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Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition
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Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition

A special issue of Resources (ISSN 2079-9276).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 17112

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Daniele Duca

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: biomass quality; bioenergy; biofuel; sustainability assessment; residues; biosystem engineering; life cycle assessment; standardization; circular economy; environmental impact; wood processing; food processing; renewable energy; energy conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giuseppe Toscano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: biomass quality; bioenergy; biofuel; sustainability assessment; residues; biosystem engineering; life cycle assessment; standardization; circular economy; environmental impact; wood processing; food processing; renewable energy; energy conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alessio Ilari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: biomass quality; bioenergy; biofuel; sustainability assessment; residues; biosystem engineering; life cycle assessment; standardization; circular economy; environmental impact; wood processing; food processing; renewable energy; energy conversion; precision agriculture; remote sensing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the current European and global climate, where COVID-19 and the Russia–Ukraine conflict continue to have adverse impacts on relationships between nations on social, economic and environmental levels, renewable energies play a key role in the transition toward a world where sustainability, particularly environmental and energy sustainability, is increasingly viewed as an essential goal. In this context, dedicated and residual biomass plays a leading role in heat, power production and energy carriers (such as standard fuels). Due to an increased interest in sustainability and the circular economy, in the last few years, more attention has been paid to the use of residual biomass; however, this is characterized by a low quality and heterogeneity.

All of these aspects and the consequent variety of origins of biomass for energy use, different supply chains, different logistics, organizational complexity, raw material treatment and technological levels have impacts on the characteristics of biofuel and their level of sustainability. These latter two aspects appear to be independent but are actually closely connected, entailing significant economic and environmental implications.

Biomass properties and sustainability help to define a new way of understanding the quality of biofuels. This change of perspective implies a decisive role in policy decisions, the development of technical regulations and, in general, in the operational choices of biomass supply chain stakeholders. Thus, research efforts are required to exploit the available biomass materials, especially less traditional ones, through the development of innovative production processes and measurement systems, to produce sustainable biofuels and bioenergy.

From this perspective, this Special Issue aims to collect research articles or comprehensive reviews focused on the abovementioned topics.

Relevant subjects are listed below:

  • Sustainability assessment of bioenergy production chains;
  • Evaluation of biomass feedstocks and their effect on biofuel quality;
  • Investigation of biomass properties and biofuel production;
  • Innovative processes for the energy valorization of residual biomass materials;
  • Innovative systems for biomass quality assessment.

In addition to the above, general considerations and observations concerning the effects of biomass quality on bioenergy sustainability will also be welcomed.

Dr. Daniele Duca
Dr. Giuseppe Toscano
Dr. Alessio Ilari
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. Resources is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1600 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

  • bioenergy
  • biofuel
  • sustainability assessment
  • biomass quality
  • biomass residues
  • biofuel standardization
  • life cycle assessment
  • renewable energy
  • environmental impact
  • biomass treatment/processing

