Biomass energy

A demanda nacional por energia elétrica e combustíveis renováveis tem projeção de crescimento em torno de 3,5 a 5,0% ao ano até 2020 SORGO..., 2016), bem como há uma pressão mundial para a produção de energia limpa, buscando-se alcançar o desenvolvimento sustentável . Nesse sentido, o uso de material vegetal para a geração ou cogeração de energia elétrica e para a produção de combustíveis renováveis é uma alternativa que vai ao encontro dos anseios da sociedade. O processo envolvido na produção da energia a partir desta matéria-prima reduz o volume de emissões de gases do efeito estufa, as incertezas a respeito da disponibilidade futura de recursos não renováveis e diminui as tensões geopolíticas em regiões produtoras de combustível fóssil . Dentre as matérias-primas existentes para a produção de energia, destacam-se os sorgos biomassa e sacarino. O sorgo biomassa [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] apresenta-se como uma interessante fonte para produção de bioenergia por sua versatilidade, tendo seu ciclo de produção completo em cerca de seis meses, além disso apresenta maior tolerância ao déficit hídrico, menor incidência de pragas e atinge produtividades elevadas para fins energéticos, com relatos de produtividade de mais de 100 t ha -1 de massa verde . O sorgo sacarino [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] apresenta açúcares fermentáveis em seu colmo, semelhante à cana-de-açúcar, podendo ser cultivado no verão com boa disponibilidade hídrica, maior radiação solar e temperaturas adequadas, o que resulta em elevado potencial produtivo. Diante da demanda por energia renovável limpa, a Embrapa Milho e Sorgo, localizada em Sete Lagoas-MG, vem trabalhando na obtenção de híbridos de sorgo biomassa e sacarino para a geração de energia, muitos destes estudos desenvolvidos em parceria com a iniciativa privada. O sorgo, por sua rusticidade, costuma ser cultivado em áreas marginais e sem o devido manejo da correção do solo e adubação, entretanto, é comprovadamente uma cultura responsiva à fertilização . Além disso, na utilização do sorgo para produção de energia, toda a planta é colhida, o que resulta em exportação elevada de nutrientes da área de cultivo. Nesse caso, a exportação corresponde ao conteúdo Autores

A new method of electricity generation based on Pathor Kuchi Leaf (Genus: Kalanchoe, Section: Bryophyllum) has been developed at the Department of Physics, Jagannath University, Dhaka- 1100, Bangladesh. This electricity generation method has several advantages for smart grid over the conventional electricity production. This sustainable method is likely to generate the employment at particularly in the rural areas of where grid electricity is absent. This research work reports an invention made on Pathor Kuchi Leaf (PKL) electric power plant to enhance the PKL electricity production. The efficiency of the PKl electricity production device, Short Circuit Current ( Isc ), Open circuit Voltage ( Voc ), Temperature effect of the PKL malt, pH of the PKL malt, Titratable acidity of the PKL malt, Generation of PKL electricity, Storage system of the PKL electricity, Particular utilization of PKL electricity, I-V characteristics of the PKL, Classification of PKL, Longevity of PKL malt for PK...

Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) coupled with gasification presents a promising approach for the effective and clean utilisation of biomass. However, the complex composition of biomass complicates the understanding of its gasification mechanisms. This study examined the individual and co-HTC processes combined with gasification of sugarcane bagasse (SB) and sawdust (SD) to explore their interactions and assess how HTC severity and biomass ratios influence gasification reactivity. The results demonstrated a notable positive synergistic effect during co-HTC of SB and SD at elevated HTC temperatures and increased SB proportions, leading to improvements in mass yield and fuel ratio of the resulting co-hydrochars. Conversely, higher HTC temperatures also led to greater anti-synergistic effects on higher heating value. HTC treatment generally diminished the gasification reactivity of SB and SD, primarily due to the removal of reactive minerals and increased aromatisation. However, raising the SB mass ratio significantly enhanced reactivity, owing to the strong synergistic interaction among their hydrochars. The presence of calcium and iron species, along with the higher volatile content in SB, are likely key factors contributing to this synergistic effect during the co-gasification due to their catalytic activity. Among the kinetic models tested, the grain model (GM), having the highest goodness of fit (R 2) value of 0.9984, provided the best fit for describing the gasification behaviour of the samples. Overall, HTC effectively converts biomass into solid with high energy content, offering a robust foundation for expanding the application scope of hydrochars from biomass.

Over-dependency on traditional energy sources, particularly in African countries, significantly contributes to deforestation and carbon emissions. Agricultural waste presents a suitable alternative to conventional energy through bio-briquettes; however, they are underutilized. This study evaluated bio-briquettes' mechanical properties, including abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and water penetration resistance, made from carbonized coconut husks using cassava peels, banana peels, and potato peels as binders. Briquettes bound with potato peels had the highest impact resistance of 96.55%, 96.43%, and 95.26% for ratios 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40, respectively. In comparison, cassava peel-bound briquettes exhibited moderate impact resistance, increasing to 87.71% at a 60:40 ratio. In contrast, banana peel binders had the lower impact resistance, with a maximum impact resistance of 76.72%. Abrasion resistance followed the same trend; in briquettes bound with potato peel, abrasion resistance increased up to 88.69% at 60:40, while banana peels performed the least effectively; the abrasion resistance was 70.09% at 60:40 ratio. Water penetration resistance improved with the increase in binder concentration, with potato peel-bound briquettes reaching 79.82% at 60:40, while cassava and banana peel-bound briquettes showed complete disintegration at an 80:20 ratio. Overall, this study indicates that agricultural waste functions as an efficient binder in briquette production, supporting sustainable household energy use. This study contributes to renewable energy innovation, waste valorization, and climate change mitigation by promoting sustainable alternatives to traditional biomass energy.

encuentran barreras para incorporar de manera segura y promisoria la cogeneración eléctrica dentro de sus áreas de negocio, a pesar de su gran disponibilidad y diversidad de biomasas residuales, capaces de generar excedentes energéticos. Este artículo presenta una revisión y un análisis comparativo de sistemas exitosos de cogeneración en el ámbito internacional, basados en el uso de biomasas residuales, con el propósito de identificar oportunidades para la bioenergía en el mercado eléctrico colombiano mediante la implementación de proyectos de generación distribuida.

