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Biochar (BC) applications in soil has positive effects on plant performance, particularly for loose soil in agricultural context. However, how biochar types affect plant performance of non-crop species and soil–plant carbon relationships is not clear. We selected five different BC types and three plant species to investigate the responses of plant performance and the soil–plant carbon relationship to BC effects. The result demonstrated that peanut shell BC led to the death of both R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, due to a reduction in nutrient uptake caused by higher soil electricity conductivity (2001.7 and 976.3 µS cm−1). However, the carbon content of S. arboricola increased by 57% in peanut shell BC-amended soil, suggesting that S. arboricola has a higher tolerance for soil salinity. Wood BC-amended soil led to better stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf area index (LAI) of both R. tomentosa and C. edithiae due to the higher water retention in the soil (22.68% and 20.79%). This illustrated that a higher amount of water retention brought by wood BC with a great amount of pore volume might be the limited factor for plant growth. The relationship between gs and LAI suggested that gs would not increase when LAI reached beyond 3. Moreover, wood and peanut shell BC caused a negative relationship between soil organic carbon and plant carbon content, suggesting that plants consume more carbon from the soil to store it in the plant. Overall, wood BC is recommended for plant growth of R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, and peanut shell BC is suggested for S. arboricola carbon storage. Highlights: Peanut shell biochar enhanced soil salinity which causes the death of R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, while wood biochar is suitable for these plant species. Wood and peanut shell biochar caused a negative relationship between soil organic carbon and plant carbon content. The stomatal conductance will not increase when the leaf area reaches the limiting value 3. An empirical function is developed to correlate plant carbon content and leaf area index under different biochar applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biochar (BC) applications in soil has positive effects on plant performance, particularly for loose soil in agricultural context. However, how biochar types affect plant performance of non-crop species and soil–plant carbon relationships is not clear. We selected five different BC types and three plant species to investigate the responses of plant performance and the soil–plant carbon relationship to BC effects. The result demonstrated that peanut shell BC led to the death of both R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, due to a reduction in nutrient uptake caused by higher soil electricity conductivity (2001.7 and 976.3 µS cm−1). However, the carbon content of S. arboricola increased by 57% in peanut shell BC-amended soil, suggesting that S. arboricola has a higher tolerance for soil salinity. Wood BC-amended soil led to better stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf area index (LAI) of both R. tomentosa and C. edithiae due to the higher water retention in the soil (22.68% and 20.79%). This illustrated that a higher amount of water retention brought by wood BC with a great amount of pore volume might be the limited factor for plant growth. The relationship between gs and LAI suggested that gs would not increase when LAI reached beyond 3. Moreover, wood and peanut shell BC caused a negative relationship between soil organic carbon and plant carbon content, suggesting that plants consume more carbon from the soil to store it in the plant. Overall, wood BC is recommended for plant growth of R. tomentosa and C. edithiae, and peanut shell BC is suggested for S. arboricola carbon storage. Graphical Abstract

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, CO2, 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid sweetgum has potential as a dual-purpose plantation in the southern United States due to its rapid growth and suitability for planting on a wide range of sites. To understand its social acceptability, a survey instrument was administered among 3,000 private landowners in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The survey results showed that a considerable percentage of landowners (41 %) were uncertain and would probably benefit from more information available to them on the topic. A multinomial logit analysis found that landowners who had timber management objectives were more interested in growing hybrid sweetgum if it was profitable and practically feasible. Similarly, female landowners and those having higher education were found to be more interested in growing hybrid sweetgum. Study findings suggest a need for outreach on economic feasibility, management, start-up costs, and tax implications concerning hybrid sweetgum plantations.

