Sustainable Biomass Source Research Articles

Cost-Effective Hydrothermal Synthesis of Luminescent Carbon Dots from Date Palm Midrib

Nanocarbon synthesis from diverse sources has garnered significant attention, with a particular focus on materials derived from biomass. Carbon dots (CDs), due to their water solubility, low toxicity, and biocompatibility, have emerged as promising candidates for a wide range of applications. In recent years, CDs have found utility in several applications such as bioimaging, drug delivery, and biosensors. In this study, we present an eco-friendly, straightforward, and cost-effective technique for the synthesis of carbon dots through a hydrothermal reaction, utilizing peeled date palm midribs as the source material. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements services to investigate the synthesized carbon dots' morphology, crystal and structure, and optical properties. The results show that the carbon dots had a size distribution ranging from 2.5 to 6 nm, and a crystallographic interplanar distance of 0.23 nm corresponding to the graphitic structure. When excited at a wavelength of 340 nm, the synthesized dots exhibited a prominent bluish emission at 420 nm, highlighting their potential for use in optical and biological applications. This work underscores the feasibility of harnessing sustainable biomass sources, such as date palm midribs, for the green synthesis of carbon dots with desirable properties, opening up new avenues for their utilization in cutting-edge technologies.

Synthesis of Carbon Dots via Microwave-Assisted Process: Specific Sensing of Fe(III) and Antibacterial Activity.

Carbon dots synthesized from a renewable and sustainable source of biomass have greater attention in the nanomaterial research field. In the present study, we adopted a facile and green synthesis of carbon dots from bio waste of pumpkin seeds using a one-pot microwave-assisted carbonization method. The synthesized carbon dots exhibit excellent photoluminescence properties with a bright blue emission peak at 399nm and fluorescence quantum yield was about 9.5%. The optical properties and structure of carbon dots were examined using various spectroscopy techniques and the synthesized carbon practical size was about 4.37nm and possessed good solubility in water. Carbon dots were used for the detection of Ferric ions in the water bodies and the interaction between Fe3+ ions and carbon dots was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. This method is a simple and selective detection of Fe3+ in the aqueous medium. Interestingly carbon dots also show good antibacterial activity at a very low concentration (1mg/L) for effective control of E. coli 93% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (81%), within 12h.

Green synthesis of yeast cell wall-derived carbon quantum dots with multiple biological activities

HypothesisYeast cell walls are a sustainable biomass source containing carbon and other elements like phosphorus. Converting cell walls into valuable nanomaterials like carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is of interest. ExperimentsCell walls from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were hydrothermally treated in 0.5 M H2SO4 to produce CQDs. Multiple analytical techniques were utilized to confirm phosphorus-doping (P-CQDs), characterize the fluorescence properties, determine quantum yield, and evaluate the sensing, antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and antioxidant capacities. FindingsA successful synthesis of P-CQDs was achieved with strong blue fluorescence under UV excitation, 19 % quantum yield, and excellent stability. The P-CQDs showed sensitive fluorescence quenching in response to ferric ions with a 201 nM detection limit. Antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were demonstrated. P-CQDs also exhibited dye degradation under sunlight and antioxidant activity. So, the prepared P-CQDs displayed promising multifunctional capabilities for metal ion detection, disinfection, and environmental remediation. Further research is required to fully realize and implement the multifunctional potential of P-CQDs in real-world applications.

Assessment of photosynthetic activity in dense microalgae cultures using oxygen production

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms playing a pivotal role in primary production in aquatic ecosystems, sustaining the entry of carbon in the biosphere. Microalgae have also been recognized as sustainable source of biomass to complement crops. For this objective they are cultivated in photobioreactors or ponds at high cell density to maximize biomass productivity and lower the cost of downstream processes.Photosynthesis depends on light availability, that is often not constant over time. In nature, sunlight fluctuates over diurnal cycles and weather conditions. In high-density microalgae cultures of photobioreactors outdoors, on top of natural variations, microalgae are subjected to further complexity in light exposure. Because of the high-density cells experience self-shading effects that heavily limit light availability in most of the mass culture volume. This limitation strongly affects biomass productivity of industrial microalgae cultivation plants with important implications on economic feasibility.Understanding how photosynthesis responds to cell density is informative to assess functionality in the inhomogeneous light environment of industrial photobioreactors. In this work we exploited a high-sensitivity Clark electrode to measure microalgae photosynthesis and compare cultures with different densities, using Nannochloropsis as model organism. We observed that cell density has a substantial impact on photosynthetic activity, and demonstrated the reduction of the cell's light-absorption capacity by genetic modification is a valuable strategy to increase photosynthetic functionality on a chlorophyll-basis of dense microalgae cultures.

