Carbon Dioxide Absorption Research Articles

Synergistic effect of blended amines on carbon dioxide absorption: Thermodynamic modeling and analysis of regeneration energy

Chemical absorption using amine-based aqueous solutions is a promising approach for limiting CO2 emissions. This study evaluated the performance of commercial amines, including monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), along with their binary mixtures, with a focus on their synergistic effect in reducing the regeneration energy. The thermodynamic behavior of these aqueous amine systems for CO2 capture was analyzed using the electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid model; the shortcut method was used to estimate the regeneration energy. The CO2 loading ratio, concentrations of the molecules and ions in the liquid phase, heat of absorption, pH, and regeneration energy were included in the analysis. Amine blending was found to synergistically lower the regeneration energy in the following two cases. First, blending carbamate-forming and non-carbamate-forming amines enhanced carbamate formation, thereby increasing the CO2 cyclic capacity and reducing the regeneration energy in the DIPA-MDEA and DEA-AMP systems. Second, the MEA-MDEA system revealed an optimal blending ratio for balancing different heat components (sensible, reaction, and latent heat). These findings offer a guide for selecting and blending amines to optimize the CO2 capture performance.

Application of new tetra-cationic imidazolium ionic liquids for capture and conversion of CO2 to amphiphilic calcium carbonate nanoparticles as a green additive in water based drilling fluids

Conversion and capture of carbon pollutants based on carbon dioxide to valuable green oil-field chemicals are target all over the world for controlling the global warming. The present article used new room temperature amphiphilic imidazolium ionic liquids with superior surface activity in the aqueous solutions to convert carbon dioxide gas to superior amphiphilic calcium carbonate nanoparticles. In this respect, tetra-cationic ionic liquids 2-(4-dodecyldimethylamino) phenyl)-1,3-bis (3-dodecyldimethylammnonio) propyl) bromide-1-H-imidazol-3-ium acetate and 2-(4-hexyldimethylamino) phenyl)-1,3-bis(3-hexcyldimethylammnonio) propyl) bromide-1 H-imidazol-3-ium acetate were prepared. Their chemical structures, thermal as well as their carbon dioxide absorption/ desorption characteristics were evaluated. They were used as solvent and capping agent to synthesize calcium carbonate nanoparticles with controlled crystalline lattice, sizes, thermal properties and spherical surface morphologies. The prepared calcium carbonate nanoparticles were used as additives for the commercial water based drilling mud to improve their filter lose and rheology. The data confirm that the lower concentrations of 2-(4-dodecyldimethylamino) phenyl)-1,3-bis (3-dodecyldimethylammnonio) propyl) bromide-1-H-imidazol-3-ium acetate achieved lower seawater filter lose and improved viscosities.

Photoluminescent carbon nanodots for artificial photosynthesis

The emerging field of carbon dots (CDs), a type of carbon nanostructure that has gained significant attention due to its unique properties and potential applications. CDs possess remarkable attributes, including photoluminescence, electrochemical potential, compatibility with living organisms, solubility in water, chemical stability, and versatile surface properties. The chemical structure, particle size, and surface functionalities of CDs all have an impact on their photoluminescent properties, which are the focus of this review. The photoluminescence mechanism in CDs is discussed, highlighting their amorphous structure, and comparing them to graphene quantum dots. The paper delves into the application of CDs in artificial photosynthesis, which enhances crop growth by improving the photo-synthesis process. CDs increase sunlight and carbon dioxide absorption rates by interacting with plant leaves, potentially leading to substantial crop yield improvements. The advantages of CDs in artificial photosynthesis are explored, including their modifiable absorption characteristics across the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectrum. The paper acknowledges challenges in CD production, such as size control and aggregation, while emphasizing their potential in various fields, including sensing, bioimaging, energy devices, and catalysis. CDs' unique optical properties and versatile applications suggest a promising future for these nanostructures in numerous scientific and technological domains.

