Biomass For Energy Generation Research Articles

Evaluation of extracting biomass energy using a strategic decision support system

Electricity significantly influences the long-term development of society. Traditional power generation technologies have encountered numerous challenges. The rising demand for power generation and the scarcity of fossil fuel resources have prompted the adoption of renewable energy sources. Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be utilized to generate power and promote a more sustainable environment. This paper presents improved Pythagorean Probabilistic Hesitancy Fuzzy Set (PPHFS) multi-criteria information fusion processes. The development of connection numbers (CN) and the proposal of a distance measure between CNs have been initiated. The suggested solution involves a distance measure based on the CN score function. Set-pair analysis (SPA) is a prior uncertainty theory that incorporates three elements of CN and overlaps with the PPHFS. Biomass energy generation poses a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem that requires a wide range of resources for evaluation. The study introduces a novel Projection Ranking by Similarity to the Referencing Vector (PRSRV) and Simultaneous Evaluation of Criteria and Alternatives (SECA) to effectively handle data ambiguity and generate weights for all criteria in the MCDM problem. The criteria’s weights were found to fall within the range of 0.2122 and 0.0232. The proposed method indicates that animal residues are the most desirable resource for bioenergy production, followed by municipal solid residues, agricultural residues, forest and crop residues, industrial residues, and algae. The research aims to assist decision-makers and organizations in evaluating and prioritizing various energy sources on a sustainable scale. The method presented exhibits superior data adaptability compared to other MCDM approaches.

Energy Recovery Analysıs of A Biomass Type of Installed Waste Water Treatment Plant

Energy production can also be obtained from plant, animal or sometimes human material, referred to be the biomass technology. The biomass raw material can be obtained from purposely grown energy crops, waste from food crops, wood or forest residues, horticulture, animal farming, food processing, or human waste from sewage plants. In this study, energy recovery analysis of an installed waste water treatment plant was conducted. The physical and chemical analyses of energy recovery that can be obtained from waste water treatment plant were clarified. In this regards, parameters including daily wastewater inlet water flow rate, wastewater inlet water 24 hourly average temperature, wastewater inlet water 24 hourly pH average, wastewater inlet water 24 hourly conductivity average, gas generator daily gas consumption, diesel generator daily energy generation, daily energy consumption from the city line, gas generator energy generation, total energy consumption of the water treatment plant, and daily gas generation of the treatment plant were identified. The plant has the duty of providing water treatment, so it is certain that noteworthy energy consumption in the plant can occur is an expected situation. However, the point that how much of the energy can be regained by the biomass technology provided by the burning processes conducted on the human waste is important. Namely, it is reported in this study that 78.29% of the total energy consumed by the plant was regained by these processes occurred in the treatment facility. On the other hand, this amount of recovered energy was reported to correspond a total of 14.200 GWh in this installed plant of Turkey. Apart from the amount of the recovered energy, the discharge of the amount of the methane gas which is responsible of the biomass energy generation was also analyzed according to the considered physical and chemical parameters. For instance, the analyses have shown that the increase of the waste water temperature causes decrease on the amount of the methane gas generation. On the other hand, the conductivity and the degree of acidity increase resulted the increase of the amount of the methane gas production.

Metabolic Performance and Fate of Electrons during Nitrate-Reducing Fe(II) Oxidation by the Autotrophic Enrichment Culture KS Grown at Different Initial Fe/N Ratios.

