Wheat Straw Biomass Research Articles

Application of thermodynamic equilibrium modelling to predict slagging and fouling tendencies of bituminous coal and wheat straw blends

The combustion or co-combustion of biomass or alternative fuels is important in the energy sector because of the need to reduce the share of fossil fuels. This article is a continuation of previous studies on the behaviour of the mineral matter of selected fuels during the sintering processes. The blends of wheat straw biomass from Polish crops (WS) with bituminous coal from the Makoszowa mine (BC) were studied. The study included proximate and ultimate analysis and oxide analysis of ash blends with the following composition: 10wt% WS/90wt%BC, 25wt% WS/75wt%BC and 50wt% WS/50wt%BC. Based on the oxide content, a prediction (using FactSage 8.0 software) of the sintering process of the mixtures tested. The following parameters were determined: slag phase content, specific heat at constant pressure, and ash density. The fracture stresses tests were carried out using the mechanical test. Pressure tests were also performed using the pressure drop test method. The test results of all test methods used were compared with each other. On the basis of this comparison, a clear correlation was found between the sintering temperatures determined by the mechanical method and the pressure drop method and the physical properties of the ashes, such as density and heat capacity, as well as the chemical properties, i.e. the content of the slag phase. The results of the presented research are a valuable addition to the previous work of the authors. The goal of this work is to develop a precise and measurably simple method to determine the sintering temperature of ashes. This is an extremely important issue, especially in the case of the need to use a wide range of fuels in the energy industry.

Comparison of pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion processes for wheat straw biomass

Due to the growing interest in using biomass as a renewable energy source, this study presents a comparative analysis between two prominent biomass conversion technologies—anaerobic digestion and biomass pyrolysis—focused on wheat straw biomass. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficiency, energy output, and environmental impact. Anaerobic digestion was performed under mesophilic conditions (35 ± 0.5 °C) using the biochemical methanogenic potential (BMP) methodology. Pyrolysis was conducted through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine the thermal behaviour and kinetic parameters of the biomass. Biogas production led to better energetic results as high methane yields of over 11 mL CH₄ g⁻¹ VS were obtained. Additionally, the integration of both processes was considered by subjecting digestate from anaerobic digestion to pyrolysis process. Key findings demonstrate that the activation energy (Ea) for wheat straw ranged from 166.49 to 176.42 kJ·mol−1 across different kinetic methods, indicating its suitability for pyrolysis. In contrast, digestates exhibited significantly lower activation energies, with 1-week, 2-weeks, and 3-weeks digestates showing ranges of 53.27–60.79 kJ·mol−1, 38.69–46.86 kJ·mol−1, and 46.29–72.34 kJ·mol−1, respectively. These results suggest that anaerobic digestion not only produces biogas but also yields a byproduct with potential for efficient pyrolytic conversion suggesting opportunities for integrated waste management and renewable energy production systems.

Processing wheat straw into a near-infrared light selective transmission film

This research focuses on the development of near-infrared light selective transmission film (NIR-LSTF) utilizing wheat straw biomass, extracting lignocellulose and lignin through the acetic acid method. Employing a hydrogel-based approach, lignin was encapsulated and underwent self-assembly both within and atop the hydrogel, enabling initial integration with cellulose. Hot pressing facilitated the thorough amalgamation of lignin into the cellulose matrix, enhancing the NIR-LSTF's resistance to environmental wear and creating a dense structure that minimizes light loss and reflection, thus outperforming traditional materials in optical efficiency and functionality. Moreover, the presence of lignin imparts the material with unique selective absorption characteristics, effectively blocking nearly all ultraviolet light and visible light (approximately 100 % at 610 nm and 78 % at 780 nm), while maintaining a high transmittance rate (∼90 %) in the near-infrared spectrum. This property underscores the films' significant potential in applications demanding near-infrared transparency. The efficacy of NIR-LSTF in the realms of infrared surveillance and privacy protection was assessed, yielding favorable experimental outcomes. This study paves a new pathway for the valorization of agricultural waste biomass within the near-infrared optical domain.

