Residual Biomass Research Articles

Elevating sustainability with a multi-renewable hydrogen generation system empowered by machine learning and multi-objective optimization

The global energy landscape is rapidly shifting toward cleaner, lower-carbon electricity generation, necessitating a transition to alternate energy sources. Hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, looks to be a significant solution for facilitating this transformation, as it is produced by water electrolysis with renewable energy sources such as solar irradiations, wind speed, and biomass residuals. Traditional energy systems are costly and produce energy slowly due to unpredictability in resource supply. To address this challenge, this work provides a novel technique that integrates a multi-renewable energy system using multi objective optimization algorithm to meets the machine learning-based forecasted load model. Several forecasting models, including Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Random Forest and Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network (LSTM-RNN), are assessed for develop the statistical metrics values such as RMSE, MAE, and MAPE. The selected Non-Sorting Moth Flame Optimization (NSMFO) algorithm demonstrates technological prowess in efficiently achieving global optimization, particularly when handling multiple objective functions. This integrated method shows enormous promise in technological, economic, and environmental terms, emphasizing its ability to promote energy sustainability targets.

Rice husk reuse as a sustainable energy alternative in Tolima, Colombia

Colombia has great potential to produce clean energy through the use of residual biomass from the agricultural sector, such as residues obtained from the life cycle of rice production. This document presents a mixed approach methodology study to examine the combustion of rice husks as a possible energy alternative in the Tolima department of Colombia. First, the physicochemical characteristics of the rice husk were analyzed to characterize the raw material. Next, System Advisor Model (SAM) software was used to model a bioenergy plant to obtain biochar, bio-oil, and biogas from the combustion of rice husks and generate performance matrices, such as thermal efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor. Then, the project was evaluated for financial feasibility using a mathematical model of net present value (NPV) with a planning horizon of 5 years. Finally, a subset of the local population was surveyed to assess perspectives on the project in the region. The results of the rice husk physicochemical analysis were the following: nitrogen content (0.74%), organic carbon (38.04%), silica (18.39%), humidity determination (7.68%), ash (19.4%), presence of carbonates (< 0.01%), and pH (6.41). These properties are adequate for the combustion process. The SAM simulation showed that the heat transferred in the boiler was 3180 kW, maintaining an efficiency between 50 and 52% throughout the 12 months of the year, meaning that the rice husk can generate electricity and thermal energy. The financial analysis showed that the internal rate of return (IRR) was 6% higher than the opportunity interest rate (OIR), demonstrating economic feasibility of the project. The design and creation of a rice husk processing plant is socially and environmentally viable and has the potential to contribute to the economic development of the Tolima community and reduce greenhouse gases. Likewise, this activity has the potential to promote energy security for consumers and environmental sustainability while at the same time being economically competitive.

Phytoremediation of laundry wastewater using Pistia stratiotes and recycling of spent plant biomass for sustainable biomethane production

This study investigates the decontamination of laundry wastewater (LWW) using Pistia stratiotes via phytoremediation and recyclability of residual macrophyte biomass for enriched bio-CH4 production. Phytoremediation was performed using a hydroponic system. The optimum phytoremediation factors were LWW concentration = 79.4 %, plant density = 4 plants/reactor, and retention time = 12.9 days. This condition offered maximum removal efficiencies of 82.32 ± 3.59 %, 67.19 ± 2.90 %, and 70.34 ± 3.56 % for NH4+, COD, and PO43−, respectively. The residual P. stratiotes biomass (RPSB) was anaerobically co-digested with buffalo dung (BD) at 1:1 (w/w, wet basis) for enriched bio-CH4 production, achieving a maximum cumulative bio-CH4 yield of 696.84 ± 35.82 mL/g-VS. The modified Gompertz kinetic model fitted well to the anaerobic co-digestion experimental data with R2-value = 94.4 %. The integrated phytoremediation/co-digestion scheme succeeded in promoting social well-being through improved water quality, clean energy recovery, and benefiting the environment through carbon footprint emission reduction. These outputs achieved multiple targets of sustainable development goals.

