Processing Plant Research Articles

Availability, distribution and quality of agro-industrial byproducts and compound feeds in Ethiopia

Livestock production is a major contributor to the national economy in Ethiopia, of which ruminants, particularly cattle, are the dominant and most important livestock species. Limited supply of quality feeds is a major constraint to the improvement of livestock production in Ethiopia. The expansion of agro-industries in Ethiopia, over the last three decades, has created an opportunity for an increased supply of agro-industrial byproducts as a source of feed for livestock. This study was conducted to assess the availability, distribution, and quality of agro-industrial byproducts and compound feeds in Ethiopia. About 310 flour mill factories, 194 oil factories, 13 brewery factories, 7 sugar factories, 4 malt factories, 2 meat and bone meal processing plants, 8 limestone factories, and 112 feed processing plants were surveyed to assess the availability and distributions of agro-industrial byproducts and compound feeds. A total of 757 feed samples were collected for evaluating nutritional values. The annual production of agro-industrial byproducts ranges from 18,065 tons DM/year (abattoir byproducts) to 3,092,035 tons DM/year (malt byproducts) and the total annual production of the different agro-industrial by-products amounts to 5,245,854 tons DM. The annual production of compound feeds was reported to be 5,812,608 tons DM. All agro-industries are processing under their capacity, ranging from 11.7% in sugar factories to 93% in breweries. Shortage and seasonal fluctuation of supply of raw materials (34.8%), high price and price fluctuations of raw materials (17.5%) and electric power interruptions (17.5%) were the major challenges faced by different agro-industries. The crude protein (CP) concentrations of agro-industrial byproducts ranges from 6.2% in maize grain screening to 15.9% in wheat bran for flour mill byproducts; 28% in cotton seed cake to 49.7% in groundnut cake for oilseed cakes and 14.8% in areqe atela to 24.8% in brewery spent grains for brewery and local distillery byproducts. High protein or energy contents of agro-industrial byproducts indicated their potential to be utilized in intensive livestock rations. Thus, it is necessary to create enabling conditions to allow the existing agro-industries to operate at full capacity and to attract new ones into the business to boost the production and availability of agro-industrial byproducts needed as main inputs to manufacture compound feeds.

Modern biological methods of processing plant raw materials used to increase its storage capacity

Modern biological methods of processing plant raw materials used to increase its storage capacity

Exploring the Potential of Crotalaria juncea L. for Phytoremediation: Insights from Gas Exchange, Pigment Quantification, and Growth Measurements under Copper Stress

Soil contamination by trace elements is a worldwide concern that can result from several sources, such as mining, smelting, car traffic exhaust, agriculture plant protection products such as fungicides, and fertilizers. Among the metals involved, copper can cause alterations in the photosynthetic, respiratory, and enzymatic processes of plants, leading to reduced growth of roots and shoots. An alternative to dealing with metals present in the soil is phytoremediation, which consists of using plants to extract or stabilize these elements. The leguminous Crotalaria juncea is widely used as a green manure and may be advantageous due to its capacity for biological nitrogen fixation and biomass accumulation. This research aimed to evaluate the growth and physiological behaviour of C. juncea in copper-contaminated soil and its potential use as a phytoremediation plant. For the fresh and dry mass of shoots and roots, compared with 30 mg.dm−3 of Cu, there was a decrease in values with the increase in concentrations up to a dose of 480 mg.dm−3. The roots were less sensitive to increased Cu concentrations than the shoots. The tolerance index decreased as copper concentrations in the soil increased. From 60 mg.dm−3, its vegetative growth decreased, but C. Juncea was able to tolerate and accumulate copper in the root system, presenting high potential as a phytostabilizing species.

