Use Of Agricultural Residues Research Articles

Development and Experimental Investigation of Pigeon Pea Stalk Particle Reinforced Epoxy Composites and their Hybrid Composites for Lightweight Structural Applications

The pigeon pea (PP) stalk is a sustainable lignocellulosic material left by the farmers after harvesting its pulses. The use of agricultural residue in the development of polymer composites is a step towards sustainability. This study focuses on developing and characterizing the mechanical properties (the tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, compression, impact, and hardness) of less utilized agro-based PP stalk particle reinforced epoxy composites and their hybrid composites. In addition, the density, dynamic mechanical analysis, water absorption, and morphology were also investigated for a better understanding of these composites. In comparison to other agro-residue reinforced composites, PP stalk particles (up to 20 wt.%) reinforced epoxy composites have demonstrated comparable mechanical, viscoelastic, and water absorption characteristics. Jute/PP/epoxy and glass/PP/epoxy hybrid composites outperformed PP/epoxy composites in mechanical, dynamic, and water absorption characteristics. The ranking of the composites based on the characterization was done using the TOPSIS method, and glass/PP/epoxy composite with a 20 wt.% was identified as the best performer among all the composites. The results demonstrated that PP stalk particle reinforced composites are a viable alternative to wood and other natural fiber-based composites and could be used in lightweight structural applications such as automotive interiors, furniture, packaging containers, and cascading applications.

Study on Adsorbent Characteristics of Coconut Coir as a Bio Sorbent for Removal of Methylene Blue Dye

AbstractAdsorption of a cationic dye, like methylene blue (MB) onto coconut coir dust, is investigated. Coconut coir is a by‐product of coconut industries. Increasing concerns about environment, global warming have led the scientists to focus on the use of agricultural residue and plant waste fibers. Due to the presence of hydroxyl and polar groups in various constituents of cellulosic fibers, the moisture sorption is expected quite high. Objective of this study is to investigate the potential of coconut coir as bio sorbent for the removal of cationic dye (methylene blue). Adsorption is studied as a function of concentration of both adsorbate and adsorbent with pH and temperature.

The integration of pelletized agricultural residues into electricity grid: Perspectives from the human, environmental and economic aspects

Agricultural residues are generated during the growing and harvesting of crops; consequently, its availability is linked with the local demand, socioeconomic status, climatic conditions as well as national policies. Only a fraction of these residues has a specific use, mainly in poultry and livestock breeding; however, there is potential to use them as bio-energy feedstock. A strong dependence on oil, as a primary energy source, has resulted in huge environmental problems, particularly climate change. Hence, the use of agricultural residues, particularly those that seem not to have any environmental or economic value; as a feedstock for electricity production, could be an attractive alternative in terms of economic, environmental and social benefits.Therefore, this paper is focused on evaluating these potential benefits from the production of fuel pellets using agricultural residues available from different crops; and their use as a renewable feedstock for electricity production in existing power plants. Life cycle assessment is included in the analysis to get the optimal integration between conventional and non-conventional feedstocks for generating electricity. In addition, the economic aspect was calculated taking under consideration all the activities included in the supply chain for the production of fuel pellets. Also, Human Development Index approach was considered for evaluating the social benefits achieved by the use of renewable fuel pellets. The proposed mathematical model includes all the material balances involved in the supply chain for the production of fuel pellets; also, binary variables were used as decision variables to evaluate the plant installation, giving a mixed integer linear mathematical model optimization. For this case study, parameters of the Mexican electric power grid were used; however, the model can be applied to any other case. The results show that it is possible to provide 200,899 GWh per year of the electricity to cover the demand in Mexico through pellets combustion obtained from agricultural residues. In addition, a carbon dioxide reduction of 20% and 11% increase in social benefit were achieved. Then, the agricultural residues revalorization as solid bio-fuel alternative for the electric power grid has positive economic, social and environmental impacts.