Purification of stilbenes from grape stems in a continuous process based on photo-molecularly imprinted adsorbents and hydroalcoholic solvents

This study presents a sustainable method to purify stilbenes from residual grape stem biomass. This approach was experimentally validated through the use of a pilot size fixed-bed adsorption prototype for the automation of the purification process. Molecularly imprinted polymers, synthesized through photopolymerization at room temperature and incorporating the 4-vinylpyridine monomer, serve as adsorbents. The purification procedure leads to a significant enrichment, with a more than 22-fold increase in (E)-ε-viniferin and a 9-fold increase in (E)-resveratrol. High recoveries of 80.3% and 62.1% for (E)-ε-viniferin and (E)-resveratrol, respectively, were achieved. Notably, the use of eco-friendly water and ethanol mixtures distinguishes this method from others focused on stilbenes purification. This study further explores the variability of the stilbenes in the residual grape stems by analysing different varieties, emphasizing the complexity of the starting material of the purification process. The range of purities achieved for the fractions enriched with stilbenes (e.g., 12.8% for (E)-ε-viniferin and 3.4% for (E)-resveratrol) are suitable for direct use in controlling of Plasmopara viticola, the agent causing grapevine downy mildew. Furthermore, through compositional combination of these fractions, it is possible to conceive new stilbene-containing phytochemicals with improved anti-fungal activity. Therefore, the developed adsorbents and purification process, enabling the steady enrichment of stilbenes regardless of the unavoidable variability in the initial vine biomass, is a contribution towards the quest for more environmentally friendly and sustainable phytochemicals.

Advances in Research and Technology of Hydrothermal Carbonization: Achievements and Future Directions

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has emerged as a pivotal technology in the battle against climate change and fosters circular economies. Operating within a unique reaction environment characterized by water as a solvent and moderate temperatures at self-generated pressures, HTC efficiently converts biomass residues into valuable bio-based products. Despite HTC’s potential—from the management of challenging biomass wastes to the synthesis of advanced carbons and the implementation of biorefineries—it encounters hurdles transitioning from academic exploration to industrial implementation. Gaps persist, from a general comprehension of reaction intricacies to the difficulty of large-scale integration with wastewater treatments, to the management of process water, to the absence of standardized assessment techniques for HTC products. Addressing these challenges demands collaboration to bridge the many scientific sectors touched by HTC. Thus, this article reviews the current state of some hot topics considered crucial for HTC development: It emphasizes the role of HTC as a cornerstone for waste management and biorefineries, highlighting potentialities and challenges for its development. In particular, it surveys fundamental research aspects, delving into reaction pathways, predictive models, analytical techniques, and HTC modifications while exploring HTC’s crucial technological applications and challenges, with a peculiar focus on combined HTC, wastewater integration, and plant energy efficiency.

Physicochemical properties and performance of non-woody derived biochars for the sustainable removal of aquatic pollutants: A systematic review

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from the partial combustion of different biomass residues. It can be used as a promising material for adsorbing pollutants from soil and water and promoting environmental sustainability. Extensive research has been conducted on biochars prepared from different feedstocks used for pollutant removal. However, a comprehensive review of biochar derived from non-woody feedstocks (NWF) and its physiochemical attributes, adsorption capacities, and performance in removing heavy metals, antibiotics, and organic pollutants from water systems needs to be included. This review revealed that the biochars derived from NWF and their adsorption efficiency varied greatly according to pyrolysis temperatures. However, biochars (NWF) pyrolyzed at higher temperatures (400–800 °C) manifested excellent physiochemical and structural attributes as well as significant removal effectiveness against antibiotics, heavy metals, and organic compounds from contaminated water. This review further highlighted why biochars prepared from NWF are most valuable/beneficial for water treatment. What preparatory conditions (pyrolysis temperature, residence time, heating rate, and gas flow rate) are necessary to design a desirable biochar containing superior physiochemical and structural properties, and adsorption efficiency for aquatic pollutants? The findings of this review will provide new research directions in the field of water decontamination through the application of NWF-derived adsorbents.

