Articles tagged with Refuse Derived Fuels
Researchers have developed a mechanism-resolved framework to convert lavender distillation residue into valuable biochar. The optimized process balances yield, energy use, and environmental indicators, producing carbon-rich material with potential uses in soil improvement and carbon storage.
A new study published in Biochar shows that the temperature used to produce biochar plays a decisive role in controlling nitrogen losses during food waste digestate composting. Hardwood biochar made at 400 °C reduced total nitrogen loss by 46.3% compared with composting without biochar, outperforming biochars made at 300 °C and 800 °C.
A new five-year field study suggests that pairing annual biochar amendment with water-saving irrigation can reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. Continuous biochar use maintained and strengthened methane mitigation over time, while a one-time application's effect weakened.
Researchers used game theory to identify promising porous carbon materials made from agricultural and industrial waste. The study found that certain samples, such as rice straw-KOH-level 2, performed well in terms of surface area and pore volume, making them suitable for applications in soil amendment, water conservation, and pollutant...
A new study reports a promising solution to address both arsenic contamination and greenhouse gas emissions in rice paddies using an engineered biochar material enhanced with titanium dioxide. The findings highlight a new strategy to improve food safety while lowering agriculture’s climate footprint.
Researchers discovered that carefully selecting the temperature used to produce biochar can optimize both environmental performance and compost quality. Biochar produced at a moderate temperature achieved the optimal balance between ammonium adsorption and microbial nitrification, resulting in a 46.3% reduction in total nitrogen loss.
A five-year field study shows that small, repeated additions of biochar combined with water-saving irrigation can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies over time while maintaining strong crop yields. Continuous application maintained and strengthened methane reduction, producing net negative emissions in some cases.
A new study found that biochar can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies when applied at optimal nitrogen levels. However, high nitrogen inputs may actually increase methane emissions, highlighting the need for careful management of fertilizer inputs.
Researchers developed a specially engineered biochar made from sewage sludge that significantly enhances plant growth when combined with beneficial bacteria. The biochar-bacteria combination improved nitrogen cycling and increased the abundance of beneficial soil microbes, leading to greater plant nutrition and growth.
Researchers transformed waste into high-performance porous carbon materials for soil and water conservation. The study identified top-performing materials from agricultural wastes, which exhibited high surface areas and favorable pore structures, enhancing adsorption capacity and water retention.
A new study presents a practical and regulation-compliant design for producing biochar on farms that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture while permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The proposed system could produce 300 tonnes of biochar annually, sequester approximately 350 tonnes of c...
POST-PURPLE aims to convert urban wastewater and organic waste into valuable resources through innovative bio-based technologies. The project will demonstrate practical pathways toward cleaner, more circular urban biorefineries and reduce diffuse emissions.
A recent study found that adding biochar to cattle feed can create a cascading environmental benefit by improving soil carbon storage. The researchers discovered that approximately 70-90% of the biochar survived digestion and retained key characteristics associated with long-term stability.
A study published in Biochar found that optimized biochar application could reduce China's cropland nitrous oxide emissions by as much as 50 percent. The researchers analyzed data from over a decade of field studies across China and identified optimal biochar strategies to deliver substantial climate benefits.
Researchers found that carefully managed applications of woody biochar significantly improved soil quality, crop yield, and carbon balance in red pepper fields. Optimal biochar application levels ranged from 7 to 11 metric tons per hectare when crop residues were removed after harvest.
A new study finds that rewetting peat soils with biochar reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 18% and improves crop yields. The addition of biochar further decreases emissions, while stabilizing soil carbon and promoting a diverse microbial community.
A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.
A new study from the University of Vaasa demonstrates that fuels refined from waste and industrial by-products can significantly reduce emissions in existing engine applications. Renewable naphtha and marine gas oil, derived from crude tall oil and recycled lubricants respectively, offer efficient and cleaner combustion options.
A study from the University of Johannesburg presents a promising industrial process that can turn sugarcane waste into green hydrogen with high energy efficiency and low tar content. The Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Gasification (SECLG) process produces a small fraction of unwanted by-products, making it an attractive alternative...
New research reveals methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest. Capturing and converting methane into biogas could reduce emissions and save farmers over £400 million a year in fuel costs.
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that fish farm waste can be converted into biogas, reducing waste and generating nutrients for plants. The biogas can power the aquaponic farm, making it a sustainable energy source.
