Industrial Organic Wastes Research Articles

Co-combustion of organic industrial and municipal solid wastes in Shanghai: Evaluation based on energy recovery, thermal behavior and gases pollutants emissions

The imperative for efficient recycling and treatment of organic industrial solid waste (OISW) has spurred the integration of co-combustion strategies with municipal solid wastes (MSW) in recent years in China. Herein, we conducted a detailed analysis of five years data on the production and classification of industrial solid wastes in Shanghai and employed the response surface methodology (RSM) and grey correlation analysis (GCA) to optimizing the blending ratios of five distinct types OISW for their co-combustion with MSW. Proximate and elemental analysis was conducted to analyze the chemical composition of each OISW. The combustion kinetic and typical parameters such as activation energy, ignition and burnout temperatures, comprehensive combustion index of individual OISW and their blending with MSW were examined by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influences on energy recovery and pollutant gases emissions were assessed and the accuracy was verified by using the Grey artificial neural network (GANN) model. The results indicated that at a 30 % blending ratio of industrial solid waste, the optimal proportions for sewage sludge, waste wood, waste plastic, textile waste, and waste paper were 32.15 %, 5.14 %, 14.32 %, 1.92 %, and 46.47 %, respectively. The optimized blend achieved a significant 29 % decrease in overall carbon emissions and a notable 23 % increase in the energy recovery rate. In this circumstance, the emissions of HCl, SO2 and NOx, were measured at 2.07 mg/m³, 33.46 mg/m³ and 194.81 mg/m³, respectively, all of which are well below the national standards (GB18485—2014) for the emission of flue gas from MSW incineration in China.

Biosurfactant production by Bacillus cereus GX7 utilizing organic waste and its application in the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments.

The use of biosurfactants represents a promising technology for remediating hydrocarbon pollution in the environment. This study evaluated a highly effective biosurfactant strain-Bacillus cereus GX7's ability to produce biosurfactants from industrial and agriculture organic wastes. Bacillus cereus GX7 showed poor utilization capacity for oil soluble organic waste but effectively utilized of water- soluble organic wastes such as starch hydrolysate and wheat bran juice as carbon sources to enhance biosurfactant production. This led to significant improvements in surface tension and emulsification index. Corn steep liquor was also effective as a nitrogen source for Bacillus cereus GX7 in biosurfactant production. The biosurfactants produced by strain Bacillus cereus GX7 demonstrated a remediation effect on oily beach sand, but are slightly inferior to chemical surfactants. Inoculation with Bacillus cereus GX7 (70.36%) or its fermentation solution (94.38%) effectively enhanced the degradation efficiency of diesel oil in polluted seawater, surpassing that of indigenous degrading bacteria treatments (57.62%). Moreover, inoculation with Bacillus cereus GX7's fermentation solution notably improved the community structure by increasing the abundance of functional bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas in seawater. These findings suggest that the Bacillus cereus GX7 as a promising candidate for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Bio-fertilizer applications from poultry slaughterhouses in subtropical agriculture – Interactions between soil structure and nitrate dynamics

The No-till system and organic fertilization combined can be a potential strategy to avoid nutrient leaching, as the soil structure plays a crucial role in retaining them. In this study, we evaluated the influence of different rates of a bio-fertilizer made of industrial organic waste (IOW) from a poultry slaughterhouse on the percolation and stocks of nitrate in disturbed and undisturbed soil samples collected from a subtropical no-till field in southern Brazil. In an incubation experiment, we performed a percolation experiment using lysimeters and simulated rainfall for 180 days and evaluated the remaining soil nitrate stock after the incubation period. We set up a completely randomized experiment with three replicates using four IOW rates (equivalent to 0, 2, 4, and 8 Mg ha−1) and two sample types: disturbed and undisturbed soils. Using the bio-fertilizer increased nitrate mineralization from 0.77 to 1.55 kg ha−1 day−1. Overall, the IOW application increased the amount of percolated nitrate, significantly influenced by the simulated rainfall (p < 0.01). The amount of water flushed through the lysimeters was significantly higher for the disturbed soils (p < 0.05, LSD test), suggesting that the loosened structure promoted a higher water flux. No differences were observed between undisturbed and disturbed samples for nitrate percolation, implying that the amount of nitrate in the liquid soil phase may be a more critical factor in determining nitrate leaching than the water flux. The disturbed samples presented significantly higher nitrate percolation with increasing IOW rates, regardless of precipitation. Stocks in the 0–5 cm depth were 6.6 kg ha−1 higher for undisturbed samples (p < 0.05, LSD test). This result suggests preserving the soil structure can significantly increase the nitrate stocks upon IOW application.