Carbon dioxide absorption in a gas-liquid membrane contactor: Influence of membrane properties and absorbent chemistry

The present work demonstrates the performance of hollow fibre membranes fabricated using polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene (EPS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coupled with 30% monoethanolamine (MEA) in a gas liquid membrane contactor (GLMC) for the absorption of carbon dioxide. A gas mixture with a composition of (50/50 v/v%) methane (CH4) and (CO2) was used to assess the efficiency of the prepared membranes in the removal of carbon dioxide. Then HFM 3 which showed high CO2 removal was used to separate a mixture of nitrogen (N2)/oxygen(O2)/carbon dioxide (CO2) with a composition of (73/18/9 v/v%), respectively. Four different absorption liquids: 30 % MEA solution, 30 % EDA solution, 30 % MEA – graphene oxide (GO) and 30 % EDA-GO nanofluids were coupled with HFM3 to analyse the efficiency of the different amine liquids in CO2 absorption in GLMC. The 30 % EDA-GO solution showed an increase in the efficiency of CO2 absorption. The nanofluids showed an enhancement factor for CO2 absorption in the nanofluid was 121 % and 117 % for MEA-GO and EDA-GO, respectively. This enhancement was attributed to the hydrodynamic effects and Brownian motion of graphene oxide in the amine liquids. 30 % EDA solution infused with 0.2 mg/ml graphene oxide nanoparticles achieved the highest loading of carbon dioxide 0.25 mol/ cm3.

Performance of fishery carbon sink of oyster aquaculture (mainly Crassostrea hongkongensis) in Guangxi, China: A long-term (2003–2022) analysis

Fishery carbon sink (FCS) is a concept of promoting the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) by ocean through enhancing the biological process in fishery resources, and then removing carbon from water body through harvesting aquatic fishery resources. Among marine organisms, bivalves are one of the seafood with high potential in developing FCS. Although the FCS of China bivalve aquaculture has been estimated, these studies were rough estimation without specified contribution of different bivalve species. In this context, based on 20 years data, this study was conducted to evaluate the FCS performance of oyster, especially Crassostrea hongkongensis (accounted for 30% of oyster production in China) farmed in Guangxi, China. The results of this study revealed that the oyster aquaculture plays an increasing role in FCS, especially in 2010 and onward. The oyster aquaculture industry in Guangxi removed about 0.05 million tons (average) of carbon from the sea every year through FCS, and is expected to remove more than 0.07 million tons of carbon from the sea in future. The results of this study not only can fill in the knowledge gap on the FCS of oyster aquaculture in Guangxi, China, but also can provide a guideline to study the FCS of other bivalve species in different regions.

On earth system dynamics’ hypothetical “greenhouse effect”

We review an editorial article in the climate journal Earth Systems Dynamics (ESD 14, 241–242, 2023): the headline title of which makes two scientifically incorrect assertions: (i) that the greenhouse-gas hypothesis, i.e., cause of global warming by ~1K in 1950-2020, is an established scientific truth, and (ii) that heat emissions from global fuel combustion are, by comparison, negligible. Both statements are inconsistent with the laws of classical thermodynamics, with the limitations of the Earth’s global energy budget multivariate computer models, and with the known absorption and emission spectroscopy of carbon dioxide (CO2). The scientific method of establishing truth requires hypotheses to be tested against experimental results by circumspective scientific scrutiny. Scientific knowledge cannot be established by consensus politics. We question the wisdom of a policy of rejecting articles that may disparage the greenhouse gas hypothesis. By this criterion of science by consensus, the 1543-AD publication of Nicholas Copernicus’s research article, which disputed the prevailing consensus of the Ptolemaic hypothesis of a static Earth system, would have been rejected by Copernicus Publications. The ESD editors cite, as an example, two recent articles, they say, that should have been rejected without peer review. Both articles, which contradict the greenhouse gas hypothesis, were peer-reviewed for sound science, and published by MDPI recently in Entropy. We find that Copernicus Publications' peer-review policy, and this ESD editorial article, in particular, are unethical. A policy of only publishing consensus science enhances an ascendancy of politically motivated subjective pseudoscience, causing a stagnation of our scientific understanding and description of Earth systems.

Effect of a non-reactive absorbent with or without environmentally oriented electronic feedback on anesthesia provider's fresh gas flow rates: A greening initiative

