Amount Of Methane Research Articles

Quantifying CH4 emissions in hard coal mines from TROPOMI and IASI observations using the wind-assigned anomaly method

Abstract. Intensive coal mining activities in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) in southern Poland are resulting in large amounts of methane (CH4) emissions. Annual CH4 emissions reached 448 kt according to the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR, 2017). As a CH4 emission hotspot in Europe, it is of importance to investigate its emission sources and make accurate emission estimates. In this study, we use satellite-based total column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of CH4 (XCH4) from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and tropospheric XCH4 (TXCH4) from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). In addition, the high-resolution model forecasts, XCH4 and TXCH4, from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) are used to estimate the CH4 emission rate averaged over 3 years (November 2017–December 2020) in the USCB region (49.3–50.8∘ N and 18–20∘ E). The wind-assigned anomaly method is first validated using the CAMS forecast data (XCH4 and TXCH4), showing a good agreement with the CAMS GLOBal ANThropogenic emission (CAMS-GLOB-ANT) inventory. It indicates that the wind-assigned method works well. This wind-assigned method is further applied to the TROPOMI XCH4 and TROPOMI + IASI TXCH4 by using the Carbon dioxide and Methane (CoMet) inventory derived for the year 2018. The calculated averaged total CH4 emissions over the USCB region is about 496 kt yr−1 (5.9×1026 molec. s−1) for TROPOMI XCH4 and 437 kt yr−1 (5.2×1026 molec. s−1) for TROPOMI + IASI TXCH4. These values are very close to the ones given in the E-PRTR inventory (448 kt yr−1) and the ones in the CoMet inventory (555 kt yr−1), and are thus in agreement with these inventories. The similar estimates of XCH4 and TXCH4 also imply that for a strong source, the dynamically induced variations of the CH4 mixing ratio in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere region are of secondary importance. Uncertainties from different error sources (background removal and noise in the data, vertical wind shear, wind field segmentation, and angle of the emission cone) are approximately 14.8 % for TROPOMI XCH4 and 11.4 % for TROPOMI + IASI TXCH4. These results suggest that our wind-assigned method is quite robust and might also serve as a simple method to estimate CH4 or CO2 emissions for other regions.

Diffusive methane burst during a blue tide, wind-driven event in a meromictic lake

Strong stratification has formed in Lake Abashiri, a typical meromictic lake in Hokkaido, in the subarctic zone in Japan. When the anoxic water of the lower layer is upwelled to the surface by a strong wind, fish and corbicula clams die due to a lack of dissolved oxygen. This event is called as blue tide. It was observed that the dissolved methane in the lake decreased more than 100 t after the blue tide which occurred in 2008. This is the discovery of the phenomenon that a large quantity of methane diffuses to the atmosphere caused by upwelling of anoxic water which contains dissolved methane. We named the event as “methane burst”. It is also the first report that the wind-driven upwelling is reproduced using a numerical analysis code and the methane burst is analyzed. During this blue tide, the methane flux was approximately 170 times greater than usual.

Design of structured reactor for biogas exhaust abatement

The post-combustion of methane from stationary sources such as powerplants at biogas installations is an important issue for scientists to address due to the quantities of methane released into the atmosphere. Methane is one of the greenhouse gases, thus its emission should be reduced. Here is shown a converter module designed for methane combustion for use independently or in a two-module reactor together with a deNOx module. The reactor unit is based on short-channel structures in the form of metallic wires immobilised with a mixed CoPd catalyst supported on gamma alumina. The structured reactor packing was characterised by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods in terms of qualitative and quantitative composition (UV–Vis, EDX, AAS), and the morphology by SEM microscopic techniques was determined. The reactor has been successfully investigated in the catalytic reaction of methane combustion from exhaust gas in the one-step methane removal and in the presence of NH3 used in the deNOx process. The results revealed high catalytic activity of methane combustion in both cases, with the catalyst’s mechanical resistance maintained. Therefore, the presented catalytic reactor is a good candidate for methane combustion in cogeneration with nitrogen oxide reduction in installations of stationary sources such as small powerplants.