 A solar triple cycle with PTCs, TES, and Brayton-Rankine-ORC improves efficiency and ensures continuous power  Seasonal changes affect performance; March yields 42.55 MW, while July has the lowest output and highest cost  Exergy destruction totals were 82.255 MW, with PTC losses at 66.93 MW and peak costs reaching $906.52 per hour  System optimization raises gas turbine inlet temperature and adjusts RC boiler pinch point to reduce costs This study presents a comprehensive performance and exergoeconomic assessment of a solar-driven triple combined cycle (TCC) power system integrated with a rock bed thermal storage unit and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for enhanced sustainable power generation in Iraq. The proposed system combines Brayton, Rankine, and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) cycles to maximize energy recovery from both high-and low-grade heat sources. The integration of the ORC unit significantly improves system efficiency by utilizing residual thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted. The analysis used Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software, incorporating monthly climatic data from Salahaddin, Iraq. Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic evaluations assessed energy efficiency, exergy destruction, component costs, and electricity production cost. Unlike previous studies, this research introduces an advanced exergoeconomic perspective, providing a more realistic assessment of technical and economic performance. Results indicate that the system achieves a power output of 12.4 MW in June, with energy and exergy efficiencies of 37.37% and 40.8%, respectively, and a unit electricity cost of $33.31 per hour. In January, the output increases to 14.17 MW with higher exergy efficiency (46.21%) but at a higher cost due to reduced solar availability. The addition of the ORC unit enhances both energy recovery and economic performance, especially during periods of low solar input, supporting the system's viability for year-round renewable power generation.

Waste Organic is consisting of food scraps, agricultural waste, and other natural materials that can be decomposed and returned to the environment. Incinerators are one of the best technologies for waste management. Liquid smoke is a distillation or condensation of vapor from indirect or direct combustion of materials that contain a lot of carbon and other compounds. This study aims to analyze the quality of liquid smoke produced by smokeless waste combustion devices using organic waste. This research is a quasi-experiment by analyzing the quality of liquid smoke produced from burning organic waste on the duration of burning time. Based on the duration of burning time of 15 and 25 minutes the results of the analysis on the parameters of total acid, total phenol, N-Total, phosphorus, potassium, C-Organic, and pH in the samples of straw waste, coconut pulp waste and food waste have no effect or no significant difference in the quality of the parameters tested. This can be seen from the significant value (sig) which has a value> 0.05. The quality of liquid smoke produced using a smokeless waste combustion device has not met the standards of the Decree of the Indonesian Minister of Agriculture number 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 concerning minimum technical requirements for organic fertilizers. Smokeless waste combustion devices can be used to process waste but the liquid smoke produced cannot be used as liquid organic fertilizer.

Ce travail a pour objet d'explorer des voies de recherches pour l'amelioration du suivi et la connaissance des mecanismes biochimiques de la methanisation par voie seche. Il s'agit d'une technologie d'avenir pour la gestion des dechets et la production d'energie. Sont etudies : la caracterisation de la matiere organique (MO), les intermediaires de reaction, les mecanismes d'inhibition, les activites hydrolytiques. Un reacteur de laboratoire a ete mis au point pour mimer les conditions industrielles. La MO des dechets solides contient 3 compartiments de biodegradabilite et de solubilite decroissante. Il en decoule 3 etapes de degradation de vitesse decroissante qui peuvent etre attribuees a des activites hydrolytiques differentes. L'accumulation d'AGV et d'hydrolases sont des indicateurs d'un desequilibre entre l'acidogenese et la methanogenese suite a une surcharge ou l'inhibition par NH3. Celle-ci est accrue par le pH et peut etre...

Rural electrification remains a priority in India where distributed renewable solutions can deliver reliable low-cost electricity to off-grid communities. Hybrid solar-biomass systems combine solar PV with locally available biomass to increase reliability and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and emissions. This paper presents an integrated methodology combining multi-objective optimization (using a Pareto-based evolutionary algorithm) and a TOPSIS-based decision ranking to assess optimal system configurations for a representative Indian village. Objectives considered include minimizing LCOE and total net present cost (NPC), minimizing emissions, and maximizing reliability (measured by Loss of Power Supply Probability, LPSP) and renewable fraction. A case study demonstrates the method and shows how TOPSIS helps select a best-compromise solution from the Pareto front for practical deployment. The results confirm that solarbiomass hybrids can significantly improve supply reliability while achieving competitive LCOE compared to diesel or standalone options.

El presente trabajo analiza la influencia de una zeolita natural sobre el proceso de digestión anaerobia, a partir de las evidencias existentes sobre el incremento de la degradación de la materia orgánica y la producción de biogás cuando se añaden a los digestores ciertos materiales en los que se incluyen compuestos arcillosos. Teniendo en cuenta estos antecedentes es objetivo del presente trabajo contribuir a la creación de un biocatalizador que favorezca la producción de biogás a partir de materiales de relativo bajo costo. A partir de lo reseñado en la literatura sobre las características de absorción del amonio por la zeolita (Roque, 1987)1 y partiendo de la existencia en Cuba de importantes yacimientos de este mineral que tiene como base fundamental una estructura porosa de aluminio-silicato. Fueron estudiadas diferentes dosis de zeolitas para determinar su efecto sobre los procesos anaerobios adicionándoles a éstos nitrógeno en forma urea (H 2 N-CO-NH 2 ), compuesto éste que en su hidrólisis produce amonio. Palabras claves: biogás, digestión anaerobia, zeolita natural.

