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Advances in Sustainable Bioenergy Production and Biomass Waste Reutilization

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 21831

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Special Issue Editors

Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Centre for Photonics and Advanced Materials Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
Interests: catalysis; bioenergy; biomass; kinetics and reactions; supercritical process
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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Centre for Photonics and Advanced Materials Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
Interests: catalysis; bioenergy; biomass; nanoparticles, membrane technology

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Centre for Photonics and Advanced Materials Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
Interests: environmental catalysis; biomass; wastewater treatment

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
Interests: biomass pretreatment; biorefinery; bioethanol; bioprocess engineering; process development; techno-economic assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass has been an integral part of our civilization since prehistoric times. It has a broad range of applications covering energy, food, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, transportation, constructions and many more, which collectively represent most of our basic needs. Its role as a renewable bioenergy source is becoming increasingly critical lately, due to the impacts of fossil fuels to our environment and ecosystem. Bioenergy derived from biomass can offer several advantages to our current and future energy supply chain, including in being renewable, carbon neutral, widely available irrespective of the geographical location, easily accessible and in readily fitting into the current energy infrastructure. However, there are still technological challenges that need to be overcome with regard to the processing and conversion of biomass to bioenergy to ensure its viability in terms of being both economical and sustainable. Ample research works have attempted to develop numerous advancements in sustainable bioenergy production related to biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, solid biofuel and green aviation fuel. In particular, biomass waste recycling has also been identified as one of the key enablers of sustainable bioenergy production, which ensures the concept of the circular economy is attained in a more holistic manner. Biomass waste recycling and reutilization not only helps to reduce the waste burden to the environment but, at the same time, allows converting the waste into higher value-added bioproducts such as biopolymers, lubricants and specialty chemicals via consolidated biorefinery.

As such, the aim of this Special Issue is to gather and publish the latest advancements in sustainable bioenergy production in various aspects including biomass waste recycling and reutilization. It is hoped that the publications within can fill some of the gaps in our existing knowledge on bioenergy production and biomass waste recycling while simultaneously spurring more in-depth research works in these areas.

The list of relevant topics includes but is not limited to:

  • Bioenergy
  • Biofuels
  • Biomass reutilization
  • Process intensification
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Circular economy
  • Biorefinery
  • Biomass pretreatment
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Energy storage
  • Energy saving
  • Biochar
  • Thermochemical conversion
  • Process design and optimization

This Special Issue welcomes both technical and review research papers involving fundamental, experimental, applied, numerical and theoretical works which reflect the latest developments and involve state-of-the-art emerging technologies.

Dr. Steven Lim
Dr. Shuit Siew Hoong
Dr. Pang Yean Ling
Dr. Santi Chuetor
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biofuels
  • biomass waste
  • sustainable production
  • waste reutilization
  • recycling
  • bioenergy
  • process intensification
  • life cycle assessment
  • circular economy
  • biorefinery
  • biomass pretreatment