Multi-Parameter Analysis of Gas Losses Occurring during the Determination of Methane-Bearing Capacity in Hard Coal Beds

The content of natural methane in hard coal seams, called methane-bearing capacity, is the basic parameter that enables the level of methane hazard to be determined in hard coal mines. This parameter is also used to determine the potential quantities of methane that can be collected and used for energy purposes and the amount of its harmful emission to the atmosphere. Direct methods are most often used to determine methane-bearing capacity. An important aspect that has a great influence on the final result of the research is the gas losses generated at the stage of sampling. Under the conditions of the Polish mining industry, the direct drill cuttings method is used to determine the methane-bearing capacity. Gas losses are compensated for in this method with the use of the coefficient 1.12, by which the obtained result is multiplied. In this paper, a multi-parameter analysis of gas loss in the determination of methane-bearing capacity in hard coal seams has been carried out. Several experiments were performed to identify the most important aspects to be taken into account to obtain a correct result. A methane-bearing capacity test was conducted using two direct methods: the direct drill cuttings method, otherwise known as the single-phase vacuum degassing method, and a method based on the United States Bureau of Mines standards. Sorption studies, such as methane sorption kinetics tests, were also conducted in which sorption properties, such as sorption capacity, effective diffusion coefficient, and half sorption time, were determined. Methane sorption isotherms were also determined, and pore structure was analysed. Based on the obtained test results, an analysis was carried out which made it possible to present appropriate conclusions concerning the gas losses during the methane-bearing capacity test, generated at the stage of sampling. The final result of the work was the proposal of a new gas loss coefficient for the direct drill cuttings method of methane-bearing capacity determination.

Rate limits and isotopologue fractionations for microbial methanogenesis examined with combined pathway protein cost and isotopologue flow network models

Microbial methanogenesis produces a range of isotope (13C/12C and D/H) and isotopologue (13CH3D and 12CH2D2) fractionations. Differential reversibility of enzymatic reactions qualitatively explains the isotope and isotopologue fractionations observed in both laboratory cultures and environmental samples. We applied pathway thermodynamics and isotopologue flow network models to quantitatively describe 13C/12C, D/H, 13CH3D, and 12CH2D2 fractionations during hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The model consists of the 10 enzymatic reactions of the methanogenesis pathway and tracks mass balance of isotopologues by taking into account the reaction symmetries of singly- and doubly-deuterated isotopologues. Based on the thermodynamics and enzyme kinetic data, the model estimates the reversibilities of 8 reactions from predicted in vivo concentrations of 17 metabolites and cofactors. The isotopologue flow network model calculates the isotopologue composition of product methane as well as all intermediates as a function of reversibilities and prescribed fractionation factors.The model explains a number of observations for laboratory culture experiments, including the range of 13C/12C fractionation up to 80‰ between CH4 and CO2, with increasing magnitudes while decreasing pH2. Relatively constant D/H fractionations of 300 ± 40‰ between methane and water can be explained when methane is produced from three near-equilibrium H in methyl-coenzyme M with the addition of one kinetic D-depleted H during the last step of methanogenesis. Abundances of the doubly substituted isotopologues, 13CH3D and 12CH2D2, reflect kinetic and equilibrium end-members with additional complications due to non-linear mixing and/or combinatorial effect.Our model can make predictions for isotopologue fractionations under slow rates of methanogenesis in energy-limiting deep sedimentary environments, where a large quantity of methane is produced. Near-equilibrium isotopologue ratios, often observed in marine sedimentary environments, are produced when pH2 is less than 10 Pa. Our model results indicate that methanogenesis does not occur or only proceeds at extremely slow rates at this low pH2 because low concentration of methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin limits the rate and thermodynamic feasibility of methanogenesis. Accordingly, it is proposed that near-equilibrium methane isotopologue signals in deep marine sediments are produced by the catalytic reversibility of methyl-coenzyme M reductase, likely from anaerobic methanotrophic archaea performing either anaerobic methane oxidation or net methanogenesis. The pathway thermodynamics and isotopologue flow network model scheme presented herein can be applied and expanded to predict isotopologue fractionations for a range of metabolisms beyond methanogenesis.