Autotrophic nitrate-reducing Fe(II)-oxidizing (NRFeOx) microorganisms fix CO2 and oxidize Fe(II) coupled to denitrification, influencing carbon, iron, and nitrogen cycles in pH-neutral, anoxic environments. However, the distribution of electrons from Fe(II) oxidation to either biomass production (CO2 fixation) or energy generation (nitrate reduction) in autotrophic NRFeOx microorganisms has not been quantified. We therefore cultivated the autotrophic NRFeOx culture KS at different initial Fe/N ratios, followed geochemical parameters, identified minerals, analyzed N isotopes, and applied numerical modeling. We found that at all initial Fe/N ratios, the ratios of Fe(II)oxidized to nitratereduced were slightly higher (5.11 to 5.94 at Fe/N ratios of 10:1 and 10:0.5) or lower (4.27 to 4.59 at Fe/N ratios of 10:4, 10:2, 5:2, and 5:1) than the theoretical ratio for 100% Fe(II) oxidation being coupled to nitrate reduction (5:1). The main N denitrification product was N2O (71.88 to 96.29% at Fe/15N ratios of 10:4 and 5:1; 43.13 to 66.26% at an Fe/15N ratio of 10:1), implying that denitrification during NRFeOx was incomplete in culture KS. Based on the reaction model, on average 12% of electrons from Fe(II) oxidation were used for CO2 fixation while 88% of electrons were used for reduction of NO3- to N2O at Fe/N ratios of 10:4, 10:2, 5:2, and 5:1. With 10 mM Fe(II) (and 4, 2, 1, or 0.5 mM nitrate), most cells were closely associated with and partially encrusted by the Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxide minerals, whereas at 5 mM Fe(II), most cells were free of cell surface mineral precipitates. The genus Gallionella (>80%) dominated culture KS regardless of the initial Fe/N ratios. Our results showed that Fe/N ratios play a key role in regulating N2O emissions, for distributing electrons between nitrate reduction and CO2 fixation, and for the degree of cell-mineral interactions in the autotrophic NRFeOx culture KS. IMPORTANCE Autotrophic NRFeOx microorganisms that oxidize Fe(II), reduce nitrate, and produce biomass play a key role in carbon, iron, and nitrogen cycles in pH-neutral, anoxic environments. Electrons from Fe(II) oxidation are used for the reduction of both carbon dioxide and nitrate. However, the question is how many electrons go into biomass production versus energy generation during autotrophic growth. Here, we demonstrated that in the autotrophic NRFeOx culture KS cultivated at Fe/N ratios of 10:4, 10:2, 5:2, and 5:1, ca. 12% of electrons went into biomass formation, while 88% of electrons were used for reduction of NO3- to N2O. Isotope analysis also showed that denitrification during NRFeOx was incomplete in culture KS and the main N denitrification product was N2O. Therefore, most electrons stemming from Fe(II) oxidation seemed to be used for N2O formation in culture KS. This is environmentally important for the greenhouse gas budget.

Asymmetric linkage between biomass energy consumption and ecological footprints in top ten biomass-consuming nations

In the current sustainable growth framework, the role of renewable energy cannot be overemphasized. Furthermore, several sustainable development targets necessitate the optimal utilization of biomass energy. Their benefits, trade-off dynamics, and implementation vary according to geography, necessitating an in-depth examination to manage their influence. Therefore, we investigated the impact of biomass energy utilization on the ecosystem in the top ten biomass-consuming nations: India, Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To compare the impact of biomass energy utilization on ecological footprint, this study employed a quarterly dataset covering the period between 1970 and 2018. To achieve this objective, we used the Quantile-on-Quantile approach, which suggests that biomass improves environmental quality in six nations (i.e. Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, Sweden, and United Kingdom) but it degrades the environment in the other countries (i.e. Finland, Italy, India, and the USA). Furthermore, the study employed the Granger causality test in quantile, and the results indicate that biomass energy utilization and ecological footprint can predict each other in nine nations (i.e. Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy, UK, and the USA). However, for India, we detected the absence of causality between biomass energy and ecological footprint. Based on this outcome, this study suggests policies such as intensifying and coordinating the transition from traditional to contemporary biomass, which might increase the green impacts of biomass use, hence lowering environmental degradation. This transition will strengthen the energy efficiency of biomass energy generation, providing additional opportunities to revitalize the forest areas.

Silica extraction from rice hull ash through the sol-gel process under ultrasound.

