Article
Agricultural Engineering
Arminda Mamani, Yolanda Maturano, Victoria Mestre, Laura Montoro, Liliana Gassa, Cristina Deiana, Fabiana Sardella
Summary: This study focuses on the valorization and integral use of abundant agro-industrial waste in sustainable production routes. Olive tree pruning residues were utilized to produce bioethanol and activated carbon, with the latter being applied to supercapacitor electrodes. The detoxification with activated carbon significantly improved the performance of yeasts, and the activated carbon as supercapacitor electrode exhibited high specific capacitance and energy density.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Leonardo Bianchini, Paolo Costa, Pier Paolo Dell'Omo, Andrea Colantoni, Massimo Cecchini, Danilo Monarca
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of a mechanical process on the solid fuel quality and anaerobic biodegradability of hazelnut and olive pruning. It was found that the processed products met the requirements for both industrial and residential pellets, and there was a significant increase in methane yield.
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia Jurado-Contreras, Francisco J. Navas-Martos, Angeles Garcia-Ruiz, Jose A. Rodriguez-Liebana, M. Dolores La Rubia
Summary: The objective of this study is to enhance the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) obtained from olive tree pruning (OTP) waste. The introduction of CNC into PLA matrix significantly improved the mechanical, water absorption, thermal, and morphological properties of the composite, with a notable increase in tensile stress and Young's modulus by 87% and 58%, respectively.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andrea Acampora, Vincenzo Civitarese, Giulio Sperandio, Negar Rezaei
Summary: Biomass plays a crucial role in renewable energy sources, and the recovery chain of residual biomass is of fundamental importance. Producing pellets from pruning residues of hazelnut and olive trees in Italy showed differences in bulk density, length, and metal concentrations between the two types of pellets. Quality parameters such as heating value, ash content, and metal concentrations varied between hazelnut and olive pellets.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Manel Ayadi, Sary Awad, Audrey Villot, Manef Abderrabba, Mohand Tazerout
Summary: By pyrolyzing, physically activating, and sulfonating olive pomace, the activated carbon's surface area significantly increased, its structure changed to become microporous, and tar residues and aliphatic hydrocarbons were removed. Comparing to coconut husk-based activated carbon, the olive pomace activated carbon fixed three times less sulfur. After esterification reaction, the acidity of olive pomace oil and glycerides were effectively reduced.
Article
Thermodynamics
M. Federico Ponce, Arminda Mamani, Florencia Jerez, Josue Castilla, Pamela B. Ramos, Gerardo G. Acosta, M. Fabiana Sardella, Marcela A. Bavio
Summary: This study presents the development of a symmetric solid-state supercapacitor using activated carbon from olive pruning waste. Chemically activated carbons with high surface area and developed pore structure showed superior electrochemical performance compared to physically activated carbons. By assembling three supercapacitors with chemically activated carbon and PVA-KOH hydrogel, excellent performance was achieved.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pablo Domenech, Aleta Duque, Isabel Higueras, Jose Luis Fernandez, Paloma Manzanares
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the aqueous extractives fraction of biomasses generated by olive trees, finding compounds that enhance the valorization of by-products, particularly suitable for pruning, olive leaves, and olive pomace.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manel Ayadi, Farah Nurul Anisa Saragih, Sary Awad, Cindy Priadi, Manef Abderrabba, Mohand Tazerout, Yves Andres
Summary: Olive pomace (OP) and olive pomace oil (OPO) are by-products of olive oil processing that can be utilized for biodiesel production. Through a series of chemical processes, OPO was converted into biodiesel using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The optimized conditions for the esterification reaction yielded biodiesel with physical and chemical properties meeting standards, with the solid catalyst being regenerated and reused multiple times.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yan Yu, Jun Sian Lee, Anthony K. Lau, Shahab Sokhansanj
Summary: A major application of residual biomass from forestry and agriculture is to compact it into biomass pellets. This study investigated the relationship between the tumbler durability Dt (industry standard) and the single pellet durability Dsp. The research found that Dsp has a stronger correlation with Dt when the single pellet durability is high, and a linear equation can accurately convert Dsp to Dt when the moisture content of wood pellets is below 10% w.b.
