reflecting higher inorganic N content, narrower C:N, and more easily mineralizable carbon in LHM. Co-applying biochar with the manure sources reduced the manure-related N2O emissions 31.5 to 43.1% and increased CH4 consumption 94.1% to 2.1 × compared with manure alone. Regardless of soil type, neither biochar co-applied with the manures affected the net CO2 fluxes compared with manure alone. The N2O emissions were principally influenced by the impact of biochar addition on NO3-N supply and pH, while the net CO2 fluxes were controlled by the opposing effects of heterotrophic (i.e., CO2 production) and postulated autotrophic (i.e., CO2 consumption) respiration. The CH4 consumption was related to the NH4-N supply and its influence on autotrophic methanotrophy.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Technological Advancement in Harvesting of Cotton Stalks to Establish
Sustainable Raw Material Supply Chain for Industrial Applications: a
Review-
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Abstract: The cultivation of cotton produces about 2–3 tonne of residues per hectare after harvesting. Uprooting and disposal of such a huge amount of cotton residues have become a serious problem. In this review, different technologies developed for clearing standing cotton stalks from the field, performances of available technologies, limitations, and technological gap for future work are discussed. Unlike other crop residues, cotton residue has fiber properties similar to most hardwood species. Hence, it is more suitable for various industrial applications like production of particle board, hardboard, pulp, paper, and corrugated boxes. It is also a cleaner fuel as compared to coal due to lower carbon and ash content based on ultimate analysis. Therefore, it can be used as fuel for power plant and as bio-energy. The potential of the use of cotton stalks for composting, briquetting, biochar, bio-oil, and bioethanol production, etc. is also discussed in the paper. It was observed that, the cotton waste was available in abundance; however, efficient machinery to remove the cotton stalks from field and simultaneously convert it into storable or directly usable form as a raw material for various applications was needed. The use of cotton stalks is techno-economically feasible for various applications but still more work is required in bio-ethanol production from cotton stalks to improve the yield of ethanol and for making the process more economical.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Cassava Leaves as an Alternative Nitrogen Source for Ethanol Fermentation
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Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves contain high protein content (ca 20%). This study aimed to evaluate application of the leaves as a nitrogen source for Saccharomyces cerevisiae in ethanol fermentation by comparing it with general nitrogen sources in yeast malt (YM) media. Mild pretreatments: liquid hot water, alkaline, and dilute acid, were conducted to extract amino nitrogen from the leaves while minimizing degradation. The liquid fraction from the liquid hot water pretreatment (CLWP) showed the highest amino nitrogen content of 271 ± 25 mg of N/L. Most free amino acids in CLWP were glutamic acid (22 g/kg leaves) and aspartic acid (20 g/kg leaves). After 24 h of fermentation, the equal glucose and nitrogen concentration media with CLWP gave 5 times higher ethanol content (10% v/v) than the absence of CLWP conditions (2% v/v). Free amino acids in the leaves provided a greater benefit to yeasts in ethanol production than other traditional chemical sources. Cassava leaves had high potential to be used as a nitrogen source for ethanol fermentation.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Volatile Methyl Siloxanes as Key Biogas Pollutants: Occurrence, Impacts
and Treatment Technologies-
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Abstract: Volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) are biogas pollutants generated from the metabolism of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) in anaerobic digestion processes. In the past, VMS were considered an issue only for biogas produced in landfills. However, the widespread presence of VMS in different types of biogas has been demonstrated in recent years as a consequence of the intensive use of PDMS in the formulation of personal care products, industrial lubricants, glues, paints, and detergents. Burning biogas (or biomethane) laden with VMS leads the formation of silicate (SiO2) deposits, resulting in abrasion and severe lubrication issues, which finally produce irreversible damage to energy production devices. The present work provides a comprehensive review of the VMS concentrations recently reported in several types of biogas, as well as the physical–chemical technologies available on a commercial scale for the removal of VMS. Alternative biological processes for VMS removal are also described, including the most recent advances in microbial degradation mechanisms, bioreactor configurations, and operation modes. Critical research niches and challenges towards the consolidation of biotechnologies as efficient and cost-effective VMS treatment systems are identified and critically discussed.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Conversion of Lavandula Straw into High-Quality Solid Fuel: Effect of
Hydrothermal Carbonization Conditions on Fuel Characteristics-
