Chemical Characteristics of Biomass Ashes

Abstract

The aim of the conducted research was to obtain information on the main components of ashes from 35 biomass species used in combustion processes to obtain reference data for the development of utility possibilities for these ashes, with particular emphasis on agricultural use. The examined biomass samples were divided into groups depending on origin: woody biomass and energetic woody plants I-WWB, herbaceous and grassy energy plants II-EC, agricultural waste III-AR, forest waste IV-FR and waste from the agri-food industry V-AFIW. The analysis of the studied elements contents was carried out in the designated groups. The chemical composition of ash was dominated by the macroelements Ca, K, P and S, which suggests the possibility of their agricultural use. At the same time, the low content of toxic elements such as As and Pb should not be a limiting feature in their use, with the exception of wood biomass. In addition, ashes obtained from the biomass combustion were enriched with microelements such as Zn, Cu and Mn, which further increases their possibilities of fertilizer use. The potential use of ash from each type of biomass in the aspect of its chemical composition should be considered individually, regardless of the division into groups depending on the origin of biomass.

Environmental Application of Ash from Incinerated Biomass

“…Moreover, ash obtained from biomass can enrich soil with micronutrients, such as Zn, Cu and Mn, which is another argument in favour of using ash as a fertiliser. Whether biomass-based ash can be applied in agriculture is a question that needs to be resolved in every single case, depending on the origin of biomass [5,6,15,16]. The content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in bottom and fly ash obtained from burning wooden pellets and rye straw justifies the use of this material to fertilise soils [17].…”

The Use of Plant Biomass Pellets for Energy Production by Combustion in Dedicated Furnaces

“…The content of carbon in biomass is described as fluctuating from 45% to 56%, reaching 45-47% for straw, 46-52% for wood, bark, and forest waste, and 47-51% for willow. The content of H was 5.4-6.8%, and the content of O was 24.3-46% [10,24,35,37]. The content of sulfur was generally low, from 0.02% to 0.3%.…”

“…The amount of ash generated from biomass is described as variable, depending on the origin of the material. For pure wood, it is within 0.4-1.8%; for wood bark, it is within 6.3-10.4%; for energy plants, it is within 2.4-7.7%; for agricultural biomass, it is within 6.9-9.2%; for agri-food industry wastes, it is within 1.1-9.2% [37].…”

“…This is an element that adversely affects the mechanical elements of the combustion system, mainly solid fuel feeders. It may cause abrasion on their surface, which may also affect the content of Cr and other heavy metals in the ash [10,37].…”

A green approach for treatment of wastewater with manganese using wood ash

“…A common practice for wood ashes arising in industrial power plants is disposal in landfills that causes environmental problems and generates important economical costs . Further, an additional and unnecessary burden for the environment is generated by non‐selective manner collection of ashes from the wood combustion in households . In these conditions, recycling and reuse of wood ashes are essential from an economical and environmental perspective.…”