Impact of ZnO NPs on photosynthesis in rice leaves plants grown in saline-sodic soil

Saline-sodic stress restricts the absorption of zinc by rice, consequently impacting the photosynthesis process of rice plants. In this experiment, Landrace 9 was selected as the test material and the potting method was employed to investigate the influence of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on zinc absorption and chlorophyll fluorescence in rice grown in saline-sodic land. The research findings demonstrate that the application of ZnO NPs proves to be more advantageous for the growth of rice in saline-sodic soil. Notably, the application of ZnO NPs significantly decreases the levels of Na+ and MDA in rice leaves in saline-sodic soil, while increasing the levels of K+ and Zn2+. Additionally, ZnO NPs enhances the content of chloroplast pigments, specific energy flux, quantum yield, and the performance of active PSII reaction center (PIABS) in rice leaves under saline-sodic stress. Furthermore, the relative variable fluorescence (WK and VJ) and quantum energy dissipation rate (φDo) of rice are also reduced. Therefore, the addition of ZnO NPs enhances the transfer of electrons and energy within the rice photosystem when subjected to saline-sodic stress. This promotes photosynthesis in rice plants growing in saline-sodic land, increasing their resistance to saline-sodic stress and ultimately facilitating their growth and development.

Data driven multiple objective optimization of AAO process towards wastewater effluent biological toxicity reduction

While the anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (AAO) process is the most widely applied biological wastewater treatment process in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), it struggles to meet the increasing demands on biological toxicity control of the treated effluent. To tackle this challenge, this study develops machine learning (ML)-based models for optimizing the AAO treatment process towards improving its toxicity reduction efficacy for the effluent. The water quality parameters, treatment process parameters, and biological toxicity information (based on the nematode bioassay) of the effluent collected from 122 WWTPs in China are used to train the models. The validated models accurately predict the effluent’s quality parameters (average R2 = 0.81) and the biological toxicity reduction ratio of treatment process (R2 = 0.86). To further improve the toxicity reduction, we developed a multiple objective optimization framework to optimize the AAO process via unit process recombination. In the short-range unit combination, the toxicity reduction ratio of the four-unit combined processes (up to 79.8% of anaerobic-aerobic-anaerobic-aerobic) is significantly higher than others. After optimization, it helps to improve the average toxicity reduction efficacy of 122 WWTPs from 48.6% to 70.7%, with a maximum of 87.5%. The methodologies and findings derived from this work are expected to provide the foundation for the optimization, expansion, and technical transformation of biological wastewater treatment in WWTPs.

Genome-wide identification, structural and gene expression analysis of BTB gene family in soybean

BackgroundThe Bric-a-Brac/Tramtrack/Broad Complex (BTB) gene family plays essential roles in various biological processes in plants. These genes encode proteins that contain a conserved BTB domain, which is involved in protein-protein interactions and regulation of gene expression. However, there is no systematic reports on the BTB gene family in G.max.ResultsIn total, 122 soybean BTB genes were identified, which were classified into four groups based on the phylogenetic analysis. Gene structures analysis indicated that the number of exon–intron in GmBTBs ranges from 0 to18. Cis-element analysis revealed that most GmBTB genes contained cis-elements related to an abiotic stress response. In addition, qRT-PCR analyses indicated that most GmBTBs are significantly up-regulated under salinity, drought, and nitrate stresses. They suggested their potential for targeted improvement of soybean response to multiple abiotic stresses and nitrate availability.ConclusionThese results provide valuable information for identifying the members of the GmBTB gene family in soybean and could provide a functional characterization of GmBTB genes in further research.

Mass balance and economic study of a treatment chain for rare earths, base metals and precious metals recovery from used smartphones

In the present study, a comprehensive hydrometallurgical process was developed for the recovery of several types of metals from used cell phone printed circuit board assemblies. The overall process is divided into four stages of selective leaching of rare earth elements (REE), copper, nickel, silver and finally gold. After solubilization, the metals were purified using precipitation, solvent extraction, electrodeposition, and cementation techniques. Laboratory pilot-scale tests of the complete smart phone printed circuit board processing line showed REE, copper, nickel, silver, and gold recovery efficiencies of 78.0 %, 98.8 %, 81.8 %, 100 % and 96.1 %, respectively. The purity of the products obtained is evaluated at 94.8 % for rare earth oxides (70.0 % Nd2O3, 18.5 % Pr2O3, 2.8 % Dy2O3 and 2.4 % Sm2O3), 99.8 % for elemental copper, 94.3 % for nickel oxide, 93.8 % for silver and 89.3 % for gold. A scenario involving the installation of a plant processing 1 t/h of waste was evaluated using SuperPro Designer software. For a total investment of $53.22 million and an operating cost of $18.23 million per year, the main revenue is $65.77 million per year, with a return on investment of 91.6 % and a payback period of 1.1 years.

