Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Andre Nathaniel Chung Han Wee, Arson Edberg Erison, Eugenie Hulo Edward Anyek, Grace Riestiana Pakpahan, Jing Ru Lim, Angnes Ngieng Tze Tiong
Summary: This study aims to elucidate the process design and techno-economic feasibility of hydrogen production from palm oil mill effluent (POME) using steam methane reforming in the context of Malaysia. The simulation results showed that a feedstock of 20,000 kg per hour of POME could generate 963.31 tonnes of hydrogen annually. The estimated capital expenses and operating expenses for the hydrogen production facility were RM 142.49 million and RM 58.67 million/year, respectively. The study provides valuable information for potential alternative hydrogen production methods and can help accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen production technologies.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Khaliyah Sani, Prawit Kongjan, Charoen Pakhathirathien, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Sompong O-Thong, Marisa Raketh, Rusnee Kana, Rattana Jariyaboon
Summary: The study investigated the biohydrogen and biomethane potential of palm oil mill effluent (POME) in a two-stage anaerobic digestion system under thermophilic and mesophilic conditions. The results showed that the best production potentials were obtained from POME with an initial 0.5 g-COD loading, and the energy yield achieved from two-stage AD was significantly higher than single-stage AD. Continuous production of hydrogen and methane revealed that the highest yields were generated at specific hydraulic retention times, with an overall COD removal of approximately 66.27%.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Safa Senan Mahmod, Jamaliah Md Jahim, Peer Mohamed Abdul, Abdullah Amru Indera Luthfi, Mohd Sobri Takriff
Summary: The study aims to establish baseline economics for a two-stage anaerobic system producing biohydrogen and biomethane from locally generated palm oil mill effluent, and conducted a techno-economic analysis. The economic profitability assessment demonstrated the feasibility of the project, with economic conditions most sensitive to effluent quality and product selling prices.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jia Win Chen, Yi Jing Chan, Senthil Kumar Arumugasamy, Sara Kazemi Yazdi
Summary: In this study, the performance of anaerobic digestion process was evaluated using supervised Machine Learning algorithms. Artificial neural network model was found to be superior to response surface methodology model in modeling methane yield and H2S concentration. Temperature and recirculation ratio were identified as the main interactive factors affecting methane yield. Process optimization using response surface methodology identified the optimum operating conditions resulting in the highest methane yield and the least H2S concentration. Sensitivity analysis revealed the substantial role of recirculation ratio in yielding more methane.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Wiparat Chaipetch, Watsa Khongnakorn, Chaowana Yirong, Jomjai Boonkan, Arisa Jaiyu, Marc Heran
Summary: A two-stage submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (2-sAnMBR) was used to accelerate anaerobic biodegradation of palm oil mill effluent (POME). Higher organic loading rates (OLR) led to increased volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and decreased biogas production. However, the highest OLR achieved a COD removal effectiveness of 70%, with the membrane contribution being around 23.9% to 34.7%. The ratio of propionic acid/acetic acid was a key indicator to prevent system failure, while phenol concentration and some chemical parameters influenced fouling rate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohd Nasrullah, Sabah Ansar, Santhana Krishnan, Lakhveer Singh, Shaik Gouse Peera, A. W. Zularisam
Summary: In this study, the electrocoagulation parameters for treating palm oil mill effluent (POME) were optimized by applying high current intensity. The optimized operating parameters achieved high removal rates for COD, BOD, and SS.
Article
Thermodynamics
Denny K. S. Ng, Sarah L. X. Wong, Viknesh Andiappan, Lik Yin Ng
Summary: This study aims to develop a systematic optimization model for the production of sustainable bio-CH4 from POME based on economic and environmental performances. Through the optimization model, an Integrated Anaerobic-Aerobic Bioreactor (IAAB) and cryogenic separator are selected to produce 90 wt% of bio-CH4 from POME in a typical palm oil mill in Malaysia, with estimated total GHG emissions of 2.31 million tons of CO2 per year and total economic performance of USD 7.24 million per year.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sharifah Mohammad, Siti Baidurah, Takaomi Kobayashi, Norli Ismail, Cheu Peng Leh
Summary: This article discusses the widespread use of ponding system or land application techniques for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment, particularly the integrated anaerobic-aerobic bioreactor (IAAB). Various POME treatment methods are explored in depth, with a focus on the promising IAAB system. The article also looks at the challenges and future prospects of POME treatment.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohd Amran Bin Mohd Yusof, Yi Jing Chan, Daniel Jia Sheng Chong, Chien Hwa Chong