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3005 KiB  
Article
Disintegrated Waste-Activated Sludge (NO2/FNA Method) as a Source of Carbon for Denitrification in the Mainstream of a WWTP
by Dorota Szypulska, Kamil Janiak, Bartosz Zięba, Anna Wizimirska, Marek Mołczan, Sławomir Szerzyna and Renata Tomczak-Wandzel
Resources 2024, 13(6), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13060080 - 10 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1079
Abstract
The deficiency of readily biodegradable organic carbon can be a significant limitation to effective nitrogen removal during wastewater denitrification. Waste-activated sludge (WAS) is a source of carbon produced directly at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Raw WAS has a large molecular weight and complex [...] Read more.
The deficiency of readily biodegradable organic carbon can be a significant limitation to effective nitrogen removal during wastewater denitrification. Waste-activated sludge (WAS) is a source of carbon produced directly at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Raw WAS has a large molecular weight and complex chemical structure molecules that are not easily available for microorganisms. In this study, easily biodegradable organic fractions were released using pH control and/or nitrites and nitric acid (NO2/FNA). The obtained results indicated that WAS can be a sufficient carbon source for denitrification in WWTPs that are at risk of minor effluent violations. The implementation of WAS disintegration with the use of pH control and NO2/FNA allowed for the denitrification of an additional 0.5 and 0.8 mgN-NO3/L. WAS disintegration, besides being a source of carbon generation, reduces the volume of sludge and leads to the implementation of a closed-loop system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 6142 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effect of a Spray Coating Applied on Open-Air-Stored Woodchips
by Gianni Picchi, Carla Nati, Lorenzo Brilli and Alessandro Cinotti
Resources 2024, 13(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040058 - 15 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1479
Abstract
The present study aimed at testing the benefits of protecting woodchips with an acrylic crusting product developed for the coal energy industry. In the test carried out, four conical wood chips piles were built, two consisting of fresh biomass, the other two of [...] Read more.
The present study aimed at testing the benefits of protecting woodchips with an acrylic crusting product developed for the coal energy industry. In the test carried out, four conical wood chips piles were built, two consisting of fresh biomass, the other two of dry wood chips. A fourth larger pile was built as a reference. One dry and one fresh pile were superficially treated with 25 kg of protective acrylic solution diluted in 250 L of water, providing an average application of coating agent of approximately 85 g m−2, while the other two worked as controls. To monitor the piles’ temperature variation, thermal sensors were placed in the inner part of the five piles during their construction. Moisture content (MC) and dry matter (DM) variations in woodchip piles were recorded. The piles treated with the coating agent did not show any significant differences with the untreated piles: in wet material, the protective film slightly reduced the moisture dispersal from the pile from evaporation rather than limiting water intake from rain; in dry material, this confirms the inability of the coating agent to limit water intake from rainfall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 5744 KiB  
Communication
Microstructure and Mechanical Characterization of Rice Husks from the Tolima Region of Colombia
by Oscar Araque, Nelson Arzola and Ivonne X. Cerón
Resources 2024, 13(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13010016 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2457
Abstract
The under-utilization of rice husk, a milling by-product, demands attention due to its widespread disposal and limited usage. This research aims to assess the physical properties and mechanical behavior of three rice husk varieties (F 2000, Orizyca, and Panorama 394), to determine their [...] Read more.
The under-utilization of rice husk, a milling by-product, demands attention due to its widespread disposal and limited usage. This research aims to assess the physical properties and mechanical behavior of three rice husk varieties (F 2000, Orizyca, and Panorama 394), to determine their strength capacities and potential applications. Mechanical properties are evaluated through a non-standardized tension test using a universal machine. Subsequent analyses include measuring the moisture content following ASTM D1348, determining the particle size distribution through ASAE Standard S319, and establishing the bulk density using ASAE Standard S269 Method 4. Mechanical resistance in the rice husk varieties ranged from 60 MPa to 130 MPa, with a particle density exceeding 300 kg/m3 and an average apparent density of 140 kg/m3. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the husk structures, identifying epidermis, hypodermis, and sub-hypodermis layers. The mechanical stress of the Orizyca variety was 1.89 times higher than that of F 2000, and 1.18 times higher than that of Panorama 394. Potential applications include brick manufacturing and thermoformed materials for Orizyca and Panorama 394, while F 2000 could be utilized for producing fuel briquettes or cardboard, among other possibilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1766 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Scenedesmus dimorphus under Different Photoperiods with Eutrophicated Lagoon Water
by Sheila Genoveva Pérez Bravo, María del Refugio Castañeda Chávez, Luciano Aguilera Vázquez, Nohra Violeta Gallardo Rivas, María Lucila Morales Rodríguez and Ulises Páramo García
Resources 2023, 12(12), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12120140 - 27 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Given the need to improve bioenergy production processes, it is necessary to focus on low-cost culture media and environmental conditions of radiation and temperature. The Scenedesmus dimorphus species was cultured in eutrophicated lagoon water and Bayfolan 0.3% as culture media under four photoperiods [...] Read more.
Given the need to improve bioenergy production processes, it is necessary to focus on low-cost culture media and environmental conditions of radiation and temperature. The Scenedesmus dimorphus species was cultured in eutrophicated lagoon water and Bayfolan 0.3% as culture media under four photoperiods with the objective of evaluating the biomass productivity, bioremediation capacity and influence of illumination on the composition and lipid content. It is concluded that the increase of light hours in the culture with eutrophicated lagoon water produces a decrease in the biomass productivity and COD removal percentage. The highest biomass productivity was obtained in photoperiod F1 (10.5:13.5) hours L:O, 0.053 ± 0.0015 g/L day and a removal of 95.6%. Bayfolan 0.3% with F2 (11.5:12.5) and F3 (12.5:11.5) did not show significant differences in the biomass productivity and COD removal. The increase in light hours in the photoperiod induced an increase of 1.01% and 2.84% of saturated fatty acids and 0.8% and 2.14% of monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as a decrease of 3.85% and 2.88% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in eutrophicated lagoon water and Bayfolan 0.3%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 2074 KiB  
