scholarly journals Agave and Opuntia Species as Sustainable Feedstocks for Bioenergy and Byproducts

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12263
Author(s):  
José Amador Honorato-Salazar ◽  
Jorge Aburto ◽  
Myriam Adela Amezcua-Allieri
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Fuel Production ◽  
Opuntia Species ◽  
Marginal Areas ◽  
Bioenergy Feedstocks ◽  
Biomass Transformation ◽  
Opuntia Spp

Currently, Mexico is facing an energy transition, therefore updated policy regulations pertaining to the sustainable use of biomass are needed. In particular, policy that favors the sustainable use of biomass to produce energy and bioproducts to privilege climate change mitigation is needed. This review describes the use of maguey (Agave spp.) and nopal (Opuntia spp.; also known as “cactus”) for biofuel production, especially in marginal areas. Emphasis is given on documented case studies discussing features of production and cultivation for both maguey and nopal, in addition to their potential for fuel production. Environmental and social sustainability issues in terms of waste value and new opportunities as bioenergy feedstocks and byproducts are also discussed. Although the paper does not deeply describe aspects of biomass transformation, such as bioprocess configurations, it gives characteristics of production in addition to cultivation. Agave and Opuntia species may represent a suitable feedstock for biofuels, bioproducts, bioenergy and biorefineries, especially in dry lands (semi-arid and dry sub-humid), deforested areas, agroforestry systems and agricultural semi-terraces known as metepantle in Mexico.

scholarly journals WASTEWATER TREATMENT WITH BIOCONVERSION FOR MOTOR FUEL PRODUCTION

ScienceRise ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 66-72
Author(s):  
Sergii Shamanskyi ◽  
Sergii Boichenko ◽  
Lesia Pavliukh
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Motor Fuel ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Phosphorus Compounds ◽  
Biogenic Elements ◽  
Fuel Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Phosphorous Compounds ◽  
Technological Product

The object of research: the process of wastewater treatment using bioconversion for subsequent motor fuel production. Investigated problem: improving the efficiency of bioconversion process for biofuel production with simultaneous wastewater treatment by removing nitrogen and phosphorous compounds. The main scientific results: providing the possibility of biofuel production with energy and economic inefficiency. It is done by combining the process of motor biofuel production with the process of treating wastewater from biogenic elements makes it perspective for commercial use. Traditional technology for the production of motor biofuels from microalgae includes cultivation, harvesting, dehydration and drying of biomass, extraction of oils from them and subsequent production of methyl esters and glycerol. Such technology is often not economically effective. It requires significant amount of energy for carrying out all necessary processes. In addition, it requires significant expenditures of water and nutrients. The use of nutrient-rich wastewater as a culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae allows not only to reduce costs, but also to purify wastewater from nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, which makes this process economically effective. The area of practical use of the research results: Sewage and gray water treatment plants. Industrial and agricultural effluents treatment plants. Different types of enterprises, which have wastewater enriched with nitrogen and phosphorous compounds. Innovative technological product: The technology of microalgae cultivation using wastewater as a culture medium. The technology allows effectively purifying used wastewaters from nitrogen and phosphorous compounds with no waste at the end. Scope of the innovative technological product: Improved technology of motor biofuel production with simultaneous wastewater purification, which is economically effective and environmentally safe.

scholarly journals An Assessment Of Microalgal Biodiesel With Acetone, Butanol and Ethanol Using LIfe Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherilyn Dignan
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Lca Methodology ◽  
Fuel Production ◽  
Renewable Fuel ◽  
Production Processes ◽  
Microalgal Biodiesel

Canada, as one of the largest producers and consumers of fossil fuels per capita on the planet, is attempting to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In order to accomplish this, fuel alternatives, such as biofuel, are required. Accordingly, this study uses LCA methodology to quantify the GHG impact of a unique biofuel production model. This unique model produces biodiesel (BD), acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) from microalgae and assesses the process GHG impact against other microalgal BD production processes. This study’s microalgal BD and ABE production process produces 76 kgCO2e per functional unit, whereas other comparable microalgal BD production processes produce between 3.7 and 85 kgCO2e. Overall, this study clarifies that without the development of versatile infrastructure to accommodate biofuel production, LCA studies will continue to find renewable fuel production processes net GHG positive for the simple reason that fossil resources are still the primary energy source.

scholarly journals Agricultural potential and soil use based on the pedogenetic properties of soils from the cerrado-caatinga transition

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 1119
Author(s):  
Rafael Felippe Ratke ◽  
Alcinei Ribeiro Campos ◽  
Alberto Vasconcellos Inda ◽  
Ronny Sobreira Barbosa ◽  
Yuri Jacques Agra Bezerra da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation System ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Nutrient Budget ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Natural Fertility ◽  
Agricultural Potential

