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isabel Lima

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Review Sustainability Issues and Opportunities in the Sugar and Sugar-Bioproduct Industries

Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustai... more Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustainability issues and opportunities. The relatively low and fluctuating profit for sugar, surpluses of sugar, worldwide trend to produce alternative, renewable bio-based fuels and chemicals to those derived from petroleum and reduce greenhouse gases, water-and energy-intensive factories and refineries, and increased consumer demands for sustainably manufactured products are putting pressure on the industries to diversify for sustainability. Sugar crops, including sugar and energy cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar and energy beets (Beta vulgaris), and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), are excellent, renewable biomass feedstocks because of their availability, their being amongst the plants that give the highest yields of carbohydrates per hectare, and high sugar contents. While much research has been focused on conversion technologies for advanced biofuels and bioproducts, attention is now focused on developing sustainable supply chains of sugar feedstocks for the new, flexible biorefineries, with customers wanting maximum feedstock reliability and quality, while minimizing cost. All biomass from sugar crops are potential feedstocks. The cogeneration of bioelectricity from bagasse and leaf residues is being increasingly manufactured in more countries and, due to the high carbon content of bagasse and leaves, can also be converted into value-added products such as biochar. Sugar crops are superior feedstocks for the production of platform chemicals for the manufacture of a range of end-products, e.g., bioplastics, chemicals, and biomaterials. In several countries and regions, green sustainability criteria are now in place and have to be met to count against national biofuel targets. Processes to convert high-fiber sugar crop biomass

Effects of Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Biochar as Bark-Based Substrate Substitutes on Container Plants Production and Nutrient Leaching

Agronomy

Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of c... more Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of container plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of mixed hardwood biochar (HB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) to replace the bark-based commercial substrate. A bark-based commercial substrate was incorporated with either HB at 50% (vol.) or SBB at 50% and 70% (vol.), with a bark-based commercial substrate being used as the control. The total porosity (TP) and container capacity (CC) of all SBB-incorporated mixes were slightly higher than the recommended value, while, the others were within the recommended range. Both tomato and basil plants grown in the BC-incorporated mixes had a similar or higher growth index (GI), leaf greenness (indicated by soil-plant analyses development), and yield than the control. The leachate of all mixes had the highest NO3–N concentration in the first week after transplantation (1 WAT). All BC-incorporated mixes grown wit...

Use of activated carbon to remove undesirable residual amylase from refinery streams

Sugar Industry

In recent years, there has been increased world-wide concern over residual (carry-over) activity ... more In recent years, there has been increased world-wide concern over residual (carry-over) activity of mostly high temperature (HT) and very high temperature (VHT) stable amylases in white, refined sugars from refineries to various food and end-user industries. HT and VHT stable amylases were developed for much larger markets than the sugar industry with harsher processing conditions. There is an urgent need in the sugar industry to be able to remove or inactivate residual, active amylases either in factory or refinery streams or both. A survey of refineries that used amylase and had activated carbon systems for decolorizing, revealed they did not have any customer complaints for residual amylase. The use of high performance activated carbons to remove residual amylase activity was investigated using a Phadebas® method created for the sugar industry to measure residual amylase in syrups. Ability to remove residual amylase protein was dependent on the surface area of the powdered activa...

Microbial stability of worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost blended with biochar

Cogent Food & Agriculture

Organic amendments such as worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost can provide nutrient ri... more Organic amendments such as worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost can provide nutrient rich substrates for enhanced plant growth. Physicochemical and microbial stability of these substrates might be enhanced with the addition of biochar. A series of experiments was carried out to determine the stability of microbe populations in both worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost with the addition of biochar made from sugarcane bagasse. Storage studies up to 150 days were carried out with biochar/worm castings and biochar/sugarcane filter mud compost blends on a volume basis (100/0; 90/10; 75/25; 50/50; 25/75; 10/90; 0/100). Physico-chemical properties, such as micro and macro nutrient composition, pH, ash and carbon contents, amongst others were monitored throughout storage time as well as microbe counts. No major deleterious effects to the microbial population were found by adding biochar to either substrate, despite decreasing moisture levels for increased biochar additions. Biochar might be providing nutrients needed by microbes, as well as possibly bind bacterial waste products that would otherwise be toxic to the microbe population. Larger scale studies are warranted as well as longer storage time to optimize shelf stability.

