Thermochemical conversion of municipal solid waste into energy and hydrogen: a review

Characteristics of hydrogen energy yield in steam gasification of coffee residues

Coffee residues (CRs) were gasified using a laboratory-scale fluidized bed gasifier with an air/steam mixture as the carrier gas. The gasification was conducted at an equivalence ratio (ER) of 0.3, and different operation temperatures (700, 800, and 900 °C) and steam-to-biomass (S/B) ratios (0, 0.75, and 1.5) were applied. Increasing temperature without steam boosted H2 and CO concentrations in producer gas, raising lower heating value (LHV) and cold gas efficiency (CGE) through endothermic reactions like Boudouard, tar cracking, and water-gas formation. At 900 °C, gas had LHV of 3.76 MJ/Nm3 and CGE of 22.47%. It was elevating temperature from 700 to 900 °C and S/B ratio to 1.5 raised H2 and CO concentrations from 2.04 to 8.60% and from 9.56 to 11.8%, respectively. This also increased LHV from 2.23 to 3.89 MJ/Nm3 and CGE from 11.28 to 25.08%. The steam gasification reaction was found to increase the H2 concentration and was thus considered effective in converting CRs to syngas and increasing energy production. Overall, the study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of steam gasification as a means of converting coffee residues to syngas and increasing energy production. The results also highlighted the importance of operating temperature and S/B ratio in improving the gasification process.

Thermo-chemical behaviour of Dunaliella salina biomass and valorising their biochar for naphthalene removal from aqueous rural environment

Thermo-chemical behavior of a microalgal biomass; Dunaliella salina was investigated through thermo-gravimetric analyses. Fully-grown D. salina biomass were subjected for biochar conversion using pyrolytic treatment at three distinct heating rates such as 2.5, 5, and 15 °C min-1. The kinetic appraisals were explained by using model-free kinetics viz., Kissinger-Akahira-Sanose, Flynn-Waal-Ozawa and Starink iso-conversional correlations with concomitant evaluation of activation energies (Ea). The Ea value is 194.2 kJ mol-1 at 90% conversion in FWO model, which is higher as compared to other two models. Moisture, volatile substances, and other biochemical components of the biomass were volatilized between 400 and 1000 K in two separate thermo-chemical breakdown regimes. Microscopic and surface characterization analyses were carried out to elucidate the elemental and morphological characteristics of the biomass and biochar. Further, the proficiency of the prepared biochar was tested for removing naphthalene from the watery media. The novelty of the present study lies in extending the applicability of biochar prepared from D. salina for the removal of a model polyaromatic hydrocarbon, naphthalene.

Global perspective of municipal solid waste and landfill leachate: generation, composition, eco-toxicity, and sustainable management strategies

Globally, more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated each year, with that amount anticipated to reach around 3.5 billion tonnes by 2050. On a worldwide scale, food and green waste contribute the major proportion of MSW, which accounts for 44% of global waste, followed by recycling waste (38%), which includes plastic, glass, cardboard, and paper, and 18% of other materials. Population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion are the principal drivers of the ever-increasing production of MSW across the world. Among the different practices employed for the management of waste, landfill disposal has been the most popular and easiest method across the world. Waste management practices differ significantly depending on the income level. In high-income nations, only 2% of waste is dumped, whereas in low-income nations, approximately 93% of waste is burned or dumped. However, the unscientific disposal of waste in landfills causes the generation of gases, heat, and leachate and results in a variety of ecotoxicological problems, including global warming, water pollution, fire hazards, and health effects that are hazardous to both the environment and public health. Therefore, sustainable management of MSW and landfill leachate is critical, necessitating the use of more advanced techniques to lessen waste production and maximize recycling to assure environmental sustainability. The present review provides an updated overview of the global perspective of municipal waste generation, composition, landfill heat and leachate formation, and ecotoxicological effects, and also discusses integrated-waste management approaches for the sustainable management of municipal waste and landfill leachate.