In-Depth Study on Synergic Interactions and Thermo-Kinetic Analysis of (Wheat Straw and Woody Sawdust) Biomass Co-Pyrolysis over Mussel Shell-Derived CaO Catalyst Using Coats–Redfern Method

The behavior of wheat straw biomass (WS), woody sawdust biomass (WB), and their blends during catalytic co-pyrolysis are analyzed in the presence of CaO catalyst, which is obtained from the calcination of mussel shells. Synergy analysis of blends and pure materials is measured by studying the difference between theoretical and experimental values of wt.%/min, (RL%), and (WL%), which correspond to maximum weight loss rate, residue left, and weight loss, respectively. The Coats–Redfern method is utilized for evaluating the thermo-kinetic properties. The chemical reaction order model F1 is the best model that describes the Ea of 60.05 kJ/mol and ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S values of 55.03 kJ/mol, 162.26 kJ/mol, and −0.18 kJ/mol.K, respectively, for the optimum blend 80WS−20WB, reducing the thermo-kinetic properties. Model D3 showed better results for the Ea, ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S for the 5% CaO blend, which certified the viability of co-pyrolysis of WS and WB, while DTG indicated that exothermic and endothermic reactions occur together.

Exploring a facile preparation method for Co-Ni/MoS2-derived nanohybrid from wheat straw extract and its physicochemical properties.

This study presents a novel approach for the fabrication of a Co,Ni/MoS2-derived nanohybrid material using wheat straw extract. The facile synthesis method involves a sol-gel process, followed by calcination, showcasing the potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable reducing and chelating reagent. The as-prepared nanohybrid has been characterized using different techniques to analyse its physicochemical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanohybrid material, identifying the presence of NiMoO4, CoSO4 and Mo17O47 as its components. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy differentiated the functional groups present in the wheat straw biomass and those in the nanohybrid material, highlighting the formation of metal-oxide and sulphide bonds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a heterogeneous morphology with agglomerated structures and a grain size of around 70 nm in the nanohybrid. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis shows the composition of elements with weight percentages of (Mo) 9.17%, (S) 6.21%, (Co) 12.48%, (Ni) 12.18% and (O) 50.46% contributing to its composition. Electrochemical analysis performed through cyclic voltammetry showcased the exceptional performance of the nanohybrid material as compared with MoS2, suggesting its possible applications for designing biosensors and related technologies. Thus, the research study presented herein underscores the efficient utilization of natural resources for the development of functional nanomaterials with promising applications in various fields. This study paves a way for manufacturing innovation along with advancement of novel synthesis method for sustainable nanomaterial for future technological developments.

The Synergetic Reduction of the Condensation Degree of Dissolved Lignin (DL) during the Refining Process of Wheat Straw Biomass Based on the MA/O3 System.

Lignin, a natural pol2ymer with a complex structure that is difficult to separate, is prone to C-C bond condensation during the separation process. To reduce the condensation of lignin, here, a novel method is proposed for separating the components by using a combination of maleic acid (MA)/ozone (O3) to co-treat wheat straw. The removal of lignin, glucan, and xylan was 38.07 ± 0.2%, 31.44 ± 0.1%, and 71.98 ± 0.1%, respectively, under the conditions of ball-milling of wheat straw for 6 h, reaction temperature of 60 °C, and O3 holding time of 9 min. Lignin-rich solutions were collected to extract the dissolved lignin (DL) after washing the treated samples. The DL obtained under MA/O3 conditions had a carboxyl group (-COOH) content of 2.96 mmol/g. The carboxyl group of MA underwent esterification with the hydroxyl group (-OH) at the γ position of lignin and O3 reacted on the positions of the lignin side chain or the phenolic ring, resulting in a break in the side chain and the opening of the phenolic ring to introduce the carboxyl group. The 2D-HSQC-NMR results revealed that the phenolic ring-opening reaction of lignin in the presence of O3 was essentially free of β-β and β-5 condensation bonds.

Catalyst‐free pretreatment of raw wheat straw by atmospheric‐pressure pulsed air discharge for enhancement of sugar production

AbstractThis study presents atmospheric‐pressure plasma as a novel catalyst‐free pretreatment method for raw wheat straw (RWS) biomass. The work explores the effects of processing parameters, such as milled particle size, moisture content of RWS, and plasma generations, on pretreatment efficiency. To understand the mechanisms behind the enhanced pretreatment efficiency, various analysis techniques were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties of RWS before and after pretreatment. The analysis reveals that plasma pretreatment significantly damages the surface smoothness of RWS and enhances the decomposition of lignocellulosic structures. These effects are primarily attributed to the reactive species generated by the pulsed discharge, rather than the accompanying UV radiation, acidification, or heating actions during plasma pretreatment.