Production of oil palm mesocarp fiber-based hydrogel using selected cross-linking acids

Abstract Over the years, studies showed that hydrogels can be produced through synthetic route to overcome the limitations in obtaining natural-based hydrogels. Biomass resources offer potential alternatives as renewable feedstocks due to their outstanding biodegradability and biocompatibility. Oil palm mesocarp fiber (MF) is the biomass residue obtained after the pressing of palm fruits during palm oil extraction. There is approximately 11 % MF generated from palm fruits after oil extraction. However, the applications of MF are limited. This study aimed to investigate the development of hydrogels from holocellulose MF instead of commonly used cellulose which involving several pretreatment steps, through acid cross-linkers. Holocellulose MF was selected as polymer for chemical cross-linking with two inexpensive and nontoxic hydrophilic organic acids, citric acid and acetic acid for hydrogel production. Comparison study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical properties, and degree of swelling, as well as gel content in different media for both acids in the production of hydrogel from holocellulose MF. Results indicated that the optimum concentrations of citric acid and acetic acid for gel content and degree of swelling were 5 M and 2 M, respectively. Both optimized hydrogels exhibited comparable profiles in terms of morphology, thermal stability and functional groups, in addition to showing similar degree of swelling profile in different media, i.e., salt solution, acidic, neutral to alkaline, implying their distinctive characteristics. In summary, holocellulose MF is suitable for the production of hydrogel with citric acid and acetic acid as crosslinkers for different desired applications.

Particle size-dependent anti-corrosion and mechanical behavior of green-graphene composite

In this study, Green graphene (GG) was synthesized from residual agricultural biomass through pyrolysis and prepared various sizes (2D, 37 μm, 45 μm, 53 μm, and 100 μm) via mechanical and liquid phase exfoliation. These GG samples were incorporated into an EP matrix, forming GG/EP composite coatings for carbon steel. Corrosion resistance was assessed via PDP and EIS techniques. The 37 μm-GG/EP composite coating also showed uniform distribution and compact surfaces. The 37 μm-GG/EP composite coating displayed higher corrosion inhibition (99 %) owing to the even distribution of GG within the EP matrix than the uncoated, along with enhanced hydrophobicity, tensile strength (61.3 %), fracture strain (77.2 %), and toughness (90.5 %) than pure EP coating. Improved corrosion resistance, which was found related to three main factors: first, GGs enhance the coating integrity by obstructing pores and flaws, to stop corrosive media from penetrating. Second, the well-dispersed GG sheet lengthens the diffusion pathways for corrosive agents to the carbon steel substrate, consequently lenghtening the corrosion process. Third, at 37 μm size the resititve forcefields of the GG/EP structure become the most effecitve agaisnt the corrosive media. The study also establishes GG as an eco-friendly sustainable alternative of non-renewable resource based mined compounds of Zn, etc. that are universally and traditionally used, for protective coatings.

Remediation of sugarcane vinasse using Rhodotorula glutinis or Rhodotorula mucilaginosa: Biomass morphology and its potential technological applications

There is an emerging interest of use biological processes for vinasse treatment generally because they are able to produce interesting metabolites from living cells. Additionally, the production of yeasts with weakened cell wall without modifying its physiological performance would be of great technological value not only to facilitate the extraction of intracellular metabolites but also to increase the biomass digestibility. This study explored the remediation of a glycerol-fortified sugarcane vinasse using Rhodotorula glutinis or Rhodotorula mucilaginosa coupled with the production of valuable residual biomasses displaying a tailor-made weakened cell wall. Firstly, the biomass-bound ß-d-glucosidase activity was selected as a proper cell wall lytic potential marker. Secondly, in vitro-dose response assays with several metal ions showed that the presence of 6 mM of MnCl2 and FeCl3 increased the ß-d-glucosidase activity in R. glutinis and R. mucilaginosa, respectively. Thirdly, the supplementation of those salts to either YPD or vinasse-based media was evaluated. As a result, cells were bigger or even rounder than the corresponding controls (without metal ions supplementation) suggesting a weakening of the cell wall. Finally, as proof of concept, after 6 days of vinasse treatment at 30 °C under stirred conditions, the reduction of COD value for R. glutinis and R. mucilaginosa was 81.3% and 80.8%, respectively. The final biomass, lipid and protein concentrations for R. glutinis were 15.1 g/L, 31.1% and 48.12%, respectively. The final biomass, lipid and protein concentrations for R. mucilaginosa were 15.7 g/L, 31.5% and 48.12%, respectively. Potential technological applications of residual biomass were also discussed.