Quantification of landfill gas emissions and energy production potential in Tirupati Municipal solid waste disposal site by LandGEM mathematical model

The present key challenges the world is currently facing are the environmental pollution, climate change and energy crisis. The anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide due to burning of fossil fuels for energy production and other greenhouse gas emissions are considered unsustainable, and whole world is having a paradigm shift towards the renewable energy. The one of the major contributor of the greenhouse gases like methane, carbon dioxide are the municipal solid waste landfill sites. The landfill sites contains nearly 50–60% of organic contents, and they undergo anaerobic decomposition with a help microbes in the waste dumps contribute to the higher percent of methane emissions. There is now enhanced public awareness on sustainable products, and commodities usage in their daily needs, hence the global warming can be slowed down and devise an environmentally sound sustainable society. The present study aimed to provide a methodology to quantify the amount of methane and carbon-di-oxide emitted from the Tirupati municipal solid waste dumpsite using LandGEM3.02 model and empirical equation to estimate the renewable energy potential. The method provided was simple and more accurate having higher efficiency in predicting the landfill emissions and subsequently the energy potential. The study shows that the energy emission potential are maximum to the waste with a higher fraction of biodegradable organic content. Therefore, the method can be implemented in all the landfills by the policy makers to predict the methane emissions and control the greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering the methane and carbon dioxide optimally for energy production.•Landfill gases are a primary constituent in greenhouse gases and has potential for energy production.•The results from this study showed an abundant quantity of methane and carbon dioxide are emitted from tripathi landfill site.•The study concludes that methane can be extracted and used as alternative source of sustainable energy.

Theoretical estimation of methane’s phase components volumes in coal seams

The aim of the work is to estimate the quantities of methane contained in a coal seam as a solid coal-methane solution and adsorbed inside cracks and pores. The work uses an analytical research method based on the fundamental laws of gas and thermodynamics, as well as physical chemistry. The binding energy in the calculations is taken as averaged over the polymolecular adsorption layer. The Langmuir model to describe the process is used. It was found that the maximum possible total content of methane main phase components does not exceed 70-80 m3/ton of coal. This is significantly less than the volumes of methane that is released in the mine during the gas-dynamic phenomenon. It is concluded that a more accurate idea of the gas-dynamic and other anomalous phenomena that take place in the “coal-methane” system can be obtained only by studying its structure at the atomic-molecular level. It is also necessary to take into account the accompanying physicochemical processes arising at the stage of metamorphism and technogenic interference in the coal seam. The work is aimed at improving the theory of gas-dynamic phenomena for the effective prevention of dynamic manifestations of rock pressure in mine workings.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis by LNG Fuel Tank Size through Life Cycle

As greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport are increasing, the International Maritime Organization is continuously working to strengthen emission regulations. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel is less advantageous as a point of CO2 reduction due to the methane leakage that occurs during the bunkering and operation of marine engines. In this study, greenhouse gas emissions from an LNG-fueled ship were analyzed from the perspective of the life cycle. The amount ofmethane emission during the bunkering and operation procedures with various boil-off gas (BOG) treatment methods and gas engine specifications was analyzed by dynamic simulation. The results were also compared with those of other liquid fuel engines. As a result, small LNG-fueled ships without a BOG treatment facility emitted 32% more greenhouse gas than ships utilizing marine gas oil or heavy fuel oil. To achieve a greenhouse gas reduction via a BOG treatment method, a gas combustion unit or re-liquefaction system must be mounted, which results in a greenhouse gas reduction effect of about 25% and 30%. As a result of comparing the amount of greenhouse gas generated according to the BOG treatment method used with each tank size from the perspective of the operating cycle with the amounts from using existing marine fuels, the BOG treatment method showed superior effects of greenhouse gas reduction.

