Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mojtaba Hedayati Marzbali, Jorge Paz-Ferreiro, Sazal Kundu, Mohammad Ramezani, Pobitra Halder, Savankumar Patel, Troy White, Srinivasan Madapusi, Kalpit Shah
Summary: This study found that higher bio-oil yield can be obtained from paunch waste under relatively mild hydrothermal carbonisation conditions, which is mainly due to the fragile nature of paunch waste, higher water, volatile matter, and carbohydrate content, and lower lignin and ash content. The resulting hydrochar has a higher heating value and BET surface area, making it suitable as a coal substitute or porous medium in various applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aneta Magdziarz, Agata Mlonka-Medrala, Malgorzata Sieradzka, Christian Aragon-Briceno, Artur Pozarlik, Eddy A. Bramer, Gerrit Brem, Lukasz Niedzwiecki, Halina Pawlak-Kruczek
Summary: Digestate is a nutrient-rich substance produced by anaerobic digestion, which can be utilized as a solid biofuel, soil amendment substance, or substrate for activated carbon production. Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) is investigated as a pre-treatment method for digestate, resulting in changes in physical and chemical properties of the hydrochars.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mojtaba Hedayati Marzbali, Ibrahim Gbolahan Hakeem, Kalpit Shah
Summary: This article mainly introduces a novel approach of hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), which aims to enhance the quality and utilisation of products. Magnetite nanoparticles were found on the surface of hydrochar, and magnetic hydrochar showed a strong adsorption capacity. It was estimated that the HTC plant could operate in an energy-neutral mode with a net present value of US$13.04 MM for 30 years.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongcai Su, Xuanyou Zhou, Rendong Zheng, Zhihao Zhou, Yan Zhang, Gaojun Zhu, Caimeng Yu, Dwi Hantoko, Mi Yan
Summary: This study aims to convert oil extracted food waste into hydrochar as potential solid fuel via hydrothermal carbonization process. The hydrochar produced has higher high heating value and fuel ratio, increased carbon content, stable combustion process, and high removal rates of sodium and potassium. Hydrothermal carbonization is considered a promising alternative for treatment and energy conversion of OEFW.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Farahin Mohd Jais, Ching Yern Chee, Zubaidah Ismail, Shaliza Ibrahim
Summary: In this study, hydrochar derived from rice straw was activated with sodium hydroxide to enhance its porosity and increase functional groups. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of activation parameters on hydrochar performance. Optimization resulted in the generation of activated hydrochar with improved yield and higher adsorption capacity for tetracycline and crystal violet removal.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Saikrishna Venna, Hari Bhakta Sharma, Debabrata Mandal, Hari Prasad Reddy, Shamik Chowdhury, Amreesh Chandra, Brajesh K. Dubey
Summary: This study investigates the use of landfill leachate as a medium in the hydrothermal carbonisation process of food waste to produce hydrochar. The hydrochar's structural and electrochemical properties were compared to those produced using distilled water. The results show that while there is a difference in surface area, the electrochemical performances of the two are comparable. This suggests that landfill leachate can be used as an alternative aqueous medium to produce hydrochar for use in supercapacitors.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mathew C. Holliday, Daniel R. Parsons, Sharif H. Zein
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of various variables on the properties of hydrochars produced through hydrothermal carbonisation. The study finds that hydrochars have increased carbon content, higher heating value, and water adsorption, while their oxygen content and dye adsorption decrease. Decreasing the solution ratio is the most significant factor in increasing yield and carbon recovery, while increasing the temperature is the most significant factor in increasing carbon content and decreasing oxygen content. Particle size, solution pH, and acetone washing also affect the properties of hydrochars.