The activity, selectivity and stability of carbon-coated Pt(2.0%)/SiO 2 catalysts were investigated for producing hydrogen via the APR of xylitol and sorbitol at 498 K and 29.3 bar using polyol(1%)/water feeds in the 0.6 h-1-2.4 h-1 space velocity (WHSV) range. Two carbon-coated samples were prepared by treating with CH 4 at 1173 K for 6 h either SiO 2 (catalyst Pt/SiO 2-C6) or Pt/SiO 2 (catalyst (Pt/SiO 2)-C6). Untreated Pt/SiO 2 and Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalysts were also tested in the polyol APR reaction. Catalytic tests performed during 5 h showed that untreated Pt/SiO 2 was rapidly destroyed on stream whereas the H 2 productivity (mmol H 2 /g cat h) followed the order (Pt/ SiO 2)-C6 > Pt/Al 2 O 3 > Pt/SiO 2-C6. The hydrothermal stability of carbon-coated catalysts was investigated by performing the APR of xylitol for 72 h. Detailed characterization of spent catalysts by different spectroscopic and physical techniques revealed that the surface area, pore structure and Pt crystallite size distribution of the (Pt/ SiO 2)-C6 catalyst were not modified on stream. Results showed that highly hydrothermal stable (Pt/SiO 2)-C6 catalyst was more active and selective than Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalyst for producing hydrogen via the APR of polyols in the WHSV range investigated.

La biomasa como fuente alterna de energía puede ser convertida en biogás producido a partir de la digestión anaeróbica de materia orgánica. Para tal fin se usa un compartimiento denominado biodigestor, y diversos protocolos se han definido para la estimación de su volumen y del biogás obtenido, usando una combinación de tablas para el origen de la fuente de la biomasa, ecuaciones que involucran variables como la temperatura ambiente, la carga de la masa biológica y el tiempo de retención. El tratamiento de residuos de materia orgánica y la sistematización de dicha actividad en granjas pecuarias, requiere la intervención de expertos o la utilización de sistemas inteligentes que permitan involucrar variables tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas. En el presente trabajo se estima el volumen de un biodigestor tipo balón, usando redes neuronales artificiales (RNA), las cuales son entrenadas para condiciones generales de generación de residuos por actividades pecuarias y agrícolas. Para e...

Consequent on the need to utilize bio-wastes for energy generation, a preliminary study for bio-energy plant location modelling was carried out in this work using spatial statistics technique in Anambra State of Nigeria as a case study. Spatial statistics toolbox in ArcGIS was used to generate point density map which reveal the regional patterns of biomass distribution and to generate hotspot analysis of zones of poultry production sites in the study area. The result of the study indicates that the central regions of the state is characterised with high point density poultry production sites, some of the locations with high point density poultry production values include: Ogbaru town which has the highest point density value of above 4,362,480kg of poultry droppings. This is followed by Umuchu, Onitsha, Nise, Nibo and Amawbia, with point density value that ranges from 2,210,250kg to 4,362,480kg. Several hotspots were identified in the central region of the study area, and in the South west region of the study area (where Umuodu, Ogbakuba and Ossomala were located), while the Southern region of the study area is characterized with several coldspots. The hotspots zones and high point density production sites identified in this study should serve as suitable locations for siting bio-energy plants in the study area.

Microalgae is highlighted as the most feasible bioenergy feedstock because it can produce high amounts of lipids, carbohydrates, and hydrogen, which are necessary compounds for the production of various biofuels, while only requiring minimal water and land due to high photosynthetic efficiency. However, there are technical limitations that negatively influence the mass production of biofuel from algae, making it economically infeasible on a commercial scale. One of these bottlenecks exist in its cultivation. The cultivation method and system are critical in determining the amount and quality of biofuel that may be generated from the microalgae. Additionally, the peak biomass concentration, and productivities for the different compounds and nutrients within microalgae do not occur at the same time. Hence, this work proposes a planning tool for microalgae cultivation systems that incorporates species selection, and cultivation and harvesting approach selection and scheduling, while ba...

Lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as promising feedstock for biofuels production. However, the high cost of pretreatment is one of the major challenges hindering large-scale production of biofuels from these abundant, indigenouslyavailable, and economic feedstock. In addition to high capital and operation cost, high water consumption is also regarded as a challenge unfavorably affecting the pretreatment performance. In the present review, advances in lignocellulose pretreatment technologies for biofuels production are reviewed and critically discussed. Moreover, the challenges faced and future research needs are addressed especially in optimization of operating parameters and assessment of total cost of biofuel production from lignocellulose biomass at large scale by using different pretreatment methods. Such information would pave the way for industrial-scale lignocellulosic biofuels production. Overall, it is important to ensure that throughout lignocellulosic bioethanol production processes, favorable features such as maximal energy saving, waste recycling, wastewater recycling, recovery of materials, and biorefinery approach are considered.

Subcritical in-situ transesterification is one of the more recently developed processes that consumes less energy and is more environmental friendly than conventional methods. Diving deeper into this process, the fluid dynamics of the liquid mixture is an area of interest not studied before due to the solid, thick metal enclosure of the reactor vessel. Previous studies observed that the mixing characteristics of the agitator being used influences biodiesel yield. As commercialization of this biofuel production process is of importance in order to contribute to biofuel demand in a nation-wide scale, this study considers a reactor vessel working volume of around 1.5L, which is relatively larger than typical laboratory batch-type sizes. A numerical validation study, through mesh analyses, was performed to produce a numerically accurate model for the study. Factoring in computational time and accuracy of the solution, a steady state, multiphase model running the standard k-∈ turbulence ...

Microalgae has been identified as a source of biomass and biofuel which can be cultivated easily in large amounts given a small land area requirement. However, minimizing microalgae’s moisture content to 10% has been a bottleneck due to its energy intensive requirement and/or poor-quality outcome. A solution for this is the low-energy efficient forward osmosis system which needs a water superabsorbent polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels to maintain the salt concentration on the draw solution. Water sorption on 3-crosslinked circular polyacrylamide membrane was investigated using ab initio principles, molecular dynamics and monte carlo calculations. The PAM structure was geometrically optimized using density functional theory, and then equilibrated at room temperature and 1 atm pressure for 1 ns using molecular dynamics simulation. Monte Carlo simulations at room temperature with 2,500,000 steps and geometry optimization per step were performed to identify the adsorption sites for 25, 50,...

