Production Gas Research Articles

Clustering Analysis of Food Security, Waste and Loss: Malaysia Agricultural Insights

As the world population grows rapidly nowadays, the demand for food has come to rise. The escalating demand for food has caused substantial wastage and loss, which not only hampers food security efforts but also aggravates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, intensifying the environmental crisis. Among numerous countries, Malaysia, with its diverse agricultural profile, emerges as a good fit for our case study. This study chooses the clustering technique to examine food sector data in Malaysia and investigate the link between the clustering results on food data and the data on GHG emissions. This case study aims to find crops depending on their production efficiency, underline those that match major waste, and estimate their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Three clustering techniques, Gaussian Mixture Modelling (GMM), Birch, and Density Peak clustering, are applied in the Production and Supply Utilisation Accounts (SUA) datasets, help to identify and cluster crops based on their similar traits to acquire uncovered patterns between the food sector and environmental issues. Using cutting-edge clustering algorithms and visualization tools, this study investigated in-depth the complex interactions among food production, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions in Malaysia. By addressing food production efficiency and waste reduction, the outcome will be a cascade of benefits that not only improve food security but also help to lessen negative environmental effects. This study illuminates the multifaceted dynamics of food production, waste, and environmental impact, offering valuable insights and pathways toward a more sustainable future for Malaysia and potentially other nations.

Study on the Influence of Deep Coalbed Methane Horizontal Well Deployment Orientation on Production

The development of deep coalbed methane has become an important way to obtain natural gas in China. The development of deep CBM mainly depends on horizontal well technology. The different orientations of horizontal wells will have an important impact on the productivity of coalbed methane wells. The angle grid geological model of coalbed methane reservoirs with different inclination angles is established, and the deployment orientation of horizontal wells is changed to study the optimal deployment orientation of deep-saturated coalbed methane reservoirs. When CBM horizontal wells in deep saturated CBM reservoirs are deployed upward along the dip, well-controlled reserves, peak daily gas production, and cumulative gas production increase as the dip decreases. When deploying down the dip, with the increase in dip angle, the well-controlled reserves increase, and the peak daily gas production and cumulative gas production first increase and then decrease. In the low-dip reservoir, the development effect of horizontal wells deployed in different directions is better than that in the up-dip direction. In the high-dip reservoir, the development effect of horizontal wells deployed along the strike is better than that in the up-dip and down-dip directions. The development effect of horizontal wells is controlled by both well-controlled reserves and reservoir pressure drop. Because this method is targeted at different geological conditions, it can be used to guide the horizontal well optimization of other coalbed methane blocks and has very important significance for the development and optimization of coalbed methane reservoirs.

Production, Characterization and Application of Biosurfactant for Cleaning Cotton Fabric and Removing Oil from Contaminated Sand

Biosurfactants are a group of environmentally friendly amphiphilic molecules that are applicable in numerous industries as essential biotechnology products, such as food production, cleaning products, pharmacology, cosmetics, pesticides, textiles and oil and gas fields. In this sense, and knowing the potential of these biomolecules, the aim of this work was to produce a biosurfactant, characterize it regarding its chemical and surfactant properties and investigate its potential in the removal of contaminants and in the cleaning of cotton fabrics. The biosurfactant was initially obtained from the cultivation of the microorganism Candida glabrata UCP 1002 in medium containing distilled water with 2.5% residual frying oil, 2.5% molasses and 2.5% corn steep liquor agitated at 200 rpm for 144 h. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 29 mN/m. The toxicity potential of the biosurfactant was evaluated using Tenebrio molitor larvae and demonstrated non-toxicity. The biosurfactant was applied as a degreaser of engine oil on cotton fabric, and showed 83% (2× CMC), 74% (1× CMC) and 78% (1/2× CMC) oil removal. Therefore, the biosurfactant produced in this work has promising surfactant and emulsifying properties with potential for application in various industrial segments.

