Biofertilizer Production Research Articles

Reclamation Potential of Onsite Wastewater Post-Treatment with Microalgae: Chemical Elements Perspective

Algae-based wastewater treatment is a promising technology with various applications for excess biomass such as biofertilizer production or valuable elements extraction. The benefits of the technology have been discussed for larger wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), but the use of microalgae in decentralized wastewater treatment has been barely reported. The current study screens the possible resource recovery potential of onsite technology, which adds algae-based post-treatment to the conventional biological treatment of domestic wastewater. The effluent from the onsite sequencing batch reactor (SBR) of a household was further processed in laboratory conditions using an SBR technology with two local monocultures of algae—Klebsormidium nitens (Kützing) Lokhorst and Tetradesmus obliquus (Turpin) M. J. Wynne. The decant and the generated algal biomass were analyzed in terms of their element content. The post-treated effluent has a slightly better quality for irrigation purposes than the effluent of the onsite treatment facility—up to 1.6 times increased concentration for macro-elements and up to 1.9 times for micro elements. However, the generated algal biomass shows promising potential for re-use as a fertilizing agent since it contains valuable macro- and micro-elements and the heavy (hazardous) metal content is considerably lower than the limiting values in the current European and national legislations. The K. nitens strain may attract interest since it accumulates valuable metals such as chromium (36 mg/kgDS), nickel (83 mg/kgDS), and silver (0.7 mg/kgDS) that can be derived from the biomass and turn the technology to a circular one.

Biogas production potential from animal farm waste in Bangladesh: Case studies of two selected farms

AbstractIncreasing prices of conventional energy sources and ongoing environmental pollution have encouraged policymakers to search for sustainable energy resources. In developing countries, livestock waste is often mismanaged and negatively impacts the environment. Bioenergy production from agricultural and animal wastes can be a viable solution. This study conducted a month‐wise survey on a multipurpose farm and a dairy farm in Chattogram, Bangladesh, to estimate the bioenergy potential from farm livestock waste. Based on the survey, mathematical modeling was applied to estimate the selected farm's theoretical bioelectricity, biogas and biofertilizer production potential. The analysis shows that the multipurpose and dairy farm have an annual biogas production potential of 209,660.2 and 1,205,035.5 m3, generating 3.77E+05 and 2.17E+06 kWhyr−1 of bioelectricity, respectively. The multipurpose farm and the dairy farm could generate 982.03 and 16092.49 tons of bio manure yearly and had an annual biofertilizer potential of 64.36 and 2090.91 tons. Both environmental and economic analyses show that both farms have good greenhouse gas mitigation potential and can earn significant revenue by selling electricity and biofertilizer in the market. The outcome can provide valuable guidelines for policymakers to invest in bioenergy production from farm animal waste.

Biofertilizer and Consortium Development: An Updated Review

To boost crop yield on arable land, fertilizers have been extensively utilized. A country may become food-self-sufficient by using more chemical fertilizers in agriculture, yet chemicals are harmful to the environment and living things. Biofertilizers are organic substances that make use of microorganisms to increase the fertility of soil, which helps safeguard the soil's health and also the quality of crop products. Biofertilizers provide nutrients through natural processes like nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and plant growth-inducing chemical synthesis. There are some important microorganisms that are used in biofertilizer production: Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphobacter, and Rhizobacter. There is a significant growth result when the biofertilizers are inoculated with two or three microorganisms rather than a single one, i.e., a consortium. On co-inoculation of the microorganisms show to stimulate plant growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Other microorganisms, like Pseudomonas and Bacillus, act as an effective biocontrol system. Some microorganisms are able to survive in a vast range of environments, expecting synergistic modes of action. They are also environment-friendly and responsible for the continuous availability of nutrients from natural sources. This review describes the importance of biofertilizers, widely used strains, and their potential significance in crop production.