AtSNU13 modulates pre-mRNA splicing of RBOHD and ALD1 to regulate plant immunity

Pre-mRNA splicing is a significant step for post-transcriptional modifications and functions in a wide range of physiological processes in plants. Human NHP2L binds to U4 snRNA during spliceosome assembly; it is involved in RNA splicing and mediates the development of human tumors. However, no ortholog has yet been identified in plants. Therefore, we report At4g12600 encoding the ortholog NHP2L protein, and AtSNU13 associates with the component of the spliceosome complex; the atsnu13 mutant showed compromised resistance in disease resistance, indicating that AtSNU13 is a positive regulator of plant immunity. Compared to wild-type plants, the atsnu13 mutation resulted in altered splicing patterns for defense-related genes and decreased expression of defense-related genes, such as RBOHD and ALD1. Further investigation shows that AtSNU13 promotes the interaction between U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP-specific 27 K and the motif in target mRNAs to regulate the RNA splicing. Our study highlights the role of AtSNU13 in regulating plant immunity by affecting the pre-mRNA splicing of defense-related genes.

SlTrxh functions downstream of SlMYB86 and positively regulates nitrate stress tolerance via S-nitrosation in tomato seedling

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a redox-dependent signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of biological processes in plants. It functions by post-translationally modifying proteins, primarily through S-nitrosation. Thioredoxin (Trx), a small and ubiquitous protein with multifunctional properties, plays a pivotal role in the antioxidant defense system. However, the regulatory mechanism governing the response of tomato Trxh (SlTrxh) to excessive nitrate stress remains unknown. In this study, overexpression or silencing of SlTrxh in tomato led to increased or decreased nitrate stress tolerance, respectively. The overexpression of SlTrxh resulted in a reduction in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in S-nitrosothiol (SNO) contents; conversely, silencing SlTrxh exhibited the opposite trend. The level of S-nitrosated SlTrxh was increased and decreased in SlTrxh overexpression and RNAi plants after nitrate treatment, respectively. SlTrxh was found to be susceptible to S-nitrosation both in vivo and in vitro, with Cysteine 54 potentially being the key site for S-nitrosation. Protein interaction assays revealed that SlTrxh physically interacts with SlGrx9, and this interaction is strengthened by S-nitrosation. Moreover, a combination of yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR), and transient expression assays confirmed the direct binding of SlMYB86 to the SlTrxh promoter, thereby enhancing its expression. SlMYB86 is located in the nucleus and SlMYB86 overexpressed and knockout tomato lines showed enhanced and decreased nitrate stress tolerance, respectively. Our findings indicate that SlTrxh functions downstream of SlMYB86 and highlight the potential significance of S-nitrosation of SlTrxh in modulating its function under nitrate stress.

AtSNU13 modulates pre-mRNA splicing of RBOHD and ALD1 to regulate plant immunity

Pre-mRNA splicing is a significant step for post-transcriptional modifications and functions in a wide range of physiological processes in plants. Human NHP2L binds to U4 snRNA during spliceosome assembly; it is involved in RNA splicing and mediates the development of human tumors. However, no ortholog has yet been identified in plants. Therefore, we report At4g12600 encoding the ortholog NHP2L protein, and AtSNU13 associates with the component of the spliceosome complex; the atsnu13 mutant showed compromised resistance in disease resistance, indicating that AtSNU13 is a positive regulator of plant immunity. Compared to wild-type plants, the atsnu13 mutation resulted in altered splicing patterns for defense-related genes and decreased expression of defense-related genes, such as RBOHD and ALD1. Further investigation shows that AtSNU13 promotes the interaction between U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP-specific 27 K and the motif in target mRNAs to regulate the RNA splicing. Our study highlights the role of AtSNU13 in regulating plant immunity by affecting the pre-mRNA splicing of defense-related genes.