Effects of Arctic Warming on Microbes and Methane in Different Land Types in Svalbard

Climate change is having a profound impact on Arctic microbiomes and their living environments. However, we have only incomplete knowledge about the seasonal and inter-annual variations observed among these microbes and about their methane regulation mechanisms with respect to glaciers, glacial melting, snow lakes and coastal marine water. This gap in our knowledge limits our understanding of the linkages between climate and environmental change. In the Arctic, there are large reservoirs of methane which are sensitive to temperature changes. If global warming intensifies, larger quantities of methane stored in deep soil and sediments will be released into the atmosphere, causing irreversible effects on the global ecosystem. Methane production is mainly mediated by microorganisms. Although we have some knowledge of microbial community structure, we know less about the methane-correlated microbes in different land types in the Svalbard archipelago, and we do not have a comprehensive grasp of the relationship between them. That is the main reason we have written this paper, in which current knowledge of microorganisms and methane-correlated types in High Arctic Svalbard is described. The problems that need to be addressed in the future are also identified.

Low Adaptive Capacity in Africa and Climate Change Crises

The changing climate is unequivocal, and it is generally recognised as a threat to the terrestrial environment due to its cross-sectoral and irreversible impacts. Since the inception of industrial revolution (1750), the concentration of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) in the atmosphere has been compromised. Until the past two centuries, the quantity of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere had never surpassed about 280 part per million (ppm) and 790 part per billion (ppb), respectively. Rise in greenhouse gases (GHGs) has impacted almost every biotic component on the surface of the earth, and regions which have low adaptive capacity and greatly depend on agriculture and biodiversity for livelihood are hard hit. This phenomenon has resulted in global warming, extinction of some fora and fauna species, precipitation variability, extreme weather conditions, migration of biotic creatures from one geographical area to another, melting of icecap, sea level rise, coral breach and so on during the last century. The contribution of emission of greenhouse gases of Africa is insignificant, however, the repercussion of the changing climate is crucial in the region due to the presence of other stressors such as poverty, corruption, diseases, geographical position of the continent, low adaptive capacity, rain-fed agriculture etc., and this has led to conflict over resources usage, food insecurity, forced migration, ill-health and many more.

Auto-selection of microorganisms of sewage sludge used as an inoculum for fermentative hydrogen production from different substrates

When mixed organic waste is used for hydrogen production by dark fermentation, the microbial community which is most adapted to the actual biopolymer composition of the substrate is auto-selected. In this research, six substrates simulating different biopolymers (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and their mixtures were used to enrich hydrogen-producing bacteria adapted to these substrates from non-pretreated sewage sludge. Phylum Firmicutes dominated in the microbial community (67–100%) regardless of the substrate used, as was shown by high-throughput sequencing. Microbial diversity was low when using carbohydrate-rich substrates and the microbial community was mainly represented by Ruminococcus (26–90%) and Thermoanaerobacterium (6–67%). Dark fermentation of fats and proteins was characterized by higher microbial diversity. Thermoanaerobacterium (21%), Thermobrachium (19%), Tepidiphilus (16%) and Acetomicrobium (14%) dominated when using fats, while Thermobrachium (34%), Acetomicrobium (16%) and Clostridium sensu stricto 7 (12%) dominated when using proteins, as substrate. Different microbial communities and substrates resulted in diverse process performance and metabolic pathways. Dark fermentation of starch achieved the maximum hydrogen yield of 138 mL/g volatile solids with 60.4% hydrogen content in biogas. The dominance of genus Ruminococcus was thought to be responsible for the highest hydrogen production. Minor quantities of methane from proteins and fats were produced by Methanothermobacter and Methanosarcina. Based upon the stable 13C isotope analysis, the hydrogenotrophic pathway was a slightly more predominant methane formation route than the others considered.

High temperature generation and equilibration of methane in terrestrial geothermal systems: Evidence from clumped isotopologues