Variations in Chlorella lipid content in commercial and in-lab produced biomass

Microalgae appear as a sustainable source of biomass with relevant nutritional qualities. Still, regulatory restrictions currently limit the use of eukaryotic microalgae for human consumption to a short list of species dominated by Chlorella spp. Chlorella biomass contains valuable proteins but also interesting lipids, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω3 and ω6. The amount of PUFA and the ω6/ω3 ratio vary significantly depending on the species and cultivation trophic mode. While the lipid profils of in-lab produced Chlorella has been widely studied, the variability of lipid content in commercial biomasses is barely described. Here, lipid classes and fatty acid profiles of six commercial biomasses of Chlorella spp. as well as those of lab-produced C. sorokiniana grown in photo-autotrophy and in four mixotrophy conditions were characterized. Results showed significant lipid composition variations between the biomasses, such as the triacylglycerols/glycolipids and ω6/ω3 contents. The ω6/ω3 ratios were lower in photo-autotrophic mode (2.5) while they ranged between 1.3 and 8.9 in commercial biomasses. The free fatty acids level was also variable (1.4% to 17.9% of total lipids). As a consequence, Chlorella lipid content and quality differed significantly, impacting the potential nutritional benefits of the consumption of commercial biomass. Processing and post-processing conditions should therefore be carefully controlled to optimize lipid profiles.

Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran over Pd-Co bimetallic catalysts supported on MoCx

Dimethylfuran is a promising liquid fuel that can be derived from sustainable biomass sources. Obtaining dimethylfuran from biomass through an efficient catalytic hydrodeoxygenation process is an effective way to achieve carbon neutrality. Herein, we report a catalytic system employing a highly dispersed Pd-Co bimetallic catalyst supported on molybdenum carbide for the conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to dimethylfuran. Bimetallic catalysts with varying Co loading were prepared via co-precipitation and temperature-programmed carburization, followed by a series of hydrodeoxygenation performance evaluation. The results reveal that, at 180 °C and 2 MPa hydrogen pressure, the 0.5Pd10Co/MoCx catalyst achieves a remarkable 5-hydroxymethylfurfural conversion of 99.9 % with a dimethylfuran selectivity exceeding 97 %. Comprehensive characterizations confirm the role of bimetallic active sites and suggest the reaction mechanism. Pd doping enhances the surface area and promotes hydrogen dissociation, and consequently lowering the reduction temperature of catalyst. The unique electronic structure of Mo in the carbide support promotes charge transfer from the support to the Pd-Co bimetallic site, thereby promoting the generation of more Coδ+ and Co2+. The presence of a high oxygen vacancy content facilitates the cleavage of C-O bonds, while the synergy effect of bimetallic sites changes the reaction path and promotes the hydrogenation of the aldehyde group, thus greatly improving the reaction efficiency.

Understanding regulation in complex environments: a route to enhance photosynthetic light-reactions in microalgae photobioreactors

Microalgae are recognized as a sustainable source of biomass to produce a wide range of bioproducts. To maximize the positive environmental impact and achieve economic competitiveness of microalgae-based products, it is however still essential to improve the biomass productivity during large-scale cultivation. Microalgae large-scale cultures are generally limited by light availability and thus the efficiency in conversion of radiation energy into biomass is a major factor impacting productivity. Natural light is a highly variable environmental parameter, and it constantly changes following seasons, time of day, and weather conditions. The artificial environment of large-scale microalgae cultures generates a further layer of complexity added to these natural light dynamics. In fact, because of biomass density and cell self-shading, light is unevenly distributed in the mass culture. Moreover, because of mixing, cells move between different parts of the volume, generating abrupt fluctuations in light exposure. Although microalgae evolved various regulatory mechanisms to cope with dynamic light conditions, these are not adapted to respond to the complex mixture of natural and artificial fluctuations commonly encountered in large-scale cultures, often causing reduction in photosynthetic efficiency. In the past years, genetic approaches to improve the light reactions of photosynthesis have been explored to optimise the composition and regulation of the photosynthetic machinery to large-scale cultivation. These approaches have shown promising results at the laboratory scale but have yet to be fully proven at the industrial scale. This can be explained by the fact that the complexity of the cultivation environment on microalgae photosynthesis and its impact on productivity is underestimated. This work aims for a systematic discussion on the complex role played by the growth environment in determining microalgae photosynthetic performances upon cultivation at industrial scale, with the objective of maximizing the impact of genetic modifications and ultimately fully realize the potential of microalgae for biomass productivity.