Compost quality varies greatly depending on the feedstocks used and the composting process. Thus, improving the quality of compost is highly important for producing a high-quality agricultural product. Accordingly, the effect of leaching and addition of wheat straw (WS) and wood shaving (WSH) as bulking agents (BAs) on the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was evaluated through assessing their effects on composting process and final product quality. Two pilot-scale experiments were prepared, each consisting of 3 piles of 1.2 m3. The first experiment (A) has three plies: A1 = (100% OFMSW), A2 = (88.5% OFMSW + 11.5% WS) and A3 = (90.1% OFMSW + 9.9% WSH). The second one (B), where OFMSW was subjected to leaching, has also three piles: B1 = (100% OFMSW), B2 = (96.2% OFMSW + 3.8% WS) and B3 = (97.1% OFMSW + 2.9% WSH). The results showed that the addition of BAs and leaching treatments accelerated the starting step, raised the temperature and decomposing process, and reduced the duration of the thermophilic phase. The addition of BAs, primarily WS, increased compost stability and maturity in terms of greater total organic carbon (TOC) 22.8–25.5%, total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) 1.73–2.37%, germination index (GI) 84.6–107.2%, and reduced C/N 10.8–14 ratio and CO2 evolution rate 2.67–3.69 mg CO2 - C/g OM/d. The use of the leaching process and BAa decreased EC values and heavy metal content in the final products. The implementation of these experimental approaches can be used successfully to reduce the undesired high salt and heavy metal content in the final composts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa, specifically Nigeria, has witnessed a dramatic increase in population over the last century, prompting efforts to ensure sustainable food production and quality. Concerns for soil sustainability and food security have led to the exploration of cost-effective methods, such as biochar, to enhance soil quality. Researchers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole have investigated biochar's potential to improve soil fertility and crop performance across various agroecological zones. This paper aims to review recent biochar research priorities on soil fertility and crop performance with an emphasis on various sole biochar applications and combinations with fertilizers to determine the research gaps that need to be developed more in biochar research in Nigeria. From the papers reviewed, sole biochar applications and biochar + macronutrients and biochar + manure combinations were studied more dominantly, while biochar + micronutrients research projects were scanty despite their low content in the semi-arid soils of Nigeria. The studies were spread across the country with the majority taking place in derived savanna and humid forest, while Sudan savanna and Sahel savanna received less research attention despite being characterized by a low-fertile soil and vast area of land. Research involving BC in the context of Sahel savanna (SLS) and Sudan savanna (SS) soils is strongly encouraged in Nigeria. This research should encompass a wide range of investigations, including sole BC applications and combinations of BC with macronutrients, micronutrients, and manure, as well as exploring its potential as a slow-release fertilizer. Incorporating exclusive biochar in substantial amounts appears economically unfeasible within the context of local biochar production. However, it can be utilized in the synthesis of slow-release fertilizers, requiring smaller quantities and potentially offering cost-effectiveness. This approach enhances soil condition and crop productivity. Challenges are faced due to less commercial production as a result of inadequate power and structural facilities. Exploring the modification of local biochar for slow-release fertilizers through future research offers potential profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen synthesis from waste materials needs to be cost effective and environment friendly. Thermal and steam reforming processes need gas conditioning and also release carbon dioxide. Biological pathways for hydrogen synthesis are gaining importance due to their mild operating conditions (temperature and pressure). Methods namely dark and photo fermentations photocatalysis, and electrolysis (microbial) are employed for biohydrogen synthesis. Various low cost materials like kitchen waste, activated waste sludge, municipal waste, and waste from various industries can be used as feedstocks. Investigations for biohydrogen are aimed at optimizing operating conditions, microorganism selection, mode of operation, and pre-treatment of raw material. Microalgae contain chlorophyll and have high efficiency for photosynthetic activity. They are capable of synthesizing and accumulating large quantities of biomass. They are used for hydrogen synthesis through photofermentation. Also, they are used as a feedstock for synthesis of biofuel and biogas. Microalgal biomass as feedstock for biohydrogen synthesis has advantages such as high growth rate, excellent carbon dioxide capacity, less water requirement, high carbohydrate contain, and easy cultivation. Disadvantages include low biomass concentration, high water content, and high capital cost. Recent investigations indicate that enzyme stability and hydrolytic efficiency can be increased by using genetic engineering, electric biohydrogenation, and nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the current status and distribution of the feedstock of biogas engineering in China, evaluates the temperature conditions for anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD), and assesses the biogas production potential of feedstock in AcoD, including six feedstocks, namely, maize straw (M), wheat straw (W), rice straw (R), pig manure (P), cow manure (C), and sheep manure (S). The total amount of M, W, and R was 3.89 × 108, 2.10 × 108, and 1.50 × 108 tons, respectively, and that of P, C, and S was 8.46 × 108, 1.31 × 109, and 4.95 × 108 tons, respectively. However, the spatial distributions and amount of those resources were found to be uneven in China. Heilongjiang has abundant maize straw, and Henan has abundant wheat resources. Sichuan is rich in cow manure, while Inner Mongolia is rich in sheep manure. The analysis of total biogas production (TBP) by mono-digestion and co-digestion (using two feedstocks at ratio of 1:9, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3 and 9:1) showed that co-digestion outperforms mono-digestion under 15 and 25 °C. Thus, it is necessary to study anaerobic co-digestion scheme (AcoDS), which will provide a reference for biogas engineering in different regions to promote the biogas yield based on their actual situation.