Harnessing the power of waste in a poly-output system transforming biomass feedstocks into sustainable Bio-H2, O2, electricity, and heating

The use of biomass as a renewable source for biohydrogen production offers both environmental and economic advantages. A novel multi-generation system has been developed and modeled to generate biohydrogen, along with other energy outputs such as hydrogen storage, power, hot water, and hot air. This integrated system incorporates a gas turbine cycle, a proton exchange membrane, and a supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle. After validating the model, the performance of the systems fueled by olive refuse and wheat straw biomasses has been evaluated. The system using wheat straw biomass produces more biohydrogen (39 g/min compared to 33 g/min), oxygen (307 g/min compared to 260 g/min), and power (316 kW compared to 268 kW). Conversely, the system using olive refuse biomass emits lower carbon dioxide (8.38 g/kWmin compared to 8.94 g/kWmin) and provides higher efficiency (76.8% compared to 65.9%). These findings demonstrate the versatility of the novel multi-generation system in harnessing different biomass types for biohydrogen production and other energy applications, while balancing environmental and economic considerations.

Novel integration and optimization of reliable photovoltaic and biomass integrated system for rural electrification

The novel concept of using hybrid renewable resources to provide clean energy helps to address the unique shortcomings of each renewable source. This study describes an innovative concept about the design of optimal grid PV/biomass 100 % renewable and fully reliable energy systems without considering energy storage devices. By leveraging community solar and biomass resources, the proposed system can power remote villages with a minimum cost of energy. Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) is employed to perform an optimal procedure. The PV-biomass deployment project's economic viability is assessed using financial metrics such as net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE). In order to install a hybrid system at the chosen site, the optimal configuration (PV 87 kW, biomass1 29 kW, and biomass2 125 kW) was examined. The NPC, COE, and total system cost, in this configuration, are $118,942, $0.02/kWh, and $892,892, respectively. The combined yearly consumption of the biomass1 and biomass2 generators is 704.81 tons of wheat straw. The total annual CO2 emissions of the PV, biomass1, and biomass2 generators in this system are avoided by 729.5 tons. The findings clearly demonstrate that the suggested approach can manage a reliable power flow with a suitable configuration. The solar PV and biomass system examined in this study will probably be a specialized solution in regions with abundant biomass resources; nevertheless, it offers a reliable starting point for the creation of larger-scale bioenergy value chains with the long-term objective of generating electricity from wheat straw biomass materials.

Optimization and Techno-Economic analysis of catalytic gasification of wheat straw biomass using ASPEN PLUS model

Biomass gasification efficiently produces heat, electricity, and power. However, removing harmful contaminants from raw syngas is crucial. Tar production is a challenge due to blockage, plugging, and corrosion. Tar steam reforming (TSR) is the most promising technique, converting high molecular weight hydrocarbons into CO, CO2, H2, and CH4. In this study, a model of biomass gasification using wheat straw as biomass feedstock has been developed using Aspen Plus. The gasification flow sheet encompasses gasification, catalytic filter candle, gas cleaning, impurity removal reactor, separator, and subsequent sorbent reactors. Ni-based catalysts with Ni ratios (5%, 10%, and 15%) are used to simulate TSR reactions. Results show that the 15% Ni-Co-Al2O3 catalyst outperforms the 10% and 5% Ni-Co-Al2O3 catalysts. This study explores the impact of temperature, catalyst loadings, and steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratios on toluene conversion and hydrogen yield in catalytic steam reforming, along with temperature, steam-to-biomass ratios, and equivalence ratio on syngas fraction in gasification. It includes a techno-economic analysis of wheat straw gasification to improve syngas energy through efficient tar conversion.