This paper deals with the innovative technology in considering the various ways to irrigate the agricultural land using solar power. Since the agriculture plays the significant role in improving the country's economy, an improvement should be applied in order to increase the productivity and expand the quality of crops. So, this project signifies a smart Auto-irrigation system by using soil moisture sensors is connected to the Arduino Uno which act as a controller and a global System for mobile communication which is used to transmit and receive the data between the controller and user. The study is conducted in practically and has achieved the objectives.

The article presents the experimental studies results of solid fuel production from fruits of common oak (Quercus robur). The calorific value, ash content, and moisture content of the initial plant material and the briquetted solid fuel samples were studied. The value of the highest calorific value for unformed raw materials is ~18163 kJ/kg, and for briquettes ~17428 kJ/kg. The data obtained indicate the prospects of using the common oak (Quercus robur) acorns as a raw material for the production of alternative solid fuels. The value of ash content for unformed raw material is ~0.93 % wt., and for briquettes ~1.22 % wt. The moisture content of all obtained briquetted samples was <1% wt. The data obtained indicate the prospects of using acorns of Quercus robur as a raw material to produce alternative solid fuels, since the parameters are close to existing European standards. The use of alternative solid fuel from acorns can improve the environmental situation by replacing traditional fuel resources and may be one of the ways to rationally use renewable natural raw materials.

The agricultural crop residuals are considered one of the most important problems, which face the environmental life and farmers in the world. A study was carried out to evaluate the physical characteristics of chopped date palm stalks (fronds and leaflets). These properties are necessary to apply normal design procedures such as pneumatic conveying, fluidization, drying, and combustion. The mechanical treatment by cutting, crushing or chopping and briquetting processes are the primary step and the suitable solution for solving this problem and recycling these residuals to be transformed into useful products. So the aim of the present work to get a high quality for agriculture residues such as date palm stalks (Fronds), date palm leaflets briquettes. The results obtained from measuring the mechanical properties (average shear and compressive strength) for date palm stalks at different moisture content (12.63, 33.21 and 60.54%) was (6.4, 4.7 and 3.21MPa) and (3.8, 3.18 and 2.86MPa) respectively. The modulus of elasticity and toughness were evaluated as a function of moisture content. As the moisture content of the stalk regions increased the modulus of elasticity and toughness decreased indicating a reduction in the brittleness of the stalk regions. Chopped date palm stalks (Palm fronds), date palm leaflets having moisture content (8, 10 and 12%) and (8, 10 and 12.8% w.b.) were dandified into briquettes without binder and with binder (Urea-Formaldehyde) using a screw press machine. Quality properties for briquettes were durability, compression ratio hardness, bulk density, compression ratio, resiliency, water resistance and gases emission. The optimum quality properties found for briquettes at 8% moisture content and without binder. Where the highest compression stress and durability were 8.95, 10.39 MPa and 97.06%, 93.64% for date palm stalks (Palm fronds), date palm leaflets briquettes, respectively. The CO and CO 2 emissions for date palm stalks (Fronds), date palm leaflets briquettes were less than these for loose residuals.

Regional development in the state of Pará (Brazil) continues to be limited by lack of access to energy. This is a problem that is widespread in several rural communities and agricultural regions. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the potential use of palm oil and cocoa processing waste biomass, which are abundant in the state and whose energy capacities can be used to generate electricity in biomass gasification plants. To do so, a literature review on elementary and calorific value analysis of palm oil (empty fruit bunches, fibers, kernel shell and cake, trunks, and others) and cocoa (pod husks) were conducted. The findings have shown that both waste biomass materials have satisfactory energetic characteristics for use in gasification plants. Thus, palm oil and cocoa processing waste biomasses are alternative energy sources for producers of these fruits in upstate Pará, enabling the development of the region.

Depletion of petroleum derived fuel and environmental concern have emphasized the need to produce sustainable renewable fuels and chemicals. Biofuel from renewable sources can be an alternative to impart a remarkable role for maintaining sustainability and security in energy sector. A complete substitution of petroleum derived fuels by biofuel is impossible yet, marginal replacement of fossil fuels by biofuels can delay the depletion of petroleum resources and abate the radical climate change caused by automotive pollutants. Biofuels are broadly classified into three categories: first generation biofuels-from biomass that is usually edible; second generation biofuels-from lignocellulosic feedstocks or municipal wastes; third generation biofuels-from microorganisms, majorly from algae. In terms of food security, the use of those energy crops which are used as food products for biofuel production is of concern. Biofuel production using microalgae is attractive prospect in this scenario. The review presents an overview of the usage and sustainability challenges of biofuels.

