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Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors

Biodiesel can be produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, frying oils, and from microorganism-synthesized oils. These sources render biodiesel an easily biodegradable fuel. The aim of this work was to perform an advanced bibliometric analysis of primary studies relating to biodiesel production worldwide by identifying the key countries and regions that have shown a strong engagement in this area, and by understanding the dynamics of their collaboration and research outputs. Additionally, an assessment of the main primary feedstocks employed in this research was carried out, along with an analysis of the current and future trends that are expected to define new paths and methodologies to be used in the manufacture of biodegradable and renewable fuels. A total of 4586 academic outputs were selected, including peer-reviewed research articles, conference papers, and literature reviews related to biodiesel production, in the time period spanning from 2010 to 2021. Articles that focused on feedstocks for the production of biodiesel were also included, with a search that returned 330 papers. Lastly, 60 articles relating to biodiesel production via sewage were specifically included to allow for an analysis of this source as a promising feedstock in the future of the biofuel market. Via the geocoding and the document analyses performed, we concluded that China, Malaysia, and India are the largest writers of articles in this area, revealing a great interest in biofuels in Asia. Additionally, it was noted that environmental concerns have caused authors to conduct research on feedstocks that can address the sustainability challenges in the production of biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The over-consumption of petroleum fuel due to the progressive increase in population, transportation, industrialization, modernization as well as improvement in the lifestyle of the society leads to the fast declining of non-renewable resources. Therefore, it is important to discover low cost, environmentally friendly and sustainable surrogates of petroleum fuels. In this regard, biodiesel production is one of the gorgeous solutions for the research community. Contrary to the benefits, the high cost of the biodiesel is the main disadvantage, greatly reliant on the feedstock. In this sense, wild olive oil was explored for the first time as a suitable and novel feedstock for biodiesel technology development. The fatty acid composition was identified by GC–MS analysis whereas various physiochemical properties were determined by ASTM and EN methods. Furthermore, this review paper conveys a detailed overview of biodiesel production technologies, various generation feedstocks and types of catalyst along with their plausible mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochemistry on Earth makes use of the key elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (or CHONPS). Chemically accessible molecules containing these key elements would presumably have been necessary for prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life on Earth. For example, feedstock molecules including fixed nitrogen (e.g., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), accessible forms of phosphorus (e.g., phosphate, phosphite, etc.), and sources of sulfur (e.g., sulfide, sulfite) may have been necessary for the origins of life, given the biochemistry seen in Earth life today. This review describes potential sources of nitrogen-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-containing molecules in the context of planetary environments. For the early Earth, such considerations may be able to aid in the understanding of our own origins. Additionally, as we learn more about potential environments on other planets (for example, with upcoming next-generation telescope observations or new missions to explore other bodies in our Solar System), evaluating potential sources for elements necessary for life (as we know it) can help constrain the potential habitability of these worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract L-valine is an essential amino acid that has wide and expanding applications with a suspected growing market demand. Its applicability ranges from animal feed additive, ingredient in cosmetic and special nutrients in pharmaceutical and agriculture fields. Currently, fermentation with the aid of model organisms, is a major method for the production of L-valine. However, achieving the optimal production has often been limited because of the metabolic imbalance in recombinant strains. In this review, the constrains in L-valine biosynthesis are discussed first. Then, we summarize the current advances in engineering of microbial cell factories that have been developed to address and overcome major challenges in the L-valine production process. Future prospects for enhancing the current L-valine production strategies are also discussed.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the most trending technologies nowadays, and it has the potential to become one of the most disruptive technologies for manufacturing. Academia and industry pay attention to AM because it enables a wide range of new possibilities for design freedom, complex parts production, components, mass personalization, and process improvement. The material extrusion (ME) AM technology for metallic materials is becoming relevant and equivalent to other AM techniques, like laser powder bed fusion. Although ME cannot overpass some limitations, compared with other AM technologies, it enables smaller overall costs and initial investment, more straightforward equipment parametrization, and production flexibility. This study aims to evaluate components produced by ME, or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), with different materials: Inconel 625, H13 SAE, and 17-4PH. The microstructure and mechanical characteristics of manufactured parts were evaluated, confirming the process effectiveness and revealing that this is an alternative for metal-based AM.