Summary: This study evaluates and compares the performance of an In-ground Lagoon Anaerobic Digester in four different biogas plants in Malaysia. The results show that organic loading rate, temperature, recirculation ratio, and plant location significantly affect COD removal and biogas production. The optimal operating parameters vary from plant to plant.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Veroneka Semilin, Jidon Janaun, Chin Hing Chung, Dalila Touhami, Stephanie K. Haywood, Khim Phin Chong, Abu Zahrim Yaser, Sharif H. Zein
Summary: This study investigated the recovery of residual oil from POME using PP-MNF through adsorption and extraction techniques. Hand pressing, solvent, and supercritical CO2 extraction methods all showed promising results in oil recovery, with high oil quality obtained.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamed Hasnain Isa, Mohammed J. K. Bashir, Lai-Peng Wong
Summary: In this study, palm oil mill effluent (POME) was treated by ultrasonication and anaerobically digested. The impact of anaerobic community dynamics on biogas production was investigated through metagenomic study. The results showed that the dynamics of methanogenic archaea had a significant effect on methane production.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Charndanai Tirapanampai, Neal Toewiwat, Nopphon Weeranoppanant, Pimchai Chaiyen, Thanyaporn Wongnate
Summary: This study explores a new approach to prepare a food waste-digesting inoculum from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The low-rate acclimatization strategy using POME as the initial inoculum proved successful in adapting to the consuming behavior of microorganisms inside the anaerobic digestion system. The study also reveals changes in microbial communities, with a shift from lignocellulose-digesting bacteria to protein, lipid, and carbohydrate digesting bacteria, as well as a shift in the major populations of methane-producing microbes from Methanosarcina to Methanosaeta.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sajjad Khudhur Abbas Al-Amshawee, Mohd Yusri Bin Mohd Yunus, Joan G. Lynam
Summary: The study found that both 15 mg/L and 30 mg/L ozone doses effectively dissolved non-biodegradable solids, enhancing toxicity removal, but the 15 mg/L dose was less effective. A higher ozone dose demonstrated better treatment performance and water quality.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Santhana Krishnan, Praphaphan Homroskla, Kanyarat Saritpongteeraka, Oramas Suttinun, Mohd Nasrullah, Yutthana Tirawanichakul, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: This study quantified the inhibition of phenolic compounds in palm oil mill effluent (POME) on anaerobic digestion and found that ozone pretreatment significantly reduced these compounds and improved biogas production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing S. Chan, Mary Low, Phaik E. Poh, Leslie Y. Yeo, Ming K. Tan
Summary: The large quantities of palm oil mill effluent (POME) create a significant pollution problem. In this study, we demonstrate that the introduction of plasma and MHz-order sound waves can greatly reduce the treatment time and improve the removal of pollutants in POME. Plasma exposure enhances oxygen dissolution and organic compound dissolution, while sound waves promote convective mass transfer and bacterial decomposition. Combining plasma pretreatment and sound wave irradiation can lead to a fivefold reduction in the total treatment duration, making this hybrid technology promising for industrial-scale treatment systems.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
B. K. Zaied, Mamunur Rashid, Mohd Nasrullah, Bifta Sama Bari, A. W. Zularisam, Lakhveer Singh, Deepak Kumar, Santhana Krishnan
Summary: The study investigates the use of a combined ANN-PSO framework to simulate the ACoD process of POME and CM and predict biogas production. The proposed method shows effectiveness and flexibility in predicting biogas production from the ACoD of POME and CM.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Puranjan Mishra, Zularisam Ab Wahid, Ahasanul Karim, Kamal Kishore Pant, Pooja Ghosh, Deepak Kumar, Lakhveer Singh
Summary: The concept of biological hydrogen production was first proposed in the early 19th century, but it did not gain much attention until the 1930s when H-2 production was reported through anaerobic digestion of cellulose using microbes present in ruminant tract. Subsequent developments in fermentative H-2 production were achieved by researchers utilizing advanced technologies in fermentative systems. This review highlights major technological aspects such as genetic engineering, nanomaterial implementations, immobilization techniques, and reactor configuration developments associated with H-2 production through the fermentative process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Puranjan Mishra, Putla Sudarsanam, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Ahamad Elmekawy, Deepak Pant, Lakhveer Singh
Summary: This review discusses the significance of oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in bioelectrochemical systems, low-temperature fuel cells, and other electrochemical platforms. Molybdenum (Mo) is considered a potential low-cost metal-based ORR catalyst due to its multi-dimensional form and synergistic combination with other non-metals. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the electrochemical properties of Mo-based cathodic catalysts, performance limiting factors, and their coupling with other transition metals and derivatives, highlighting future research directions and potential applications of Mo-based catalysts.