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 4753 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Microwave Irradiation and Ethanol Pre-Treatment toward Bioproducts Fractionation from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch
by Ashvinder Singh Gill, Kam Huei Wong, Steven Lim, Yean Ling Pang, Lloyd Ling and Sie Yon Lau
Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031275 - 02 Feb 2024
Viewed by 562
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), such as the oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), has emerged as one of the sustainable alternative renewable bioresources in retrieving valuable bioproducts, such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The natural recalcitrance of LCB by the disarray of lignin is [...] Read more.
Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), such as the oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), has emerged as one of the sustainable alternative renewable bioresources in retrieving valuable bioproducts, such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The natural recalcitrance of LCB by the disarray of lignin is overcome through the combinative application of organosolv pre-treatment followed by microwave irradiation, which helps to break down LCB into its respective components. This physicochemical treatment process was conducted to evaluate the effect of ethanol solvent, microwave power, and microwave duration against delignification and the total sugar yield. The highest delignification rate was achieved, and the optimum level of total sugars was obtained, with the smallest amount of lignin left in the OPEFB sample at 0.57% and total sugars at 87.8 mg/L, respectively. This was observed for the OPEFB samples pre-treated with 55 vol% of ethanol subjected to a reaction time of 90 min and a microwave power of 520 W. Microwave irradiation functions were used to increase the temperature of the ethanol organic solvent, which in turn helped to break the protective lignin layer of OPEFB. On the other hand, the surface morphology supported this finding, where OPEFB samples pre-treated with 55 vol% of solvent subjected to similar microwave duration and power were observed to have higher opened and deepened surface structures. Consequently, higher thermal degradation can lead to more lignin being removed in order to expose and extract the total sugars. Therefore, it can be concluded that organosolv pre-treatment in combination with microwave irradiation can serve as a novel integrated method to optimize the total sugar yield synthesized from OPEFB. Full article
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16 pages, 1390 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Feedstock from Agricultural Biomass and Face Masks for the Production of Biochar through Co-Pyrolysis
by Yasirah Yusoff, Ee Sann Tan and Firas Basim Ismail
Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16000; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216000 - 16 Nov 2023
Viewed by 764
Abstract
This study explores the pyrolysis of disposable face masks to produce chemicals suitable for use as fuel, addressing the environmental concern posed by single-use face masks. Co-pyrolysis of biomass with face mask plastic waste offers a promising solution. The research focuses on the [...] Read more.
This study explores the pyrolysis of disposable face masks to produce chemicals suitable for use as fuel, addressing the environmental concern posed by single-use face masks. Co-pyrolysis of biomass with face mask plastic waste offers a promising solution. The research focuses on the co-pyrolysis of biomass and face masks, aiming to characterise the properties for analysis and optimisation. Selected agricultural biomass and face mask plastic waste were subjected to temperatures from 250 °C to 400 °C for co-pyrolysis. Slow pyrolysis was chosen because face masks cannot be converted into useful bioproducts at temperatures exceeding 400 °C. The samples were tested in four different ratios and the study was conducted under inert conditions to ensure analysis accuracy and reliability. The results indicate that face masks exhibit a remarkable calorific value of 9310 kcal/kg. Face masks show a two-fold increase in calorific value compared with biomass alone. Additionally, the low moisture content of face masks (0.10%) reduces the heating value needed to remove moisture, enhancing their combustion efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of co-pyrolysis with face masks as a means of generating valuable chemicals for fuel production, contributing to environmental sustainability. Full article
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22 pages, 6993 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Utilizing Aquatic Macrophytes for Enhanced Phytoremediation of Zinc in Artificial Wastewater: Characteristics and Parameter Studies
by Hui Wun Tan, Yean Ling Pang, Steven Lim, Woon Chan Chong, Chin Wei Lai and Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15170; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015170 - 23 Oct 2023
Viewed by 878
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution due to industrialization can threaten the surrounding environment and living organisms. Phytoremediation is a green technique that uses hyperaccumulator plants to eliminate or decrease heavy metals in polluted water bodies. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution due to industrialization can threaten the surrounding environment and living organisms. Phytoremediation is a green technique that uses hyperaccumulator plants to eliminate or decrease heavy metals in polluted water bodies. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in morphology of Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce) and Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) before and after phytoremediation of zinc (Zn) by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The SEM images showed the formation of small granular aggregates on the surfaces of the leaf and root. EDX results confirmed the uptake of Zn metal, especially in the plant roots. The FTIR spectra showed the Zn metal binding with several characteristic functional groups (O-H, C-H and C=O bonds). Different parameters were also studied to optimize the Zn uptake rate. Water lettuce achieved 80.1% phytoremediation of Zn after 5 days at optimum conditions (10 ppm of Zn, 6 ppm of sodium chloride and natural solution pH). Meanwhile, water hyacinth reached up to 88% when increasing the sodium chloride up to 9 ppm. In conclusion, Zn phytoremediation using both plants can be a potential remediation method for improving the quality of water. Full article
