Kg Of Biomass Research Articles

Bioprocessing strategies to increase the protein fraction of Rhizopus oryzae biomass using fish industry sidestreams

The sidestreams produced during fish processing end in a separation tank where the resulting fractions follow biogas production or wastewater treatment. These streams can alternatively be used for production of protein-rich fungal biomass for e.g. fish feed applications, a product in increasing demand. These streams and upper streams originated during fish processing were used in this study for production of biomass using the edible filamentous fungus Rhizopus oryzae. The COD of the streams varied between 11 and 54 kg/m3 and, after fungal conversion of organic matter into protein-rich biomass and separation, a reduction of 34–69% was achieved. The stream origin had an effect on the final production and composition of the fungal biomass: 480 kg of biomass containing 33% protein per ton of COD were produced after cultivation in the separation tank streams, while 220 kg of biomass containing 62% protein per ton of COD were produced in upper sidestreams with lower amounts of suspended solids. Changing the initial pH (6.1–6.5) to 5.0 had a negative influence on the amount of biomass produced while medium supplementation had no influence. Thus, fish processing sidestreams can be diverted from biogas production and wastewater treatment to the production of protein-rich biomass for feed applications.

How do tree- and stand-level factors influence belowground biomass and carbon storage in tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus)?

Tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) is the most common hardwood in northern California forests, yet its capacity for belowground carbon storage is unknown. To study relationships between coarse roots and tree and stand variables, we destructively sampled twelve tanoak root systems in Humboldt County, California. To estimate belowground biomass, we summed measured biomass of the root ball and a subsample of lateral roots along with predicted biomass of unmeasured coarse roots. Tree size was the best linear predictor of belowground biomass and carbon, indicating that a 25-cm diameter tanoak, for example, stored 70 kg of biomass and 34 kg of carbon in its root system. Stand density was also influential: a doubling of stand density index reduced belowground carbon by 22% for the average tanoak. The mean root-toshoot ratio of 0.35 varied between 0.11 and 0.65, with larger tanoak at high stand densities allocating proportionally less biomass belowground than small open-grown tanoak. The findings highlight the importance of accounting for stand density effects, otherwise belowground carbon will be under predicted in low-density stands managed for tree health, vigor, and resistance to drought and wildfire, or overestimated in forests managed at high densities for high carbon sequestration.

Nutrients demand of cactus forage

The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of nutrient use in three cactus forage (CF) cultivars (Opuntia stricta and Nopalea cochenillifera), 365 days after planting under different types of fertilizer in two research sites (Condado and Riachão) of the semi-arid region of Paraiba state, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with treatments in a factorial scheme (3×4), three cultivars of CF (Orelha de elefante Mexicana; Miúda; Bahiana), and four fertilizer treatment (Control; Manure; Manure with Nitrogen; Mineral fertilization) with four replications. The CF cultivars did not differ significantly in nutrient use. That means of physio-logical efficiency by CF cultivars were 1.62, and 2.36 kg of biomass per kg of nutrient applied in Condado and Riachão, respectively. The efficiency of nutrient recovery was 16% for the Condado, according the following order: K> P> Ca> N> C = Mg and 12% for Riachão: K> P> N> C = Ca = Mg. In the two research sites, the treatment with mineral fertilization significantly increased the efficiency use of N, P and K in comparison to the other treatments. The average for efficiency of nutrient utilization was 25% and 19% for Condado and Riachão, respectively, in the following order for Condado: K> P> N> Ca = Mg> C, and Riachão: K> P> N> C> Mg = Ca. In a CF production system aiming to obtain a yearly harvest cycle, it is necessary to replenish of K and P to maintain the nutritional balance between the soil and CF plant.

Experimental Studies on Combustion Characteristics of Oil-Palm Biomass in Fluidized-Bed: A Heat Energy Alternative

One of the technologies that can be used to meet energy needs is biomass combustion. In this study, the oil palm biomass fuels used were empty fruit bunches, oil palm fibers, oil palm midribs, and palm kernel shells. This research was carried out by a direct combustion method using a fluidized-bed combustor. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the reaction of kinetics and the mechanism of combustion of oil palm biomass in fluidized-bed combustor. The characteristics observed in this test were the combustion temperature profile, flue-gas composition, and the composition of the ash-deposit chemical compound. The results of the experiments conducted showed that the best biomass combustion temperature profile was recorded at 2 kg biomass with an air flow rate of 0.9375 m3/s at 90.1%. The maximum temperature of biomass combustion recorded at biomass 3 kg with an air flow rate of 1.25 m3/s are 950oC (95%). The higher conversion combustion of biomass was found at biomass condition of 3 kg with an air flow rate of 0.9375 m3/s. The value of O2 emissions from biomass combustion shows that it was very small 0.2%. While the highest CO2 value was recorded at 19.9%. The highest combustion efficiency on FBC found 1 kg of biomass fuel with an air flow rate of 0.0654 m3/s recorded 94.9%.