A novel strategy is proposed to design an exclusive nanostructured mullite spherical feedstock for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) via atmosphere plasma spraying (APS). The nanostructured mullite spherical feedstocks are successfully obtained by the procedure of spray drying, solid-phase sintering and flame spheroidization. The crystal grain size of nano-mullite increases with annealing temperature. When the temperature is as high as 1500 °C, the reaction of Al2O3 and SiO2 can be fully completed. The average size is 52 nm for the grain of mullite in feedstocks sintered at 1500 °C, which can be reduced from 52 nm to 48 nm by flame spheroidization treatment as well. Meanwhile, the nanostructured spherical feedstocks show high density and good flowability, which is suitable for APS. The mullite coatings is successfully prepared on a SiC substrate by APS, in which both the nanoscale crystals and nanostructures are perfectly kept as designed. Furthermore, there is no crack appeared in the nanostructured mullite coatings. Thus, the nanostructured mullite feedstock is one of promising candidates for the high performance EBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro hot embossing is a well-established technology to produce polymer microdevices and parts. This technology on metal powder/binder feedstocks is an innovator challenge that fits into the sustainable circular economy, being excellent for small series production of precision metallic parts. The powder hot embossing technology is integrated into processes denominated SDS (shaping, debinding, and sintering). This study presents the feasibility of replicating the die features into metallic parts by comparing two binders (Lc and M1). A new binder involves optimising critical parameters during hot embossing to ensure the replication of microdetails and the quality of metallic parts. Comparing the two binders, Lc contributes to the best precision of geometric details, and M1 improves surface quality. The study shows that hot powder embossing is a promising process to manufacture metallic parts with high precision and high-quality geometrical features on a microscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model parameters must be exact in order to employ mechanistic models in chromatography. Cleared cell harvest is particularly difficult feedstock for mechanistic models to simulate. A lack of specimen complex and time to establish all of the desirable criteria is also a big hindrance in the way. Therefore, the research's purpose was to build a process that initiates with complicated feedstock including monoclonal antibodies and uses an automated liquid handling system. It was put to the test by comparing separate data sets with estimates produced by the mechanical typical employing all parameters determined in this work. The method was backed up by a near-perfect match between predicted and actual results. The 200 L bed volume of Robo Columns may therefore be effectively used to regulate isotherm parameters for bigger scale column predictions. Mechanistic chromatographic modelling of complex biological feedstocks can benefit greatly from this approach since it provides a new way of finding crucial model input parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancing our predictive understanding of bioenergy systems is critical to design decision tools that can inform which feedstock to plant, where to plant it, and how to manage its production to provide both energy and ecosystem carbon (C) benefits. Here, we lay the foundation for that advancement by integrating recent developments in the science of belowground processes in shaping the C cycle into a new bioenergy model, FUN‐BioCROP (Fixation and Uptake of Nitrogen‐Bioenergy Carbon, Rhizosphere, Organisms, and Protection). We show that FUN‐BioCROP can approximate the historical trajectory of soil C dynamics as natural ecosystems were successively converted into intensive agriculture and bioenergy systems. This ability relies in part on a novel tillage representation that mechanistically models tillage as a process that increases microbial access to C. Importantly, the impacts of tillage and feedstock choice also influence FUN‐BioCROP simulations of warming responses with no‐till perennial feedstocks, miscanthus, and switchgrass, having more C that is unprotected and susceptible to warming than tilled annual feedstocks like corn–corn–soybean. However, this susceptibility to warming is balanced by a greater potential for increases in belowground C allocation to enhance soil C stocks in perennial systems. Collectively, our model results highlight the importance of belowground processes in evaluating the ecosystem C benefits of bioenergy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biorefinery purchasing feedstock (perennial grass) must offer contracts