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Possibilities of Utilising Biomass Collected from Road Verges to Produce Biogas and Biodiesel

Author

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  • Robert Czubaszek

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A Street, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A Street, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Aneta Sienkiewicz

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A Street, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Alicja Piotrowska-Niczyporuk

    (Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J Street, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Martin J. Wassen

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Andrzej Bajguz

    (Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J Street, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland)

Abstract

Grass collected as part of roadside maintenance is conventionally subjected to composting, which has the disadvantage of generating significant CO 2 emissions. Thus, it is crucial to find an alternative method for the utilisation of grass waste. The aim of this study was to determine the specific biogas yield (SBY) from the anaerobic mono-digestion of grass from road verges and to assess the content of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs) in grass in relation to the time of cutting and the preservation method of the studied material. The biochemical biogas potential (BBP) test and the FAMEs content were performed on fresh and ensiled grass collected in spring, summer, and autumn. The highest biogas production was obtained from fresh grass cut in spring (715.05 ± 26.43 NL kg VS −1 ), while the minimum SBY was observed for fresh grass cut in summer (540.19 ± 24.32 NL kg VS −1 ). The methane (CH 4 ) content in the biogas ranged between 55.0 ± 2.0% and 60.0 ± 1.0%. The contents of ammonia (NH 3 ) and hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) in biogas remained below the threshold values for these inhibitors. The highest level of total FAMEs was determined in fresh grass cut in autumn (98.08 ± 19.25 mg g DM −1 ), while the lowest level was detected in fresh grass cut in spring (56.37 ± 7.03 mg g DM −1 ). C16:0 and C18:0, which are ideal for biofuel production, were present in the largest amount (66.87 ± 15.56 mg g DM −1 ) in fresh grass cut in autumn. The ensiling process significantly impacted the content of total FAMEs in spring grass, leading to a reduction in total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and an increase in total unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs). We conclude that grass biomass collected during the maintenance of road verges is a valuable feedstock for the production of both liquid and gaseous biofuels; however, generating energy from biogas appears to be more efficient than producing biodiesel.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Aneta Sienkiewicz & Alicja Piotrowska-Niczyporuk & Martin J. Wassen & Andrzej Bajguz, 2024. "Possibilities of Utilising Biomass Collected from Road Verges to Produce Biogas and Biodiesel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:7:p:1751-:d:1370811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Minjeong Lee & Minseok Yang & Sangki Choi & Jingyeong Shin & Chanhyuk Park & Si-Kyung Cho & Young Mo Kim, 2019. "Sequential Production of Lignin, Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and Biogas from Spent Coffee Grounds via an Integrated Physicochemical and Biological Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-13, June.
    2. Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Piotr Banaszuk & Grzegorz Zając & Martin J. Wassen, 2023. "Grass from Road Verges as a Substrate for Biogas Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Jung, Heejung & Kim, Danbee & Choi, Hyungmin & Lee, Changsoo, 2022. "A review of technologies for in-situ sulfide control in anaerobic digestion," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    4. Westerholm, Maria & Moestedt, Jan & Schnürer, Anna, 2016. "Biogas production through syntrophic acetate oxidation and deliberate operating strategies for improved digester performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 124-135.
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    Keywords

    biogas; grass; road verges; FAME;
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