Fundamental drying and agglomeration experiments with bio-fraction and refuse derived fuel for the development of pyrolysis reactor feed

The EU's circular economy concept necessitates increasing the recycling ratio of municipal solid wastes. There are many existing mechanical-biological processing plants in Hungary for the preparation of residual municipal solid wastes (RMSWs). The two most important products of these plants are the bio-fraction and the refuse derived fuel (RDF). Currently, there are problems with both of these material streams in Hungary, since most of the bio-fraction is still landfilled, and the local thermal utilisation of the RDF has not been implemented yet. The high moisture content of the produced bio-fraction and RDF causes difficulties for the downstream operations; therefore, there is recent engineering interest in drying and agglomeration of these materials. The authors have carried out systematic and parallel drying and briquetting experimental series to study the effect of the material, material composition, mass (volume or surface) of the material, particle size distribution and pre-treatment with a cutting mill on drying intensity in a 1 m3 oven and their effect on briquettability by a laboratory briquette press. The initial slope of the relative moisture loss as function of time was determined. Process engineering design methods of convective hot air-drying can be further developed taking into account the research results. Results can be used for the design of the feed of a pyrolysis reactor once reactor experiments have provided the optimal feed requirements.

A Review of Automation and Sensors: Parameter Control of Thermal Treatments for Electrical Power Generation

This review delves into the critical role of automation and sensor technologies in optimizing parameters for thermal treatments within electrical power generation. The demand for efficient and sustainable power generation has led to a significant reliance on thermal treatments in power plants. However, ensuring precise control over these treatments remains challenging, necessitating the integration of advanced automation and sensor systems. This paper evaluates the pivotal aspects of automation, emphasizing its capacity to streamline operations, enhance safety, and optimize energy efficiency in thermal treatment processes. Additionally, it highlights the indispensable role of sensors in monitoring and regulating crucial parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates. These sensors enable real-time data acquisition, facilitating immediate adjustments to maintain optimal operating conditions and prevent system failures. It explores the recent technological advancements, including machine learning algorithms and IoT integration, which have revolutionized automation and sensor capabilities in thermal treatment control. Incorporating these innovations has significantly improved the precision and adaptability of control systems, resulting in heightened performance and reduced environmental impact. This review underscores the imperative nature of automation and sensor technologies in thermal treatments for electrical power generation, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring reliability, and advancing sustainability in power generation processes.

Global trends of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies in carbon neutral perspective: Bibliometric analysis

Waste-to-energy (WtE) technology is at the forefront of low-carbon municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment. MSW has been favoured by researchers in recent years due to its high potential to dispose of resources with WtE technology, which contributes to the carbon neutrality goal. However, there is a lack of research that integrates MSW WtE treatment from a global perspective and explores its future direction. Bibliometric methods are widely used because of their advantages in qualitative and quantitative literature information analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, covering the period from 1990-2022, resulting in the collection of 702 articles. Subsequently, bibliometric software such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix, were jointly employed for co-occurrence, co-citation, and cluster analyses, providing an in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis of the research hotspots and development trends of WtE technology for MSW treatment. The research findings indicate a rapid growth in studies on carbon emission reduction through WtE technology for MSW treatment since 2015, with these related articles accounting for 50% of articles. Globally, China, the United States, Italy, and other countries were active research regions, with Chinese research institutions making the largest contributions. However, contributions from developing countries are limited. Furthermore, this study systematically elaborates on the research hotspots in this field. Finally, this study identified some frontier research hotspots and directions. Research on WtE technology primarily focuses on technological methods and policy management, particularly from the carbon neutrality perspective, emphasis WtE technology sustainability in reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Promoting the use of assisted decision-making models in the MSW management process, and focusing on the conversion of food waste into valuable energy. It is hoped that these research directions will provide new ideas for the balanced and rapid development of WtE technology.