Article
The Application of Image Acquisition and Processing Techniques for the Determination of Wooden Pellet Length as an Alternative to ISO 17829
by Giuseppe Toscano, Elena Leoni, Carmine De Francesco, Giacomo Ciccone and Thomas Gasperini
Resources 2023, 12(10), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100125 - 20 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1780
Abstract
Global market developments of wooden pellets have led to an increased attention towards pellet quality. ISO 17829 defines the procedure to assess pellets’ geometrical parameters, which play a key role in pellet overall quality. For instance, pellet length influences the spatial arrangement within [...] Read more.
Global market developments of wooden pellets have led to an increased attention towards pellet quality. ISO 17829 defines the procedure to assess pellets’ geometrical parameters, which play a key role in pellet overall quality. For instance, pellet length influences the spatial arrangement within the stove brazier, affecting the interaction between combustion air and solid biofuel, thus affecting CO emissions. The ISO 17829 method is time-consuming and affected by the operator’s accuracy. Recent studies have investigated the application of new methods, such as image processing, for monitoring the aforementioned parameter. While also assessing the representativeness of ISO 17829’s method, this paper proposes an alternative measuring tool based on image processing named Pellet Length Detector (PLD). Samples were obtained from Italian pellet suppliers and subjected to a multiple dimensional analysis via PLD and caliper. The PLD’s overall performance led to satisfactory results, with only 10% of the samples having a bias between replicates of >2 mm. Compared to caliper, PLD led to an average bias of 0.5 mm. Moreover, a one-way ANOVA highlighted that increasing the sample size between caliper and PLD leads to a greater statistical similarity of the data obtained for different replicates. Given the prototype status of the device, a further performance upgrade is possible, especially through error modeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 2513 KiB  
Article
Quality Assessment and Classification of Feedstock for Bioenergy Applications Considering ISO 17225 Standard on Solid Biofuels
by Giuseppe Toscano, Carmine De Francesco, Thomas Gasperini, Sara Fabrizi, Daniele Duca and Alessio Ilari
Resources 2023, 12(6), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060069 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2381
Abstract
Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial [...] Read more.
Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 4533 KiB  
Article
Effects of Feeding Speed and Temperature on Properties of Briquettes from Poplar Wood Using a Hydraulic Briquetting Press
by Joseph I. Orisaleye, Simeon O. Jekayinfa, Christian Dittrich, Okey F. Obi and Ralf Pecenka
Resources 2023, 12(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12010012 - 9 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3038
Abstract
Biomass has a high potential to contribute towards resolving the energy deficit. Processing biomass into solid fuels enhances its use in various bioenergy conversion technologies. The quality of densified biomass depends on several variables. The investigation of the effect of densification parameters on [...] Read more.
Biomass has a high potential to contribute towards resolving the energy deficit. Processing biomass into solid fuels enhances its use in various bioenergy conversion technologies. The quality of densified biomass depends on several variables. The investigation of the effect of densification parameters on briquette quality is necessary for process optimization. This study investigates the influence of die temperature (100, 120, 140 °C) and feeding speed (2.4, 2.9, 3.3 mm s−1) on the quality of briquettes produced from poplar using a hydraulic biomass briquetting machine. The density of the briquettes ranged between 746.7 and 916.8 kg m−3, the mechanical durability ranged from 97.4 to 98.4%, and the water resistance index was between 91.6 and 96.1%. The results show that the temperature was statistically significant (p < 0.05) on the density, mechanical durability and water resistance of biomass briquettes. The feeding speed was statistically significant (p < 0.05) on the density and water resistance. The interaction of temperature and feeding speed was statistically significant (p < 0.05) on all properties considered. The results obtained in this study are useful for optimizing the quality of briquettes produced using the hydraulic piston press. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 4135 KiB  
Review
Transformation Processes for Energy Production Alternatives from Different Biomass Sources in the Highlands and Semi-Desert Areas of Mexico
by Salvador Carlos-Hernández, Artemio Carrillo-Parra, Lourdes Díaz-Jiménez, Lidia Rosaura Salas-Cruz, Rigoberto Rosales-Serna and Maginot Ngangyo-Heya
Resources 2023, 12(9), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090103 - 1 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2015
Abstract
Biomass revalorization is a worldwide trend which can contribute to diversifying the energy sector and to obtaining added value products. The objective of the present review is to discern potential sources of biomass and their corresponding alternatives for transformation, with a particular emphasis [...] Read more.
Biomass revalorization is a worldwide trend which can contribute to diversifying the energy sector and to obtaining added value products. The objective of the present review is to discern potential sources of biomass and their corresponding alternatives for transformation, with a particular emphasis on energy generation within the Mexican highlands and semi-desert regions. Methodologically, this review was conducted by reviewing various search engines, identifying articles related to energy production, the transformation processes, and the obtained product, establishing the relevance of each contribution, and including the information that was deemed pertinent. From this information analysis, it was found that most of the studies are conducted at theoretical and laboratory levels; then, scientific knowledge has been generated in this topic. However, low interaction with the social and industrial sectors is observed. It is required to develop strategies to transfer the generated knowledge and to scale up the studied transformation processes to generate ecological, economic, and social benefits. According to the information obtained it can be concluded that the agricultural and forestry sectors in the highlands and semi-desert regions of Mexico hold significant promise for generating bioenergy via the utilization of residual biomass, including stubble, straw, branches, stems, and sawdust. Moreover, the implementation of these sophisticated techniques for the conversion of residual biomass into biofuels and other forms of bioenergy contribute to the improvement of the adverse effects associated with the use of fossil fuels while fostering a more environmentally sustainable economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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