Energy Calculator for Solar Processing of Biomass with Application to Uganda

Rural areas of developing countries often have poor energy infrastructure and so rely on a very local supply. A local energy supply in rural Uganda frequently has problems such as limited accessibility, unreliability, a high expense, harmful to health and deforestation. By carbonizing waste biomass streams, available to those in rural areas of developing countries through a solar resource, it would be possible to create stable, reliable fuels with more consistent calorific values. An energy demand calculator is reported to assess the different energy demands of various thermochemical processes that can be used to create biofuel. The energy demand calculator then relates the energy required to the area of solar collector required for an integrated system. Pyrolysis was shown to require the least amount of energy to process 1 kg of biomass when compared to steam treatment and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This was due to the large amount of water required for steam treatment and HTC. A resource assessment of Uganda is reported, to which the energy demand calculator has been applied. Quantitative data are presented for agricultural residues, forestry residues, animal manure and aquatic weeds found within Uganda. In application to rural areas of Uganda, a linear Fresnel HTC integration shows to be the most practical fit. Integration with a low temperature steam treatment would require more solar input for less carbonization due to the energy required to vaporize liquid water.

Characterization of hydrochar from hydrothermal carbonization of maize residues

Utilization of agro-residues from maize production as biorenewable energy source is considered to be a very good and sustainable waste management method. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a thermochemical conversion process for solid organic materials at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of water. Through hydrolysis, dehydration and decarboxylation, a solid hydrochar as well as gaseous and aqueous products are generated. The energy density and the macromolecular structure of the solid product are improved, giving rise to a carbonized product that is simpler to convert to heat, power or fuel than the starting materials. This study was about applying HTC to upgrade maize residues. The residues used were cobs derived from a maize processing factory. The HTC experiments were carried out in a batch 10-dm3 pressure reactor equipped with 14 kW heaters and internal temperature control. About 0.5 kg of biomass was loaded with 5 dm3 of deionized water into the reactor. The effects of temperature (180–250 °C) and time (60–360 min) were examined. The hydrochar was recovered by filtration and dried for subsequent analyses. With increasing temperature and time, the amount of hydrochar was found to decrease, while the gaseous and aqueous products increased. Hydrochar yields were in the range of about 35%–72%. From the analysis result, hydrochar produced was found to have improved fuel qualities Its elemental composition was coalified with H/C and O/C atomic ratios moving towards that of lignite.

NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AS THERAPEUTIC ALLIES OF THE GUT MICROBIOME ON CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Our gut harbours around 1014 bacteria of more than 1000 species, accounting for approximately 2 kg of biomass. The gut microbiome plays several vital functions in processes such as the development of the immune system, food digestion and protection against pathogens. For these functions to be beneficial for both host and microbiome, interactions are tightly regulated. Gut and immune cells continuously interact to distinguish among commensal microbiota, harmless foodstuff, and pathogens. A fine balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory state is fundamental to protect intestinal homeostasis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs used for management of pain and inflammation. These compounds have heterologous structures but similar therapeutic activities. The target of all NSAIDs are the isoforms of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX): the primarily constitutive form COX-1, and the inducible from COX-2. Both isoforms catalyse the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGH2, the immediate substrate for specific prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis. The gut microbiota plays a role in drug metabolism, resulting in altered bioavailability of these compounds. Additionally, complex host-microbiome interactions lead to modified xenobiotic metabolism and altered expression of genes involved in drug metabolism. These effects can be at gut tissue-level, or distant, including in the liver. Besides the gut microbiome influencing drug metabolism, drugs also impact the microbial communities in the gut. As different drugs exert selective pressures on the gut microbiome, understanding this bidirectional relationship is crucial for developing effective therapies for managing chronic inflammation.