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12 pages, 2144 KiB  
Article
Investigation and Optimization of Co-Combustion Efficiency of Food Waste Biochar and Coal
by Yoonah Jeong, Jae-Sung Kim, Ye-Eun Lee, Dong-Chul Shin, Kwang-Ho Ahn, Jinhong Jung, Kyeong-Ho Kim, Min-Jong Ku, Seung-Mo Kim, Chung-Hwan Jeon and I-Tae Kim
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14596; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914596 - 08 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 927
Abstract
Among the alternative recycling methods for food waste, its utilization as a renewable biomass resource has demonstrated great potential. This study presents empirical findings pertaining to the cofiring of solid biomass fuel and coal for power generation. Various co-combustion ratios involving food waste [...] Read more.
Among the alternative recycling methods for food waste, its utilization as a renewable biomass resource has demonstrated great potential. This study presents empirical findings pertaining to the cofiring of solid biomass fuel and coal for power generation. Various co-combustion ratios involving food waste biochar (FWB) and coal (100:0, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5, and 0:100) were tested to optimize combustion efficiency, monitor the emissions of NOX, CO, and unburned carbon (UBC), assess ash deposition tendencies, and evaluate grindability. Two types of FWB and sewage sludge were selected as biomass fuels. The results demonstrated that co-combustion involving FWB reduced NOX and UBC emissions compared to coal combustion alone. In particular, the 10% FWB_A blend exhibited the best combustion efficiency. Notably, FWB demonstrated lower tendencies for ash deposition. The ash fusion characteristics were monitored via thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and the corresponding shrinkage levels were measured. Furthermore, FWB exhibited superior grindability compared to both coal and sewage sludge, reducing power consumption during fuel preparation. This study suggests that FWB is a valuable co-combustion resource in coal-fired power plants, thereby facilitating the efficient recycling of food waste while concurrently advancing clean energy generation. Nevertheless, further research is required to validate its practical applicability and promote its use as a renewable resource. Full article
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16 pages, 4510 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Feasibility Study for Organic and Plastic Waste Pyrolysis Pilot Plant in Malaysia
by Mooktzeng Lim and Ee Sann Tan
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914280 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1276
Abstract
Organic and plastic waste (OPW) is diverted from landfills in order to lower carbon emissions. Nevertheless, modern pyrolysis techniques are frequently utilized in laboratories (using feedstocks that weigh less than 1 kg), which employ costly pure nitrogen gas (N2). This study [...] Read more.
Organic and plastic waste (OPW) is diverted from landfills in order to lower carbon emissions. Nevertheless, modern pyrolysis techniques are frequently utilized in laboratories (using feedstocks that weigh less than 1 kg), which employ costly pure nitrogen gas (N2). This study developed a fast pyrolysis system to produce pyrolysis oil or liquid (PyOL) from OPW using flue gas as the pyrolysis agent. The added benefits included the efficient value-added chemical extractions and the non-thermal plasma reactor upgraded PyOL. OPW was also pyrolyzed at a pilot scale using flue gas fast pyrolysis in this study. In addition to lowering operational expenses associated with pure N2, flue gas reduced the lifecycle carbon emissions to create PyOL. The results indicated that considerable material agglomeration occurred during the OPW pyrolysis with an organic-to-plastic-waste (O/P) ratio of 30/70. Furthermore, the liquid yields were 5.2% and 5.5% when O/P was 100/0 (305 °C) and 99.5/0.5 (354 °C), respectively. The liquid yields also increased when polymers (polypropylene) were added, enhancing the aromatics. Two cases were employed to study their techno-economic feasibility: PyOL-based production and chemical-extraction plants. The mitigated CO2 from the redirected OPW and flue gas produced the highest revenue in terms of carbon credits. Moreover, the carbon price (from RM 100 to 150 per ton of CO2) was the most important factor impacting the economic viability in both cases. Plant capacities higher than 10,000 kg/h were economically viable for the PyOL-based plants, whereas capacities greater than 1000 kg/h were financially feasible for chemical-extraction plants. Overall, the study found that the pyrolysis of OPW in flue gas is a viable waste-to-energy technology. The low liquid yield is offset by the carbon credits that can be earned, making the process economically feasible. Full article
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12 pages, 3394 KiB  
Article
Green Energy Generated in Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells Using Tomato Waste
by Segundo Rojas-Flores, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Luis Cabanillas-Chirinos, Santiago M. Benites, Renny Nazario-Naveda, Daniel Delfín-Narciso, Moisés Gallozzo-Cardenas, Félix Diaz, Emzon Murga-Torres and Walter Rojas-Villacorta
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10461; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310461 - 03 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1289
Abstract
This research used tomato waste as a substrate (fuel) in Single Chamber-Microbial Fuel Cells (scMFC) on a small scale. The electrochemical properties were monitored, the functional groups of the substrate were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR) and a microbiological analysis was [...] Read more.
