Low-cost Natural Adsorbents for Treating Industrial Effluents from Metal Industry: A Bench Scale Study

Increased biogas production using microbial stimulants

Co-composting of various organic substrates from municipal solid waste using an on-site prototype vermicomposting reactor

Low-cost adsorbents, e.g., cow manure-based carbon, provide alternatives to remove veterinary antibiotic sulfamethazine (SMT) from contaminated water bodies. In this study, the chemical structures and compositions of cow manure (CM) carbonized at 400, 600, and 800 °C (CM400, CM600, and CM800) were examined using elemental analyzer (EA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and spectroscopic techniques. Adsorptions of SMT on CM samples were conducted as functions of pH, hydrophobicity, and ionic strengths. Results of EA and spectroscopic analyses suggested that the raw CM and CM400 samples contained the highest amounts of O-containing groups and aliphatic domains. Amounts of such two chemical groups decreased as carbonization temperatures increased. The specific surface areas and total pore volumes of CM samples increased significantly when the carbonization temperatures exceeded 600 °C. SMT adsorption on CM samples could be described essentially by the pseudo-second-order kinetic, intra-particle diffusion, and Freundlich isotherm models. Low pH and ionic strength were favorable for SMT adsorption in CM samples, particularly for the CM800, because a strong π +–π electron donor–acceptor interaction (π +–π EDA) was formed between SMT and CM surfaces enriched with hydrophobic domains. Further, the high adsorption affinity of SMT to the CM600 and CM800 samples was attributed in part to their larger surface areas and total pore volumes. Generally, CM-based materials carbonized >600 °C showed relatively stable structures and exhibited strong aromatic properties. Moreover, maximum adsorption capacities of SMT on the CM800 sample (37–39 mM/kg) were significantly higher than those of other common adsorbents (0.02–35.93 mM/kg).

Performance of single substrate in sulphate reducing bioreactor for the treatment of acid mine drainage

Simple SummaryRapid population growth and urbanization, continued economic growth, shifts in dietary patterns towards more animal source foods are major challenges that sub-Saharan Africa is currently facing. These challenges exert a high demand on agricultural production. Insect species such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) have been identified as potential alternatives for the traditional protein sources used in livestock feed due to their rich nutrient content and the fact that they can be reared on organic side streams. However, black soldier fly larvae are very sensitive to external environments such as temperature and rearing medium. Currently, little is known about the combined influence of temperature and organic waste streams that are readily available in the urban environments of sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of temperature and organic waste streams on the development of black soldier fly larvae reared on two different organic substrates, i.e., brewers’ spent grain and cow dung. The results show that black soldier fly larvae reared on brewers’ spent grain were more efficient and tolerated a wider range of temperatures in comparison with those reared on cow dung.In sub-Saharan Africa, urban populations are projected to increase by 115% in the coming 15 years. In addition, economic growth and dietary shifts towards animal source foods have put high pressure and demand on agricultural production. The high ecological footprint of meat and dairy production, as well as high feed costs, prevent the livestock sector from meeting the increasing demand in a sustainable manner. Insects such as the black soldier fly (BSF) have been identified as potential alternatives to the conventionally used protein sources in livestock feed due to their rich nutrient content and the fact that they can be reared on organic side streams. Substrates derived from organic byproducts are suitable for industrial large-scale production of insect meal. Although efficient in waste management and in feed production, BSF larvae are very sensitive to the external environment such as temperature and rearing medium. Therefore, we studied the effect of temperature and substrate type, i.e., brewers’ spent grain (SG) and cow dung (CD), on the development and survival of BSF larvae. Both organic substrates were readily available in Nairobi, Kenya, the location of the experiments. In our experiment, 100 3–5-day-old BSF larvae were placed into containers that contained either SG or CD and further treated at temperatures of 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C. The duration of larval development was recorded, and the prepupae were removed, weighed, and placed individually in separate, labeled, 35-mL plastic cups filled with moist sawdust. After emergence, 10 2-day-old adults (5 males and 5 females) from every replica per substrate were transferred into a cage (40 × 40 × 40 cm) and allowed to mate for 24 h at their respective temperatures. The laid egg batches were collected and counted, and the adult flies’ longevity was recorded. The data were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model procedure. BSF larvae reared on SG developed faster than those reared on CD; the former also favored higher temperatures for their larval development and emergence into adults. The optimum range was 25–30 °C. With increasing temperatures, the longevity of adult BSF decreased, while the fecundity of females increased. Thus, it is possible to take advantage of the readily available SG waste streams in the urban environments of Kenya to produce BSF larvae-derived livestock feed within a short duration of time and at relatively high temperatures.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens L.) is a bioconversion agent of organic substrates and its proven ability to degrade and biotransform of waste strengthens organic waste management and waste recycling strategies. BSFL have the advantages of rapid development and very efficient conversion of various organic wastes into body biomass. This process reduces the disposal costs of organic waste as well as the use of energy providing a sustainable solution to the treatment of organic waste. In addition, it provides valuable products and fertilizers for agriculture, potentially reducing crop production costs for farmers. The current study investigated the potential live biomass production of BSFL using different organic substrates available locally while understanding their decomposition ability. Seven treatments were compared (T1- equal proportion of poultry manure and rice bran, T2- equal proportion of goat manure and rice bran, T3- rabbit droppings, T4- soybean meal, T5- coconut scrapings, T6- equal proportion of vegetable and fruit waste and T7- cow dung) and the experiment was set up as completely randomized design with three replicates. The study results examined the ability of BSFL to reduce the weight of the end-substrate and promote the degradation of organic waste materials. The live biomass production of larvae, changes in live biomass production, substrate consumption rate, the weight of the end-substrate and substrate conversion efficiency were significantly different among treatments. The greatest live biomass production of BSFL was recorded in coconut scrapings and vegetables & fruit waste mixture while the lowest value was observed in cow dung. Coconut scrapings reduced most of their weight at the end of the study indicating the highest substrate consumption rate and the total weight of the end-substrate consisted of < 2mm particle in size. However, the highest substrate conversion rate was observed in cow dung. Aqueous solutions prepared from the end-substrates varied widely in pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. In addition, significant differences were found among treatments for the colour and texture of the end-substrate. However, the appearance and odour did not differ significantly. According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the most efficient media for BSFL was coconut scraping though; it cannot be used as organic fertilizer as it exceeded the pH value of the SLS recommendation for compost. Overall, BSFL can be recognized as an effective and environmentally friendly tool to use in the biotransformation process of locally available organic waste materials.

