Palm kernel shells contain residues of Palm Oil, which accounts for its slightly higher heating value than average lignocellulosic biomass. Compared to other residues from the industry, it is a good quality biomass fuel with uniform size distribution, easy handling, easy crushing, and limited biological activity due to low moisture content. PKS can be readily co-fired with coal in grate fired -and fluidized bed boilers as well as cement kilns in order to diversify the fuel mix.

The primary use of palm kernel shells is as a boiler fuel supplementing the fibre which is used as primary fuel. In recent years kernel shells are sold as alternative fuel around the world. Besides selling shells in bulk, there are companies that produce fuel briquettes from shells which may include partial carbonisation of the material to improve the combustion characteristics.

As a raw material for fuel briquettes, palm shells are reported to have the same calorific characteristics as coconut shells. The relatively smaller size makes it easier to carbonise for mass production, and its resulting palm shell charcoal can be pressed into a heat efficient biomass briquette.

Palm kernel shells have been traditionally used as solid fuels for steam boilers in palm oil mills across Southeast Asia. The steam generated is used to run turbines for electricity production. These two solid fuels alone are able to generate more than enough energy to meet the energy demands of a palm oil mill. Most palm oil mills in the region are self-sufficient in terms of energy by making use of kernel shells and mesocarp fibers in cogeneration.

In recent years, the demand for palm kernel shells has increased considerably in Europe, Asia-Pacific, China etc. resulting in price close to that of coal. Nowadays, cement industries and power producers are increasingly using palm kernel shells to replace coal. In grate-fired boiler systems, fluidized-bed boiler systems and cement kilns, palm kernel shells are an excellent fuel.

Cofiring of PKS yields added value for power plants and cement kilns, because the fuel significantly reduces carbon emissions – this added value can be expressed in the form of renewable energy certificates, carbon credits, etc. However, there is a great scope for introduction of high-efficiency cogeneration systems in the industry which will result in substantial supply of excess power to the public grid and supply of surplus PKS to other nations. Palm kernel shell is already extensively in demand domestically by local industries for meeting process heating requirements, thus creating supply shortages in the market.

Palm oil mills around the world may seize an opportunity to supply electricity for its surrounding plantation areas using palm kernel shells, empty fruit branches and palm oil mill effluent which have not been fully exploited yet. This new business will be beneficial for all parties, increase the profitability and sustainability for palm oil industry, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the electrification ratio in surrounding plantation regions.

The post The Energy Potential of Palm Kernel Shells first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

One aspect often overlooked in the discourse is tire recycling.

Before 2013, numerous ecological issues arose from incinerating or sending discarded tires to landfills. A report by the Tire Industry Project for the World Business Council for Sustainable Development estimates there are 4 billion end-of-life tires (ELT) in landfills and other stockpiles around the world. Although tire recovery rates have improved over the past decade, they may not be sufficient to handle the additional 1 billion ELTs generated globally each year.

This article explores the complex issue of tire recycling, its environmental impact, and potential solutions to this waste management challenge.

The Problem With Tire Disposal

Landfilled tires can take hundreds of years to decompose. This can cause several issues, including:

Groundwater and soil pollution

Different materials and chemicals, including rubber, carbon black steel, and various additives, make up tires. Over time, the harsh environmental conditions within landfills can cause these materials to break down and leach into the surrounding soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water and agricultural land.

Methane emissions

As tires decompose, they release methane gas, which is about 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Additionally, methane is highly flammable and can create an explosion hazard if it accumulates in high concentrations, posing environmental and safety risks.

Health hazards

Tires can catch fire easily due to their high heat retention and flammability. Tire fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, often burning for days or weeks. They also generate a significant amount of toxic smoke, including pollutants like dioxins and furans, that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals.

Fortunately, the modern tire recycling machine has become an effective tool for alleviating these problems, with equipment manufacturers making them more accessible. These machines help mitigate the environmental issues and hazards mentioned above by recovering materials from tire waste, such as steel, fiber, and rubber, to produce various raw materials.

You can get a closer look at these amazing machines here: https://www.youtube.com/@gradeallinternationalltd1012/videos

Beneficial Tire Recycling Methods

Given the abovementioned issues, tire recycling ought to become an increasingly critical aspect of waste management.

