A Sustainable and Critical Approach to the Production and Road Transport of Biodiesel| Chapter 4 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 7

 

The global demand for balanced energy transition has prompted oil refineries to seek alternatives to fossil fuels. In this context, using biomass as feedstock for biofuel production within the refinery itself becomes relevant. In Brazil, soybean oil is the primary raw material, and it is transported to refineries via tank trucks. This study critically assesses this transportation method, highlighting its impacts and proposing mitigation measures that contribute to social and environmental sustainability. Effective management of external truck cleaning is one such measure that is essential to preventing contamination along the route from the vegetable oil producer to the refinery. To this end, a washing system for tank trucks and an effluent treatment system have been developed that integrate the necessary operations and equipment for the proper processing and disposal of contaminants. The recovered oil is reused in fuel production; the sludge is dehydrated and sent to landfills; and the treated water is reused in the washing system, thereby reducing water consumption. The systems were designed to meet environmental sustainability indicators, such as the conscious use of water and energy, the rational use of inputs, the reduction of liquid effluent and solid waste emissions, and compliance with environmental regulations. Additionally, research was conducted on accidents related to the transportation of vegetable oil and biodiesel, revealing associated risks and emphasising the importance of adhering to environmental and traffic regulations.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Igor Silva Guimaraes
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

Fernando B. Mainier
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

Lisiane Veiga Mattos
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v7/7029

Sustainable Biofuel Production from Agricultural Waste: Advances in Biochemical and Thermochemical Conversion Pathways | Chapter 8 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 6

Introduction: Agricultural waste represents an underutilized renewable resource with significant potential for biofuel production. As global energy demands increase and climate change concerns intensify, the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels has become critical. Agricultural residues and by-products offer a promising feedstock option that avoids competition with food production while addressing waste management challenges. These materials, primarily composed of lignocellulosic biomass, can be converted through various biological and thermochemical processes to produce liquid biofuels and biogas, potentially contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation efforts while supporting rural economies.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the latest advancement in the production of biofuels from agricultural waste.

Materials and Methods: The study examines various types of agricultural waste, including crop residues, animal manure, and agro-industrial by-products, analysing their composition and suitability for biofuel production. Different conversion pathways are investigated, including fermentation, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification. The research evaluates pretreatment methods, enzyme production pathways, and synthesis processes for various biofuels like ethanol, butanol, and diesel substitutes. Case studies of operational plants and feasibility studies are analysed to assess technical and economic viability at commercial scale. Environmental impact assessments focus on greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrient cycling, and sustainability metrics.

Results: The analysis reveals that agricultural waste can be effectively converted to biofuels through multiple pathways, each with specific advantages and challenges. Fermentation and anaerobic digestion show promising results for bioethanol and biogas production, while thermochemical processes demonstrate potential for producing advanced liquid fuels. Case studies indicate that commercial-scale operations are technically feasible, though economic viability varies with feedstock availability and processing efficiency. Environmental assessments show significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to fossil fuels, with additional benefits in waste management and soil nutrient recycling when properly implemented.

Discussion: While agricultural waste shows promise as a biofuel feedstock, several challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption. These include feedstock logistics, seasonal availability, and heterogeneous composition affecting conversion efficiency. Pretreatment technologies and process optimization remain critical areas for improvement. Economic viability depends on scale, technology selection, and policy support. Environmental benefits are significant but require careful management of soil health and nutrient cycling. Future research should focus on improving conversion efficiencies, developing integrated biorefinery concepts, and establishing sustainable supply chains.

Conclusion: Agricultural waste represents a viable and sustainable feedstock for biofuel production when integrated with appropriate conversion technologies. The review finds that while technical feasibility has been demonstrated at various scales, continued advancement in pretreatment technologies, process efficiency, and supply chain management is needed. Environmental benefits are substantial, particularly in greenhouse gas mitigation and waste management. Success in commercialization will require supportive policy frameworks, improved technology integration, and demonstration of long-term sustainability. The sector shows significant potential for contributing to renewable energy goals while supporting agricultural waste management and rural development.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Francis Mekunye
Auburn University, Alabama, USA.

 

Peter Makinde
Ohio University, Athens, USA.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v6/3285

Eucalyptus Trees as Sources of Medically Related Products: A Brief Overview | Chapter 13 | New Visions in Biological Science Vol. 5

 Eucalyptus species are grown for a range of goods all around the world. We recently discussed their overall significance for energy products as well as their potential as medicinal products, and we are now providing an update on their prospects for specific medically linked products. We also look at some of the most promising strategies for turning potential cellulosic leftovers into high-value commodities. Many items that are currently made with petrochemicals can be made with Eucalyptus biomass. Larvicides, repellants, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer agents, biofilm inhibitors, nanoparticles, carbon fibres and derived items (e.g., surgical implants), graphene-based uses, and numerous energy products are among the many applications for eucalyptus bioproducts, which are classified as naturally occurring, generated by biochemical processes, or the result of thermochemical processes.

Author(S) Details

Donald L. Rockwood
School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.

Randall L. Bowman
Sustainable Earth Partners, 3532 Esteva Place, Gainesville, GA, 30506, USA.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/NVBS-V5/article/view/4665

The Estimation of CO2 Emissions Avoided through the Use of Biodiesel in the Brazilian Road System | Chapter 4 | Current Strategies in Economics and Management Vol. 5

For several years, the use of oil to move vehicles, generate energy and other activities necessary for social life, made the world quite dependent on this input. However, this non-renewable source of energy is becoming increasingly scarce, while the demand for it grows periodically. Various researches have been carried out in order to search for alternative sources of fuels, which preferentially reduce the aggressions to the environment, provided by fossil fuels. Among these alternative fuels, biodiesel stands out, a fuel obtained through the process of transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, which has become a potential substitute for petroleum diesel. Among the advantages of using this fuel, the following stand out: being renewable, reducing the country's dependence on oil, in addition to having lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions than petrodiesel. Among these gases, CO2 stands out, which contributes to the warming of the planet and which will be the target of this study. From the calculations carried out taking into account the consumption of petrodiesel in Brazil, it is intended to quantify the emissions from its use by 2025 and in parallel to calculate the emissions avoided with the use of methyl soy biodiesel in the percentages established by the Brazilian Government in same period.

Author(s) Details

Professor Dr. Aurélio Lamare Soares Murta
Postgraduate Program in Administration - PPGAd/UFF, Federal University of Fluminense – UFF / Energy and Environmental Planning Program - PPE/COPPE/UFRJ, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Professor Dr. Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos de Freitas
Energy and Environmental Planning Program - PPE/COPPE/UFRJ, International Virtual Institute for Global Change - IVIG/COPPE/UFRJ, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

View Book :- http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/199