Sugarcane Straw Burning Research Articles

Techno-economic analysis and carbon intensity of sugarcane-corn flex plants in Brazil

Given the recent rise in corn ethanol production in Brazil, this work focused on identifying the technical adaptations, as well as quantifying the economic feasibility of incorporating corn processing for ethanol production into a standalone sugarcane distillery (flex plants). Ethanol production increased by >20 % when corn is processed during the sugarcane inter-harvest season, with an incremental Net Present Value (NPV) of 86 to 64 million dollars and a likelihood of profitability of 68 % under the current economic conditions. The flex plants have 30 % higher carbon intensity than the standalone distillery, and the burning of sugarcane straw to provide energy for corn processing is necessary. This highlights a great synergistic opportunity in Brazil to make use of idle equipment in standalone distilleries during the inter-harvest season.

Determination of phytotoxicity and cytogenotoxicity due to exposure to particles originating from sugarcane burning using test systems Lactuca sativa L. and Allium cepa L.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane straw burning generates particulate matter with complex composition resulting in atmosphere pollution. Sugarcane straw sugarcane burning particles (PSSB) contain several chemical compounds that were previously identified to be associated with carcinogenic and mutagenic processes. The aim of the present study was to extract PSSB under lab conditions and subsequently determine phyto- and cytogenotoxicity of these particles using Lactuca sativa L. and Allium cepa L. bioassays. Seeds of lettuce var. Cinderela and onion cv. Vale-Ouro IPA-11 were germinated in Petri dishes containing different concentrations of PSSB at 25, 50, 100, 200 or 300 mg/ml as well as control for 72 hr. Seed germination of lettuce was inhibited by PSSB, in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by decreased root growth, suggesting phytotoxic effects. Further, reduction of mitotic index and high number of chromosomal alterations in onion of meristematics cells indicated a cytogenotoxic action attributed to PSSB. Although the chemical composition of PSSB in question has not been determined, the phyto- and cytogenotoxic effects may be linked to the possible presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are were identified as the main constituents of particulate matter resulting from burning of sugarcane straw, in addition to exerting adverse biological effects that might result in mutations and cancer. Data demonstrated that the use of plants bioassays might be an important tool for biomonitoring air quality.

An Exploratory Analysis of the Effect of Regulatory Policies for Pre-Harvesting Sugarcane Straw Burning on Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Diseases in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Emissions generated by sugarcane burning have been associated with acute respiratory effects and increase in hospital admissions, among other health effects. In 2002 the State of Sao Paulo (SP...

Towards a baseline for reducing the carbon budget in sugarcane: three years of carbon dioxide and methane emissions quantification

Sugarcane straw burning or removal and N fertilization are management practices that modify the input of carbon (C) to the soil affecting greenhouse gases emissions and the potential of the soil for C sequestration. This study aimed to determine the effect of post-harvest straw burning and synthetic N fertilization on the dynamics of CO2 and CH4 fluxes in the sugarcane-soil system of Tucuman, Argentina; it also compared these emissions with those of a native forest and discussed a theoretical soil C balance based on C emissions. Close-vented chambers were used to capture CO2 and CH4 during three consecutive growing seasons. The higher CO2 emissions coincided with the period of high soil and air temperatures and rainfalls. There was not a clear pattern in the dynamics of CH4 flux for all sugarcane treatments, while the native forest consistently captured CH4; however, the cumulative CH4 flows were negligible in term of C mass. Annual cumulative CO2 emissions were 12.4–61.4 and 5.9–51.5% higher (for N-fertilized and unfertilized treatments, respectively) when straw was not burned regarding to the burned treatment. However, C losses -as CO2 emissions- in unburnt treatments were lower than the C input from straw and roots, while C losses in burnt treatments were higher than C input from straw and roots. The soil-sugarcane system of Tucuman has a potential C sequestration estimated of 2.03 Mg of C ha−1 yr−1. The results of this manuscript highlighted the importance of preserving straw as a way to maintain or increase soil organic carbon. They also demonstrated the importance of considering management practices when measuring CO2 fluxes during the crop cycle for determining the soil C balance.