Modern tire recycling machines and methods have been developed to repurpose old tires into usable raw materials, which conserves valuable resources and reduces environmental harm. These methods include:

Ambient shredding

In this process, powerful, interlocking knives cut tires into smaller pieces. Professionals can further separate these pieces into different components, such as ‘crumb rubber,’ which has various applications. For example, manufacturers often use it as a raw material in playground surfaces and sports fields. Additionally, road construction projects use crumb rubber as an additive for asphalt, creating rubberized roads that last longer and reduce road noise.

Cryogenic grinding

This method freezes tires using liquid nitrogen or compressed air. Once the tires become brittle, they can be easily shattered into small pieces, producing clean, high-quality rubber powder. This material has myriad applications, usually used in making new tires, automotive parts, and substances like sealants, coatings, and adhesives.

Pyrolysis

This method involves heating tires in an oxygen-free chamber, which decomposes the tires into oil, gas, and carbon black. Pyrolytic oil can substitute conventional fuels in industrial applications, while the resultant gas can generate electricity. For its part, carbon black can be repurposed for producing new tires or as a pigment in manufacturing inks, paints, and plastic products.

Each of these methods effectively transforms what would otherwise be a significant environmental issue into valuable materials and energy sources, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of used tires. These practices show how tire recycling isn’t just a potential solution to an environmental problem but an effective way to achieve sustainability.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, it’s clear that tire recycling on a global scale can contribute to achieving sustainable waste management. The triumvirate of continual advancements in recycling technology, rigorous government regulations, and public awareness campaigns are expected to drive growth in the field.

Moreover, developing sustainable markets for recycled tire products is a crucial factor for the future of tire recycling. Transforming used tires into valuable commodities allows us to resolve a significant waste problem while conserving natural resources and building up a circular economy.   

Recycling Remains Relevant

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of waste management, tire recycling may be a powerful example of how innovative solutions can transform a significant environmental problem into an opportunity for sustainable development.

The future of tire recycling holds substantial promise for both the environment and the economy, demonstrating how innovative, sustainable solutions can drive progress.

The post The Environmental Impact Of Tire Recycling first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

Tanning refers to the process by which collagen fibers in a hide react with a chemical agent (tannin, alum or other chemicals). However, the term leather tanning also commonly refers to the entire leather-making process. Hides and skins have the ability to absorb tannic acid and other chemical substances that prevent them from decaying, make them resistant to wetting, and keep them supple and durable. The flesh side of the hide or skin is much thicker and softer. The three types of hides and skins most often used in leather manufacture are from cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Out of 1000 kg of raw hide, nearly 850 kg is generated as solid wastes in leather processing. Only 150 Kg of the raw material is converted in to leather. A typical tannery generate huge amount of waste:

• Fleshing: 56-60%
• Chrome shaving, chrome splits and buffing dust: 35-40%
• Skin trimming: 5-7%
• Hair: 2-5%

Over 80 per cent of the organic pollution load in BOD terms emanates from the beamhouse (pre-tanning); much of this comes from degraded hide/skin and hair matter. During the tanning process at least 300 kg of chemicals (lime, salt etc.) are added per ton of hides. Excess of non-used salts will appear in the wastewater.

Because of the changing pH, these compounds can precipitate and contribute to the amount of solid waste or suspended solids. Every tanning process step, with the exception of finishing operations, produces wastewater. An average of 35 m³ is produced per ton of raw hide. The wastewater is made up of high concentration of salts, chromium, ammonia, dye and solvent chemicals etc.

A large amount of waste generated by tanneries is discharged in natural water bodies directly or indirectly through two open drains without any treatment. The water in the low lying areas in developing countries, like India and Bangladesh, is polluted in such a degree that it has become unsuitable for public uses. In summer when the rate of decomposition of the waste is higher, serious air pollution is caused in residential areas by producing intolerable obnoxious odours.

Tannery wastewater and solid wastes often find their way into surface water, where toxins are carried downstream and contaminate water used for bathing, cooking, swimming, and irrigation. Chromium waste can also seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater systems that provide drinking water for nearby communities. In addition, contamination in water can build up in aquatic animals, which are a common source of food.

