Donax Biomass Research Articles

Effect of demineralization and ball milling treatments on the properties of Arundo donax and olive stone-derived biochar

The structural and physio-chemical properties of biochar are crucial to determining biochar’s quality and the adequate application. Specifically, the large porosity of biochar has been known as a favorable feature, especially for environmental remediation. In this regard, physical and chemical modifications have been used to improve biochar’s porosity which requires high-energy consumption and involves chemical agents. The objective of this study was to prepare biochar with developed porosity using mild treatments. Arundo donax and olive stone were demineralized by a water-washing method. Treated and non-treated biomasses were pyrolyzed, and part of the derived samples was subjected to wet ball milling. Samples were characterized with proximate, Fourier transform infrared, particle size, and physisorption analyses. The effect of demineralization depended on the biomass type, as ash reduction only influenced Arundo donax-derived biochar, which was attributed to the difference in initial ash content that was relatively low for olive stone. The carbonization yield decreased by 46% for the Arundo donax biomass after demineralization. Moreover, demineralization expanded the surface area and total pore volume of the Arundo donax biochar. The ball milling was effective in producing micro-sized biochar particles with a mean size ranging between 30 ± 2 µm and 42 ± 2 µm and between 13 ± 1 µm and 22 ± 2 µm for Arundo donax and olive stone without and with demineralization, respectively. Ball milling increased the surface area of non-demineralized Arundo donax by 47% and demineralized Arundo donax by 124%. Additionally, ball milling increased the surface area of non-demineralized olive stone by 65% and demineralized olive stone by 62%.Graphical abstract

Elucidating the bioenergy potential of raw, hydrothermally carbonized and torrefied waste Arundo donax biomass in terms of physicochemical characterization, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters

The present investigation aimed to understand the pyrolysis kinetic behavior of raw Arundo donax (Raw-AD), hydrothermally carbonized Arundo donax (HTC-AD), and torrefied Arundo donax (TOR-AD) in a thermogravimetric analyzer at dynamic heating rates. The physicochemical characterization analysis revealed that fuel properties have been enhanced after hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction. The characterization techniques such as FE-SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD have been used to investigate the biomass surface morphology, inorganic elements, functional groups, and crystallinity. The kinetic parameters were calculated using the model-free methods of Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Vyazovkin (VZK), whereas Criado's z(α) master plot was used to elucidate the reaction mechanism. The average activation energy was obtained to be 259.11, 262.53, and 250.13 kJ/mol for Raw-AD, 115.31, 110.39, and 107.26 kJ/mol for HTC-AD, and 243.46, 242.68, and 233.79 kJ/mol for TOR-AD using OFW, KAS, and VZK method respectively. The thermodynamic analysis divulged that pyrolysis proceeded through various reaction mechanisms.

Elucidating the Bioenergy Potential of Raw, Hydrothermally Carbonised and Torrefied Waste Arundo Donax Biomass in Terms of Physicochemical Characterisation, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Parameters

Elucidating the Bioenergy Potential of Raw, Hydrothermally Carbonised and Torrefied Waste Arundo Donax Biomass in Terms of Physicochemical Characterisation, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Parameters

ALKALI PRE-TREATMENT AND ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS OF Arundo donax FOR SINGLE CELL OIL PRODUCTION

Microbial oil obtainable from the fermentation of lignocellulose hydrolysates represents a promising and sustainable alternative to first generation biodiesel. Among the lignocellulosic crops, giant reed (Arundo donax) is attracting interest due to the impressive biomass yield and the low input requirement. However, a delignification step is needed to facilitate the fermentable sugar release from the lignocellulosic matrix, paying attention to the production of growth inhibitors that represent a bottleneck in the development of microbial oil production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of an enzymatic hydrolysate of alkali pre-treated A. donax biomass, as a substrate for the growth of the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi. Specific attention was also paid to possible inhibitory effects of compounds generated by the alkaline pre-treatment (10% slurry, NaOH 0-1.5% w/w, 120 C, 20 min). Increasing NaOH levels enhanced the release of phenolic compounds and increased the fermentable sugar yield after enzymatic hydrolysis of the washed pre-treated fiber. Saccharification yields reached a plateau in correspondence to NaOH 1.2% dose, which gave 407 mg of sugars per g of dry biomass. A medium containing 30 g/L of reducing sugars from the hydrolysate resulted suitable for the growth of L. starkeyi and for lipid accumulation, achieving 12.2 g/L of dry cell biomass with 43% w/w of total lipids. The pre-treatment produced soluble inhibitors that affected moderately the yeast growth in an initial phase, followed by a recovery. Thus, extensive washing of the fiber could be avoided, while a thorough filtration after the pre-treatment would be recommended.

