Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Miguel Romero-Garcia, Csaba Feher, Cristobal Cara, Encarnacion Ruiz-Ramos, Eulogio Castro
Summary: This study focuses on obtaining pure xylitol crystals from olive stones and demonstrates that a biological treatment method is the best detoxification method. The research is significant in terms of fully utilizing by-products of olive oil production.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Valentina Aristizabal-Marulanda, Carlos A. A. Cardona
Summary: Lab and pilot-scale experiments were conducted to validate the production process of a biorefinery based on Coffee Cut-Stems. The experimental yields for ethanol, furfural, and electricity differed significantly from the simulation results, providing more accurate data for the proposed design.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Efri Mardawati, Selly Harnesa Putri, Hana Nur Fitriana, Desy Nurliasari, Devi Maulida Rahmah, Rosanti, Ikhsan Maulana, Awaly Ilham Dewantoro, Euis Hermiati, Roostita Lobo Balia
Summary: The study examines the effectiveness of converting pineapple plantation waste into bromelain, xylitol, and ethanol, which have high value-added potential. Various factors, such as enzyme activity, fermentation methods, and purification techniques, were investigated to optimize the conversion processes. Bromelain extraction from pineapple waste was found to be most efficient in the stem, while lignocellulosic waste from the stem contained significant amounts of starch, cellulose, and hemicellulose suitable for ethanol and xylitol fermentation. The semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation method was identified as the most promising for ethanol production.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sreyden Hor, Mallika Boonmee Kongkeitkajorn, Alissara Reungsang
Summary: This study investigates the biorefinery of sugarcane bagasse into ethanol and xylitol. The results show that ethanol fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate can be carried out without supplementing a nitrogen source, and approximately 50 g/L of bioethanol can be produced after 36 hours of fermentation. The vinasse containing xylose can be successfully used to produce xylitol, and supplementing the vinasse with yeast extract improves xylitol production. Controlled dissolved oxygen and the addition of low fraction of molasses do not positively affect xylitol production.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
C. A. Prado, M. L. S. Cunha, R. Teran-Hilares, G. L. Arruda, F. A. F. Antunes, B. Pereira, S. S. da Silva, J. C. Santos
Summary: In this study, a new alternative approach of hydrodynamic cavitation-assisted pretreatment with an advanced oxidative process was proposed, along with a new method for obtaining bioproducts through sequential fermentations. Enzymatic hydrolysate of sugarcane bagasse was fermented to ethanol and then the resulting vinasse was used to produce xylitol. The study evaluated the influent variables in pretreatment and achieved high hydrolysis yields in enzymatic hydrolysis as well as significant yields and volumetric productivities in the sequential fermentations. The proposed strategy shows promise for biorefineries in terms of mild pretreatment conditions and high ethanol production followed by xylitol production in a vinasse-based medium.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Juan Gabriel Puentes, Soledad Mateo, Sebastian Sanchez, Ines C. Roberto, Alberto J. Moya
Summary: This study utilized hemicellulosic biomass from olive-tree pruning to produce a hemicellulosic hydrolysate for fermentation. The non-traditional yeast Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 was used to obtain ethanol and xylitol. The research focused on studying relevant kinetic parameters and comparing different fermentation scenarios.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tiago Lima de Albuquerque, Sandy Danielle Lucindo Gomes, Ivanildo Jose da Silva Junior, Luciana Rocha Barros Goncalves, Maria Valderez Ponte Rocha
Summary: This work evaluates xylitol production by three yeasts from different carbon sources and evaluates the potential of xylitol production from hemicellulose hydrolysate of cashew bagasse.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara L. Baptista, Aloia Romani, Joana T. Cunha, Lucilia Domingues
Summary: This study proposes an integrated approach for the valorization of diverse wastes resulting from winemaking processes through the biosynthesis of xylitol and ethanol. Genetically modified yeast strains and optimized process configurations were used to produce xylitol from vine shoots and ethanol from grape must.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Elham Najafi, Eulogio Castro, Keikhosro Karimi
Summary: The study shows that olive wastes can be effectively utilized in a biorefinery plant to produce bio-methane and bio-ethanol through various pretreatment and utilization scenarios, significantly improving energy recovery of the entire plant.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jie Qiao, Haiyang Cui, Minghui Wang, Xianshen Fu, Xinyue Wang, Xiujuan Li, He Huang
Summary: This article summarizes four promising routes for assembling new industrial plants for cellulose-based fuels and chemicals, and discusses the challenges and prospects in this field.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Le Wang, Andong Qi, Jianguang Liu, Yan Shen, Jinshui Wang