The post Wastes Generation in Tanneries first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to waste management, there are many different ways to go about it: recycling, following waste management protocols, waste prevention, and hiring professional services.

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to deal with large and complex waste in your business, our post has got you covered, so read on!

The Different Ways of Dealing with Business Waste

Whether you’re in the food, health, pharmaceutical, or any other industry, you’ll find a waste management solution that will click for you.

1. Recycle Your Waste

Spend some time to analyse the waste that your business is generating and identify how much of it can be recycled. This step is an absolute no-brainer, as it has countless benefits for your company. For starters, recycling waste means that you won’t have to spend so much on procuring new resources.

If you have complex waste that you cannot recycle yourself, you can send it to dedicated recycling plants. In fact, sending your business waste to a recycling plant is often a more economical option than disposing of it directly.

With growing awareness about climate change, many businesses are conscious of building a ‘green image’. By recycling your complex business waste, you’re doing your bit for the environment while simultaneously improving the image of your business.

2. Reduce Waste Production

We’ve all heard that prevention is better than cure. Look at it this way: If your business generates less waste, dealing with waste becomes a lot easier. So, how can you go about this?

Considering that most businesses are embracing technology, you can start by cutting down on your paper usage. Additionally, if your business makes use of battery-operated equipment, you can swap regular batteries for rechargeable ones. You can also come up with waste reduction plans and strategies.

It’s a good idea to monitor your business waste for a certain period and spot areas that provide a scope for waste reduction. You can also get your employees involved in this process.

3.  Follow Protocols

Depending on the industry you’re in, you may have a set of waste management protocols you are required to follow. For instance, if you’re dealing with pharmaceuticals, there’s a lot of medical waste that needs to be taken care of daily.

You need to follow proper incineration, chemical disinfection, dry thermal treatment, microwave irradiation, land disposal, and inertisation processes. Similarly, every industry has a set of protocols to follow.

While the process is bound to be time-consuming, it will help get your large and complex waste sorted once and for all. Improper waste management can create problems for your business in the long run, so it would be best to avoid such a situation.

4. Help Others to Help You

It may be that some of the waste your business generates, like leftover food, materials, and other products, can be donated to vulnerable communities. You can also consider linking up with charities or NGOs to make this a regular practice. Not only are your business waste management worries taken care of, but you’ll also be making a contribution to society.

5. Tackle the Big Packaging Problem

Packaging can make up a huge proportion of your waste. Every business makes use of packaging in some way or the other. What can you do differently to reduce the packaging you handle?

First, you can adopt a minimalist approach. Don’t use packaging unless a product really needs it. Second, being resourceful can help. For example, it doesn’t make sense to use an entire cardboard crate to pack a product that’s only half the size.

Considering that many packaging materials like bubble wraps are plastic, it’s important not to over-use them. By minimising the materials that go into packaging, you’re directly reducing your business’ packaging-related waste.

6. Get Professional Help

There are many professional companies such as phs Wastekit that offer personalized waste-management solutions to businesses that need them. These expert services can perform a systematic waste audit to help you understand how your business can reduce producing waste.

They typically use top-notch equipment for waste disposal, saving you a lot of money in the process. What’s more, they even put you in touch with recycling services to whom you can entrust all your large and complex recyclable waste.

Summing Up

Dealing with the large and complex waste in your business can be tricky. However, when done the right way, it can make a huge difference to your brand image, boost your revenue and give you time to focus on the things that truly matter.

To top it off, you’ll be eco-friendly all the way through! We hope that our post has inspired you to give your business’ waste management policies another look.

The post How to Deal with Large and Complex Waste in Your Business first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

A typical home can contain a vast array of household hazardous wastes used for cleaning, painting, beautifying, lubricating and disinfecting the house, yard, workshop and garage. The chemical-based household products from a single home may seem insignificant; but, when millions of homes use similar products, handling, storing and disposing them improperly may have the combined impact and becomes a major problem.

