Biomass Research Articles

The Future of Wind Power Plants in Indonesia: Potential, Challenges, and Policies

Energy is one of the essential human needs that plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. Indonesia is among the countries that are highly focused on developing renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions. In addition, the government has launched various policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy, such as increased investment in biomass, geothermal, and solar power generation. Wind energy stands out as a sufficient, widely available, and an environmentally friendly alternative in renewable energy. In 2021, the Indonesian Energy Outlook highlights that Indonesia has an energy potential of 154.9 gigawatts (GWs). It is associated with minimal emissions of greenhouse gases during its operation and does not demand vast tracts of land. However, the actual installed capacity of wind power plants is at a modest 157.41 megawatts (MWs). Meanwhile, the targeted capacity is 255 MWs for 2025. One significant factor contributing to this lower-than-expected capacity is a lack of in-depth research into the potential of wind energy. Consequently, the primary aim of this paper is to conduct a thorough examination of the wind energy potential in Indonesia. This includes an analysis of the current state of both existing and upcoming power plants, as well as a review of recent studies conducted by Indonesian researchers on wind turbines. Furthermore, this paper explores the government program to encourage the sustainable development of wind power plants. It also explains various aspects including the untapped wind energy potential, the interference in developing wind power plants, and the strategy to harness the full potential of abundant renewable resources in Indonesia. Through an in-depth investigation of the potential of wind energy, this review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current conditions and prospects of wind power plants in Indonesia as well as contribute to a more accurate mapping of wind energy potential and more targeted development, specifically in remote areas, outer islands, and borders. The results obtained are expected to support Indonesia’s energy transition toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Chemical Production Based on Biomass—Potential and Limits

As the raw material transition from fossil to renewable feedstock progresses, the demand for biogenic raw materials for industrial purposes will increase. This applies above all to the energy and chemical sectors. However, the capacities for biogenic energy and carbon sources to be provided by agriculture and forestry are limited. This review examines the contribution that biogenic raw materials and CO2 from biogenic sources can make to sustainable chemical production in the EU. It analyses statistical data from the EU and studies from the chemical industry. First priority needs to be given to edible biomass for the sector of nutrition. When it comes to the industrial use of biomass, sectors should be prioritised that cannot do without carbon-supplying raw materials. This is particularly the case in the field of organic chemistry. This review focuses on bio-based organic chemical products and gives an outlook on the future of chemical production in Europe based on primary, secondary, and tertiary biomass and CO2 from biogenic sources. Finally, two new indicators for economically and ecologically sustainable industrial use of biomass are proposed. Both indicators can support the determination of the sustainability status of the sustainable integration of agriculture, forestry, residual, and biowaste management in bioeconomic value networks.

How can blue biomass contribute to a more sustainable built environment?

Abstract The implementation of a circular bioeconomy in the construction industry is a necessary strategy to tackle our global climate crisis. With any single solution having practical and environmental limitations, it is clear that creating a material palette of renewable biogenic building materials will expands access to bio-based construction. Photosynthetic organisms, including marine biomass such as seaweeds and microalgae, utilise solar energy to sequester CO₂, producing biomolecules that can be harnessed for a variety of biomaterials. Organisms such as mussels and oysters mineralise carbon into shells that are often dis-carded as residues. These second and third-generation feedstocks present an opportunity to decarbonise the construction industry. However, we need to better understand how to renew our relationship to this resource in a sustainable manner. This question seeks to explore how we can design and fabricate with, and for, blue biomass materials

Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Energy Developing Technologies in Libyan Residential Communities