High-temperature corrosion mechanisms of a Ni-based alloy in simulated multi-source organic waste co-incineration environments

Due to the new trend of co-incinerating municipal solid waste (MSW) with sewage sludge, medical waste, or industrial organic waste to attain a “waste-free” status, mixing of multi-source organic wastes (MSOW) increases the complexity of solid waste, which fluctuates the composition of corrosive species in the boiler. The fluctuation of corrosive species alters the alkali metals/S/Cl ratios and increases the uncertainties of high-temperature corrosion of boiler key components. The corrosion behaviors and mechanisms in varying compositions of corrosive species are complex and remain elusive. To investigate the corrosion characteristics during the co-incineration of MSOW, this study examined the corrosion mechanisms of a nickel-based Ni59.08Cr24.31Al10.74W5.3B0.57 alloy in simulated co-incineration environments of MSOW. The environment contained either HCl, NaCl, or SO2 in wet oxygen at 600 °C. For each case experiment, the maximum possible value of each corrosive species expected in the actual incinerator and/or its absence was considered. HCl of either 0 or 1500 ppm, SO2 of 0 or 300 ppm, and NaCl of 0 or 50 mg/cm2 were systematically used in each experiment. The influence of each corrosive condition on the corrosion of the alloy was evaluated by mass gain measurements, and the corrosion mechanisms were elucidated through SEM, EDS mapping, XRD, XPS analyses, and thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. The results revealed that NaCl salt and HCl gas in wet oxygen have complementary effects, which accelerated the corrosion of alloy, reaching ∼ 65.6 mg/cm2 over one week. HCl enhanced the corrosion by affecting the chemical reactions that regenerated NaCl, which participated in prolonged corrosion processes. SO2 reduced the mass gain of the alloy to 38.4 mg/cm2. SO2 participated in the sulfation of NaCl, forming a mixed layer of Na2SO4 and (Al/Cr)2O3, reducing the mass gain by 1.71 times. In the environment without NaCl, SO2 helped in the formation of a protective oxide layer, which prevented HCl from reaching the alloy, reducing the corrosion impact by 23.5 times.

Advanced soft-sensing techniques for predicting furnace temperature in industrial organic waste gasification

Accurately real-time monitoring furnace temperature in multi-component industrial organic waste gasification presents considerable challenges due to the process’s inherent complexity and variability. Herein, we have developed a sophisticated soft-sensing model that utilizes data-driven methods for precise temperature prediction, using input variables measured in industrial process. The data, primarily centered on cooling water, were derived from an in-depth analysis of heat transfer within the gasifier. Three distinct machine learning models were constructed and demonstrated enhanced performance compared to conventional heat transfer model. The Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model, exhibiting a remarkable R2 value of 0.94, emerged as the most effective. Employing SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP), we further revealed the critical role of cooling water temperature in furnace temperature prediction. Overall, the application of data-driven models into the furnace temperature prediction offers a significant advancement in handling the complexities inherent in industrial processes.

Comparative life cycle assessment of organic industrial solid waste co-disposal in a MSW incineration plant

Co-disposal experiments involving industrial solid waste (ISW) are conducted at a municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plant in this study, investing the environmental impact of co-disposal with different ISW addition proportions using life cycle assessment (LCA). Results show that increasing ISW proportions improves economic indicators, reducing the payback period from 7.92 years (0 % ISW) to 6.58 years (40 % ISW). Environmental impact indicators initially decrease and then increase. The indicator with the greatest environmental impact is Eutrophication Potential (EP), the only major indicator with positive values in all scenarios when considering power output. Its normalization value reaches a minimum at 30 % ISW blending, at 7.85 × 10−12. Contribution analysis reveals that the direct emissions of N-containing gases are the primary cause, while the addition of urea, ammonia water, and quicklime in flue gas treatment, as well as the ash-slag landfill, also have significant effects. Technical optimization of stepwise co-disposal, denitrification system and ash-slag reduction will be the focus. Compared to the existing conventional situation, the co-disposal system exhibits considerable improvements in environmental benefits and carbon reduction potential. Notably, there is a significant reduction in non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions. This study offers theoretical insights for multi-source waste disposal in MSW incineration plants.