The health and safety of our families, neighborhoods and environment is threatened when household hazardous waste is stored or disposed of improperly. These products should not be put in the garbage bins or disposed in the storm drains or burned, as they pose a threat to human health and the environment. Thousands of consumer products are hazardous. The general categories are:

• Automotive products: Gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, car wax and cleaners, lead-acid batteries, brake fluid, transmission fluid etc.
• Home improvement products: Paint, varnish, stain, paint thinner, paint stripper, caulk, adhesives etc.
• Pesticides: Insecticide and insect repellent, weed killer, rat and mouse poison, pet spray and dip, wood preservative etc.
• Household cleaners: Furniture polish and wax, drain opener, oven cleaner, tub and tile cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, spot remover, bleach, ammonia etc.
• Other: Household batteries, cosmetics, pool chemicals, shoe polish, lighter fluid, prescription medicines etc.

Each year, thousands of people are injured by exposure or accident involving hazardous household products.  Because of the dangers they pose. These products require special awareness, handling, and disposal.  In order to protect health and environment, every consumer should know how to properly use, store, and dispose of hazardous household products. 

Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals.  Once released into the environment, these substances may pose a serious threat to living organisms.  Small quantities of hazardous substances can accumulate over time to reach dangerous levels and contaminate the air, water, and soil. 

Here are some basic guidelines for managing household hazardous wastes:

• Select the least toxic item and buying only the minimum quantity as required.
• Read the entire label carefully for health warnings and use good judgment when choosing any product.
• Store the product at a safe place and away from the children reach.
• Avoid aerosol products.
• Always use hazardous products in a well-ventilated area.
• Never leave containers open.  Many products are volatile, evaporating quickly into the air. 
• Always seal containers tightly after use.
• Never mix chemicals and hazardous products. 
• Do not use spent chemical containers for other purposes.
• Wear protective clothing such as gloves and a mask when dealing with any hazardous material. 
• Wash clothing exposed to hazardous materials separately from other clothes.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while using hazardous products.
• Clean up the place after using hazardous products. Carefully seal products and properly refasten all caps.
• Never put hazardous products in food or beverage containers.
• Keep products away from sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition.
• Know where flammable materials are located in your home and how to extinguish them.
• Keep a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher in your home.

The post Dealing with Household Hazardous Wastes first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

All of the wastes generated by the tannery can be gasified following pre-treatment methods such as maceration, drying and subsequent densification or briquetting. A combined drying and gasification process could eliminate solid waste, whilst providing a combustible gas as a tax-exempt renewable energy source, which the tannery can directly reuse. Gasification trials have illustrated that up to 70% of the intrinsic energy value of the wastes currently disposed can be recovered as “synthesis gas” energy.

Gasification technology has the potential to provide significant cost benefits in terms of power generation and waste disposal, and increase sustainability within the leather industry. The gasification process converts any carbon-containing material into a combustible gas comprised primarily of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane, which can be used as a fuel to generate electricity and heat.

A wide range of tannery wastes can be macerated, flash dried, densified and gasified to generate a clean syngas for reuse in boilers or other Combined Heat and Power systems. As a result up to 70% of the intrinsic energy value of the waste can be recovered as syngas, with up to 60% of this being surplus to process drying requirements so can be recovered for on-site boiler or thermal energy recovery uses.

A proprietary technology has been in commercial operation at a tanyard on the West Coast of Norway since mid 2001. The process employs gasification-and-plasma-cracking and offer the capability of turning the tannery waste problem to a valorising source that may add values to the plant owner in terms of excessive energy and ferrochrome, a harmless alloy that is widely used by the metallurgical industry. The process leaves no ashes but a non-leaching slag that is useful for civil engineering works, and, hence, no residues for landfill disposal

The post Thermal Conversion of Tannery Wastes first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

Understanding Landfill Gas and RNG

Landfill gas (LFG) is produced through the natural decomposition of organic materials such as food scraps, paper products, yard waste and other biodegradable materials. A typical landfill gas stream contains approximately 50% to 55% methane and 45% to 50% carbon dioxide.

While methane is a valuable energy source, it is also a potent greenhouse gas with a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide over a shorter time horizon. In fact, one-third of the food produced globally reaches the landfill instead of the consumer’s table, creating about 8% of total global greenhouse emissions.