Researchers produced biogas from apple pomace, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating electricity and heat. The bioenergy recovery can supply 19% of the anaerobic reactor's energy needs, contributing to public policy and cutting fossil fuel consumption.
Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
A new process for decentralized hydrogen production has been developed, using chemical-looping to produce high-purity hydrogen directly from biogas. The technology is now ready for commercial use and could make hydrogen production more competitive with other methods.
Researchers have found that using lye and urea to break down cellulose in algae increases biogas production by over two times. The study demonstrates the potential for this method to overcome one of the biggest challenges in digesting algae, paving the way for more sustainable biofuel production.
A new pilot-scale project aims to produce biomethane from renewable electricity and CO2 in a cost-effective system. The InjectMe project, funded by the Danish Energy Agency, will test a biological methanation system that converts electricity and biogas into natural-gas-quality biomethane.
Researchers have developed a method to break down thick biomass material using microwave pulses, reducing viscosity and breaking polymer chains. The plasma-liquid interaction forms reactive species that help degrade biomass, making it easier to produce biogas.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a patented technology that harnesses the power of biosolids to produce hydrogen from wastewater, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to existing methods. The approach traps carbon emissions while producing clean fuel, offering a true environmental and economic win.
A conceptual framework has been developed to analyze the creation and shaping of sustainable markets, such as Sweden's biogas market. The framework highlights three key requirements: enabling exchange practices, constructing a narrative about sustainability, and proving the system through reliable evidence.
The EU project RES URBIS successfully generated bioplastics from urban waste, showing a higher economic value than traditional composting methods. The process produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) through volatile fatty acids decomposition.
Researchers found that siloxanes increase biogas reactivity, leading to faster ignition and energy release. Harnessing siloxanes could bolster energy production from biogas, reducing costs and making it a more economically attractive option for landfill operators.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a groundbreaking process that converts biogas from landfills into liquid diesel fuel, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This innovative method has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence.
Researchers develop biodegradable plastics that break down under diverse conditions, offering new options for disposal. The study examines the degradation of individual bioplastics and blends under managed and unmanaged environments, finding improved characteristics in certain blends.
A recent study by scientists at the University of Exeter found that mixing diverse microorganisms from different sources can increase productivity and stability in microbial communities. This phenomenon was observed when methane-producing communities were combined, leading to a higher biogas yield.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a low-temperature process using psychrophilic bacteria to break down food waste, producing methane comparable to traditional anaerobic digestion processes. The study shows promise for reducing the global impact of food waste on climate change and energy demands.
A team of international scientists found that feeding biogas reactors at longer intervals produces more biogas, increasing methane and total biogas yields by up to 14% and 18%, respectively. The flexible feeding management approach has no negative effect on the stability of the biogas production process.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that preventing food waste is more effective than recycling it into biogas in cutting energy impacts. The research also highlights the importance of phosphorus conservation as a key benefit of reducing food waste.
Researchers review the use of pulse electric fields to boost biogas yield in anaerobic digestion, finding significant benefits in lab and pilot plant studies. The technology has shown promising results in enhancing gas production with minimal side effects on microbial communities.
A team of researchers from Bielefeld University created a virtual package of data for biogas production to improve its understanding. They made their research more reproducible by releasing all the data and computational methods as a shareable container, enabling others to build on these resources to study biogas generation.
A team of Italian researchers has demonstrated the feasibility of a novel biogas upgrading process using physical absorption column technology at low pressure and temperature. The process involves two absorption columns, one at atmospheric pressure for CO2 removal and the second, with reduced dimensionality, for biomethane purification.
A 9-year study found that biogas and improved kitchen ventilation improved lung function and reduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk. Participants who adopted these interventions retained more lung function as they aged, suggesting a significant reduction in indoor air pollution's adverse consequences on health.
Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages
The EUREKA project BIO-EXPERTISE has developed a methodological guide to biomethanisation, allowing for more efficient waste treatment in Spain. The research improved the treatment of urban waste, increasing biogas production and electricity generation.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop biogas plant that generates 30% more electricity from non-edible corn stalks. The new plant reduces storage time by 50-70% and boosts electrical efficiency to 40-55% with fuel cells.
Converting livestock manure into biogas can produce enough electricity to meet up to 3% of North America's energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process has the potential to generate 100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to powering millions of homes.