Modeling the ecosystem service of agricultural residues provision for bioenergy production: A potential application in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy)

Agro-ecosystems have large potentials for supporting human well-being and local development, also by providing large amounts of organic matter for bioenergy generation. The use of agricultural residues was proposed as a possible solution to support energy transition, while avoiding conflicts for the use of agricultural land destined to food production.The present work uses an Ecosystem Services (ES) approach to map and estimate the potential availability of agricultural residues (potential ES supply) in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy), where high productive croplands are present. The map was overlapped with the bioenergy plants currently present in the region (ES demand) that could be sustained by residues, considering a buffer area of 10 km radius for a sustainable supply chain and under the assumption of using only the 25% of total residues. Additionally, suitable areas for bioenergy development were mapped by means of a hotspot analysis.The results showed that the Emilia-Romagna region has a large availability of agricultural residues to be potentially used for bioenergy generation. The 82.4% of the total installed power of biogas plants and the whole installed power of those using woody biomasses may be supported by using agricultural residues. When considering buffer areas for sustainable supply chains, agricultural residues could meet the 95% and 50% of total demand from biogas and solid biomasses plants, respectively. However, competition for agricultural residues among bioenergy plants could arise because of the overlap of their buffer zones. Moreover, hotspot analysis revealed large suitable areas for the development of environmental and cost-effective biogas plants.Contrasting ES supply and demand may unveil unexplored forms of sustainable development in agro-ecosystems, thus contributing to a more rational use of agricultural production which supports renewable energies without competing for the agricultural land.

Study on the feasibility of using agricultural waste in the production of concrete blocks

The construction industry demands a huge extraction of natural resources along with ample energy consumption; hence the search for new technologies is essential to minimize environmental impacts. The incorporation of natural by-products as reinforcement elements in cement matrix composites production has been studied as an alternative to reduce the use of non-renewable raw materials. The most common natural by-products in Brazil are coffee husk and sugarcane bagasse, which, despite their use by some industries, have yet large non-used amounts, needing adequate disposal of and new ways to add value to waste. This work aimed at evaluating the feasibility of producing concrete blocks partially replacing the crushed stones by sugarcane bagasse and coffee husk agricultural waste. For each residue, the replacement percentages of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% (V/V) were evaluated (separately), in addition to a formulation without the use of agricultural residues. Agricultural waste was treated for extractive removal and later evaluated based on their morphological, chemical and physical characterization. The mass mix used was 20: 100: 170: 17.05 (cement: sand: crushed stone: water). The blocks were evaluated for their bulk density, water absorption, compressive strength, thermal and microstructure properties. Agricultural waste used as reinforcement improved physical, mechanical and thermal properties of concrete blocks. Sugarcane bagasse showed a greater potential for its use as reinforcement in concrete blocks than coffee husk. The formulation using 5% sugarcane bagasse offered the best results, which allowed the blocks to present the lowest water absorption values and the highest compressive strength values, as well as being one of the best treatments when evaluating thermal properties, meeting all the commercialization standards criteria.

Life Cycle Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions of Agricultural Residue Feedstock for Bioenergy

The depletion of fossil fuels and climate change concerns are drivers for the development and expansion of bioenergy. Promoting biomass is vital to move civilization toward a low-carbon economy. To meet European Union targets, it is required to increase the use of agricultural residues (including straw) for power generation. Using agricultural residues without accounting for their energy consumed and carbon dioxide emissions distorts the energy and environmental balance, and their analysis is the purpose of this study. In this paper, a life cycle analysis method is applied. The allocation of carbon dioxide emissions and energy inputs in the crop production by allocating between a product (grain) and a byproduct (straw) is modeled. Selected crop yield and the residue-to-crop ratio impact on the above indicators are investigated. We reveal that straw formation can consume between 30% and 70% of the total energy inputs and, therefore, emits relative carbon dioxide emissions. For cereal crops, this energy can be up to 40% of the lower heating value of straw. Energy and environmental indicators of a straw return-to-field technology and straw power generation systems are examined.

