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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using residues from cooking oil production to produce alternative biochar fuels along with optimizing the pyrolysis process. The work consisted of carrying out the pyrolysis process at varying temperatures and holding times at the final temperature, and then evaluating the energy potential of the materials studied. Taking into account aspects of environmental emissions, the content of selected oxides in the flue gases generated during the combustion of cakes and the biochar obtained from them was evaluated. Plant biomass derived from a variety of oilseeds, i.e., fennel flower (Nigella sativa L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L. var. Napus), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.), milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), was used to produce biochar. The experimental data have shown that the obtained biochar can have a calorific value of nearly 27 MJ kg−1. The use of pyrolysis allowed for a maximum increase in the calorific value of nearly 41% compared to non-thermally processed cakes and a several-fold decrease in carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions. According to these results, it can be concluded that the pyrolysis process can be an attractive method for using residues from the production of various cooking oils to produce alternative biofuels, developing the potential of the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges of the modern world largely concern the energy sector and determine the search for new envi- ronmentally friendly and, above all, renewable energy sources. We can consider biochar or materials obtained by pyrolysis as an alternative and green fuel. Substrates for the production of such fuels can be biomass of agricultural origin, including straw. In the present study, wheat straw, oat straw, and triticale straw were used to produce pyrolysates. This paper evaluates the modifica- tion of pyrolysis parameters by assessing selected properties of pyrolysates, focusing on the calorific value and parameters characterizing the dust explosion hazard. There was an average increase of 30% in the calorific value of all biocarbons prepared from the three types of straw in relation to the control sample. The anaerobic thermal treatment resulted in a maximum increase in the calorific value to 26.43 MJ kg -1. An increase in such parameters as dust explosive index, the maximum rate of pressure buildup and the maximum explosion pressure was found. However, there was no effect on the increase in the dust explosion risk. Noteworthy, the results indicate that it is possible to use various types of straw to produce biochar fuels by anaerobic thermal treatment without increasing the probability of dust explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is intended to contribute to the evidence of the effects of static magnetic field on cells and tissue, as well as to present research results that will elucidate the complex matters involved in the formation and remodeling of cells. The cell characteristics studied in the papers that are reviewed include cell viability and proliferation, aggregation and their differentiation, structure and membrane potential. A moderate static magnetic field in the most commonly used range of 2-80 mT has potential application in the formation and remodeling of plant and human cells. However, in the case of cancer cells, the range of fields commonly used was 0.2-9 T. Magnetism promotes changes in plant cell growth, which prompts the cell to proliferate, thereby ensuring an increased rate of biomass production. Some researches presented the enhancement of the differentiation of plant cells and skeletal muscle tissue by over 30% at 80 mT static magnetic field. Changes in the cell cycle and growth reflect directly on the cell number and viability and provide useful information to detect modifications in the cell machinery. Static magnetic field, depending on its intensity, enhances cell proliferation and thus may improve, among other processes, tissue regeneration, wound healing and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Researchers showed, among other things, that cells under the influence of static magnetic field changed their shape, had a larger chloroplast, stiffer cell wall, density of the cytoskeleton and cytoplasm contained several mitochondria. Numerous studies also discussed the behavior of the cell membrane of plant and animal organisms, including humans, under the influence of an static magnetic field. The effects of static magnetic field on the cell membrane of plant and human cells were similar. The research results indicate that static magnetic fields can significantly change membrane depolarization and its potential that regulates ion movement and thus can have a significant impact on the properties and biological functionality of the cell. Studies have shown that continuous application of static magnetic field caused deformation and damage of cell membrane. Based on the theoretical analyses presented also in this review, it can be concluded that static magnetic field affects cells and tissue, giving them changes in properties and behaviors and modulates, e.g. in the activity of ion channels. Thus it may produce effects leading to changes in the functioning of the cell. It is possible to formulate directions for further research aimed at using static magnetic fields for the non-invasive remodeling and formation of plant and human cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]