Study objectiveTo examine the effects of a non-reactive carbon dioxide absorbent (AMSORB® Plus) versus a traditional carbon dioxide absorbent (Medisorb™) on the FGF used by anesthesia providers and an electronic educational feedback intervention using Carestation™ Insights (GE HealthCare) on provider-specific change in FGF. DesignProspective, single-center cohort study set in a greening initiative. SettingOperating room. Participants157 anesthesia providers (i.e., anesthesiology trainees, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and solo anesthesiologists). InterventionsIntervention #1 was the introduction of AMSORB® Plus into 8 Aisys CS2, Carestation™ Insights-enabled anesthesia machines (GE HealthCare) at the study site. At the end of week 6, anesthesia providers were educated and given an environmentally oriented electronic feedback strategy for the next 12 weeks of the study (Intervention #2) using Carestation™ Insights data. MeasurementsThe dual primary outcomes were the difference in average daily FGF during maintenance anesthesia between machines assigned to AMSORB® Plus versus Medisorb™ and the provider-specific change in average fresh gas flows after 12 weeks of feedback and education compared to the historical data. Main resultsOver the 18-week period, there were 1577 inhaled anesthetics performed in the 8 operating rooms (528 for intervention 1, 1049 for intervention 2). There were 1001 provider days using Aisys CS2 machines and 7452 provider days of historical data from the preceding year. Overall, AMSORB® Plus was not associated with significantly less FGF (mean − 80 ml/min, 97.5% confidence interval − 206 to 46, P = .15). The environmentally oriented electronic feedback intervention was not associated with a significant decrease in provider-specific mean FGF (−112 ml/min, 97.5% confidence interval − 244 to 21, P = .059). ConclusionsThis study showed that introducing a non-reactive absorbent did not significantly alter FGF. Using environmentally oriented electronic feedback relying on data analytics did not result in significantly reduced provider-specific FGF.

Sequential Approach for Water Purification Using Seashell-Derived Calcium Oxide through Disinfection and Flocculation with Polyphosphate for Chemical Pollutant Removal.

Safe water supply is usually inadequate in areas without water treatment plants and even in a city under emergency conditions due to a disaster, even though safe water is essential for drinking and other various purposes. The purification of surface water from a river, lake, or pond requires disinfection and removal of chemical pollutants. In this study, we report a water purification strategy using seashell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) via disinfection and subsequent flocculation with polyphosphate for chemical pollutant removal. Seashell-derived CaO at a concentration (2 g L-1) higher than its saturation concentration caused the >99.999% inactivation of bacteria, mainly due to the alkalinity of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) produced by hydration. After the disinfection, the addition of sodium polyphosphate at 2 g L-1 allowed for the flocculation of CaO/Ca(OH)2 particles with adsorbing chemical pollutants, such as Congo red, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, and polychlorinated biphenyls, for removing these pollutants; purified water was obtained through filtration. Although this purified water was initially highly alkaline (pH ∼ 12.5), its pH decreased into a weak alkaline region (pH ∼ 9) during exposure to ambient air by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air with the precipitating calcium carbonate. The advantages of this water purification strategy include the fact that the saturation of CaO/Ca(OH)2 potentially serves as a visual indicator of disinfection, that the flocculation by polyphosphate removes excessive CaO/Ca(OH)2 as well as chemical pollutants, and that the high pH and Ca2+ concentrations in the resulting purified water are readily decreased. Our findings suggest the usability of seashell-derived material-polymer assemblies for water purification, especially under emergency conditions due to disasters.

ASPHYDROXEL: ASPHALT CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE BY SYNTHESIS OF POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE FOR UTILIZATION OF PALM OIL BUNCH ASH WASTE

Environmental pollution is the most common problem faced by Indonesia, for example, industrial waste. The country of Indonesia once occupied the first position in Southeast Asia, as a country with the worst air quality. In addition, Indonesia is the largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO) and palm oil plantations in the world. The industry produces the most solid waste in the form of empty palm oil bunches and requires a large area to store it. In order to reduce the storage area needed, empty palm oil bunches are burned to ashes or palm oil fuel ash (POFA). Therefore, we have the idea of absorbing CO2 gas and utilizing POFA as a mixture of concrete and asphalt, by converting it into a potassium chloride compound. Then, the electrolysis process is carried out to produce potassium hydroxide compounds. The potassium hydroxide compound will later be mixed with asphalt to produce Asphydroxel asphalt, which absorbs carbon dioxide. In implementing Asphydroxel, several parties are involved, such as oil palm smallholders, palm oil mills, asphalt company research teams, asphalt companies, and the government. It is predicte that this idea will prevent the buildup of bunch ash waste and air pollution which cause climate change

Carbon farming as a future strategy for climate change: A literature review

Background: This research aims to know about carbon farming and strategies for storing carbon in the soil. Methods: The research method used is qualitative data analysis where this method describes the research conducted by the author by collecting data from scientific journals, books, and research journals. Finding: Respiration plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. However, the balance of plants and humans/animals is now disturbed along with the massive and excessive use of fossil fuels. The result is global warming and uncomfortable conditions and health risks to humans and the planet globally. We are currently paying attention to how carbon dioxide is present in the air due to pollution and industrial waste. Various ways are done, including reducing the consumption of petroleum or fossil fuels. Instead of decreasing, the consumption of fossil fuels has not decreased but has increased along with the pace of industrialization in developing countries. Carbon farming is one method that can be a solution, with the principle that problems are solutions. Conclusion: Many strategies for storing carbon in the soil that we already know. As carbon is absorbed by the soil, the health of the soil will improve so that the health of plants will also increase and yields will increase.