Synergetic effects during co-pyrolysis of waste textiles and Ca/Fe-rich industrial sewage sludge: Reaction kinetics and product distribution

Co-pyrolysis is a promising technology for industrial organic waste to utilize their unique resource and energy properties for efficient conversion into valuable products. This study was the first time to characterize the co-pyrolysis of waste textiles with Ca-rich industrial sludge and Fe-rich industrial sludge on a laboratory-scale fixed bed. The properties, mechanisms, gas, oil and carbon production were investigated as a function of temperature and mixing type. Co-pyrolysis increased the total weight loss from 50.05 % to 69.81 % for Ca-rich industrial sludge mixed with 50 % waste textiles and from 49.13 % to 70.01 % for Fe-rich industrial sludge mixed with 50 % waste textiles. The activation energy of co-pyrolysis was approximately 50 % lower compared to the pyrolysis of waste textiles alone. The optimal reaction model for the different reaction stages for all samples was three diffusion (D3). Co-pyrolysis resulted in lower CO and CO2 emission temperatures of about 25–110 °C and produced more short-chain organic compounds (C < 10). Co-pyrolysis produced more aldehydes and ketones organics. Moreover, co-pyrolysis char exhibited an elevated level of fatty alkyl side chains and bridge branching, as well as higher degrees of aromatization and stability. This study offers valuable insights into the potential application of pyrolysis for the management of Ca/Fe-rich industrial sludge and waste textiles, thereby serving as a basis for future utilization endeavors.

Process Waters from Hydrothermal Carbonization of Waste Biomasses like Sewage Sludge: Challenges, Legal Aspects, and Opportunities in EU and Germany

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has developed considerably over the last 15 years and offers a viable alternative for the utilization of municipal and industrial organic waste such as sewage sludge. However, the technology has yet to establish itself as a valorization process for waste biomasses (2024) and is not yet a recognized state of the art. Nevertheless, the HTC technology could gain greater relevance in the future, especially as an alternative valorization pathway for sewage sludge. During HTC, significant amounts of HTC process water (PW) are produced as a byproduct. The process water is inorganically and organically polluted and has to be treated, as it would be a burden on water bodies and thus on the environment if left untreated. In the EU and specifically Germany, industrial wastewater producers like HTC-plant operators are obliged to treat their industrial wastewater before discharging it into the environment. In addition to a large amount of PW and its treatment to the required limits, the organic load and possible persistent and toxic substances pose major challenges for plant operators. Many proven processes from industrial wastewater treatment were transferred for the treatment of PW. Treatment of the PW in a manner that is industrially viable, economically viable, and efficient is crucial for the effective commercialization of HTC technology. In this, the challenges and opportunities of PW composition, management, and treatment, including legal aspects, are mainly discussed. Therefore, the legal framework in the European Union and specifically for Germany will be elaborated. Furthermore, different treatment pathways are also highlighted.

Taxon-specific ability of saprophagous soil macrofauna to reintegrate carbon from agricultural waste into soil

Saprophagous soil macroinvertebrates may potentially degrade agricultural wastes. However, it is not known, to what extent and representatives of which taxa may help reintegrating carbon from crop residues back into soil without triggering massive carbon release into the atmosphere. To tackle this problem, we conducted a three-month-long microcosm experiment with 21 different species of macrofauna (each treatment replicated four times) belonging to 13 families to test their ability to degrade wheat straw. Simultaneously CO2 release from the microcosms was measured. Five species did not survive under experimental conditions. Among the remaining 16 species, three significantly increased wheat straw decomposition with Oryctes nasicornis larvae having inflicted the highest straw mass loss (64%) in comparison with the control, where no animals were added (29%). None of the tested species increased cumulative CO2 evolution from the microcosms, while two species significantly reduced it. The reduction of carbon loss with aerobic respiration was recorded for Cetonia aurata larvae and the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta (respectively 2.5 and 2-fold in relation to the control – 53.8±4.6 mg CO2-C g−1 soil dry weight during the entire experiment). The original integrative Carbon Sequestration Index by Macrofauna (CSIM) calculated for both of the measured parameters suggests that the woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare and to a smaller extent the earthworm D. veneta appear to be the most promising organisms for industrial climate-friendly organic waste recycling in terms of survival, straw processing and simultaneous reduction of CO2 emissions from soil. Our results proved that the engagement of saprophagous macrofauna in crop residue decomposition is a viable technique of carbon reincorporation into the soil. It is accompanied with CO2 release mitigation into the atmosphere.