Estimation of the Calorific Value and Electrical Energy Potential of Waste Generated Biomass Within Abakaliki Meteropolis Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the electrical energy potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated biomass within Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The MSW samples were collected at two different points from each of the waste management zones, with each zone covering at least twelve (12) streets. It was then sorted into three major categories according to their constituents viz; metals, plastics and biomass. In this study, the biomass component of the MSW sample was is our focus. Thus, the biomass sample was sun dried and then ground into powdered form. It was thoroughly mixed, shredded, sieved and subsequently analysed at the Lorcin Technologies Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Currently, an average of 360 tons of MSW is generated within Abakaliki metropolis on daily bases. This translates to an electrical energy potential of approximately 320MW. The MSW-generated biomass analysis estimates the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) or Higher Heating Values (HHV) to be 11.644MJ/kg. This value which practically determines the electrical energy of the waste sample is highly suitable for many thermal conversion processe. This translate to the fact 0.925kg of biomass will generate electrical power of 1KWh. Hence, one unit of electricity=10765KJ/Kg/GVC (KJ/Kg).

Pengaruh Jenis dan Ukuran Biomassa terhadap Proses Gasifikasi Menggunakan Downdraft Gasifier

Biomass is alternative energy. This research was conducted to determine the effect of biomass type and size on the gasification process using a downdraft gasifier. Sengon and mahogany woods were used as the feedstock. The study began by conducting a proximate test of biomass feedstock to find out its properties. Than the gasification process was studied by using two sizes of biomass i.e. wood chips and blocks. Each experiment was carried out for 90 minutes and 10 kg of biomass. The air was supplied at 3 m/s. The results showed that the type and size of biomass affected the gasification temperatures, flame characteristics, and residues. Sengon wood chips provided the highest gasification temperature of 1239°C in the oxidation zone with a flame duration of 77 minutes and residue of 9.1 wt.%. For mahogany wood chips in the sequence were 1220°C, 68 minutes and 16.25 wt.%. Meanwhile for wood chips mixture of sengon and mahogany gave the flame duration of 55 minutes and residue of 15.65 wt.%. Overall, it can be concluded that under the investigated condition, a sengon wood chip was found to be the most suitable biomass for the downdraft gasifier used in this work.

Consolidated bioprocessing of hydrogen production from agave biomass by Clostridium acetobutylicum and bovine ruminal fluid

The biological production of H2 represents a renewable and eco-friendly energy alternative compared to fossil fuels. However, its production from lignocellulose involves the use of expensive enzymatic complexes. In the present work, the production of H2 from pretreated agave biomass was evaluated by means of a Consolidated Bioprocess (CBP). This strategy was carried through the interaction of cellulose-degrading microorganisms obtained from bovine ruminal fluid (BRF) capable of enhancing H2 production by Clostridium acetobutylicum. The results obtained show the capacity of BRF to hydrolyze the acid pretreated agave, improving the production of H2 in the experiments where the inoculum of Clostridium was greater. According to the results, production of H2 is significantly affected by the increase of the solids loading, obtaining a maximum H2 production at a 10% of solids loading, pH 5.5 and 35 °C, representing a yield of 150 L of H2 per Kg of biomass in 264 h.

Deactivation of a CoMo Catalyst during Catalytic Hydropyrolysis of Biomass. Part 1. Product Distribution and Composition

Deactivation of a sulfided CoMo/MgAl2O4 catalyst during fluid bed catalytic hydropyrolysis of biomass (beech wood) was studied. The stability of the catalyst was investigated by converting approximately 4.4 kg of biomass and collecting the liquid and solid products for every 1 kg fed, using the same catalyst load. The total time on stream was 16.2 h. A secondary hydrotreating reactor with a sulfided NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst was used after the fluid bed to further deoxygenate the vapors. The condensed organics and C4+ gases yield for each 1 kg fed was 22.2 ± 1 wt %, which was variations within the experimental uncertainty. The CO and CO2 yield during the experiment increased from 14.9 to 18.2 wt % daf, while the aqueous phase yield decreased from 38.0 to 35.1 wt % daf. The change in CO, CO2, and aqueous phase yields was ascribed to a decrease in hydrodeoxygenation activity of the used catalysts. The concentration of oxygen in the condensed organic phase increased from 40 to 2832 ppm, indicating that deactivatio...

Fuels Derived from Papermaking and Coffee Wastes

A two-stage technology permitting pyrolytic conversion of biomass to gaseous fuel is considered, for the example of papermaking and coffee wastes: sawdust, sludge, and parchment hulls from coffee beans. Analysis of the initial materials and the products of thermal processing shows that 1 kg of biomass yields 1.23–1.41 m3 of producer gas. The calorific value of the gas produced is 10.69–10.74 MJ/m3. The yield of biochar is 25.1–29.5% (in the dry state).