These days, renewable energy is becoming increasingly vital. Renewable energy sources that are widely used include biomass, geothermal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Because solar energy is sustainable, inexpensive to operate, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels, it has displaced them. The peak demand of Libya's inadequate public electrical network, which typically happens at midday, is one of the biggest issues. This problem is more prevalent in the summer, when heat waves, higher electrical loads (overload), and decreased energy plant efficiency cause voltage decreases. It is essential to address Libya's high radiation levels around midday in order to solve this issue. It can also be helpful to research and suggest ways to integrate solar energy systems in Libyan residential communities while designing and evaluating the techno-economic implications of doing so. This study assesses the techno-economic viability of the suggested solar system, design a plan for integrating solar energy into Libyan residential areas to support the electrical grid network, and maximize the installation of supported solar systems in residential communities. Both MATLAB/Simulink and HOMER were used in the simulation process. The obtained results demonstrated Libya's residential communities' successful incorporation of solar energy systems. Three electrical loads display net present value, and the work is important for analyzing the discount payback of the three loads. In contrast to low and medium load, big system high load completion is more practical in terms of a fast payback period and will result in a financial cost return in 6.2 years. Therefore, solar energy particularly photovoltaic energy has the potential to be a very practical solution for Libya's power interruptions and oscillations.

Microalgae-Derived Carotenoid Extract and Biomass Reduce Viability, Induce Oxidative Stress, and Modulate the Purinergic System in Two Melanoma Cell Lines

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an aggressive and metastatic tumor, resulting in high mortality rates. Despite significant advances in therapeutics, the available treatments still require improvements. Thus, purinergic signaling emerged as a potential pathway to cancer therapy due to its involvement in cell communication, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition, due to safety and acceptable clinical tolerability, carotenoids from microalgae have been investigated as adjuvants in anti-melanoma therapy. Then, this work aimed to investigate the in vitro anti-melanogenic effect of carotenoid extract (CA) and total biomass (BM) of the Scenedesmus obliquus microalgae on two cutaneous melanoma cell lines (A375 and B16F10). Cells were cultivated under ideal conditions and treated with 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM of CA or BM for 24 h. The effects of the compounds on viability, oxidant status, and purinergic signaling were verified. The IC50 cell viability results showed that CA and BM decreased B16F10 viability at 24.29 μM and 74.85 μM, respectively and decreased A375 viability at 73.93 μM and 127.80 μM, respectively. Carotenoid treatment for 24 h in B16F10 and A375 cells increased the release of reactive oxygen species compared to the control. In addition, CA and BM isolated or combined with cisplatin chemotherapy (CIS) modulated the purinergic system in B16F10 and A375 cell lines through P2X7, A2AR, CD39, and 5′-nucleotidase. They led to cell apoptosis and immunoregulation by activating A2A receptors and CD73 inhibition. The results disclose that CA and BM from Scenedesmus obliquus exhibit an anti-melanogenic effect, inhibiting melanoma cell growth.

Using morphometric characters to estimate leaf productivity of seagrass Halophila major

Abstract. Darus RF, Bengen DG, Zamani NP, Ismet MS. 2024. Using morphometric characters to estimate leaf productivity of seagrass Halophila major. Biodiversitas 25: 4994-5004. Halophila major is a seagrass species with new records in Indonesia. This species was described based on morphometric characteristics and DNA sequencing. In this study, we expand our understanding about this species by looking at its leaf productivity. This study aims to determine the productivity of H. major leaves collected across various locations of Indonesian waters and analyses its relationship with morphometric characters. Morphometric characters (Leaf Length-LL, Leaf Width-LW, and Leaf Area-LA) were used to see the correlation with leaf productivity parameters, namely Leaf Dry Weight (LDW), Specific Leaf Area (SLA), Biomass (BIO), and Carbon Concentration (CS) estimated using allometric methods. The result of this study indicates that the biomass of H. major is greater than H. ovalis, its closest relative. LL and LW were more strongly correlated with LDW compared to LA. Biomass was also greatly influenced by LL and LDW. Leaf productivity variation is affected by the leaf size, suggesting that leaf productivity can be used to distinguish seagrass species under the similar genus. This study showed that allometric equations can be used quickly to assess the biomass of small seagrasses. However, more data is needed for knowing and interpreting a character in new seagrass species. Hence, this study must be replicated for other seagrass species.

Two-Phase Approach for Designing Sustainable Biomass Supply Chains for Community-Scale Biomass Power Plants in Thailand

Two-Phase Approach for Designing Sustainable Biomass Supply Chains for Community-Scale Biomass Power Plants in Thailand

Transforming Wastewater: The Power of Non-Living Fungal Biomass to Remove Heavy Metals

Transforming Wastewater: The Power of Non-Living Fungal Biomass to Remove Heavy Metals

Multi-dimensional bio mass cytometry: simultaneous analysis of cytoplasmic proteins and metabolites on single cells.