The Importance of Sustainable Biomass Sources in the Development of Porous Carbonaceous Materials-Synthesis and Energy Applications: A Review

In this review, a variety of planning methods for porous organic materials using different types of biomasses are compiled, and their functions are discussed. Improved pore architectures and variable surfaces were created in porous carbons manufactured from biomass. It is effective and sustainable to use biomass waste, which mostly consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. They assemble microtextured structures around one another in multi-channel configurations. The possibility of incorporating porous carbon compounds derived from biomass is being explored due to their distinct surface and structure. These "old type" carbons, which are produced through direct pyrolysis or physical or chemical activation, represent the instantaneous usage of biomass. There has been a lot of research on the chemical activation of biomass to create extremely effective activated porous carbons for gas collection. They consist of a variety of small patterns, pore dispersions, and conductive spines and have adaptive physicochemical properties that permit their application as dynamic stage networks or electroactive materials. The structure of carbon-based materials obtained from biomass has the potential to improve electrochemical energy storage. Energy storage resources are required more frequently every day. Energy storage is essential to meet the energy demands resulting from the interruption of energy sources due to several circumstances. There are many uses for carbon materials, including the storage of energy, the filtration of water and air, and the storage of gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), and hydrogen (H2). In this study, the advantages of cellulose-based systems as well as the latest developments and methods for creating high-capacity electronics are highlighted.

Improving field establishment and yield in seed propagated Miscanthus through manipulating plug size, sowing date and seedling age.

Biomass crops provide significant potential to substitute for fossil fuels and mitigate against climate change. It is widely acknowledged that significant scale up of biomass crops is required to help reach net zero targets. Miscanthus is a leading biomass crop embodying many characteristics that make it a highly sustainable source of biomass but planted area remains low. Miscanthus is commonly propagated via rhizome, but efficient alternatives may increase uptake and help diversify the cultivated crop. Using seed-propagate plug plants of Miscanthus has several potential benefits such as improving propagation rates and scale up of plantations. Plugs also provide an opportunity to vary the time and conditions under protected growth, to achieve optimal plantlets before planting. We varied combinations of glasshouse growth period and field planting dates under UK temperate conditions, which demonstrated the special importance of planting date on yield, stem number and establishment rates of Miscanthus. We also propagated Miscanthus in four different commercial plug designs that contained different volumes of substrate, the resulting seedlings were planted at three different dates into field trials. In the glasshouse, plug design had significant effects on above and belowground biomass accumulation and at a later time point belowground growth was restricted in some plug designs. After subsequent growth in the field, plug design and planting date had a significant effect on yield. The effects of plug design on yield were no longer significant after a second growth season but planting date continued to have a significant effect. After the second growth year, it was found that planting date had a significant effect on surviving plants, with the mid-season planting producing higher survival rates over all plug types.Establishment was positively correlated with DM biomass produced in the first growth season. Sowing date had a significant effect on establishment but the impacts of plug design were more nuanced and were significant at later planting dates. We discuss the potential to use the flexibility afforded by seed propagation of plug plants to deliver significant impacts in achieving high yield and establishment of biomass crops during the critical first two years of growth.

