Tag Archives: biomass

571-584 M. Zhylina, P.P. Karnozhytskyi, D. Miroshnichenko, V. Konohrai, V. Sterna and J. Ozolins
The effect of growth stimulants based on humic acids from Ukrainian lignite and biochar from agricultural residues on the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
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The effect of growth stimulants based on humic acids from Ukrainian lignite and biochar from agricultural residues on the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

M. Zhylina¹²*, P.P. Karnozhytskyi³, D. Miroshnichenko³⁴, V. Konohrai⁵, V. Sterna² and J. Ozolins¹

¹Riga Technical University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Paula Valdena Street 3, K-1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Stende Research Centre, Dizzemes, Dizstende, Libagu parish, Talsu County, LV-3258, Latvia
³Department of Oil, Gas and Solid Fuel Processing Technology, National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, 2, Kyrpychova Str., UA 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
⁴Coal Department, State Enterprise Ukrainian State Research Institute for Carbochemistry (UKHIN), UA 61023 Kharkov, Ukraine
⁵Education-Scientific Institute of Natural and Agrarian Sciences, the Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, 81 Shevchenko Boulevard, UA 18031 Cherkasy, Ukraine
*Correspondence: maryna.zhylina@gmail.com

Abstract:

Significant amounts of plant-based waste are generated annually in the agricultural and food industries, including straw, corn residues, nutshells, and fruit pits. Disposing of this waste often relies on basic methods that avoid further processing, presenting an urgent environmental challenge. One efficient solution is converting biomass into biochar, which serves as a soil amendment. Developing cost-effective recycling methods has become critical with the increasing scarcity and rising cost of raw materials. The Dnipro Lignite Coal Basin in Ukraine offers extensive lignite reserves, enabling the production of affordable, high-quality humates for soil enhancement. In this study, wheat and barley straw were pelletized with barley bran at a 90:10 ratio. Pyrolysis was conducted at 500 °C with a heating rate of 5 °C·min⁻¹ and a one-hour holding time. The resulting biochar was added to a lettuce cultivation substrate at a 1:10 biochar-to-peat ratio. Humic substances derived from lignite were applied in 3% and 9% aqueous solutions, and environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, were monitored throughout the 35-day trial. Results showed that granulated biochar increased lettuce rosette diameter by 7.5% compared to perlite substrates and by 11.6% compared to peat. Additionally, 3% humate solutions enhanced rosette diameter by 11.6% and biomass weight by 25.77%. These findings confirm that biochar from agricultural residues and lignite-derived humates effectively boost lettuce yield and quality.

Key words:

agricultural residues, Agro-ecology, biochar, biomass, carbon cycle, crop, growth stimulants, Lactuca sativa, lignite-derived humates, renewable resources, soil quality

370-400 I. Berzina, S. Raita, M. Kalnins, K. Spalvins and I. Kuzmika
In search of the best technological solutions for creating edible protein-rich mutants: a multi-criteria analysis approach
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In search of the best technological solutions for creating edible protein-rich mutants: a multi-criteria analysis approach

I. Berzina*, S. Raita, M. Kalnins, K. Spalvins and I. Kuzmika

Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes street 12/1, LV 1048, Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: Indra.Berzina@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Single-cell protein (SCP) is a promising alternative for replacing plant and animal-derived dietary proteins. SCP contains essential nutrients and high levels of essential amino acids (AA). Given the versatility of microbial strains and waste substrates that can be used as feedstocks, many variations of production processes can be explored. Improving these microorganism strains by enhancing their properties and productivity is vital to increasing SCP competitiveness. One of the options to enhance microorganism strains would be by creating mutants with better AA profiles. By using mutagenesis and AA inhibitors it should be possible the create novel strains with improved AA-producing properties. The use of AA inhibitors to promote selective pressure on SCP-producing strains is a novel concept and is not a widely explored approach, therefore, the further development of this method should be explored. This paper used a multi-criteria decision analysis method to evaluate different technological factors vital for creating protein-rich mutants. These factors are microorganism strains, agro-industrial waste substrates used as process feedstocks, AA inhibitors, and mutagenesis methods. Microorganisms Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis showed the highest potential for being used. Molasses was the ‘closest to the ideal’ substrate to be used as feedstock for SCP production. As the most promising mutagenesis method ethyl methane sulphonate was selected. Glufosinate ammonium and methionine sulfoximine for both bacteria and fungi were identified as the best inhibitors for SCP-rich mutant selection. Identified combinations of optimal solutions for microorganisms, substrates, inhibitors, and mutagenesis techniques should be further investigated and evaluated in laboratory settings. This could help to increase SCP’s competitiveness as a sustainable protein source.