Experimental investigation of an integrated electro-cation exchange reactor for better carbon dioxide extraction and environmental management

The research focuses on a uniquely designed three-compartment type integrated electrochemical reactor developed in a laboratory setting. This innovative reactor uses an electrolytic cation exchange technique to extract substantial quantities of carbon dioxide from ocean water as bicarbonate and carbonate while simultaneously producing hydrogen gas for potential hydrocarbon production. The study employs the Design Expert software package to evaluate and optimize the implementation of electrochemical carbon dioxide extraction from ocean water. The reactor is divided into three compartments by two cation-exchange membranes: a middle part and two electrode parts for the cathode and anode sides. The membranes possess acidic properties that facilitate cation transport while inhibiting anion transport. The laboratory studies, including 35-minute long experimental runs, are conducted to determine the system's feasibility by assessing carbon dioxide extraction under different conditions, such as electrolyte concentration, applied voltage, and pH levels. The reactor achieves a maximum CO₂ extraction rate of 1479.73 mg/min, with optimal conditions yielding 1514.6 mg/min. The ideal operating parameters are found to be a voltage of 14.8 V, an electrolyte concentration of 0.557 M, and a pH of 2.26. The results of the optimization study further reveal that carbon dioxide extraction increases with decreasing pH levels.

Mathematical analysis of an anaerobic digestion model for biogas production from solid waste.

Municipal solid waste is one of the most significant sources of gas emissions. In a context of renewable energy production and greenhouse gas emission reduction, we focus on the amount of biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter in a controlled landfill environment. We present a mathematical model describing this process from a microbiological and biochemical point of view, including the dynamics of the methane and carbon dioxide produced. A qualitative analysis of the dynamic system shows the existence of an infinite number of non-hyperbolic equilibria inducing an attractor that has been identified. Through numerical tests, we explore how the non-connectivity of the attractor resulting from the choice of growth functions can entirely transform the performance of the process, and highlight critical initial stock values that influence the amount of biogas produced.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT: ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR WASTE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN ALGERIA (2010-2023)

Objective: The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationships between total population (POP), household and similar waste (DMA), and greenhouse gas emissions (GES) in Algeria from 2010 to 2023. The study explores trends in these variables and employs the Granger causality test to assess causal relationships between population growth, waste production, and emissions. Findings provide insights into the interdependencies among these factors. Recommendations for improving waste management through circular economy practices are also discussed. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is based on the interrelationship between population growth, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions. It posits that as population increases, household waste generation rises, which subsequently contributes to GHG emissions. This framework underpins the use of the Granger causality test to explore causal links among these variables in Algeria. Method: The study employs a descriptive analysis of the variables—total population, household waste (DMA), and greenhouse gas emissions (GES)—over the period 2010-2023. The Granger causality test is applied to examine causal relationships between total population and DMA, and between DMA and GES emissions. Data is analyzed to identify unidirectional causal links at a 5% significance level. Results and Discussion: Population growth directly impacts household waste (DMA) and greenhouse gas emissions (GES). Waste management is crucial for controlling emissions. Algeria needs to implement circular economy practices like recycling and waste sorting to mitigate environmental impact. Research Implications: Population growth in Algeria leads to increased waste production and emissions, necessitating improved waste management strategies and adoption of circular economy practices for sustainable development. Originality/Value: The study explores the link between population growth, household waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions in Algeria, offering insights for policymakers and sustainable waste management strategies.

Fossil Fuel Consumption, Meat Production, Forest Cover, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Indonesia

Fossil Fuel Consumption, Meat Production, Forest Cover, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Indonesia

Environmental Impact of the Hungarian Swine Sector during the PRRS Eradication Program with Full Herd Replacement (2014-2022).

The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) eradication program in Hungary, implemented between 2014 and 2022, utilized complete herd replacement and the introduction of high-performance breeds to enhance production efficiency and environmental sustainability in the swine sector. As a result, the sow population was reduced by 26.2% while maintaining nearly the same number of slaughter pigs. This led to significant reductions in ammonia emissions (-145,857 kg), slurry production (-153,879 m3), nitrogen emissions (-1,409,951 kg), and overall greenhouse gas emissions (91,768,362 kg CO2eq). Additionally, the feed and water consumption were substantially decreased by 53,237,805 kg and 292,978,094 L, respectively, further lowering the sector's environmental footprint. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of customized eradication strategies and advanced breeding practices in reducing the environmental impact of animal husbandry. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable livestock production methods. The Hungarian experience provides valuable insights into how targeted interventions can simultaneously improve production outcomes and reduce the environmental burden in the swine industry.