This research used tomato waste as a substrate (fuel) in Single Chamber-Microbial Fuel Cells (scMFC) on a small scale. The electrochemical properties were monitored, the functional groups of the substrate were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR) and a microbiological analysis was performed on the electrodes in order to identify the microorganisms responsible for the electrochemical process. The results show voltage peaks and an electrical current of 3.647 ± 0.157 mA and 0.957 ± 0.246 V. A pH of 5.32 ± 0.26 was measured in the substrate with an electrical current conductivity of 148,701 ± 5849 mS/cm and an internal resistance (Rint) of 77. 517 ± 8.541 Ω. The maximum power density (PD) displayed was 264.72 ± 3.54 mW/cm2 at a current density (CD) of 4.388 A/cm2. On the other hand, the FTIR spectrum showed a more intense decrease in its peaks, with the compound belonging to the phenolic groups being the most affected at 3361 cm−1. The micrographs show the formation of a porous biofilm where molecular identification allowed the identification of two bacteria (Proteus vulgaris and Proteus vulgaris) and a yeast (Yarrowia lipolytica) with 100% identity. The data found show the potential of this waste as a source of fuel for the generation of an electric current in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, generating in the near future a mechanism for the reuse of waste in a beneficial way for farmers, communities and agro-industrial companies. Full article
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14 pages, 2971 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chemical Pre-Treatment on the Catalytic Performance of Oil Palm EFB Fibre Supported Magnetic Acid Catalyst
by Shamala Gowri Krishnan, Fei Ling Pua and Zhang Fan
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118637 - 26 May 2023
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The development of heterogenous catalysts using renewable materials has received wide attention. A heterogenous catalyst has been a preferred choice as it evades the disadvantages of homogeneous catalysts, nevertheless, heterogenous catalysts has limited activity and a longer separation process. The current study emphasises [...] Read more.
The development of heterogenous catalysts using renewable materials has received wide attention. A heterogenous catalyst has been a preferred choice as it evades the disadvantages of homogeneous catalysts, nevertheless, heterogenous catalysts has limited activity and a longer separation process. The current study emphasises the preparation of a new magnetic catalyst using oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre as a carbon-based support material. The effect of different alkaline pre-treatments over the methyl ester conversion rate were investigated. The catalyst preparation parameters were studied by using the single factor optimisation approach, including the fibre loading, impregnation time, calcination temperature, and calcination time. Their effects in the esterification of oleic acid were investigated in this study. The optimisation study shows that the Na2CO3-treated(T)-EFBC magnetic catalyst had the highest esterification rate of 93.5% with 7 g EFB fibre loading, a 2 h impregnation time and a calcination temperature of 500 °C for 2 h. The catalyst possessed a good acidity of 3.5 mmol/g with excellent magnetism properties. This study showed that the catalysts are magnetically separable and exhibited good stability with 82.1% after five cycles. The oil palm EFB supported magnetic acid catalyst indicates it as a potential option to the existing solid catalysts that is economical and environmentally friendly for the esterification process. Full article
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23 pages, 2619 KiB  
Article
Review on Phytoremediation Potential of Floating Aquatic Plants for Heavy Metals: A Promising Approach
by Yean Ling Pang, Yen Ying Quek, Steven Lim and Siew Hoong Shuit
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021290 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5075
Abstract
Water pollution due to heavy metals has become a serious environmental concern due to their hazardous properties. Since conventional water remediation techniques are generally ineffective and non-environmentally friendly, phytoremediation has gained increasing attention from worldwide researchers and scientists due to its cost-effectiveness and [...] Read more.
Water pollution due to heavy metals has become a serious environmental concern due to their hazardous properties. Since conventional water remediation techniques are generally ineffective and non-environmentally friendly, phytoremediation has gained increasing attention from worldwide researchers and scientists due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Hence, this review first discussed soil and water remediations. Phytoremediation can be divided into five techniques to remove heavy metals from the polluted environment, namely, phytostabilization (phytosequestration), phytodegradation (phytotransformation), phytofiltration (rhizofiltration), phytoextraction (phytoaccumulation), and phytovolatilization. Four common floating aquatic plants (accumulator plants), such as duckweed (Lemna minor), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and watermoss (Salvinia) were discussed in detail due to their great capability in absorbing the metal ions by their roots and further translocating the metal ions to the aerial parts. Furthermore, the parameter studies, such as optimum pH and temperature of the water, exposure duration, initial metal concentration, water salinity, and the addition of chelating agents, were evaluated. The absorption kinetics of the plants was discussed in detail. In short, phytoremediation is a promising green and sustainable water remediation approach. However, further research is necessary to enhance its practicability and performance at large-scale implementation. Full article
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10 pages, 884 KiB  
Article
From Waste Biomass to Cellulosic Ethanol by Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) with Trichoderma viride
by Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw and Aleksander Stańczuk
Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010168 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