Dietary alternatives in livestock production for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in Mexico

Objective: To analyze the alternative sources of food for livestock production to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in Mexico.Design/methodology/approach: A document archive analysis was carried out about the use of certain industrial and agricultural wastes in Mexico in the last decade, and how these can serve as an alternative source of animal feed; these offer certain chemical properties that promote the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock systems and also generate an added value in the agricultural and industrial sector.Results: Agricultural and industrial production in Mexico generates an important amount of wastes that are not exploited; in parallel, livestock production in Mexico is growing exponentially, which demands a surface and consumption of natural resources. Therefore, agricultural and industrial residues in Mexico represent a potential alternative source of animal feed, which offers a reduction in the surface destined to the production of food for animals and gives an added value to the industrial and agricultural residues in the country.Study limitations/implications: The alternative sources of food adjust to the agricultural and industrial sectors.Findings/conclusions: The use of agricultural residues, industrial wastes, and other alternate sources of food is suggested as a sustainable alternative in the reduction of GHG in livestock systems and a contribution to the mitigation of climate change in Mexico.

Economic, environmental, and social assessment of bioethanol production using multiple coffee crop residues

The use of agricultural residues for bioethanol production greatly depends on availability of raw materials and the proper design of a flexible multi-feedstock facility. Therefore, this article assesses the economic, environmental, and social feasibility of a bioethanol production plant, using multiple coffee crops residues (stems, pulp, and mucilage). A case study was designed for the Colombian context, considering three scenarios for different capacity plant. Results suggest that the production costs of 0.504, 0.508, and 0.515 $USD/l for large, medium and small capacity, respectively, are comparable to the bioethanol market price and are similar to other studies reported in the literature. The CO2 emissions obtained were 1.296 Kg CO2/l, 1.297 Kg CO2/l and 1.3 Kg CO2/l for the large, medium, and small plants respectively. The large plant requires 1,170 million tons per year of fresh water, and generates a gray water footprint of 119 thousand tons per year. However, without recirculation, 2.87 times more water is required. Favorable results were identified in terms of reduction of collateral environmental effects, as well as positive impacts on social aspects. Finally, a sensitivity analysis shows the impacts of key parameters on economic, social, and environmental merits of producing bioethanol from coffee residues.

Environmental benefits of large‐scale second‐generation bioethanol production in the EU: An integrated supply chain network optimization and life cycle assessment approach

The use of agricultural residues for the generation of bioethanol has the potential to substitute fuels such as petrol or first‐generation bioethanol and thereby generate environmental benefits. Scientific research in this field typically confines the environmental dimension to global warming, disregarding other environmental impact and damage categories. By multi‐criteria mixed‐integer linear programming, this work examines environmental benefits and economic viability of optimal second‐generation bioethanol production network configurations to substitute petrol and/or first‐generation bioethanol in the EU. The results comprise environmentally optimal decisions for 18 impact and 3 damage categories, as well as economically optimal solutions for different excise and carbon tax scenarios. The impact categories global warming potential, particulate matter, and land use are affected the most. Optimal network decisions for different environmental objectives can be clustered into three groups of mutual congruencies, but opportunity costs between the different groups can be very high, indicating conflicting decisions. The decision to substitute petrol or first‐generation ethanol has the greatest influence. The results of the multi‐dimensional analysis suggest that the damage categories human health and ecosystem quality are suitable to unveil tradeoffs between conflicting environmental impacts, for example, global warming and land use. Taking human health and ecosystem quality as environmental decision criteria, second‐generation bioethanol should be used to concurrently substitute first‐generation bioethanol and petrol (100% and 18% of today's demand in the EU, respectively). However, economic optimization shows that with current taxation, bioethanol is hardly competitive with petrol, and that excise tax abatement or carbon taxes are needed to achieve these volumes. This article met the requirements for a gold‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Ecosystem-Based Approaches to Bioenergy and the Need for Regenerative Supply Options for Africa