Vertical flow cells (VFCs) are key components of passive acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment systems and require organic substrates that create anaerobic conditions and encourage bacterial sulfate reduction. In the high elevation desert of Potosi, Bolivia, the low productivity landscape limits the availability of sustainable and economical organic substrates. Locally available brewery waste, llama manure, and cow manure were evaluated as potential VFC substrates in a preliminary laboratory fed-batch study to assist in passive treatment system design. Two abandoned AMD discharges were collected from Cerro Rico de Potosi. Discharge A had an initial pH of 2.96, specific conductance of 3.31 mS/cm, and acidity of 1,350 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent. Discharge B had an initial pH of 3.85, specific conductance of 1.87 mS/cm, and acidity of 1,000 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent. Triplicate fed-batch reactors were set up in 1-L cubitainers with each potential substrate exposed to each AMD, yielding a total of 18 reactors exposed for 9 days and sampled two times for anions and dissolved metals. Cow manure reactors exhibited the greatest pH and alkalinity increases. Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn decreased in all reactors. SO4 concentrations only decreased in brewery waste reactors. However, SO4 reducing bacteria was higher for cow manure reactors. Results suggest that llama and cow manure are the more labile substrates, with llama manure being the most affordable. Brewery waste could be a suitable less-labile long-term substrate amendment. However, longer-term studies are needed to determine the optimum VFC substrate mixture in this unique circumstance.

The use of biogas as a means of satisfying energy demands is a viable alternative to fuel wood which results in the indiscriminate felling of tress. Animal wastes as organic substrates in the production of biogas provide a cheap and eco-friendly method of managing wastes. In this study, three different animal wastes (Cow dung: pH 1 =7.08, pH 2 = 7.32; Goats’ droppings: pH 1 =5.49, pH 2 =5.26; and Chicken droppings: pH 1 = 5.49, pH 2 = 5.75) were used as substrates in the production of biogas, and the experiment was carried out at ambient temperature for a hydraulic retention time of three weeks. A set of three laboratory digesters was used in the experimental set up, and the performance of the animal wastes was assessed based on the volume and quality of the biogas produced. The amount of biogas produced by the animal wastes in decreasing order is as follows; chicken droppings (18.27 Litres), cow dung (12.55 Litres) and goats’ droppings (5.11 Litres). The order of flammability of the biogas produced is as follows: cow dung > goats’ droppings > chicken droppings. The following methanogens were isolated; Methanobacterium sp., Methanococcus sp., Methanospirillum sp. and Methanosarcina sp. in the course of the experiment. In this study, cow dung produced the biogas of the highest quality and conclusively can be chosen as the best substrate for biogas production.