Article
Horticulture
Dengge Qin, Quan He, Seyed Mohammad Nasir Mousavi, Lord Abbey
Summary: This study aimed to improve the physical structure and chemical properties of hydrochar, a potential absorbent and horticultural substrate, through three pre-treatment methods. The results showed that microbial aging significantly enhanced the physicochemical properties of hydrochar and improved seed germination and root development. Therefore, microbial aging is considered to have the greatest potential for practical application in improving hydrochar.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Akram Dahdouh, Yann Le Brech, Ismail Khay, Anas El Maakoul, Mohamed Bakhouya
Summary: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the hydrothermal liquefaction of two-phase olive mill waste. A parametric study was conducted to screen different experimental conditions using a batch reactor. The results showed that the highest energy yield was achieved at 280 degrees C, with a dry-matter/water ratio of 0.15 and no isotherm step. The produced bio-oil and hydrochar had high energy values and could potentially be used for energy purposes. Furthermore, the bio-oil was found to contain phenolic compounds and fatty acids.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marija Kovacevic, Nikolina Stjepanovic, Salsabil Trigui, Davorka K. Hackenberger, Zeljka Loncaric, Olga Jovanovic Glavas, Amjad Kallel, Branimir K. Hackenberger
Summary: In recent years, there has been significant attention given to the environmental impact of olive mill waste. However, there is still limited knowledge about the effects of olive mill wastewater and contaminated soil on non-target soil organisms. This study investigated the effects of these wastes on the survival, reproduction, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and available energy of the springtail F. candida. The results showed that the contaminated soil had higher toxicity compared to the wastewater, affecting survival and reproduction. Additionally, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and changes in available energy were observed. These negative effects are likely due to the high phenol content in the wastes. The findings suggest that different biomarkers should be considered in the ecotoxicological assessment of various wastes to understand their mechanisms of action.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Joshua O. Ighalo, Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam, Kanika Dulta, Chisom T. Umeh, Kingsley O. Iwuozor, Chukwunonso O. Aniagor, Steve O. Eshiemogie, Felicitas U. Iwuchukwu, Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe
Summary: Hydrochars, special biochars obtained from hydrothermal processes, have been explored as effective adsorbents for the removal of various pollutants from wastewater. They possess unique properties such as high adsorption efficiency, regeneration ability, and environmental friendliness.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Shanta Dutta, Mingjing He, Xinni Xiong, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is widely used to produce biogas from food waste, but a significant amount of nutrient-rich food waste anaerobic digestate (FWD) remains under-utilised. FWD has potential as a nutrient source for microalgal cultivation and biofuel production, and emerging technologies like thermal conversion show promise in converting FWD into value-added products like biochar/hydrochar. Integrated AD with valorisation facilities is encouraged to achieve complete resource utilisation and reduce carbon emissions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alessandra De Bruno, Rosa Romeo, Amalia Piscopo, Marco Poiana
Summary: This study characterized the transfer and changes of bioactive compounds in olives during olive oil production process. Significant differences were found in phenolic composition and antioxidant activity among cultivars in different matrices. This research provides new insights into the availability of bioactive compounds in different portions from olive oil extraction and the antioxidant potential of different olive varieties.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tolgahan Evcil, Kubilay Tekin, Suat Ucar, Selhan Karagoz
Summary: Hydrothermal liquefaction of olive oil residues was studied under various conditions, with the use of metal chlorides found to decrease bio-oil yields. When using methanol for liquefaction, the addition of AlCl3 significantly increased bio-oil yields.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Duong Nguyen, Wanxia Zhao, Mikko Makela, Zeyad T. Alwahabi, Chi Wai Kwong
Summary: The ignition properties of solid hydrochars and their slurries derived from the hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) of grape marc were evaluated and compared. Results showed that the ignition delay time and temperature varied with different temperatures and compositions. The study demonstrated the high ignitability of the hydrochar slurry derived from grape marc, offering a potential pathway for recycling grape marc into a sustainable liquid fuel.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manuel C. Bauer, Philipp Konnerth, Andrea Kruse
Summary: Liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) is a promising, green solvent for biomass lipid extractions. This study examines its use with four microalgae and cyanobacteria species, and finds that cryo-milling increases oil yield and improves fatty acid composition.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Felipe R. Toledo, Christopher A. Lorca, Jose M. del Valle, Luca Fiori
Summary: The study showed that temperature gradients within a packed bed have a significant impact on the extraction of oil from pelletized cranberry seeds using SuperCritical CO2. Experimental results were described using a two-phase heat transfer model and a linear-driving-force mass transfer model to predict temperature profiles and oil extraction curves accurately. This research represents a step forward in predicting the course of SC-CO2 oil extraction.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Dylan Mariuzza, Jui-Chun Lin, Maurizio Volpe, Luca Fiori, Selim Ceylan, Jillian L. Goldfarb