The Journal of Environmental Biology is an international research journal publishing peerreviewed studies in environmental sciences and toxicology focusing on issues pertinent to India and other th regions of the world. Now in its 40 year, the editorial board seeks to raise its international profile and its contribution to achieve environmental sustainability. Within this context, issues of the journal will now contain an editorial placing the contributions of respective papers into their broader scientific and societal contexts. I am pleased to contribute such editorial. Rapidly rising population and material aspiration pose major issues to the sustainability of critical ecological services. The articles in this issue of the Journal of Environmental Biology represent contributions to understand critical scientific issues, developing requisite technologies, and realizing the transition to sustainable agriculture, industrial production, and environmental management. The articles in this issue of the journal assess possible solutions to several critical issues facing sustainable crop production. Development of drought-resistant crops is an important component of a holistic strategy of adaptation to a changing climate. Kaur et al. examined variance of seven root architecture traits among 200 diverse lines of barley subjected to simulated drought stress. They identified seven accessions and wild barley as potential genetic resources for breeding of drought tolerance for use in rain-fed production systems. The authors recommend that results be validated under field conditions and that a candidate-gene association study seek genomic regions associated with drought tolerance. It is difficult to meet consumer demand for warm-season crops year-round. The difficulty of producing cold-sensitive crops such as cucumber in unheated greenhouses was approached by Kumar et al., who grafted cucumber plants onto cold-tolerant rootstock of five different species. Because of its vigorous roots even at temperatures suboptimal for cucumber, the highest yield was obtained in grafts to figleaf gourd, showing the effectiveness of grafting for maintaining cucumber production under cold conditions. Physical degradation of soil due to waterlogging affects 10-30% of sugarcane production area, reducing productivity. Planting ten sugarcane varieties under waterlogged and control conditions, Singh et al. show that stalk growth rate, chlorophyll stability, and leaf potassium concentration are useful traits for screening varieties for waterlogging tolerance. At a practical level, reduction of losses effectively increases yield. Post-harvest deterioration of sugarcane due to invasion of soil bacterium Leuconostoc leads to decreased sucrose yield and sour smell. Misra et al. assess the importance of cracks in standing sugarcane to invasion of this bacterium. Canes possessing cracks showed higher invasion by Leoconostoc and higher content of reducing sugars and dextran, suggesting the need to control this bacterium even in standing cane. Deterioration of ozone layer is leading to increased UV light exposure on the earth's surface. Kumar and Bhardwaj investigated the effects of different exposures to UV-B radiation on germinated roots of cumin, an important spice crop. Increasing exposure to UV-B radiation increased the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities; decreased chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid content, survival, and plant height; and increased the content of proline, a stress marker. The authors suggest that mutation breeding might lead to desirable yield traits in cumin. Jute is an important crop, producing versatile, environmentally friendly fiber and edible leaves. Salt stress limits jute production, especially as coastal cropland becomes more salinated. Naik et al. assessed the performance of five jute cultivars at salinities ranging from 0 -250 mM NaCl. While all morphological traits, including height and leaf area, were negatively affected by salinity, two cultivars were relatively tolerant, and may prove useful in future breeding programs. Environmentally friendly, effective fungicides have been extracted from plants for use in agriculture. Lam-Gutierrez et al. screened chemicals extracted from chilca roots for activity against Aspergillus ochraceus and Fusarium moniliforme, two fungi affecting crop plants. A crude extract showed antifungal activity, and the authors suggest use of these compounds for biological control of pathogenic fungi in maize and coffee crops.

This study explores the utilization of fly ash, a by-product from biomass energy plants, as a filler in the production of fluting paper. The integration of fly ash into fluting paper aims to enhance sustainability by reducing dependence on traditional fillers like calcium carbonate and kaolin. Fluting paper samples were produced with varying fly ash contents, and their physical, mechanical, and optical properties were thoroughly analyzed. The findings reveal that while fly ash contributes to improvements in bulk and optical properties, such as whiteness and brightness, it results in a reduction in mechanical strength, notably in tensile and burst strength. Despite these reductions, fly ash offers significant economic and environmental advantages by lowering production costs and diverting waste from landfills. Additionally, SEM imaging confirmed the uniform distribution of fly ash within the paper matrix, ensuring compatibility with existing production processes. This study demonstrates the potential of fly ash as a sustainable and cost-effective filler in fluting paper production, presenting opportunities for both resource optimization and environmental impact reduction in the paper industry.

The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of poultry production systems and waste management in some local government areas of Anambra State of Nigeria. The basics of poultry farming were discussed including various types of chicken kept by farmers, production systems and scales. A proposal for improved poultry waste management through anaerobic digestion for biogas production was also discussed. The work highlighted anaerobic digestion process of poultry waste in biogas production. The research methodology adopted in the work is primary data obtained by use of questionnaires distributed to respondents, also secondary data obtained from journals and newspapers. The study revealed that medium scale poultry farms are predominant in the study area where majority of the farms still operate deep litter system. Only few of the farms operate battery cage system. It was found out that mechanized poultry farming is still at its lowest ebb in the state. It was found out that the poultry wastes generated by farmers are widely used for fertilizer. It is recommended that some level of mechanization is introduced in the industry to minimize the drudgery associated with poultry farming; technical training programs should be organized on regular basis to familiarize farmers with modern technology in poultry farming. Extension services are also recommended to educate farmers on recent best practices in the industry.

Substances have different degrees of degradability. Low degradability of substrates is one of the factors that hinder the production of biogas from organic substances. To overcome this low degradability of substrates, mixing is important for most of the substrates. With the aim of maximizing biogas yields from co-digestion of banana fruit peel and poultry manure, a series of experiments were carried out under mesophilic conditions at 38 ºC using batch digester operating for 25 days hydraulic retention time (HRT). Anaerobic degradability test with mix of 5 different proportions were carried out to obtain suitable mix ratio for maximum biogas production from co-digestion of BP and PM. The objective of this study was to determine the biogas yield from solo and co-digestion of BP and PM. Production of biogas through anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials provides an alternative environmentally, eco-friendly renewable energy. In all treatments; TS, VS, organic carbon and pH were measured before and after digestion. The daily biogas production was subsequently measured by water displacement method for 25 days. Gas production was noticed in all of the substrate types from the first day up to the 25 th day of digestion. Assessment of cumulative biogas production revealed that substrates in mix ratios showed high biogas yield. The highest yield was recorded insubstrate mix ratio of 50% BP+ 50% PM, suggesting that this mix ratio of the two substrates is an optimal mix to yield better amount of biogas. Overall results indicated that production of biogas yield from substrates and reduction in VS and TS can be significantly enhanced when BP and PM are co-digested.