The experiment was conducted on organic substrates to determine the efficiency of reusing waste on spinach growth, yield, quality, and economic efficiency. The result showed treatment 2 (the mix of coffee grounds, cow manure, abalone mushroom residue, and rice husk ash) and treatment 6 (coffee grounds, cow manure, abalone mushroom residue, rice husk ash, and soil) were the best results in 9 treatments. Analysis of nutrition showed that these substrates had total N > 0.11%, P205 > 0.22%, and K2O > 7.39%. Treatment 2 had 25.0 cm of tree height and 29.1 leaves/tree. Leaf length, leaf width (23.8 cm - 8.3 cm), canopy diameter (23.9 cm), chlorophyll 39,6 SPAD Units, root length 14.3 cm, and stem diameter 0.8 cm. The average tree weight and theoretical yield had the highest (76.0 g-2.50 tons/1000 m2). The dry matter percentage was recorded at 12.9%. Treatment 6 was the treatment with the highest Vitamin C content (0.12%). The results of profit, capital efficiency, and marginal income index of treatment two were recorded (45.3 million VND/1000 m2-2.2 - 21.6). The formula, including coffee grounds, cow manure, abalone mushroom residue, and rice husk ash, was the best prospect for application in production practices.

The present study evaluates the digestion of cork boiling wastewater (CBW) through a biochemical methane potential (BMP) test. BMP assays were carried out with a working volume of 600 mL at a constant mesophilic temperature (35 °C). The experiment bottles contained CBW and inoculum (digested sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)), with a ratio of inoculum/substrate (Ino/CBW) of 1:1 and 2:1 on the basis of volatile solids (VSs); the codigestion with food waste (FW) had a ratio of 2/0.7:0.3 (Ino/CBW:FW) and the codigestion with cow manure (CM) had a ratio of 2/0.5:0.5 (Ino/CBW:CM). Biogas and methane production was proportional to the inoculum substrate ratio (ISR) used. BMP tests have proved to be valuable for inferring the adequacy of anaerobic digestion to treat wastewater from the cork industry. The results indicate that the biomethane potential of CBWs for Ino/CBW ratios 1:1 and 2:1 is very low compared to other organic substrates. For the codigestion tests, the test with the Ino/CBW:CM ratio of 2/0.7:0.3 showed better biomethane yields, being in the expected values. This demonstrated that it is possible to perform the anaerobic digestion (AD) of CBW using a cosubstrate to increase biogas production and biomethane and to improve the quality of the final digestate.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) has a negative impact that must be managed because it can cause environmental pollution and disrupt mining operations. Acid mine drainage contains dissolved heavy metals that are harmful to the ecosystem. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) can be used in acid mine drainage bioremediation. This study aims to analyze pH, C-organic and BPS growing in acid water sediments of coal mines and several other ecosystems, analyze C/N ratio and pH of potential organic substrates, and recover AMD by enrichment of indigenous SRB and addition of organic substrates. The ecosystems observed were AMD sediment, paddy field mud, mangrove sediment, in situ sediment, ditch sediment, and rhizosphere soil. The organic materials tested included water hyacinth compost, a mixture of paddy field mud with wood sawdust, oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) compost, chicken manure, cow manure, dairy factory waste, and mixtures thereof. The results showed that SRB could be found in all studied ecosystems in the range of 5.8E+2 – 1.26E+5 MPN-unit/dry weight. The value of the C/N ratio with variations from 9.23-89.5 had a negative correlation with increasing pH. The application of organic matter with concentrations of 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% helped SRB to raise the pH of AMD to more than 6 and reduced Fe by 88.18 – 97.27%. The highest SRB population was obtained in the mixed treatment of EFB and chicken manure with a population of 2.41E+12 MPN- unit/dry weight.

Calocybe indica, commonly known for its milky white nature is an edible mushroom with promising nutrition and therapeutic potential. It has gained attention due to its white sporocarps, longer shelf life, a distinct flavor, nutrient composition, medicinal and health benefits. The type of cultivation, humidity and temperature conditions and substrate usage directly influence the growth of mushrooms. Performance of cocopeat, corn waste, sugarcane waste, teak sawdust, and rice straw (control) is evaluated in different combinations to assess their suitability on mushroom growth, yield, antioxidant and antibacterial potential. The cocopeat - rice straw substrate combination emerged as the best substrate in terms of bud formation, stalk and pilei length. Corn waste also produced a notable yield 406.1 g/500 g substrate with optimal growth and biological efficiency for combination B3 which comprises of rice straw and corn waste in the ratio 2:8, while sugarcane waste and teak sawdust had resulted in less growth. The presence of secondary metabolites such as carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolics were confirmed from phytochemical analysis of the cold percolation ethanol extract. The extract exhibited 74.46% DPPH inhibition for 10 mg/mL concentration and contained high levels of phenolic (15.90 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (52.62 mg QE/g) compounds. However, the extract did not demonstrate significant anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacterial strains, showing a maximum zone of 2.5 mm for Bacillus subtilis.