Dynamic Changes of Phytohormone Concentrations during <i>Prunella vulgaris</i> L. Development and Impact of Rosmarinic Acid Accumulation through Exogenous ABA Application

Background: Plant hormones not only participate in regulating the growth and development process of plants, but also play an important regulatory role in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Prunella vulgaris L. (P. vulgaris) is a perennial herb that has a long history for use as a kind of medicinal and edible plant. In order to understand the relationship between plant hormones and Prunella vulgaris L. (P. vulgaris) development. Methods: The quantification of indoleacetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonates (JAs), abscisic acid (ABA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and cytokinins (CKs) of P. vulgaris during development was performed by a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, the effect of exogenous ABA on rosmarinic acid (RA) accumulation was verified. Results: Nuts formation was related to the concentrations of IAA, ABA and ACC in the green-fruit stage, and IAA and ABA levels increased rapidly in this stage. High IAA concentrations can promote an increase in ACC. SA, JAs, ethylene (ET) and ABA were related to the defence response of plants to pathogens. SA concentrations increased sharply after the turning stage, while the concentration of JAs, which are antagonistic to SA, was low. The decrease in ABA concentration after this period may be related to the antagonistic effect of IAA or SA. The CKs trans-zeatin (tZ) and trans-zeatin riboside (tZR) promoted the growth and development of early P. vulgaris, and their concentrations decreased in the late period, leading to withering and senescence of P. vulgaris. The CKs cis-zeatin (cZ) and N6-(2-isopentenyl) adenine (iP) were presumed to be present in nuts. After elicitation with 10 μg/mL ABA, an increase of RA content was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study can provide an improved basis for elucidating the growth and development mechanism of P. vulgaris in the future, as well as a better understand of the effects of ABA application on RA accumulations.

Инжиниринговые решения для развития труднодоступных регионов России

The article explores the importance of engineering solutions for the development of hard-to-reach regions of Russia. The relevance of developing small-size mineral deposits in hardtoreach regions and the possibility of achieving this using modular processing plants is considered.

ВАРЕНО-КОПЧЕНАЯ КОЛБАСА ИЗ МЯСА ДИКИХ ЖИВОТНЫХ

The purpose of research is to develop a recipe, technology and evaluate the quality of boiled-smoked sausages made from the meat of wild animals (elk, wild boar). Objectives: to develop a recipe for boiled-smoked sausage from wild animal meat; to evaluate the quality characteristics of the developed sausage products; to calculate the economic efficiency of the production of boiled-smoked sausage. The object of research is three samples of boiled smoked sausage: control – compliance with the standard recipe; sample № 1 – with the addition of 60 % of the main raw material of boar meat; sample № 2 – with the addition of 60 % of the main raw material of elk meat. Research was carried out on the basis of Zavolzhsky Meat Processing Plant LLC, Tver Region and the Department of Agrobiotechnologies, Processing and Seed Production of the Tver State Agricultural Academy. As a result of comprehensive research, the feasibility of producing boiled-smoked sausages from elk and wild boar meat was determined, which is necessary to expand the range of gourmet sausage products. All developed and manufactured samples of sausage products fully complied with the requirements of GOST R 55455-2013 “Cooked-smoked sausages. Technical conditions". The best combination of organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics was found in a sausage sample made from elk meat. The protein content in it was 17.2 %. This same sample of sausage provided the highest indicators of economic efficiency, increasing profits relative to the control version, made according to the classic recipe, by 9.1 % with an increase in profitability by 1.3 %. At the next stages of research, it is planned to expand the number of types of meat and additional raw materials used in the design of sausage product recipes.

Occurrence and potential ecological risks of PFAS in Pampulha Lake, Brazil, a UNESCO world heritage site

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise >4000 synthetic substances used in industrial applications and consumer products. PFAS used daily in households and manufacturing plants end up in domestic sewage, and industrial effluents can be discharged to surface water. Urban watersheds located in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), which lack sanitation infrastructure, are potential recipients of waste containing PFAS. Yet, only a few studies report PFAS occurrence in urban lakes, especially those located in the Global South due to resource limitations. This is the first study aimed to assess PFAS occurrence and ecological risks in Pampulha Lake, Brazil, a site which represents the reality of many other urban watersheds in LMIC as it is surrounded by densely populated areas and manufacturing plants. Surface water samples were collected monthly for 1 year from four sampling points at Pampulha Lake. Sample analysis was based on US Environmental Protection Agency Method 1633, which employs solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves were built to identify potentially susceptible species based on detected water concentrations. Bioaccumulation was estimated for fish tissue. Short-chain (perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, PFBS and perfluorohexanoic acid, PFHxA) and long-chain PFAS (perfluorodecanoic acid, PFDA; perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA; perfluorododecanoic acid, PFDoA; and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, PFOS) were detected at the μg L−1 range. Total PFAS concentrations in the wet season were generally higher than in the dry season, likely due to limited capacity of the treatment plant processing water from tributaries which receive raw sewage. More than 5 % of aquatic species are potentially susceptible to chronic effects of PFOS at detected concentrations (0.2–2.2 μg L−1). Predicted bioaccumulation of PFOS in fish was above advisory diet intake levels for humans. Results emphasize the need for studies related to PFAS occurrence in watersheds located in LMIC.