that provide the same opportunity to earn a profit for a feedstock contractor located 50 or 5 km from the biorefinery. The business plan presented here specifies that the biomass is purchased in satellite storage locations (SSLs), and the load-out and hauling costs are paid by the biorefinery. Contracts can be offered for harvest in September, October, and November, a three-month harvest window, or the harvest window can be extended to December, January, and February, a six-month harvest window. Required total storage capacity is 75% of annual consumption for the three-month window and 50% for the six-month window, a significant difference in total storage capacity (cost). The storage cost difference paid by the biorefinery is 5.27 and 3.52 USD/Mg for the three-month and six-month, respectively. Several issues must be addressed in the feedstock contracts: (1) earlier harvest, before plant senescence, means less nutrients are translocated back into the soil and more are removed at harvest; (2) harvest losses are higher for all harvests after the September harvest; and (3) storage losses increase with storage time in the SSL. Time of removal from the SSL is dictated by the biorefinery; thus, the feedstock contractor must be compensated. The contracts paid by the biorefinery, averaged across the entire annual consumption, were about the same for the three-month window, and six-month window. This result was obtained because fertilizer cost decreases and harvest losses increase as the harvest date increases; thus, the two factors tend to offset. Using a 77 USD/Mg base cost, representative feedstock payment at the SSL (no storage losses included) for contractors with various month contracts are September (84.30), October (85.54), November (86.72), December 88.63), January (89.98), and February (90.58). Subsequent compensation for storage losses depends on the amount of time the particular unit of biomass is in storage before shipment.

Biodiesel is a sustainable alternative to petroleum diesel. The main bottlenecks in the commercialization of biodiesel are production costs and suitable industrial techniques to process feedstocks. This can be solved by one-pot extraction-transesterification of cheap, low-quality feedstocks. Here we review one-pot extraction-transesterification using agricultural seed crops, oleaginous microbial biomass and biological refuse, with focus on catalysis. Catalysts such as acetyl chloride, sodium hydroxide, sulphonated rice husk and calcium oxide have shown to be efficient with conversion in the range of 95–100%. We present intensification techniques such as microwave irradiation, ultrasonication, coupled microwave and ultrasound, thermally assisted and solvothermal processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For biogas production, different renewable feedstocks, e.g., feces, manure, silage, industrial by-products, and municipal waste, can be used. Biogas production from various renewable feedstocks has positive socioeconomic and environmental impact. In Europe, biogas is mainly used for generating heat and electricity. It consists of methane (55–70% by volume), carbon dioxide (30–45% by volume), and small amounts of other compounds. In some cases, biogas is upgraded to pure biomethane and utilized as vehicle fuel, instead of fossil fuels, thus reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Biomethane can also serve as a platform chemical in chemical and biochemical synthesis to produce value-added products. The additional positive effects of anaerobic digestion of animal manure and slurries are organic waste degradation, reducing odors, and pathogens. Digestate, obtained as a by-product of anaerobic digestion, is rich in nutrients and therefore is applied as fertilizer in agriculture. Biogas production in Croatia is mainly based on manure and by-products from agriculture, food industry, and slaughterhouses. The obtained biogas is mostly used for electricity and heat generation. Potential for large-scale biogas production in Croatia is still insufficiently used, although various renewable feedstocks are available. More rational and focused management of lignocellulosic residues, animal excrements, food processing by-products, and biodegradable fraction of municipal waste could contribute to the development of Croatian biogas sector. Biogas production in Croatia can be affected by the changes of animal breeding capacity due to the struggle to cope with the European Union (EU) standards and prices. Concerning large unused agricultural areas, great potential lies in their rational exploitation for fast-growing biomass, e.g., for energy crops or perennial grasses. This review will discuss the potential of biogas in the industrial and farming sector, current state of biogas production, and various key drivers and barriers influencing biogas production in Croatia.