Effect of Irrigation Reduction on Arundo Donax Biomass in a Pot Experiment

Effect of Irrigation Reduction on Arundo Donax Biomass in a Pot Experiment

Composting of the invasive species Arundo donax with sewage and agri-food sludge: Agronomic, economic and environmental aspects

This work evaluates several co-composting scenarios based on the use of Arundo donax biomass (AD) as bulking agent for the co-composting of sewage sludge (MS) and agri-food sludge (AS), to manage these organic wastes and to produce balanced organic fertilizers by optimizing the process. For this, six piles were prepared in commercial composting conditions, using AD in a range of 40%–80% (on a dry weight basis). Physico-chemical and chemical parameters and the thermal behaviour were evaluated during the process, as were the physical and chemical parameters of the final composts. The proportion of AD in the mixtures has a significant effect on the development of the thermophilic stage of composting, showing the piles with higher proportion of AD a quicker organic matter degradation. In addition, the evolution of the thermal indices R1 and R2 was different depending on the origin of the sludge used, indicating an increase in the relative concentration of more recalcitrant materials in the piles prepared with AS. The estimation of the global warming potential showed that the use of higher proportion of AD in the composting mixture may be a strategy to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases during the composting process. Moreover, the end-products obtained had an additional marketable value, with a balanced nutrient content and a good degree of maturity, which indicates the viability of the composting process as a method for the stabilization of these organic wastes.

Effect of water regime change in a mature Arundo donax crop under a Xeric Mediterranean climate

In South Mediterranean conditions, during periods of severe drought mandatory watering restrictions can be established, such as the prohibition to irrigate crops. There is a need for growers of perennial crops such as A. donax to have data on crop response to dry conditions in order to decide on whether to keep or remove the crop. In this work, a four-year-old crop of nine A. donax ecotypes grown under optimal irrigation conditions was subjected to dry conditions for two years in a Xeric Mediterranean environment. Ecotypes performance in the two water conditions was assessed in order to provide data for growers to support their decision. Significant differences were found between ecotypes and water regimes for yield parameters. The interaction of water regime-ecotype was also significant, showing that the effect of the water regime change depended on the ecotype. The relative yield reduction of the mature crop ranged from 53% to 78%; this was as a result of the tough climate conditions in central Spain during the period of vegetative growth of A. donax. Over the whole experiment, an ecotype from South Greece outperformed and could be considered as a reference of the A. donax biomass potential in this environment. Further studies would be needed to assess the genetic distance among ecotypes, as well as to confirm the superiority of this ecotype in different environments.

Mutual effect of Phragmites australis, Arundo donax and immobilization agents on arsenic and trace metals phytostabilization in polluted soils

This study assessed the suitability of Phragmites australis and Arundo donax for the aided phytostabilization of metal(loid)s in polluted soils treated with an iron-rich water treatment residue (Fe-WTR), a municipal solid waste compost (MSW-C) and their combination (Fe-WTR+MSW-C). The three soils under study (S1, S2, S3) showed very high total concentrations of As (from 371 to 22,661mg·kg−1 d.w.) and variable amounts of co-occurring trace metals (TMs) (i.e. Pb, 74–2162; Zn, 57-1535 and Cu, 19–412mg·kg−1 d.w.). Results showed that P. australis and A. donax biomass was significantly increased in all the amended soils and followed the order: MSW-C>Fe-WTR+MSW-C>Fe-WTR>Control. For both plant species grown in the amended soils, metal(loid)s concentration in below ground organs were higher than those in above ground tissues. In S1 soil (the most polluted and acidic; pH3.77), the highest As bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were recorded for plants grown on untreated soil (approx. 45% higher with respect to those recorded for plants in treated soils), where the concentration of labile As was significantly higher with respect to amended soils. By contrast, in S2 and S3 soils, the most effective As bioaccumulator plants were grown on soils treated with compost, even if the addition of this amendment induced a decrease of the soil As extractability. Similar results were detected for TMs in S1 soil, where P. australis and A. donax grown on soil amended with compost showed the highest Pb, Zn and Cu BAFs, while variable results were detected in S2 soil. The lowest As translocation factors (TFs ≪1.0) were detected for plants grown on compost-amended soils (25 and 51, 34 and 50, 64 and 55% lower with respect to P. australis and A. donax control plants in S1, S2 and S3 soils respectively), while TMs translocation from roots to shoots was more variable and depending on soil, TMs, amendment and plant species.Overall, our results indicate the suitability of P. australis and A. donax, and of Fe-WTR and MSW-C, for the aided phytostabilization of soils contaminated with arsenic and trace metals.

Effects of growth-promoters on the productivity of <i></i><i>Arundo donax</i><i></i> L. (NileFiber™) grown as a purpose-grown biofuel feedstock in Nova Scotia

Arundo donax L. is a perennial grass species of Mediterranean origin. Its high biomass yield potential in its native climate has contributed to A. donax being an important biofuel feedstock crop. This study investigates the potential of A. donax as a purpose-grown biomass feedstock for advanced biofuel production in Nova Scotia. The effects of nine different growth-promoters (bacterial and fungal species, a seaweed extract, and a lipo-chitooligosaccharide) and two inoculation methods on A. donax biomass productivity were investigated through three experimental trials: one greenhouse and one field trial inoculated by a post-planting application of the supplements around the plant stem (soil drenching) and one greenhouse trial with inoculation by root soaking just prior to planting (2016). The survival of A. donax over the winter was also evaluated over two winter seasons (2014–2015 and 2015–2016). Penicillium bilaiae Chalab. illustrated the most consistent positive effects on biomass productivity across ex...