BECCS opportunities in Brazil: Comparison of pre and post-combustion capture in a typical sugarcane mill

In order to make feasible the efforts that would limit the rise of Earth's temperature to no more than 2 °C, profound changes are required in the energy systems. In this sense, BECCS are considered instrumental to attain possible negative emissions. This draws attention to the sugarcane industry in Brazil, where it is possible to produce fuel ethanol at a relative low cost and a large amount of relatively cheap biomass is available. This paper is part of a research that aims to study the combined production of liquid fuels and electricity, using sustainable sources of biomass and maximizing carbon capture. Two cases related to an innovative technology were evaluated and in both the capture is based on amine technology: pre-combustion capture of CO2 from the fuel gas derived from biomass gasification, and post-combustion capture from gas turbine exhaust gases. Information from the scientific literature was used in modelling the systems, as well as estimating energy penalties and costs associated with capturing, transporting and storing CO2. The results indicate technical feasibility of both capture options, but difficulties in setting the full integration of the power unit (BIG-CC) with the sugarcane mill and the CCS system, due to the high demand for thermal energy as low-pressure steam. The estimated CO2 abatement cost is in the range 60–71 €/tCO2 for pre-combustion capture, and 52–63 €/tCO2 in the case of post-combustion. Feasibility results are impacted by the scale of CO2 capture (0.82–1.44 MtCO2/year), particularly in the pre-combustion case, and the relatively high cost of electricity generation.

(Digital Presentation) Sol – Gel Process of Activated Carbon Based Silica Nanostructure Using Rice Husk Template for Supercapacitor Applications

Rice hulls have portrayed large potential in becoming a sustainable biomass source in producing silica, cellulose, and carbon materials, which garnered well-known interest in the middle of researchers. In recent years, silica-based supercapacitors have emerged as leading energy storage devices that can be mostly used in hybrid electric vehicles, memory devices, etc owing to their unique features like fast charge and discharge rate, long cycle life, high power density, high reliability, etc. The objective of the current study is to determine and compare the specific capacitance of pure silica ( SiO2@SP ) and activated carbon added amorphous silica (SiO2 @SA) nanostructures in rice hulls due to the synergistic effects of the sol-gel process. In this study, we have synthesized pure silica SiO2 and activated carbon added amorphous silica (SiO2 @SA) nanostructures using rice hulls template as a silica source via the simple sol-gel method for supercapacitor applications. XRD, FT-IR, and EDX studies characterize that pure silica(SiO2@SP) is present in amorphous form along with activated carbon having a carbon ballades structure in the prepared SiO2@ SA sample. Further, FE-SEM, TEM observation indicates that the prepared sample is consisting of amorphous silica nanospheres added agglomerated carbon nanoparticles having the size of 20 –30 nm. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge studies characterize the supercapacitive behavior of working electrodes fabricated from prepared SiO2@SP and SiO2@ SA nanostructure. The specific capacitances of SiO2@SP nanostructure are about 36,30,28,26,24,23,22,20 and 12 F/g with the current density value of 4, 6, 8,10,12,14,16,18 and 20 A/g, and the specific capacitances of SiO2@ SA nanostructure are about 85,58,48,46,38,34,32, and 26 F/g with the current density value of 4, 6, 8,10,12,14,16,18 and 20 A/g, respectively. The presence of SiO2@SP species in SiO2@SA nanostructure can provide reactive surfaces for the adsorption/desorption charges and it facilitates the charge storage at the surface of the sample. The above results suggested that the prepared SiO2@SA nanostructure has high potential application for comparison than SiO2@SP nanostructure, making electrochemical supercapacitors.

Miscanthus and Sorghum as sustainable biomass sources for nanocellulose production

In view of the concept of circular economy and the zero waste approach agricultural residues can be viewed as sustainable and viable biomass resources for nanocellulose production. Therefore, this paper presents a method of obtaining cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from non-invasive and fast-growing grass genera, Miscanthus (M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis) and Sorghum (S. saccharatum and S. bicolor). The cellulose isolated from this biomass was solvolyzed with ionic liquids: 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride – AmimCl and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate – EmimOAc. Nanometric size of obtained material (average diameter ranged from 27 to 54 nm) was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated the transformation of solvolyzed material from cellulose I into cellulose II, which was especially visible for the material treated with EmimOAc. The crystallinity index (Xc) of all cellulose nanocrystals (0–26%) was lower than that for initial cellulose (29–41%). The properties of CNC obtained from Miscanthus and Sorghum biomass depend on the type of ionic liquid used in the solvolysis process and the type and species of the plant from which initial cellulose was isolated. The obtained results suggest that cellulose isolated from plant sources, such as Miscanthus and Sorghum biomass can be used as a material for the production of CNC by ILs solvolysis.