Single-cell multi-dimensional analysis enables more profound biological insight, providing a comprehensive understanding of cell physiological processes. Due to limited cellular contents, the lack of protein and metabolite amplification ability, and the complex cytoplasmic environment, the simultaneous analysis of intracellular proteins and metabolites remains challenging. Herein, we proposed a multi-dimensional bio mass cytometry platform characterized by protein signal conversion and amplification through an orthogonal exogenous enzymatic reaction. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing technology was applied in the quantification of endogenous intracellular protein glycer-aldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) through exogenous luciferase Nanoluc (Nluc). The simultaneous detection of GAPDH and hundreds of metabolites at the single-cell level was realized for the first time. Semiquantitative analysis of GAPDH together with single-cell metabolomes under S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)-induced oxidative stress was investigated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 16 metabolites that correlated positively with GAPDH expression upon oxidative stress, including long-chain fatty acids (palmitoleic acid, myristic acid, etc.) and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc). Potential synergetic functions of GAPDH and UDP-GlcNAc-mediated oxidative stress responses were also elucidated. Our work proposes a novel strategy for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of single-cell intracellular proteins and metabolites, deepens the understanding of inherent anti-oxidative stress response mechanisms, and provides the molecular fundamentals for the study of inherent biological processes.

Mechanical properties of soil reinforced by fiber and alkaline-activated rice husk ash, and rainfall erosion model tests.

Rice husk ash is an industrial waste produced by biomass power plant to generate electricity, which contains a lot of silica. The accumulation of rice husk ash not only consumes land resources, but also causes environmental pollution. It is an urgent problem to explore the resource utilization of rice husk ash. In order to reuse rice husk ash, this study focuses on the application of polypropylene fiber and alkaline activated rice husk ash to slope reinforcement. Polypropylene fiber has the advantages of good toughness and corrosion resistance. Reinforced soil can effectively improve soil toughness and mechanical properties of soil engineering. NaOH solution was selected as the alkaline activator, and rice husk ash and polypropylene fiber were used to stabilize and strengthen the clay, which was consistent with the principles of sustainable development and circular economy. Through unconfined compressive strength test, the effects of ash content, polypropylene fiber content, NaOH concentration and curing age of rice husk on soil strength characteristics were studied. In addition, the mechanical properties and curing reinforcement mechanism of alkali-activated rice husk ash fiber-reinforced soil were studied by using dry-wet cycle test, rainfall erosion model test and microstructure analysis. The results show that the curing effect is best when 5 % rice husk ash is used, and the unconfined compressive strength of rice husk ash reinforced soil is the highest when the fiber content is 0.7%. NaOH solution improve soil strength, with maximum strength observed at a concentration of 0.6mol/L. The resistance to dry-wet damage of rice husk ash fiber reinforced soil is better than that of unreinforced soil, but the strength loss after dry-wet cycle by alkali activation is greater. In addition, the surface erosion of fibrous soil slope is the smallest, and the erosion amount is much lower than that of unreinforced soil. Fiber can effectively improve the erosion resistance and slip resistance of slope. The microscopic test analysis confirms the strength test results, and the addition of 5% rice husk ash will produce more hydration products, reduce soil porosity and improve soil strength. NaOH can effectively stimulate the active ingredients in soil particles, and the hydration products produced by the reaction can effectively fill the soil pores and significantly enhance the soil strength. The staggered network structure of polypropylene fibers improves the integrity of the soil, providing significant reinforcement.