Poultry manure as raw material for mercury adsorbents in gas applications

The Journal of Applied Poultry Research

The quantity of poultry manure generated each year is large, and technologies that take advantage... more The quantity of poultry manure generated each year is large, and technologies that take advantage of the material should be explored. At the same time, increased emphasis on the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired electric power plants has resulted in environmental regulations that may, in the future, require application of activated carbons as mercury sorbents. The sorbents could be injected into the flue gas stream, where they could adsorb the mercury. The sorbents (now containing mercury) would be removed via filtration or other means from the flue gas. Our preliminary work has demonstrated that activated carbon made from poultry manure can adsorb mercury from air with good efficiency. In laboratory experiments, an activated carbon made from turkey cake manure removed the majority of elemental mercury from a hot air stream. Other activated carbons made from chicken and turkey litter manure were also efficient. In general, unwashed activated carbons made from poultry manure were more efficient in removing mercury than their acid-washed counterparts. The results suggest that the adsorption of mercury was mainly due to chemisorption on the surface of the carbon. Other potential uses for the activated carbons are the removal of mercury from air and natural gas.

Hardwood-based granular activated carbon for metals remediation

Fuel and Energy Abstracts

Conversion of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse into Value-Added Biochar

Sugar Tech, 2017

Sweet sorghum bagasse is an untapped resourceful carbon-rich material that can be thermochemicall... more Sweet sorghum bagasse is an untapped resourceful carbon-rich material that can be thermochemically converted into value-added biochars. These biochars can be applied to the field as soil amendment for soil health enhancement, improved soil carbon content, water holding capacity, soil drainage and aeration, and plant and sugar yields. This study looked at four different varieties of sweet sorghum and processed their bagasse into biochars at low and high temperature (350 °C and 700 °C). The feedstock materials and respective biochars were chemically characterized for their nutrient content. Several physicochemical and adsorptive properties were also determined to ascertain their potential use as either adsorbents, soil amendment materials or as fuel sources, and compared with other plant and refinery wastes. No major differences were observed among the varieties in terms of resulting properties of the biochar; however, pyrolysis temperature affected biochar properties. Fuel value, fixed carbon, ash content and surface area increased with pyrolysis temperature. However, low-temperature biochars were better candidates as copper ion sorbents. Benefits of using sweet sorghum bagasse as value-added material are expected to help both sweet sorghum growers and processors through the production of value-added pyrolysis products, as well as enhancing the sweet sorghum industry’s role in renewable energy markets.

Stability and Use of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse

Sugar Tech, 2016

With sweet sorghum production and subsequent accumulation of bagasse on the rise, it is important... more With sweet sorghum production and subsequent accumulation of bagasse on the rise, it is important to look for novel uses for its by-products. Bagasse, the solid fibrous product left after sweet sorghum stalks are crushed to remove juice, is partially reapplied to the field to enhance subsequent crops. The majority of bagasse remains largely underutilized because more is produced than can be practically applied to fields. This study determined sweet sorghum bagasse chemical and microbiological properties for use as a fuel source. It was determined that sweet sorghum variety had no major effect on fuel value. Microbes have the potential to consume sugars and other beneficial compounds in bagasse, but our analysis of microbial counts showed that microorganisms did not reduce the fuel value of the bagasse tested. Sweet sorghum bagasse was also found to have favorable fuel value when compared to sugarcane bagasse, due to its lower ash and higher fixed carbon contents.

Selective Release of Inorganic Constituents in Broiler Manure Biochars under Different Post-Activation Treatments

Journal of Residuals Science & Technology, 2016

Poultry-litter activated biochars (PLAB) with enhanced metals adsorptionmay contain significant a... more Poultry-litter activated biochars (PLAB) with enhanced metals adsorptionmay contain significant amounts of inorganic material. This study traces key elements(Ca-Fe-K-Mg-Na-P) from litter to PLAB and selective fate upon acid/water treatments.Samples were pyrolyzed 1 hr/700°C, steam-activated 45 min/800°C, and acid washed/rinsed. Mineral composition concentrated during pyrolysis/activation. Acid wash/watertreatments removed unbound inorganics with highest extraction for K (37–100%) andNa (27–49%) and lowest for Fe (0–0.02%). Remaining elements leached significantlyless indicating selective removal as influenced by composition and pyrolysis/activationeffects on solubility. Heavy metals concentrated upon activation with negligent leachingregarding treatment. Post-activation treatments may improve usability of PLAB inwastewater applications by avoiding unwanted elemental leaching without compromisingfunctionality.

Unique Biochar Phenomena

Efficacy of Chicken Litter and Wood Biochars and Their Activated Counterparts in Heavy Metal Clean up from Wastewater

Agriculture, 2015

It is known that properties of activated biochars are tightly associated with those of the origin... more It is known that properties of activated biochars are tightly associated with those of the original feedstock as well as pyrolysis and activation conditions. This study examined two feedstock types, pine wood shavings and chicken litter, to produce biochars at two different pyrolysis temperatures and subsequently activated by steam, acid or base. In order to measure activation efficiency, all materials were characterized for their properties and ability to remediate two well-known heavy metals of concern: copper and arsenic. Base activated biochars were superior in arsenic adsorption, to acid or steam activated samples, but increase in adsorption was not significant to warrant use. For wood biochars, significant increases of surface functionality as related to oxygen bearing groups and surface charge were observed upon acid activation which led to increased copper ion adsorption. However, oxygen bearing functionalities were not sufficient to explain why chicken litter biochars and steam activated biochars appeared to be significantly superior to wood shavings in positively charged metal ion adsorption. For chicken litter, functionality of respective biochars could be related to phosphate containing groups inherited