Ethanol production by Escherichia coli from Arundo donax biomass under SSF, SHF or CBP process configurations and in situ production of a multifunctional glucanase and xylanase

Diluted acid or liquid hot water (LHW) pretreated Arundo donax biomass was converted into ethanol under separated hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using Escherichia coli as the fermentative organism. Up to 0.26gL−1h−1 and 25.0gL−1 of ethanol were obtained with diluted acid pretreated biomass under SSF compared to 0.17gL−1h−1 and 24gL−1 under SHF. LHW pretreated biomass elicited 25% lower yields on average. Saccharification was carried out with Cellic CTec2 cocktail. Alternatively, under a consolidated bioprocess (CBP) where the ethanologenic bacteria was complemented with a novel multifunctional glucanase and xylanase, ethanol concentration was 7.6gL−1 and 7.2gL−1 after 96h for dilute acid or LHW pretreated biomass, respectively, without any prior saccharification step. According to these results, a bacterial fermentative host combined with in situ enzyme expression can improve ethanol production from A. donax biomass.

Giant cane (Arundo donax L.) for biogas production: The effect of two ensilage methods on biomass characteristics and biogas potential

Arundo donax L. is a perennial plant that can substitute for traditional energy crops to produce biogas, reducing costs because of its high biogas yield per Ha cultivated and low agronomic and energetic inputs. Nevertheless, Arundo donax biomass needs to be ensiled to be preserved and used. Because no full-scale data exist about A. donax ensilage and the effect of this process on potential biogas production, in this work two different ensiling techniques, i.e. trench and silo-bag ensiling, were performed at full scale, and the processes studied for 200 days. Results obtained indicated that A. donax could be successful ensiled by using the two approaches. Ensilage proceeded by fermentation of organic acids already present in the biomass, i.e. malic and oxalic acids that were degraded, giving volatile fatty acid accumulation. This was different from corn ensiling characterized by starch fermentation to lactic acids. Biological processes determined a loss of the potential biomethane production, namely −20.1% and −7.6% for trench and silo-bag, respectively. Taking into consideration biomethane yield per Ha and ensilage losses, potential biomethane losses of 5000 Nm3 CH4 Ha−1 for trench silage and of 2000 Nm3 CH4 Ha−1 for silo bag, were estimated, respectively. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the higher biomass and biomethane yields Ha−1 in comparison with the other energy crops, A. donax still remained more efficient and cheaper than traditional energy crops in producing biogas.

Impact of the biological control agent Tetramesa romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) on Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) along the Rio Grande River in Texas

ABSTRACTFive years post-release of the arundo gall wasp, Tetramesa romana, into the riparian habitats of the lower Rio Grande River, changes in the health of the invasive weed, Arundo donax, or giant reed, have been documented. These changes in plant attributes are fairly consistent along the study area of 558 river miles between Del Rio and Brownsville, TX, and support the hypothesis that the arundo wasp has had a significant impact as a biological control agent. Plant attributes were measured prior to release in 10 quadrats at each of 10 field sites in 2007, and measured again at the same undisturbed sites, 5 years after the release of T. romana, in 2014. Above ground biomass of A. donax decreased on average by 22% across the 10 sites. This decline in biomass was negatively correlated to increased total numbers of T. romana exit holes in main and lateral shoots per site in 2014 compared to 2007. Changes in biomass, live shoot density and shoot lengths, especially the positive effect of galling on main and lateral shoot mortality, appear to be leading to a consistent decline of A. donax. Economically, this reduction in A. donax biomass is estimated to be saving 4.4 million dollars per year in agricultural water. Additional impacts are expected as populations of the wasp increase and as other biological control agents such as the arundo scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis, become more widespread.

Influence of Different Lignocellulose Sources on Endo-1,4-β-Glucanase Gene Expression and Enzymatic Activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B31C

Conversion of cellulose into fermentable sugars for ethanol production is currently performed by enzymatic hydrolysis catalyzed by cellulases. The cellulases are produced by a wide variety of microorganisms, playing a major role in the recycling of biomass. The endo-1,4-β-glucanase (CelB31C) from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B31C, isolated from compost and previously selected on the basis of highest cellulase activity levels among Bacillus isolated, was characterized as being a potential candidate for a biocatalyst in lignocellulose conversion for second-generation bioethanol production. The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in production of enzymatic activity of the endo-1,4-β-glucanase (CelB31C) and the expression of its gene (bglC) using a carboxymethylcellulase activity assay and qRT-PCR analysis, respectively, during growth of B. amyloliquefaciens B31C on different cellulose sources: carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), pure cellulose from Arundo donax, pretreated Arundo donax biomass (Chemtex), and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel). The results showed that both the expression of bglC gene and the enzymatic activity production are related to the type of cellulose source. The strain showed a high enzymatic activity on lignocellulosic biomass and on microcrystalline cellulose. Furthermore, the highest gene expression occurred during the exponential phase of growth, except in the presence of Avicel.