Rice is among the main foods produced in the world and is part of the daily diet of most families. The main waste from rice processing is rice husk (RH), which has been used as biomass for energy generation through combustion. In this process, rice husk ash (RHA) is generated as a residue, and its silica (SiO2) content varies from 85 to 98%. The present work describes the study of the extraction of silica from RHA by the ultrasound-assisted sol-gel method. An experimental design based on the response surface methodology (RSM) with the symmetrical, second-order rotational central composite design (RCCD) was applied to determine the best extraction conditions considering extraction time and molar ratio (n) as variables = nNaOH/nSilica). These optimal conditions were then applied to three ash samples, two obtained by the combustion process in a boiler furnace, with a mobile grate system (RHAC1 and RHAC2), and one obtained by the pyrolysis process (RHAP) carried out in a fixed bed reactor. Results showed that a molar ratio of 4.4, and an extraction time of 107min were the best extraction conditions, leading to a yield of 73.3% for RHAP, 43.9% for RHAC1, and 31.1% for RHAC2. It was found that the extraction yield and textural properties of the silica obtained depend on the characteristics of the ash used. The silica extracted from RHAC1 presented a surface area of 465 m2.g-1, mesopores of 4.69nm, purity greater than 95%, and an ultra-fine granulometric distribution, reaching nanoparticle dimensions, characteristics comparable to commercially available silicas.

Regional Renewable Energy Installation Optimization Strategies with Renewable Portfolio Standards in China

In this paper, we provide theoretical and policy support for quota-allocation strategies based on a national unified renewable energy (RE) power market. Renewable portfolio standards (RPSs) are of great significance in promoting the stable development of renewable energy and improving power market decision making in China’s power industry. To resolve the geographical, resource allocation, and power-grid problems of multi-regional RE power generation, we constructed a regional distribution optimization model with the lowest cost under the RPS policy and designed a set of dynamic distribution mechanisms based on the renewable energy power quota index. The results show that it is necessary to prioritize development of wind-generated power on the North China and Northeast Power Grids, solar energy on the Northwest Power Grid, and biomass energy generation on grids in other regions to plan specific task undertakings and allocate RE power generation to each grid. We propose a multi-regional power distribution model at the lowest cost under the RPS policy to provide solutions and references for renewable energy power market quota allocation.

Briquetting of subbituminous coal and torrefied biomass using bentonite as inorganic binder

The use of inorganic binder for briquetting of subbituminous coal and torrefied biomass for energy generation is scarce. The present study focuses on the physicomechanical durability and energy content of briquettes produced from subbituminous coal (SubC) and torrefied biomass (TM) using bentonite as binder. Briquettes were produced using 95% SubC and 5% TM. Bentonite was varied at 2–10% of the total SubC and TM weight. The briquettes were produced with a constant pressure (28 MPa) in a hydraulic press. The briquettes were primarily cured at room temperature and then at 300 ^circ{rm C} in a tubular furnace under an inert condition for 60 min. The density and water resistance (WRI) of the briquettes were evaluated. Drop to fracture (DF), impact resistance index (IRI), cold crushing strength (CCS) and tumbling strength index (TSI+3 mm) of the briquette were obtained. The reactivity index (RI), proximate, ultimate and calorific values analyses were assessed based on different ASTM standards. Microstructural studies and elemental mapping were carried out using scanning electron microscope equipped with EDS and electron probe microanalyzer. The density increased with increment in bentonite content. The WRI decreased with increase in bentonite while the least (95.21%) was obtained at 10% binder content. The DF and IRI ranges from 100 to 150 and 2000–3000, respectively. The CCS were in the range of 19.71 to 40.23 MPa. The RI varies from 34 to 50%. Fixed carbon, carbon and calorific values were impaired as the bentonite content in the briquette increases. Oxygen and silica bridges with mechanical interlocking were observed on the micrographs of the briquettes. The briquettes produced with 2% bentonite content have better physicomechanical durability with equivalent energy content. It is recommended as feedstock for thermal and metallurgical applications.