Biodiesel, a type of biofuel is a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels. It has a flash point of 100 to 170 ℃ and an energy content of 33 MJ/L and can help to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This review looked at the properties and benefits of biodiesel and the current situation of Nigeria's biodiesel industry. It examined the various feedstocks, including first-, second-, third- and fourth-generation options, and assesses their availability, viability and cost. The assessment analyzed the industry's challenges as well as the policies and incentives for biodiesel production, and use in Nigeria. Taking into account the cost of production, distribution and use, as well as prospective government subsidies and tax credits, the economic viability of biodiesel was also evaluated. Generally, the biodiesel industry in Nigeria has the potential for growth with the right assistance from the government and private sector.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) unlocked a new way of producing advanced structures that are stronger and use less material, enabling new possibilities due to design freedom, easiness of manufacturing complex parts, and mass personalization. One of the most common AM processes is Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), which is mainly used to manufacture polymer parts. However, FFF can also produce metallic components, which is not as simple and direct since it requires debinding and sintering processes. This study was conducted to develop the knowledge of FFF using metal and aims to evaluate the characteristics of D2 tool steel. The mechanical and microstructural properties were evaluated, and the results were compared with the supplier's datasheets.

The influence of various electrodes used in the synthesis of biodiesel from palm oil and waste cooking oil via electrolysis processes was studied. The results revealed that electro-catalysts introduced to the transesterification of palm oil and waste cooking oil had significantly enhanced their biodiesel yields. The use of graphite electrode in the transesterification of waste cooking oil via electrolysis could generate the yield of biodiesel was about 87 % while the production of biodiesel from palm oil using platinum electrode could have biodiesel yield about 90 %. The use of electro-catalysts to the transesterification of waste cooking oil and/or palm oil may produce biodiesel with low acid number (0.2–0.4 mg KOH/g), which was lower than that of the ASTM standard. The utilization of electro-catalysts to the transesterification of waste cooking oil and palm oil could lower the ash content of the produced biodiesel (0.0015–0.002 %), which was lower than that of the standard of biodiesel established by ASTM (0.01 %). The process of transesterification of palm oil and waste cooking oil via electrolysis could also generate biodiesel with low viscosity (

More than 80% of the energy from fossil fuels is utilized in homes and industries. Increased use of fossil fuels not only depletes them but also contributes to global warming. By 2050, the usage of fossil fuels will be approximately lower than 80% than it is today. There is no yearly variation in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere due to soil and land plants. Therefore, an alternative source of energy is required to overcome these problems. Biohydrogen is considered to be a renewable source of energy, which is useful for electricity generation rather than relying on harmful fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources and technologies and has numerous applications including electricity generation, being a clean energy carrier, and as an alternative fuel. In this review, a detailed elaboration about different kinds of sources involved in biohydrogen production, various biohydrogen production routes, and their applications in electricity generation is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Feed molecular structures can affect its availability to gastrointestinal enzymes which impact its digestibility and absorption. The molecular spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is an advanced technique that measures the absorbance of chemical functional groups on the infrared region so that we can identify and quantify molecules and functional groups in a feed. The program aimed to reveal the association of intrinsic molecular structure with nutrient supply to animals from canola feedstocks and co-products from bio-oil processing. The objective of this study was to characterize special intrinsic carbohydrate and protein-related molecular structure spectral profiles of feedstock and co-products (meal and pellets) from bio-oil processing from two source origins: Canada (CA) and China (CH). Methods The samples of feedstock and co-products were