Urban green infrastructure and its role in sustainable cities: A comprehensive review

Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable cities by integrating natural elements into the urban landscape. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted contributions of UGI towards enhancing environmental quality, social well-being, and economic resilience in urban settings. As cities continue to grapple with challenges such as climate change, air and water pollution, and the urban heat island effect, UGI emerges as a key solution for fostering urban sustainability. The review delves into the various components of UGI, encompassing green spaces, urban forests, green roofs, and permeable surfaces. It examines how these elements collectively contribute to mitigating environmental issues by absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing air pollutants, and attenuating the impacts of extreme weather events. Additionally, UGI serves as a biodiversity hotspot, supporting diverse flora and fauna within urban boundaries. Beyond its environmental benefits, UGI significantly influences social dynamics and well-being. The presence of green spaces fosters recreational opportunities, promotes mental health, and strengthens community cohesion. Accessible and well-designed green infrastructure contributes to equitable distribution of environmental benefits, addressing environmental justice concerns in urban areas. Economically, UGI proves to be an asset for cities by enhancing property values, reducing energy consumption through temperature regulation, and supporting local businesses. The review explores successful case studies of cities that have effectively implemented UGI to achieve sustainable urban development, drawing insights into best practices and potential challenges. This comprehensive review underscores the integral role of Urban Green Infrastructure in creating sustainable and resilient cities. By addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions, UGI emerges as a holistic approach that aligns with the evolving needs of urban populations and the imperatives of a sustainable future. Understanding the intricacies of UGI implementation provides a foundation for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers to collaboratively work towards fostering greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.

Optimisasi Budidaya Rumput Laut sebagai Benteng Alami untuk Mengurangi Asidifikasi Laut

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are propelling a concerning rise in ocean acidity, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems, especially calcifying organisms like corals and mollusks. In response to this global challenge, seaweed farming has emerged as a promising remedy. Leveraging their remarkable growth rates and carbon sequestration abilities, seaweeds offer a viable solution to counteract the acidifying effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels in the oceans. Through photosynthesis, seaweeds actively absorb carbon dioxide from seawater, thereby mitigating acidity and fostering improved water quality. The potential of seaweed farms extends beyond mere carbon sequestration. These farms play a pivotal role in habitat creation, absorb nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients, and contribute to enhanced biodiversity. The cultivation of seaweed not only addresses the immediate concern of ocean acidification but also provides a holistic ecological approach with far-reaching benefits. As a sustainable and scalable strategy, seaweed farming exemplifies an innovative and multifaceted solution to the complex challenges posed by anthropogenic impacts on the oceans, underlining the importance of nature-based interventions in preserving the health and balance of marine ecosystems.

The use of algae as carbon dioxide absorber in heat production industry

There are approximately 15 million users of system heat in Poland, but unfortunately nearly 70% of the fuel used in heat production is fossil fuel. Therefore, the CO2 emission reduction in the heat production industry is becoming one of the key challenges. City Heat Distribution Enterprise Ltd. in Nowy Sącz (Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Energetyki Cieplnej sp. z o.o.) has been conducting a self-financed research and development project entitled The use of algae as carbon dioxide absorbers at MPEC Nowy Sącz. The project deals with postcombustion CO2 capture using Chlorella vulgaris algae. As a result of tests conducted in a 1000 l hermetic container under optimal temperature and light conditions, the recovery of biomass can be performed in weekly cycles, yielding approximately 25 kilograms of biomass per year. Assuming that half of the dry mass of the algae is carbon, it can be said that 240 grams of carbon is bound in one cycle, which, converted to CO2, gives 880 grams of this gas. Our results showed that around 45.8 kilograms of CO2 per year was absorbed. Additionally, it is possible to use waste materials and by-products of technological processes as a nutrient medium for algae

Production of Chestnut Coppice Biomass in a Framework of Low Mechanization and High Expectations to Combat Climate Change and Other Social Expectations

