Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yaser Jaradat, Faris Matalkah
Summary: This paper compares the compressive strength and sorptivity performance of olive biomass ash-based alkali-activated binders. The results showed that the incorporation of 10% micro silica increased the compressive strength by 25% for specimens cured at ambient temperature. However, the addition of 20% micro silica lowered the compressive strength of specimens cured at 60 degrees C by more than 35%. It was also found that curing geopolymer specimens at elevated temperatures increased the sorptivity by more than 100% compared to specimens cured at ambient temperature. The incorporation of 10 wt% micro-silica further reduced the sorptivity by 25% for ambient temperature-cured specimens.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Juraj Kukuruzovic, Ana Matin, Mislav Kontek, Tajana Kricka, Bozidar Matin, Ivan Brandic, Alan Antonovic
Summary: The increasing amount of residual waste provides opportunities for utilizing biomass as a renewable energy source. However, agricultural biomass, which is a potential raw material, often contains a high ash content. To improve the quality of biofuel, demineralization is required to remove excess mineral matter. Different solvents, such as water, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid, can be used in the demineralization process. Inorganic acids have the greatest effect, reducing ash content by up to 80% for corn and about 99% for soybeans.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gloria M. Cuenca-Moyano, Manuel Cabrera, Monica Lopez-Alonso, M. J. Martinez-Echevarria, Francisco Agrela, Julia Rosales
Summary: The ash generated from biomass combustion in electricity generation plants is a waste that has increased significantly in recent years, posing an environmental problem. Various studies have shown the technical feasibility of recovering biomass ash as a replacement for natural materials in civil engineering applications and construction material manufacturing. This study evaluated the use of biomass ash in the production of lightweight concrete, replacing sand (15%-25%) and expanded clay (25%-35%), as well as replacing cement after grinding the ash. The results showed improved mechanical performance and reduced thermal conductivity of lightweight concrete, making it suitable as an insulating material in construction.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chong He, Yujia Du, Xingrui Cai, Jirui Wang, Yuhong Qin, Zibing Zhao, Huaizhu Li, Stanislav V. Vassilev, Christina G. Vassileva
Summary: The high contents of certain ash-forming elements in biomass ash can cause ash-related problems during co-gasification of coal and biomass, affecting gasifier operation. In this study, the sintering behavior of different ash mixtures was investigated and the sintering mechanism was revealed through phase studies. The results showed that the sintering temperature reached its minimum at a specific blending ratio of Jatropha seed cake ash in the coal-biomass ash mixture. The presence of specific crystalline phases and the transition of phosphorus from fluxing effect to refractory effect played important roles in the sintering process. These findings can be used for predicting the ash sintering temperature in coal-biomass gasifiers.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Markus Reinmoeller, Malgorzata Sieradzka, Marcel Laabs, Marcus Schreiner, Agata Mlonka-Medrala, Agnieszka Kopia, Bernd Meyer, Aneta Magdziarz
Summary: The study focused on investigating the thermal behavior and ash properties of biomasses, revealing similar behavior among different biomass samples; chemical analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed differences in the ash composition and heterogeneity in distribution; thermochemical calculations were consistent with ash fusion temperatures and behavior.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mirha Pazalja, Mirsada Salihovic, Jasmina Sulejmanovic, Alisa Smajovic, Sabina Begic, Selma Spirtovic-Halilovic, Farooq Sher
Summary: This study focused on determining heavy metal concentrations in wood pellet ash from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy, assessing the effects of adding these ashes to soils, and evaluating health risk. The results showed that the risk of soil contamination with heavy metals from wood pellet ashes is a concern, but the human health risk for both children and adults is not significant. Further monitoring is required to address the potential soil contamination from the analyzed ash samples.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdeliazim Mustafa Mohamed, Bassam A. Tayeh, Yazan I. Abu Aisheh, Musab Nimir Ali Salih
Summary: This study aims to critically review the use of olive waste ash (OWA) and its impact on concrete properties and sustainability. It provides information regarding microstructure and is considered the first review paper in this area. The study is important for international research as it offers a comprehensive overview of the potential of using OWA in the construction industry and can inform future developments in this field.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Michael Alexandros Kougioumtzis, Sophia Tsiantzi, Eleftheria Athanassiadou, Emmanouil Karampinis, Panagiotis Grammelis, Emmanuel Kakaras
Summary: Olive tree prunings can be used to produce particleboards as an alternative to conventional wood, with the potential to reduce formaldehyde emissions and improve indoor air quality. However, the substitution level should be carefully considered to balance mechanical properties.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Weiwei Zhang, Youqing Wu, Sheng Huang, Xiao Wei, Xueqin Li, Shiyong Wu
Summary: This study investigates the ash fusion characteristics and gasification reactivity of wheat straw blended with rice husk and wood dust. The results show that both rice husk and wood dust can enhance the ash fusion temperatures of wheat straw, and the presence of synergistic effect and reduction of activation energy were observed in the co-gasification processes.