Efficiency of zinc in alleviating cadmium toxicity in hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos)

BackgroundA study on photosynthetic and enzyme activity changes and mineral content in lettuce under cadmium stress has been conducted in a greenhouse, utilizing the modulated effect of zinc (Zn) application in the nutrient solution on lettuce. Zn is a micronutrient that plays an essential role in various critical plant processes. Accordingly, three concentrations of Zn (0.022, 5, and 10 mg L− 1) were applied to hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos) under three concentrations of Cd toxicity (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L− 1).ResultsThe results showed that along with increasing concentrations of zinc in the nutrient solution, growth traits such as plant performance, chlorophyll index (SPAD), minimum fluorescence (F0), leaf zinc content (Zn), leaf and root iron (Fe) content, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and cadmium increased as well. The maximum amounts of chlorophyll a (33.9 mg g− 1FW), chlorophyll b (17.3 mg g− 1FW), carotenoids (10.7 mg g− 1FW), maximum fluorescence (Fm) (7.1), and variable fluorescence (Fv) (3.47) were observed in the treatment with Zn without Cd. Along with an increase in Cd concentration in the nutrient solution, the maximum amounts of leaf proline (5.93 mmol g− 1FW), malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.96 μm g− 1FW), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (22.1 μm g− 1FW), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (90.3 Unit mg− 1 protein) were recorded in lettuce treated with 5 mg L− 1 of Cd without Zn. Additionally, the maximum activity of leaf guaiacol peroxidase (6.46 Unit mg− 1 protein) was obtained with the application of Cd at a 5 mg L− 1 concentration.ConclusionsIn general, an increase in Zn concentration in the nutrient solution decreased the absorption and toxicity of Cd in lettuce leaves, as demonstrated in most of the measured traits. These findings suggest that supplementing hydroponic nutrient solutions with zinc can mitigate the detrimental effects of cadmium toxicity on lettuce growth and physiological processes, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity and food safety in cadmium-contaminated environments.

Recovery of Cleaning Solutions from Dairy Manufacturing Effluents Using Membrane Technology

The recovery concept of cleaning solutions, based on single-phase detergents from cleaning-in-place (CIP) effluents from the dairy industry, is presented. The first step consists of ultrafiltration (UF) (with a cut-off of 5 or 10 kDa) to reduce the high load of milk proteins, followed by nanofiltration (NF) (with a cut-off of 200 Da) to separate low molecular weight lactose. Membrane steps were performed in the concentration mode, achieving a recovery of 75% of the solutions. UF modules reduced 70–85% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 99% of milk proteins, and 45–70% of lactose, limiting the susceptibility of NF modules to fouling. Combined with nanofiltration, the efficiency of the purification system is 100% for proteins and more than 99% for lactose. The solutions recovered in the proposed purification variants are recognized as sodium hydroxide solutions with a surfactant admixture, and they can be successfully re-used for cleaning processes in the production plant.

Recovery of Cleaning Solutions from Dairy Manufacturing Effluents Using Membrane Technology

The recovery concept of cleaning solutions, based on single-phase detergents from cleaning-in-place (CIP) effluents from the dairy industry, is presented. The first step consists of ultrafiltration (UF) (with a cut-off of 5 or 10 kDa) to reduce the high load of milk proteins, followed by nanofiltration (NF) (with a cut-off of 200 Da) to separate low molecular weight lactose. Membrane steps were performed in the concentration mode, achieving a recovery of 75% of the solutions. UF modules reduced 70–85% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 99% of milk proteins, and 45–70% of lactose, limiting the susceptibility of NF modules to fouling. Combined with nanofiltration, the efficiency of the purification system is 100% for proteins and more than 99% for lactose. The solutions recovered in the proposed purification variants are recognized as sodium hydroxide solutions with a surfactant admixture, and they can be successfully re-used for cleaning processes in the production plant.