Harnessing Industrial Wastes from Biomass Power Plants for Clean Water: Efficient Arsenic Removal Using Carbonized Rice Hull and Functional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (CRH-F-ION)

Harnessing Industrial Wastes from Biomass Power Plants for Clean Water: Efficient Arsenic Removal Using Carbonized Rice Hull and Functional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (CRH-F-ION)

Thermodynamic analysis of pump thermal energy storage system with different working fluid coupled biomass power plant

Thermodynamic analysis of pump thermal energy storage system with different working fluid coupled biomass power plant

Biomass‐Derived Carbon Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Applications in Textile Wastewater Treatment, Sensors, Energy Storage, and Conversion Technologies

ABSTRACTPlant life has dominated this planet from the beginning of time. With over 82% of biomass (BM) coming from plants, primarily trees, plants are the dominant form of life on Earth. BM represents a readily available, ecologically favorable, and renewable low‐cost carbon source. Its rational disposal has emerged as a critical challenge in modern times due to its widespread generation from farming, manufacturing, and forestry activities. Nanotechnology (NT) has enormous potential for a wide range of BM‐related applications, including BM development, processing technique, modification, and utilization. Richard Feynman, a physicist who later won the Nobel Prize in Physics, presented a discussion in 1959 titled “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” This address was the beginning of the New Theory of Physics, which is NT, where he discusses the potential of NT for manipulating matter at the atomic level. In recent years, there has been a significant surge in interest surrounding carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), specifically carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene. These materials have captured the interest of researchers due to their extraordinary characteristics and widespread applications. Utilizing BM as a source shows great potential in creating functional carbon materials (CMs) due to its sustainability, affordability, and high carbon content. Nowadays, CNMs derived from BM have been a popular area of study. Various structures, synthesis techniques, and widespread applications of CNMs have been documented. Thus, this review provides a detailed overview that outlines the latest technological advancements in the fabrication of BM‐derived CMs. It also studies the production of high‐value‐added CNMs from BM and delves into the utilization of BM‐based CNMs as a precursor for textile wastewater treatment. Furthermore, this study also outlines the progress of BM‐derived CNMs in supercapacitors (SCs), sensors, battery electrode materials, fuel cells (FCs), and E‐textiles, showcasing their pivotal role in advancing sustainable technologies for the future.

Heavy Metal Spatial Variation Mechanism and Ecological Health Risk Assessment in Volcanic Island Soils: A Case Study of Weizhou Island, China

Heavy metals in volcanic island soils are key for assessing pollution risks and guiding environmental management strategies. However, research on heavy metals in volcanic island soils remains limited. In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr) in surface soil samples from Weizhou Island, China, were determined using ICP-OES, with average concentrations of 59.18 mg/kg, 119.06 mg/kg, 35.63 mg/kg, and 159.78 mg/kg, respectively. The basalt profiles generally exhibit higher heavy metal content and pH values compared to volcaniclastic rock profiles, as basalt accumulates higher concentrations of heavy metals. However, surface soils over volcaniclastic rocks show significantly higher heavy metal concentrations than those over basalt, indicating spatial variability in metal accumulation. Heavy metal concentrations in Weizhou Island soils are notably elevated at both the western wharf and the island’s tail, both characterized by volcaniclastic rock lithology, with human activities further increasing concentrations at the western wharf compared to the island’s tail. Land use types influence heavy metal content, with higher concentrations in abandoned land and lower concentrations in forest land with dense vegetation and organic matter. Principal component analysis reveals that heavy metals are primarily derived from natural parent material, with the first two principal components comprising 59.77% of the variance. Ecological risk assessment indicates that Weizhou Island soil is generally considered relatively clean, but Pb presents an ecological hazard, with 86.54% of the sites at risk. Overall, heavy metals in volcanic island soil mainly come from natural sources but lead contamination and human-impacted areas require attention.

Innovation of Aluminum Waste Fuel Stove

Innovation of Aluminum Waste Fuel Stove

Knoevenagel Condensation Catalyzed by Biogenic Carbonates for the Solvent-Free Synthesis of 3-(Furan-2-yl)acrylonitrile Derivatives

Calcium and barium carbonates were synthesized via biologically induced mineralization using Bacillus subtilis. The biogenic materials were characterized by using infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. These biogenic carbonates were then tested as basic heterogenous catalysts for the solvent-free Knoevenagel reaction between 5-HMF derivatives and active methylene compounds, producing 3-(furan-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives in 71–87% yields. Optimal catalytic performance was achieved with a 50:50 Ca:Ba ratio, attributed to the synergistic interaction between baritocalcite and vaterite, which enhances the availability of active basic sites and surface interactions. This method offers operational simplicity, reduced reaction times, good yields, excellent (E)-selectivity, and minimal catalyst loading.