Advanced biofuels can reduce fossil fuel use and the number of harmful compounds released during combustion, by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Lignocellulosic materials, especially waste biomass, are suitable substrates for the production of advanced biofuels. Among the most expensive steps in [...] Read more.
Advanced biofuels can reduce fossil fuel use and the number of harmful compounds released during combustion, by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Lignocellulosic materials, especially waste biomass, are suitable substrates for the production of advanced biofuels. Among the most expensive steps in the production of ethanol is enzyme-based hydrolysis. Using microorganisms can reduce these costs. This study investigated the effectiveness of hydrolyzing three waste lignocellulosic biomass materials (barley straw, oak shavings, spent grains) into ethanol, after biological pretreatment with Trichoderma viride fungi. The number of fermentable sugars obtained from each substrate was subjected to preliminary study, and the correlation between the temperature and fungal activity in the decomposition of lignocellulosic materials was determined. Ethanol was produced by the separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) method. It was found that not all lignocellulosic biomass is suitable to decomposition and hydrolysis in the presence of T. viride. Regardless of the process temperature, the average enzymatic activity of fungi (activity index) ranged from 1.25 to 1.31. 94 mL of distillate, with a 65% (v/v) ethanol concentration produced by the hydrolysis and fermentation of the sugars released from the barley straw. Full article
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20 pages, 5912 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Cellulose Fibers: A Reinforcement Material in Polyvinyl Alcohol Biocomposites for Its Application as Detergent Capsules
by Jia Ying Tan, Wah Yen Tey, Joongjai Panpranot, Steven Lim and Kiat Moon Lee
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11446; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811446 - 13 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2151
Abstract
Cellulose fibers isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) have been studied as a potential reinforcement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biocomposite. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that all three parameters—hydrolysis temperature, time and acid concentration, as well as their interactions—significantly affected the [...] Read more.
Cellulose fibers isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) have been studied as a potential reinforcement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biocomposite. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that all three parameters—hydrolysis temperature, time and acid concentration, as well as their interactions—significantly affected the yield of cellulose. Moving Least Squares (MLS) and Multivariable Power Least Squares (MPLS) models demonstrated good fitness. The model also proved that acid concentration was the dominant parameter, supported by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Hydrolysis using 54% acid at 35 °C and 15 min achieved the highest cellulose yield of 80.72%. Cellulose-reinforced PVA biocomposite films demonstrated better mechanical strength, elongation at break, moisture barrier properties, thermal stability and poorer light transmission rate compared to neat PVA due to the high aspect ratio, crystallinity and good compatibility of cellulose fibers. These findings suggested the potential of cellulose fibers-reinforced PVA biocomposite film as water-soluble detergent capsules. Full article
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19 pages, 2780 KiB  
Article
Ganodiesel: A New Biodiesel Feedstock from Biomass of the Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum
by Besek Mariam Mohamad Jahis, Zul Ilham, Sugenendran Supramani, Mohamad Nor Azzimi Sohedein, Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim, Suraini Abd-Aziz, Neil Rowan and Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar
Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10764; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710764 - 29 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
There is a pressing demand for new sustainable eco-friendly approaches to producing green energy worldwide. This study represents the novel production of biodiesel feedstock from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum QRS 5120 using state-of-the-art biotechnology tools. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to [...] Read more.
There is a pressing demand for new sustainable eco-friendly approaches to producing green energy worldwide. This study represents the novel production of biodiesel feedstock from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum QRS 5120 using state-of-the-art biotechnology tools. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to enhance G. lucidum production in a repeated-batch fermentation strategy. By referring to the broth replacement ratio (BRR) and broth replacement time point (BRTP), RSM that was formulated using a central composite design (CCD) resulted in a significant model for all tested variables, which are exopolysaccharide (EPS), endopolysaccharide (ENS) and biomass, with BRR (%) of 60, 75 and 90, and BRTP (days) of 11, 13 and 15. The model was validated using the optimised conditions, and the results showed 4.21 g/L of EPS (BRR 77.46% and BRTP 12 days), 2.44 g/L of ENS (BRR 60% and BRTP 12.85 days), and 34.32 g/L of biomass (BRR 89.52% and BRTP 10.96 days) were produced. Biomass produced from the G. lucidum was subsequently used as feedstock for biodiesel production. Approximately 20.36% of lipid was successfully extracted from the dried G. lucidum biomass via a solvent extraction and subsequently converted to Ganodiesel through a transesterification process. The Ganodiesel produced fulfilled most of the international standards, i.e., US (ASTM D6751-08) and EU (EN 14214). Overall, this study demonstrates the optimised G. lucidum production and its lipid production as a new biodiesel feedstock. Full article
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Review

