Combining phytoremediation and biorefinery: Metal extraction from lead contaminated Miscanthus during pretreatment using the ionoSolv process

Season-dependent physiological behavior of Miscanthus x giganteus growing on heavy-metal contaminated areas in relation to soil properties

“…Specific attention should be paid to avoid dissemination of metals to the atmosphere during the combustion process but also during ashes disposal considering the potential risk of heavy metal and metalloids for human health as clearly demonstrated by Yüksel et al [ 6 ] and by Topaldemir et al [ 7 ]. The quality of the harvested biomass should also be carefully assessed since heavy metals could modify hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin proportion and modify cellulose degree of polymerization and crystalline index which could have an influence on the combustion processes or bioethanol production from Miscanthus x giganteus [ 1 , 22 , 61 ].…”

“…Similarly, the re-mobilisation of pollutants from the shoot to the rhizome during senescence is poorly documented [ 18 ]. Nevertheless, heavy metal distribution in the plant is of paramount importance since it will influence the quality and consequently the potential use of harvested biomass [ [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] ]. Moreover, the presence of heavy metals in senescing leaves will contribute to surface soil pollution through litter contamination [ 23 ] while the storage of putatively toxic elements in the rhizome could compromise the maintenance of the culture by hampering growing of new stems in early spring.…”

Moving towards Biofuels and High-Value Products through Phytoremediation and Biocatalytic Processes

“…As previously reported, the perennial bioenergy crop Miscanthus, grown on soil containing HMs, was treated with protic ionic liquid [120], with the extraction of 99% of the main contaminants. The methodologies have indicated new possibilities in the integration of phytoremediation and biorefining, leading to environmental remediation, clean biofuel production and metal recovery, without the need to incinerate biomass.…”

“…Miscanthus bioenergy feedstock, used for phytoremediation of soil rich in HM contaminants, was treated with an ionic liquid [120]. The ionoSolv process conducted on the biomass (1 h at 150 • C,) allowed the obtainment of a clean pulp rich in cellulose, with the removal of hemicelluloses and 60% of lignin.…”

Protic ionic liquids for sustainable uses

“…However, it should be noted that a significant degree of lignin polycondensation was still observed. The IonoSolv process has also been used to successfully fractionate lignocellulosic components of organic- 148 and metal- 149 contaminated waste wood. Further, successful fractionation of lignocellulosic material from UK invasive species 150 has also been addressed.…”