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Manuel J. Diaz, Pedro M. Ferrero, Manuel Moya
Summary: Olive tree pruning is a suitable raw material for biorefinery, and sequential pretreatment with sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide can effectively extract fermentable sugars from it.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sinem Turan, Aysel Elik Demir, Fahrettin Gogus, Derya Kocak Yanik
Summary: In this study, the drying of olive pomace using a hot-air-assisted radio frequency system (HA-RF) was investigated. The effects of radiofrequency electrode distance, sample thickness, and compaction density on drying rate were evaluated. The results showed that the best drying conditions were achieved with a 10 cm product thickness, a 0.45 g/cm(3) compaction density, and a 105 mm electrode distance. The HA-RF system reduced the drying time compared to hot air drying and radiofrequency drying, and had no significant impact on the quality of the extracted olive pomace oil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Judith Gonzalez-Arias, Francisco M. Baena-Moreno, Marta E. Sanchez, Jorge Cara-Jimenez
Summary: This study optimized the hydrothermal carbonization process for converting olive tree pruning into biofuel through a combined experimental and economic assessment. Results showed that none of the alternatives were profitable at the studied sizes, but larger capacities had better outcomes. Government incentives, cost reduction, and revenue improvement are crucial for the project's economic viability.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
J. Gonzalez-Arias, X. Gomez, M. Gonzalez-Castano, M. E. Sanchez, J. G. Rosas, J. Cara-Jimenez
Summary: In this study, olive tree pruning was subjected to dry (pyrolysis and torrefaction) and wet (hydrothermal carbonization) thermal treatments to produce solid biofuels. The products were evaluated in terms of yield, quality, and energy consumption. The results showed that chars produced from pyrolysis and torrefaction were coal-like with high heating values, while torrefaction had higher carbon content and energy content per kilogram of char produced, making it more profitable. The study also suggested potential improvements in energy balance by valorising gas and liquid phases in addition to the solid phase.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. Orive, M. Cebrian, J. Amayra, J. Zufia, C. Bald
Summary: An integrated valorisation scheme of olive pomace was developed in this study, including polyphenol extraction and continuous anaerobic digestion of dephenolised two-phase olive pomace. Economic feasibility assessment showed that this method is attractive, with a Net Present Value (NPV) of 1,493,234 and Internal Return Rate (IRR) of 12.8%.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfonso M. Vidal, Manuel Moya, Sonia Alcala, Inmaculada Romero, Francisco Espinola
Summary: In this study, refined olive oils were enriched with phenolic extracts from olive leaves and exhausted olive pomace using probe-type ultrasonication and lecithin as the emulsifier. The addition of these natural antioxidants increased the oxidative stability of the oils and also enhanced the value of olive-derived biomasses.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriele Chilosi, Alessandro Esposito, Francesco Castellani, Vitale Stanzione, Maria Pia Aleandri, Davide Dell'Unto, Alessia Tomassini, Andrea Vannini, Roberto Altieri
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2018)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soraya Mousavi, Vitale Stanzione, Massimo Mencuccini, Luciana Baldoni, Marina Bufacchi, Roberto Mariotti
EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Francesco Castellani, Alessandro Esposito, Jutta Geldermann, Roberto Altieri
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Soraya Mousavi, Raul de la Rosa, Abdelmajid Moukhli, Milad El Riachy, Roberto Mariotti, Mariela Torres, Pierluigi Pierantozzi, Vitale Stanzione, Valerio Mastio, Hayat Zaher, Abderraouf El Antari, Salam Ayoub, Faten Dandachi, Hiyam Youssef, Nikolas Aggelou, Cibeles Contreras, Damian Maestri, Angjelina Belaj, Marina Bufacchi, Luciana Baldoni, Lorenzo Leon
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giuseppe Russo, Isacco Beritognolo, Marina Bufacchi, Vitale Stanzione, Andrea Pisanelli, Marco Ciolfi, Marco Lauteri, Stephen B. Brush
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gaetano Martino, Paolo Polinori, Marina Bufacchi, Enrica Rossetti
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maurizia Seggiani, Roberto Altieri, Patrizia Cinelli, Alessandro Esposito, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: Blends of PBSA with two different hydrolyzed collagens were investigated, showing that the HCs influenced the rheology, morphology, and mechanical properties of the blends. Alkaline hydrolyzed collagen acted as a plasticizer, while enzymatic hydrolyzed collagen behaved as an organic filler. The study concludes that both HCs can be used in the production of thermoplastic blends for agriculture and plant nurseries applications.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roberto Altieri, Maurizia Seggiani, Alessandro Esposito, Patrizia Cinelli, Vitale Stanzione