Harnessing Biogas in India: A Sustainable Pathway for Sustainable Energy Development

The review underscores the pivotal role of the Indian biogas sector in addressing the challenges posed by inadequate sanitation practices, exploring how the biogas sector is a potentially transformative force for waste management and energy production. Decentralized biogas facilities utilizing various organic materials, including agricultural waste, kitchen waste, organic industrial waste, sewage sludge, and floral waste, have reshaped rural landscapes. These facilities electrify remote villages, benefiting over 5 million residents and reducing energy expenses by 40%. Critically, these efforts preserve vital ecosystems, exemplified by the rejuvenation of 10,000 hectares of mangroves in the Sundarbans, sequestering an impressive 500,000 metric tons of CO2 annually. Innovative technologies, such as the anaerobic digestion process and advanced biogas production systems featuring improved gas purification techniques, two-stage digesters, and optimized feedstock mixtures, play a crucial role in this sustainability journey. These advancements boost biogas yields by 20%. Importantly, byproducts like digestate are efficiently upcycled into 500 Mt of high-quality biofertilizers annually, significantly enhancing crop yield, particularly wheat and maize, by 15%. Moreover, the transformative impact extends to environmental sustainability by converting digestate into 1,000 Mt of biodegradable plastics, leading to a 30% reduction in traditional plastics usage. Government support and well-crafted policies have been instrumental, with subsidies driving the adoption of biogas digesters in 50,000 households, creating 5,000 jobs, and reducing methane emissions by 2 MMt annually. Biogas catalyzes integrated sustainability, accompanying cleaner environments, improved livelihoods, and resilient ecosystems by harmonizing sanitation, energy, and ecosystem preservation.

Fate of sulfur and chlorine during co-incineration of municipal solid waste and industrial organic solid waste

In China, the co-incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) with industrial organic solid waste (IOSW) is increasingly adopted. Compared with MSW, IOSW contains higher levels of sulfur (S) and chlorine (Cl), presenting significant challenges for controlling S/Cl emissions in MSW incineration plants. In this study, the impact of co-incinerating IOSW was investigated in a 500 t/d incinerator grate, focusing on the emissions and transformation behaviors of S/Cl. IOSW, with a consistent sulfur content of about 0.22 wt% and a more variable chlorine content averaging 0.53 wt%, contains over 40 % organic sulfur and >90 % organic chlorine, higher than in MSW. The results of co-incineration experiments showed that the median SO2 concentration in the flue gas was stable at 50 mg/m3, while HCl concentration decreased initially and then increased as the co-incineration ratio of IOSW rose from 20 % to 40 %. Furthermore, the concentrations of SO2 and HCl were not significantly influenced by wind flow but were positively affected by the rising furnace temperatures. Besides, the co-incineration ratio had minimal impact on sulfur in fly ash before deacidification, primarily derived from the gas stream. However, the (Na + K)/Cl ratio in fly ash progressively increased from 1.5 to 1.9, and the Ca content decreased from 0.35 % to 0.15 % as the co-incineration ratio rose to 40 %, indicating more chlorine migration into the fly ash at higher co-incineration rates. This research offers essential guidance for effectively controlling pollutant emissions during the co-incineration of IOSW, specifically the S/Cl pollutants.