As such, capturing and utilizing methane before it escapes into the atmosphere offers substantial environmental benefits. LFG is converted to renewable natural gas (RNG) by removing carbon dioxide and other contaminants, resulting in a methane-rich fuel that meets pipeline quality standards. Once upgraded, RNG can be injected into existing natural gas infrastructure and used for heating, electricity generation, industrial processes or transportation.

Unlike conventional natural gas extracted from fossil reserves, RNG originates from renewable waste streams, making it an attractive option for organizations seeking lower-carbon energy solutions. In fact, forecasts indicate that LFG-to-RNG production could reach 2.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) by 2050 — up from 0.3 bcfd today.

Why Upgrading Matters

Although landfill gas contains methane, it cannot be directly injected into natural gas pipelines in its raw form. Utilities maintain strict gas quality specifications to ensure pipeline safety, equipment compatibility, and reliable performance.

To meet these standards, landfill gas must undergo a series of treatment and upgrading steps. The process typically begins with contaminant removal, including moisture, particulates, sulfur compounds and siloxanes. After pretreatment, advanced upgrading systems separate methane from carbon dioxide and other remaining gases.

The result is a high-purity methane product that closely resembles conventional natural gas. This transformation is what allows landfill-derived gas to become a marketable renewable fuel rather than simply a waste by-product. RNG can be used in place of fossil natural gas, as pipeline-quality gas, compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas, with about 20% of operating LFG energy projects creating RNG.

Membrane Separation

A widely adopted upgrading technology is membrane separation. This approach uses specially engineered membranes that selectively allow certain gas molecules — particularly carbon dioxide — to pass through while retaining methane.

As landfill gas passes through multiple membrane stages, the methane concentration steadily increases until it reaches 98% purity, producing biomethane that meets strict pipeline standards. Modern membrane systems offer several advantages that have accelerated their commercial adoption.

First, they feature relatively compact footprints, making them suitable for landfills with space constraints. Second, modular system designs allow operators to expand capacity as gas production grows. Third, membrane technologies generally require fewer moving parts than some alternative systems, reducing maintenance requirements and operational complexity.

Continuous improvements in membrane materials have also increased methane recovery rates and system efficiency, making the technology increasingly attractive for large-scale RNG projects.

Pressure Swing Adsorption

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is another established technology helping drive RNG commercialization. PSA systems use adsorbent materials that selectively capture carbon dioxide and other unwanted gases under high pressure.

The process operates in cycles. During the adsorption phase, contaminants adhere to the adsorbent material while methane continues through the system. When the adsorbent reaches capacity, pressure is reduced, releasing the captured gases and regenerating the material for reuse.

PSA technology has gained popularity for its ability to achieve high methane purity while maintaining reliable performance across varying gas compositions. Landfill gas quality can fluctuate depending on factors such as waste composition, weather conditions and landfill age. While PSA systems can often accommodate these variations effectively, making them suitable for many RNG applications.

The Economics of Commercial Scale

Historically, RNG projects faced challenges related to equipment costs, methane recovery efficiency, and operational complexity. As such, many landfill operators found it difficult to justify the investment required for gas upgrading systems. However, several factors have changed that equation.

Technology costs have gradually declined as equipment manufacturers gain experience and production volumes increase. At the same time, system performance has improved, enabling greater methane recovery and more reliable operation. In fact, in 2023, biomass accounted for about 5% of the U.S.’s total energy consumption, showing its growing role in the renewable energy sector.

There is also a growing demand for low-carbon fuels, which has strengthened project economics. Utilities, transportation fleets and industrial users are increasingly seeking renewable fuel alternatives to support emissions reduction commitments. Regulatory programs and renewable fuel incentives in various markets further enhance revenue opportunities for RNG producers.

Additionally, landfill operators are recognize that RNG production can transform an environmental liability into a long-term revenue-generating asset. Rather than simply flaring excess gas, operators can monetize captured methane while supporting sustainability objectives.

The Environmental Benefits Beyond Energy Production

The environmental value of landfill RNG extends beyond replacing fossil fuels, as methane capture itself delivers substantial climate benefits.

Landfills are the third-largest human-generated source of methane emissions in the United States, releasing an estimated 100.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to the atmosphere in 2022 alone. Capturing it before it enters the atmosphere can significantly reduce the overall climate impact of waste management operations.