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising strategy for converting wet biomass wastes into carbon-condensed solid hydrochars. Co-hydrothermal carbonization of cow manure with grape marc and corn stover did not enhance solid yield or higher heating value synergistically, but it did increase the electrical conductivity of hydrochars. Hydrochars have higher fixed carbon content and lower H/C and O/C atomic ratios than their parent feedstocks, reducing their susceptibility to thermal degradation and decreasing the bioavailability of heavy metals. The land application of hydrochars could potentially reduce phosphorous run-off and eutrophication compared to raw manure.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
G. Ischia, M. Cazzanelli, L. Fiori, M. Orlandi, A. Miotello
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization is an exothermic reaction that can reduce external energy demand and improve thermal efficiency. Experimental exploration of heat profiles and reaction enthalpies reveals that differences in liquid phase heat capacity at high temperatures can affect results. Higher temperatures favor the generation of exothermic peak intensity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wust Dominik, Arauzo Pablo, Habicht Sonja, Cazana Fernando, Fiori Luca, Kruse Andrea
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization converts biogenic wastes into char-like solids with promising applications, but generates difficult to treat process water. A biorefinery approach with recirculation steps was used to improve solid characteristics. The study found that molecules in Brewer's spent grains decomposed into hundreds of organic compounds during HTC.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Bona, Donato Scrinzi, Giustino Tonon, Maurizio Ventura, Tiziana Nardin, Fabio Zottele, Daniele Andreis, Gianni Andreottola, Luca Fiori, Silvia Silvestri
Summary: This study focuses on the investigation of hydrochar and hydrochar co-compost as amendments, evaluating their properties and their impact on soil and greenhouse gas emissions. The results demonstrate the good quality of hydrochar co-compost and validate the use of hydrochar as an amendment in soil.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jillian L. Goldfarb, Andrew H. Hubble, Qiulin Ma, Maurizio Volpe, Giulia Severini, Gianni Andreottola, Luca Fiori
Summary: The increased quantities of livestock manure and its agronomic use have raised concerns about the impact on soil and groundwater quality. This study investigated the hydrothermal carbonization of cow manure to recover phosphorus and evaluated the resulting hydrochars as adsorbent materials for water remediation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Scrinzi, R. Ferrentino, E. Bau, L. Fiori, G. Andreottola
Summary: This study presents two scenarios of integrating hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a post-treatment for anaerobic digestion (AD) process in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The results show significant reduction in sludge production and increase in biogas production, as well as improved nutrient recovery and cost savings in sludge management.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
R. Ferrentino, G. Sacchi, D. Scrinzi, G. Andreottola, L. Fiori
Summary: In recent years, concentrated swine farms have caused environmental and economic problems for manure management. This study evaluates the use of hydrothermal carbonization to treat swine manure and utilize the liquid streams for fertigation and the hydrochar for biogas production. The results show that HTC greatly improves the dewaterability of swine manure and allows for the recovery of nutrients for fertigation. The proposed scheme of on-site HTC and off-site AD is energy efficient and has the potential to cover a significant portion of the required energy for the processes.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Roberta Ferrentino, Michela Langone, Luca Fiori, Gianni Andreottola
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing attention on sewage sludge management and the associated energy consumption, which are major cost factors in wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, it is important to implement technologies that can reduce sludge production and have a positive impact on the overall energy balance of the sewage treatment plant. This study aimed to evaluate full-scale sludge reduction technologies integrated into both the water and sludge lines of a municipal sewage treatment plant. The results showed that ultrasound in the water line and CAMBI (TM), BioThelys (TM), Exelys (TM), and TurboTec((R)) in the sludge line were the most effective technologies in reducing sludge production, although they did require a significant amount of energy.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vahab Ghalandari, Hunter Smith, Maurizio Volpe, Antonio Messineo, Toufiq Reza
Summary: This study investigates the effect of acidic hydrochar on the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of waste PVC. The results show that acidic hydrochar enhances the conversion of PVC during HTL and produces plastic crude oil with a higher heating value.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Filippo Marchelli, Roberta Ferrentino, Giulia Ischia, Marco Calvi, Gianni Andreottola, Luca Fiori
Summary: This study finds that hydrothermal carbonization treatment can effectively degrade a type of bioplastic and enhance the gas production and production rate during anaerobic digestion. Therefore, hydrothermal carbonization treatment is a suitable approach to enhance the disposal and energy recovery of bioplastics.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Katrin Stoekle, Dennis Jung, Andrea Kruse
Summary: Chicory roots are a low-cost agricultural residue that can be used as a feedstock for producing 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In this study, two methods were investigated to increase the fructose content in the extracted inulin and fructose from chicory roots. The first method involved acid-assisted extraction, while the second method involved aqueous extraction followed by nitric acid hydrolysis. It was found that separating extraction and hydrolysis was more suitable for integrating this process into a biorefinery concept for HMF production.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gabriella Gonnella, Giulia Ischia, Luca Fambri, Luca Fiori
Summary: This study investigates the kinetics of pyrolysis and oxidation of hydrochars through thermal analysis techniques. The results show that the decomposition profiles of hydrochars are affected by the treatment temperature, and the activation energy and pre-exponential factor exhibit different distributions during the decomposition process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.