obtained from five different companies in each country arranged by the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). The molecular structure spectral features were analyzed using advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy-ATR-FTIR. The spectral features that accessed included: i) protein-related spectral features (Amide I, Amide II, α-helix, β-sheet, and their spectral intensity ratios), ii) carbohydrate-related spectral features (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4, CEC, STC1, STC2, STC3, STC4, TC, and their spectral intensity ratios). Results The results showed that significant differences were observed on all vibrationally spectral features related to total carbohydrates, structural carbohydrates, and cellulosic compounds (p0.05) of co-products, where CH meals presented higher peaks of these structures than CA. Similarly, it was for the carbohydrate-related molecular structure of canola seeds where the difference between CA and CH occurred except for STC3 height, CEC and STC areas (p>0.05). The protein-related molecular structures were similar for the canola seeds from both countries. However, CH meals presented higher peaks of amide I, α-helix, and β-sheet heights, α-helix:β-sheet ratio, total amide and amide I areas (p

Hydrogen has a high and diversified amount of feedstocks, methods, and improvement processes for its production. In recent years, studies on hydrogen production have been growing and diversifying to a greater extent. Hydrogen production can be based on renewable feedstocks such as biomass or fossil fuels such as petroleum. An analysis of 10,655 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database (2010–2022) was performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Microsoft excel. The top three organizations that had the highest number of publications in the field of hydrogen production included the Chinese Academy Of Sciences, Ontario Tech University and Xi An Jiaotong University. The journal with the largest number of publications is the International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy. In addition to organizations and journals, the most promising authors and literature in this field of research were analyzed. Through cluster analysis, it was found that two constant search fields were Photocatalytic hydrogen production and Fermentative hydrogen production. Future studies should focus on process design, continuous photo-hydrogen production and looping steam. This bibliometric study focused on illustrating the overview of hydrogen production research, conducting a systematic survey of current research, which could be used by industry professionals and researchers interested in this area. [Display omitted] • Research on hydrogen production is assessed via the bibliometric method. • Presentation of the growing interest in research on hydrogen production. • Microsoft Excell, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace are employed to analyze 10,655 publications. • Comprehensive research guidelines are given for hydrogen researchers and producers. • Analysis of the most used and least used raw material for hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many biotechnology applications tend to be for low production volumes and relatively high-value products such as insulin and vaccines. More difficult to perfect at scale are bioprocesses for high-volume products with lower value, especially if the target product is a reduced chemical such as a solvent or a plastic. Historically, industrial microbiology succeeded under special circumstances when fossil feedstocks were either unavailable or expensive. Inevitably, as these circumstances relaxed, bioprocesses struggled to compete with petrochemistry. Why try to compete? Fossil resources will be phased out in the coming decades in the struggle with climate change. To reach net-zero carbon by 2050 will require all sectors to transition, not only energy and transportation. This may herald a new opportunity for industrial bioprocesses with much better tools. Some of the issues around biotechnology in the first issue of Trends in Biotechnology remain issues today despite huge advances in technology. The Weizmann process and single-cell protein thrived, died, but may be on their way back. The bioeconomy envisages the gradual replacement of oil and gas, but the price of oil is very often a determining factor in the success of any competing technology. Net-zero carbon aspirations should be a huge opportunity for biotechnologies. The automation possible in the biofoundry allied to automated chemical synthesis seems to hold the key. Many of the hardest-to-abate industrial sectors cannot be decarbonized, but they might be 'defossilized'. Governments need to invest in bio-based manufacturing to bring them more quickly to the marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Feed molecular structures can affect its availability to gastrointestinal enzymes which impact its digestibility and absorption. The molecular spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is an advanced technique that measures the absorbance of chemical functional groups on the infrared region so that we can identify and quantify molecules and functional groups in a feed. The program aimed to reveal the association of intrinsic molecular structure with nutrient supply to animals from canola feedstocks and co-products from bio-oil processing. The objective of this study was to characterize special intrinsic carbohydrate and protein-related molecular structure spectral profiles of feedstock and co-products (meal and pellets) from bio-oil processing from two source origins: Canada (CA) and China (CH). Methods: The samples of feedstock and co-products were obtained from five different companies in each country arranged by the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). The molecular structure spectral features were analyzed using advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy-ATR-FTIR. The spectral features that accessed included: i) protein-related spectral features (Amide I, Amide II, α-helix, β-sheet, and their spectral intensity ratios), ii) carbohydraterelated spectral features (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4, CEC, STC1, STC2, STC3, STC4, TC, and their spectral intensity ratios). Results: The results showed that significant differences were observed on all vibrationally spectral features related to total carbohydrates, structural carbohydrates, and cellulosic compounds (p<0.05), except spectral features of TC2 and STC1 (p>0.05) of co-products, where CH meals presented higher peaks of these structures than CA. Similarly, it was for the carbohydrate-related molecular structure of canola seeds where the difference between CA and CH occurred except for STC3 height, CEC and STC areas (p>0.05). The proteinrelated molecular structures were similar for the canola seeds from both countries. However, CH meals presented higher peaks of amide I, α-helix, and β-sheet heights, α-helix:β-sheet ratio, total amide and amide I areas (p<0.05). Conclusion: The principal component analysis was able to explain over 90% of the variabilities in the carbohydrate and protein structures although it was not able to separate the samples from the two countries, indicating feedstock and coproducts interrelationship between CH and CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa, specifically Nigeria, has witnessed a dramatic increase in population over the last century, prompting efforts to ensure sustainable food production and quality. Concerns for soil sustainability and food security have led to the exploration of cost-effective methods, such as biochar, to enhance soil quality. Researchers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole have investigated biochar’s potential to improve soil fertility and crop performance across various agroecological zones. This paper aims to review recent biochar research priorities on soil fertility and crop performance with an emphasis on various sole biochar applications and combinations with fertilizers to determine the research gaps that need to be developed more in biochar research in Nigeria. From the papers reviewed, sole biochar applications and biochar + macronutrients and biochar + manure combinations were studied more dominantly, while biochar + micronutrients research projects were scanty despite their low content in the semi-arid soils of Nigeria. The studies were spread across the country with the majority taking place in derived savanna and humid forest, while Sudan savanna and Sahel savanna received less research attention despite being characterized by a low-fertile soil and vast area of land. Research involving BC in the context of Sahel savanna (SLS) and Sudan savanna (SS) soils is strongly encouraged in Nigeria. This research should encompass a wide range of investigations, including sole BC applications and combinations of BC with macronutrients, micronutrients, and manure, as well as exploring its potential as a slow-release fertilizer. Incorporating exclusive biochar in substantial amounts appears economically unfeasible within the context of local biochar production. However, it can be utilized in the synthesis of slow-release fertilizers, requiring smaller quantities and potentially offering cost-effectiveness. This approach enhances soil condition and crop productivity. Challenges are faced due to less commercial production as a result of inadequate power and structural facilities. Exploring the modification of local biochar for slow-release fertilizers through future research offers potential profitability.