Microbiological and Technological Insights on Anaerobic Digestion of Animal Manure: A Review

Anaerobic digestion of animal manure results in the production of renewable energy (biogas) and nutrient-rich biofertilizer. A further benefit of the technology is decreased greenhouse gas emissions that otherwise occur during manure storage. Since animal manure makes anaerobic digestion cost-efficient and further advance the technology for higher methane yields, it is of utmost importance to find strategies to improve bottlenecks such as the degradation of lignocellulose, e.g., in cattle manure, or to circumvent microbial inhibition by ammonia caused by the degradation of nitrogen compounds in, e.g., chicken, duck, or swine manure. This review summarizes the characteristics of different animal manures and provides insight into the underlying microbial mechanisms causing challenging problems with the anaerobic digestion process. A particular focus is put upon the retention time and organic loading rate in high-ammonia processes, which should be designed and optimized to support the microorganisms that tolerate high ammonia conditions, such as the syntrophic acetate oxidizing bacteria and the hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Furthermore, operating managements used to stabilize and increase the methane yield of animal manure, including supporting materials, the addition of trace elements, or the incorporation of ammonia removal technologies, are summarized. The review is finalized with a discussion of the research needed to outline conceivable operational methods for the anaerobic digestion process of animal manure to circumvent process instability and improve the process performance.

Integrated Valorization of Cassava Wastes for Production of Bioelectricity, Biogas and Biofertilizer

Integrated Valorization of Cassava Wastes for Production of Bioelectricity, Biogas and Biofertilizer

Effective Microorganisms as Halal-Based Sources for Biofertilizer Production and Some Socio-Economic Insights: A Review.

This paper aims to review the literature on 'Effective Microorganism (EM)' and 'Fertilizer' from the Scopus database and to discuss EMs using Halal-based sources for biofertilizer production from socio economic insights. Based on EM and fertilizer publications on the Scopus database, all the 17 papers reviewed provided no detailed information on the Halal-status of the biofertilizers inoculated with EM. The impacts of Halal-certified biofertilizers will trigger the Halal certification in food products by (a) catering for the increasing Halal food demand due to expectedly Muslim population expansion, (b) contributing to the sustainable buying behaviour of Halal products' consumers in the future, (c) catering for the increasing number of Muslim travellers around the world, (d) becoming a positive driver for higher production of more Halal foods that can enhance food safety, human health and well-being, and (e) creating a cost-effective and increasing food marketability. The later three points (c, d and e) play a very important role in a country's societal well-being and economic growth and development. Although Halal-status is not a must for the world's food marketing, Halal-certified biofertilizer for the Halal-status of food carries the greatest potential to enter the ever-expanding Muslim markets. Finally, it is postulated that the successful usage of EM using Halal-based sources for biofertilizer production will result in two major outcomes from the points of United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals # 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and # 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Hence, the presented review provides a starting point for future research considering sustainability and innovation as priorities.

Biofilm Formation Capability of Cowpea Nodular Bacterial Isolates in Static Microcosms

Bacteria are known to form microbially derived sessile communities that are irreversibly attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces known as biofilms. Biofilm formation is an adaptive strategy for the successful colonization of plant surfaces. Forty bacterial isolates of cowpea nodules from 12 smallholder farms in Northern Nigeria were evaluated for biofilm growth, attachment and strength in static microcosms. Replicate King’s B (KB) microcosms (n = 8) were incubated statically for 7 days before assessments. Growth and attachment were determined by measuring optical density (OD600nm) and absorbance (A570 nm) respectively. Strength (grams) was determined by maximum deformation mass (MDM) assay using glass balls (mean weight of 0.0115g). A significant MDM was recorded when more than one replicate retained at least one ball for at least 5 seconds. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine significant mean differences (p<0.05). Similarities and variations in biofilm formation were assessed by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) using the Ward method. Half of the isolates showed good biofilm growth and attachment. Twelve of the 40 isolates showed various levels of strength. Isolates 16F and 39L were rated well in all three biofilm parameters. There were significant differences in the mean values of the assessed biofilm parameters among the isolates. Mean growth ranged between 1.493 (Isolate 32K) and 2.101 OD600 (Isolate 19G). Mean attachment levels (A570) ranged from 0.084 (Isolate 9D) to 1.543 (Isolate 30K). Only isolate 2A had significantly higher biofilm strength (2.412g) than the rest of the isolates. HCA analysis indicated similarities as well as variations in biofilm formation by isolates within and between sites. Isolates from all the study sites were positive for at least one of the tested biofilm parameters. The ability of the isolates to form biofilms indicated that some of them could be suitable for biotechnological applications such as in biofertilizer production