Summary: The novel strain Candida tropicalis Y31-N with high tolerance against furfural was obtained through continuous domestication processes from the parent strain Candida tropicalis Y-3. The Y31-N showed a significant increase in xylitol yield and furfural consumption rate compared to Y-3. It was able to control membrane fluidity and maintain membrane integrity by regulating fatty acid composition, as well as rapidly produce ATP and NAD(P)H to alleviate furfural stress through metabolic rearrangement. Furthermore, several genes related to trehalose synthesis, GABA metabolism, and NADPH production were identified as essential for furfural resistance through single-gene knockout. This study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of furfural tolerance and provides insights for future metabolic engineering.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Melissa Bariani, Elzeario Boix, Francisco Cassella, Maria Noel Cabrera
Summary: Furfural production from rice husks via acid hydrolysis offers a valuable approach for generating high-value chemicals. Optimal conditions for production are shown to be 200 degrees C temperature, 0.10% sulphuric acid concentration, and 40 minutes reaction time. Additionally, the remaining solid material shows potential for power generation, enhancing the economic viability of the process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
K. Wiranarongkorn, K. Im-orb, Y. Patcharavorachot, F. Marechal, A. Arpornwichanop
Summary: To efficiently convert bagasse into furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), integrated biorefinery processes were analyzed for their techno-economic feasibility. The results showed that scenario 2, which involved recycling 50% of HMF waste and using the entire bagasse, achieved the highest furfural and HMF production with minimal CO2 emissions. Heat integration also improved the efficiency of the biorefinery plant, leading to maximum profit at 11% internal rate of return. However, the high operating cost associated with solvents and catalysts for HMF production was identified as the largest cost component.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miaojia Song, Jianping Lu, Yu Zhang, Yongming Sun, Zhenhong Yuan, Zhongming Wang
Summary: A new method for the production of methyl-2-furoate from furfural has been proposed, which reduces production costs through enzymatic catalysis and shows potential for industrial applications.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Bueno Moron, Gerard van Klink, Gert-Jan M. Gruter
Summary: The importance of reducing the chemical industry's strong dependence on fossil feedstock is no longer debated. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant carbon source, and HCl-based technologies can achieve complete saccharification. This study investigates the viability and optimization of an integrated process for producing 5-(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF) from sugars, and predicts the outcome of the CMF formation reaction using design of experiment techniques.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro, Mariana Ortiz-Sanchez, Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate
Summary: The objective of this study is to compare the environmental and social performance of two small-scale avocado biorefineries in rural Colombia. The environmental analysis was done using life cycle assessment methodology, and the water footprint of avocado crops was estimated. The social assessment considered indicators related to wages, jobs, and working hours. It was found that new strategies should be implemented to reduce farmers' dependency on fertilizers and fungicides, and the installation of a small-scale biorefinery could create more jobs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cicero Teixeira Silva, Jose Antonio Rojas-Chamorro, Gabriela Madureira Barroso, Marcia Vitoria Santos, Anderson Barbosa Evaristo, Leandro Diego da Silva, Eulogio Castro Galiano, Jose Barbosa dos Santos
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of four crops to phytoremediate soils contaminated with diclosulam residues and produce lignocellulosic ethanol. The results showed that oat and Pennisetum glaucum have the potential to remediate the soil and produce ethanol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Maria del Mar Contreras-Gamez, Angel Galan-Martin, Nalin Seixas, Andre M. da Costa Lopes, Armando Silvestre, Eulogio Castro
Summary: Pretreatment processes are crucial for efficient biomass refining, and in the past two decades deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as an alternative, offering more sustainable processes with both environmental and economic benefits. This paper provides an updated review of DES-based applications in biorefinery schemes, discussing their composition, synthesis, recycling, and existing techno-economic and life cycle assessment studies. Challenges, barriers, and perspectives for the scale-up of DES-based processes are also discussed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vita Halysh, Juan Miguel Romero-Garcia, Alfonso M. Vidal, Tetiana Kulik, Borys Palianytsia, Minerva Garcia, Eulogio Castro
Summary: The present study focuses on using apricot seeds shells and walnut shells as a potential renewable material for biorefinery in Ukraine. The research work aimed to determine the relationship between the chemical composition of biomass residues and the recovery of sugars and lignin after enzymatic hydrolysis. The results show that alkaline pretreatment is more efficient in terms of glucose yield, and the maximum enzymatic conversions of cellulose reached were 99.7% and 94.6% for apricot seeds shells and walnut shells, respectively. The findings pave the way for the efficient utilization of shells through affordable chemical technologies, reducing environmental pollution and energy/material dependency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carmen Padilla-Rascon, Juan Miguel Romero-Garcia, Inmaculada Romero, Encarnacion Ruiz, Eulogio Castro