Conversion of solid wastes and natural biomass for deciphering the valorization of biochar in pollution abatement: A review on the thermo-chemical processes

This overview addresses the formation of solid trash and the various forms of waste from a variety of industries, which environmentalists have embraced. The paper investigates the negative effects on the environment caused by unsustainable management of municipal solid trash as well as the opportunities presented by the formal system. This examination looks at the origins of solid waste as well as the typical treatment methods. Pyrolysis methods, feedstock pyrolysis, and lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis were highlighted. Explain in detail the various thermochemical processes that take place during the pyrolysis of biomass. Due to its carbon content, low cost, accessibility, ubiquitousness, renewable nature, and environmental friendliness, biomass waste is a unique biochar precursor. This study looks at the different types of biomass waste that are available for treating wastewater. This study discussed a wide variety of reactors. Adsorption is the standard method that is used the most frequently to remove hazardous organic, dye, and inorganic pollutants from wastewater. These pollutants cause damage to the environment and water supplies, thus it is important to remove them. Adsorption is both simple and inexpensive to utilize. Temperature-dependent conversions explain the kinetic theories of biomaterial biochemical degradation. This article presents a review that explains how pyrolytic breakdown char materials can be used to reduce pollution and improve environmental management.

PAHs remediation from hazardous waste landfill leachate using fenton, photo - fenton and electro - fenton oxidation processes - performance evaluation under optimized conditions using RSM and ANN

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocharbons (PAHs) are a class of highly toxic pollutants that are highly detrimental to the ecosystem. Landfill leechate emanated from municipal solid waste are reported to constitute significant PAHs. In the present investigation, three Fenton proceses, namely conventional Fenton, photo-fenton and electro-fenton methods have been employed to treat landfill leehcate for removing PAHs from a waste dumpig yard. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) methodologies were adopted to optimize and validate the conditions for optimum oxidative removal of COD and PAHs. The statistical analysis results showed that all independent variables chosen in the study are reported to have significant influence of the removal effects with P-values <0.05. Sensitivity analysis by the developed ANN model showed that the pH had the highest significance of 1.89 in PAH removal when compared to the other parameters. However for COD removal, H2O2 had the highest relative importance of 1.15, followed by Fe2+ and pH. Under optimal treatment conditions, the photo-fenton and electro-fenton processes showed better removal of COD and PAH compared to the Fenton process. The photo-fenton and electro-fenton treatment processes removed 85.32% and 74.64% of COD and 93.25% and 81.65% of PAHs, respectively. Also the investigations revelaed the presence of 16 distinct PAH compunds and the removal percentage of each of these PAHs are also reported. The PAH treatment research studies are generally limited to the assay of removal of PAH and COD levels. In the present investigation, in addition to the treatment of landfill leachate, particle size distribution analysis and elemental characterization of the resultant iron sludge by FESEM and EDX are reported. It was revealed that elemental oxygen is present in highest percentage, followed by iron, sulphur, sodium, chlorine, carbon and potassium. However, iron percentage can be reduced by treating the Fenton-treated sample with NaOH.

Optimization of hydrogen production in Enterobacter aerogenes by Complex I peripheral fragments destruction and maeA overexpression

As a concentrated energy source with high added value, hydrogen has great development prospects, with special emphasis on sustainable microbial production as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels. In this study, λ-Red recombination was used to alter the activity of Complex I by single and combined knockout of nuoE, nuoF and nuoG. In addition, the conversion of malic to pyruvic acid was promoted by overexpressing the maeA gene, which could increase the content of NADH and formic acid in the bacterial cells. Compared to the original strain, hydrogen production was 65% higher in the optimized strain IAM1183-EFG/M, in which the flux of the formic acid pathway was increased by 257%, the flux of the NADH pathway was increased by 13%, and the content of metabolites also changed significantly. In further bioreactor, the total hydrogen production of the scale-up IAM1183-EFG/M after 44 h of fermentation was 4.76 L, which increased by 18% compared with the starting strain. This study provides a new direction for future exploration of microbial hydrogen production by combinatorial modification of multiple genes.