Hydrogen for net-zero emissions in ASEAN by 2050

Hydrogen is believed to be a promising decarbonization vector. An optimal hydrogen supply-chain network achieving net-zero emissions in ASEAN by 2050 is determined. A logistic profile for decarbonization and declining costs with technological advances are assumed. It is found that the region has the potential to fully decarbonize its power sector with renewable energy if a regional power grid is installed. A mix of green (from surplus renewable power), blue (from natural gas) or orange (from biomass) hydrogen, the latter two with carbon capture and sequestration, meets industry, transport and power (without a regional power grid) sector demands. Results show that available biomass is insufficient to meet decarbonization targets beyond 2045 without green hydrogen. Prioritizing energy security and sustainability has minimal incremental costs compared to importing liquefied natural gas for blue hydrogen production. Optimal production locations are Myanmar, Cambodia for green hydrogen, and Indonesia, Vietnam for orange and blue hydrogen.

Assessing Gas Flaring Mitigation Technologies in Nigeria: A Review of Existing Solutions and Future Trends

Gas flaring remains a critical global issue with significant economic and environmental impacts. Despite ongoing efforts, Nigeria remains one of the top ten countries for gas flaring. This research assesses both advanced and existing technologies aimed at mitigating gas flaring in Nigeria, focusing on their viability, effectiveness, and environmental implications. The evaluation begins with gas re-injection techniques, which involve redirecting flared gas back into reservoirs to enhance oil recovery and reduce emissions. It also covers flare gas recovery systems that capture and re-purpose flared gas for energy production or other beneficial uses. Additionally, the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects to minimise flaring and monetise associated gas is explored. Furthermore, the study examines innovative approaches such as gas-to-methanol (GTM) conversion, which transforms flared gas into methanol, a valuable chemical feed-stock. The review also considers advanced methods like carbon capture and storage (CCS), which can absorb carbon emissions from flaring and mitigate its environmental impact. The assessment includes the integration of renewable energy sources as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based energy generation to reduce reliance on flaring. Findings reveal that while progress has been made in reducing flaring volumes, challenges persist, particularly in regulatory enforcement, economic feasibility, and technological adoption. The review highlights the need for improved policy frameworks, increased investment in sustainable technologies, and international cooperation to achieve Zero Routine Flaring by 2030. This study provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Evaluation of energy balance and greenhouse gas emissions in major crops in the Ardabil plain

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated energy flow and the emission of greenhouse gases in the major crop production of the Ardabil plain, Iran, including wheat, potato, alfalfa, barley, and canola. The information required for this study was obtained using a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with 1,078 farmers in the Ardabil plain during the crop year 2017–2018. Indices of input energy, output energy, specific energy, energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and global warming potential were calculated. The results showed that among the studied crops, the highest energy use efficiency was obtained with wheat and barley, being 5.2 and 5.14, respectively, and the lowest energy efficiency was obtained with alfalfa, rapeseed, and potato, being 4.6, 4.5, and 2.15, respectively. Potato (equivalent to 3,186.2 kg CO2/ha) and wheat (equivalent to 1,727.5 kg CO2/ha) had the largest share in the potential of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions compared to canola (equivalent to 1,326.22 kg CO2/ha), alfalfa (equivalent to 1,157.04 kg CO2/ha), and barley (equivalent to 952.39 kg CO2/ha). The production of crops with high water requirements and high chemical fertilizer consumption using old machines had a greater share in the amount of energy consumption and global warming compared to other crops.

Comprehensive utilization of natural gas for simultaneous production of electricity, urea, and liquefied natural gas with inherent carbon capture

Comprehensive utilization of natural gas for simultaneous production of electricity, urea, and liquefied natural gas with inherent carbon capture

Numerical Simulation Analysis of Interlayer Interference in Coal Measure "Three-gas Combined Production" Well

China has abundant reserves of coalbed methane, shale gas and tight gas, which are widely distributed and constitute an important part of China's unconventional oil and gas resources. If only a single gas is developed, it will be difficult to exploit, with low output and economic benefits. Therefore, the technology of "three-gas combined production" of coal measures is of great significance to increase the degree of reserve utilization, reduce the development layer size, and increase the gas production and mining life of a single well. In this paper, CMG numerical simulation software is used to numerically simulate and analyze the interlayer interference of coal measure "three-gas combined production" well, and the factors such as daily gas production and cumulative gas production, pressure field and gas saturation distribution of single-layer and three-gas combined production are respectively compared and analyzed, which provides reference for the knowledge of productivity law of "three-gas" combined production and the analysis of interlayer interference factors.