Removing Gaseous NH3 Using Biochar as an Adsorbent

Agriculture, 2015

Ammonia is a major fugitive gas emitted from livestock operations and fertilization production. T... more Ammonia is a major fugitive gas emitted from livestock operations and fertilization production. This study tested the potential of various biochars in removing gaseous ammonia via adsorption processes. Gaseous ammonia adsorption capacities of various biochars made from wood shaving and chicken litter with different thermal conditions and activation techniques were determined using laboratory adsorption column tests. Ammonia adsorption capacities of non-activated biochars ranged from 0.15 to 5.09 mg•N/g, which were comparable to that of other commercial activated carbon and natural zeolite. There were no significant differences in ammonia adsorption capacities of steam activated and non-activated biochars even if the surface areas of the steam activated biochars were about two orders of magnitude greater than that of non-activated biochars. In contrast, phosphoric acid activation greatly increased the biochar ammonia adsorption capacity. This suggests that the surface area of biochar did not readily control gaseous NH3 adsorption. Ammonia adsorption capacities were more or less linearly increased with acidic oxygen surface groups of non-activated and steam-activated biochars. Phosphoric acid bound to the acid activated biochars is suspected to contribute to the exceptionally high ammonia adsorption capacity. The sorption capacities of virgin and water-washed biochar samples were

Sustainability Issues and Opportunities in the Sugar and Sugar-Bioproduct Industries

Sustainability, 2015

Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustai... more Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustainability issues and opportunities. The relatively low and fluctuating profit for sugar, surpluses of sugar, worldwide trend to produce alternative, renewable bio-based fuels and chemicals to those derived from petroleum and reduce greenhouse gases, water-and energy-intensive factories and refineries, and increased consumer demands for sustainably manufactured products are putting pressure on the industries to diversify for sustainability. Sugar crops, including sugar and energy cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar and energy beets (Beta vulgaris), and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), are excellent, renewable biomass feedstocks because of their availability, their being amongst the plants that give the highest yields of carbohydrates per hectare, and high sugar contents. While much research has been focused on conversion technologies for advanced biofuels and bioproducts, attention is now focused on developing sustainable supply chains of sugar feedstocks for the new, flexible biorefineries, with customers wanting maximum feedstock reliability and quality, while minimizing cost. All biomass from sugar crops are potential feedstocks. The cogeneration of bioelectricity from bagasse and leaf residues is being increasingly manufactured in more countries and, due to the high carbon content of bagasse and leaves, can also be converted into value-added products such as biochar. Sugar crops are superior feedstocks for the production of platform chemicals for the manufacture of a range of end-products, e.g., bioplastics, chemicals, and biomaterials. In several countries and regions, green sustainability criteria are now in place and have to be met to count against national biofuel targets. Processes to convert high-fiber sugar crop biomass

Rheological properties of fried foods /

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Davis, 1996. Degree granted in Engineering.

Removal of heavy metals from solution by a novel swine manure-based activated carbon

Pelletized swine manure was pyrolyzed and steam-activated at various activation times (from 15 to... more Pelletized swine manure was pyrolyzed and steam-activated at various activation times (from 15 to 60 min) and water flow rates (1, 3 and 5 ml/min) to produce granular activated carbons. The adsorption behavior of these carbons towards four different metals (Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+) at 5 mM concentrations was measured individually and in competition mode. The ability of the swine manure-based carbons, SMC to adsorb the metal ions was compared with that from carbons made from three traditional precursors, coal, coconut and wood. The activation strategy had an influence on the carbon's ability to adsorb the metals, both individually and in competition. Activated carbons were most effective at adsorbing copper ions and zinc ions with adsorption values ranging respectively between 66.8 % to 91.8% and 39.7 to 77.0% of total metal ion available. These values were significantly larger than the ones found for coal-, coconut shells-and wood-based carbons, with adsorption values of 0%, 24.9% and 23.0% for copper ion and 7.3%, 6.0% and 14.8% for zinc ion, respectively. Adsorption of each metal ion decreased when all metal ions were present and the highest removal rate observed was obtained for 30 min activation at 3ml/min flow rate, with 54.3%, 18.9% and 18.1% for copper, cadmium and zinc ions, respectively. The kinetics of copper ion adsorption were investigated using four different models: a pseudo first-order, a pseudo second-order, the Elovich model and the intraparticle diffusion model. The intraparticle diffusion and Elovich models were good representations of the adsorption kinetics of copper ion by the swine manure-based carbon, with the Elovich equation giving the best fit for the experimental data. It is believed that the conversion of over abundant and worldwide environmentally-problematic swine manure to activated carbon for heavy metals remediation could represent a novel approach to animal waste utilization.