Physicochemical and thermal characteristics of sugarcane straw and its cellulignin

Combustion of biomass is considered to be a source of atmospheric pollution and, therefore, is one of the important sources of CO2 emission. This paper discusses the burning of sugarcane straw and its cellulignin in laboratory tests to determine the characteristics and emission factors, of this combustion process. Elemental, chemical composition and thermogravimetric analyses were performed for both samples. Carbon contents for sugarcane straw and its cellulignin were estimated, and the values found were 45.69% and 44.28%, respectively. Higher heating values (HHV) were determined by experimental methods with a calorimetric bomb and were estimated by theoretical equations. The best results were obtained when only the lignin’s content was considered. During the experimental tests to determine HHVs, cellulignin did not burn completely, while straw burned completely. This could be because cellulignin contains more ashes, resulting in more residual ash after burning. Pollutant emission of CO2, CO, NO and UHC was evaluated in the flaming and smoldering combustion phases. NO concentrations were not presented because they were less than 10 ppm. The average theoretical and experimental emission factors for CO2 were analyzed. CO2 emissions factors found for sugarcane straw and their cellulignin were 1316 ± 83.6 and 1275 ± 105 g kg−1 of dry burned biomass, respectively. The evaluated parameters are useful to incorporate these materials into a future biorefinery.

Effects on the composition and structural properties of the humified organic matter of soil in sugarcane strawburning: A chronosequence study in the Brazilian Cerrado of Goiás State

The heating of soil organic matter after burning events can significantly change the composition and structure of humified organic matter. The impact of burning on the amount and quality of SOM depends on fire intensity, recurrence, the type of vegetation, soil texture and the local climate. The present study identified the composition and structural properties of humic acids (HA) extracted from a sandy loam textured Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol) managed with the pre-harvest burning of sugarcane straw for chronosequences of 1, 5, 10 and 20 years in Rio Verde, Goiás (GO). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–0.05, 0.05–0.10, 0.10–0.20 and 0.20–0.30m. To obtain a reference of natural conditions, soil was also sampled in adjacent areas covered with native vegetation and Pasture grass. The HA samples from soil under different burning conditions and areas (Cerrado and Pasture grass) were analyzed using chemical-spectroscopic characterization and the chemiometric technique. The greatest modifications in HA composition after burning occurred in the most superficial soil layers. At a depth of 0.0–0.05m, the main changes observed were a decrease in mean C and N levels and enrichment in O, irrespective of the length of time that burning practices had been adopted. Additionally, in the most superficial layer, the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy assay showed that burning enhanced the aromatic properties (<E4/E6) of HA, and FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA confirmed that the top soil layer shows higher variations in the functional groups as a function of burning. The PCA analysis of 13C NMR spectra also showed that stronger aromatic properties were found in the most superficial layer, and the PCA of FTIR spectra reinforced the result by grouping HAs in these layers and thereby indicated that the most intense changes occurred in the 0.0–0.05m layer. The most intense disturbances produced by sugarcane burning on the composition and structure of humified organic matter occurred in the most superficial layer. The combined use of the methods adopted was efficient and, along with the chemiometric techniques, consisted of useful tools that can support the development of procedures to study phenomena such as burning.

Health risks due to pre-harvesting sugarcane burning in São Paulo State, Brazil.

After 2003, a new period of expansion of the sugarcane culture began in Brazil. Pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane straw is an agricultural practice that, despite the nuisance for the population and pollution generated, still persisted in over 70% of the municipalities of São Paulo State in 2010. In order to study the distribution of this risk factor, an ecological epidemiological study was conducted associating the rates of deaths and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, for each municipality in the State, with the exposure to the pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane straw. A Bayesian multivariate regression model, controlled for the possible effects of socioeconomic and climate (temperature, humidity, and rainfall) variations, has been used. The effect on health was measured by the standardized mortality and morbidity ratio. The measures of exposure to the pre-harvesting burning used were: percentage of the area of sugarcane harvested with burning, average levels of aerosol, and number of outbreaks of burning. The autocorrelation between data was controlled using a neighborhood matrix. It was observed that the increase in the number of outbreaks of burning was significantly associated with higher rates of hospital admissions for respiratory disease in children under five years old. Pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane effectively imposes risk to population health and therefore it should be eliminated.

Differential gene expression in sugarcane roots infested by root froghopper

Currently, sugarcane ( Saccharum spp .) has been threatened by infestation of root froghopper ( Mahanarva fimbriolata ) and concern about its harmful effects is growing, due to the increase of envi­ronmental conditions favorable to the development of this pest, such as the harvest system expansion, in which there is no burning of sugarcane straw. The cDNA-AFLP technique was performed in order to identify the Differentially Expressed Fragments (DEF) in roots of sugarcane infested by root froghopper nymphs. Thus, plants of a susceptible variety (SP80-1816) and a resistant variety (least infested) (SP83-5073) were grown and subsequently infested. Samples of roots were collected and frozen every 1, 2, 7 and 14 days of infestation. The subsequent analysis by cDNA-AFLP technique from seven combinations of primers allowed the observation of 37 fragments, which were sequenced and revealed similarities to proteins involved in various activities, such as DNA transposition, amino acid transport and gene transcription, in addition to other proteins without sequence similarity to proteins of known function. The alignments show similarities to expressed genes and it is possible to consider that the character of resistance is related to a combined action of several genes; in addition, some of the fragments obtained do not show similarities and may have important roles in the mechanism of resistance.