Summary: Olive stones are the main by-product of the olive oil industry, and this study proposes an integrated multiproduct biorefinery for their utilization. The operational conditions for producing high sugar recovery and lignin recovery were optimized, resulting in promising yields. Therefore, olive stones can be considered as a potential raw material for multiproduct biorefinery.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate, Mariana Ortiz-Sanchez, Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro
Summary: Food residues (FR) have caused various issues and this study proposes a biorefineries design strategy for FR valorization. Two case studies were analyzed and the results show that rejected avocado and plantain can be used to produce oil and biogas, while organic kitchen food waste (OKFW) can be used to produce levulinic acid with low costs.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro, Mariana Ortiz-Sanchez, Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate
Summary: A methodological approach for estimating the sustainability performance of biorefineries is proposed, based on the evaluation of technical, economic, environmental, and social metrics. This approach allows flexibility in designing biorefineries using knowledge-based or optimization approaches. The sustainability index is introduced as an indicator to compare different biorefinery configurations. An avocado case study is analyzed, and the obtained sustainability index suggests the need for process improvement and the development of new products. The sustainability index is proposed as an easily calculable and understandable indicator for stakeholders and decision-making groups.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tatiana Agudelo Patino, Jhonny Alejandro Poveda-Giraldo, Manuel Haminton Salas Moreno, Gysela Rengifo Mosquera, Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate
Summary: This paper aims to analyze the economic and environmental performance of small-scale alternatives to obtain natural colorants using annatto seed. The experimental results showed high extraction yields and a high CO2 sequestration potential of the colorant. This work demonstrates that annatto is an alternative for small communities to achieve economic and environmental equilibrium.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
J. C. Lopez-Linares, J. M. Romero-Garcia, I. Romero, E. Ruiz, E. Castro
Summary: This work investigated three process configurations for the biorefinery of olive oil mill leaves (OL), which include natural antioxidants, lignin, and bioethanol. Configuration 1 achieved the simplest process but had poor biomass fractionation. Configuration 2 included ethanol extraction to enhance the recovery of natural antioxidants. Configuration 3 achieved better fractionation and the highest bioethanol production with a yield of 71% of the theoretical yield. It also generated a liquid stream with higher lignin content, facilitating the obtainment of high purity lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Camila A. B. Silva Rabelo, Alfonso M. Vidal, Rocio Casanova-Gonzalez, Miguel Romero-Garcia, Maria Bernadete A. Varesche, Inmaculada Romero, Eulogio Castro
Summary: This study investigates the use of vine shoots as a renewable and widely available feedstock for hydrogen production. The results showed that physical, chemical, and biological pre-treatments can enhance the hydrolysis and fermentation of vine shoots into hydrogen. Laccase pre-treatment was found to be the most effective, leading to increased production of soluble sugars and hydrogen. Additionally, the addition of cellulase during hydrolysis further improved hydrogen production. These findings have practical implications in the field of biomass energy.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sara Piedrahita-Rodriguez, Stephanie Baumberger, Laurent Cezard, Jhonny Alejandro Poveda-Giraldo, Andres Felipe Alzate-Ramirez, Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate
Summary: This study compares the techno-economic aspects of the C5-C6 production from non-centrifuged sugarcane bagasse (NCSB) and Pinus patula wood chips (PP) as raw material platforms, with a focus on trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) pretreatment. The hydrolysates generated from TFA 2.5 M acid treatment were analyzed using HPLC, and simulations of the processes were conducted based on the experimental results. The economic assessment shows that TFA pretreatment is innovative and promising.
Review
Agronomy
Eulogio Castro, Knut Olav Straetkvern, Juan Miguel Romero-Garcia, Carlos Martin
Summary: The traditional biodiesel production model using edible oils as raw materials is unsustainable due to high costs, competition with the food sector, and environmental threats. Shifting to non-edible oils as raw materials for biodiesel production offers the opportunity for increased sustainability and avoiding conflicts with food production. Processing non-edible oilseeds generates large amounts of residues, which can be upgraded to advanced biofuels and high-value products through bioconversion. However, pretreatment is required to enhance the susceptibility of these residues to enzymes and microorganisms.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Deborah Perez-Almada, Angel Galan-Martin, Maria del Mar Contreras, Eulogio Castro
Summary: Biorefineries play a crucial role in achieving circular economy and sustainability goals. This comprehensive review of the Environmental and Techno-Economic Assessment (ETEA) of biorefineries provides insights into the technical, economic, and environmental implications of different biorefinery schemes. The study reveals increasing interest in the topic, with a focus on second-generation biomass and biochemical routes such as fermentation and anaerobic digestion. The ETEA framework contributes to the optimization of biorefineries and trade-off evaluation between economic viability and environmental sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