Characterization of narrow micropores in almond shell biochars by nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen adsorption

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

ABSTRACT Characterization of biochars usually includes surface area and pore volume determination... more ABSTRACT Characterization of biochars usually includes surface area and pore volume determinations by nitrogen adsorption. In this study, we confirmed that there is a substantial pore volume in biochars created via slow pyrolysis from low- and high-ash almond shells that cannot be characterized in this fashion due to the narrow pore sizes. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide were used, in addition to nitrogen, to characterize these narrow micropores. All isotherms, when appropriately normalized, fell on the same characteristic curve which aided in the characterization and understanding of the pore structure. Based on the characteristic adsorption isotherm, the average pore size diameter was estimated to be 0.4–0.8 nm. When washed, the biochars’ pore volume increased but the narrow micropore structure remained. While the biochars were alkaline, the pH of the wash solution had no or little impact on the adsorption of CO2. Overall, the results suggest that N2 isotherms should be complemented with CO2 isotherms for proper characterization of biochars. Alignment of such normalized isotherms to characteristic curves can assist in generating a more complete understanding of the pore structure over the entire region of pore diameters.

Sugarcane and pinewood biochar effects on activity and aerobic soil dissipation of metribuzin and pendimethalin

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

ABSTRACT Biochars were produced by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (350◦C and 700◦C) and pine wood... more ABSTRACT Biochars were produced by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (350◦C and 700◦C) and pine wood (400◦C)and are abbreviated BC350, BC700, and WC400, respectively. Metribuzin adsorption by batch equilibrium showed that BC700 had the greatest adsorption capacity followed by BC350 and WC400. The bagasse biochars were mixed with clay and a silt loam soil and the pine wood biochar with a loamy sand soil andfortified with the metribuzin and pendimethalin. The soils were incubated at 25◦C in the dark and were extracted with methanol after 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 63, 86, and 111 days. Parent compounds and metribuzin degradates were analyzed in extracts by HPLC – mass spectrometry. Increases in metribuzin half life (DT50)were indicated for all soil-biochar combinations. BC350 had the greatest impact, doubling the DT50in the silt loam soil. In contrast, BC700 had minimal impact on the DT50in the silt loam soil and contributed toa significant DT50decrease in the clay. The metribuzin degradate, metribuzin-desamino, was detected at rates proportional to metribuzin dissipation. For pendimethalin, biochar additions increased DT50in allsoil-biochar combinations. In contrast to metribuzin, BC700 and WC400 had the greatest impact with theBC700 increasing the DT50more than 2-fold. In the loamy sand soil, the 1–4% biochar rate contributed to an increased trend in palmer amaranth emergence. At the 8% rate, palmer amaranth emergence was statistically higher than the control (p = 0.072). In sum, how biochar impacted the activity and dissipation of these herbicides depended on soil, herbicide, and biochar properties.

Biochars from agricultural residuals as adsorbents for environmental remediation

Poultry Biosolids as Granular Activated Carbons for Metal Ion Adsorption

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2003

Page 1. 1 POULTRY BIOSOLIDS AS GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBONS FOR METAL ION ADSORPTION Isabel M. Lima... more

Efficacy of Activated Carbon from Broiler Litter in the Removal of Litter Generated Ammonia

International Symposium on Air Quality and Waste Management for Agriculture, 16-19 September 2007, Broomfield, Colorado, 2007

Over the past 10 years, the production of broilers has increased by 29 percent to approximately 9... more Over the past 10 years, the production of broilers has increased by 29 percent to approximately 9 billion in 2005. Ammonia (NH 3) pollution from broiler excreta is a primary concern for industry viability which requires innovative treatment options. This research focused on the use of broiler litter as activated carbon (BAC) to reduce aerial NH 3 generated by litter, an opportunity to not only reuse the manure, but also treat the emissions from or within broiler houses. The use of activated carbon in the removal of NH 3 , specifically in broiler houses, has long been discarded primarily due to the high cost and low efficiency of the carbons. However, the study of BAC is a relatively new field that has focused on the removal of organics and/or metals from water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of BAC to remove NH 3 volatilized from litter samples in a laboratory acid-trap system. The BAC is a much cheaper alternative than commercially produced activated carbons. Preliminary studies using NH 3 /air mixture indicated that the BAC capacity to adsorb NH 3 was approximately double that of Vapure 612, a commercial carbon. In the litter emission study, the BAC and Vapure performance was comparable. The NH 3 emission reductions using the activated carbon columns were 25% for BAC and 36% for Vapure relative to the litter only control. The results of the study demonstrate the potential for a cyclical waste utilization strategy in using broiler litter activated carbon to capture NH 3 volatilized from litter.