Valorization of rice straw biomass for co-production of bioethanol, biopesticide and biofertilizer following an eco-friendly biorefinery process

Combustion and depletion of fossil fuels, open burning of agricultural wastes, and use of hazardous chemicals in biofuels production route are some major challenges among scientific community. In the present study these obstacles were mitigated simultaneously. Initially, rice straw biomass was delignified using a combined eco-friendly laccase-assisted sodium chlorite (LASC) pretreatment. The combined pretreatment strategy of rice straw biomass reduced 55.6% lignin and increased the total available carbohydrate by 1.43 fold. Further, enzymatic digestion of LASC pretreated rice straw using a formulated cellulase cocktail from Aspergillus flavus MDU-5 and Trichoderma citrinoviride MDU-1 liberated 526.68 mg/g sugars with high saccharification yield (84.0%). The enzymatic hydrolysates thus obtained were found to contain 7.43–16.78 g/L sugars. The cellulolytic hydrolysates when fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM-3640 produced 3.02–7.28 g/L bioethanol, with high yield (72.96–85.31% of the theoretical value). Parallelly, lignin extracted from waste pretreatment stream showed biopesticidal activity against the larvae of H. armigera; whereas, the evaluation of residual material (after hydrolysis and fermentation) exhibited biofertilizer properties. These findings suggests that the environmentally benign LASC pretreatment, cellulase cocktail, and utilization of waste stream for the production of biopesticide and biofertilizer may provide a promising strategy in the development of holistic lignocellulosic biorefinery process.

Metal-based nanoadditives for increasing biomass and biohydrogen production in microalgal cultures: A review

Microalgae have emerged as an interesting alternative for the generation of biofuels, including bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethane, biohydrogen and syngas. They are also used for the production of biofertilizers and other products of interest, while acting as a CO2 sink and favoring water purification by absorbing nutrients. However, the economic viability of large-scale microalgae cultivation for any of these purposes is not yet a reality. One of the main factors affecting this viability refers to the microalgae growing phase. In this scenario, nanoparticles, e.g. metallic, are emerging as possible alternatives to improve the cultivation and harvesting of microalgae. The addition of certain nanoadditives in microalgal cultures can improve light conversion in the photobioreactor, as well as CO2 absorption performance. However, the way in which these nanoparticles act or the concentration at which they maximize their positive effects on the culture are aspects that remain unclear. Thus, this paper critically reviews recent advances in nanoparticulate additives when they are used as a supplement in microalgae cultures, with the specific objective of improving biohydrogen production, but also analyzing their effect on algal growth, lipid accumulation and CO2 capture. The effects of nanoparticles on the selection of metabolic pathways of microalgae and their potential toxicity are also reviewed. The reported studies reveal that the toxicity of nanoadditives depends on their concentration, typology (chemical nature, particle size, crystalline structure) and species of microalgae. Furthermore, the supplementation of certain nanoparticles clearly increases the accumulation of intracellular compounds of interest and the growth of the algae. Additional studies should focus on aspects such as optimizing the dose of nanoparticles, designing strategies to minimize toxicity risks, or working with several additives simultaneously to create synergistic effects.