The transition to sustainable energy sources has intensified interest in lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) as a feedstock for second-generation biofuels. However, the inherent structural recalcitrance of LCB requires the utilization of an effective pretreatment to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation yields. This manuscript presents a novel, single-step, and optimized nitrogen explosive decompression system (NED 3.0) designed to address the critical limitations of earlier NED versions by enabling the in situ removal of inhibitory compounds from biomass slurry and fermentation inefficiency at elevated temperatures, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for post-treatment detoxification. Aspen wood (Populus tremula) was pretreated by NED 3.0 at 200 • C, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. The analytical results confirmed substantial reductions in common fermentation inhibitors, such as acetic acid (up to 2.18 g/100 g dry biomass) and furfural (0.18 g/100 g dry biomass), during early filtrate recovery. Hydrolysate analysis revealed a glucose yield of 26.41 g/100 g dry biomass, corresponding to a hydrolysis efficiency of 41.3%. Fermentation yielded up to 8.05 g ethanol/100 g dry biomass and achieved a fermentation efficiency of 59.8%. Inhibitor concentrations in both hydrolysate and fermentation broth remained within tolerable limits, allowing for effective glucose release and sustained fermentation performance. Compared with earlier NED configurations, the optimized system improved sugar recovery and ethanol production. These findings confirm the operational advantages of NED 3.0, including reduced inhibitory stress, simplified process integration, and chemical-free operation, underscoring its potential for scalability in line with the EU Green Deal for bioethanol production from woody biomass.

As New York State grapples with the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels, this analysis examines alternative energy sources that promise to foster sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The study focuses on five key renewable resources: biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, and tidal energy. By evaluating the potential of each energy source, the research highlights their feasibility, environmental impact, and economic viability. The study aims to provide policymakers, industry professionals, and the public with comprehensive insights into how these renewable options can be effectively integrated into New York's current energy landscape. The transition not only responds to climate change challenges but also enhances energy security and promotes economic growth through job creation in emerging sectors. Biomass energy stands out as a versatile solution, utilizing organic materials such as agricultural waste, wood, and even municipal solid waste to generate power. This source offers a dual benefit: reducing landfill waste while providing a renewable energy output. Additionally, geothermal energy employs the Earth's natural heat, tapping into hot water reservoirs or steam to produce electricity and heating. By examining case studies and existing projects in these areas, the analysis underscores the practical applications and advancements that can make these technologies more accessible to local communities. The challenges, such as resource availability and public acceptance, are addressed while demonstrating how these renewable options can relieve some of the burdens posed by fossil energy dependence. Wind, wave, and tidal energy represent the frontier of harnessing the power of moving water and air for sustainable energy production. Wind energy, particularly through the development of offshore and onshore turbines, showcases New York's potential for harnessing natural forces. Meanwhile, wave and tidal energy projects provide innovative ways to exploit ocean dynamics, presenting a largely untapped resource for clean energy. This analysis compiles data and analytics from existing

This study explores the optimization of binder-free briquette production from jujube seed shells, an underutilized biomass resource in Nigeria, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The influence of key process variables-particle size, pre-heat temperature, and compaction pressure-on the mechanical and thermal properties of the briquettes was assessed. RSM results indicated that fine particle sizes (<0.6 mm), combined with pre-heat temperatures between 65 and 75 C and compaction pressures up to 100 MPa, yielded briquettes with optimal characteristics: a maximum density of 2108 kg/m 3 , compressive strength of 22.81 MPa, and a shatter index exceeding 98%. The briquettes showed excellent durability, with minimal relaxed density loss (1.95%) over 56 days. Thermal analysis revealed high energy content, with calorific values ranging from 6317 to 6495 kcal/kg (26.45-27.19 MJ/kg), low ash content (1.51%-1.68%), and significant fixed carbon (17.29%-18.39%). The optimization process underscored the effectiveness of natural lignin as an internal binder, eliminating the need for external binders. These findings offer a sustainable, costeffective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels, with promising potential for rural energy solutions in West Africa.

Today, power demand is growing across the country. The development of any region shows the availability of their power resources. The non-renewable power resources were depleting at a fast rate, making it imperative to understand and develop renewable sources of power. Biomasses have the potential to be used as an alternate power source. The research paper tries to understand agriculture residue biomass use as an alternative power resource. In light of the fact that all over the world, several countries and state energy agencies have been considering agricultural residues as a new biomass renewable power resource due to the available technological applications.

Sự gia tăng dân số và phát triển nhanh chóng
của tiến bộ khoa học công nghệ cần rất nhiều năng lượng
để đáp ứng, việc sử dụng quá mức nguồn nhiên liệu gây
ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng đến sức khỏe cộng đồng, đe dọa
đến môi trường sống. Vì vậy, phát triển nguồn năng lượng
sạch thay thế đảm bảo cho các hoạt động sản xuất được
ổn định bền vững là tiêu chí hàng đầu của các quốc gia,
nhằm chống lại biến đổi khí hậu đang diễn ra mạnh mẽ,
chuyển đổi sang các nguồn năng lượng xanh được coi là
nhiệm vụ tất yếu để đảm bảo môi trường thể hiện trách
nhiệm bảo vệ sức khỏe cộng đồng và cân bằng hệ sinh thái
tự nhiên. Năng lượng sóng là một loại năng lượng tái tạo
lớn nhất và rất có triển vọng trong tương lai. Bài viết này,
trình bày tiềm năng năng lượng sóng trên thế giới và Việt
Nam, giới thiệu một số phương pháp biến đổi sự dao động
của sóng thành điện năng từ gần bờ đến ngoài khơi, làm
cơ sở cho các nghiên cứu về năng lượng sóng. Vì vậy, đây
là một loại năng lượng tái tạo dồi dào và đầy tiềm năng
trên thị trường năng lượng tái tạo của thế giới.

This study investigated the implications of charcoal production and consumption in Osun State, Nigeria, particularly its impact on climate change and biodiversity. Data collection was done using a quantitative survey methodology and analysed using descriptive analysis. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were distributed across three senatorial districts in Osun State where three local government areas were randomly selected in each senatorial district and respondents' perceptions of charcoal's production and consumption on environmental impact were assessed. Findings revealed a significant reliance on charcoal, especially among lowerincome households. Most respondents were self-employed, with an average household size of five. Educational levels varied, with many respondents holding tertiary qualifications, potentially influencing their awareness of environmental issues associated with charcoal use. The range between 50-75% respondents acknowledged the impacts of deforestation, yet economic constraints kept them reliant on charcoal but indicated a preference for regulatory measures rather than an outright ban. Hence, this study emphasizes and recommends the need for sustainable practices in charcoal production and calls for policies that help balance energy needs with forest conservation.