Genetic improvement through breeding is one of the key approaches to increasing biomass supply. This paper documents the breeding progress to date for four perennial biomass crops (PBCs) that have high output-input energy ratios: namely Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), species of the genera Miscanthus (miscanthus), Salix (willow) and Populus (poplar). For each crop, we report on the size of germplasm collections, the efforts to date to phenotype and genotype, the diversity available for breeding and on the scale of breeding work as indicated by number of attempted crosses. We also report on the development of faster and more precise breeding using molecular breeding techniques. Poplar is the model tree for genetic studies and is furthest ahead in terms of biological knowledge and genetic resources. Linkage maps, transgenesis and genome editing methods are now being used in commercially focused poplar breeding. These are in development in switchgrass, miscanthus and willow generating large genetic and phenotypic data sets requiring concomitant efforts in informatics to create summaries that can be accessed and used by practical breeders. Cultivars of switchgrass and miscanthus can be seed-based synthetic populations, semihybrids or clones. Willow and poplar cultivars are commercially deployed as clones. At local and regional level, the most advanced cultivars in each crop are at technology readiness levels which could be scaled to planting rates of thousands of hectares per year in about 5 years with existing commercial developers. Investment in further development of better cultivars is subject to current market failure and the long breeding cycles. We conclude that sustained public investment in breeding plays a key role in delivering future mass-scale deployment of PBCs.

Genetic improvement through breeding is one of the key approaches to increasing biomass supply. This paper documents the breeding progress to date for four perennial biomass crops (PBCs) that have high output-input energy ratios: namely Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), species of the genera Miscanthus (miscanthus), Salix (willow) and Populus (poplar). For each crop, we report on the size of germplasm collections, the efforts to date to phenotype and genotype, the diversity available for breeding and on the scale of breeding work as indicated by number of attempted crosses. We also report on the development of faster and more precise breeding using molecular breeding techniques. Poplar is the model tree for genetic studies and is furthest ahead in terms of biological knowledge and genetic resources. Linkage maps, transgenesis and genome editing methods are now being used in commercially focused poplar breeding. These are in development in switchgrass, miscanthus and willow generating large genetic and phenotypic data sets requiring concomitant efforts in informatics to create summaries that can be accessed and used by practical breeders. Cultivars of switchgrass and miscanthus can be seed-based synthetic populations, semihybrids or clones. Willow and poplar cultivars are commercially deployed as clones. At local and regional level, the most advanced cultivars in each crop are at technology readiness levels which could be scaled to planting rates of thousands of hectares per year in about 5 years with existing commercial developers. Investment in further development of better cultivars is subject to current market failure and the long breeding cycles. We conclude that sustained public investment in breeding plays a key role in delivering future mass-scale deployment of PBCs.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depletion of fossil fuels resulted in the search for alternative energy sources that are eco-friendly and renewable. Biodiesel had become one of the promising alternative energy sources in the past decade. The conventional biodiesel production cost is very expensive on an industrial scale and becomes the main challenge. To reduce the production cost, the catalyst is considered a promising tool for speeding the biodiesel production rate. In this aspect, many types of research have been conducted by utilizing catalysts produced from various feedstocks for biodiesel production and purification. Recently, biochar was used as a catalyst for biodiesel production. Henceforth, the present review comprises an overview of biochar feedstock, production of biochar via pyrolysis, activation of biochar and process conditions for biochar. Apart from the production of biochar, the main focus of this review is on the biochar-based catalyst for biodiesel production. This biochar-based catalyst will act as a sustainable source of energy by reducing the economy of biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract 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.

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

The average sizes of copper and nickel nano- and microparticles formed at exploding wires in the range of inhomogeneous and homogeneous heating have been established. The average size of nanoparticles grows, and that of microparticles decreases when the value of energy input into wires reaching E ≈ 0,5Es (Es - sublimation energy). While E > 0.5Es the dependence of the average sizes of nano- and microparticles is weakly expressed. The viscosity of feedstocks increases as the proportion of nanoparticles in the powder increases and their size decreases. At equal dispersity and mass content of particles in the polymer, the feedstock viscosity has been found to depend on the adsorption behavior of metals. The analysis of temperature dependence of the feedstock viscosity based on copper and nickel powders has shown that the optimum values of E/Es for one-stage production of micro-nanoparticle powders by the exploding wires lie in the range of 0.4 ... 0.7. [Display omitted] • Оptimum values of E/Es for production of powders lie in the range of 0.4 ... 0.7 • In the region E/Es < 0.5 observed decrease size nanoparticles • Viscosity of feedstock containing 50 vol% copper and nickel at 130 °C equal to 1000–1500 Pa*s. [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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