Fluids emanating from geothermal areas contain trace quantities of methane and other simple hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are thought to derive from thermal cracking of organic matter dissolved in circulating meteoric or seawater or found in pre-existing organic-rich sedimentary rocks, but an abiotic origin has also been proposed. We measured the relative abundances of four CH4 isotopologues (12CH4, 13CH4, 12CH3D, and 13CH3D) in hydrothermal gases discharged by steam vents and geothermal wells from Iceland and Nisyros island (Greece) in order to investigate the origin of methane. Measured methane samples yielded consistently low Δ13CH3D values (13CH3D abundance relative to stochastic) of 0.82–1.77‰, which correspond to high apparent temperatures of isotopologue equilibrium (TΔ13CH3D = 278–490 °C). Hydrothermal well fluids from the Krafla and Námafjall geothermal fields in Iceland yielded the lowest Δ13CH3D values, and thus the highest Δ13CH3D-based temperatures averaging 438-45+55 °C. Those samples also show the most pronounced departures in δDCH4 and δ13CCH4 values expected for isotopic equilibrium with respect to δDH2O and δ13CCO2. In contrast, CH4 samples from natural steam vents in other Iceland locations and in Nisyros have slightly higher Δ13CH3D values (with TΔ13CH3D=351-35+42 °C) and have δDCH4 and δ13CCH4 values that are consistent with those expected for isotopic equilibrium with both H2O and CO2. The short fluid residence times (1–50 years) in systems that are exploited for geothermal energy, such as Krafla and Námafjall, combined with the proximity of a hot magma chamber, favor the preservation of kinetic signals. The initial disequilibrium δDCH4 and δ13CCH4 values are consistent with a thermogenic origin from immature organics dissolved in hydrothermally heated groundwater, but an abiotic origin cannot be excluded. The high apparent Δ13CH3D-based temperatures at Krafla and Námafjall could therefore represent nonequilibrium signals associated with either pyrolysis or abiotic generation of CH4 in a superheated vapor or supercritical water phase (>374 °C), considered to exist in the roots of the system above the magmatic heat source. Isotopologue equilibration calculations demonstrate that under such conditions (e.g. > 400 °C) kinetic signals would be erased in days to months, implying rapid migration and quenching of CH4 into the overlying subcritical (<300 °C) hydrothermal reservoir fluids. In systems with longer fluid residence times such as Nisyros, equilibrium isotopologue distributions at temperatures of ~ 350 °C are consistent with long fluid residence times on the order of > 100 years. Our calculations further reveal that CO2–CH4 isotopic equilibration requires unreasonably long fluid residence times, suggesting that any apparent 13C equilibrium may be coincidental.

Carbonate-hosted microbial communities are prolific and pervasive methane oxidizers at geologically diverse marine methane seep sites

At marine methane seeps, vast quantities of methane move through the shallow subseafloor, where it is largely consumed by microbial communities. This process plays an important role in global methane dynamics, but we have yet to identify all of the methane sinks in the deep sea. Here, we conducted a continental-scale survey of seven geologically diverse seafloor seeps and found that carbonate rocks from all sites host methane-oxidizing microbial communities with substantial methanotrophic potential. In laboratory-based mesocosm incubations, chimney-like carbonates from the newly described Point Dume seep off the coast of Southern California exhibited the highest rates of anaerobic methane oxidation measured to date. After a thorough analysis of physicochemical, electrical, and biological factors, we attribute this substantial metabolic activity largely to higher cell density, mineral composition, kinetic parameters including an elevated Vmax, and the presence of specific microbial lineages. Our data also suggest that other features, such as electrical conductance, rock particle size, and microbial community alpha diversity, may influence a sample's methanotrophic potential, but these factors did not demonstrate clear patterns with respect to methane oxidation rates. Based on the apparent pervasiveness within seep carbonates of microbial communities capable of performing anaerobic oxidation of methane, as well as the frequent occurrence of carbonates at seeps, we suggest that rock-hosted methanotrophy may be an important contributor to marine methane consumption.

Ebullition Controls on CH4 Emissions in an Urban, Eutrophic River: A Potential Time-Scale Bias in Determining the Aquatic CH4 Flux.

Rivers and streams contribute significant quantities of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. However, there is a lack of CH4 flux and ebullitive (bubble) emission data from urban rivers, which might lead to large underestimations of global aquatic CH4 emissions. Here, we conducted high-frequency surveys using the boundary layer model (BLM) supplemented with floating chambers (FCs) and bubble traps to investigate the seasonal and diurnal variability in CH4 emissions in a eutrophic urban river and to evaluate whether the contribution of bubbles is important. We found that ebullition contributed nearly 99% of CH4 emissions and varied on hourly to seasonal time scales, ranging from 0.83 to 230 mmol m-2 d-1, although diffusive emissions and CH4 concentrations in bubbles did not exhibit temporal variability. Ebullitive CH4 emissions presented high temperature sensitivity (r = 0.6 and p < 0.01) in this urban river, and eutrophication might have triggered this high temperature sensitivity. The ebullitive CH4 flux is more likely to be underestimated at low temperatures because capturing the bubble flux is more difficult, given the low frequency of ebullition events. This study suggests that future ebullition measurements on longer time scales are needed to accurately quantify the CH4 budgets of eutrophic urban rivers.