Key words:

agro-industrial waste, amino acid inhibitors, amino acids, biomass, herbicides, low-cost substrate, MCDA, microbial protein, microorganisms, multi-criteria analysis, mutagenesis, proteins, residues, SCP, single-cell proteins, TOPSIS, waste biomass

1999-2012 S. Stankowski, E. Chajduk, B. Osińska and M. Gibczyńska
Biomass ash as a potential raw material for the production of mineral fertilisers
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Biomass ash as a potential raw material for the production of mineral fertilisers

S. Stankowski¹, E. Chajduk², B. Osińska³ and M. Gibczyńska⁴*

¹West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Department of Agroengineering, Papieża Pawła VI street 3, PL 71-459 Szczecin, Poland
²Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Methods, Dorodna street 16, PL 03-195 Warsaw, Poland
³Research Institute of Animal Production PIB Kołbacz Sp. z o.o., Warcisława street 1, PL 74-106 Stare Czarnowo, Poland
⁴West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Department of Bioengineering, Slowackiego street 17, PL 71-434 Szczecin, Poland
*Correspondence: marzena.gibczynska@zut.edu.pl

Abstract:

Ash obtained from biomass combustion could be a valuable product for fertilisation of soil or/and plant. It is connected with high reaction and potassium, calcium, magnesium content as well as low content of heavy metals. The analysed phyto-ash was obtained from Szczecin Power Plant Poland (12.2018–12.2019). The samples of phyto-ash, in the number of 24, were collected on subsequent dates at two-week intervals to determine the total content of the analysed elements (P, K, Mg, Ca, As, Cd, Ni, Cr, Pb, Hg). The differentiated percentage share of macro-elements both in total form as well as available form in ash from wood biomass and Agro-biomass is described as: calcium > potassium > magnesium > phosphorus. Phosphorus is characterised by a very low (10%) and highly variable availability. Ash from biomass is characterised by alkali pH (13.0). Biomass ash can be treated as a mineral fertiliser used for soil deacidification and as a substitute for calcium fertilisers. Biomass ash has a high content of potassium and magnesium, which could qualify this by-product as a source for fertiliser. Mean contents of heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in ash do not exceed the limit values for the mineral fertilisers. The variable percentage share of Agro-biomass did not result in significant changes in the amount of available form of macro-elements in ash. The obtained results indicate the pronounced variability, depending on the season in a year, of the content of available macro-elements in biomass ash.

Key words:

biomass, forest biomass ash, heavy metals, macroelements

276–299 M. Sulg, A. Konist and O. Järvik
Characterization of different wood species as potential feedstocks for gasification
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Characterization of different wood species as potential feedstocks for gasification

M. Sulg*, A. Konist and O. Järvik

Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Energy Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, UU19086 Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: mari.sulg@taltech.ee

Abstract:

This paper provides an extended overview of the chemical characteristics of 19 different wood species originating from Estonia. The variation of chemical composition in wood and bark was investigated using a variety of analytical techniques including WD-XRF, ICP-MS, and elemental analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to observe clustering in the sample set. It revealed a clear data clustering in terms of the wood and bark samples. Wood characteristics exhibit quite narrow ranges, on the other hand the composition of wood bark samples is significantly different and more distributed. The correlations and associations among 27 chemical parameters, including 16 ash-forming elements, were studied. Several significant positive correlations between Cr-Ni-Fe, Ca-Sr, Al-Na-Si-Ti, K-Mg-P, Fe-Zn-Cr-Ni-Cu, Ash-Ca, N-S-P and O-volatile matter were found. Most of the metallic components are negatively correlated with volatile matter, C, H, O and heating value and are positively related to each other, or no significant correlation was identified. Results are compared to literature data and technical quality standards for biomass. Biomass feedstocks availability and composition for gasification process was discussed. Wood samples had higher volatiles content than in bark which is an indication that higher conversion rate and lower gasification temperature can be used. Spruce, pine and black alder barks have higher fixed carbon content than other common species that may increase biochar yield. Commonly available woods like Scots pine, Norway spruce, aspen, birch, black alder and grey alder may considered as suitable feedstocks for gasification because of their low N, S, Cl, and ash content together with high volatile matter, however, relatively high total heavy metals content were found from birch and grey alder barks compared to other hardwoods.