Preliminary study on Azolla cultivation and characterization for sustainable biomass source

Abstract Azolla is a freshwater fern that belongs to the Azollaceae family. It is easy to grow and is highly productive. It can fix atmospheric nitrogen due to the presence of Anabaena azollae. Azolla has been applied to the rice field as a classic fertilizer. It is a good source of protein and contains almost all essential amino acids and minerals. Various research has been done and is still ongoing to determine the capability of Azolla as a phytoremediator and to be used as a sustainable bioenergy source. This preliminary study investigated the ideal environment for Azolla cultivation in Malaysia (humid weather throughout the year with average daily temperature across Malaysia between 21°C and 32°C). To the best of our knowledge, there is no research conducted in Malaysia to study the optimum environment for Azolla cultivation. Therefore, determining the optimum condition for growing Azolla was done by manipulating parameters: water depth, nutrient concentration, pH, and sunlight exposure. Meanwhile, chemical compositions (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate and energy) were determined using proximate analysis. Results obtained showed that Azolla growth was the best in water depth of 20 cm, the nutrient concentration of 812.5 ppm, pH of 7 and under 100% sunlight exposure. Dried Azolla had 6.38% moisture, 27.1% crude protein, 6.37% crude fat, 14.29% ash, 34.29% crude fibre, 45.86% carbohydrate and 349.17 kcal/100 g energy. Based on the result, Azolla cultivated in this experiment could be used as a sustainable biomass source to produce animal feed (high protein content) and bioenergy (high fibre content).

Effective harvesting of Scenedesmus using quaternary ammonium chitosan and xanthan gum: Formation of mega flocs with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes

Microalgae are a promising sustainable source of biomass while large-scale harvesting of microalgal biomass is a major technological and economic challenge. In this study, a flocculation method and mechanism for the formation of compact mega flocs was developed using two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, quaternary ammonium chitosan (N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethyl ammonium) propyl] chitosan, HTCC) and xanthan gum (XG). With 8 mg/L HTCC and 16 mg/L XG, Scenedesmus cells could be flocculated into mega flocs with diameters larger than 5 mm and were harvested by 500-μm-pore-sized sieves with an efficiency over 95%. The flocs were generated within 12 s and resisted strong hydraulic shear (stirring at 960 rpm), reducing energy consumption and handling time for the subsequent separation. With HTCC or XG alone, the harvest efficiency was consistently lower than 30%. The flocculation mechanism was investigated by changing the order in which the HTCC, XG, and Scenedesmus cells were added, and by fluorescence staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the mega flocs were formed by the crosslinking of HTCC and XG, based on their long-chain molecular structure and electrostatic interaction. Scenedesmus cells were enmeshed in the polymer matrix of HTCC and XG and then aggregated into large flocs. Thus, an effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable flocculation strategy for microalgae biomass was developed using the biodegradable components HTCC and XG.

Addressing the challenge of wood mobilisation through a systemic innovation lens: The Irish forest sector innovation system

In the face of growing demand for sustainable sources of biomass, the challenge of mobilising non-industrial private forest landowners (NIPF) with varying management objectives, to actively manage their forests and increase the supply of wood biomass, is an area of growing research and policy focus. While innovation and knowledge exchange is increasingly viewed as a means of promoting sustainable wood mobilisation, structural weaknesses in the sector such as deficiencies in the institutional and infrastructural setting or capacity of stakeholders, can negatively influence innovation processes. Addressing these overarching challenges requires a systemic analysis of the barriers to innovation across the forest sector as a whole. This case study of the Irish forest sector develops a comprehensive innovation systems framework, integrating structural and functional streams of innovation systems research. This `coupled structural–functional’ framework is applied to identify a number of interconnected systemic problems that hinder the functioning of the forest sector innovation system and negatively influence the potential for co-innovation and wood mobilisation in the sector. Three sets of key systemic wood mobilisation problems are identified, among which there is negative feedback. These so called `blocking mechanisms' have developed over time as a result of historical patterns of practice, prevailing culture, attitude and regulation and are defined here as (i) weak networks blocking capacity development of new forest owners, (ii) infrastructural problems blocking the reach and effectiveness of knowledge networks, (iii) rigid institutional structures and policy blocking co-innovation. To address these deficiencies in the current forest policy and institutional environment, this study makes a number of policy recommendations to promote co-innovation and tackle the multi-dimensional challenge of wood mobilisation.