CO2-ECBM and CO2 Sequestration in Polish Coal Seam – Experimental Study

Purpose Methane recovery is interesting not only because of its clean combustion; it is also beneficial for the environment because of the reduction of the amount of methane emitted into the atmosphere, which is important because of methane’s significant impact on the greenhouse effect. However, desorption of methane is a slow process, significantly dependent on the coalification of coal, its porosity and petrographic composition. Injection of carbon dioxide into the coal bed under sufficient pressure might be a factor in stimulating the efficiency of this process, as – because of preferential sorption – carbon dioxide displaces methane molecules previously absorbed in the coal matrix. Methods The measurements were made for Polish low-rank coal used for the analysis of methane recovery from Polish coal mines. Coal samples were collected from sites used for geological, sorption and petrographic research, as well as for the assessment of the reservoir’s genetic origin CH4 content. Experimental studies of sorption were performed with the use of the volumetric method at a lower and higher gas pressure. Results The methane isothermes show more than double the reduction of adsorption along with increasing temperature. The most significant changes of sorption capacity due to temperature variations can be seen when observing the difference in the course of the hysteresis of sorption/desorption of the gas as a function of temperature. In cases where there is a temperature of 323 K, a temperature hysteresis loop might indicate larger quantities of methane trapped in the porous structure of coal. In cases of carbon dioxide as sorbate, a similar shape of sorption isotherms occurred at both temperatures, while the temperature increase caused approximately double the reduction of sorption capacity. Also the isotherm’s shape is similar for both temperatures of measurement, indicating no effect of temperature on the amount of gas within the structure of the tested coal. High-pressure isotherms of CO2 and CH4 are confirmed in the literature, proving that carbon dioxide is the gas that allows the best penetration of the internal structure of bituminous coal. The critical temperature of CO2 (304.5 K) is so high, that sorption measurements can be performed at room temperatures (293, 298 K), where activated diffusion is relatively fast. Practical implications Understanding the sorption of gases is the primary issue, related to the exploitation of coal seams, when explaining the mechanism of gas deposition in coal seams and its relationship with outbursts of rocks and gases in mines. Originality/value The results indicate successful sorption of carbon dioxide in each experiment. This provides the rationale to study the application of the coal tested to obtain methane genetic origin genetic methane with the use of the CO2 injection.

Energy recovery of sewage sludge treatment by anaerobic co-digestion

Sewage sludge produced from wastewater treatment is one of the challenges facing many countries in their development process; therefore, the sewage sludge needs treating suitably. Besides, recovering energy from waste to save operating costs in treatment plants is also being considered. The study was conducted by mixing urban sludge samples with substrates (agricultural residues) to create different C/N ratios from 16.6 to 32.5, then evaluating the quantity and quality of methane) the gas generated from the test pieces. This method not only solved the environmental problem but also had benefited from biogas produced from the digestion process. The initial results showed that the quantity of biogas from anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and rice husk (ratio 4:1) are 160ml/g VS. Furthermore, the quality of methane can be up to 60% and near twice as much as mono-digestion. The study results estimate that the potential of recovering electricity from the sludge for the wastewater treatment plant of Binh Hung (Vietnam) is about 0.2 MW/year or higher.