Crop residues have been undervalued as a source of renewable energy to displace coal in the national energy mix for greenhouse emission reduction in Malawi. Switching to crop residues as an alternative energy source for energy-intensive industries such as cement manufacturing is hampered by uncertainties in crop residue availability, cost and quality. In this study, future demand for energy and availability of crop residues was assessed, based on data at the sub-national level. Detailed energy potentials from crop residues were computed for eight agricultural divisions. The results showed that the projected total energy demands in 2020, 2025 and 2030 were approximately 177 810 TJ, 184 210 TJ and 194 096 TJ respectively. The highest supply potentials were found to be in the central and southern regions of Malawi, coinciding with the locations of the two clinker plants. Crop residues could meet 45–57% of the national total energy demand. The demand from the cement industry is only 0.8...

Biorefineries are multi-product facilities that convert biomass into a broad variety of products (energy, biofuels, chemicals, feed, and food). In this paper, a new systematic approach to select and rank different biorefinery conversion pathways is proposed using the Integer-Cut Constraint (ICC) method applied to a MILP problem. In particular, two different statements of the constraints are analyzed. The first step is building a superstructure collecting several biomass conversion models. The ICC method allows different conversion pathways to be evaluated inside the superstructure and ordered according to the objective function values. The key value of a rank of pathways including suboptimal routes allows a fair comparison between alternative biorefinery options and may widen the choice to suboptimal ones. The method is applied to a case study in which various biomass-to-fuel technologies are analyzed to set up a rank of the most promising conversion processes in the current Swiss market.

The fight against atmospheric air pollution by combustion products of natural coal, in particular coal ash, is an urgent task. The most refined definition of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of coal ash, taking into account the specifics of the technological process for the production of burnt bricks, will serve to identify and justify the technological process and the main parameters of the dust and gas treatment device (PGOU) for use in the production of building materials that involve the use of natural coal as fuel.

Carbon dioxide is one of the major GHGs and a driver in the domain of climate change. In the drive to mitigate and adapt with the issue of climate change, carbon trading has become a vital policy instrument in majority of the countries in the World. It is also a pivotal element of the UNFCCC's (United Nation of Parties of Copenhagen Climate Change Conference) approach to tackle climate change. National or regional carbon trading schemes are now operational in many counties through a well-defined structural policy, specific for the country. Yet the trading is still in a volatile stage. Many schools think that this concept is not very realistic to combat climate change, while others consider this a strict regulation to put cap/limit on the emitters. Unfortunately, the subject is characterized by jargon, abstract concepts, mathematical formulae, and technical detail, making it hard for most people to understand its implications and evaluate its merits and demerits. This paper is a first order analysis to unravel some of this complexity by imparting thrust on three basic componentscap and trade, carbon offsets and carbon tradingwhich underpin the trade in carbon quotas. The case study of the highly urbanized city of Kolkata and Indian Sundarban mangrove ecosystem has been discussed in details with CO2e of dominant trees to analyze the probable credit that can be received from the producer communities of these two sites that are significantly different in terms of anthropogenic footprints and ecological features.

Torrefaction, a thermal pretreatment process, is gaining attention as it improves the physical properties and chemical composition of biomass for recycling. During torrefaction, biomass is heated slowly in an inert or oxygen-deficit environment to a maximum temperature of 300°C. The torrefaction process creates a solid uniform product with lower moisture and higher energy content than the raw biomass. During torrefaction, moisture and some volatile organic compounds volatilize from the biomass. Depending on stoichiometry and other conditions, non-condensable gas species, including CO and CO2, are formed. The specific objectives of this research are to: 1) understand the impact of torrefaction on product quality in terms of the physical properties, chemical composition, and storage behavior of the biomass; 2) discuss the various reactors used for biomass torrefaction; and 3) develop a model for designing a moving bed torrefier, considering fundamental heat and mass transfer calculati...

Palm kernel shells have great potential as biomass and renewable energy sources. Its utilization has not been maximized which is only directly burned which causes air pollution. The accumulation of solid waste in the crude palm oil processing industry negatively impacts the environment. The research aims to determine the characteristics and quality of charcoal briquettes with palm kernel shell carbonization. The main findings of this study are the calorific value, water content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon in palm kernel shell charcoal briquettes with damar binder. The experimental research method was carried out by carbonizing the raw materials of palm kernel shell briquettes, applying various concentrations of damar binder mixtures. The technical parameters of briquette making were 10 MPa pressure, 60 mesh size, and different carbonization temperatures by furnace. The calorific and proximate were empirically measured by using a bomb calorimeter. This research produced palm kernel shell charcoal briquettes with a calorific value of 30.72 MJ/kg at a carbonization temperature of 500 o C and concentration of 85%:15%, a moisture content of 5.18%, volatile matter of 32.72%, ash content of 2.81%, and fixed carbon of 57.90%. Palm kernel shell charcoal briquetting technology is potentially a recommended alternative solid fuel. Consequently, developing renewable energy that is environmentally friendly leads to achieve sustainable energy security. By utilizing waste, the negative impacts on the environment can be overcome and energy needs are also resolved.

The combustion of coal creates many environmental and health problems, apart from it has many problems associated with the power plant combustor during the use of coal with the impurities. Biomass utilization could be the best option for the use as co-feed with coal. Coal biomass co-combustion was observed in this work, and different blends of coal and biomass were prepared. Banana tree waste, cow dung, and tree leaves were selected as biomass fuel for this study. It was observed that the coal biomass blend has less emission gases as compared to raw coal, and the amount of CO, CO 2 , and SO 2 was reduced that was in higher amount in raw coal. At a ratio of 60% of Lakhra coal and 40% of cow dung manure, the lowest of CO emission was observed, that was 580 ppm, and at the ratio of 60% of Lakhra coal, 40% of tree leaves. The SO2 emission was reduced from 377 to 170 ppm. Minimum carbon monoxide was observed for the blend of 70% Lakhra coal and 30% cow dung manure. The calorific value of biomass was increased with coal bland the bland of 70% Lakhra coal and 30% cow dung has the highest calorific value. Also, the thermogravimetric properties were increased in the coal biomass blend. The mass reduction was slow at the start while it was suddenly increased in zoon one from temperature 0 to 200 °C. while zoon two from 200 to 800 °C mass reduction was increased with higher rate and zoon three mass reduction was stopped.