Agglomeration behaviour of various biomass fuels under different air staging conditions in fluidised bed technology for renewable energy applications

The most common technology for thermochemical conversion of solid fuel through the process of gasification, such as coal, varieties of residues from biomass and agriculture are the bubbling fluidised bed or fluidised bed systems. However, there are some disadvantages within these systems including the formation of eutectic mixtures, increased process of melting and bed agglomeration. Hence, the current study aimed to evaluate the agglomeration behaviour of various biomass fuels. Characteristics of five biomass fuels (miscanthus, peanut, straw, domestic wood and industrial wood) in a bubbling fluidised bed (BFB) combustor were studied by SEM-EDX, XRD and XRF analysis of bed materials and ash samples. The influence of bed temperatures on the fuel ash composition and bed particles was evaluated, as well as fuel ash components, their interaction with the particles from the bed sand and morphology of the bed material. The combustion efficiency ranged from 95.5 to 99.5% with the highest value obtained for miscanthus under SA conditions. The peanut and straw had the highest K content, whereas the industrial wood ash contained the highest Ca content compared to other biomasses. The XRF results showed that most of the potassium (K) from the wheat straw biomass was converted to K2O with 19%. No bed agglomeration was noticed without staging-air (WSA) and with staging-air (SA) combustion conditions, even with temperatures up to 850 °C during the testing period. Overall obtained results demonstrated that agglomeration is unlikely expected to be a major problem during fluidised bed combustion of tested biomass fuels.

Bioconversion of hemicellulosic fraction of wheat straw biomass to bioethanol by Scheffersomyces stipitis: A kLa-based scale-up study

The potent utilization of hemicellulosic fraction, which comprises one-third of carbohydrates in lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), is vital to strengthen the bioethanol production from it. Most studies on bioethanol production from LCB focused on cellulosic fraction only, or very low ethanol productivity is reported from hemicellulosic fraction. The present study investigated a process to convert the hemicellulosic fraction of wheat straw biomass to bioethanol effectively using Scheffersomyces stipitis. This work aimed to develop and demonstrate a systematic approach for scaling up the fermentation process, keeping the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) nearly constant in different scale bioreactors. It was found that 99.11±0.13% of synthetic xylose and 99.04±0.10% of lignocellulosic xylose were converted to bioethanol with a yield and productivity of 0.4706±0.0022 g/g and 1.5325±0.0020 g/Lh; 0.4290±0.0030 g/g and 0.7399±0.0043 g/Lh, respectively at an optimum kLa of 0.5776 (0.5735, 0.5817) min−1 and 0.6924 (0.6887, 0.6961) min−1, respectively in a 0.5 L bioreactor. After that, these optimum kLa were validated in 1 L and 5 L bioreactors. The successful kLa validation revealed that the hemicellulosic fraction of lignocellulosic biomass could also be well utilized for bioethanol production.

Effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical performance of wheat straw biomass ash modified soil

In cold regions, freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) can alter the properties of soil used as a foundation filler, leading to failures in foundation engineering. The increase in biomass power plants has resulted in a significant amount of waste biomass ash, causing negative environmental impacts. To address these issues, waste wheat straw biomass ash (WSBA) is harnessed to enhance the properties of silty clays. This study examines how WSBA affects the mechanical properties and microstructure of silty clay after FTCs through FTCs tests, Triaxial tests, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) tests. The findings reveal that incorporating WSBA significantly enhances the mechanical properties and microstructure of the soil by filling internal pores and strengthening its structure. The mechanical properties of all soil samples exhibit significant deterioration after 1 FTC, with gradual stabilization ensuing after 6 FTCs. Notably, WSBA-modified samples show better resistance to freeze-thaw weathering compared to unmodified samples, particularly at a WSBA content of 10%. Furthermore, the study establishes empirical formulas linking mechanical parameters, freeze-thaw cycles, and WSBA content using binary quadratic equations. The investigation results could serve as a valuable reference for projects involving roadway subgrade backfill materials in regions with seasonal frozen soil.