Application of soil magnetometry and geochemical methods to investigate soil contamination with antimony

The aim of the study was an assessment of the pollution level and identification of the antimony sources in soils in areas subjected to industrial anthropopressure from: transport, metallurgy and electrical waste recycling. The combination of soil magnetometry, chemical analyzes using atomic spectrometry (ICP-OES and ICP-MS), Sb fractionation analysis, statistical analysis (Pearson’s correlation matrix, factor analysis) as well as Geoaccumulation Index, Pollution Load Index, and Sb/As factor allowed not only the assessment of soil contamination degree, but also comprehensive identification of different Sb sources. The results indicate that the soil in the vicinity of the studied objects was characterized by high values of magnetic susceptibility and thus, high contents of potentially toxic elements. The most polluted area was in the vicinity of electrical waste processing plants. Research has shown that the impact of road traffic and wearing off brake blocks, i.e. traffic anthropopression in general, has little effect on the surrounding soil in terms of antimony content. Large amounts of Pb, Zn, As and Cd were found in the soil collected in the vicinity of the heap after the processing of zinc–lead ores, the average antimony (11.31 mg kg−1) content was lower in the vicinity of the heap than in the area around the electrical and electronic waste processing plant, but still very high. Antimony in the studied soils was demobilized and associated mainly with the residual fraction.

Treatment of effluent from a malting processing plant using bio-coagulants

Stringent measures by water authorities worldwide on water clarification has resulted in the use of chemical-based coagulants to be a formidable challenge. This has driven the need to find alternative sustainable coagulants such as plant-based bio coagulants which are readily available, abundant and cost effective in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. In this regard, the effectiveness of treating effluent from a brewery malting processing plant using bio-coagulants (Aloe vera, Cactus opuntia and Okra seeds) was investigated compared to that of a chemical coagulant (Alum). The water pollution parameters that were investigated include turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, temperature and pH. The results showed that Alum was the most effective coagulant as it reduced the turbidity from 734 NTU to 68.3 NTU and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from 19,800 ppm to 880 ppm at a dosage of 40 mg/L. Okra seeds had an optimum dosage of 35 mg/L with a turbidity and TDS removal of 88.83% and 95.25% respectively. Aloe Vera had an optimum dosage of 40 mg/L with a turbidity and TDS removal of 74.25% and 95.40% respectively. For Cactus opuntia it was 50 mg/L obtaining turbidity and TDS removal of 74.66% and 95% respectively. The best blend of the bio coagulants had a ratio of (0.17, 0.17, and 0.67) for Aloe vera, Cactus opuntia and Okra seeds respectively. At a dosage of 40 mg/L the turbidity removal was 83.92% and TDS removal was 95.12%. The results indicated that blending the plant-based coagulants had a positive synergistic effect.Graphical

Optimizing small-scale power generation: Exergetic and exergoeconomic evaluation of an integrated gasification system for sacha inchi residues

Biomass is the primary non-fossil energy source, especially in regions such as Central and South America, and holds immense potential for non-fossil energy. Utilizing waste biomass, mainly through gasification for syngas production, offers environmental advantages over direct combustion for electricity and heating. The sacha inchi seed shell (SIS), currently discarded, presents an untapped biomass resource. Hence, the significance of this work lies in assessing the gasification potential of SIS for decentralized power generation, targeting rural off-grid areas. Detailed modeling of mass, energy, and exergy flows was used to establish a self-sustaining 35 kW sacha inchi processing plant using Aspen Plus software. The best operational condition was identified at an equivalence ratio of 0.25, achieving 100 % carbon conversion efficiency and 73.5 % cold gas efficiency with a lower heating value of 6.126 MJ/kg. Exergetic analysis highlights heat exchangers and the power generator as the least efficient components (0.214 % to 27.85 %), contrasting with superior efficiencies in the gasifier, compressor, and cyclone (82.85 %, 85.5 %, and 96.13 %, respectively). Exergoeconomic assessment reveals an energy cost of 10.25 USD/GJ, notably lower than Colombian energy costs for equivalent power needs.