Maize products are very significant for domestic consumption as well as industrial uses both locally and globally. For there to truly appreciate the spread of maize production in Africa, the geospatial mapping and subsequent comparison of the value chain for Nigeria and Rwanda were necessitated hence the purpose of this study. Farm mapping geospatial techniques and remotely sensed data were used for both Nigeria and Rwanda in this study. GIMMS Global Agricultural Monitoring data from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were adopted for Nigeria and Rwanda. The crop calendars of both countries were examined which thereafter reviewed a marked distinction among them. The results of the agroecological zones for the two countries showed a significant variation in their distribution and types, which in turn affect both the planting and harvesting of maize; storage, marketing, processing, and policy framework for maize products value chain in Nigeria and Rwanda. Mapping of the tw...

Carbon supported FeNi nanoparticles were prepared by carbothermal reduction of cellulose filter paper impregnated with Fe and Ni salts. The resulting carbon enwrapped alloy nanoparticles were employed as an efficient catalyst for the continuous hydrogenation of molecules obtainable from different fractions of lignocellulosic biomass. Scaleup and time on stream tests over 80 hours proved the catalyst stable and durable of over a wide range of conditions.

Vanillin hydrodeoxygenation was investigated using noble metal (Pd, Au, Ru) supported on active carbon prepared from waste derived biochars, which were produced via pyrolysis in CO2 atmosphere. Chemical activation with ZnCl2 and HNO3 was also used in the preparation of active carbon to enhance the specific surface area and demineralize material, respectively. Both fresh and spent catalysts were characterized with X-ray diffraction, DRIFTS, zeta potential measurement and HR-TEM. The highest selectivity to p-creosol, 92% selectivity at complete vanillin conversion after 3 h was obtained in vanillin hydrodeoxygenation at 100 o C under 30 bar in hydrogen in water with Pd/C catalyst prepared via pyrolysis under CO2 from wine waste and using ZnCl2 as a chemical activation agent. Hydrodeoxygenation activity increased with increasing metal dispersion. A kinetic model including adsorption of vanillin described well the experimental data.

Changes in vibrational properties of wood can be used to determine changes in the wood cell wall resulting from chemical modification. The dynamic Young's modulus to specific gravity ratio (Ef/y) and internal friction (tan 6) for chemically modified wood compared to those for untreated wood showed major differences in cell-wall modification and lumen filling modification. Increasir~g the moisture content of the cell wall also has a major effect on the vibrational properties of chemically modified wood. In general, treatments that resulted in lowering the moisture content of the cell wall also lowered internal friction within the cell wall. Vapor phase reactions with formaldehyde had the greatest effect in stabilizing the cell wall against changes in dynamic mechanical properties, with increasing moisture content.

The effect of different supports, silica HMS and Ti doped silica HMS, on the catalytic performance of mono (Pd) and bimetallic (Pd-Au, Pd-Re) catalysts, containing 2 wt% of each metal, for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid in water was studied. The catalytic behavior of the materials was evaluated in terms of conversion of the starting levulinic acid and selectivity to ␥-valerolactone. The surface and structural properties of the catalysts were investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) performed on fresh and spent materials. A synergic effect of Au and Ti on Pd sample was observed with the consequent formation of a PdTi alloy responsible of the good performance of the catalyst.

Biomass can be thermally treated to generate a wide range of valuable products, which can be used as a fuel or for chemicals production. Pyrolysis is a popular thermal process that is used to transform biomass into either bio-oil or bio-char by controlling the operating conditions (e.g., temperature and residence time); however, because biomass is a highly heterogeneous material, its pyrolysis involves complex chemical and physical changes. Various proposed mechanisms have been successful in capturing different aspects of biomass pyrolysis in different conditions, but there is still lack of consensus on a definitive kinetic mechanism. This review summarizes and discusses different types of kinetic models used to describe biomass pyrolysis and predict product yields.

This research work has been performed to produce biogas from poultry and household (kitchen) waste using silica gel as a catalyst. A fabricated laboratory scale digester was used to generate biogas from the locally available waste obtained from poultry farms and domestic kitchens. Two laboratory-scale digesters were prepared to digest the solid wastes with and without silica gel respectively. The operating temperatures of the digesters were maintained within 26°C-31°C. The water displacement method was used to investigate the volume of the produced gas. It was found that the production rate of biogas was increased while using silica gel as catalyst. The total gas production was found to be 7921 ml/kg of waste without silica gel whereas it was 10545 ml/kg with a maximum production rate of 1206 ml/kg in a day with silica gel as a catalyst and it was 33.12% higher than before. Finally, by using a k-type thermocouple, the flame temperature of the gas was measured as 619°C. Considering the magnitude of flame temperature and total gas yield after adding the silica gel, the large scale set-ups can be a prospective source of clean energy.

The growing issue of plastic pollution on a global scale is need of attention which cannot be handled with conventional waste management. Bioremediation presents itself as a promising environmentally friendly method that can make a difference in fighting the causes of plastic pollution. The large-scale accumulation of plastic) within the Panskura municipality has become a potential risk to the environment and public health. In this research, the biodegradation of plastic municipal wasteswas using microbial consortia derived from plastic contaminated soil and cow dung. The microbial isolates, Pseudomonas spp, Bacillus spp, Stenotrophomonas spp, and Paenibacillus spp, were screened for plastic degrading activities with 51 degradation tests. The isolates were then assessed via weight loss measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Results exhibited up to 36% weight loss in polypropylene (PP) after thirty days, with the consortia doing better than single strain actions. SEM showed evidence of surface erosion. These microbes' consortia, just like those sourced from the Panskura plastic waste dump site are useful for overcoming the challenges of municipal plastic waste through biological means.