Health Impacts of the Pre-Harvest Burning of Sugarcane Straw in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Ethanol from sugarcane is consolidated as a renewable fuel which promotes further expansion of the culture of sugarcane in Brazil. As the controlled pre-harvest burning of sugarcane straw is still ...

Pre-harvest sugarcane burning emission inventories based on remote sensing data in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The state of São Paulo is the largest sugarcane producer in Brazil, with a cultivated area of about 5.4 Mha in 2011. Approximately 2 Mha were harvested annually from 2006 to 2011 with the pre-harvest straw burning practice, which emits trace gases and particulate material to the atmosphere. The development of emission inventories for sugarcane straw burning is crucial in order to assess its environmental impacts. This study aimed to estimate annual emissions associated with the pre-harvest sugarcane burning practice in the state of São Paulo based on remote sensing maps and emission and combustion factors for sugarcane straw burning. Average estimated emissions (Gg/year) were 1130 ± 152 for CO, 26 ± 4 for NOx, 16 ± 2 for CH4, 45 ± 6 for PM2.5, 120 ± 16 for PM10 and 154 ± 21 for NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons). An intercomparison among annual emissions from this study and annual emissions from four other different approaches indicated that the estimates obtained by satellite fire detection or low spatial resolution approaches tend to underestimate sugarcane burned area, due to unique characteristics of this type of biomass fire. Overall, our results also indicated that government actions to reduce sugarcane straw burning emissions are becoming effective.

Life cycle assessment of the sugarcane bagasse electricity generation in Brazil

Abstract This paper aims to identify and quantify the main potential environmental impacts of the sugarcane bagasse electricity generation in Brazil. To do so, it was employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique based on primary and secondary data from three previous studies encompassing electricity generation, transmission and distribution processes. It was identified that the main impact potentials of this type of electricity generation in Brazil that should be addressed by decision-makers are the photochemical ozone, the human toxicity via soil and the nutrient enrichment ones, which are caused mainly by the sugarcane straw burning prior harvesting and the chemical application. In addition, it was found that non-renewable resources, renewable resources and energy consumption are also important issues that should be addressed mostly in the process of electricity transmission.

Changes in soil C and N distribution assessed by natural δ13C and δ15N abundance in a chronosequence of sugarcane crops managed with pre-harvest burning in a Cerrado area of Goiás, Brazil

Pre-harvest sugarcane straw burning affects the dynamics of soil chemistry and δ13C and δ15N abundance, but further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of this practice on the degradation of chemical attributes of soil and sugarcane production. The present study evaluates chemical modifications of soil and natural δ13C and δ15N abundance in sugarcane crops managed with pre-harvest straw burning for 1, 5, 10 and 20 years. For comparison purposes, soil covered with natural Cerrado vegetation and forage grass (pasture) were also evaluated. After chemical characterization of the areas studied, according to Embrapa (1997) total organic carbon (TOC), bulk density (Bd) and natural δ15N and δ13C abundance were determined in soil samples, and carbon stocks calculated from TOC values. In general, the pasture area had the highest δ13C and δ15N content, the Cerrado vegetation area had the lowest values for these elements and sugarcane crops exhibited intermediary levels. Areas subjected to sugarcane field burning for a shorter period had the highest Ca and Mg and lowest P and K content. Sugarcane crops managed with straw burning for 1 and 5 years produced lower carbon stocks in the top soil layer (0–10cm) than sugarcane crops with 10 and 20 years, pasture and Cerrado areas. The replacement of natural Cerrado vegetation by sugarcane crops changed δ13C profile, likely because sugarcane is a C4 plant, which has a specific carbon accumulation pattern. Areas cropped with sugarcane for 1, 10 and 20 years and subjected to different types of soil use after replacement of the original Cerrado vegetation had the highest δ15N values, indicating accelerated mineralization of soil organic matter.