An Experimental Case Study on Generation of Bio-Energy as Clean Technology Initiative in a Food Industry

India is a country with huge potential for Biomass Energy (BE) generation numerically estimated as 20GW. The country is making some serious efforts in terms of both scientific interventions and fiscal incentives to economically attract more projects of BE for its renewability properties. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Government of India is encouraging clean technologies (CT) to get adopted by revenue generating organizations through provisions of certificates for emission reduction, Carbon-Credits or giving preferential tariffs. These initiatives have been welcomed by industries as they often have large amount of bio-degradable waste to send to treatment facilities. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process has got much attention in industrial waste treatment ventures in this framework. Bio-chemical breakdown process of waste releases biogas that can be utilized in electricity and steam generation and simultaneously landfill expenses can be avoided. Present study is based on an experiment of converting potato peels of a food industry to generate biogas. Standard AD process is utilized with a suitably selected pre-treatment mechanism to make the process of BE generation more efficient according to the scale of industrial dimensions. This venture is one of the many CT initiatives taken by the industry for achieving sustainability goals of the EHS (Environment-Health-Safety) division. The process is estimated to produce 16 lt methane gas per 1 kg of potato peel waste. This process of generation of BE is capable to off-set of 3000 Kcal amount of energy required for industrial operation. Further a SWOT analysis has been carried out to critically analyze the suitability of the experiment as per industrial scale.

The Effects of STEM-Based Alternative Energy Activities on STEM Teaching Intention and Attitude

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of STEM-based alternative energy activities on integrative STEM teaching intention and attitude of pre-service science teachers towards STEM. Some examples of daily life problems were given to participants to design STEM projects about the theme of alternative energy sources during the whole semester. Participants worked in groups of four while designing STEM products. In the research, one-group pre-test and post-test experimental design, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was utilized. The study group was composed of 29 female and 11 male pre-service science teachers studying at the science education department. Integrative STEM teaching intention questionnaire and attitude towards STEM scale were used to collect data. As a result of the research, integrative STEM teaching intention and attitude towards STEM have significantly increased compared to the pre-implementation. There were significant differences between the pre- and post-tests’ participants scores of knowledge, value, attitude, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention, subjective norm subscales of integrative STEM teaching intention. There were significant differences between the pre- and post-tests scores for science, mathematics, engineering and technology and 21th century skills sub-scales of attitude towards STEM. The effect size for all subscales of integrative STEM teaching intention was large except for subjective norm according to Cohen (1988). The effect size was large for science, was small for math, and was medium for engineering and technology and 21th century skills subscales of attitude towards STEM. The majority of pre-service science teachers made designs about alternative energy resources, such as hydroelectric energy, solar energy and wind energy, while a small number of preservice science teachers designed STEM products about biomass energy and energy generation by vibration (piezoelectric). Findings suggested that STEM-based alternative energy activities can be implemented to improve pre-service science teachers’ integrative STEM teaching intention and attitude of pre-service science teachers towards STEM.

Performance Analysis of Bio-Energy Based Power Generation System in Nigeria Using Rice Husk Feedstock

Bio-energy which is the energy resources derived from organic matter has contributed significantly to primary energy supply in most developed countries of the world. The extensive use of biomass for electricity generation started recently as a more efficient option of providing energy. To encourage investment in this area, detail analysis on the prospect of Biomass energy generation system in Nigeria context need to be carried out. In line with this, this study assesses the viability of setting up a Biomass Energy Plant in Nigeria using rice husk. It determine the availability of rice husk for the project and identify the economic advantage of using rice husk as a feedstock in generating electricity while evaluating the energy conversion technology adopted with consideration on its environmental impact. The proposed plant location is Abakiliki Rice Mill complex and Gasification technology was adopted for the bio conversion process. Data on the feedstock availability was collected by direct measurement of the resources at the various mill dump site in the Rice Mill Complex and analyzed using Python analytical and visualization tools (Numpy and Seaborn). The primary source of data for the analysis is data gotten from the field and Nigeria Energy Regulatory Council (NERC) while the secondary source of data is data from related work over the internet. The outcome of the study showed that the Rice Complex have the capacity to produce the quantity of rice husk required to generate 499,320KWh of electricity per year using Bio-Energy plant. Also, the mass of rice husk produced is significantly higher in the month of October, November and December due to the weather condition (dry season) and the high demand of rice as the result of the festivity (Christmas celebration). When the performance of the existing system and the proposed Bio-Energy plant was compared in terms of per Kilowatt cost of energy generation, it was observed that the new system outperformed the existing one. This is traceable to the good caloric value of rice husk and its availability in very large quantity at no cost. To determine the system’s sustainability, the financial feasibility of operating a Biomass plant in Nigeria was also carried out; levelised cost, simple payback period and return on investment (ROI) as important financial metrics were calculated using real data.

