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Biomass related articles |
1. Biomass conversion to carbon adsorbents and gas
Abstract: A process is created for the utilization of biomass by producing carbon adsorbents and gas. Carbon adsorbents with alkaline character of the surface, tar and gas products are obtained by steam pyrolysis of biomass (almond shells, nut shells, apricot stones, cherry stones, grape seeds). Mixtures of tar obtained during this process and furfural are used for obtaining carbon adsorbents with low ash and sulphur contents and different chemical character of the surface. The chemical character of oxygen functional groups on their surface reveals that they are polyfunctional cationites. Carbon adsorbents obtained have a hydrophilic surface and are suitable for removing metal ions and other pollutants from water. Source: here... |
Author:D. Savovaa, E. Apakb, E. Ekinci
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2. Beneficial use of industrial by-products
Abstract: An overview is presented on the use of industrial waste in a variety of composting and other soil amendment applications. These include causticizing wastes as substitutes for agricultural lime, pharmaceutical residues for high-nitrogen treatments, and paper fiber as a component of engineered soil for covering mine-refuse piles. Source: here... |
Author: Thacker, William E., Hermann, Douglas J.ISSN: 0276-5055 |
3. Using MSW and industrial residues as ethanol feedstocks
Abstract: An overview is presented on producing clean burning ethanol fuel from organic residuals, and its positive impact on energy security and economic development. Nationwide adoption of this process can divert 75% of landfill-bound materials to energy production and other marketable products. Source: here... |
Author: Broder, Jacqueline D., Harris, Robert A., Ranney, Jeffrey T.ISSN: 0276-5055 |
4. Maize and sorghum: genetic resources for bioenergy grasses
Abstract: The highly photosynthetic-efficient C4 grasses, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and maize (Zea mays), are expected to provide abundant and sustainable resources of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of biofuels. A deeper understanding of the synthesis, deposition and hydrolysis of the distinctive cell walls of grasses is crucial to gain genetic control of traits that contribute to biomass yield and quality. With a century of genetic investigations and breeding success, recently completed genome sequences, well-characterized cell wall compositions, and a close evolutionary relationship with future bioenergy perennial grasses, we propose that maize and sorghum are key model systems for gene discovery relating to biomass yield and quality in the bioenergy grasses. Source: here... |
Author:Nicholas C. Carpita1, |
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Maureen C. McCann5. Bioethanol Production from Agricultural Waste Biomass as a Renewable Bioenergy Resource in Biomaterials
Abstract: Biomass is a renewable energy resource with high potential fuel source for the creation of steam and electricity, transportation fuel, medicinal manufacturing industries as well as a solvent in the laboratory. The more efficient use of biomass (derived bioethanol) is demanded to solve the global crisis such as depletion of fossil fuel and global warming (greenhouse gas emissions). It is presently estimated to contribute of the order 10–14% of the world energy supply. Demand for biomass-derived ethanol could be significant if ethanol became oxygenate of choice. Biomass derived biofuel such as bioethanol is increasingly applied for automotive purposes. They have, however, a relatively low efficiency in converting solar energy into automotive power. Manufacturers of proprietary medicines defended the use of ethanol by claiming that it was added to prevent their products from spoiling and freezing. In this study we mentioned the biomass preparation and fermentation techniques for bioethanol production using yeast (e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and reviewed results from different agricultural waste biomass (algae, fruit and fish, chicken). We found fruit (pineapple) biomass was higher and easier to extract than algae and fish biomass. Source: here... |
Author:A. B. M. S. Hossain2, A. A. Saleh3, S. Aishah2, A. N. Boyce2, P. P. Chowdhury2 and M. Naqiuddin2 |
