Abstract
The aim of the conducted research was to obtain information on the main components of ashes from 35 biomass species used in combustion processes to obtain reference data for the development of utility possibilities for these ashes, with particular emphasis on agricultural use. The examined biomass samples were divided into groups depending on origin: woody biomass and energetic woody plants I-WWB, herbaceous and grassy energy plants II-EC, agricultural waste III-AR, forest waste IV-FR and waste from the agri-food industry V-AFIW. The analysis of the studied elements contents was carried out in the designated groups. The chemical composition of ash was dominated by the macroelements Ca, K, P and S, which suggests the possibility of their agricultural use. At the same time, the low content of toxic elements such as As and Pb should not be a limiting feature in their use, with the exception of wood biomass. In addition, ashes obtained from the biomass combustion were enriched with microelements such as Zn, Cu and Mn, which further increases their possibilities of fertilizer use. The potential use of ash from each type of biomass in the aspect of its chemical composition should be considered individually, regardless of the division into groups depending on the origin of biomass.
Highlights
Renewable energy sources play a key role in current global strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, partly, in efforts to replace fossil fuels [1,2]
The examined biomass was divided into five groups depending on its origin: I-WWB Wood and woody biomass, II-EC Energy Crops, III-agricultural biomass (AB) Agricultural Biomass, IV-FR Forest Residue, and V-AFIW Agri-Food Industry Wastes
The chemical composition of ash from biomass is an important feature allowing for evaluation of the behavior of elements during combustion and use of ashes
Summary
Renewable energy sources play a key role in current global strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, partly, in efforts to replace fossil fuels [1,2]. Biomass is one of the most important sources of renewable energy. The construction of intelligent energy systems based on biomass as a source of primary energy enables strengthening economic, environmental, and social benefits [3]. The use of biomass potential for heating purposes in the municipal and housing sector should include compacted biomass fuel, and biomass fuels with low heating value and bulk density as well as waste biomass generated during the production of high calorific value food [4,5,6,7,8,9], based on effective and low emission fuel power units suitable for small scale applications (individual farms and district heating networks) [10]. Combustion waste arising from the combustion of biomass in households is collected in a nonselective manner and exported to a landfill, constituting an additional and unnecessary burden for the environment [11]
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