Biomass ashes as potential raw materials for mineral wool manufacture: initial studies of glass structure and chemistry

The energy intensive and CO2-generating nature of commercial mineral wool and glass production necessitates advances and changes in materials and processes. The derivation of raw materials from waste products arising from biomass energy generation offers the possibility of a two-fold environmental benefit: partial replacement of carbonate raw minerals in production, leading to lower CO2 release during melting; and the utilisation and valorisation of byproducts which may otherwise be sent to landfill. Glass samples with a basaltic mineral wool composition were produced with additions to the raw materials of 0, 1, 5 and 10 wt% of a fly ash and a bottom ash arising from biomass combustion. The resulting glasses were analysed by x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, dilatometry, 57Fe Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopies, and their densities, molar volumes and viscosity–temperature profiles were calculated and compared against benchmark glass samples. All biomass ash-containing glasses were closely similar in both composition and properties to the benchmark glass, with up to 10 wt% ash additions to the raw materials. In addition, the use of the biomass fly ash led to a reduction in batch CO2 content estimated to be 1·5 kg CO2 per tonne of batch for each 1 wt% addition. These initial results provide evidence supporting the further development of these ash materials as potential value-added raw materials for mineral wool manufacture.

Turning Water Abundance Into Sustainability in Brazil

Brazil is a powerhouse in terms of water resources, which are instrumental to the country’s transition to sustainability. However, to realize this potential, substantial management and conservation hurdles must first be overcome. We propose a novel strategy for the use, management, and conservation of Brazilian water resources. Our approach recognizes the spatial heterogeneity of water abundance and is based on a multisectoral perspective, including energy, food, sanitation, and environmental conservation. The main recommendations are to adopt low-cost local and subnational solutions and to design policy mixes, both based on the logic of the nexus water-food-energy-ecosystem. We offer as examples programs that 1) increase cistern infrastructure in drylands, 2) use constructed wetlands to improve sewage treatment in small cities and vulnerable areas, 3) turn the focus of conservation to aquatic ecosystems, 4) stimulate the adoption of small hydrokinetic turbines for energy generation in sparsely populated river-abundant regions, such as the Amazon Region, 5) diversify the matrix of renewable energy sources by combining hydropower with biomass and wind energy generation, and 6) mixes policies by integrating multiple sectors to improve regulation, use and management of water resources, such as the Brazilian “Water for All” Program. By following these recommendations, Brazil would align itself with the goals established in international agreements and would turn its abundance of water resources into development opportunities.

The Function of Organic Additives in Enhancing the Q-values for Peat Pellet Biofuel

In Malaysia, peat make up for around 7.5 % of the entire land area. The positive effect of the vast wet organic compounds accumulates over a long time has stored high content of soil’s carbon which are highly useful as fuel and biomass energy generation. Thus, this study gives an outline of peat pellet as potential biofuel energy. The peat pellets were soaked into several kinds of flammable additives such as petrol, kerosene and diesel. The percentages of 69.41 % of carbon, 28.73% of oxygen and 0.97% of silicon were obtained using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR)- Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Spectroscopy was used to identify the sample. From the spectra, it reveals that most of the additives contribute mainly functional groups with hydroxyl, alcohol and phenol groups were found leading to higher boiling and melting points. The heat combustion properties of peat pellets were evaluated using a calorimeter technique by boiling off 50 ml and 100 ml of water. The pellet with diesel has the highest Q-values and combustion rate due to larger number of carbons in rigid molecular structure. The high amount of unique chemical compound found naturally in diesel known as cetane, ignites effortlessly when heated gives diesel additional advantages in shorter ignition delays as well as longer duration of combustion.