Physiological response and carbon dioxide sequestration mechanisms during photosynthesis in Mychonastes rotundus

Carbon sequestration by microalgae is a simple and easy-to-operate process, without secondary pollution that has broad application prospects due to rapid growth, efficient photosynthesis, and high lipid content produced. In this study, the potential of Mychonastes rotundus for CO2 fixation, and its growth pattern, enzyme activity, lipid production, and cellular microstructure were investigated with changes in CO2 input. The results showed that when the inlet CO2 concentration was 20% (v/v), stable carbon sequestration ability was obtained after a 590 min reaction with an outlet CO2 concentration of 0.32%. The algal cellular structure was intact when the lowest contents of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were 7.08 and 17.79 nmol/mg, respectively, indicating the highest cell activity. In addition, 20% CO2 effectively promoted the synthesis of C18:2n6c and C20:0 in M. rotundus. When the inlet CO2 concentration was increased to 30%, the average pH dropped to 5.7, resulting in the death of M. rotundus. 1O2 was identified as the major ROS damaging microalgal cells during carbon sequestration. This study determined the optimal CO2 concentration for carbon capture by M. rotundus as a raw material for biodiesel production. The results indicate that M. rotundus is a promising microalgae for carbon fixation and CO2 capture of power plant flue gas and biodiesel production for low-cost bioenergy production.

Crop Residue Biochar Rather Than Manure and Straw Return Provided Short Term Synergism Among Grain Production, Carbon Sequestration, and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in a Paddy Under Rice‐Wheat Rotation

ABSTRACTReturn of crop residues directly as straw, animal manure, or biochar are recommended management options for biowaste recycling and soil organic carbon (SOC) maintenance in agriculture. However, to address the soil health challenges associated with soil degradation and climate change, it is critical to determine if or which of these different forms of crop residues could deliver a synergic improvement in SOC storage, emission reduction, and crop productivity following field application. In this study, maize straw in the form of air‐dried biomass (CS), manure via cattle digestion (CM), and biochar via pyrolysis (CB) was respectively amended once at a dose of 10 t C ha−1, in comparison to no maize straw addition (CK), in a paddy field under rice‐wheat rotation. Changes in soil properties, SOC storage, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and rice/wheat yield were examined over two consecutive rice/wheat rotation cycles following soil amendment. The total rice grain yield considerably increased by 6% under CM and CB, while it reduced by 6% under CS compared to CK. Soil nutrient content persistently increased under CM and CB by 4.2% ~ 17% and 11% ~ 26% for total nitrogen, 26% ~ 61% and 20% ~ 53% for available P, and 2% ~ 82% and 30% ~ 115% for available K, respectively. Topsoil SOC storage increased considerably by 8% under CM and 20% under CB, while remained unchanged under CS, compared to CK. The total methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were considerably increased by 7 folds and 15% under CS and 3.5 folds and 61% under CM, respectively, compared to CK. In contrast, these emissions considerably decreased under CB by 33% for CH4 and 29% for N2O. Consequently, the C emission efficiency considerably reduced under CS and CM but increased under CB over the two rotation cycles monitored. Moreover, the soil quality index (SQI) considerably improved under CM and CB but remained unchanged under CS compared to CK. Among the different forms of straw return, manure, and biochar, straw amendments differed considerably in their effects on C sequestration, GHG emissions, and crop productivity. Only biochar from crop residues synergistically improved these functions in the short‐term following application to paddy soil.

Considerable energy crop production potentials in the Russian Far East

High-latitude regions are not traditionally considered for energy crop production due to unfavorable production conditions, e.g., low temperatures and short growing seasons. However, with increasing pressures on land use in warmer regions, rising global food demands, and climate change, shifting energy crop production to cold climate regions has become a desirable alternative. Increasing attempts have been made in recent decades to cultivate cold-tolerant energy crops in high latitudes. This study aims to assess the potential biomass and bioenergy productivities of willow, poplar, and miscanthus over the Russian Far East (RFE) federal district, with a yield-predicting model built on newly published data from high latitude. We evaluated the potentials of energy crop production and greenhouse gas mitigation in RFE under three land use scenarios. Our analysis reveals that the RFE has the potential to produce 1.3 × 109 Mg of biomass per year on 215 Mha of spare land with an average yield of 6 Mg ha−1 under the most extensive land conversion scenario, which can be converted to 24 EJ of bioenergy and thus lead to a net mitigation of 4.1 × 108 Mg CO2e greenhouse gas emissions. The productivity and mitigation potential remain substantial (78 % of the most extensive land conversion scenario) under the scenario that all the RFE's existing croplands and forests are preserved. Our assessment offers valuable insights into the potential of energy crop development in the RFE and other high-latitude regions globally, presenting a novel land-use solution for a low-carbon future.