Energy supply systems in the tropics and subtropics are marred with considerable negative impacts on ecosystems, for example, forest loss and habitat destruction. This document examines the role of ecosystems in household energy supply in Africa and explores pathways to ecosystem-based approaches to bioenergy generation by building on the regenerative economy concept. An ecosystem-based approach to bioenergy is an energy supply and utilization mechanism aimed at enhancing sustainable management of the sources of ecosystems with minimal trade-offs on/from other sectors directly linked to energy issues. Our analysis revealed that about 87% of energy supply to the population originated from agroecosystems and is challenged by the severe ecosystem degradation happening due to natural and anthropogenic factors. However, ecosystem restoration and effective use of agricultural residues could provide hope for making energy supply sustainable. Our analysis showed that restoring sparsely vegetated areas and degraded forest and savannahs, promotion of agroforestry in degraded agricultural lands, and use of agricultural residues could generate close to 71 billion gigajoules (GJ) of energy and provide sufficient energy for about 2.5 billion people if implemented in all potential areas identified. Ecosystem-based approaches to bioenergy along with a well-balanced involvement of sectors and industry actors coupled with knowledgeable management of the ecosystem could lead to beneficial outcomes for the society and environment.

Fast pyrolysis of sugarcane straw and its integration into the conventional ethanol production process through Pinch Analysis

One way to improve the energy and environmental efficiency of an ethanol production process is through product diversification, as well as the use of agricultural residues via thermochemical routes such as fast pyrolysis. Thus, this study assesses the integration of fast pyrolysis of sugarcane straw into the conventional ethanol production process. The fast pyrolysis process was modelled and simulated in the Aspen Plus® software, using the Lumped Reaction kinetic model. The heat integration procedure was performed using the Pinch analysis, utilising the simulation results and assuming different percentages of straw recovery from the field (25%, 50%, and 75%). The straw pyrolysis model was validated with experimental data from other authors of the literature. The assumed configuration presented itself as self-sufficient in energy terms. Among several evaluated cases, those where heat integration was applied showed a significant increase in surplus electricity (Case IV 30.6%, Case VI 34.8%, and Case VIII 46.4%) in comparison to the Base Case (Case I). Thus, heat integration promotes a rise in energy efficiency, as well as product diversification in ethanol production plants.

The use of agricultural residues, wood briquettes and logs for small-scale domestic heating

Large amounts of agricultural residues are produced annually in the UK alone, which presents a significant biomass energy resource. It has limited availability in briquetted form in the UK but is widely used, particularly in Asia. The aim of this work is to assess the emission from briquetted agricultural residues to wood fuel, including commercial wood briquettes, when utilised in a 5 kW domestic heating stove. Other straw-type materials, sugarcane bagasse, Miscanthus, were also investigated. The combustion behaviour depended on the chemical and physical nature of the briquettes. Results indicate that fuel choice is an important consideration for emission reduction. Fuel-N directly correlates to emitted NOx and all the fuels studied had NOx emissions below the EU regulation limit. While agricultural residues can be relatively high in Cl and S, there is evidence of in-situ capture of HCl and SO2 by calcium salts in the fuel ash. Particulate emissions correlate with the volatile matter in the fuel, but also are influenced by the quality/durability of the briquette. The briquettes performed well compared to wood logs, and while there is a fuel-type influence on emissions, it is also clear that briquettes from optimised manufacture can be lower emitting than wood logs.

A potential of non-energy use of agricultural residues and energy plants in lignocellulosic composites production. A brief report

There is a systematic increase in the use of wood waste as raw material in particleboard production, but in the face of an upward trend in particleboard demand, these activities are insufficient. Therefore, there arises the necessity of using materials whose resources are renewable easier (faster) than forest resources, or materials which are considered waste. Such materials could be: “energetic” willow (Salix Viminalis L.) and rape straw. In the case of willow, its production potential quite often cannot be fully utilized in an “energy production” way, due to consumers’ requirements and capabilities. In the case of rape straw, which is regarded as waste material (in more optimistic scenarios – as a side product) in agricultural production, it is known, that the amount of this material will increase, because of the EU regulations, concerning biofuels. Today only 2–3% of rape straw is industrially utilized. The results of research show that appropriate preparation of the mentioned alternative raw material and adjustment of technological parameters give a possibility to produce particleboards of parameters equal to, or even higher than, those of typical, commercially available boards. The research confirmed the possibility of replacing industrial wood shavings with rapeseed straw particles even in 50% without significantly worsening the properties of the manufactured boards. The strength and thermal insulation parameters of boards with reduced density, made of Salix Viminalis L. willow particles, are also promising.