Key words:

biomass, biomass ash, chemical composition

404–409 S.B. Ismuratov, T.V. Bedych, T.I. Gluchshenko, D.S. Ismuratov and V.S Kukhar,
Production of bioethanol from biomass in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan
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Production of bioethanol from biomass in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan

S.B. Ismuratov¹, T.V. Bedych¹, T.I. Gluchshenko², D.S. Ismuratov³ and V.S Kukhar⁴,*

¹M. Dulatov Kostanay Engineering and Economic University, Department of Energy
and Mechanical Engineering, 59 Chernyshevskogo Str., KZ110000, Kostanay, Kazakhstan
²A. Baitursynov Kostanay State University, Agricultural and Technical Institute,
Department of Energetics, Str., Baitursynova 47, KZ110000, Kostanay, Kazakhstan
³Almaty Management University, Doctoral PhD, Str., Rozybakieva 227, KZ050060 Almaty, Kazakhstan
⁴Ural State Agrarian University, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Street Karl
Liebknecht 42, RU620075, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Abstract:

This article describes using renewable energy for bioethanol production. Kostanay Region is a developed agricultural region. Most part of its area is under grain crops and corn, oil crops and vegetables. In the course of production, transportation, storage and processing of agricultural crops, a large part of them becomes unsuitable for use; in future they cannot be used for the intended purpose. Substandard product often stays in the fields to rot or is thrown away. Information considered in this article demonstrates that agricultural waste can be used to produce rather inexpensive bioethanol. Most part of the population in this region is rural. Settlements are far apart from each. It would be reasonable to use bioethanol as a source of electric and thermal energy to meet the needs of rural residents and infrastructure. Wastes from bioethanol production can be used for feeding animal stock what is also important for rural areas and reduces environmental burden. In the course of human life, solid waste is formed that is suitable for producing bioethanol, and consequently, for generating thermal and electric energy. Presented calculations show the feasibility of processing municipal solid waste into bioethanol. EU countries successfully use researches performed by their scientists for developing technologies for the production of bioethanol and synthetic fuels. Kazakhstan, with its experience in cultivation
of oilseeds and required planted area, can successfully develop bioethanol industry. No researches in this respect have been conducted to this day in Kazakhstan. Using bioethanol provides
consumers with their own energy sources that meet quality standards, thereby increasing energy security of region, reducing the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, and creating small-scale energy enterprises where rural residents can work.

Key words:

bioethanol, biomass, municipal solid waste, renewable energy sources, sewage sludge

1267–1277 K.D. Giannoulis, D. Bartzialis, E. Skoufogianni, G. Charvalas and N.G. Danalatos
Comparison of two perennial energy crops for biomass production at the end of their life cycle
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Comparison of two perennial energy crops for biomass production at the end of their life cycle

K.D. Giannoulis*, D. Bartzialis, E. Skoufogianni, G. Charvalas and N.G. Danalatos

University of Thessaly, Dept. of Agriculture, Crop Production & Rural Environment, Fytokoy street, GR38446 Volos, Greece
*Correspondence: kyriakos.giannoulis@gmail.com; kgiannoulis@uth.gr

Abstract:

Nowadays fossil fuels are decreasing, causing the world’s interest in renewable energy sources to rapidly grow. One of the most interesting renewable and ecologically pure fuels is biomass, which is considered to be carbon neutral. Biomass is a promising source of energy, as it can be used directly as an energy resource. Its quality characteristics such as gross calorific value and ash content are of paramount importance so as to improve the combustion process. Furthermore, during the last three decades, there has been an increasing interest in the production of biomass pellets for domestic and industrial use. Alternative feed stocks will need to be sourced to meet the demand for biomass pellets. Investigation for new energy crops that produce high amounts of biomass under low inputs and of high energy efficiency are the main tasks of this field. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the biomass yield and the quality characteristics (gross calorific value and ash content) of two perennial energy crops (Cynara cardunculus L. and Panicum virgatum L.) growing in a typical soil (Fluventic Xerochrept) of the main agricultural land of central Greece. The comparison for both cultivated crops was made in order to show the results during their 8^th growing year. The examined factors were the irrigation (two levels: irrigated and rainfed) and the nitrogen fertilization (two levels: 0 and 80 kg N ha^-1) as well as their effect on the dry biomass yield and the gross calorific value. It was found that higher dry biomass yield was produced from cardoon (21.3 vs. 14.23 t ha^-1), while the higher average gross calorific value was observed for switchgrass biomass (17.31 vs. 15.65 Mj kg^-1). Finally, multiplying the dry biomass yield (t ha^-1) with the gross calorific value (Mj kg^-1) it was found that 334 and 245 Gj ha^-1 from a cardoon and a switchgrass cultivation could be produced, respectively. Cardoon has better results than switchgrass probably due to the fact that switchgrass is growing from March till October; while cardoon’s growing period is from October to June and in such areas precipitation is in shortage during summer months. Both crops could achieve high amounts of energy per hectare and thus their introduction in future land use systems, for an environmentally friendly energy production should be seriously taken into consideration.

Key words:

biomass, cardoon, gross calorific value, switchgrass, yield

1147–1153 D. Bartzialis, K.D. Giannoulis, E. Skoufogianni, A. Lavdis, G. Zalaoras, G. Charvalas and N.G. Danalatos
Sorghum dry biomass yield for solid bio-fuel production affected by different N-fertilization rates
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Sorghum dry biomass yield for solid bio-fuel production affected by different N-fertilization rates

D. Bartzialis*, K.D. Giannoulis*, E. Skoufogianni, A. Lavdis, G. Zalaoras, G. Charvalas and N.G. Danalatos

University of Thessaly, Dept. of Agriculture, Crop Production & Rural Environment, Fytokoy street, GR38443 Volos, Greece
*Correspondence: dbartz@uth.gr; kyriakos.giannoulis@gmail.com

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to examine the effect on the dry biomass yield of two different sorghum hybrids (H1 and H2) under five different N-fertilization levels (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg ha^-1) in a soil which was formed by lacustrine deposits of Karla Lake and is characterized from the downward movement of calcium carbonate from the surface horizons due to leaching (Fluventic Xerochrept) during 2017. The results demonstrated a significant effect (P < 0.05) of fertilization only for one hybrid. Biomass yield ranged from 22.2 to 37.5 t ha⁻¹. For both hybrids, sorghum accumulated a high amount of biomass in stems. Dry stem/total biomass ratio was rather constant throughout the different fertilization treatments achieving 81.6 and 77.5% for the first (H1) and the second hybrid (H2), respectively. The second hybrid (H2) had a higher percentage of leaf biomass (20.1 vs. 13.8%) than the first (H1), but lagged behind in seed production (2.4 vs. 4.6%). Biomass dry matter partitioning and total dry weight are important selection criteria for energy crops, due to different gross calorific value and ash content but also because of the different economic importance they may have e.g. the seed is also used as animal feed. The above high biomass yields of sorghum, confirming the high potential of this crop, should be taken into serious consideration regarding land use planning, but further investigation for the gross calorific value and the ash content is needed as well as biomass characteristics that are quite important in case to improve the combustion process.

Key words:

biomass, dry weight, leaves, sorghum, stems

1800–1807 D. Urbancl, J. Krope and D. Goričanec
Torrefaction – the process for biofuels production by using different biomasses
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Torrefaction – the process for biofuels production by using different biomasses

D. Urbancl*, J. Krope and D. Goričanec

University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova street 17, SI2000 Maribor, Slovenia
*Correspondence: danijela.urbancl@um.si

Abstract:

Torrefaction process is a mild pyrolysis, where biomass material is converted into solid fuel with higher heating value. The results of torrefaction at different temperatures in a range from 220 to 400 °C for three varied materials, oak wood, mixed wood and dehydrated, granulated sewage sludge are presented. The torrefaction process started with warm up stage, which took place for 30 minutes, after that sample was torrefied for 2 hours at constant temperature. The process continued with cool down stage. The energy demands were covered by electric power, while the flue gasses were not integrated in the process. The influence of the operating temperatures are analysed in order to determine optimal operation parameters to get the torrefied biomass with highest calorific value. Furthermore, the optimal operation time according to the largest increase in calorific value for each material is evaluated. The results of calorific value, mass drop and chemical compositions such as elemental analyses are also presented. Results show that heating values increase with raising temperature for both wood samples. The heating values for sewage sludge increases to approximately 320 °C, after that temperature are unchangeable. Torrefied oak wood samples were more fragile at higher temperatures in comparison to raw or torrefied oak wood samples at lower temperatures. At torrefied sewage sludge samples the changes in fragility are not detected due to pre-prepared granulates of sludge.

Key words:

biomass, energetic evaluation, oak and mixed wood, sewage sludge, solid fuel, torrefaction

1779–1787 M. Toom, L. Talgre, P. Pechter, L. Narits, S. Tamm and E. Lauringson
The effect of sowing date on cover crop biomass and nitrogen accumulation
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The effect of sowing date on cover crop biomass and nitrogen accumulation

M. Toom¹²*, L. Talgre², P. Pechter¹, L. Narits¹, S. Tamm¹ and E. Lauringson²

¹Estonian Crop Research Institute, J. Aamisepa 1, EE48309 Jõgeva, Estonia
²Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: merili.toom@etki.ee

Abstract:

Cover crops are important tools for reducing nitrogen (N) leaching from the soil and improving the nutrition of cash crops. In northern regions with short autumns it is important to maximise the growing season of cover crops to achieve sufficient biomass and N accumulation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the biomass and N accumulation of cover crops at different sowing dates in August.
Field experiment at Estonian Crop Research Institute was conducted in 2017 and 2018 with white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Cover crops were sown on August 3, 8, 14 and 18 in 2017 and August 3, 8, 13, 17 and 23 in 2018.
The two year experiment showed that biomass and N accumulation of cover crops were reduced with delayed sowings, but the reduction mainly depended on cover crop species.
White mustard, field pea and faba bean accumulated significantly higher amount of biomass and N than phacelia, buckwheat and berseem clover at all sowing dates in both years. Because of a rapid decrease in biomass, the optimum sowing time for phacelia and buckwheat should not be later than middle of August. In both year berseem clover produced the modest amount of biomass and therefore more suited as spring sown cover crop in Estonian conditions.

Key words:

biomass, cover crops, nitrogen accumulation, Sowing date

862–871 B. Tamelová, J. Malaťák and J. Velebil
Hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction of cabbage waste
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Hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction of cabbage waste

B. Tamelová*, J. Malaťák and J. Velebil

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Technological Equipment of Buildings, Kamýcká 129, CZCZ165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
*Correspondence: tamelova@tf.czu.cz

Abstract:

In recent years, waste biomass has been increasingly becoming an energy source. The utilization of biomass includes a number of potential treatments: thermochemical, physicochemical and biochemical. In the food industry, significant amounts of biodegradable wastes are produced which have to be quickly treated to not pose an environmental problem. In this work cabbage waste (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was treated by hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction.
Hydrothermal carbonization experiments were carried out in a pressure reactor vessel Berghof BR-300 (inner volume 400 mL, temperature regulation by Berghof BTC 3000). The carbonization took place at target temperatures 180 °C and 225 °C. Torrefaction tests were carried out in a thermogravimetric programmable oven LECO TGA701 under nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures 225 °C, 250 °C and 275 °C. The residence time was 30 min for both processes. Proximate and elemental composition, as well as calorific value was analysed in all samples. To express the influence of the treatments on combustion behaviour, stoichiometric combustion calculations were performed.
The analyses show a positive effect of both torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization on fuel properties in the samples. Most obvious is the reduction in oxygen content which depends on the process temperature. After hydrothermal carbonization at 225 °C the oxygen content was lowered by 46.7%. The net calorific value increased proportionally with temperature in both processes. After hydrothermal carbonization at 225 °C the net calorific value increased on average by 3 MJ kg^-1 to 20.89 MJ kg^-1. Both tested processes significantly increased the fuel value of this biodegradable waste.

Key words:

biochar, biomass, elemental analysis, energy properties