Виробництво соняшникової олії на принципах циркулярної економіки: регіональні аспекти

Abstract. Introduction. Fossil fuel-based energy systems are limited by a number of factors such as their exhaustibility, harmful emissions, and increasing prices. Sunflower seed production strives to achieve high yields with the least production costs and environmental burden. Future development should be achieved mainly by recycling field-based and process-based residues instead of natural resources. The use of a circular economy strategy can overcome the above challenges. Purpose. The purpose of this paper was to study the impact of residues-based biorefinery (bio-fertilizer production, electricity, and heat generation) on primary circular economy indicators. Renewable energy production and carbon dioxide emission savings were the subjects of the current manuscript. The objectives of this study were as follows: the identification of suitable indicators; the analysis of current technologies; the calculation of circular economy indicators. Results. To reach the purpose, we used scientific methods such as abstract-logical (to establish the problem statement and draw the conclusions), monographic (to analyze scientific works devoted to the circular economy), and dialectical knowledge. The novelty of our study is the analysis of energy saving technologies in sunflower oil production and related circular economy indicators. Promising energy saving technologies for sunflower seed cultivation and oil production were analyzed. The use of recycled municipal sewage water for irrigated agriculture is a promising technology in arid and semi-arid regions. It can save scarce reserve of fresh water. The implementation of a circular model in sunflower cultivation and processing requires an application of suitable business models. Conclusions. Sunflower field-based and process-based residues can be resources for biorefinery and ensure a way toward sustainable development based on the principle of the circular economy. Utilization of by-products allows substituting of hydrocarbon fossil fuels, generating renewable energy, and decreasing of carbon dioxide emissions. Recycling of crop residues (sunflower stalks) has a positive impact on circular economy indicators. According to our research, the use of sunflower husk for co-generation gives the best results. The implementation of the circular economy model in sunflower seed cultivation and oil production will contribute to the sustainable economic development of agriculture.

An integrated approach for the phycoremediation of Pb(II) and the production of biofertilizer using nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.

In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward the phycoremediation of heavy metals from bodies of water; however, many challenges remain. The nitrogen requirements for algal growth in nutrient-poor waters can lead to substantial costs. Moreover, proper management of the metal-loaded biomass is a concern. This study assessed the performance of two nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, Anabaena sp. and Nostoc muscorum, in treating Pb(II)-contaminated water without nitrogen under batch and fed-batch modes, as well as the subsequent utilization of the produced biomass as a biofertilizer. After 12 days of the batch mode with initial Pb(II) concentrations of 10, 20, 35, and 60mg/L, Pb(II) removal efficiencies were 98.90%, 98.95%, 97.20%, and 84.98% by Anabaena sp. and 88.00%, 73.10%, 54.54%, and 26.83% by N. muscorum, respectively. Anabaena sp. sustained growth and Pb(II) removal under the fed-batch mode by adjusting hydraulic retention time based on the influent Pb(II) concentration. Decontamination of the metal-loaded Anabaena sp. biomass was performed and resulted in a Pb(II) desorption of 93%. The desorbed Anabaena sp. extract provided the nutrient requirements for Chlorella vulgaris. The proposed strategy provides simultaneous Pb(II) bioremediation and biofertilizer production in a system driven by light energy, atmospheric N2, and CO2.

Development of Biofertilizer from Locally Sourced Materials

The appropriate rationing of NPK is a core problem in biofertilizer production. In this study, a 30-liter bench-scale anaerobic biodigester for biofertilizer production from solid waste was fabricated using galvanized steel sheet. About 4kg of chicken dung, 7.5 kg of wastewater treatment sludge, and 0.5 kg of banana peel are mixed, a total of 12kg, the substrate is then mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1. (w/w) 24 kg of the slurry is fed into the biodigester. The slurry is allowed to stay for 37 days at mesophilic temperature. The pH of the digestion is between 6-7, and the temperature is within the range of 25-34oC. The amount of total solid, moisture content, ash, and volatile matter of the feedstock after digestion decreases by about 31%,47%,67%, and 69%. Moreover, an increase in the amount of nitrogen content from 0.3783% to 0.6420%, phosphorous from 0.1903% to 0.2983%, and potassium from 0.1876% to 0.3153% was also observed. After digestion the biofertilizer produced has an appropriate ratio of 2:1:1. For the kinetic study, the specific growth was found to be 0.0098hr-1. Also, experimental data for microbial growth obtained from the study fitted the Monod model.