Renewable Polyurethanes from Sustainable Biological Precursors.

Due to the depletion of fossil fuels, higher oil prices, and greenhouse gas emissions, the scientific community has been conducting an ongoing search for viable renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products, with the anticipation of increased adaptation in the coming years. New academic and industrial developments have encouraged the utilization of renewable resources for the development of ecofriendly and sustainable materials, and here, we focus on those advances that impact polyurethane (PU) materials. Vegetable oils, algae oils, and polysaccharides are included among the major renewable resources that have supported the development of sustainable PU precursors to date. Renewable feedstocks such as algae have the benefit of requiring only sunshine, carbon dioxide, and trace minerals to generate a sustainable biomass source, offering an improved carbon footprint to lessen environmental impacts. Incorporation of renewable content into commercially viable polymer materials, particularly PUs, has increasing and realistic potential. Biobased polyols can currently be purchased, and the potential to expand into new monomers offers exciting possibilities for new product development. This Review highlights the latest developments in PU chemistry from renewable raw materials, as well as the various biological precursors being employed in the synthesis of thermoset and thermoplastic PUs. We also provide an overview of literature reports that focus on biobased polyols and isocyanates, the two major precursors to PUs.

Early prediction of biomass in hybrid rye based on hyperspectral data surpasses genomic predictability in less-related breeding material

Key messageHyperspectral data is a promising complement to genomic data to predict biomass under scenarios of low genetic relatedness. Sufficient environmental connectivity between data used for model training and validation is required.The demand for sustainable sources of biomass is increasing worldwide. The early prediction of biomass via indirect selection of dry matter yield (DMY) based on hyperspectral and/or genomic prediction is crucial to affordably untap the potential of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) as a dual-purpose crop. However, this estimation involves multiple genetic backgrounds and genetic relatedness is a crucial factor in genomic selection (GS). To assess the prospect of prediction using reflectance data as a suitable complement to GS for biomass breeding, the influence of trait heritability (H^{2}) and genetic relatedness were compared. Models were based on genomic (GBLUP) and hyperspectral reflectance-derived (HBLUP) relationship matrices to predict DMY and other biomass-related traits such as dry matter content (DMC) and fresh matter yield (FMY). For this, 270 elite rye lines from nine interconnected bi-parental families were genotyped using a 10 k-SNP array and phenotyped as testcrosses at four locations in two years (eight environments). From 400 discrete narrow bands (410 nm–993 nm) collected by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) on two dates in each environment, 32 hyperspectral bands previously selected by Lasso were incorporated into a prediction model. HBLUP showed higher prediction abilities (0.41 – 0.61) than GBLUP (0.14 – 0.28) under a decreased genetic relationship, especially for mid-heritable traits (FMY and DMY), suggesting that HBLUP is much less affected by relatedness and H^{2}. However, the predictive power of both models was largely affected by environmental variances. Prediction abilities for DMY were further enhanced (up to 20%) by integrating both matrices and plant height into a bivariate model. Thus, data derived from high-throughput phenotyping emerges as a suitable strategy to efficiently leverage selection gains in biomass rye breeding; however, sufficient environmental connectivity is needed.

Effects of forest harvesting and biomass removal on soil carbon and nitrogen: Two complementary meta-analyses