Valorization of Chlorella Microalgae Residual Biomass via Catalytic Acid Hydrolysis/Dehydration and Hydrogenolysis/Hydrogenation

Microalgal biomass can be utilized for the production of value-added chemicals and fuels. Within this research, Chlorella vulgaris biomass left behind after the extraction of lipids and proteins was converted to valuable sugars, organic acids and furanic compounds via hydrolysis/dehydration using dilute aqueous sulfuric acid as a homogeneous catalyst. Under mild conditions, i.e., low temperature and low sulfuric acid concentration, the main products of hydrolysis/dehydration were monomeric sugars (glucose and xylose) and furanic compounds (HMF, furfural) while under more intense conditions (i.e., higher temperature and higher acid concentration), organic acids (propionic, formic, acetic, succinic, lactic, levulinic) were also produced either directly from sugar conversion or via intermediate furans. As a second valorization approach, the residual microalgal biomass was converted to value-added sugar alcohols (sorbitol, glycerol) via hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis reactions over metallic ruthenium catalysts supported on activated carbons (5%Ru/C). It was also shown that a low concentration of sulfuric acid facilitated the conversion of biomass to sugar alcohols by initiating the hydrolysis of carbohydrates to monomeric sugars. Overall, this work aims to propose valorization pathways for a rarely utilized residual biomass towards useful compounds utilized as platform chemicals and precursors for the production of a wide variety of solvents, polymers, fuels, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals and others.

Energy efficiency of hydrogen production via gasification from lignocellulosic residual biomass blend

Facing the challenges of environmental sustainability and energy security caused by anthropogenic carbon emissions, there is a need to adopt cleaner energy generation technologies, leveraging Colombia's existing national resources. In this context, hydrogen emerges as a promising source of renewable energy. Therefore, this project explores the use of a blend of residual lignocellulosic biomass as raw material for hydrogen production through gasification for energy purposes. Initially, a screening of residual lignocellulosic biomass in the study region was conducted, a blend was selected, and a simulation of the synthesis gas production process was carried out prospectively using Aspen Plus Dynamics® software. The results revealed that, by using the selected biomass blend, a synthesis gas with a hydrogen molar fraction of 38.7% and an ER of 0.19 was obtained. According to sensitivity analyses, the optimal parameters identified to achieve this hydrogen concentration were: gasification temperature of 707°C, oxygen flows of 484 kg/h, steam at 420 kg/h, and gasification pressure of 1 atm. These findings support the potential of the studied lignocellulosic biomass blend as an alternative for hydrogen production, while also offering an opportunity for the valorization of lignocellulosic residual biomass.

Green solvent-based lipid extraction from guava seeds and spent coffee grounds to produce biodiesel: Biomass valorization and esterification/transesterification route