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18 pages, 3681 KiB  
Review
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) for Biodiesel and/or Animal Feed as a Solution for Waste-Food-Energy Nexus: Bibliometric Analysis
by Dave Mangindaan, Emil Robert Kaburuan and Bayu Meindrawan
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13993; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113993 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2426
Abstract
In this research, an emerging study of the utilization of black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae for the preparation of biodiesel (and organic waste treatment) and the generation of alternative feed for improved food production was mapped bibliometrically from the Scopus [...] Read more.
In this research, an emerging study of the utilization of black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae for the preparation of biodiesel (and organic waste treatment) and the generation of alternative feed for improved food production was mapped bibliometrically from the Scopus database. BSF is a promising biological agent for tackling the waste-food-energy (WFE) nexus, which is a problematic vicious cycle that may threaten Earth’s sustainability, hence its emergence. With its short life cycle, ability to consume organic waste equal to its own weight on a daily basis, and ability for conversion to larvae with a high protein and lipid content, BSF larvae is the perfect choice as a one-step solution of the WFE nexus. To further perfect the research of BSF for the WFE nexus, this bibliometric analysis, and the citation evolution profile, were carried out with the objectives of characterizing the progress of publications in the last 10 years (2011–2022) in order to determine future research directions in this field, identify the top publications for wider reach to the public, and identify productive authors and leading countries to visualize opportunities for future collaborations. Full article
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