Sustainability assessment of sugarcane-ethanol production in Brazil: A case study of a sugarcane mill in São Paulo state

To improve decision-making, sustainability-based approaches to impact assessment demand that we move beyond narrowly defined considerations to address the full suite of requirements for sustainability, as well as the interconnections, feedbacks and uncertainties that typify complex socio-ecological systems at all scales. This paper applies a sustainability assessment framework to assess a sugarcane-ethanol mill in São Paulo state, Brazil, seeking to identify opportunities for improvements towards sustainability. The analysis highlights the importance of broader strategic planning for providing an appropriate context for more sustainable sugarcane-ethanol production at the watershed, municipal, and mill level. Five particularly important multi-scalar issues that were identified are (1) the maintenance of long-term water availability and quality; (2) the enhancement of biodiversity and reversal of ecological fragmentation; (3) the planned elimination of sugarcane straw burning and subsequence increase in mechanized harvesting; (4) the impacts of indirect and direct land-use change; and (5) the quality, availability and durability of livelihood opportunities. To address these issues requires long term integrated planning and monitoring, better understanding of cumulative impacts and thresholds, recognition of important tradeoffs, and a credible and collaborative decision-making process that involves and empowers stakeholders to set the agendas and seek common goals.

Pre-Harvest Sugarcane Burning: Determination of Emission Factors through Laboratory Measurements

Sugarcane is an important crop for the Brazilian economy and roughly 50% of its production is used to produce ethanol. However, the common practice of pre-harvest burning of sugarcane straw emits particulate material, greenhouse gases, and tropospheric ozone precursors to the atmosphere. Even with policies to eliminate the practice of pre-harvest sugarcane burning in the near future, there is still significant environmental damage. Thus, the generation of reliable inventories of emissions due to this activity is crucial in order to assess their environmental impact. Nevertheless, the official Brazilian emissions inventory does not presently include the contribution from pre-harvest sugarcane burning. In this context, this work aims to determine sugarcane straw burning emission factors for some trace gases and particulate material smaller than 2.5 μm in the laboratory. Excess mixing ratios for CO2, CO, NOX, UHC (unburned hydrocarbons), and PM2.5 were measured, allowing the estimation of their respective emission factors. Average estimated values for emission factors (g kg−1 of burned dry biomass) were 1,303 ± 218 for CO2, 65 ± 14 for CO, 1.5 ± 0.4 for NOX, 16 ± 6 for UHC, and 2.6 ± 1.6 for PM2.5. These emission factors can be used to generate more realistic emission inventories and therefore improve the results of air quality models.

Studies on the Rapid Expansion of Sugarcane for Ethanol Production in São Paulo State (Brazil) Using Landsat Data

This study’s overarching aim is to establish the areal extent and characteristics of the rapid sugarcane expansion and land use change in São Paulo state (Brazil) as a result of an increase in the demand for ethanol, using Landsat type remotely sensed data. In 2003 flex fuel automobiles started to enter the Brazilian consumer market causing a dramatic expansion of sugarcane areas from 2.57 million ha in 2003 to 4.45 million ha in 2008. Almost all the land use change, for the sugarcane expansion of crop year 2008/09, occurred on pasture and annual crop land, being equally distributed on each. It was also observed that during the 2008 harvest season, the burned sugarcane area was reduced to 50% of the total harvested area in response to a protocol that aims to cease sugarcane straw burning practice by 2014 for mechanized areas. This study indicates that remote sensing images have efficiently evaluated important characteristics of the sugarcane cultivation dynamic providing quantitative results that are relevant to the debate of sustainable ethanol production from sugarcane in Brazil.

Impacto da queima controlada da palhada da cana-de-açúcar sobre a comunidade de insetos locais

A queima previa ao corte dos canaviais causa uma serie de inconvenientes ao meio ambiente e em particular a entomofauna associada a cultura. O fogo e largamente usado no controle de pragas e doencas na agricultura, entretanto seu efeito sobre populacoes de insetos nao e bem entendido ou documentado, principalmente sobre grupos de invertebrados que sao responsaveis pela ciclagem de nutrientes e fluxo de energia. Assim sendo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da queima controlada da palhada da cana-de-acucar sobre a comunidade de insetos locais. Os insetos foram coletados em diferentes datas antes e apos a queima. Dos 35 taxa coletados, 17 foram considerados mais relevantes para explicar a variacao observada da frequencia de captura das especies ao longo do tempo. Na primeira coleta depois da queima, verificou-se a reducao do numero de insetos em cinco especies [Nitidulidae (especie 2; Coleoptera), Lutosa brasiliensis (Brunner von Watternwyl)(Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae), Phoridae e Drosophilidae (Diptera) e Labia minor L.(Dermaptera: Labiidae)], dentre as 17 selecionadas para analise. A analise de variaveis canonicas para as diferentes datas de coleta indicou diferencas significativas entre os tratamentos, considerando a composicao e a abundância das especies. Apesar da diferente composicao da comunidade de insetos observados antes e apos a queima, os dados apresentados sugerem uma tendencia de recuperacao da comunidade ao padrao observado antes da queima.