Solar and biomass potential of renewable energy in selected ASEAN countries and Japan

ASEAN region is believed to have a great potential for biomass and solar energy generation due to its abundance of sunlight, rain, and fertile land. However, these resources are still underutilized as the current rate of renewable energy is relatively low, whereby most countries are still highly emphasizing fossil fuels. The use of fuel without replenishing the fuel source will ultimately deplete the resource in very much the same as fossil fuels currently utilized. While the concept of fuel replenishment seemed simple, the implementation posed a challenge to meet. This is where free energy in the form of solar, wind, wave, underground thermal, and biomass is being harnessed. Therefore, these forms of energy also have certain limitations depending on the geographical and the availability of the sources throughout the region. This study aims to analyze the current potential renewable energy scenario and future prospect of renewable energy resource for biomass and solar energy in selected ASEAN countries and Japan.

Time-varying effects of monetary policy on Iranian renewable energy generation

This study investigates the impact of monetary policy on renewable energy generation in Iran. It examines three types of renewable energy generation: total renewable energy generation; solid biomass and biogas energy generation; and the hydropower, solar, and wind group energy generation. The study uses the Kalman filter and vector autoregression (VAR) models to examine annual data from 1984 to 2016. The Kalman filter model showed that the money supply parameter moved with a steady trend, except for a sharp point during the Iran-Iraq War. A sharp point can be found for real interest rate parameter as well, although the time of global crisis and sanctions also affects this coefficient. The VAR model results indicate that only a shock to money supply can affect all the three renewable energy generation types.

Evaluation of the maturity level of biomass electricity generation technologies using the technology readiness level criteria

This article assesses the level of maturity of current biomass power generation technologies, by using metrics of technology readiness levels. A questionnaire was developed and sent to hundreds of bioenergy experts from several countries. A total of 101 answers to the survey were received from the experts. Such analysis was based on a method commonly used in the defense sector, but modified, mainly in terms and concepts issues, about particularities of biomass energy generation technologies. Obtained results indicate that 62.07% of experts in the sector consider Conventional Rankine Cycle technology having already a high degree of maturity, with a Technology Readiness Levels of 8 or higher, and 37.11% of experts consider Organic Rankine Cycle technology also has a high degree of maturity. Technology Readiness Level definition for Gasifier/Internal combustion engine technology resulted to be a complex task as reflected in the present survey’s results, where the weighted Technology Readiness Level is 6. The technologies showing lower weighted TRL values are integrated gasifier combined cycle, externally fired gas turbines, steam radial turbines, screw expander, gasifier/gas microturbine, and Stirling engines. Survey results and reviewed performance data provide very useful information for preliminary technology selection in biomass electricity generation projects.

Effect of Pith/Fiber Separation, Binders and Hybridization on Energy Density and Physical Properties of Bagasse Briquettes.

Improvements on energy density of loose biomass such as sugarcane feedstock is crucial in the technology of biomass energy conversion and generation. South Africa is one of the producers and refiners of sugarcane. High energy density of sugarcane bagasse biomass through separation and briquetting is imperative in developing adequate streams and quality energy generation from sugarcane upstream milling processes. Unseparated bagasse and separated fractions of fiber and pith possess energy contents of about: 16.14 MJ/kg, 17.73 MJ/kg and 15.74 MJ/kg respectively. Fiber fractions have high energy content than bagasse and pith which demonstrates that pith fraction from bagasse lowers energy density. However, the use of starch and PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) as binders during briquetting contributed no significant difference in the overall energy density of the biomass briquettes produced. In the same vein, the addition of 50% charcoal as the hybrid component significantly improves the energy density and the physical properties of briquettes, biomass fractions of bagasse, fiber and pith to: 19.43 MJ/kg, 19.57 MJ/kg and 18.37 MJ/kg respectively. Fiber fraction remains the biomass fraction with highest energy content as compared to other fractions. After briquetting and drying of briquettes to moisture content below 12%, there was a significant improvement on the burning rate, briquetting, binder, hybridization which does improve the biomass briquettes characteristics. Separation of bagasse is crucial under certain conditions since there are no significance differences in the energy density of bagasse fractions. However, the use of PVA and charcoal does pose the necessity of bagasse separation from its fractions for briquetting.