Outlook for Sustainable Utilization of Agricultural Waste and Biomass Fuel and Materials Production

The reasonable and effective treatment and utilization of agricultural production waste is an effective way to deal with energy depletion and climate change. Agricultural waste, including crop straw, livestock manure, agricultural film, pesticide packaging, the waste if improperly handled, can lead to soil, water and air pollution, like remains in agricultural land contains various chemical elements of crop straw and livestock manure, if improperly handled will cause irreversible of soil erosion and pollution. Through resource utilization, these wastes can be converted into organic fertilizers, bioenergy, feed or other valuable products, thus reducing environmental pollution, improving the efficiency of resource utilization, and promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. This study will discuss the technical progress of the treatment mode of agricultural waste in the current technical field, and find out the shortcomings and challenges of the existing technology. China, India, America, Japan, Thailand and many other countries are stepping up their research on biomass energy. The development and utilization of agricultural biomass have a strong competitiveness in the energy market.

Selecting the Best Power Generation Technologies by Using Multi Criteria Decision Making Analysis

The increasing demand for electric power is prompting engineers to consider sustainable energy production systems in Europe. Challenges include energy supply security, affordability, material efficiency, and environmental protection. Based on a number of variables, this study seeks to determine which sustainable technologies are most effective for producing electricity. Numerous competing criteria are present in the sources of energy production; multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM) were applied, and the analysis was conducted using the MULTIMOORA, VIKOR, and TOPSIS methodologies. The results of the MULTI MOORA method revealed the best biomass (CHP) power plants; via VIKOR, the best technology for producing electricity was condensing turbine coal; and for TOPSIS, the best technology was solar photovoltaics. These findings demonstrated that future energy policy should be focused on sustainable energy technologies.

Physicochemical, Antioxidant Characteristics and Sensory Evaluation of Functional Pro-Biogenic Ice Cream.

Pro-biogenic is a recent terminology widely used for products that combine biogenic materials and probiotics which has made progressive improvement in a new era of research on functional foods. This study aimed to develop functional ice cream with Bacillus coagulans and propolis extract (PE) as a biogenic part to develop ice cream's physiochemical and antioxidant characteristics. Five probiotic ice cream samples were prepared using different levels of PE powder (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% w/w), and the physicochemical, total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant and sensory properties, and probiotic survival of the samples were examined. The study found that PE levels did not significantly impact fat, protein, carbohydrate, and ash content, overrun, melting rate, and adhesiveness of probiotic ice cream, but increased dry matter, apparent viscosity, and hardness. Adding PE to freeze-storage samples significantly (p < 0.05) reduced pH and improved TPC and antioxidant activity. The prepared ice cream containing probiotic bacteria and PE extracts, despite their darker and yellower color, were acceptable based on sensory evaluation. Furthermore, the survival of probiotic bacteria in the ice cream, with different levels of PE appeared to be in acceptable limits (107 CFU/g). The findings of the research indicated that the pro-biogenic ice cream has good functionality and incorporating a PE aside probiotic could improve physiochemical and antioxidant characteristics which can be used as a value-added ingredient in the formulation of functional pro-biogenic ice creams.

Occupational exposure to carcinogenic wood dust in two Italian biomass power plants.

In this study we monitored exposure to airborne dust in workers performing various tasks at two biomass-fuelled thermal power plants (27 and 46 MW) over six years. The plants are mainly fuelled by forest wood chips and, to a lesser extent, by agro-food products, with annual consumption of about 300 and 450 kt. We focused on inhalable wood dust because of its potential carcinogenicity to humans. Worker exposure was assessed with personal samplers, drawing ambient air in their breathing zone to determine the real external dose of dust inhaled by the workers and the associated occupational risk. With but a few exceptions, exposure to inhalable wood dust complies to the limit of 2 mg/m3 given by the European Directives 2019/130 and 2017/2398. Further investigations will be necessary to obtain a larger number of measurements that allow for a more robust statistical investigation of the results.