Benefits of Improved Cook Stoves: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh

Reduction of biomass fuel consumption, improved health outcomes of household members and time savings for households are the key intended benefits of Improved Cook Stove (ICS). This paper attempts an empirical verification of these targeted benefits of the ICS, named Bondhu Chula, in ruralBangladesh. Propensity score matching (PSM), a quasi-experimenteconometric method, has been applied using the 2018 household survey data of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) that collected information from 600 users of Bondhu Chula and 396 users of traditional cook stoves. The analysis reveals that the use of Bondhu Chula on the averagesaves about 50 kg of biomass fuel consumption per month per household, i.e. 30-37 per cent of biomass fuel consumption compared to households using traditional cook stoves. Bondhu Chula was also found to have provided improved health outcomes by reducing indoor air pollution and led to reduced household cooking time. Despite the observed benefits of the use of ICS, the progress towards the adoption of ICS across the country is not satisfactory and there is a large opportunity to scale-up the use of ICS. The evidence provides justification for such a policy move.

Saccharification of Orange Bagasse Pre-treated with Calcium Hydroxide using an enzymatic blend Diluted Hydrochloric Acid

Enzymatic and dilute acid processes were applied to study the orange bagasse hydrolysis. The moisture, ashes, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents, of the orange peels, were quantified. The xylanase and cellulase enzymes activities were quantified, as well as their optimum pH and temperatures. The pre dried orange peel biomass was pre-treated with calcium hydroxide, at preestablished conditions. The hydrolysis followed a central composite factorial 2³ design. The cellulase activity was 28.05x10-6 FPU (Filter Paper Units)/m3, the optimum pH was 4.8 and the temperature was 60°C. The results for xylanase were an activity of 199.58x10-3 U/Kg, pH 5.2, and temperature 50°C. The acid hydrolysis TRS (total reducing sugars) values varied from (9.328±0.68 mg)*10-3 TRS per Kg of biomass to (30.15±0.31)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the temperature and the least the time. The enzymatic hydrolysis TRS values varied from (77.33±3.82)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass to (99.66±0.62)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the concentration of cellulase and the least the xylanase concentration.

Saccharification of Orange Bagasse Pre-treated with Calcium Hydroxide using an enzymatic blend Diluted Hydrochloric Acid

Enzymatic and dilute acid processes were applied to study the orange bagasse hydrolysis. The moisture, ashes, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents, of the orange peels, were quantified. The xylanase and cellulase enzymes activities were quantified, as well as their optimum pH and temperatures. The pre dried orange peel biomass was pre-treated with calcium hydroxide, at preestablished conditions. The hydrolysis followed a central composite factorial 2³ design. The cellulase activity was 28.05x10-6 FPU (Filter Paper Units)/m3, the optimum pH was 4.8 and the temperature was 60°C. The results for xylanase were an activity of 199.58x10-3 U/Kg, pH 5.2, and temperature 50°C. The acid hydrolysis TRS (total reducing sugars) values varied from (9.328±0.68 mg)*10-3 TRS per Kg of biomass to (30.15±0.31)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the temperature and the least the time. The enzymatic hydrolysis TRS values varied from (77.33±3.82)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass to (99.66±0.62)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the concentration of cellulase and the least the xylanase concentration.

Modelling a biorefinery concept producing carbon fibre-polybutylene succinate composite foam

In this study, a novel biorefinery concept producing carbon fibre-poly(butylene succinate) composite foam (CPC foam) from lignocellulose and CO2 is modelled. The biodegradable nature of poly(butylene succinate) would allow for easy carbon fibre recovery from the CPC foam for reuse at the end of product lifecycle, thus allowing for a circular materials flow. Technical simulation results show the biorefinery consumes 417 kg of biomass, 33 kg of CO2, 86 kg of methanol, 23 kg of acetic anhydride, 130 kWh of electricity and 1166 kW of heat per hour. The facility generates 72 kg of CPC foam, 82 kg of carbon fibre, 24 kg of tetrahydrofuran and 50 kg of dimethyl ether (DME). DME is used to fulfil parasitic electricity requirement. These results demonstrate the technical viability of this biorefinery although, research is needed to reduce parasitic energy demand. This carbon negative biorefinery avoids carcinogens and halogens for polymeric materials synthesis by utilising green chemistry principles and lignocellulose feedstock.