Biodegradable films from the lignocellulosic fibers of wheat straw biomass and the effect of calcium ions

Plastics are hazardous to human health, and plastic waste results in environmental pollution and ecological catastrophe. Biobased polymers from renewable sources have recently become promising for developing biodegradable packaging films. Among them, lignocellulosic residue from agricultural biomass is inexpensive, renewable, and biodegradable. This study aims to develop biodegradable films using lignocellulosic residue from wheat straw biomass. The methodology is a green process that solubilizes lignocellulosic chains using Zn2+ ions and crosslinks with Ca2+ ions of different concentrations (200–800 mM). The results reveal that the increase of Ca2+ ions significantly decreases moisture content, water solubility, water vapor permeability, transparency, and elongation of films. The tensile strength is recorded as 6.61 ± 0.07 MPa with the addition of 800 mM of CaCl2, which is approximately 2.5 times higher than commercial polyethylene films. Around 90 % of films biodegrade within a month in soil containing 20 % moisture content. Overall, lignocellulosic residue from wheat straw biomass could be an excellent replacement for synthetic polymer to fabricate strong, transparent, and biodegradable plastic films.

Removing Norfloxacin from Aqueous Solutions Using Biochar Derived from Waste Disposable Bamboo Chopsticks

The presence of antibiotics in water environments increases the resistance of bacterial and can also cause irreversible damage to ecosystems and the human body. In this study, disposable bamboo chopsticks were used as raw material to prepare bamboo biochar (BB) via oxygen-limited pyrolysis to remove norfloxacin (NOR) from aqueous solutions. The properties of the BB were explained through the characterization of its SBET, morphology, structure, and functional groups. The effects of the dosage, pH, ionic strength, and water type on the removal of NOR using BB were investigated. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacities (Qmax) of NOR removed by BB at 25, 35, and 45 °C obtained using the Langmuir model were 76.17, 77.22, and 105.19 mg/g, respectively. To facilitate a comparison with other types of biochar, this study also prepared biochar of rice straw, wheat straw, soybean straw, corn straw, rape straw, peanut shell, Eichhornia crassipes, and other biomass raw materials under the same preparation conditions as the BB. The results demonstrated that the removal rate of NOR using BB was the highest under the same adsorption conditions, reaching 99.71%. Biochar from waste disposable bamboo chopsticks can be used for the treatment of new types of pollutants in water bodies, such as antibiotics and other organic contaminants, which will help to achieve sustainable solid waste management.

OPTIMIZATION OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION FOR AGRICULTURAL CROPS UPON ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF FRESH ORGANIC MATTER TO THE SOIL

Objective. Using biological testing, determine the environmental appropriate rates of mineralnitrogen, applied in the background of effect and aftereffect of straw and biomass of intermediatelupine green manure, in the fertilization system of potatoes and spring barley. Methods. Field experiment (growing crops in crop rotation in the conditions of a long-term (since 2009) stationaryexperiment on leached chornozem); gas chromatographic (to determine the potential nitrogenfixing (nitrogenase) and potential denitrifying activities in the rhizosphere soil of plants dependingon the fertilizer); statistical. Results. With the systematic application of fresh organic matter to thesoil in the form of 5.0 t/ha of straw and 5.3 t/ha of dry biomass of intermediate lupine green manure, the excess of nitrogen mineral compounds is metabolically bound (immobilized) by microorganisms, the process of nitrogen fixation is restored, the emission of N2O decreases, and the ratesof mineral fertilizers not exceeding N80P80K80 become environmentally appropriate when growingpotatoes. At the same time, the introduction of straw does not require additional provision of mineral nitrogen to optimize the C/N ratio. The highest rate of mineral fertilizers N120P120K120 in theexperiment, even when combined with organic matter for a long time is environmentally inappropriate — only at the end of the growing season, the studied indicators demonstrate its acceptability.When growing spring barley on leached chornozem, the optimization of the processes of biologicaltransformation of nitrogen compounds is achieved if mineral fertilizers are applied on the background of aftereffect of organic matter in a rate not exceeding N60P60K60. Systemic application ofN90P90K90 suppresses the activity of nitrogen fixation and ensures significant losses of nitrous oxide.This rate of fertilizers should be applied only on the condition that it is applied against the background of the aftereffect of straw and green manure mass, which contributes to the mitigation ofenvironmental consequences. Conclusion. The use of mineral fertilizers against the backgroundof systematic application of winter wheat straw and intermediate lupine green manure biomass tothe soil contributes to the optimization of the biological state of the leached chornozem. The improvement of environmental indicators contributes to the growth of the yield of agricultural crops.