Biomass is among the common resources in developing countries that could alleviate fuel, energy, and environmental problems. This is due to the abundance of biomass as feedstock for energy production in this region. Though, there are some challenges and limitations to their practical use. This includes low energy densities, high volatile content, low calorific value, etc. Herein, some research works on generation of sustainable energy from agro‐residues through thermal pretreatment (TP) for developing nations are reviewed. The review is carried out using articles available on the ScienceDirect database. TP is normally carried out between the temperature range of 200 and 1300 °C – torrefaction (200–300 °C), carbonization (450–550 °C), pyrolysis (350–700 °C), and gasification (800–1300 °C). The heating rate significantly influences the TP output. The Char yield and calorific value increase with torrefaction temperature (TT), whereas the volatile yield decreases. TT does not have a significant effect on char composition. The effect of temperature on char production is more significant compared with residence time (RT). Some developmental possibilities exist in biomass utilization, especially for developing countries via TP: generation of employment, provision of a cleaner environment, economic diversification, and reduction of the poverty level, among other potential opportunities.

Uranium (U) and fluoride (F−) are the major global geogenic contaminants in aquifers and pose serious health issues. Biochar, a potential adsorbent, has been widely applied to remediate geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants. However, there is a lack of research progress in understanding the role of different feedstock types, modifications, adsorption mechanisms on physico-chemical properties of biochar, and factors affecting the adsorption of U and F− from aqueous solution. To fill this lacuna, the present review gives insight into the U and F− removal from aqueous solution utilizing biochar from various feedstocks. Feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, modifications, solution pH, surface area, and surface-charge-influenced biochar adsorption capacities have been discussed in detail. Major feedstock types that facilitated U and F− adsorption were crop residues/agricultural waste, softwood, grasses, and animal manure. Low-to-medium pyrolyzing temperature yielded better biochar properties for U and F− adsorption. Effective modification techniques were mainly acidic and magnetic for U adsorption, while metal oxides, hydroxides, alkali, and magnetic modification were favourable for F− adsorption. The major mechanisms of U adsorption were an electrostatic attraction and surface complexation, while for F− adsorption, the major mechanisms were ion exchange and electrostatic attraction. Lastly, the limitations and challenges of using biochar have also been discussed.

Biodiesel can be produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, frying oils, and from microorganism-synthesized oils. These sources render biodiesel an easily biodegradable fuel. The aim of this work was to perform an advanced bibliometric analysis of primary studies relating to biodiesel production worldwide by identifying the key countries and regions that have shown a strong engagement in this area, and by understanding the dynamics of their collaboration and research outputs. Additionally, an assessment of the main primary feedstocks employed in this research was carried out, along with an analysis of the current and future trends that are expected to define new paths and methodologies to be used in the manufacture of biodegradable and renewable fuels. A total of 4586 academic outputs were selected, including peer-reviewed research articles, conference papers, and literature reviews related to biodiesel production, in the time period spanning from 2010 to 2021. Articles that focused on feedstocks for the production of biodiesel were also included, with a search that returned 330 papers. Lastly, 60 articles relating to biodiesel production via sewage were specifically included to allow for an analysis of this source as a promising feedstock in the future of the biofuel market. Via the geocoding and the document analyses performed, we concluded that China, Malaysia, and India are the largest writers of articles in this area, revealing a great interest in biofuels in Asia. Additionally, it was noted that environmental concerns have caused authors to conduct research on feedstocks that can address the sustainability challenges in the production of biodiesel.