Additionally, producing RNG also supports circular economy principles by extracting value from materials that would otherwise be discarded. Organic waste effectively becomes a feedstock for renewable energy production, extending the usefulness of resources that have reached the end of their original life cycle.

Lastly, because RNG can utilize existing natural gas infrastructure, it provides a practical pathway for decarbonization without requiring extensive new distribution networks. This compatibility allows renewable fuel adoption to scale more rapidly than some alternative energy solutions.

Looking Ahead

The RNG industry is entering a period of accelerated growth. Advances in membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption technologies have significantly improved project feasibility, enabling landfill operators to produce pipeline-quality gas at larger scales than ever before.

As climate policies become more ambitious and demand for renewable fuels continues to rise, landfill gas is increasingly being recognize as a valuable energy resource rather than a waste by-product. As such, RNG represents a compelling combination of waste management, renewable energy and emissions reduction, that turns landfill gas into a reliable source of renewable energy for years to come.

The post Landfill Gas to Pipeline-Quality RNG: How Upgrading Technologies Are Finally Commercializing at Scale first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

Why Neutralize Pollutants?

The planet is in dire need of help as the negative impact of climate change hovers on the horizon. One of the ways that researchers are revolutionizing waste management and environmentalism is by neutralizing the pollutants that are taking up space in our landfills and oceans.

Scientists have noticed that certain organisms are particularly good at removing toxins from pollutants while others have the advantage of immobilizing toxins. Researchers are connecting the dots in order to figure out how CRISPR can help make these processes more efficient.

CRISPR-Aided Bioremediation

While it is great that scientists have discovered microorganisms that can metabolize pollutants and produce less toxic matter, what if those properties could be expanded?

CRISPR researchers are trying to do just that by using genetic editing to transfer more advantageous genes to other organisms, thus giving them even more power over toxic pollutants. This would speed up the process of natural bioremediation techniques without adding high costs and dangers.

An Edge Over Traditional Techniques

Using CRISPR technology, especially the promising CRISPR/Cas9 lentiviral system, will not only speed up the process but it will do a better job than traditional methods of bioremediation. By using the gene editing technique, scientists can create more chemically superior microorganisms that have more advantageous enzymes. That results in better neutrality of harmful pollutants in the planet’s soil and oceans. In turn, this also ramps up molecular biodiversity, which improves the cleanup process.

Speaking of molecules, the CRISPR method targets different molecular processes within a microorganism’s cells, either to regulate an existing gene or to create an entirely new one. When looking at a particular gene, scientists analyze its ability to target pollutants as well as its process for remediation.

Enhancing Bioremediation with CRISPR

Experts need to keep several aspects in mind when improving the abilities of a remediating organism and ramping up its efficiency. First of all, they need to look at the molecular pathways that lead an organism to remediate or neutralize a pollutant. Are there changes or improvements scientists that can make to these pathways? What can they add or take away?

They do a similar thing with the organism’s enzymes. Next comes bioprocessing and biosensor development, which allows scientists to test the microbial cells for chemical testing and removal efficiency.

Removing Harmful Pollutants

Take mercury, for example, which is a metal that is harmful to the planet as well as those who live on it. The E. coli bacteria has a removal efficiency of 96 when it comes to eradicating mercury.

Scientists can take that Hg2 gene and transporter and perhaps transport it to another microorganism that can metabolize and neutralize another type of pollutant. Researchers continue to look at how this technique can help us clean up the growing number of pollutants in the environment.

It is not just microorganisms that they’re working on, either. Genetic manipulation in plants is another exciting endeavor that could help out in the bioremediation field. By looking at the detoxification processes in certain plants, scientists are trying to figure out how to use CRISPR technology to amp up bioremediation or, rather, phytoremediation efforts.

Some human genes could be especially useful to certain plants that can target heavy metals in the soil. Whether they enhance existing plant species or generate completely new ones, this is an exciting development in remediation efforts against pollutants.

The post CRISPR Technology to Revolutionize Bioremediation first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

In the past, livestock waste was recovered and sold as a fertilizer or simply spread onto agricultural land. The introduction of tighter environmental controls on odour and water pollution means that some form of waste management is necessary, which provides further incentives for biomass-to-energy conversion.