Global trends in the development of a sustainable bioeconomy for rural growth in Ukraine

Growing global environmental problems are forcing humanity to think about transforming the basic principles of doing business, as the traditional economic order leads to an increase in the volume of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, excessive depletion of the main types of fossil fuels, and considerable accumulation of industrial and household waste. In these circumstances, the alternative is to use low-carbon energy sources, which will minimise destructive environmental impacts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to substantiate the theoretical and methodological foundations of bioeconomic activity and practical recommendations for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in Ukraine. To fulfil this purpose, the study employed general scientific and special methods of theoretical and empirical research, specifically, at the theoretical level, the methods of theoretical generalisation, abstract-logical, hypothetical, historical, methods of ascent from the abstract to the concrete, etc. The empirical level includes comparative, descriptive, SWOT strategic analysis, graphs, and tables. Using the methods outlined in the historical retrospective study, the study monitored the volume of greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions into the atmosphere due to the considerable use of fossil fuels, which provokes an increase in global environmental problems in society. Under these conditions, sustainable economic activity is gaining popularity, allowing for the production of renewable energy from renewable resources, agricultural, forestry and fishery residues, as well as organic industrial and household waste. The study outlined foreign practices and Ukrainian initiatives to promote bioeconomic activity, considering the country’s natural resource and intellectual potential, as well as financial national support for the bioindustry. Considering the findings of the study, the strengths and weaknesses of the sustainable bioeconomy were systematised using SWOT analysis, key threats to its formation in Ukraine were foreseen, and constructive opportunities for its development were identified. The practical value of this study lies in the scientific substantiation of proposals for promising strategic guidelines for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy with strengthening its capabilities and finding ways to minimise the destructive impact of key threats

Carbon and nitrogen optimization in solid-state fermentation for sustainable sophorolipid production using industrial waste.

The use of alternative feedstocks such as industrial or food waste is being explored for the sustainable production of sophorolipids (SLs). Microbial biosurfactants are mainly produced via submerged fermentation (SmF); however, solid-state fermentation (SSF) seems to be a promising alternative for using solid waste or byproducts that could not be exploited by SmF. Applying the advantages that SSF offers and with the aim of revalorizing industrial organic waste, the impact of carbon and nitrogen sources on the relationship between yeast growth and SL production was analyzed. The laboratory-scale system used winterization oil cake as the solid waste for a hydrophobic carbon source. Pure hydrophilic carbon (glucose) and nitrogen (urea) sources were used in a Box-Behnken statistical design of experiments at different ratios by applying the response surface methodology. Optimal conditions to maximize the production and productivity of diacetylated lactonic C18:1 were a glucose:nitrogen ratio of 181.7:1.43(w w-1 based on the initial dry matter) at a fermentation time of 100h, reaching 0.54 total gram of diacetylated lactonic C18:1 with a yield of 0.047g per gram of initial dry mass. Moreover, time course fermentation under optimized conditions increased the SL crude extract and diacetylated lactonic C8:1 production by 22% and 30%, respectively, when compared to reference conditions. After optimization, industrial wastes were used to substitute pure substrates. Different industrial sludges, OFMSW hydrolysate, and sweet candy industry wastewater provided nitrogen, hydrophilic carbon, and micronutrients, respectively, allowing their use as alternative feedstocks. Sweet candy industry wastewater and cosmetic sludge are potential hydrophilic carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, for sophorolipid production, achieving yields of approximately 70% when compared to the control group.

О биотехнологической утилизации компостированием шлам-лигнина Байкальского целлюлозно-бумажного комбината и других органических промышленных отходов

In this paper is discussed terminology related to the neutralization and disposal of sludge-lignin of Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill and other organic industrial waste using the composting process. The terminology of the relevant GOST (State standard) is given, as well as those adopted by foreign public, state and professional organizations in relation to the definitions of «composting», «compost», «maturity» and «stability». It is shown that there are contradictions between different GOSTs in determining composting conditions (aerobic or anaerobic), as well as the discrepancy between the definition of compost with the names of products such as «humus-peat», «green manure-peat», «manure-soil» and other composts, the absence of a definition of maturity and stability of compost in official documents of the Russian Federation. It is concluded that it is necessary to adopt uniform definitions of these terms, as well as to develop methods for assessing the maturity and stability of compost.