L-valine is an essential amino acid that has wide and expanding applications with a suspected growing market demand. Its applicability ranges from animal feed additive, ingredient in cosmetic and special nutrients in pharmaceutical and agriculture fields. Currently, fermentation with the aid of model organisms, is a major method for the production of L-valine. However, achieving the optimal production has often been limited because of the metabolic imbalance in recombinant strains. In this review, the constrains in L-valine biosynthesis are discussed first. Then, we summarize the current advances in engineering of microbial cell factories that have been developed to address and overcome major challenges in the L-valine production process. Future prospects for enhancing the current L-valine production strategies are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biochars in soils has been generating excitement within the scientific community due to its benefits in both agronomic and environmental areas. The current challenge is to select suitable raw materials and preparation procedures to obtain biochars with appropriate properties for specific purposes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the properties of biochars derived from twenty different types of organic waste and correlate these properties with their potential agronomic and/or environmental use. Twenty types of raw materials available in the Brazilian Amazon were placed in closed porcelain crucibles and subjected to pyrolysis in a muffle furnace set at 350 °C for 2 h. Chemical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic analyses were conducted on the produced biochars. As a result, biochars derived from poultry litter, annatto seed, passion fruit peel, and coffee husk are suitable for improving the fertility of nutrient-deficient soils thanks to their high ash and nutrient contents, elevated pH, and low C/N ratios. Biochars derived from sugarcane bagasse and wood residues were characterized by their high carbon content and aromaticity, making them difficult to mineralize in soil. Consequently, these biochars show promise for environmental use, with the potential to sequester C and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. [Display omitted] • Biochar properties can identify the research needs and direct future trials. • Biochars produced in the Amazon can improve the fertility of nutrient-deficient soils. • Biochars derived from nutrient-rich biomass can enhance soil fertility. • Biomasses with a high C/N ratio generate biochars capable of sequestering carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Scope (i) Why do we feel that the issue is important and timely? Research in renewable biopolymers as substitutes for full-carbon-backbone plastics from fossil resources presents a topical R&D field worldwide. This is due to the ongoing depletion of fossil resources, the growing piles of plastic waste and plastic pollution of marine environments, and the need to convert waste streams of different industrial origin in a value-added way. PHA have the potential to replace established petro-plastics both in bulk applications as packaging material and in niche applications, such as the medical, electronical, etc. field. Moreover, the close relation of PHA production and application to the food sector becomes more and more evident. Not only does food production provide numerous (ago) industrial by-products which can, on the one hand, be applied to boost growth kinetics of PHA-accumulation strains, as evidenced in the case of nitrogenaceous whey retentate, silage residues, or shrimps waste, and, on the other hand, act as feedstocks for PHA-biosynthesis under nutritionally unbalanced growth conditions, as demonstrated for carbonaceous surplus materials like whey permeate, lignocellulosics, glycerol, waste lipids, etc. Moreover, PHA are currently investigated as future materials contributing to safe and smart food storage and packaging, as shown by PHA´s beneficial gas barrier properties. Grace to the high compatibility of PHA with numerous organic and inorganic additives, a range of promising PHA-based blend of composite materials are accessible to design novel food packaging materials. This encompasses the application of lignocellulosic filler materials from rice, sugar, or wood production, and even the development of more sophisticated formulations resorting to the incorporation of functional nanoparticles into PHA matrixes. (ii) What communities are expected to participate in the Special Issue? Scientific community; Scholars of higher level; Industrialists (iii) How are the background and expertise of the authors relevant to the proposed Special Issue? List of topics for the Special Issue.

Biochemistry on Earth makes use of the key elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (or CHONPS). Chemically accessible molecules containing these key elements would presumably have been necessary for prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life on Earth. For example, feedstock molecules including fixed nitrogen (e.g., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), accessible forms of phosphorus (e.g., phosphate, phosphite, etc.), and sources of sulfur (e.g., sulfide, sulfite) may have been necessary for the origins of life, given the biochemistry seen in Earth life today. This review describes potential sources of nitrogen-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-containing molecules in the context of planetary environments. For the early Earth, such considerations may be able to aid in the understanding of our own origins. Additionally, as we learn more about potential environments on other planets (for example, with upcoming next-generation telescope observations or new missions to explore other bodies in our Solar System), evaluating potential sources for elements necessary for life (as we know it) can help constrain the potential habitability of these worlds.

