Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kevin D. Orner, Sarah J. Smith, Hanna M. Breunig, Corinne D. Scown, Kara L. Nelson
Summary: The diversion of organic waste through anaerobic digestion presents an opportunity to recover valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, with municipal sewage sludge being the largest potential source for recovery. The nutrient recovery rates vary for different end products, with liquid fertilizer, struvite, and compost contributing to offsetting synthetic fertilizer demand in California to different extents. In a profitable build-out scenario for anaerobic digestion facilities, recovered nutrients could offset a significant portion of the state's synthetic fertilizer demand.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alaa Salma, Nur Maisarah Binti Faeruz, Lydia Fryda, Hayet Djelal
Summary: This article presents an experiment investigating the effects of biochar concentrations on methane production in anaerobic digestion processes. The study found distinct trends in methane production among the substrates and evaluated different types of biochars for their impact on biomethane production. BC1 and BC2 showed promising results in enhancing biomethane production, while BC3 demonstrated lower production compared to raw digestate.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Patrick Tai, Ruth Spierling, Jennifer Carroll, Stephanie Jung
Summary: Olive cake, a byproduct of olive oil production, has high organic and polyphenol content, making it a potential environmental threat and limiting its use as animal feed. However, it can be a good source for biomethane production due to its polysaccharide content. This study compared two strategies to maximize biomethane production and found that both enzymatically pretreated and destoned olive cakes produced similar amounts of methane. The digestate recovered from anaerobic digestion of olive cake also has potential as a soil amendment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. A. Kovalev, D. A. Kovalev, A. N. Nozhevnikova, E. A. Zhuravleva, I. Katraeva, V. S. Grigoriev, Yu Litti
Summary: This study examined the effects of low digestate recirculation ratio on biofuel and bioenergy recovery in a two-stage anaerobic digestion process. Results showed that a low RR can improve the performance of the system, with the best recovery achieved at an RR of 0.11.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anita Nagarajan, Bernard Goyette, Vijaya Raghavan, Adarsh Bhaskar, Rajinikanth Rajagopal
Summary: Phosphorous and Nitrogen are crucial for plant growth and their sustainable management is important to meet the global food demand. The production of struvite from agricultural wastes such as anaerobic digestates and livestock wastewater is a green marketing tool in the fertilizer industry. This article provides an overview of struvite production, its potential as a fertilizer source, and its integration with anaerobic digestion, cost benefits, and plant yields.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Debora Mignogna, Paolo Ceci, Claudia Cafaro, Giulia Corazzi, Pasquale Avino
Summary: An economy based on renewable energy sources is important for responsible companies. Bioenergy, particularly biogas and biomethane, derived from widely available evergreen raw materials, is considered a consistent and promising renewable energy source with economic and environmental benefits.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Francesco Bianco, Halil Senol, Stefano Papirio, Hilmi Zenk, Ayhan Kara, Selcuk Atasoy
Summary: This study evaluated the application of hydrothermal and ultrasonic pretreatments on hazelnut shell for promoting its energetic valorization. The results showed that the hydrothermally and ultrasonically-pretreated hazelnut shell achieved a significantly higher biomethane yield under wet-mesophilic conditions compared to the raw hazelnut shell. This increase in biomethane yield was attributed to enhanced hemicellulose polymerization and delignification after the sequential hydrothermal and ultrasonic pretreatment. Additionally, the biomethane production was mainly influenced by the soluble chemical oxygen demand.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcin Debowski, Joanna Kazimierowicz, Marcin Zielinski
Summary: Chemical toilets are becoming more prevalent, especially in tourist destinations where waste treatment systems are lacking. In this study, the viability of anaerobic digestion for chemical toilet sewage (CTS) co-fermented with maize silage biomass was tested. It was found that CTS does not hinder anaerobic digestion as long as it is not more than 30% of the diluting fluid. The biogas yield reached 400 cm(3)/gVS, with 57 +/- 2.6% methane content.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahmed Tawfik, Sherif Ismail, Mahdy Elsayed, Muhammad Abdul Qyyum, Mohammad Rehan
Summary: The global trend is shifting towards circular economy systems. Microalgal biomass has gained attention due to its high content of essential nutrients and elements. However, challenges such as low biomass productivity and high cost of harvesting hinder its valorization. This review provides an overview of biomethane production from microalgal biomass, as well as the potential for biogas recovery through various pretreatment methods and anaerobic co-digestion. Additionally, the removal of micropollutants and heavy metals by microalgal cells and the valorization of digestate for agricultural reuse are discussed.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hui Sun, Enzhen Wang, Xiang Li, Xian Cui, Jianbin Guo, Renjie Dong
Summary: The Chinese government aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, with technologies like anaerobic digestion of crop residues to recover biomethane playing a key role. The potential contribution of crop residues to energy production and reducing GHG emissions following anaerobic digestion is significant but has been scarcely evaluated. More research and development, along with governmental support policies, are needed to fully utilize the potential of biomethane production from crop residues in China.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicola Di Costanzo, Alessandra Cesaro, Francesco Di Capua, Maria Cristina Mascolo, Giovanni Esposito