Review Sustainability Issues and Opportunities in the Sugar and Sugar-Bioproduct Industries

Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustai... more Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustainability issues and opportunities. The relatively low and fluctuating profit for sugar, surpluses of sugar, worldwide trend to produce alternative, renewable bio-based fuels and chemicals to those derived from petroleum and reduce greenhouse gases, water-and energy-intensive factories and refineries, and increased consumer demands for sustainably manufactured products are putting pressure on the industries to diversify for sustainability. Sugar crops, including sugar and energy cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar and energy beets (Beta vulgaris), and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), are excellent, renewable biomass feedstocks because of their availability, their being amongst the plants that give the highest yields of carbohydrates per hectare, and high sugar contents. While much research has been focused on conversion technologies for advanced biofuels and bioproducts, attention is now focused on developing sustainable supply chains of sugar feedstocks for the new, flexible biorefineries, with customers wanting maximum feedstock reliability and quality, while minimizing cost. All biomass from sugar crops are potential feedstocks. The cogeneration of bioelectricity from bagasse and leaf residues is being increasingly manufactured in more countries and, due to the high carbon content of bagasse and leaves, can also be converted into value-added products such as biochar. Sugar crops are superior feedstocks for the production of platform chemicals for the manufacture of a range of end-products, e.g., bioplastics, chemicals, and biomaterials. In several countries and regions, green sustainability criteria are now in place and have to be met to count against national biofuel targets. Processes to convert high-fiber sugar crop biomass

Effects of Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Biochar as Bark-Based Substrate Substitutes on Container Plants Production and Nutrient Leaching

Agronomy

Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of c... more Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of container plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of mixed hardwood biochar (HB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) to replace the bark-based commercial substrate. A bark-based commercial substrate was incorporated with either HB at 50% (vol.) or SBB at 50% and 70% (vol.), with a bark-based commercial substrate being used as the control. The total porosity (TP) and container capacity (CC) of all SBB-incorporated mixes were slightly higher than the recommended value, while, the others were within the recommended range. Both tomato and basil plants grown in the BC-incorporated mixes had a similar or higher growth index (GI), leaf greenness (indicated by soil-plant analyses development), and yield than the control. The leachate of all mixes had the highest NO3–N concentration in the first week after transplantation (1 WAT). All BC-incorporated mixes grown wit...

Use of activated carbon to remove undesirable residual amylase from refinery streams

Sugar Industry

In recent years, there has been increased world-wide concern over residual (carry-over) activity ... more In recent years, there has been increased world-wide concern over residual (carry-over) activity of mostly high temperature (HT) and very high temperature (VHT) stable amylases in white, refined sugars from refineries to various food and end-user industries. HT and VHT stable amylases were developed for much larger markets than the sugar industry with harsher processing conditions. There is an urgent need in the sugar industry to be able to remove or inactivate residual, active amylases either in factory or refinery streams or both. A survey of refineries that used amylase and had activated carbon systems for decolorizing, revealed they did not have any customer complaints for residual amylase. The use of high performance activated carbons to remove residual amylase activity was investigated using a Phadebas® method created for the sugar industry to measure residual amylase in syrups. Ability to remove residual amylase protein was dependent on the surface area of the powdered activa...

Microbial stability of worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost blended with biochar

Cogent Food & Agriculture

Organic amendments such as worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost can provide nutrient ri... more Organic amendments such as worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost can provide nutrient rich substrates for enhanced plant growth. Physicochemical and microbial stability of these substrates might be enhanced with the addition of biochar. A series of experiments was carried out to determine the stability of microbe populations in both worm castings and sugarcane filter mud compost with the addition of biochar made from sugarcane bagasse. Storage studies up to 150 days were carried out with biochar/worm castings and biochar/sugarcane filter mud compost blends on a volume basis (100/0; 90/10; 75/25; 50/50; 25/75; 10/90; 0/100). Physico-chemical properties, such as micro and macro nutrient composition, pH, ash and carbon contents, amongst others were monitored throughout storage time as well as microbe counts. No major deleterious effects to the microbial population were found by adding biochar to either substrate, despite decreasing moisture levels for increased biochar additions. Biochar might be providing nutrients needed by microbes, as well as possibly bind bacterial waste products that would otherwise be toxic to the microbe population. Larger scale studies are warranted as well as longer storage time to optimize shelf stability.