Summary: The study found that raw collagen hydrolysates from the tannery industry can be used in the production of PBSA-based thermoplastic blends, creating compostable items with organic nitrogen fertilizing properties. This approach not only reduces production costs, but also provides a sustainable solution for agriculture and plant nurseries.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soraya Mousavi, Roberto Mariotti, Vitale Stanzione, Saverio Pandolfi, Valerio Mastio, Luciana Baldoni, Nicolo G. M. Cultrera
Summary: This study found that low temperatures can help maintain different phenol content EVOOs within legal limits for up to 36 months, with oleocanthal, squalene, and total phenols being most affected by storage temperatures. Degradation of squalene and alpha-tocopherol was inhibited by low temperatures, with 4 degrees C being the best temperature for a 3-year conservation and -18 degrees C being optimal for preserving organoleptic properties. The research provides new insights for EVOO manufacturers and traders on efficient storage methods for maintaining characteristics of freshly extracted oils for extended periods of time.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soraya Mousavi, Vitale Stanzione, Roberto Mariotti, Valerio Mastio, Aristotelis Azariadis, Valentina Passeri, Maria Cristina Valeri, Luciana Baldoni, Marina Bufacchi
Summary: This study investigated the bioactive compounds of 61 different international olive cultivars, revealing significant variations in the levels of phenols, tocopherols, squalene, and sterols among the studied cultivars. The findings highlight the diversity in content levels of these important compounds among different olive cultivars.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Cristina Valeri, David Mifsud, Clayton Sammut, Saverio Pandolfi, Emanuele Lilli, Marina Bufacchi, Vitale Stanzione, Valentina Passeri, Luciana Baldoni, Roberto Mariotti, Soraya Mousavi
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the olive germplasm in Malta, revealing rich genetic diversity in genotypes and lineages. The results indicate genetic similarities between Maltese olive genotypes and Italian and Algerian varieties, highlighting the historical presence of olive cultivation in the country and the potential autochthonous origin of some samples. However, some ancient trees are at risk of extinction due to abandonment and environmental threats. Therefore, the importance of preserving the Maltese olive germplasm deserves attention.
Article
Plant Sciences
Valentina Passeri, Clayton Sammut, David Mifsud, Andrea Domesi, Vitale Stanzione, Luciana Baldoni, Soraya Mousavi, Roberto Mariotti, Saverio Pandolfi, Nicola Cinosi, Franco Famiani, Marina Bufacchi
Summary: A prospecting campaign in the Maltese Islands has ensured the survival of genetically distant indigenous olive tree genotypes. The fruit characteristics and compositions of these genotypes were evaluated over two years using various analytical techniques. Some genotypes showed traits suitable for table olive production, while others were suitable for dual purpose. The goal is to select outstanding varieties with high phenolic content and agronomical potential for cultivation, contributing to the quality of local olive oil and table olive production.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cameron Bracken, Nathalie Voisin, Casey D. Burleyson, Allison M. Campbell, Z. Jason Hou, Daniel Broman
Summary: This study presents a methodology and dataset for examining compound wind and solar energy droughts, as well as the first standardized benchmark of energy droughts across the Continental United States (CONUS) for a 2020 infrastructure. The results show that compound wind and solar droughts have distinct spatial and temporal patterns across the CONUS, and the characteristics of energy droughts are regional. The study also finds that compound high load events occur more often during compound wind and solar droughts than expected.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Zhang, Yanghao Yu, Jiawei Wu, Ershun Du, Shuming Zhang, Jinyu Xiao
Summary: This paper provides insights into the optimal configuration of CSP plants with different penetrations of wind power by proposing an unconstrained optimization model. The results suggest that large solar multiples and TES are preferred in order to maximize profit, especially when combined with high penetrations of wind and photovoltaic plants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the economy and feasibility of installing electric heaters (EH) in CSP plants, which show a linear correlation with the penetration of variable energy resources.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Szubel, K. Papis-Fraczek, S. Podlasek
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Silva, J. C. Goncalves, C. Rocha, J. Vilaca, L. M. Madeira
Summary: This study investigated the methanation of CO2 in biogas and compared two different methanation reactors. The results showed that the cooled reactor without CO2 separation achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 91.8%, while the adiabatic reactors achieved conversion rates of 59.6% and 67.2%, resulting in an overall conversion rate of 93.0%. Economic analysis revealed negative net present worth values, indicating the need for government monetary incentives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Yonglan Xi, Xiaomei Ye, Yingpeng Zhang, Chengcheng Wang, Zhaoyan Jia, Chunhui Cao, Ting Han, Jing Du, Xiangping Kong, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of using nanofiber membrane composites containing Prussian blue-like compound nanoparticles (PNPs) to relieve ammonia nitrogen inhibition of rural organic household waste during high-solid anaerobic digestion and increase methane production. The results showed that adding NMCs with 15% PNPs can lower the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen, and increase methane yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Ge, Xiaodong Wang, Jian Li, Jian Xu, Jianbin Xie, Zhiyong Xie, Ruiqu Ma