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhongyi Liu, Jing Jin, Liangqian Zheng, Ruipu Zhang, Bo Dong, Guowei Liang, Zhongyuan Zhai
Summary: This study uses a self-designed tester to investigate the ash adhesion strength of straw biomass and the effect of dolomite additive. Various analysis methods are applied to examine the thermal behaviors, mineral transformation, and liquid phase formations of ash samples. The results show that the adhesion strength of rice straw ash appears at 600 degrees C and increases rapidly with temperature. The addition of dolomite inhibits the melting of certain minerals, increases the appearance temperature of ash adhesion strength, and promotes the formation of high melting point minerals. When 5% dolomite is added, the appearance temperature of ash adhesion strength increases by 200 degrees C, and the ash adhesion strength decreases by 58.54% at 1000 degrees C.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xinxin Xing, Haoyu Tao, Mengting Xu, Yahui He, Weiyun Zhao, Dihan Lu, Yinfeng Wang, Jianbiao Chen, Jinqiang Zhang, Xiaotao Bi, Yuezhao Zhu
Summary: The synergistic effect of Purified Terephthalic Acid Sludge Ash (PTASA) on the pyrolysis syngas of Phoenix Tree's Leaves (PTL) was investigated. The study found that the thermal decomposition of PTL could be divided into three pseudoreactions, while PTL + PTASA had four pseudoreactions due to the decomposition of CaCO3 and reduction of inherent metal compounds. Furthermore, the crystal structure of PTASA effectively promoted the production of high-quality syngas and the reaction pathways showed that PTASA could break down macromolecules to release syngas.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Stanislav V. Vassilev, Christina G. Vassileva, Jin Bai
Summary: The global scarcity, demand, prices and quality of rock phosphate pose significant challenges for food and feed security, as well as industrial phosphorous production. Alternative sources of phosphorous are needed to replace finite phosphate rocks. A comprehensive study on the content, association, modes of occurrence, and significance of phosphorous in biomass and biomass ash was conducted. Phosphorous is highly enriched in biomass and particularly in biomass ash. The water-soluble proportions of phosphorous leached from biomass are substantial, while in biomass ash, the water-soluble proportions are limited due to the formation of less mobile phosphorous phases. Different technological and environmental advantages and disadvantages are associated with the content and modes of occurrence of phosphorous in biomass and biomass ash.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jeremy B. Trombley, Chun Wang, Suresh N. Thennadil
Summary: The calorific content and ash content are important properties for determining the suitability of a material as a waste-to-energy feedstock. Using empirical models based on ultimate and proximate analysis results has been suggested as an accurate and time-saving method. However, this study found that these models may not be suitable for mixed garden waste due to varying biomass characteristics. Direct measurement through bomb calorimetry was found to provide the most accurate results, although errors still occurred. The residues from bomb calorimetry were also found to be reliable for determining the ash content, providing a time- and cost-saving alternative to standard procedures.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marek Skrzypkiewicz, Michal Wierzbicki, Stanislaw Jagielski, Yevgeniy Naumovich, Konrad Motylinski, Jakub Kupecki, Agnieszka Zurawska, Magdalena Kosiorek
Summary: The integration of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with biomass gasification reactors may lead to solid particle contamination of the gaseous fuel entering the cell. This study found that inert powder aerosols had no significant negative impact on the SOFC, but carbonaceous fly ash aerosols caused slow and irreversible damage. Post-mortem analysis revealed clogging of the pores in the SOFC anode due to carbon-containing particles.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
G. Sala, T. Caruso, F. P. Marra, F. Zafonte, A. Amico Roxas, B. Schiavo, A. Galia, A. Brunori, F. Dini, L. Regni, P. Proietti, T. La Mantia
Summary: Pruning is a crucial horticultural practice in olive orchards, leading to significant amounts of residues annually. Variations in energy characteristics among different olive cultivars and tree organs are important factors to consider for energetic quality assessment of pruning residues.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alberto Sola-Leyva, Eduardo Andres-Leon, Nerea M. Molina, Laura Carmen Terron-Camero, Julio Plaza-Diaz, Maria Jose Saez-Lara, Maria Carmen Gonzalvo, Rocio Sanchez, Susana Ruiz, Luis Martinez, Signe Altmae
Summary: The study found that the endometrium of healthy women harbors functionally alive microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi. The composition and metabolic functions of these microorganisms change along the menstrual cycle.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carmen Diaz-Lopez, Manuel Carpio, Maria Martin-Morales, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Level(s) is a common EU framework for measuring the sustainability of buildings and promoting circular economy development. Experts have given positive assessments of the tool but also identified potential barriers to its development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaimae Mourou, Montserrat Zamorano, Diego P. Ruiz, Maria Martin-Morales