Forest residues and logging slash from pre-commercial forest thinning and regeneration harvests are a potential feedstock for bioenergy production but there has been a concern about the impact of residue removal on forest soil C and N. This study aimed to address such by conducting two meta-analyses using the data available from published literature and an independent dataset compiled from the North American Long-Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) study.For the meta-analysis using literature, we categorized forest harvesting and biomass removal into i) no harvest control, ii) bole-only (BO, partial or clearcut) regular harvests, iii) BO with partial removal of logging slash and/or O horizon (BO+Removal), iv) whole tree harvests (WTH), and v) WTH with slash and O horizon removal (WTH+Removal). Accordingly, we compiled soil C and N data and key statistics (e.g., standard deviation) from 142 scientific articles published since 1979. We compared the results from this meta-analysis with data from 22 installations of the LTSP study where three levels of organic matter removal - BO, WTH, and WTH plus forest floor (+FF, O horizon) removal - as well as an additional vegetation control (+VC) were measured for two decades in either completely randomized or randomized block design.In the literature meta-analysis, BO+Removal (-19.2%), WTH (-15.4%) and WTH+Removal (-24.9%) contained significantly less soil C than no-harvest controls across combined soil depths, while BO had no difference. Within individual mineral soil horizons, only BO+Removal and WTH+Removal treatments contained significantly less carbon than controls. There was a high degree of heterogeneity in treatment response between studies in the literature. The analyses from the LTSP dataset showed no significant difference in combined soil depths for WTH or WTH+VC relative to BO harvest, but there was significantly less soil C in BO+VC (-3.6%), WTH+FF (-8.5%) and WTH+FF+VC (-15.3%). These treatment effects declined over time since harvest, particularly the most intensive treatments. Soil N results largely mirrored soil C in both meta-analyses with smaller estimated effects for most treatments at equivalent depths (except for WTH+Removal and WTH+FF+VC, which remain about the same). There were no significant differences in soil N for combined soil depths between WTH and no-harvest control (in the literature analysis) or BO harvest (for both analyses).Since the most severe losses of soil C and N involved FF removal, WTH that accounts for modest removals (<80%) of harvesting residues may provide a sustainable source of biomass for bioenergy production without additional soil impacts compared to BO harvesting practices.

Morphology, compositions, thermal behavior and kinetics of pyrolysis of lint-microfibers generated from clothes dryer

Cotton and polyester are the main elements of dryer lint that is generated while drying clothes, and thus it could serve as a promising and sustainable source of renewable energy. In this regard, this is the first research developed to investigate potential applications of dryer lint in the energy recovery field using a pyrolysis process. The suggested strategy was started by collecting dryer lint samples from three different households, followed by analysis of morphology, chemical composition, and elemental analysis of the collected samples using Scanning Electron Microscope- Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and ICP, FTIR, Elemental Analyser, respectively. Subsequently, TG-FTIR/GC–MS system was employed to study thermal and chemical decomposition of the collected lint samples up to 900 °C and to simulate the pyrolysis process. Also, the effects of heating rates (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C/min) on slow pyrolysis properties and the synthesized chemical compounds of lint were investigated. Finally, the kinetic of pyrolysis of dryer lint for each heating rate using a model-free methods, including Kissinger, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, and Friedman model was studied based on the TGA-DTG results. The results showed that the collected lint samples contained a huge amount of polyester, cellulose, etc., that could facilitate significantly the conversion energy process. Meanwhile, the model-free model indicated that the activation energy (Ea) of lint pyrolysis was estimated in the range 167−204 kJ/mol. Also, it was observed that CH2, CH3, Carbon dioxide, acid, phenol, carbonyl, methane compounds are present in the resulted FTIR spectra, especially at a heating rate (25 °C/min). While GC–MS results at 25 °C/min showed that Isobutane (10.77 %), Furan, 3-methyl- (4.78 %), Furfural (6.48 %), carbon dioxide (11.68 %), etc. compounds were strongly present in the synthesized volatile products, which means that lint could be a new sustainable biomass source for renewable energy.

Assessment of the pyrolysis products from halophyte Salicornia bigelovii cultivated in a desert environment

The development of bioenergy in marginal environments has been hampered by the lack of sustainable sources of biomass. The halophyte Salicornia bigelovii, has been found to adapt extremely well in a desert climate. In this study, the S. bigelovii seed and the seedless-plant have been assessed, for the first time, for biofuel and biochar production through thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis) in an auger reactor operated at 550 °C. Both feedstocks showed significant differences in chemical composition, with the seed being closer to the characteristics of seeds from common oilseed crops. The S. bigelovii seed produced high bio-oil yield (79.9% of total liquid) of high pH predominated with fatty acids commonly found in vegetable oils. The S. bigelovii seedless-plant produced a liquid of significantly low bio-oil (10% of total liquid) with an aqueous phase of pH and salinity close that of brackish water. The biochars were of moderate heating value and limited potentials for soil amendment due to the high ash content in the biomass, but are reasonably stable for long term carbon sequestration due to their low O/C and H/C ratios (<0.1 and <1.0, respectively). Comparative assessment in terms of the conversion efficiency and renewability indicated that pyrolysis of the S. bigelovii seed offers a good opportunity for biofuel production in arid/semi-arid saline regions against the alternative option of transesterification conversion.