Poultry manure as raw material for mercury adsorbents in gas applications

The Journal of Applied Poultry Research

The quantity of poultry manure generated each year is large, and technologies that take advantage... more The quantity of poultry manure generated each year is large, and technologies that take advantage of the material should be explored. At the same time, increased emphasis on the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired electric power plants has resulted in environmental regulations that may, in the future, require application of activated carbons as mercury sorbents. The sorbents could be injected into the flue gas stream, where they could adsorb the mercury. The sorbents (now containing mercury) would be removed via filtration or other means from the flue gas. Our preliminary work has demonstrated that activated carbon made from poultry manure can adsorb mercury from air with good efficiency. In laboratory experiments, an activated carbon made from turkey cake manure removed the majority of elemental mercury from a hot air stream. Other activated carbons made from chicken and turkey litter manure were also efficient. In general, unwashed activated carbons made from poultry manure were more efficient in removing mercury than their acid-washed counterparts. The results suggest that the adsorption of mercury was mainly due to chemisorption on the surface of the carbon. Other potential uses for the activated carbons are the removal of mercury from air and natural gas.

Hardwood-based granular activated carbon for metals remediation

Fuel and Energy Abstracts

Conversion of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse into Value-Added Biochar

Sugar Tech, 2017

Sweet sorghum bagasse is an untapped resourceful carbon-rich material that can be thermochemicall... more Sweet sorghum bagasse is an untapped resourceful carbon-rich material that can be thermochemically converted into value-added biochars. These biochars can be applied to the field as soil amendment for soil health enhancement, improved soil carbon content, water holding capacity, soil drainage and aeration, and plant and sugar yields. This study looked at four different varieties of sweet sorghum and processed their bagasse into biochars at low and high temperature (350 °C and 700 °C). The feedstock materials and respective biochars were chemically characterized for their nutrient content. Several physicochemical and adsorptive properties were also determined to ascertain their potential use as either adsorbents, soil amendment materials or as fuel sources, and compared with other plant and refinery wastes. No major differences were observed among the varieties in terms of resulting properties of the biochar; however, pyrolysis temperature affected biochar properties. Fuel value, fixed carbon, ash content and surface area increased with pyrolysis temperature. However, low-temperature biochars were better candidates as copper ion sorbents. Benefits of using sweet sorghum bagasse as value-added material are expected to help both sweet sorghum growers and processors through the production of value-added pyrolysis products, as well as enhancing the sweet sorghum industry’s role in renewable energy markets.

Stability and Use of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse

Sugar Tech, 2016

With sweet sorghum production and subsequent accumulation of bagasse on the rise, it is important... more With sweet sorghum production and subsequent accumulation of bagasse on the rise, it is important to look for novel uses for its by-products. Bagasse, the solid fibrous product left after sweet sorghum stalks are crushed to remove juice, is partially reapplied to the field to enhance subsequent crops. The majority of bagasse remains largely underutilized because more is produced than can be practically applied to fields. This study determined sweet sorghum bagasse chemical and microbiological properties for use as a fuel source. It was determined that sweet sorghum variety had no major effect on fuel value. Microbes have the potential to consume sugars and other beneficial compounds in bagasse, but our analysis of microbial counts showed that microorganisms did not reduce the fuel value of the bagasse tested. Sweet sorghum bagasse was also found to have favorable fuel value when compared to sugarcane bagasse, due to its lower ash and higher fixed carbon contents.

Selective Release of Inorganic Constituents in Broiler Manure Biochars under Different Post-Activation Treatments

Journal of Residuals Science & Technology, 2016

Poultry-litter activated biochars (PLAB) with enhanced metals adsorptionmay contain significant a... more Poultry-litter activated biochars (PLAB) with enhanced metals adsorptionmay contain significant amounts of inorganic material. This study traces key elements(Ca-Fe-K-Mg-Na-P) from litter to PLAB and selective fate upon acid/water treatments.Samples were pyrolyzed 1 hr/700°C, steam-activated 45 min/800°C, and acid washed/rinsed. Mineral composition concentrated during pyrolysis/activation. Acid wash/watertreatments removed unbound inorganics with highest extraction for K (37–100%) andNa (27–49%) and lowest for Fe (0–0.02%). Remaining elements leached significantlyless indicating selective removal as influenced by composition and pyrolysis/activationeffects on solubility. Heavy metals concentrated upon activation with negligent leachingregarding treatment. Post-activation treatments may improve usability of PLAB inwastewater applications by avoiding unwanted elemental leaching without compromisingfunctionality.

Unique Biochar Phenomena

Efficacy of Chicken Litter and Wood Biochars and Their Activated Counterparts in Heavy Metal Clean up from Wastewater

Agriculture, 2015

It is known that properties of activated biochars are tightly associated with those of the origin... more It is known that properties of activated biochars are tightly associated with those of the original feedstock as well as pyrolysis and activation conditions. This study examined two feedstock types, pine wood shavings and chicken litter, to produce biochars at two different pyrolysis temperatures and subsequently activated by steam, acid or base. In order to measure activation efficiency, all materials were characterized for their properties and ability to remediate two well-known heavy metals of concern: copper and arsenic. Base activated biochars were superior in arsenic adsorption, to acid or steam activated samples, but increase in adsorption was not significant to warrant use. For wood biochars, significant increases of surface functionality as related to oxygen bearing groups and surface charge were observed upon acid activation which led to increased copper ion adsorption. However, oxygen bearing functionalities were not sufficient to explain why chicken litter biochars and steam activated biochars appeared to be significantly superior to wood shavings in positively charged metal ion adsorption. For chicken litter, functionality of respective biochars could be related to phosphate containing groups inherited