Summary: This study comprehensively reviews the evolution of cool surfaces research from a materials perspective and analyzes the potential of five different types of materials in mitigating the urban heat island phenomenon. The results show an increasing interest in cool roof applications and suggest the future focus should be on developing economically and environmentally friendly materials based on waste glass recycling.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaimae Mourou, Maria Martin-Morales, Montserrat Zamorano, Diego P. Ruiz
Summary: This paper investigates the potential use of waste glass as a raw material for building material coatings by evaluating their light reflectance. The results show that the composition of waste glass significantly affects the light spectral reflectance and whiteness, with burning time and glass thickness being the most influential factors.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Z. Sanchez-Roldan, M. Zamorano, M. Martin-Morales
Summary: The environmental concerns in the construction industry have led to a global scientific focus on using recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste. Using SciMAT and VOSviewer bibliometric tools, the conceptual and social aspects of this scientific field and its development from 1973 to 2019 were analyzed, quantified, and visualized. The study of 843 scientific papers revealed that the most important thematic area was recycling. The main objective of the published papers was to study the efficient utilization of resources in construction and demolition waste, particularly for producing recycled aggregates for concrete. However, there were some shortcomings observed in other areas, such as the use of recycled aggregates in less regulated applications like mortars, precast concrete products, or green roofs.
MATERIALES DE CONSTRUCCION
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Aliya Askarova, Montserrat Zamorano, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Aizhan Nugymanova, Saltanat Bolegenova
Summary: Despite having hydrocarbon reserves, Kazakhstan has formulated a strategy to transition to a low-carbon economy by utilizing renewable energy sources. Biomass from waste has the potential to reduce emissions and improve waste management in a circular economy. The analysis shows that Kazakhstan has significant resources and energy potential from residual biomass, especially in the agricultural and animal sectors. Co-firing agricultural biomass with coal could facilitate the gradual replacement of coal with biomass, making the transition to a low-carbon economy and renewable energy sources easier.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Jesus De la Torre-Bayo, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Juan C. Torres-Rojo, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants can be transformed into biorefineries to produce energy and minimize waste. Analysis of wastewater screening revealed that the waste mainly consists of sanitary textiles and other materials, similar to rejects from mechanical biological treatment. Energy recovery from this waste is a potential alternative.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Laura C. Terron-Camero, Fernando Gordillo-Gonzalez, Eduardo Salas-Espejo, Eduardo Andres-Leon
Summary: The study of microorganisms is of great importance in both environmental and biomedical fields. Next-generation sequencing techniques have enabled in-depth research on various microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and fungi. The development of analysis software and specific databases has significantly contributed to the growth of these studies. While sequencing techniques allow taxonomic classification, metatranscriptomics is a new technology that identifies gene expression levels and can characterize symbiotic interactions between host and microbiome.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmad Alhjouj, Alessandra Bonoli, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: The study shows that the issues related to the environmental and economic dimensions dominate the life cycle assessment of road infrastructures. To mitigate the impact of road infrastructure on climate change, reducing resource and energy consumption, as well as energy consumption and greenhouse gases emissions during operation stages, are necessary. However, the integration of social life cycle assessment and the use of smart roads are still in early stages.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Water Resources
Hesham Abdulla, Montserrat Zamorano, Miguel L. Rodriguez, Abeer El Shahawy, Sally Hosny, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Sahar El-Shatoury