Spent coffee grounds and guava seeds were used as representative biomass residues to analyze the replacement of hexane with alternative green solvents for the extraction of lipids and their application to obtain biodiesel with the aim of contributing to the global zero-waste strategy. Lipid extraction studies were performed with these biomass wastes under different operating conditions. The results showed that the green solvents (i.e., ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, and ethyl propionate) outperformed the lipid extraction using hexane, achieving a maximum oil recovery of 24% for guava seed and 16.4% for spent coffee grounds, with ethyl propionate. The impact of solvent-to-biomass ratio, extraction temperature, and biomass particle size on lipid recovery from tested biomass residues was analyzed and discussed. The optimal extraction conditions for both biomasses were ethyl propionate, 0.3 mm of particle size and 40 °C; while the best solvent to biomass ratio were 10 and 8 mL/g for guava seeds and spent coffee grounds, respectively. The lipids extracted with green solvents showed similar physicochemical properties and compositions to those lipids extracted with hexane. Lipid extraction kinetics exhibited an endothermic performance. The kinetic data were suitably described with the first-order model (R2 = 0.92 – 1) with kinetic rate parameters in the range of 0.38–0.59 and 0.28–0.72 min−1, for guava seeds and spent coffee grounds, respectively. The lipids extracted from tested biomass were analyzed as raw source for biodiesel production via transesterification. The best reaction conditions to produce biodiesel (90%) were found at 60 °C, 6 h, 15% of catalyst-to-oil, and molar methanol-to-oil ratio of 26:1 using a one-step process. FAME formation up to 96% was obtained using a two-step esterification/transesterification methodology. A detailed characterization of the biodiesel obtained from the lipid fraction from these biomass wastes was also performed, indicating that transesterification reduced the acid value and viscosity to meet the ASTM standard criteria for biodiesel. The study contributes to the valorization of biomass wastes to produce renewable energy and to minimize the waste management problem.

High extraction and excellent anti-UV and anti-oxidant proprieties of lignin from Reseda Luteola L. waste by organosolv process

Lignin is an abundant natural biopolymer found in plant cell walls. Lignin can come from tinctorial plants, whose residual biomass after dye extraction was typically discarded as waste. The main objective of this study was to extract lignin from the residual biomass of Reseda luteola L. using an organosolv process and to optimize the extraction conditions. The extracted lignin was characterized, and its potential applications as an antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-UV agent were investigated. Response surface methodology based on a Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the lignin extraction conditions (organic acid concentration, material-to-liquid ratio, extraction time). The extracted lignin was comprehensively characterized using NMR, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, DSC, and UV–Vis techniques. The optimal extraction conditions yielded a remarkably high lignin recovery of 62.41 % from the plant waste, which was rarely achieved for non-wood plants in previous works. The extracted lignin exhibited excellent thermal stability and radical scavenging anti-oxidant activity but no significant antimicrobial effects. Treating wool fabrics with lignin nanoparticles substantially enhanced UV protection from the “good” to “excellent” category based on the UPF rating. This sustainable valorization approach converted abundant tinctorial plant waste into high-purity lignin with promising anti-oxidant and UV-blocking properties suitable for various applications.

Exploring the Effects Behind the Outstanding Catalytic Performance of PdAg Catalysts Supported on Almond Shell‐Derived Activated Carbon Towards the Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid

AbstractIn this work, highly efficient carbon‐supported Pd‐based catalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation were synthesized by a straightforward wet impregnation‐reduction method. The carbon support was obtained from a biomass residue (almond shell) prepared via H3PO4‐assisted hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and thermal activation. This carbon support was doped with nitrogen groups to study the effect on the electronic properties and catalytic performance of the catalysts. Investigating the formation of PdAg alloys with varying Pd : Ag molar ratios resulted in catalysts exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity compared to monometallic Pd counterparts. Notably, the Pd1Ag0.5/NAS catalyst displayed outstanding catalytic performance, achieving an initial TOF of 1716 h−1 (calculated in the first 3 minutes of reaction and expressed per mole of Pd) and maintaining substantial activity over 6 consecutive reaction cycles. This work elucidates the successful synthesis of effective catalysts, emphasizing the influence of nitrogen doping and PdAg alloy composition on catalytic behavior and stability.

The role of flexural particles in the shear flow of pine residue biomass: An experiment-informed DEM simulation study

An experiment-informed discrete particle simulation study was performed to investigate the role of flexural particles in the shear flow of milled pine residues. Physical pine anatomical fraction samples were tested in an FT4 powder rheometer. A chip model for bark/stem chips and a fiber model for needles were proposed for DEM. The FT4 simulations show mixed fibers/chips require higher force and torque to drive shear flow than pure chips or fibers. The mass fraction and flexibility of fibers reveal nonlinear inter-dependency on impacting the shear flow of mixed fibers/chips. Polydisperse fibers well match the needle-rich samples on the flow attributes, while polydisperse mixed fibers/chips agree reasonably with the bark/stem-rich samples. The DEM study indicates that the flowability of pine residue biomass is determined collectively by various material attributes of the anatomical fractions, which must be considered when developing preprocessing methods for conversion-ready biomass with adequate material handling performance.