Investigation of the Potential of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Pressmud for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater

Improper management of organic industrial wastes, such as empty fruit bunch (EFB) from the palm oil industry and pressmud, i.e., a by-product of the sugar refinery industry can lead to environmental problems. This study aims to investigate the potential of pressmud and EFB as adsorbent materials in wastewater pollution removal. The chemical analysis in this study revealed that the EFB sample contained 7.30% of SiO2, 2.11% of Fe2O3, 1.91% of MgO, 28.02% of CaO, 37.59% of K2O, 1.45% of P2O5, 14.51% of Cl, 4.39% of SO3, and 2.38% of other elements. Meanwhile, the pressmud sample contained 14.32% of SiO2, 1.39% of SO3, 81.71% of CaO, 1.03% of Fe2O3, and the remaining 1.56% of other compounds. The possible adsorption capacities of pressmud and EFB were determined using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The absorption of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn in these samples was analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. By comparing both models, the research revealed that the Langmuir model provided a more precise description of the adsorption process for the EFB and pressmud samples and was competently compared to the Freundlich model, as indicated by the highest R2 values. The results indicate the potential of EFB and pressmud as promising reactive materials for heavy metal adsorption, and this involves recognizing possibilities for repurposing these economical and sustainable waste materials.

Start Up And Operation Of A UASB Rector With Molasses As A Preferred Substrate – A Case Study

Anaerobic digestion followed by aerobic treatment has gained wide acceptability for many of the wastewater treatment. Several novel bio-reactors have been developed. All these reactors pose a problem of shock loading, when the high COD organic industrial waste is fed in to the reactor. Further, the normal substrates like glucose, sewage, citric acid may result in addition of a large volume of the substrate solution for a given organic loading. Both these problems are solved by adopting molasses, a typical by-product from the sugar industry. Among the bio-reactors to treat high strength waste waters, the Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASBR), has received wide popularity for the treatment of domestic waste waters as well as for a variety of industrial wastewaters. This paper is to present a cogent and a clear picture of the startup and steady state operation of an UASB Reactor with molasses as the initial startup substrate for the development of well settleable sludge granules, the major feature of an UASB Reactor. The UASB reactor was fabricated in transparent Plexiglas. The reactor had a working volume of 9.75 liters with provision of ports for input, output, collection of samples, and collection of gas. Inside the settler, a gas-liquid-solid separation system using a glass funnel and a gas pressurizing plexiglass tube was provided. The aim was to granulate the sludge and acclimatizing it completely to take high organic loading. The feed was supplemented with a fixed COD: N: P ratio by adding urea for nitrogen and KH2PO4 for phosphorous. The HRT was fixed to be 8 hours. The reactor temperature was maintained at 35 ± 20oC. In about 55 days, the buttery seed sludge got granulated at an OLR of 8 g COD/l.day. The SEM of the granules exhibited a mixed morphology on the surface of the granules while filamentous Methanothrix proliferation could be clearly seen in the interior of the granule. Methanoceata and Methanothrix are the two dominant species found in the granules.

Carbon Neutral Fuels and Chemicals from Standalone Biomass Refineries

The urgency to eliminate man-made greenhouse gas emissions and achieve energy security/independence by all countries justifies an energy policy that considers the major role of renewable biomass as a source of organic feedstock for producing adequate organic chemicals and biofuels on a sustainable basis and economically. This paper investigates a three-stage thermochemical process to convert wet biomass into a tailored mix of syngas for producing green methanol, hydrogen, and Fischer-Tropsch products. The three-stage thermochemical process involves the torrefaction of wet biomass using hot carbon monoxide gas, pyrolysis of torrefied biomass to produce biochar, and final gasification of the pyrolysis gases by auto thermal reforming up to 1400o C temperature. The proposed process is suitable to utilize a wide variety of biomass materials such as freshly harvested biomass without field drying, agro waste, forest/plantation litter, organic municipal solid wastes, sludge from sewage water treatment plants, solid biomass rejects from anaerobic digesters, bagasse from sugar or first-generation ethanol plants, organic solid rejects from second-generation ethanol plants, waste glycerides from biodiesel plants, industrial organic waste, etc. The proposed process offers valorization of biomass so that the net income of farmers is enhanced a fewfold by selling freshly harvested biomass. The economic analysis found that carbon-neutral hydrogen, methanol, etc can be produced below the prevailing costs of such products derived from fossil crude oil or natural gas without considering carbon credits. It is feasible in a standalone biomass refinery to use any biomass as only one bulk raw material/feedstock without any harmful emissions to water bodies or the atmosphere except carbon neutral carbon dioxide gas if not sequestrated.