CATALYSIS REVIEWS-SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Farah Amalina, Abdul Syukor Abd Razak, Santhana Krishnan, A. W. Zularisam, Mohd Nasrullah
Summary: Biomass residue adsorbents have shown great potential in removing Rhodamine B dye, with excellent adsorption capacity and broad pH range.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siti Nur Fatihah Moideen, Santhana Krishnan, Yu-You Li, Mimi Haryani Hassim, Hesam Kamyab, Mohd Nasrullah, Mohd Fadhil Md Din, Khairunnisa Abdul Halim, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: An anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) was used as primary treatment unit for anaerobic treatment of simulated wastewater, achieving high COD removal efficiency and methane production. The study also demonstrated significant energy recovery potential with the AnMBR system.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Farah Amalina, Santhana Krishnan, A. W. Zularisam, Mohd Nasrullah
Summary: The scarcity of fossils and the environmental problems associated with their production has increased the demand for sustainable alternatives. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) of biomass is a highly sustainable and renewable method for producing bio-oil and value-added products. This paper evaluates the parameters influencing MAP yields and suggests the use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) through the Central Composite Design (CCD) method for optimizing MAP systems. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive investigation of various factors and the construction of an optimized MAP system at the pilot scale for commercialization.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Farah Amalina, Santhana Krishnan, A. W. Zularisam, Mohd Nasrullah
Summary: Globally, environmental pollutants, including emerging contaminants, are a growing concern. The rapid industrialization and untreated wastewater discharge pose significant challenges to ecosystem pollution. Traditional treatment methods are ineffective in mitigating or removing pollutants, hence the urgent need for an effective, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly tertiary treatment technique. Biochar has diverse applications in ecological functioning, such as pollutant removal, carbon emissions mitigation, and wastewater treatment.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Reza Salehi, Santhana Krishnan, Mohd Nasrullah, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: This study presents a new perspective on the separation of xylose reductase enzyme from reaction mixtures in the large-scale production of xylitol using machine learning techniques. Two types of machine learning models, including an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and a boosted regression tree, were developed and tested. The boosted regression tree model demonstrated superior predictive performance in forecasting membrane flux and xylitol production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Farah Amalina, Santhana Krishnan, A. W. Zularisam, Mohd Nasrullah
Summary: Biochar is a carbon-rich resource formed through the thermal decomposition of biomass. It is gaining significant attention in various industries due to its multiple benefits for environmental improvement and its ability to sequester carbon in soil. This article evaluates the role of biochar in hydrogel-biochar composite technology, nanotechnology, pesticide detoxification, nutrient source, and catalyst for chemical reactions. It also discusses the impact of biochar on renewable energy, activated carbon production, agricultural physiology, salt plant growth, and animal growth promotion. Biochar has immense potential for environmental mitigation, and further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chettaphong Phuttaro, Santhana Krishnan, Kanyarat Saritpongteeraka, Boonya Charnnok, Ludo Diels, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: This work aims to increase the efficiency of integrated poultry waste management by maximizing the co-digestion of chicken manure and its digestate-grown biomass. The study found that a mix of at least 80% Napier grass was needed to achieve the full methanation potential of the substrates. Physical and chemical conditioning of the biomass greatly improved its biodegradability. The optimized biodegradation regime showed higher overall plant efficiency and economic return for co-digestion waste management.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Santhana Krishnan, Hesam Kamyab, Mohd Nasrullah, Zularisam Abdul Wahid, Krishna Kumar Yadav, Alissara Reungsang, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: This article reviews the biochemical pathways occurring in the metabolic network of dark fermentation and how the key operational factors influence metabolism during dark fermentation. It also discusses the recent developments and strategies for metabolic engineering to enhance H2 production, as well as the economic analysis and prospects of bio-H2 production.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Araya Thongsai, Santhana Krishnan, Pongsak (Lek) Noophan, David Gabriel, Daniel Gonzalez, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: This study evaluated the performance and microbial dynamics of an ORP-controlled fluidized bed membrane bioreactor (FMBRPN/A) for treating low COD/ NH4+ anaerobically treated effluent from the seafood processing industry. Results showed high removal rates of COD and total nitrogen, with heterotrophic denitrification accounting for only a small percentage of nitrogen removal. Salinity threat had a significant impact on nitrogen removal but did not affect organic removal. Microbial analysis revealed a shift in dominant bacteria in the biofilm on the membrane surface, indicating a symbiotic relationship between AOB, NOB, DNB, and AMX bacteria. The superior membrane retention of FMBRPN/A facilitated system stability and efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Santhana Krishnan, Praphaphan Homroskla, Kanyarat Saritpongteeraka, Oramas Suttinun, Mohd Nasrullah, Yutthana Tirawanichakul, Sumate Chaiprapat
Summary: This study quantified the inhibition of phenolic compounds in palm oil mill effluent (POME) on anaerobic digestion and found that ozone pretreatment significantly reduced these compounds and improved biogas production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Farah Amalina, Abdul Syukor Abd Razak, Santhana Krishnan, A. W. Zularisam, Mohd Nasrullah
Summary: This study discusses the remediation methods for organic contaminants in water sources using water hyacinth, as well as the feasibility of converting water hyacinth waste into adsorbents. The research finds that the removal of organic dyes from water is the primary focus of current studies. The underlying mechanisms in the adsorption processes are investigated, and future research on using water hyacinth for water resource remediation is recommended.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Farah Amalina, Abdul Syukor Abd Razak, Santhana Krishnan, Haspina Sulaiman, A. W. Zularisam, Mohd Nasrullah
Summary: This article comprehensively evaluates and presents the preparation, properties, and environmental applications of biochar. The type of biomass and process parameters influence the production and properties of biochar. Biochar finds wide applications in soil remediation, carbon sequestration, waste composting, water and wastewater treatment, among others.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)