Evolution of properties of macadamia husk throughout gasification: Hints for a zero-waste energy production system

In-depth information about the transformation of biomass during gasification is the key to the sustainable development of this technology. This study elucidated the evolution of physico-chemical properties of macadamia husk throughout relevant industrial gasification conditions. The technical characteristics combined with high conversion rate highlighted the suitability of this feedstock for gasification. A stable syngas flow rate with high concentrations of CO and H2, reaching a lower heating value of 13.8 MJ m−3 on average was obtained. Relatively porous chars with a majority of micro-mesopores were observed throughout the conversion, which suggests the potential to use the residues after gasification as cheap and efficient adsorbents. In addition, multiple carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups were present on the char surface. Moreover, a high K content was detected (ranging from 85 mg g−1 for pyrolyzed MH char to 746 mg g−1 for MH gasified char at the conversion rate of 85%) and evenly distributed on the char surface. Such results consolidated the idea of combining the production of energy and cheap bio-fertilizers using the gasification of macadamia husk. The resulting database offered interesting hints for the development of zero-waste energy production systems with biomass gasification.

Improving the Sustainability of Rice Cultivation in Central Thailand with Biofertilizers and Laser Land Leveling

Rice production in the Central Plains of Thailand plays a key role in the country’s food security. However, the overuse of inputs coupled with the rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for smallholder rice farming to remain economically and environmentally sustainable. Replicated production-scale field trials of Cost Reduction Operating Principles (CROP)—Thailand’s national package of best management practices for rice production—were established in tandem with laser land leveling (LLL), mechanical drum seeder, and the application of two biofertilizer products (i.e., PGPR II, that contains Azospirillum brasilense Sp. TS29 and Burkholderia vietnamiensis S45; and LDD #12, that contains Azotobacter tropicalis, Burkholderia unamae and Bacillus subtilis) and compared with farmer’s practices (FP). Performance indicators (PI) promoted by the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) were used to assess economic and environmental indicators. CROP + PGPR had significantly higher net income (79%) and nitrogen-use efficiency (57%) compared with FP. Pesticide use (28%), seed (60%), inorganic fertilizer N (41%) and total production costs (19%) were reduced in all CROP treatments compared with FP. These results demonstrate that the application of CROP, LLL, mechanical drum seeder, and biofertilizers can substantially improve the economic and environmental sustainability of rice production in the Central Plains of Thailand.

Potential of organic waste to energy and bio-fertilizer production in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Potential of organic waste to energy and bio-fertilizer production in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Sustainable entrepreneurship in the equestrian sector through horse manure: a PLS-SEM approach

PurposeHorses play an important role in the agricultural industry around the world. The equestrian sector offers new markets and sustainable business opportunities. This paper, based on a structural equation modelling approach, seeks to explore the interests of Romanian entrepreneurs in developing a sustainable business in the equestrian sector by investing in the use of horse manure. This manure is an important renewable resource in the circular economy, including in the production of bioenergy and bio-fertilizers. The present research investigates whether there is an interest in developing such a business in Romania, built around three pillars: the environment, society and the economy.Design/methodology/approachPLS-SEM is an appropriate method for this research, where prediction of interest for sustainable entrepreneurship plays a central role. In total, 153 responses have been collected and validated based on a questionnaire and the invitations to complete were sent to people who are already entrepreneurs or have intention to become entrepreneurs in the near future.FindingsThe structural model shows that society's interest has the strongest effect on developing a sustainable business model through horse manure. Surprisingly, the study does not reflect an expected correlation between the interest in the environment and the development of a sustainable business model through horse manure resulting in bioenergy.Originality/valueThis study contributes to arousing the interest in research and even the development of a business by presenting the sustainability factors in the horse industry and adopting technological innovations, services, products and business models. The study was conducted in Romania, where, currently, the manure produced by horses is underexploited, and the equestrian sector requires new business models, innovations and sustainable development.