Climate change has become one of the most critical problems facing modern society. Sustainable forest management can be an important solution to counter the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In particular, management of the chestnut forest could prove to be an effective strategy to absorb carbon dioxide as this species is characterized by sustained growth, so it has a high capacity to store carbon, and through the use of wood products, it is possible to sequester it for a considerable period. Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forests cover an area of about 800,000 ha in Italy, most of which is managed as coppice. It plays a central role in the Latium Region where its productive function is very important, as it provides timber of excellent quality. The purpose of this paper is to verify whether the current management of chestnut is efficient, as well as whether retractable wood products can contribute to the fight against climate change. The chestnut coppice located in the municipality of Tolfa (Lazio region, Italy) produces timber for 352 m3/ha and stores about 390,000 kg of CO2. Wood residues and losses during woodworking, together with emissions for the use of machineries, generate emissions of 368,000 kg of CO2. The chestnut semi-finished products, with long-term use prospects, retain a net volume of 22,000 kg of CO2. Although this is good for combating climate change, the amount of CO2 stored is very low, less than 6% of the CO2 stored by functional unit. Chestnut wood has a high versatility of use, so it could replace several products generated by fossil raw materials. Moreover, the implementation of precision forestry, the adoption of forest management more oriented to favor larger plants, the development of local economies and the reduction in the carbon footprint of the wood supply chain through the use of sustainable technologies would increase the capacity for climate change mitigation and increase the added value of its products.

Effect of Aeration Time on Chlorella vulgaris Growth

Microalgae is a raw material used in many different sectors and is helpful in absorbing carbon dioxide. C. vulgaris is one of best candidates as an additional material for biofuel. Biofuel is made in part from the fatty acids found in C. vulgaris. Thus, more research is required to identify the variables that can spur its growth. Aeration time is one of the most significant growth factors. In this research, experiments were carried out with differences in aeration time between 12 hours and 24 hours. Some of the fixed variables used are an air flow rate of 2 L/minute, 20 ppt of salinity, and a light intensity of 6,000 lux. Observations were made every day for 14 days. Measurements of the solution's pH, temperature, and carbon dioxide content in the reactor's air were made, along with the density of C. vulgaris cells. According to the observation data, C. vulgaris grew more effectively in the reactor that had 24-hours aeration. The peak day occurs on the tenth day, while the required adaptation phase lasts six days. Up until the peak day, the microalgae growth rate was 1.59 cells/mL.day.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using reduced graphene oxide (rGO)

Photocatalysts have developed into a successful strategy for degrading synthetic and organic toxins, such as chemicals and dyes, in wastewater. In this study, graphene oxide was reduced at different temperatures and used for degrading indigo carmine and neutral red dyes. The wide surface areas, strong adsorption sites, and oxygen functionalities of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at 250 °C (rGO-250) produced more photocatalytic degradation efficiency and adsorption percentage. The catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, solution pH and recyclability were all used to optimize the photocatalytic activity of rGO-250. This research presents a capable nano-adsorbent photocatalyst for the efficient degradation of organic dyes. GO and rGOs were also investigated for carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption properties. Results showed that rGO-250 has better CO2 adsorption properties than other rGOs. Overall, it was observed that rGO-250 has better photocatalytic and CO2 adsorption capabilities compared to graphene oxide reduced at different temperatures.

Sequestration of Carbon and Oxygen Production in Upper Stands in The Arboretum of PT Arutmin Indonesia NPLCT

This study aims to determine biomass, carbon, carbon uptake, and oxygen production in the arboretum of PT. Arutmin Indonesia-NPLCT. The methods used are purposive sampling and allometrics. The plot size useda is 20 m 20 m with 12 plots measured. The area of the arboretum is 5.05 ha. Carbon stock measurement is done by multiplying biomass by a conversion rate of 0.47 (47%) while carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration is calculated by multiplying the average annual biomass growth by the conversion rate of 1.4667 obtained from the photosynthesis equation and oxygen production is measured based on conversion from carbon yield. Based on the results of the study, it showed that the biomass content of stands in the arboretum was 1,067.32 tons, carbon stocks were 501.64 tons, carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption was 1,565.45 tons, and oxygen production was 1,337.71 tons.

Phase Change Study of a New Two-Phase Absorbent Based on DAP.