The sustainable use of soil requires a broad knowledge of its genesis, morphology, properties, and distribution in the landscape. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the pedogenetic attributes of representative soils from the cerrado-caatinga transition of the Gurguéia river basin to indicate their agricultural potential and limitations for the implementation of agroforestry systems. National and international soil classification systems were used to define the soil classes. The limiting factors and agricultural potential were characterized following the evaluation system of the agricultural potential of Brazilian land. In general, profiles 1, 3, 5, and 6 had a low nutrient budget and a sandy to loam texture. Profiles 2, 4, and 7 showed high clay content and nutrient budget. The soil profiles were classified as Ustic Quartzipsamments, Udic Haplusterts, Xanthic Haplustox, Arenic Kanhaplustults, Typic Haplustox, and Aridic Dystrustept based on their pedogenetic characteristics. Udic Haplusterts and Arenic Kanhaplustults soils display restrictions regarding the planting of forests owing to oxygen and soil depth limitations. The other soil classes had adequate physical properties for the implementation of agricultural systems and pastures, including good drainage and medium texture; however, they had low natural fertility, and thus require technologies for soil acidity correction and fertilization. Ustic Quartzipsamments and Ustic soils require the implementation of conservation systems, such as agroforestry, to avoid degradation.

scholarly journals Determinants and Policy Ramifications of Cocoa Farmers’ Use of Agrochemicals in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima
Keyword(s):  
Virus Disease ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Effect Relationship ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Cocoa Farmers

The application of agrochemicals in agroforestry systems in general and cocoa-based agroforestry systems in particular is unprecedented as agroforestry systems are considered as environmentally benign, agro-ecological and sustainable agricultural systems. It was within this context that this study was undertaken to examine the determinants of cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemical in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Through a mixed research approach, and data analysis using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools, it was found that the main types of herbicides used by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems are Paraquat (50%) and Glyphosate (40%). For fungicides, the main types used were Mancozeb (70%), Maneb (65%), Ridomil (60%), Caocobre (50%), and Nordox (40%). For insecticides, the main types used were Methyl (65%), Imidacloprid (60%), Endosulfan (50%), Cypermethrin (50%), and Fenobucarp (40%). The most common pests and diseases affecting cocoa perceived by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were Black pod – Phytophtora spp (100%), Capsid/Mirids – Distantiella theobroma and Sahlbergella singularis (100%), Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease – CSSVD (60%), Witches’ broom – Crinipellis perniciosa (50%) and Vascular streak dieback (40%). Most cocoa farmers perceived that the use of all three agrochemicals (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) in cocoa-based agroforestry systems have negative socio-economic and environmental impacts.  From Spearman rank correlation and logistic regression coefficients, it was noticed that the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were gender, income, availability of agrochemicals, access to information, membership in farming groups, and access to extension services. Meanwhile the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant indirect or inverse non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were farm size and number of farms. It is recommended that policy makers take a critical look at the different agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers as well as the determinants of their use when formulating policies geared towards ensuring the sustainable use of these agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

scholarly journals Biofuel production potentials in Europe: Sustainable use of cultivated land and pastures, Part II: Land use scenarios

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Günther Fischer ◽  
Sylvia Prieler ◽  
Harrij van Velthuizen ◽  
Göran Berndes ◽  
André Faaij ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Cultivated Land ◽  
Land Use Scenarios

scholarly journals Biomass Production in Agroforestry Systems: V.E.Ri.For Project

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 58-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea R. Proto ◽  
Giuseppe Zimbalatti ◽  
Lorenzo Abenavoli ◽  
Bruno Bernardi ◽  
Soraya Benalia
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Local System ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Woody Perennials ◽  
Marginal Areas

The biomass for energy purposes, coming from agroforestry systems and timber industry, can provide various environmental and socio-economic benefits. Among all renewable energy sources, agroforestry biomass represents both an important alternative source to fossil fuels and an opportunity for the socio-economic development of various marginal areas in Italy. In particular, agroforestry is a collective name of land use systems in which woody perennials are grown in association with herbaceous plants and/or livestock in a spatial arrangements, a rotation, or both in which there are both ecological and economic interactions between the tree and the non-tree components of the system. Estimating availability of biomass resources is important to assess bioenergy production potential and so bioenergy contribution to annual energy demand. In the supply of biomass to energy use, the planning of operations is the basis for sustainable development of agroforest system. Most existing forest practice rules and recommendations did not anticipate this increased extraction of woody biomass and offer no specific guidance on how much removal is healthy for ecosystems. Intensification of biomass utilization, particularly for energy and fuel needs, presents a range of potential environmental risks. Therefore, the research focuses on development of guidelines for increasing a sustainable biomass supply chain at local scale, in order to facilitate energy planning that considers the local system carrying capacity and the potential of substitution of fossil fuels.

scholarly journals Technological Progress in US Agriculture: Implications for Biofuel Production

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Farzad Taheripour ◽  
Don Scott ◽  
Cristopher A. Hurt ◽  
Wallace E. Tyner
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Major Change ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Fuel Production ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Livestock Sector ◽  
Productivity Gain ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Major Transformation