Sustainable anaerobic digestion of euphorbiaceae waste for biogas production: Effects of feedstock variation

Anaerobic digestion (AD) refers to the biological process which can convert organic substrates to biogas in the absence of oxygen. The aim of this study was to determine the capability of feedstock to produce biogas and to quantify the biogas yield from different feedstocks. A co-digestion approach was carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor operated under mesophilic conditions and at a constant organic loading rate of 0.0756 g COD/ L.day, with a hydraulic retention time of 25 days. For comparison, mono-digestion was also included in the experimental work. 2 L working volumes were used throughout the experimental work. The seed culture was obtained from composting as substrate digestion. When the feedstock was added to seeding, the biogas started to emit after three days of retention time. The highest volume of biogas was observed when the seeding volume used for 1000 mL. However, the lowest volume of biogas yield was obtained from both co-digestion reactors, with a value of 340 mL. For methane yield, the highest methane production rate was 0.16 L CH4/mg. The COD with yield was at 8.6% and the lowest was at 0.5%. The highest quantity of methane was obtained from a reactor of Euphorbiaceae peel with added seeding, while the lowest methane yield came from a reactor of Euphorbiaceae stems with added seeding. In this study, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was used as a buffering solution to correct the pH in the reactor if the reactor condition was found to be in a souring or acidic condition.

Gasification and Power Generation Characteristics of Rice Husk, Sawdust, and Coconut Shell Using a Fixed-Bed Downdraft Gasifier

Synthetic gas generated from the gasification of biomass feedstocks is one of the clean and sustainable energy sources. In this work, a fixed-bed downdraft gasifier was used to perform the gasification on a lab-scale of rice husk, sawdust, and coconut shell. The aim of this work is to find and compare the synthetic gas generation characteristics and prospects of sawdust and coconut shell with rice husk. A temperature range of 650–900 °C was used to conduct gasification of these three biomass feedstocks. The feed rate of rice husk, sawdust, and coconut shell was 3–5 kg/h, while the airflow rate was 2–3 m3/h. Experimental results show that the highest generated quantity of methane (vol.%) in synthetic gas was achieved by using coconut shell than sawdust and rice husk. It also shows that hydrogen production was higher in the gasification of coconut shell than sawdust and rice husk. In addition, emission generations in coconut shell gasification are lower than rice husk although emissions of rice husk gasification are even lower than fossil fuel. Rice husk, sawdust, and coconut shell are cost-effective biomass sources in Bangladesh. Therefore, the outcomes of this paper can be used to provide clean and economic energy sources for the near future.

Modelling the Valorisation of Cassava Peel (Manihot esculenta) Waste Via Pyrolysis and in-Line Steam Reforming

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) peels are residues of cassava processing obtained in large quantities in tropical west Africa. This work was geared towards developing thermodynamic models to study the potential in valorising the biomass via pyrolysis and in-line steam reforming processes. The flowsheets for energy recovery were developed successfully without errors and the results were validated with experimental findings. The yield, product composition and product selectivity of both processes were critically examined with respect to the process factors. The pyrolysis results revealed 53.65 wt% oil, 21.43 wt% char and 24.92 wt% gas at 525 °C. Results obtained for optimal process factors are reforming temperature of 600 °C, pressure of 1 atm and steam to carbon molar ratio (S/C) of 10. The synthesis gas obtained at optimal conditions had a hydrogen content of 70.2 mol%, carbon dioxide content of 27.9 mol%, carbon monoxide content of 1.9 mol% and only trace quantities of methane. The effects of process factors on the product composition in the steam reforming of cassava peel waste were confirmed. Cassava peel waste has great potential for valorisation by these thermochemical processes.

Air Pollution Monitoring in Peru Using Satellite Data During the Quarantine Due to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation at the international level is critical. COVID-19 is a type of pneumonia due to a coronavirus family. Due to this situation, like many countries, the Peruvian government has decreed mandatory social isolation, which was in effect through June 30, 2020. According to this decree, people were to stay at home and only go out to cover basic needs. After more than 50 days, some images and videos presented in different communication channels, show that animals and vegetation recover their space on the planet. Pollution reduction is probable too, which is vital for our ecosystem. However, there is no measurable way to quantify the impact of social isolation on air pollution in Peru. Thus, the present research work aims to show more objectively how much there has been a decrease in air pollution in Peru. The idea is to analyze the quantity of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, aerosol, carbon monoxide, methane, and clouds in the air. For this purpose, remote sensing data is used from the Copernicus Data Hub of the European Space Agency, specifically, the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite. The obtained results show a reduction in air pollution in different regions of Peru.