Summary: The agro-food industry holds great investment opportunities by converting treated water and solid waste into value-added products. Our study conducted a scientometric analysis of extensive bibliometric data on this field, identifying leading journals, key authors and papers, and relevant regions. Previous studies on decentralized treated agro-food wastewater and its potential benefits for sustainable development were found to have significant flaws, particularly in developing countries. Emerging efforts such as coagulation/electrocoagulation/ultrasonic processes, hybrid constructed wetlands, and microbial inoculation aim to achieve SDG6, particularly in emerging economy nations. Our scientometric findings facilitate academic collaboration, joint ventures, and implementation of advanced technologies for treating agro-food wastewater and producing beneficial byproducts.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Jesus de la Torre Bayo, Maria Angeles Martin-Lara, Monica Calero Hoces, Pedro Miguel Sanchez Castillo, Hector J. Pula, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Using science mapping, we analyzed the increasing number of scientific documents on the negative environmental impacts of PPE waste, particularly face masks, used for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. India, China, and Canada emerged as leaders in this research field, focusing on environmental issues and engineering solutions. Our analysis highlighted the significant negative effects of PPE waste on aquatic ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, and wildlife. To address these impacts, innovative ecodesign strategies for green production, reuse, and recycling, as well as collaboration with the public to reduce waste at its source, are essential. Implementing a collective, extended producer responsibility system for PPE can ensure sustainable production and consumption, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francisco Ortega, Maria Angeles Martin-Lara, Hector J. Pula, Montserrat Zamorano, Monica Calero, Gabriel Blazquez
Summary: This research aims to develop a new strategy to convert wasted COVID-19 masks into useful products through chemical recycling by pyrolysis. The results showed that pyrolysis at different temperatures yielded valuable solid (biochar), liquid (biooil), and syngas products. By using a two-stage pyrolysis catalytic reactor with sepiolite as a catalyst, the final yield of syngas product increased and the composition of biooils changed. The study also examined the effect of sepiolite regeneration on consecutive pyrolysis tests.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chaimae Mourou, Montserrat Zamorano, Diego P. Ruiz, Maria Martin-Morales
Summary: This study presents a novel proof of concept in using waste glass for solar reflectance purposes, which can provide a promising alternative for substituting raw materials in the ceramic industry. The research focuses on the production of sustainable and resilient construction materials, aiming to save natural resources and mitigate environmental risks. The study explores the use of recycled waste glass particles as a coating for ceramic roof tiles, evaluating their physical, mechanical, and optical characteristics, and investigates the influence of waste glass type and roof tile shape on these characteristics.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Luz Marina Ruiz, Maria Fernandez, Ana Genaro, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a viable waste-to-energy technology for organic wastes, but single-substrate digestion has limitations. Co-digestion of different substrates can improve process efficiencies and biogas production rates. This study developed a multi-parametric analysis to compare industrial wastes for co-substrate selection in anaerobic co-digestion. Factors considered included sample composition, C/N ratios, theoretical BMP, and production rates. Fried corn and wet fatty pomace showed high potential as co-substrates due to their high BMP values, lipid and carbohydrate content, and suitable C/N ratios. Other wastes like dry olive pomace, skinless corn, and grape pomace could also be used. This selection matrix can aid decision making for waste producers and WWTP operators in anaerobic co-digestion.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Jesus De la Torre Bayo, Jaime Martin Pascual, Juan Carlos Torres Rojo, Montserrat Zamorano Toro
Summary: According to a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, this study reveals that energy recovery has become an inevitable field of action in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) based on circular economy and sustainable principles. The research highlights the focus on sludge treatment in waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies, but also emphasizes the need for more studies on other wastes to achieve zero waste goals.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yifan Bai, Junzhen Yu, Shuqin Yang, Jifeng Ning
Summary: A real-time recognition algorithm (Improved YOLO) is proposed in this paper for accurately identifying small, similar-colored, and overlapping strawberry seedling flowers and fruits. The experimental results show that the algorithm achieves high precision, recall, and average precision, and meets the real-time detection requirements, providing effective support for the automated management of strawberry seedling flower and fruit thinning.
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2024)