6. Economic impacts of woody biomass utilization for bioenergy in Mississippi.
| Abstract: This study examined the economic impacts of woody biomass utilization for bioenergy conversion in Mississippi. Analysis of economic impacts was organized around three groups of events: (1) recovery of logging and thinning residues, (2) electricity generation from cofiring systems, and (3) construction and operation of biofuel facilities. Input-output analysis was used to simulate economic impacts in terms of gross output, value-added, and employment. Cost information and woody biomass inventories were obtained from the literature, a statewide forest inventory, and Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) database. Results showed that the single activity of recovery of all available logging and thinning residues would create a considerable number of jobs and stimulate the rural economy with more resources coming to local industries and households. Due to construction and operation costs, economic impacts of biofuels were higher than biopower. However, biofuels reported the lowest employment and value-added multipliers of all three groups. This may be due, in part, to equipment and materials manufactured outside of the state. It is expected that as technology, equipment, and human capital were gradually attracted to the area, the multiplicative effect and expenditure retention should increase. These results can help decision-makers evaluate Mississippi's potential for future bioenergy development. Source: here... |
Author: Perez-Verdin, Gustavo^Grebner, Donald L.^Munn, Ian A.^Sun, Changyou^Grado, Stephen C. |
7. Utilization of biomass residues for the remediation of metal-polluted soils
Abstract: The utilization of biomass residues as sources for natural chalets is a new approach to improve the ecological and economical balance of leaching techniques for the remediation of metal-polluted soils. Residues, including molasses, blood meal, and silage effluents, containing various aliphatic carboxylic acids, sugar acids and amino acids, or their precursor compounds were chosen, hydrolyzed and if needed, oxidized, then analyzed for their organic constituents. Soils that were polluted with metals through sewage sludge amendment were removed in batch and column experiments at several pH levels. Source: here... |
Author: Fischer, Klaus, Kettrup, Antonius, Bipp, Hans-Peter, Riemschneider, Peter, Bieniek, Dieter, Leidmann, Peter, ISSN: 0013-936X |
8. Biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts from sustainable agricultural and forest crops
Abstract: The goal of this conference was to initiate and provide opportunities for an international forum on the science and application of producing both agricultural and forest crops for biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts. There is a substantial global need for development of such systems and technologies that can economically and sustainably produce short rotation crops across multiple temporal and spatial scales. Topic areas were biological and environmental; and economic and policy implications of sustainable biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts. Presentations addressed anatomy, breeding, genetics, physiology, ecosystem services, phytotechnologies, and production systems, as well as conversion technologies, costs and operational feasibility, environmental impacts and review, social factors, policy issues, and regional logistics. Seventy-four abstracts from oral and poster presentations are included in these proceedings. Source: here... |
Author: Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Mitchell, Rob; Richardson, Jim, eds., Publication: Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-31. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 76 p. |
9. An environmental life cycle assessment comparing Australian sugarcane with US corn and UK sugar beet as producers of sugars for fermentation
Abstract: Sugarcane is a highly suitable substrate for the production of bio-products. As well as producing high yields of sugar, much of the plant's fibre is also recovered and used as a source of renewable energy. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of sugarcane production and processing in Australia was performed to develop an environmental profile of sugarcane as a source of bio-products. The application examined was fermentation products from sugar. The sugarcane results were compared with results for other sugar producing crops—US corn and UK sugar beet—to gauge its relative environmental performance. The results show sugarcane to have an advantage in respect of energy input, greenhouse gas emissions and possibly acidification potential due to its high saccharide yield and the displacement of fossil fuels with surplus renewable energy from cane fibre (bagasse). However Australian sugarcane can exhibit high nitrous oxide emissions, which would reduce greenhouse gas advantages in some regions. For eutrophication, sugar beet provides advantages due to the avoided production of other agricultural crops displaced by the use of beet pulp as an animal feed. The three factors found to have the most influence on the environmental impacts of these agro-industrial systems were the commodities displaced by by-products, agricultural yields, and nitrogen use efficiency. Source: here... |
Author: M.A. Renoufa, d,, M.K. Wegenerb, d and L.K. Nielsenc, d |
10. Potential Contribution of Bioenergy to the World’s Future Energy Demand
Abstract: Biomass is a versatile raw material that can be used for production of heat, power, transport fuels, and bioproducts. When produced and used on a sustainable basis, it is a carbon-neutral carrier and can make a large contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, biomass-driven combined heat and power, co-firing, and combustion plants provide reliable, efficient, and clean power and heat. Production and use of biofuels are growing at a very rapid pace. Sugar cane-based ethanol is already a competitive biofuel in tropical regions. In the medium term, ethanol and high-quality synthetic fuels from woody biomass are expected to be competitive at crude oil prices above US$45 per barrel. Source: here... |
Author:Potential Contribution of Bioenergy to the World’s Future Energy Demand,IEA Bioenergy, IEA BIOENERGY: EXCO: 2007:02 |
11. Biomass Energy Systems Efficiency