The physicochemical properties of biochars derived from rice straw, eucalyptus leaves, and vetiver grass pyrolyzed at 400 °C were investigated. It was found that rice straw biochar (RSB) may possess more acidic functional groups than eucalyptus leaves biochar (ELB) and vetiver grass biochar (VGB) while the specific surface area of VGB was the largest. Cd2+ adsorption characteristics by the three biochars were established under the effects of time, initial pH and concentration of solution. Maximum adsorption capacities of RSB, ELB, and VGB calculated by Langmuir model were 57.87 mg/g, 50.21 mg/g, and 44.09 mg/g, respectively, reflecting adsorption mechanisms may be dominated by chemical reaction than physical interaction. SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR and XPS were employed before and after adsorption to qualitatively explore possible adsorption mechanisms of the three biochar. It was found that precipitation, ion exchange, complexation and cation π interaction occurred in all the biochars. The relative contribution of the four main mechanisms to total adsorption capacity was quantitatively determined, suggesting precipitation, ion exchange, and cation π interaction were dominated for the three biochar, while complexation accounted for an insignificant part. This study clearly demonstrated mineral constituents of biochar had significant effects on Cd2+ adsorption by plant-based biochars, shedding some light on their future application.

A novel strategy is proposed to design an exclusive nanostructured mullite spherical feedstock for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) via atmosphere plasma spraying (APS). The nanostructured mullite spherical feedstocks are successfully obtained by the procedure of spray drying, solid-phase sintering and flame spheroidization. The crystal grain size of nano-mullite increases with annealing temperature. When the temperature is as high as 1500 °C, the reaction of Al2O3 and SiO2 can be fully completed. The average size is 52 nm for the grain of mullite in feedstocks sintered at 1500 °C, which can be reduced from 52 nm to 48 nm by flame spheroidization treatment as well. Meanwhile, the nanostructured spherical feedstocks show high density and good flowability, which is suitable for APS. The mullite coatings is successfully prepared on a SiC substrate by APS, in which both the nanoscale crystals and nanostructures are perfectly kept as designed. Furthermore, there is no crack appeared in the nanostructured mullite coatings. Thus, the nanostructured mullite feedstock is one of promising candidates for the high performance EBCs.

Biochar has been widely applied for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil. However, the effect of biochar on the transport of petroleum degradation bacteria has not been studied. A typical Gram-positive petroleum degradation bacteria- Corynebacterium variabile HRJ4 was used to study the effect of different biochars on bacterial transport and retention. Results indicated that the addition of biochar in sand was effective for reducing the transport of bacteria and poplar sawdust biochar (PSBC) had a stronger hinder effect than corn straw biochar (CSBC). The hindrance was more evident with pyrolysis temperature of biochar raised from 300°C to 600°C, which was attributed to the increase of specific surface area (309 times). The hindrance effect also enhanced with higher application rate of biochar. Furthermore, the reduction of HRJ4 transport was more obvious in higher (25 mmol/L) concentration of NaCl solution owing to electrostatic attraction enhancement. The adsorption of biochar to HRJ4 was defined to contribute to the hindrance of HRJ4 transport mainly. Combining the influence of feedstocks and pyrolysis temperature on HRJ4 transport, it suggested that specific surface area had the greatest effect on HRJ4 transport, and pore-filling, electrostatic force also contributed to HRJ4 retained in quartz sand column. At last, phenol transportation experiment indicated that the restriction of biochar on HRJ4 enhanced the phenol removal rate in the column. This study provides a theoretical basis for the interaction of biochar and bacteria, which is vital for the remediation of oil-contaminated soil and groundwater in the field. Graphical Abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a simple and robust procedure for the Rh(III)-catalyzed [4+2] cycloaddition of feedstock gases enabled through C–H activation. A diverse set of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolones and 3-methylisoquinolones have been prepared in good to excellent yields. The effects of using ethylene and propyne as coupling partners on C–H site selectivity have also been explored with a representative set of substrates and are discussed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Review highlights the principal crops of Brazil and how their harvest waste can be used in the chemicals and materials industries. The Review covers various plants; with grains, fruits, trees and nuts all being discussed. Native and adopted plants are included and studies on using these plants as a source of chemicals and materials for industrial applications, polymer synthesis, medicinal use and in chemical research are discussed. The main aim of the Review is to highlight the principal Brazilian agricultural resources; such as sugarcane, oranges and soybean, as well as secondary resources, such as andiroba brazil nut, buriti and others, which should be explored further for