CONTENT OF MICRO ELEMENTS IN CEREAL AND LEGUME STRAW UNDER THE BIOTECHNOLOGY OF ITS COMPOSTING

In case the conditions for collecting and storing cereal or leguminous straw are violated, a large part of it becomes unsuitable for use as bedding or a component of the diet for a number of farm animals. Based on the fact that farms can accumulate a significant amount of unusable straw, the problem of effective utilization of this spoiled biomass arises. From an economic and ecological point of view, the method of recycling spoiled straw of various origins into biofertilizer by fermentation using various symbiotic conglomerates of microorganisms is effective. Regulated fermentation improves the mineralization of organic waste and increases the efficiency of straw use in bioconversion units. The problem of the effect of different doses of the domestic biodestructor on the content of microelements in composted oat, wheat and pea straw is not sufficiently studied. Samples of spoiled straw were taken for the experiments, which were fermented in the control group (without introduction of the microbiological preparation) and with introduction of the preparation in doses of 7.0; 14.0 and 28.0 cm3/t. The content of Manganese, Ferrum, Copper, Zinc, and Cobalt was determined in the straw of fermented cereals and legumes. As a result of composting of pea straw, an increase in the content of Ferrum in the biomass was found. With the use of the largest dose of the biodestructor, an increase in the Ferum content by 9.1% compared to the control one was established. The use of a biodestructor affects the growth of Zinc content in pea straw. Fermentation of this biomass at biodestructor doses of 14.0 and 28.0 cm3/t contributes to an increase in its Zinc content, respectively, by 20.9 and 25.5 % relative to the control group. With an increase in the dose of the biodestructor in the straw during its composting, the Manganese content increases in comparison with the indicator in the control group. The content of Cuprum in pea straw is affected by the dose of biodestructor during composting. The use of a biodestructor at a dose of 28.0 cm3/t leads to an increase within the limits of statistical significance in the content of Cuprum in pea straw. It was established that in experimental groups I, II and III, the Cobalt content in fermented pea straw was higher than in the control one by 5.5, 16.6 and 27.7%, respectively.
 With the use of biodestructor in doses of 14.0 and 28.0 cm3/t, a tendency to increase the Ferrum content in wheat straw has been established. The content of Zinc in composted wheat straw biomass from II and III experimental groups increased by a statistically significant value compared to the control one and the indicator in unfermented wheat straw. Fermentation with the participation of a biodestructor contributed to the increase of Manganese in wheat straw. Manganese content in fermented wheat straw has been increased by a statistically significant value relative to the indicator in the control one. Investigating the content of Copper, it has been found that fermentation leads to an increase in the experimental groups of this element, respectively, by 5.5; 16.6 and 27.7 % compared to the control one. In the variants where a biodestructor was used for composting in doses of 14.0 and 28.0 cm3/t, the increase in Cobalt in wheat straw relative to the control one was statistically significant. The highest Ferrum content was found in the fermented mass of spoiled oat straw in the III experimental group where a biodestructor at a dose of 28.0 cm3/t was used for fermentation. During the composting of oat straw, it has been found that the higher the dose of biodestructor, the higher the content of Zinc and Manganese in the biomass. In the II and III research groups due to fermentation, the concentration of Copper in oat straw increased by 18.5 and 37.0 %, respectively, compared to the control indicators. The use of a biodestructor is accompanied by a tendency to increase the content of Cobalt in oat straw compared to the option where composting took place without a biodestructor. Thus, it has been established that composting oat, wheat, and pea straw with the use of a biodestructor contributes to the intensity of its mineralization.

A multi-criteria decision study with sensitivity analysis on a tri-generation system based on gas turbine fueled by wheat straw biomass

Wheat straw biomass plays a key role in the field of energy and developing different energy systems. A tri-generation system of power, hot air, and hot water has been developed and modeled in this research work based on a gas turbine unit fueled by wheat straw biomass. Although air usually is utilized as a combustion agent, this study has focused on the air, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and steam agents as the combustion agent in the gas turbine unit and compared their performances with respect to energy and environmental viewpoints. A multi-criteria decision-making analysis based on a sensitivity analysis has been carried out to compare the system performances in two cases of base case and normalized case (performance per mole of input agent). In base case, the system based on the steam agent has produced the maximum power (204.5 kW) and hot air (439 m3/min) and is the most efficient system (46.8 %) and has emitted the lowest emission (12.91 g/kW.min). This system was the best system according to the sensitivity analysis in the base case. In normalized case, the system based on the carbon dioxide agent has presented the best performance according to the sensitivity analysis because it requires the minimum required input agent. Normalized power of 24.6 kW/mol, normalized hot air of 0.65 m3/mol, and normalized hot water of 0.25 L/mol are presented by the system based on carbon dioxide.