Residual Biomass Gasification for Small-Scale Decentralized Electricity Production: Business Models for Lower Societal Costs

Biomass gasification, a promising sustainable technology for decentralized electricity production, has the potential to displace fossil fuels while valorizing locally produced waste. Previous studies indicate that its technical and financial viabilities vary among projects, and few projects have been successfully developed, despite the sustainability benefits. This study identified and characterized the factors that influence the economic and environmental performances of such projects using a novel, hybrid method, with qualitative analysis using the Business Model Canvas and quantitative life-cycle costs (LCCs) considering the financial and external costs. The financial LCCs and external electricity generation costs were evaluated for business models in agro-industrial factories using proprietary residual biomasses and for those in isolated grids using local agricultural waste. The business models used for biomass gasification projects affect their LCCs and externalities more than factors such as their investment costs and energy efficiencies. The relationship between the business models, the financial performances of the projects, and their impacts on society are highlighted, showing that although projects using proprietary biomass waste have lower financial costs, off-grid projects generate more positive externalities, resulting in lower costs for society. These results indicate that policy support focused on appropriate business models may contribute to optimizing the use of financial incentives to foster investment in new sustainable technologies, contributing to the energy transition.

Evaluation of free and immobilized cellulase on chitosan-modified magnetic nanoparticles for saccharification of sorghum residue.

Enzymatic hydrolysis plays a pivotal role in transforming lignocellulosic biomass. Addressing alternate techniques to optimize the utilization of cellulolytic enzymes is one strategy to improve its efficiency and lower process costs. Cellulases are highly specific and environmentally benign biocatalysts that break down intricate polysaccharides intosimple formsofsugars. In contrast to the most difficult and time-consuming enzyme immobilization processes, in this research, we studied simple, mild, and successful techniques for immobilization of pure cellulase on magnetic nanocomposites using glutaraldehyde as a linker and used in the application of sorghum residue biomass. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with chitosan from the co-precipitation method, which served as an enzyme carrier. The nanoparticles were observed under XRD, Zeta Potential, FESEM, VSM, and FTIR. The size morphology results presented that the Cs@Fe3O4 have 42.2nm, while bare nanoparticles (Fe3O4) have 31.2nm in size. The pure cellulase reaches to 98.07% of loading efficiency and 71.67% of recovery activity at optimal conditions. Moreover, immobilized enzyme's pH stability, thermostability, and temperature tolerance were investigated at suitable conditions. The kinetic parameters of free and immobilized enzyme were estimated as Vmax; 29 ± 1.51 and 27.03 ± 2.02µmolmin-1mg-1, Km; 4.7 ± 0.49mM and 2.569 ± 0.522mM and Kcat; 0.13s-1, and 0.89s-1. Sorghum residue was subjected to 2% NaOH pre-treatment at 50℃. Pre-treated biomass contains cellulose of 64.8%, used as a raw material to evaluate the efficiency of reducing sugar during hydrolysis and saccharification of free and immobilized cellulase, which found maximum concentration of glucose 5.42g/L and 5.12g/L on 72h. Thus, our study verifies the use of immobilized pure cellulase to successfully hydrolyze raw material, which is a significant advancement in lignocellulosic biorefineries and the reusability of enzymes.