scientific and technological applications. Furthermore, vegetable oils, carbohydrates (starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignocellulose and pectin), flavones and essential oils are described as well as their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is a long-chain fatty acid ester made from renewed and biological raw materials such as used cooking, animal fat, vegetable oil, and algae. Biodiesel is a renewable and clean fuel as it reduces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter emissions compared with petroleum-based diesel fuel. Production of biodiesel from renewable resources is done through the transesterification reaction at which the organic group (alkyl) of alcohol is substituted with the organic group of a triglyceride- the main component of the feedstock -producing fatty acid alkyl ester (biodiesel) and crude glycerol. Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or may be blended with petroleum diesel at any concentration if its specifications is identical to the international standard specifications provided by American standard for testing materials (ASTM) or EN14214 in the European Union for alternative fuels. In this paper, the different types of biodiesel feedstocks, feedstocks treatment methods, and biodiesel production technologies are reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria have been proposed as a potential alternative carbohydrate feedstock and multiple species have been successfully engineered to secrete fermentable sugars. To date, the most productive cyanobacterial strains are those designed to secrete sucrose, yet there exist considerable differences in reported productivities across different model species and laboratories. In this study, we investigate how cultivation conditions (specifically, irradiance, CO 2 , and cultivator type) affect the productivity of sucrose-secreting Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. We find that S. elongatus produces the highest sucrose yield in irradiances far greater than what is often experimentally utilized, and that high light intensities are tolerated by S. elongatus , especially under higher density cultivation where turbidity may attenuate the effective light experienced in the culture. By increasing light and inorganic carbon availability, S. elongatus cscB / sps produced a total of 3.8 g L -1 of sucrose and the highest productivity within that period being 47.8 mg L -1 h -1 . This study provides quantitative description of the impact of culture conditions on cyanobacteria-derived sucrose that may assist to standardize cross-laboratory comparisons and demonstrates a significant capacity to improve productivity via optimizing cultivation conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yun, Zegarac and Ducat.)

A biorefinery purchasing feedstock (perennial grass) must offer contracts that provide the same opportunity to earn a profit for a feedstock contractor located 50 or 5 km from the biorefinery. The business plan presented here specifies that the biomass is purchased in satellite storage locations (SSLs), and the load-out and hauling costs are paid by the biorefinery. Contracts can be offered for harvest in September, October, and November, a three-month harvest window, or the harvest window can be extended to December, January, and February, a six-month harvest window. Required total storage capacity is 75% of annual consumption for the three-month window and 50% for the six-month window, a significant difference in total storage capacity (cost). The storage cost difference paid by the biorefinery is 5.27 and 3.52 USD/Mg for the three-month and six-month, respectively. Several issues must be addressed in the feedstock contracts: (1) earlier harvest, before plant senescence, means less nutrients are translocated back into the soil and more are removed at harvest; (2) harvest losses are higher for all harvests after the September harvest; and (3) storage losses increase with storage time in the SSL. Time of removal from the SSL is dictated by the biorefinery; thus, the feedstock contractor must be compensated. The contracts paid by the biorefinery, averaged across the entire annual consumption, were about the same for the three-month window, and six-month window. This result was obtained because fertilizer cost decreases and harvest losses increase as the harvest date increases; thus, the two factors tend to offset. Using a 77 USD/Mg base cost, representative feedstock payment at the SSL (no storage losses included) for contractors with various month contracts are September (84.30), October (85.54), November (86.72), December 88.63), January (89.98), and February (90.58). Subsequent compensation for storage losses depends on the amount of time the particular unit of biomass is in storage before shipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is clean and has much higher energy density than most other conventional fuels in terms of power to mass. Hydrogen can be produced from various biomass, either by biological or thermochemical methods. The present study examines various key aspects like substrate selection, pretreatment processes, influencing parameters on biohydrogen production as well as purification processes, it helps to understand various bottlenecks, challenges and constraints. The efforts that required for the industrial production of hydrogen from biomass and similarly provide a perspective on eventual development in the applied area for the sustainable hydrogen economy.