A recent emphasis in gasification technology development has been directed toward reduced-scale gasifier systems for distributed generation at remote sites. The domestic distributed power generation market over the next decade is expected to be 5-6 gigawatts per year. The global increase is expected at 20 gigawatts over the next decade. The economics of gasification for distributed power generation are significantly improved when fuel transport is minimized. Until recently, gasification technology has been synonymous with coal conversion. Presently, however, interest centers on providing clean-burning fuel to remote sites that are not necessarily near coal supplies but have sufficient alternative carbonaceous material to feed a small gasifier. Gasifiers up to 50 MW are of current interest, with emphasis on those of 5-MW generating capacity. Internal combustion engines offer a more robust system for utilizing the fuel gas, while fuel cells and microturbines offer higher electric conversion efficiencies. The initial focus of this multiyear effort was on internal combustion engines and microturbines as more realistic near-term options for distributed generation. In this project, we studied emerging gasification technologies that can provide gas from regionally available feedstock as fuel to power generators under 30 MW in a distributed generation setting. Larger-scale gasification, primarily coal-fed, has been used commercially for more than 50 years to produce clean synthesis gas for the refining, chemical, and power industries. Commercial-scale gasification activities are under way at 113 sites in 22 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, according to the Gasification Technologies Council. Gasification studies were carried out on alfalfa, black liquor (a high-sodium waste from the pulp industry), cow manure, and willow on the laboratory scale and on alfalfa, black liquor, and willow on the bench scale. Initial parametric tests evaluated through reactivity and product composition were carried out on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) equipment. These tests were evaluated and then followed by bench-scale studies at 1123 K using an integrated bench-scale fluidized-bed gasifier (IBG) which can be operated in the semicontinuous batch mode. Products from tests were solid (ash), liquid (tar), and gas. Tar was separated on an open chromatographic column. Analysis of the gas product was carried out using on-line Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). For selected tests, gas was collected periodically and analyzed using a refinery gas analyzer GC (gas chromatograph). The solid product was not extensively analyzed. This report is a part of a search into emerging gasification technologies that can provide power under 30 MW in a distributed generation setting. Larger-scale gasification has been used commercially for more than 50 years to produce clean synthesis gas for the refining, chemical, and power industries, and it is probable that scaled-down applications for use in remote areas will become viable. The appendix to this report contains a list, description, and sources of currently available gasification technologies that could be or are being commercially applied for distributed generation. This list was gathered from current sources and provides information about the supplier, the relative size range, and the status of the technology.

Biogas production from anaerobic co-digestion of cow manure (CM) and corn straw residue (CSR) were experimentally investigated using a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) under semi- continuously feeding circumstance at mesophilic (35°C±2) temperature. The pilot-scale digester with 180 L in volume was employed under experimental protocol to examine the effect of the change in organic loading rate on efficiency of biogas production and to report on its steady-state performance. An average organic loading rates of 2 and 3 kg VS. (m-3.d-1) and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 25 days was examined with respect to two different CM to CSR mixing ratios of 100:0 , 75:25 and 50:50, respectively. The results showed both organic loading rates at co-digestion of CM+ CSR gave better methane yields than single digestion of cow manure. The biogas production efficiency was obtained 0.242, 0.204, 0.311 0.296, 259.5 and 235 m3.(kg VS input)-1 for 2 and 3 kg VS.(m-3.d-1) at CM to CSR mixing ratios of100:0 , 75:25 and 50:50, respectively. The reactor showed stable performance with VS reduction between 55-74% during different runs. With increment of loading rate, the VS degradation and biogas yield decreased. Modified Gompertz and logistic plot equation was employed to model the methane production at different organic loading rates and substrate concentrations. The equations gave a good approximation of the maximum methane production (rm) and the methane yield potential (P) with correlation coefficient (R2) over 0.99.Article History: Received Oct 25th 2016; Received in revised form Dec 19th 2016; Accepted 2nd January 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Taghinazhad. J., Abdi, R. and Adl, M. (2017). Kinetic and Enhancement of Biogas Production for the purpose of renewable fuel generation by Co-digestion of Cow Manure and Corn Straw in a Pilot Scale CSTR System. Int Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(1),37-44http://dx.doi.org/10.14710/ ijred.6.1.37-44

Assessing UV reactor performance for treatment of finished water