Catalytic hydrothermal carbonization of wet organic solid waste: A review

Hydrothermal carbonization has gained attention in converting wet organic solid waste into hydrochar with many applications such as solid fuel, energy storage material precursor, fertilizer or soil conditioner. Recently, various catalysts such as organic and inorganic catalysts are employed to guide the properties of the hydrochar. This review presents a summarize and a critical discussion on types of catalysts, process parameters and catalytic mechanisms. The catalytic impact of carboxylic acids is related to their acidity level and the number of carboxylic groups. The catalysis level with strong mineral acids is likely related to the number of hydronium ions liberated from their hydrolysis. The impact of inorganic salts is determined by the Lewis acidity of the cation. The metallic ions in metallic salts may incorporate into the hydrochar and increase the ash of the hydrochar. The selection of catalysts for various applications of hydrochars and the environmental and the techno-economic aspects of the process are also presented. Although some catalysts might enhance the characteristics of hydrochar for various applications, these catalysts may also result in considerable carbon loss, particularly in the case of organic acid catalysts, which may potentially ruin the overall advantage of the process. Overall, depending on the expected application of the hydrochar, the type of catalyst and the amount of catalyst loading requires careful consideration. Some recommendations are made for future investigations to improve laboratory-scale process comprehension and understanding of pathways as well as to encourage widespread industrial adoption.

A mechanistic understanding of the effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo

Plastic pollution, especially by nanoplastics (NPs), has become an emerging topic due to the widespread existence and accumulation in the environment. The research on bioaccumulation and toxicity mechanism of NPs from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is widely used for packaging material, have been poorly investigated. Herein, we report the first use of high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR based metabolomics in combination with toxicity assay and behavioural end points to get systems-level understanding of toxicity mechanism of PET NPs in intact zebrafish embryos. PET NPs exhibited significant alterations on hatching and survival rate. Accumulation of PET NPs in larvae were observed in liver, intestine, and kidney, which coincide with localization of reactive oxygen species in these areas. HRMAS NMR data reveal that PET NPs cause: (1) significant alteration of metabolites related to targeting of the liver and pathways associated with detoxification and oxidative stress; (2) impairment of mitochondrial membrane integrity as reflected by elevated levels of polar head groups of phospholipids; (3) cellular bioenergetics as evidenced by changes in numerous metabolites associated with interrelated pathways of energy metabolism. Taken together, this work provides for the first time a comprehensive system level understanding of toxicity mechanism of PET NPs exposure in intact larvae.

A review on biological methodologies in municipal solid waste management and landfilling: Resource and energy recovery

Rapid industrialization and urbanization growth combined with increased population has aggravated the issue of municipal solid waste generation. MSW has been accounted for contributing tremendously to the improvement of sustainable sources and safe environment. Biological processing of MSW followed by biogas and biomethane generation is one of the innumerable sustainable energy source choices. In the treatment of MSW, biological treatment has some attractive benefits such as reduced volume in the waste material, adjustment of the waste, economic aspects, obliteration of microorganisms in the waste material, and creation of biogas for energy use. In the anaerobic process the utilizable product is energy recovery. The current review discusses about the system for approaching conversion of MSW to energy and waste derived circular bioeconomy to address the zero waste society and sustainable development goals. Biological treatment process adopted with aerobic and anaerobic processes. In the aerobic process the utilizable product is compost. These techniques are used to convert MSW into a reasonable hotspot for resource and energy recovery that produces biogas, biofuel and bioelectricity and different results in without risk and harmless to the ecosystem. This review examines the suitability of biological treatment technologies for energy production, giving modern data about it. It likewise covers difficulties and points of view in this field of exploration.

A review on unit operations, challenges, opportunities, and strategies to improve algal based biodiesel and biorefinery

Globally, the demand for energy is increasing with an emphasis on green fuels for a sustainable future. As the urge for alternative fuels is accelerating, microalgae have emerged as a promising source that can not only produce high lipid but many other platform chemicals. Moreover, it is a better alternative in comparison to conventional feedstock due to yearlong easy and mass cultivation, carbon fixation, and value-added products extraction. To date, numerous studies have been done to elucidate these organisms for large-scale fuel production. However, enhancing the lipid synthesis rate and reducing the production cost still remain a major bottleneck for its economic viability. Therefore, this study compiles information on algae-based biodiesel production with an emphasis on its unit operations from strain selection to biofuel production. Additionally, strategies to enhance lipid accumulation by incorporating genetic, and metabolic engineering and the use of leftover biomass for harnessing bio-products have been discussed. Besides, implementing a biorefinery for extracting oil followed by utilizing leftover biomass to generate value-added products such as nanoparticles, biofertilizers, biochar, and biopharmaceuticals has also been discussed.