Mesta crop biomass is one of the unexplored lignocellulosic feedstocks for second-generation bioethanol production. The compositional analysis of two mesta species, namely Hibiscus sabdariffa and H. cannabinus were carried out which revealed that the mesta contains 41.89–46.50% cellulose that can be saccharified to release fermentative sugar. Among different physical and physico-chemical pretreatment methods employed, cold alkali (2%) treatment showed maximum cellulose enrichment (38.71%) and significant lignin removal (27.27% of total). Optimization of saccharification process for pretreated mesta biomass was carried out using Box–Behnken design. Based on the observations, use of 4.02% substrate loading, 15.02 FPU/mL of cellulase from psychrotolerant Aspergillus niger SH3, and 5.01 IU/gds of β-glucosidase from Pseudomonas lutea BG8, led to 533.25 mg/gds sugar release from the pretreated biomass. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation was carried out using efficient thermotolerant yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae LN that resulted in 4.1 g/L ethanol production. It can be concluded that mesta crop can be a good source for the production of second-generation biofuel and the ethanol yield can be further improved by use of accessory enzymes and co-fermenting yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a review of the scientific literature published in 2019 on topics relating to bioenergy from biofuel residues and waste. This literature review is divided into the following sections: Feedstocks, Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Hydrogen, Biohydrogen, Biofuel Residues, Microalgae, and Lignocelluloses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy is expected to play a critical role in climate change mitigation. Most integrated assessment models assume an expansion of agricultural land for cultivation of energy crops. This study examines the suitability of land for growing a range of energy crops on areas that are not required for food production, accounting for climate change impacts and conservation requirements. A global fuzzy logic model is employed to ascertain the suitable cropping areas for a number of sugar, starch and oil crops, energy grasses and short rotation tree species that could be grown specifically for energy. Two climate change scenarios are modelled (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), along with two scenarios representing the land which cannot be used for energy crops due to forest and biodiversity conservation, food agriculture and urban areas. Results indicate that 40% of the global area currently suitable for energy crops overlaps with food land and 31% overlaps with forested or protected areas, highlighting hotspots of potential land competition risks. Approximately 18.8 million km2 is suitable for energy crops, to some degree, and does not overlap with protected, forested, urban or food agricultural land. Under the climate change scenario RCP8.5, this increases to 19.6 million km2 by the end of the century. Broadly, climate change is projected to decrease suitable areas in southern regions and increase them in northern regions, most notably for grass crops in Russia and China, indicating that potential production areas will shift northwards which could potentially affect domestic use and trade of biomass significantly. The majority of the land which becomes suitable is in current grasslands and is just marginally or moderately suitable. This study therefore highlights the vital importance of further studies examining the carbon and ecosystem balance of this potential land-use change, energy crop yields in sub-optimal soil and climatic conditions and potential impacts on livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milletia pinnata, popularly known as Karanja, is a perennial tropical tree indigenous to India, South-Eastern Asia, and Australia. This highly favored oilseed plant is used in agroforestry as well as for restoration of wastelands due to its moderate tolerance to drought and salinity. Karanja tree, though widely investigated as biofuel feedstock producer, possess wider commercializing values that can be exploited in agricultural and industrial sectors. The oil, leaves, and bark of the Karanja tree have remarkable medicinal properties. In contrast, oil cakes have broad pesticidal applications due to the presence of various bioactive constituents (e.g., karanjin and pongamol). Due to richness in proteins and fatty acids, oil cakes have also been utilized as feedstock for industrially relevant enzyme production and animal feed. In this paper, we have presented the recent and updated review of varied applications of Karanja biomass classified into medicinal, industrial, and agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]