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a high-intensity static magnetic field on the chemical composition of sewage sludge anaerobic digestate. The results show that the magnetic field can reduce the concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-, and Mg2+ in the liquid phase and increase the crystalline and amorphous phases of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the solid phase with fertilizing value. This suggests that magnetic field application can enhance the fertilizing potential of sewage sludge digestate and promote its sustainable valorization.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ashira Roopnarain, Muyiwa Ajoke Akindolire, Haripriya Rama, Busiswa Ndaba
Summary: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a waste conversion process that can produce bioenergy. The byproduct of this process, called digestate, is often overlooked but has vast potential. Digestate contains organic matter, inorganic matter, and microorganisms. The microbial content of digestate can be manipulated to target specific applications, potentially making digestate the most lucrative product of the AD process. This review highlights the factors influencing the microbial community structure of digestate, the microorganisms present, and their functionality, as well as the potential applications of digestate from a microbial perspective.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shuaishuai Ma, Hongliang Wang, Longrui Li, Xiaohui Gu, Wanbin Zhu
Summary: The application of acidogenesis liquid digestate (ALD) and disc refining (DR) technology on corn straw can enhance biomethane production by forming a thorough and stable integrated two-phase anaerobic system. Adjusting the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the acidogenic phase with this pretreatment technology can improve the efficiency of methanogenic bacteria in the methanogenic phase, resulting in a 47.13% increase in biomethane yield.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eduardo Sanchez Nocete, Javier Perez Rodriguez
Summary: This paper proposes a simple methodology to estimate the potential to obtain biomethane through anaerobic digestion of biowaste and applies it to a case study in Spain. The results show that biomethane production can reduce the use of fossil fuels and minimize the final disposal of biowaste.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesco da Borso, Alessandro Chiumenti, Giulio Fait, Matia Mainardis, Daniele Goi
Summary: Anaerobic digestion applied to brackish water fish sludges shows promising methane production with the highest BMP achieved at the highest I/S ratio. The research focuses on BMP analysis, revealing the impact of different I/S ratios on methane production and the duration of lag-phase, with further investigations on biomass adaptation to salinity and retention times needed for full-scale application. Ongoing experimental tests are being conducted to explore these areas further.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Humberto Escalante, Liliana Castro, Paola Gauthier-Maradei, Reynel Rodriguez De la Vega
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2016)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mabel Quintero, Liliana Castro, Claudia Ortiz, Carolina Guzman, Humberto Escalante
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2012)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marianna Garfi, Liliana Castro, Neus Montero, Humberto Escalante, Ivet Ferrer
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
O. Mendieta, G. Madrigal, L. Castro, J. Rodriguez, H. Escalante
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
O. Mendieta, L. Castro, J. Rodriguez, H. Escalante
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. Jaimes-Estevez, L. Castro, H. Escalante, D. Carrillo, S. Portillo, A. Sotres, A. Moran
Summary: This study conducted anaerobic co-digestion treatment of cheese whey and cattle manure, achieving phase separation and volatile fatty acid production and consumption stages at different organic load rates. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed differences in acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic communities among the reactors, as well as microbial consortium stratification.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jaime Jaimes-Estevez, German Zafra, Jaime Marti-Herrero, Guillermo Pelaz, Antonio Moran, Alejandra Puentes, Christian Gomez, Liliana del Pilar Castro, Humberto Escalante Hernandez
Summary: Most biogas plants in the world operate under psychrophilic conditions and are run by small and medium farmers. A research was conducted to evaluate a psychrophilic, low-cost, tubular digester operated for eight years, showing stable anaerobic digestion and higher biogas production than expected.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
William Foster, Ulugbek Azimov, Paola Gauthier-Maradei, Liliana Castro Molano, Madeleine Combrinck, Jose Munoz, Jaime Jaimes Esteves, Luis Patino
Summary: This paper reviews the waste-to-energy sector, emphasizing the processes and feedstock involved, particularly highlighting the potential of anaerobic digestion in reducing pollution from manure and slurry. The significant role of manure in producing biogas for electricity generation is discussed, with the possibility of producing over 1.615 TWh of electricity in the UK if most manure and slurry were processed through biogas harvesting.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
L. Castro, H. Escalante, J. Jaimes-Estevez, L. J. Diaz, K. Vecino, G. Rojas, L. Mantilla
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Leidy Andrea Castro-Camargo, Sharon Beatriz George-Bracho, Hugo Riatiga-Fandino, Erik Jose Vera-Mercado, Liliana del Pilar Castro-Molano
INGENIERIA SOLIDARIA
(2016)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Liliana del Pilar Castro Molano, Carolina Guzman Luna, Humberto Escalante Hernandez
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.