The Nexus between Agriculture and Renewable Energy Sources in the Island of Crete, Greece.

The aim of the current work is the study of the nexus between agriculture and renewable energies in the island of Crete, Greece. Agriculture and the use of renewable energies for energy generation are important sectors of the Cretan economy. Various applications of renewable energy systems in rural areas of Crete are presented. Use of agricultural residues and by-products for fuel production and energy generation are also described. Solar energy, wind energy, biomass and small hydroelectric systems are used for electricity and heat generation in rural areas in the island. Various residues and by-products produced mainly by olive trees are used for heat generation. The links of agriculture and renewable energies in the island should be strengthened in the future. Use of renewable energies in Crete has positive impacts in climate change mitigation while the impacts of agriculture are both positive and negative. Both sectors have positive impacts in the development of rural areas in the island.  Agriculture and renewable energy use constitute complementary sectors to the tourism industry which dominates the island’s economy and they should be promoted in the future in order to achieve a multi-dimensional and equally balanced economic development in Crete.

Potential for the Use of Coconut Husk in the Production of Medium Density Particleboard

The use of agricultural residues in association with wood for panel production has potential to increase value, promote the adequate disposal and ensure adequate panel properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of coconut husk in association with Pinus oocarpa wood in the production of medium-density particleboard (MDP) panels. The experimental design consisted of four percentages of Pinus oocarpa substituted with coconut husk (25, 50, 75 and 100%) and a control condition consisting of only pinus wood. The panels were produced with a nominal density of 650 kg m−3; relation face/core/face ratio of 20:60:20; 11% and 7% urea–formaldehyde adhesive (based on the weight of the particles) on the faces and in the core, respectively; and specific pressing cycle of 3.92 MPa at 160 °C with an 8 min press time. The properties of the moisture content; thickness swelling after water immersion for 2 and 24 h; water absorption after water immersion for 2 and 24 h; internal bond; and the modulus of rupture and elastic modulus in static bending were evaluated. Increasing the amount of coconut husk in the MDP panels significantly improved water absorption properties after 2 and 24 h (WA2h and WA24h), screw holding and thickness swelling after water immersion for 2 h (TS2h), increased thickness swelling property after water immersion for 24 h (TS24h), and decreased the modulus of rupture (MOR), elastic modulus (MOE) in static bending and internal bond. The use of coconut fibers provided an improvement in the physical and thermal properties of MDP panels, and although the increase in the amount of coconut fibers reduces the mechanical properties, all treatments met the values determined by standards, being allowed to state that it is possible to produce MDP panels only with coconut fibers.

Agricultural wastes as alternative substrates in the production of conilon coffee seedlings

Research related to the use of agricultural residues as alternatives to commercial substrates has become fundamental for reducing the production costs of coffee seedlings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of residues of pepper (Piper nigrum) powder, coffee (Coffea) husk, coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber and pine (Pinus) bark as alternative substrates in the development of coffee (Coffea canephora) seedlings in tubes. The experiment was carried out at the Demuner Seedling Nursery, in the municipality of São Roque do Canaã, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments: T0- Bioplant® commercial substrate (control); and from T1 to T5, increasing proportions (%) of pepper powder and decreasing coconut fiber and pine bark (0/20/50, 10/15/45, 20/10/40, 30/5/35 and 40/0/30) and fixed proportions of coffee husk (30%). At 120 days after staking, we evaluated the plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot dry mass and root dry mass. Any of the substrates containing different proportions of agricultural residues can be used as an alternative to the commercial substrate in the production of Conilon coffee seedlings since most of the growth variables evaluated did not differ from the control. Due to the high availability of pepper powder in the region, we recommended the substrate with 40% pepper powder, 30% coffee husk and 30% pine bark.