Utilization of cow dung for biogas to improve livestock breeders and MSME entrepreneurs' economy

Sriwulan Village, located in Limbangan District, Kendal Regency, is home to both cattle farmers and several Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The village has a farmer group named Ngudi Kawruh, managing around 20 cows. However, cow dung in the area has become a source of air pollution, and the four MSMEs still rely on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for production. One effective solution to this issue is converting cow dung into biogas, which offers both environmental and economic benefits. This community service program aims to introduce appropriate technology for processing cow dung into biogas using biodigesters. The biogas is stored in portable containers, such as truck inner tires, while the biodigester output, in the form of slurry, is utilized as solid organic fertilizer. The program provides education on these concepts through posters, videos, demonstrations, and YouTube links to ensure broad community understanding. By implementing this technology, the program not only addresses environmental concerns and reduces dependence on LPG but also significantly enhances the economic potential of both the villagers and MSME entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable development.

Willingness-to-pay for low-carbon residential heating systems: A discrete choice experiment among Dutch households

Most studies on decarbonizing space and water heating focus on the potential of low-carbon heating technologies from a top-down perspective, while there has been limited research on consumer preferences for low-carbon heat. To address this gap, we conduct a discrete-choice experiment among 1797 individuals in the Netherlands to estimate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for residential-heating systems. Our results from the latent-class logit (LCL) model indicate that, on average, Dutch households are willing to pay a premium on their current monthly energy bill of 33% for electricity and 29.4% for hydrogen relative to using gas for heat production, 15.3% for reducing the amount of CO2 emissions per kWh of heat with 100 g and 16% for having the option to switch between energy retailers. In contrast, they require a discount of 28.4% for district-heating systems relative to standalone home appliances. Additionally, the class-profiling analysis indicates that individuals with higher education and income levels in the Northern Netherlands have the highest WTP for low-carbon electricity and hydrogen. These findings suggest that policymakers should favor decentralized heating solutions over district-heating systems to facilitate an energy transition in the residential sector. If district-heating systems are implemented, combining them with electricity or hydrogen instead of natural gas is recommended to realize higher consumer welfare.

Advances in the determination of forage and forestry production and greenhouse gas mitigation in silvopastoral systems in the Espinal Periestépico region of Argentina

Advances in the determination of forage and forestry production and greenhouse gas mitigation in silvopastoral systems in the Espinal Periestépico region of Argentina

Facile infiltration of polyethyleneimine as a strong CO2 retardant in scalable dual-polymer membranes for H2/CO2 separation

Successful pre-combustion CO2 capture from synthetic gas for H2 production requires effective membrane separation technology. While polymer-based membrane materials offer promising industrial scalability, they generally lack a sufficiently high H2/CO2 selectivity to make this process energy-efficient. In this work, we have designed a scalable dual-polymer blend membrane consisting of sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (sPPSU) and polybenzimidazole (PBI), and then being infiltrated with amine-rich poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) molecules as effective CO2 retardants to substantially elevate the H2/CO2 selectivity. PEI molecules were infiltrated into the dual-polymer matrix via solution-treatment to crosslink the polymer network and retard CO2 transport using its amine-rich nature. The PEI infiltration dramatically increased the H2/CO2 selectivity of the dual-polymer matrix from 4.6 to up to 59.3 while maintaining a minimum H2 permeability of 2.49 Barrer at a low temperature of 35 °C, which not only surpasses the Robeson upper bound but also places the newly developed membrane among the best-performing polymer-based membranes. More importantly, the solution infiltration of PEI incurs no phase segregation, maintaining the polymer mechanical robustness, which is crucial for industrial scaling. This study offers promising opportunities to develop three-polymer membrane systems for H2/CO2 separation using synergistic polymer blends and CO2-retarding molecules.