Eggplant growth in wheat straw-, wheat straw biochar- and compost-amended soils: a field study of CO2 emission dynamics, soil physicochemical, microbial, and nutrient effects

The growth of eggplant (Pusa Safed Baingan-1) was studied during the semi-arid (March to June) and humid sub-tropical (July to September) seasons of New Delhi, India. The individual effects of wheat straw biomass (WSBM), wheat straw biochar (WSBC) and compost versus the combined effect of WSBM plus compost and WSBC plus compost were determined under field conditions. The amendments were made at two different application rates: 1 wt% and 2 wt%. WSBC was successfully prepared in a proprietary kachcha reactor (Indian patent no. 380921), designed using locally sourced clay. Amendments were characterized using elemental analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron (TEM) microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The field study was conducted in 11 (1x1-meter) plots with two replicates. Basic soil health parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), water holding capacity (WHC), bulk density (BD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil total nitrogen (STN), soil available nitrogen (SAN), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil available phosphorus (SAP), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and mineral contents are analyzed. Observable plant growth characteristics (germination percentage, height, number of leaves, fruits, and plant biomass) were also recorded. Biochar amendment was most beneficial for enhancing the majority of these parameters. With respect to the control, a 20% decrease in bulk density, a 30% increase in water holding capacity, a 122% increase in organic carbon, a 175% increase in total nitrogen, a 23% increase in available nitrogen, and a 473% increase in available phosphorus were recorded. Furthermore, with respect to the control, a 115% increase in CEC was recorded using the compost amendment vs 84% with WSBC. Synergism between biochar and compost was reflected by high germination percentage (44%), number of fruits (600%), plant biomass weight (243%) and soil microbial biomass carbon (286%). Biomass amendment failed to show any positive influence. In summary, biochar emerges as a superior choice compared to both biomass and compost when it comes to soil amendments.

Physical and chemical indicators of wheat straw fermented with a biodestructor of domestic production

Cereal straw, including wheat one, is widely used in animal husbandry. Wheat straw is used as bedding and a component of rations. Violation of storage conditions and excessive volumes of harvesting causes a large mass of straw to deteriorate every year, which has a negative impact on the environment. Uncontrolled rotting of straw increases the amount of gas emissions into the air. An effective way of disposing of spoiled wheat straw is its fermentation using biological preparations to obtain biocompost. The problem of the effectiveness of composting spoiled wheat straw using the domestic biodestructor BTU-CENTER remains unexplored. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of different doses of the BTU-CENTER biodestructor on the physical and chemical parameters of fermented wheat straw. For the experiment, 4 groups of piles were formed. In the piles from the control group, straw composting was carried out without the use of a biodestructor. A biodestructor was added to the straw from the 1st experimental group at the rate of 7.0 cm3/t of biomass with a moisture content of 65.5 %. Spoiled straw in the II and III experimental groups was treated with a biodestuctor solution, providing its doses in the range of 14.0 and 28.0 cm3/t. Aeration of the piles was carried out by stirring the straw periodically every 8 days. During composting, the temperature of the straw biomass in the middle of the piles was determined. The content of crude protein, Phosphorus, Calcium and Nitrogen was determined in the fermented straw. It has been established that the heating of straw in the piles started from the second day of composting. An increase in the temperature of the biomass in the experimental piles was observed up to the 12th day, and in the control group up to the 14th day of composting. It was found that the higher the dose of the biodestructor used during straw processing, the higher the temperature in the middle of the piles. In the III experimental group, on the 12th day of composting, the highest straw temperature was established in the middle of the piles. The difference with control, I and II experimental groups was 21.4; 15.9 and 4.1 % respectively. The longest fermentation of wheat straw under the thermophilic regime was established in the group where the highest dose of biodestructor was used – 18 days. It has been proved that the use of high doses of the biodestructor increases the content of crude protein, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Calcium in the fermented wheat straw biomass relatively to the control one.