Evaluation of the biogas potential of organic waste in the northern provinces of Morocco

Our work focuses on the promotion and introduction of the biogas technology as innovating solution to manage organic waste and also as a clean and renewable energy. In this article we present the digestible substrate potential in the form of its biogas energy content present in the three regions along the Mediterranean coastline of Morocco, namely de regions of Oriental, Hoceima-Taza-Taounat and Tanger-Tétouan. The organic waste identified are solid manure from animal keeping, the residues of crop growing, industrial organic waste, household organic waste and slaughterhouse waste. The biomass potential from the Oriental region, including the provinces of Oujda, Berkane, Nador, Jerada and Taourirt is about 4.8 million tons a year of which the manure part represents 78 %. This biomass potential can generate theoretically 0,090 Mtep per year of energy in the form of biogas. The biomass potential from the Hoceima- Taza-Taounat region is about 7.8 million tons a year of which 75 % manure, corresponding at 0,130 Mtep of energy per year issued from the biogas produced during the digestion process. The potential in the region of Tanger-Tétouan is about 6.7 million tons a year (81 % manure) representing 0,110 Mtep of biogas energy per year.

HYDROTHERMAL CARBONIZATION OF SEWAGE SLUDGE – AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO TREAT AND MANAGE SEWAGE SLUDGE IN RURAL AREAS OF GERMANY?

As the result of new regulation from the German Sewage Sludge Ordinance (AbfKlärV 2017) and the future obligation to recover phosphorus, thermal treatment (mono-incineration) has become increasingly popular, whereas land-based utilization has decreased. Germany has produced 1.71 million metric tons (DM) of sewage sludge in the year 2021. Sewage sludge contains important nutrients such as phosphorus but also heavy metals and organic pollutants making the direct utilization of sewage sludge in agriculture controversial. Rural areas in particular have benefited from land-based sewage sludge utilization however the future ban on direct land-based utilization is forcing them to find alternative solutions for sewage sludge treatment and management. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has developed considerably over the last 15 years and offers a viable alternative for the utilization of municipal and industrial organic waste such as sewage sludge. The process takes place in an aqueous environment without the need for pre-drying sewage sludge and thereby facilitating direct processing. HTC is especially suitable in combination with the recovery of nutrients like phosphorus. Technologies to recover this essential resource are important because phosphorus is an element that cannot be substituted and is therefore essential. HTC could make a significant contribution to sewage sludge management in combination with phosphorus recovery. However, the technology has yet to establish itself as a sewage sludge valorization process (2023) and is not yet a recognized state-of-the-art. Nevertheless, the HTC technology could gain greater relevance in the future, especially as an alternative valorization pathway for sewage sludge in rural areas of Germany.

BIOETHYLENE IS A PROMISING SOURCE OF ENERGY AND RAW MATERIALS FOR CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

The modern development of energy, chemical technology and other industrial production sectors is largely focused on processes using renewable raw materials. In the structure of non-traditional energy sources the lion’s share belongs to biomass. The paper provides an prospects assessment for using the available, predominantly solid Ukrainian bioresources, total available amount of which as wood, grain straw and other domestic and industrial organic waste is more than 120 million tons per year, to meet state’s needs both for lubricant and fuel materials and raw materials for chemical industry. A following sequence of transformations for this problem solution were investigated: cellulose of the original raw biomaterial — glucose — bioethanol — ethylene. The option of increasing the effectiveness of the latter stage was considered of obtaining bioethane from bioethanol due to the use of the latest catalysts. The results both physical and computational study of bioethanol dehydration process are given, that allowed to reveal the peculiarities of process kinetics when proposed catalyst using. It is shown that, in addition to reducing energy consumption, the catalyst provides 91 % selectivity for ethylene at ~95 % of the biomethanol conversion rate. The initial data for the design of highly efficient catalytic processes and reactors for the dehydration of bioethanol to ethylene were obtained. Bibl. 20, Fig. 2, Tab. 3.