Microwave pyrolysis of polystyrene and polypropylene mixtures using different activated carbon from biomass

In this study, microwave pyrolysis was experimented with mixed types of plastic waste. Two different plastic wastes polystyrene waste (PSW) and polypropylene waste (PPW) were used as feedstock. Carbon and activated carbon were synthesized from different biomass; rice husk (RH), corn husk (CH) and coconut sheath (CS) respectively which are used as microwave susceptors. The effect of impregnation on product yields was studied. Microwave pyrolysis at 900 W and with a polymer to an absorbent ratio of 10:1, produced the highest oil yield of 84.30 wt% when coconut sheath activated carbon (CSAC) was used as an absorbent. The reaction time was 10 min for the complete decomposition of polymer mixtures. Oil properties were determined and a high calorific value of 46.87 MJ kg−1 was obtained. These properties were compared to conventional fuel properties and the product oil has a density of 0.76 g ml−1 and viscosity of 2.4 cSt which is an equivalent fraction obtained to that of gasoline. Product oil has a styrene recovery of 67.58% from microwave pyrolysis. The results demonstrate that, microwave pyrolysis has a great potential for energy recovery from mixed plastic waste and the use of agricultural residues as absorbents enhanced the production efficiency of the process.

Development of Moulding using Sweet Sorghum Bagasse and Citric Acid: Effects of Application Method and Citric Acid Content

AbstractThe effective use of agricultural residues is desirable. In this study, the manufacturing of mouldings using sweet sorghum bagasse powder and citric acid as an adhesive was attempted. The effects of the application method and citric acid content on the bending properties and water resistance of the mouldings were investigated. Powder and liquid applications were used. The citric acid solid content based on the total weight of the mouldings was adjusted to 0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 weight percent. The dumbbell-shaped moulding was manufactured at 200°C and 4 MPa for 10 minutes. The relationship between the bending properties and citric acid content differed depending on the application method; the powder application was effective for obtaining high bending properties with a lower citric acid content. The water resistance of the moulding was greatly affected by the application method when a low citric acid content was used, and it was affected by the citric acid content when a high citric acid content was used. According to the data measured from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, it was easy to contain unreacted citric acid in the moulding with the powder application, and an ester linkage formed easily when the liquid application was used. It was suggested that the citric acid tends to work as an adhesive in the powder application, and it tends to modify the bagasse powder in the liquid application.

Investigation on Industrial Waste Eco-Friendly Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

The present study investigates the cost-effective use of agriculture residues in polymer matrix composites. The hybrid composite polymer was prepared in a vinyl ester matrix system by reinforcing bagasse, rice husk, and coconut shell. The particulates are synthesized with a wide range of combinations and fabricated using a compression molding method in the vinyl ester matrix. The reinforcement particles' weight proportion in the composite materials range (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) and their influence on mechanical, water absorption and wear properties were studied. The worn surface analysis of the hybrid composites was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that incorporating bagasse, rice husk, and coconut shell particles improved the mechanical and tribological properties. EDX and XRD techniques have been analysed.

Concentrations of cytokinin and the use of agricultural residues in the in vitro propagation media of highbush blueberry

ABSTRACT: The objective of the research was to evaluate cytokinin concentrations and agricultural residues as physical structuring agents of the culture medium in the in vitro propagation of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’). To that end, three different concentrations of 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP) (0, 5, and 10 mg L-1)in woody plant medium (WPM) and five structuring agents (in natura rice husks, carbonized rice husks, coconut fiber, S-10 Beifort®, and agar)were tested. After 60days of culture, the following parameters were evaluated: survival (%),sprout and shoot lengths (cm),propagation rate, number of sprouts, and shoot dry mass (g). The substrates used as structuring agents were analyzed in terms of pH and electrical conductivity. The in natura rice husk, S-10 Beifort®, and carbonized rice husk did not differ from the agar in terms of the sprout length. The shoots were longer (1.64 cm) in cultures within natura rice husk than in other treatments. In the absence of 2iP, S-10 Beifort® resulted in the highest propagation rate (2.97). Concerning the number of sprouts, S-10 Beifort®, in natura rice husks, and carbonized rice husks did not differ from agar. However, when the regulator was added, the agar performed better in comparison to the other residues. Thus, in natura rice husks, carbonized rice husks, and S-10 Beifort®are potential physical structuring agents of the culture medium that can be used without 2iP.