Removing Gaseous NH3 Using Biochar as an Adsorbent

Agriculture, 2015

Ammonia is a major fugitive gas emitted from livestock operations and fertilization production. T... more Ammonia is a major fugitive gas emitted from livestock operations and fertilization production. This study tested the potential of various biochars in removing gaseous ammonia via adsorption processes. Gaseous ammonia adsorption capacities of various biochars made from wood shaving and chicken litter with different thermal conditions and activation techniques were determined using laboratory adsorption column tests. Ammonia adsorption capacities of non-activated biochars ranged from 0.15 to 5.09 mg•N/g, which were comparable to that of other commercial activated carbon and natural zeolite. There were no significant differences in ammonia adsorption capacities of steam activated and non-activated biochars even if the surface areas of the steam activated biochars were about two orders of magnitude greater than that of non-activated biochars. In contrast, phosphoric acid activation greatly increased the biochar ammonia adsorption capacity. This suggests that the surface area of biochar did not readily control gaseous NH3 adsorption. Ammonia adsorption capacities were more or less linearly increased with acidic oxygen surface groups of non-activated and steam-activated biochars. Phosphoric acid bound to the acid activated biochars is suspected to contribute to the exceptionally high ammonia adsorption capacity. The sorption capacities of virgin and water-washed biochar samples were

Sustainability Issues and Opportunities in the Sugar and Sugar-Bioproduct Industries

Sustainability, 2015

Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustai... more Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustainability issues and opportunities. The relatively low and fluctuating profit for sugar, surpluses of sugar, worldwide trend to produce alternative, renewable bio-based fuels and chemicals to those derived from petroleum and reduce greenhouse gases, water-and energy-intensive factories and refineries, and increased consumer demands for sustainably manufactured products are putting pressure on the industries to diversify for sustainability. Sugar crops, including sugar and energy cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar and energy beets (Beta vulgaris), and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), are excellent, renewable biomass feedstocks because of their availability, their being amongst the plants that give the highest yields of carbohydrates per hectare, and high sugar contents. While much research has been focused on conversion technologies for advanced biofuels and bioproducts, attention is now focused on developing sustainable supply chains of sugar feedstocks for the new, flexible biorefineries, with customers wanting maximum feedstock reliability and quality, while minimizing cost. All biomass from sugar crops are potential feedstocks. The cogeneration of bioelectricity from bagasse and leaf residues is being increasingly manufactured in more countries and, due to the high carbon content of bagasse and leaves, can also be converted into value-added products such as biochar. Sugar crops are superior feedstocks for the production of platform chemicals for the manufacture of a range of end-products, e.g., bioplastics, chemicals, and biomaterials. In several countries and regions, green sustainability criteria are now in place and have to be met to count against national biofuel targets. Processes to convert high-fiber sugar crop biomass

Rheological properties of fried foods /

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Davis, 1996. Degree granted in Engineering.

Removal of heavy metals from solution by a novel swine manure-based activated carbon

Pelletized swine manure was pyrolyzed and steam-activated at various activation times (from 15 to... more Pelletized swine manure was pyrolyzed and steam-activated at various activation times (from 15 to 60 min) and water flow rates (1, 3 and 5 ml/min) to produce granular activated carbons. The adsorption behavior of these carbons towards four different metals (Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+) at 5 mM concentrations was measured individually and in competition mode. The ability of the swine manure-based carbons, SMC to adsorb the metal ions was compared with that from carbons made from three traditional precursors, coal, coconut and wood. The activation strategy had an influence on the carbon's ability to adsorb the metals, both individually and in competition. Activated carbons were most effective at adsorbing copper ions and zinc ions with adsorption values ranging respectively between 66.8 % to 91.8% and 39.7 to 77.0% of total metal ion available. These values were significantly larger than the ones found for coal-, coconut shells-and wood-based carbons, with adsorption values of 0%, 24.9% and 23.0% for copper ion and 7.3%, 6.0% and 14.8% for zinc ion, respectively. Adsorption of each metal ion decreased when all metal ions were present and the highest removal rate observed was obtained for 30 min activation at 3ml/min flow rate, with 54.3%, 18.9% and 18.1% for copper, cadmium and zinc ions, respectively. The kinetics of copper ion adsorption were investigated using four different models: a pseudo first-order, a pseudo second-order, the Elovich model and the intraparticle diffusion model. The intraparticle diffusion and Elovich models were good representations of the adsorption kinetics of copper ion by the swine manure-based carbon, with the Elovich equation giving the best fit for the experimental data. It is believed that the conversion of over abundant and worldwide environmentally-problematic swine manure to activated carbon for heavy metals remediation could represent a novel approach to animal waste utilization.