Hydrothermal Treatment of Food Waste for Bio-fertilizer Production: Regulation of Humus Substances and Nutrient (N and P) in Hydrochar by Feedwater pH

Hydrothermal Treatment of Food Waste for Bio-fertilizer Production: Regulation of Humus Substances and Nutrient (N and P) in Hydrochar by Feedwater pH

Unlocking the resource potential of livestock waste in Bangladesh

AbstractCurrently, the livestock sectors of Bangladesh are blooming at an incredible rate. In addition to the higher economic gain from this sector, the burden of managing a vast amount of waste has attracted the attention of environmentalists. Producing biogas and resource recovery can be a valuable solution to manage these wastes and produce clean energy. The present analysis aims to determine the bioresource potential of livestock waste in all divisions of Bangladesh. Total biogas, bioelectricity, biofertilizer, methane, and heat energy generation potential are estimated for 2020–21. Prospective manure production from livestock waste was highest in Dhaka (50.53 Mtyr−1) and lowest in Sylhet (14.51 Mtyr−1). It is estimated that 17652.2 million m3 of biogas could have been produced from only livestock manure. The total biogas potential from livestock waste was 25520.9 million m3 in 2020–21. Prospective annual methane production was 15277.3 million m3, while 467.4 petajoules of heat energy could have been produced from this sector. The estimated bioelectricity potential was 45.4 terawatts. hours (TWh), while annual biofertilizer production could be 29.81 million tons. Using biomethane in place of diesel could avoid yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 42,500 kilotons of CO2 equivalent and reduce 28,800 kilotons of CO2 in Bangladesh. The outcome of this study can serve as a benchmark guideline for potential investors and policymakers to ensure optimal investment to produce bioenergy from livestock waste in different regions of Bangladesh.

Establishing the nexus between the coagulant for microalgae harvesting and the biomass nutrient assemblage

Microalgae biomass is being studied as a potential resource for the production of renewable biofertilizer, but transforming the highly dispersed miniscule microalgae cells into harvestable biomass is challenging.

Cellulolytic activity at the low temperature of associative bacteria from a seagrass ecosystem

Cellulase enzymes have been widely used in many industrial activities, such as the production of biofuels, biofertilizers, and bio-decomposers. The usage of cellulase enzymes on an industrial scale usually involves a relatively high temperature. Microorganisms in marine ecosystems are widely known to have the ability to produce cellulase enzymes in various environmental ranges. However, exploring marine cellulolytic bacteria at low temperatures still lacks information. This study aims to determine the cellulolytic activity of bacteria associated with seagrass ecosystems at low temperatures. Cellulolytic activity test used selected bacteria isolates from the seagrass ecosystem (actinobacteria: AA10b, AA11a, AA30a, AB22b; heterotrophic bacterial: HB1.1, HB2.1, HT1.2, HT2.2). The cellulolytic index values were obtained from the clear zone test on CMC 1% medium with congo red staining (actinobacteria) and iodine (heterotrophic bacteria) in different temperature treatments (4°C, 17°C, 20°C, and 40°C). The results showed that all isolates had various cellulolytic index values at different temperatures. There was no bacterial cellulolytic activity at 4°C. However some isolates showed activities at 17°C and increased as the temperature was higher. The highest production of cellulolytic activity occurred at 40°C for both actinobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria isolates. The actinobacteria isolate AA11a had the highest cellulolytic index of 7.00 at 40°C. This study indicates that at low temperatures, associative bacteria from the seagrass ecosystem have considerable cellulolytic activity for further research applications in various industries.