Current radiological situation in areas of Ukraine contaminated by the Chornobyl accident: Part 2. Strontium-90 transfer to culinary grains and forest woods from soils of Ivankiv district

Some of the highest 90Sr activity concentrations recorded beyond the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone occur in the Ivankiv district of Ukraine, located approximately 50 km south of the power plant, an area which nonetheless remains important for agricultural production. Although characterized by soils with low exchangeable calcium values, which can enhance the bioavailability of certain radionuclides, information on the transfer of 90Sr to food crops and trees in the region has remained limited to date. Analysis of 116 grain samples (wheat, rye, oat, barley or Triticale) collected from fields in 13 settlements in the region between 2011 and 2019 revealed 90Sr and 137Cs activity concentrations above Ukrainian limits in almost half of those samples, with annual averages exceeding this limit in four of those nine years (most recently in 2018) and with no clear evidence for a declining trend over time. Analysis of paired sandy soil samples from the same fields yielded concentration ratios for transfer of 90Sr from soils to grains that were on average 3 times higher than that specified by the IAEA. In addition, three quarters of wood samples collected from the trunks of trees (primarily pines) from 12 locations in the same district between 2015 and 2019 contained 90Sr activity concentrations in excess of the Ukrainian limits for firewood (60 Bq/kg), with levels more than four times that limit at one location and again no evidence for decline over time. A single sample of ash collected from a domestic wood-burning oven in the district contained 90Sr at a level 25 times higher than in the most contaminated wood sample collected in this study. Overall these results reveal additional facets of the ongoing legacy of Chornobyl contamination within the Ivankiv district, and the diversity of pathways by which local residents may be exposed to radionuclides. They also highlight the dangers associated with the current lack of routine and comprehensive environmental and food monitoring programs within the region, especially at a time in which the use of locally-sourced wood for biomass energy generation is set to expand markedly.

Biomass energy as a possibility for innovative agriculture initiatives

In searching for sustainable solutions for humans’ necessities, clean and safe energy possibilities have been pursued. The objective of this research is to develop a procedure that improves the integration of renewable technologies into local planning processes. The methodology should be suitable for different contexts. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential of energy production through agricultural waste, ensuring the sustainability and development of clean technologies, the ideal allocation of the energy production unit, and the costs involved in the enterprise. The research hypothesis is that the potential for sustainable use of biomass can be identified and evaluated, thus showing the way for an improved energy plan for Brazil. The study area is within the Doce River Basin in Brazil. The methods developed in the study could be relevant for municipalities to record their potentials for energy production and pursue investments and local arrangements, promoting sustainable biomass energy generation. The results show that with proper investment, the energy generation through biomass residues could be viable and pay itself in a short amount of time, moreover in a scenario where the agricultural area is increased, growing the power generation capacity of a biomass power plant. The current agricultural production would cover 20% of the local energy demand.

Using multi-criteria decision-making methods to select the best location for the construction of a biomass power plant in Iran

Biomass is one of the most convenient types of renewable energy resources around the world. Densely populated areas all over the globe produce a vast amount of mineral and organic wastes which can be perfect candidates for biomass energy generation. Therefore, the location in which a biomass power plant is installed is of utmost importance. In this research, feasibility of biomass energy generations has been studied by implementing the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method. In order to perform this study, SAW, TOPSIS, and ELECTRE methods have been implemented using Shannon entropy mass method. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis has been carried out for 6 different criteria mass for all of the applied decision-making methods. In order to test and verify these models, appropriate areas in East and North East of Iran have been chosen. Afterward, selected cities in this area have been prioritized via various criteria, namely waste production per capita, slope, temperature, relative humidity, population, distance from fault, distance from road, distance from city center, precipitation, number of freezing days and altitude. Mass results indicated that population criterion had the highest mass, while altitude had the lowest mass. Additionally, prioritization results via all three methods unanimously showed that city of Mashhad, located in province of Razavi Khorasan, is the most appropriate spot to install a biomass power plant due to its high population. Furthermore, city of Nehbandan, located in Southern Khorasan, is the worst place for biomass power plant due to population index and distance from electrical power substation. TOPSIS showed the least sensitivity to criteria mass among the employed methods.