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Abstract: Hydrochars obtained by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of Lavandula straws have been studied as an eco-friendly and economical valorization route of residual biomass from cosmetic industry into solid fuels. HTC process has been performed in a temperature range from 180 to 260 °C and retention time ranging from 1 to 20 h. The two key parameters (time and temperature) were normalized to severity factor (SF) ranging from 4.74 to 7.79, in order to compare the fuel characteristics of hydrochars according to the thermal treatment conditions. Proximate and ultimate analysis and microscopy and thermal analysis were used to characterize hydrochar surface, combustion behavior, and kinetics as a function of SF, and to compare them with those of the raw lavandin sample. Results showed that after HTC, hydrochar properties were close to sub-bituminous coal and lignite, and SF was a relevant optimization parameter for solid fuel application. In the case of Lavandula, SF = 6 was the optimal value for the HTC process. Nevertheless, in addition to SF, it is important to consider that HTC-temperature is a more influencing parameter than HTC-retention time for the fuel properties of the resulting hydrochars.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Experimental Investigation of Kinetic Parameters of Bamboo and Bamboo
Biochar Using Thermogravimetric Analysis Under Non-isothermal Conditions-
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Abstract: The present investigation deals with the thermogravimetric analysis of bamboo and bamboo biochar in an inert environment at 10, 20, and 30 °C/min. In addition, vacuum pyrolysis was used for the bamboo biochar. The FWO (Flynn–Wall–Ozawa) and KAS (Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose) methods were used to determine thermodynamic and kinetic parameters within the active pyrolysis zone. Thermal degradation of bamboo biomass undergoes several steps of loss of mass, including moisture loss, and passive and active pyrolysis. Between 180 and 395 °C, the active pyrolysis zone accounted for 50 to 55% of the mass loss. Furthermore, in both FWO and KAS models, bamboo biochar had lower activation energy values (99.23 and 96.07 kJ/mol) than bamboo biomass (262.5303 and 266.62 kJ/mol). The study’s study on bamboo and its biochar revealed a significant opportunity in the agro-industry for designing and building pyrolysis reactors for long-term biofuel generation.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Biomass Production and Nutrient Removal by Perennial Energy Grasses
Produced on a Wet Marginal Land-
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Abstract: Growing dedicated bioenergy crops on marginal land can provide beneficial outcomes including biomass production and energy, resource management, and ecosystem services. We investigated the effects of harvest timing (peak standing crop [PEAK] or after killing frost [KF]) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates (0, 56, and 112 kg N ha−1) on yield, nutrient concentrations, and nutrient removal rates of perennial grasses on a wet marginal land. We evaluated three monocultures, including switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L., SW), Miscanthus x giganteus (MG), prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link, PCG), and a polyculture mixture of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash), and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula Torr., MIX). Increasing the application of N did correlate with increased biomass, concentration, and subsequent removal of nutrients across almost all treatment combinations. In all grass treatments except MG, PEAK harvesting increased yield and nutrient removal. At PEAK harvest, switchgrass is ideal for optimizing both biomass production and nutrient removal. While our results also suggest short-term plasticity for farmers when selecting harvest timing for optimal nutrient removal, KF harvest is recommended to ensure long-term stand longevity and adequate nutrient removal. If the KF harvest is adopted, MG would be the ideal option for optimizing biomass yield potential. Additionally, we found that the yield of polyculture did not vary much with harvest timing, suggesting better yield stability. Future studies should give consideration for long-term evaluation of polyculture mixtures to assess their biomass yields and nutrient removal capacities.
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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- Dimethyl Carbonate as a Cost-Effective Substitute of Methanol for
Biodiesel Production via Transesterification of Nonedible Oil-
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Abstract: Long-chain (C8–C24 fatty acids) carbon containing non-edible vegetable oils have a significant potential for biodiesel production as a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived diesel. Methanol-based transesterification is a conventional process to produce biodiesel starting from non-edible vegetable oils. This study investigates dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as an alternate to methanol for biodiesel production via the transesterification process with Karanja oil as the feedstock. Aspen HYSYS is used to perform simulations of both methanol and DMC-based processes. Based on the process simulation results, technoeconomic feasibility for each of these processes is carried out using net present value (NPV) as the metric. Results show that based on the current market prices of feedstocks and products, both of these processes yield negative NPV, suggesting that these processes are not profitable at this point. However, the NPV of the DMC process is always higher as compared to the methanol process even under fluctuations of different price components. The break-even analyses also suggest that the minimum selling price of biodiesel as obtained from the DMC process ($1.48/kg) is significantly lower than the methanol process ($2.23/kg). Thus, the DMC-based transesterification process shows a promising future for biodiesel production. Graphical abstract
PubDate: 2023-06-01
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