Abstract:The question is whether biomass energy development can meet rising global electricity demand amid international concerns over fossil fuel dependence, global warming, and land use conflicts. A causal loop diagram illustrates the interrelationships between factors that positively and negatively influence the development of biomass as a renewable energy fuel. This thesis presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass energy systems to analyze some of the limiting factors. Limiting factors such as increased land use, fossil fuel use, and corresponding CO2 emissions influence further international biomass development efforts. The life cycle assessment evaluated alternative processes that might increase efficiency. The LCA revealed that integrating Salix short-rotation forests, biological fertilizers, and integrated gasification technologies into the biomass energy system would reduce fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions by 74 percent and land use by roughly 97 percent. Biomass energy systems can become much more efficient and competitive sources of renewable electricity by implementing Salix, biological fertilizer, and gasification technologies. Source: here... |
Author: Erik Christian Daugherty, Master’s of Science Thesis, Renewable Energy Analysis, Surce: www.lumes.lu.se |
12. Environmental impacts of a lignocellulose feedstock biorefinery system: An assessment
Abstract: Biomass is a sustainable alternative to fossil energy carriers which are used to produce fuels, electricity, chemicals, and other goods. At the moment, the main biobased products are obtained by the conversion of biomass to basic products like starch, oil, and cellulose. In addition, some single chemicals and fuels are produced. Presently, concepts of biorefineries which will produce a multitude of biomass -derived products are discussed. Biorefineries are supposed to contribute to a more sustainable resource supply and to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. However, biobased products and fuels may also be associated with environmental disadvantages due to, e.g. land use or eutrophication of water. Source: here... |
Author: Andreas Uihleinaand Liselotte Schebeka
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13. Life cycle energy and environmental benefits of generating electricity from willow biomass
Abstract: Biomass is a key renewable energy source expected to play an important role in US electricity production under stricter emission regulations and renewable portfolio standards. Willow energy crops are being developed in the northeast US as a fuel source for increasing biomass energy and bioproduct demands. A life cycle inventory is presented that characterizes the full cradle-to-grave energy and environmental performance of willow biomass to- electricity. A willow biomass production model is developed using demonstrationscale field experience from New York. Scenarios are presented that mimic anticipated cofiring operations, including supplemental use of wood residues, at an existing coal-fired generating facility. At a co-firing rate of 10% biomass, the system net energy ratio (electricity delivered divided by total fossil fuel consumed) increases by 8.9% and net global warming potential decreases by 7–10%. Net SO2 emissions are reduced by 9.5% and a significant reduction in NOx emissions is expected. In addition, we estimate system performance of using willow biomass in dedicated biomass gasification and direct-fired generating facilities and demonstrate that the pollution avoided (relative to the current electricity grid) is comparable to other renewables such as PV and wind. Source: here... |
Author: Martin C. Hellera, Gregory A. Keoleiana*, Margaret K. Mannb,Timothy A. Volkc |
14.The economic impact of generating electricity from biomass in Iowa: a general equilibrium analysis
Abstract: Many people believe that obtaining energy from renewable sources would generate a large number of new jobs. Two reasons are often cited to support this belief. First, Providing renewable energy is more labor intensive than producing fossil fuels and nuclear power. The U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA, 1980), for example, estimated thatderiving energy from forestry residues was 1.5 to 3 times as labor-intensive as using coal. The Council on Economic Priorities in New York (1979) compared the job-creation potential of a solar/conservation strategy and two proposed nuclear power plants on Long Island, New York. They found that solar energy alone would create nine times as many jobs per unit of energy produced as nuclear power. California Public Policy Center (1978) similarly found that active solar systems would generate more than twice as many jobs as either nuclear power or liquified natural gas. Brower and his colleagues in the Union of Concern Scientists (Brower et al., 1993) estimated that 200 MW of wood-fired power plants in Ohio, using trees grown locally as energy crops, would create nearly 500 more permanent new jobs in the state than if local coal were used to supply the same new generating capacity.
Source: here... |
Author: Xiannuan (James) Lin Center for Energy and Environmental Studies Boston University |
15.Assessing Biofuel Crop Invasiveness: A Case Study
Abstract: There is widespread interest in biofuel crops as a solution to the world's energy needs, particularly in light of concerns over greenhouse-gas emissions. Despite reservations about their adverse environmental impacts, no attempt has been made to quantify actual, relative or potential invasiveness of terrestrial biofuel crops at an appropriate regional or international scale, and their planting continues to be largely unregulated.
Source: here... |
Author: Christopher Evan Buddenhagen*, Charles Chimera, Patti Clifford, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America |
16.A New Processing Scheme for Algae Biofuels
Abstract: A number of companies are attempting to take advantage of the fact that algae naturally produce oil. But growing algae and extracting its oil efficiently is difficult, time consuming, and expensive. While some companies are focusing on better growing and harvesting methods, others, such as OriginOil, are focused on finding new ways to access the oil.
In OriginOil's process, the algae solution is channeled through a pipe to which an electromagnetic field and ultrasound are applied, rupturing the cell walls and releasing the oil. Carbon dioxide is bubbled through, which lowers the pH. The resulting solution is then piped into another container. The lowered pH separates the biomass from the oil, and the oil floats to the top, while the biomass sinks to the bottom. The oil can be skimmed off, the biomass can be further processed, and the water is recycled.
Source: here... |
Author: Monica Heger, published by Technology Review |