Characterization of narrow micropores in almond shell biochars by nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen adsorption

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

ABSTRACT Characterization of biochars usually includes surface area and pore volume determination... more ABSTRACT Characterization of biochars usually includes surface area and pore volume determinations by nitrogen adsorption. In this study, we confirmed that there is a substantial pore volume in biochars created via slow pyrolysis from low- and high-ash almond shells that cannot be characterized in this fashion due to the narrow pore sizes. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide were used, in addition to nitrogen, to characterize these narrow micropores. All isotherms, when appropriately normalized, fell on the same characteristic curve which aided in the characterization and understanding of the pore structure. Based on the characteristic adsorption isotherm, the average pore size diameter was estimated to be 0.4–0.8 nm. When washed, the biochars’ pore volume increased but the narrow micropore structure remained. While the biochars were alkaline, the pH of the wash solution had no or little impact on the adsorption of CO2. Overall, the results suggest that N2 isotherms should be complemented with CO2 isotherms for proper characterization of biochars. Alignment of such normalized isotherms to characteristic curves can assist in generating a more complete understanding of the pore structure over the entire region of pore diameters.

Sugarcane and pinewood biochar effects on activity and aerobic soil dissipation of metribuzin and pendimethalin

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

ABSTRACT Biochars were produced by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (350◦C and 700◦C) and pine wood... more ABSTRACT Biochars were produced by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (350◦C and 700◦C) and pine wood (400◦C)and are abbreviated BC350, BC700, and WC400, respectively. Metribuzin adsorption by batch equilibrium showed that BC700 had the greatest adsorption capacity followed by BC350 and WC400. The bagasse biochars were mixed with clay and a silt loam soil and the pine wood biochar with a loamy sand soil andfortified with the metribuzin and pendimethalin. The soils were incubated at 25◦C in the dark and were extracted with methanol after 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 63, 86, and 111 days. Parent compounds and metribuzin degradates were analyzed in extracts by HPLC – mass spectrometry. Increases in metribuzin half life (DT50)were indicated for all soil-biochar combinations. BC350 had the greatest impact, doubling the DT50in the silt loam soil. In contrast, BC700 had minimal impact on the DT50in the silt loam soil and contributed toa significant DT50decrease in the clay. The metribuzin degradate, metribuzin-desamino, was detected at rates proportional to metribuzin dissipation. For pendimethalin, biochar additions increased DT50in allsoil-biochar combinations. In contrast to metribuzin, BC700 and WC400 had the greatest impact with theBC700 increasing the DT50more than 2-fold. In the loamy sand soil, the 1–4% biochar rate contributed to an increased trend in palmer amaranth emergence. At the 8% rate, palmer amaranth emergence was statistically higher than the control (p = 0.072). In sum, how biochar impacted the activity and dissipation of these herbicides depended on soil, herbicide, and biochar properties.

Biochars from agricultural residuals as adsorbents for environmental remediation

Poultry Biosolids as Granular Activated Carbons for Metal Ion Adsorption

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2003

Page 1. 1 POULTRY BIOSOLIDS AS GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBONS FOR METAL ION ADSORPTION Isabel M. Lima... more

Efficacy of Activated Carbon from Broiler Litter in the Removal of Litter Generated Ammonia

International Symposium on Air Quality and Waste Management for Agriculture, 16-19 September 2007, Broomfield, Colorado, 2007

Over the past 10 years, the production of broilers has increased by 29 percent to approximately 9... more Over the past 10 years, the production of broilers has increased by 29 percent to approximately 9 billion in 2005. Ammonia (NH 3) pollution from broiler excreta is a primary concern for industry viability which requires innovative treatment options. This research focused on the use of broiler litter as activated carbon (BAC) to reduce aerial NH 3 generated by litter, an opportunity to not only reuse the manure, but also treat the emissions from or within broiler houses. The use of activated carbon in the removal of NH 3 , specifically in broiler houses, has long been discarded primarily due to the high cost and low efficiency of the carbons. However, the study of BAC is a relatively new field that has focused on the removal of organics and/or metals from water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of BAC to remove NH 3 volatilized from litter samples in a laboratory acid-trap system. The BAC is a much cheaper alternative than commercially produced activated carbons. Preliminary studies using NH 3 /air mixture indicated that the BAC capacity to adsorb NH 3 was approximately double that of Vapure 612, a commercial carbon. In the litter emission study, the BAC and Vapure performance was comparable. The NH 3 emission reductions using the activated carbon columns were 25% for BAC and 36% for Vapure relative to the litter only control. The results of the study demonstrate the potential for a cyclical waste utilization strategy in using broiler litter activated carbon to capture NH 3 volatilized from litter.