Summary: This study evaluates the thermodynamic, exergy, and economic performance of a double-stage organic flash cycle (DOFC) using ten eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins. The influences of key parameters on performance are analyzed, and the advantages of DOFC over single-stage type are quantified.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Kirchner-Bossi, Fernando Porte-Agel
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of power density in wind farms and its sensitivity to the available area size. A novel genetic algorithm (PDGA) is introduced to optimize power density and turbine layout. The results show that the PDGA-driven solutions significantly reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to the default layout, and exhibit a convex relationship between area and LCOE or power density.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxiao Zhang, Dongdong Li, Lin Wang, Qingpo Yang, Yutao Guo, Wei Zhang, Chao Shen, Jihong Pu
Summary: In this study, a novel reversible liquid-filled energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain is proposed. Experimental results show that this window can effectively reduce indoor temperature during both summer and winter seasons, while having minimal impact on indoor illuminance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessandro L. Aguiar, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Mauro Cirano, Janini Pereira, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha
Summary: This study analyzed the Brazilian Equatorial Shelf using a high-resolution ocean model and found significant tidal variations in the area. Several hypothetical barrages were proposed with higher annual power generation than existing barrages. The study also evaluated the installation effort of these barrages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Superchi, Nathan Giovannini, Antonis Moustakis, George Pechlivanoglou, Alessandro Bianchini
Summary: This study focuses on the optimization of a hybrid power station on the Tilos island in Greece, aiming to increase energy export and revenue by optimizing energy fluxes. Different scenarios are proposed to examine the impact of different agreements with the grid operator on the optimal solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peimaneh Shirazi, Amirmohammad Behzadi, Pouria Ahmadi, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This research presents two novel energy production/storage/usage systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental effects in buildings. A biomass-fired model and a solar-driven system integrated with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and a heat pump were designed and assessed. The results indicate that the solar-based system has an acceptable energy cost and the PVT-based system with a heat pump is environmentally superior. The biomass-fired system shows excellent efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zihao Qi, Yingling Cai, Yunxiang Cui
Summary: This study aims to investigate the operational characteristics of the solar-ground source heat pump system (SGSHPS) in Shanghai under different operation modes. It concludes that tandem operation mode 1 is the optimal mode for winter operation in terms of energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Bartolucci, S. Cordiner, A. Di Carlo, A. Gallifuoco, P. Mele, V. Mulone
Summary: Spent coffee grounds are a valuable biogenic waste that can be used as a source of biofuels and valuable chemicals through pyrolysis and solvent extraction processes. The study found that heavy organic bio-oil derived from coffee grounds can be used as a carbon-rich biofuel, while solvent extraction can extract xantines and p-benzoquinone, which are important chemicals for various industries. The results highlight the promising potential of solvent extraction in improving the economic viability of coffee grounds pyrolysis-based biorefineries.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Diego Bagnis, Pedro Rabelo Melo Franco, Esly Ferreira da Costa Junior, Andrea Oliveira Souza da Costa
Summary: Building-integrated photovoltaics, especially organic solar technology, are important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This study analyzed the performance of organic panels laminated in glass in a vertical installation in Latin America. Results showed that glass lamination and vertical orientation preserved the panels' performance and led to higher energy generation in winter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhipei Hu, Shuo Jiang, Zhigao Sun, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes innovative fin arrangements to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage units. Through optimization of fin distribution and prediction of transient melting behaviors, it is found that fin structures significantly influence heat transfer characteristics and melting behaviors.