Anaerobic digestion is a unique treatment solution for animal manure management as it can  deliver  positive  benefits,  including  renewable  energy,  water pollution, and air emissions. Anaerobic digestion of animal manure is gaining popularity as a means to protect the environment and to recycle materials efficiently into the farming systems.

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants, based on anaerobic digestion of cow manure, are highly efficient in harnessing the untapped renewable energy potential of organic waste by converting the biodegradable fraction of the waste into high calorific value gases.

The establishment of anaerobic digestion systems for livestock manure stabilization and energy production has accelerated substantially in the past several years. There are thousands of digesters operating at commercial livestock facilities in Europe, United States,  Asia and elsewhere. which are generating clean energy and fuel. Many of the projects that generate electricity also capture waste heat for various in-house requirements.

Important Factors

The main factors that influence biogas production from livestock manure are pH and temperature of the feedstock. It is well established that a biogas plant works optimally at neutral pH level and mesophilic temperature of around 35^o C. Carbon-nitrogen ratio of the feed material is also an important factor and should be in the range of 20:1 to 30:1. Animal manure has a carbon – nitrogen ratio of 25:1 and is considered ideal for maximum gas production.

Solid concentration in the feed material is also crucial to ensure sufficient gas production, as well as easy mixing and handling. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) is the most important factor in determining the volume of the digester which in turn determines the cost of the plant; the larger the retention period, higher the construction cost.

Description of Biogas Plant Working on Animal Manure

The fresh animal manure is stored in a collection tank before its processing to the homogenization tank which is equipped with a mixer to facilitate homogenization of the waste stream. The uniformly mixed waste is passed through a macerator to obtain uniform particle size of 5-10 mm and pumped into suitable-capacity anaerobic digesters where stabilization of organic waste takes place.

In anaerobic digestion, organic material is converted to biogas by a series of bacteria groups into methane and carbon dioxide. The majority of commercially operating digesters are plug flow and complete-mix reactors operating at mesophilic temperatures. The type of digester used varies with the consistency and solids content of the feedstock, with capital investment factors and with the primary purpose of digestion.

Biogas contain significant amount of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas which needs to be stripped off due to its highly corrosive nature. The removal of H₂S takes place in a biological desulphurization unit in which a limited quantity of air is added to biogas in the presence of specialized aerobic bacteria which oxidizes H₂S into elemental sulfur.

Biogas can be used as domestic cooking, industrial heating, combined heat and power (CHP) generation as well as a vehicle fuel. The digested substrate is passed through screw presses for dewatering and then subjected to solar drying and conditioning to give high-quality organic fertilizer.

The post Anaerobic Digestion of Animal Manure first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

Solid waste generation in the three largest cities – Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam – exceeds 6 million tons per annum which gives an indication of the magnitude of the problem faced by civic bodies.  More than 75 percent of the population is concentrated in urban areas which make it necessary for the government to initiate measures to improve recycling and waste management scenario in the country.

In Saudi Arabia, municipal solid waste is collected from individual or community bins and disposed of in landfills or dumpsites. Saudi waste management system is characterized by lack of waste disposal and tipping fees. Recycling, reuse and energy recovery is still at an early stage, although they are getting increased attention. Waste sorting and recycling are driven by an active informal sector. Recycling rate ranges from 10-15%, mainly due to the presence of the informal sector which extracts paper, metals and plastics from municipal waste.

Recycling activities are mostly manual and labor intensive. Composting is also gaining increased interest in Saudi Arabia due to the high organic content of MSW (around 40%).  Efforts are also underway to deploy waste-to-energy technologies in the Kingdom. All activities related to waste management are coordinated and financed by the government.

The Saudi government is aware of the critical demand for waste management solutions, and is investing heavily in solving this problem. The 2017 national budget allocated SR 54 billion for the municipal services sector, which includes water drainage and waste disposal. The Saudi government is making concerted efforts to improve recycling and waste disposal activities. Saudi visa for qualified waste management professionals will also go a long way in improving waste management situation in the country.

The post Municipal Waste Management in Saudi Arabia first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.