Cropping system typologies perform differently under climate stress in Manitoba, Canada: multi-criteria assessment

Information is required to understand how novel biodiversity strategies can improve cropping system resilience to climate change. A “business as usual” (BAU) rotation (wheat–canola–wheat–soybean) was compared with a “warm-season crop” (WS) rotation (corn–sunflower–dry bean–canola); a “biodiverse” (BD) rotation (fall rye with cover crop– corn/soybean intercrop—pea/canola intercrop–green fallow mixture); a “perennial grain” (Kernza) rotation (Kernza grain intermediate wheatgrass); and an organic (ORG) rotation (millet-green fallow mixture-wheat). Drought conditions prevailed in both study years. The BAU rotation had the lowest average yield (1821 kg ha−1 compared with 2533 and 3083 kg ha−1 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively), less post-harvest residual biomass, and a lower net return than the WS rotation. The WS rotation was limited by herbicide-resistant weeds in dry beans. Kernza seed yield was five times lower than for spring wheat. ORG wheat yielded the same as other wheat and had a higher net return. Live roots days, a measure of soil health potential, were 95 for the BAU rotation and 174 and 113 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively; the most were recorded for Kernza (365). Seasonal crop growth duration was increased by including Kernza and fall rye for early season growth, and corn, sunflower, a corn–soybean intercrop, a cover crop, and fall-seeded rye for late season growth. WS and BD rotations outperformed the BAU rotation and the BD system accomplished this with half the N fertilizer. Results demonstrate the potential of biodiverse rotations; barriers to their adoption should be addressed.

Experimental analysis and numerical simulation of biomass pyrolysis

AbstractFinding alternatives to fossil fuels is extremely important for economic and environmental considerations. Biomass pyrolysis stands out as an efficient method for generating fuels and chemical intermediates. This study explored the influence of wood particle size (ranging from 1 to 3 cm) and pyrolysis temperature (ranging from about 300 to 480 °C) on the process. Characterization of wood residues utilized energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to comprehend surface morphology and resultant biochar structure. Results revealed a significant temperature-dependent impact on pyrolysis product concentrations. Biomass composition analysis indicates lignin, hemicellulose, extractive contents, and cellulose percentages at 11.23%, 39%, 2.15%, and 47.62% mass/mass, respectively. Reduction in particle size to less than 2 mm enhances heat transfer, elevating overall bio-oil production. Major bio-oil components comprise phenolics, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Optimal conditions are identified at a wood particle size of 1 cm and a heating temperature of 480 °C. For every 1.0 kg of wood biomass residues, bio-oil, syngas, and biochar yields are 0.38 kg, 0.22 kg, and 0.4 kg, respectively. Notably, the agreement between Aspen Plus simulation and experimental findings underscored the robustness of the study.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF THE PRODUCTION OF BIOCHAR AND SOLID FUEL BASED ON BIOCAL

Useful disposal of industrial waste and biomass remains is increasingly relevant for Ukrainian enterprises. The purpose of this article is to find additional opportunities for the production of products with greater added value by processing waste and biomass residues to biochar. World prices for biochar are quite high, much higher than for the use of biocoals as fuel, and are around 800 EUR/t, maximum up to 1,800 EUR/t. The main technical characteristics and price offers of equipment for the production of biochar from nine manufacturers from China, Germany, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands were analyzed. The results of feasibility study of the biochar production from sunflower husks on a technological line with an input productivity of 5 t/h for one of the Ukrainian vegetable oils production plants are presented. As the main equipment, a drum-type pyrolyzer heated by synthesis gas, formed during the thermochemical decomposition of biomass, was considered. Byproducts of production are also bioacetic acid and tar oil. The financial indicators in the case of biochar export are attractive enough for implementation. The estimated simple payback period when using granulated husk was about 4 years at a price of biochar of 650 EUR/t and less than one year at a price of 800 EUR/t. When using non-granulated husk, the simple payback period was about 3 years, even at the price of biochar of 450 EUR/t. Possible risks for implementation are the uncertainty regarding market demand and sales opportunities for biochar, quality requirements and the ability of the considered equipment to provide them, insufficient information regarding biochar yield from various biomass, as well as the lack of experience. Enterprises interested in the implementation of such a project are recommended to conduct trial processing of a batch of their raw materials on similar equipment in advance, to determine the share of biochar yield and its quality characteristics, to search for potential buyers to discuss quality requirements and possible prices.