This paper evaluates in a holistic way major trends in US production of food, feed, and biofuel commodities over the period 1961-2014. It is motivated by literature that examines parts of the changes but does not integrate them. We develop a comprehensive data set and then conduct analysis of the major trends that emerge. We identify eight major trends and then combine them to four major themes. The first theme is the huge gain in agricultural productivity over this period. An important component of this theme is that the productivity gain was sufficient to achieve substantial total production growth as agricultural land declined over the period. Second, there has been a major transformation of the livestock sector as less efficient and more expensive beef has been replaced by more efficient and less expensive poultry. As this change has happened, the livestock sector has become more land efficient, less land used in livestock. The third major change is that US calorie production is now substantially more than the needs for food and feed. Finally, the first three major themes have enabled the fourth, which is growth of US renewable fuel production, while agricultural land declined over time.

scholarly journals EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
T.A. Zheliezna
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Climate Neutrality ◽  
Goals And Objectives

The aim of the work is to develop recommendations for Ukraine on setting long-term integrated climate and energy goals and identifying ways to achieve them. The preconditions, main goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, which was presented by the European Commission in December 2019, are analyzed. The European Green Deal is a comprehensive strategy for the transition to a sustainable economy, clean energy and climate neutrality, i.e., zero greenhouse gas emissions, in Europe by 2050. The adoption of this Deal was preceded by several stages of a coherent EU policy in the relevant sectors. Possibilities for renewable energy development within the framework of the European Green Deal are considered. It is determined that preference is given to the production of green electricity, mobilization of the potential of offshore renewable energy, production of biogas and biofuels from biomass of agricultural origin, sustainable use of low-carbon and renewable fuels, including biomass and hydrogen, in hard-to-electricity sectors. In Ukraine, the document that is closest by its contents to the European Green Deal is the draft Concept of green energy transition until 2050 presented in January 2020. The draft Concept states the goal of achieving 70% of renewable energy sources in electricity generation by 2050 and the climate-neutral economy of Ukraine by 2070. It is recommended that this document should be finalized and adopted formally as soon as possible.

Just cuts for fossil fuels? Supply-side carbon constraints and energy transition

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 1072-1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Le Billon ◽  
Berit Kristoffersen
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Fuel Production ◽  
Financial Flows

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has generally been approached through demand-side initiatives, yet there are increasing calls for supply-side interventions to curtail fossil fuel production. Pursuing energy transition through supply-side constraints would have major geopolitical and economic consequences. Depending on the criteria and instruments applied, supply cuts for fossil fuels could drastically reduce and reorient major financial flows and reshape the spatiality of energy production and consumption. Building on debates about just transitions and supply constraints, we provide a survey of emerging interventions targeting the supply of, rather than the demand for, fossil fuels. We articulate four theories of justice and criteria to prioritize cuts among fossil fuel producers, including with regard to carbon intensity, production costs, affordability, developmental efficiency and support for climate change action. We then examine seven major supply constraint instruments, their effectiveness and possible pathways to supply cuts in the coal, oil and gas sectors. We suggest that supply cuts both reflect and offer purposeful political spaces of interventions towards a ‘just’ transition away from fossil fuel production.

scholarly journals Zapote Seed (Pouteria mammosa L.) Valorization for Thermal Energy Generation in Tropical Climates

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4284
Author(s):  
Miguel-Angel Perea-Moreno ◽  
Quetzalcoatl Hernandez-Escobedo ◽  
Fernando Rueda-Martinez ◽  
Alberto-Jesus Perea-Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Liquefied Petroleum Gas ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Biomass Boiler ◽  
Residual Biomass ◽  
Solid Biofuel ◽  
Elemental Chemical Analysis ◽  
Tropical Climates

According to the Law for the Use of Renewable Energies and the Financing of Energy Transition, Mexico’s goal for 2024 is to generate 35% of its energy from non-fossil sources. Each year, up to 2630 tons of residual biomass from the zapote industry are dismissed without sustainable use. The main purposes of this study were to determine the elemental chemical analysis of the zapote seed and its energy parameters to further evaluate its suitability as a solid biofuel in boilers for the generation of thermal energy in a tropical climate. Additionally, energy, economic, and environmental assessments of the installation were carried out. The results obtained show that zapote seed has a higher heating value (18.342 MJ/kg), which makes it appealing for power generation. The Yucatan Peninsula is the main zapote-producing region, with an annual production of 11,084 tons. If the stone of this fruit were used as biofuel, 7860.87 MWh could be generated and a CO2 saving of 1996.66 tons could be obtained. Additionally, replacing a 200 kW liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) boiler with a biomass boiler using zapote seed as a biofuel would result in a reduction of 60,960.00 kg/year of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, an annual saving of $7819.79 would be obtained, which means a saving of 53.19% relative to the old LPG installation. These results pave the way toward the utilization of zapote seed as a solid biofuel and contribute to achieving Mexico’s energy goal for 2024 while promoting sustainability in universities.

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