Saccharification of Orange Bagasse Pre-treated with Calcium Hydroxide using an enzymatic blendDiluted Hydrochloric Acid

Enzymatic and dilute acid processes were applied to study the orange bagasse hydrolysis. The moisture, ashes, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents, of the orange peels, were quantified. The xylanase and cellulase enzymes activities were quantified, as well as their optimum pH and temperatures. The pre dried orange peel biomass was pre-treated with calcium hydroxide, at preestablished conditions. The hydrolysis followed a central composite factorial 2³ design. The cellulase activity was 28.05x10-6 FPU (Filter Paper Units)/m3, the optimum pH was 4.8 and the temperature was 60°C. The results for xylanase were an activity of 199.58x10-3 U/Kg, pH 5.2, and temperature 50°C. The acid hydrolysis TRS (total reducing sugars) values varied from (9.328±0.68 mg)*10-3 TRS per Kg of biomass to (30.15±0.31)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the temperature and the least the time. The enzymatic hydrolysis TRS values varied from (77.33±3.82)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass to (99.66±0.62)*10-3 mg TRS per Kg biomass, the most significant factor was the concentration of cellulase and the least the xylanase concentration

Pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis for the efficient production of glucose and furfural from wheat straw, pine and poplar chips

A flexible approach to a two-step Biorefinery for the production of glucose and furfural from three different feedstocks is presented. Pretreatment conditions were selected to drive the production towards the generation of glucose or furfural. Harsh pretreatment conditions produced solids with highly accessible glycan contents for the enzymatic hydrolysis with 100% glucose yields when wheat straw or poplar chips were used as feedstock. Mild conditions afforded xylan-rich hydrolysates that could be efficiently transformed to furfural, either under conventional or microwave heating in biphasic media. Yields for the transformation of xylan from feedstocks ranged between 45% and 90% depending on the feedstock, the thermal pretreatment and the cyclodehydration conditions. Up to 12.6 kg of glucose and materials and 2.5 kg of furfural can be produced starting from 50 kg of biomass. A new analytical methodology based on 13C NMR that provided good quality analytical results is also presented.

Bioenergy potential in Nigeria

The potential of waste agricultural, forest and waste material in Nigeria for energy generation was quantitatively estimated using Nigerian Government data. The current biomass capacity of Nigeria is over 200 billion kg of biomass per year. Wood fuel and charcoal account for over 80% of the energy that is consumed in households in Nigeria for cooking and heating. Wood fuel accounts for about 94% of traditional biomass that is utilized for household cooking in Nigeria. 46 million tonnes of wood fuel was used in 2014 for domestic cooking in the country. The nation’s total energy consumption in 2015 was 121 Mtoe. The analysis that was carried out in this work shows that Nigeria has the potential to generate about 62 Mtoe (2.6 billion GJ) of energy from its biomass resources (about 51% of the nation’s energy consumption in 2015). The largest resource by far is agricultural crop residues, much of which is currently burnt in the fields. The estimated bioenergy potential of Nigeria’s forest residue (8.7 Mtoe equivalent to 363 PJ) is 1.04 times greater than the energy consumed for transportation and four times greater than the nation’s electricity consumption in 2015. The costs of transportation energy (pump price of oil products) and electricity in Nigeria are still high despite the huge amount of biomass that is available in the country, from which clean and renewable fuels or energy can be produced. If the abundant bio-resources of Nigeria are harnessed to produce bioenergy, transportation fuels and electricity, then energy will become more affordable and more accessible by the general populace. The power sector of the country will also be stabilized, and electricity supplies provided for rural areas, where the agricultural waste biomass occurs.

Extraction of oleuropein and luteolin-7-O-glucoside from olive leaves: Optimization of technique and operating conditions

Olive leaves have become a promising source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids with high added value. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are important sources of antioxidants and bioactives, and one of the processes used to effectively produce them is extraction via solvents, using aqueous ethanol solutions. To obtain the highest extraction yield per kg of biomass, olive leaves were extracted using a conventional technique (dynamic maceration) and an emerging technology, such as pressurized liquid extraction. Studies of the factors that influence these processes were performed: temperature, leaf moisture content, solvent/solid, and aqueous ethanol concentration were optimized using the central composite and Box-Behnken experiment designs. Pressurized liquid extraction resulted in more efficient oleuropein and luteolin-7-O-glucoside extraction than dynamic maceration. The operational conditions for maximizing the recovery of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and antioxidant capacity were determined to be 190 °C, leaf moisture content of 5%, and aqueous ethanol concentration of 80%.