In order to overcome the drawbacks of conventional absorbents, which exhibit slow absorption rates and low absorption loads, this study suggests enhancing the absorbent system for CO2 absorption by incorporating a nonaqueous solvent into 1,3-propanediamine (DAP) and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), resulting in a two-phase system. The mechanism of solvent absorption of CO2 was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) carbon spectroscopy. By comparing the absorption load, fraction ratio, and viscosity of different absorbents after absorbing carbon dioxide, the two-phase absorbents with good performance were selected. The poor water absorbent consisting of the DAP/TMEDA system exhibited an absorption load of 3.8 mol/kg, surpassing that of the conventional 30% ethanolamine solution. A nonaqueous solvent is added to the system to replace some of the water to reduce the fraction. After adding different nonaqueous solvents, the phase separation system was screened after 2 h of CO2 absorption. The system with good performance was tested for the absorption of the solution under different amine concentration and water concentration tests. It is found that the absorption load of the DAP/TMEDA/diglyme system is 3.2 mol/kg, but the fraction can be reduced to 38%. The significant reduction in rich phase volume is beneficial for reducing the size and cost of regeneration tower. According to NMR detection and quantum chemical calculations, it was found that DAP/TMEDA absorbs carbon dioxide to form carbamate. DAP acts as the main absorbent, while TMEDA and nonaqueous solvents do not participate in the absorption reaction. Nonaqueous solvents were found to accelerate the solution phase separation due to the salt precipitation reaction.

Assessment of species diversity, biomass and carbon stock of mangrove forests on Belitung Island, Indonesia

Abstract. Henri, Farhaby AM, Supratman O, Adi W, Febrianto S. 2023. Assessment of species diversity, biomass and carbon stock of mangrove forests on Belitung Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6761-6769. Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems that provide important ecosystem services for people and nature, including climate change mitigation. This study analyzed species diversity, biomass value, and estimated carbon stocks in mangrove forest ecosystems on Belitung Island, Indonesia. The data collection method is carried out by creating a linear plot consisting of several circular subplots. Data analysis was carried out to determine the frequency, density, important value index, biomass (above-ground and below-ground biomass), and carbon content. The results of research on mangrove ecosystems on Belitung Island obtained ten species of mangroves dominated by Rhizophora apiculata Blume found in all research sites. The density of mangroves in the four locations (>1,500 trees/ha) is very dense. In contrast, the location in Juru Seberang (1,349 trees/ha) is categorized as moderate because it is the location of previous reforestation. Rhizophora apiculata has an important value index at the tree (161.24%) and sapling (149.24%) levels. Mangroves on Belitung Island have a total biomass value (225.08 t ha-1), estimated carbon content (112.54 t C ha-1), and carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption of 413.02 t CO2 ha-1. Sustainable coastal ecosystem management can significantly reduce carbon emissions from the land use sector and maintain ecosystem services in these coastal habitats, considering Belitung Island as one of the archipelago areas.

Developing a novel technology for slurry management by project-based learning

Farming is responsible for 30% of global anthropogenic emissions. A novel technology, aligning with current regulations of covering slurry stores, has been developed for processing anaerobic digestate liquor, which is obtained from the screw press stage. Instead of using hazardous chemicals, such as sulfuric acid, to capture ammonia and greenhouse gases, the artifact contains calcium chloride as deliquescent salt. Preliminary simulations in Aspen Plus® v12 showed that the absorption of NH3 and carbon dioxide during the solid–liquid separation was feasible and the resulting clean brine could be used as chemical amendment of untreated slurry. The characterization of the performance of the artifact was organized following a project-based learning active teaching method, for a group of 3 students (17-year-olds) of secondary education, as part of the In2ScienceUK program. The collection of empirical data allowed the contents of the curriculum to be contextualized, enhancing environmental awareness of participants. A titrimetric method was employed to determine the content of NH3 and CO2 in the brine, and the granulation of the dewatered liquor with the fibers of anaerobic digestate was investigated by determining the compression strength required to break the pellets. The operation capacity of the prototype was found to be 250 m3 of liquor per year, at a cost of £1/m3. The use of the filtered brine as chemical amendment also represented an additional 5.60 grams of ammoniacal nitrogen and 0.96 grams of inorganic carbon per cubic meter of unprocessed slurry. The concentrated liquor was a good binding agent that provided the pellets with a compressive strength of 207.00 ± 26.36 N, which was above the threshold value for commercialization purposes (50 N). The advances in the development of the prototype enhanced the suitability of the technology for industrial scale applications but hindered the adoption of subsequent editions of this pedagogic tool.