Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Requirements for Thermochemical Biomass Liquefaction

Elliott, D.C.

doi:10.1007/978-94-011-1336-6_102

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…[45][46][47] Organic compounds such as phenol, toluene, propenal, allyl alcohol and benzene have been identied in PHWW and are known to be toxic to algal growth. 26,[48][49][50] However, concentrations of these organics in PHWW were not previously reported, and more research is needed to elucidate potential toxic effects on algae. In contrast to the autotrophs, heterotrophic microbes showed much less sensitivity to PHWW.…”

Section: Keymentioning

confidence: 99%

A synergistic combination of algal wastewater treatment and hydrothermal biofuel production maximized by nutrient and carbon recycling

Zhou

Schideman

et al. 2013

Energy Environ. Sci.

247

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This study introduces and analyzes a novel system for algal biofuel production that synergistically integrates algal wastewater treatment with hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of wastewater biosolids and algae into bio-crude oil. This system maximizes the biofuel potential of wastewater inputs by internally capturing and recycling carbon and nutrientsa powerful concept referred to as multi-cycle nutrient reuse, which amplifies waste nutrients into multiple cycles of algal biomass and bioenergy production. We call this system "Environment-Enhancing Energy" (E 2 -Energy) because it can simultaneously improve conventional wastewater treatment by nutrient removal and production of a large amount of biofuel co-products.Moreover, E 2 -Energy resolves several key bottlenecks commonly associated with large-scale algal biofuel production including: contamination of target high-oil algal cultures, high nutrient costs/usage, unsustainable fresh water usage, and large energy inputs for dewatering/extraction. A series of algal cultivation and HTL experiments were conducted to confirm the primary steps and performance characteristics of the E 2 -Energy system. These experiments showed: (1) low-oil, mixed algal-bacterial biomass can be successfully cultured with the recycled HTL aqueous product; (2) both organics and nutrients are removed from wastewater during algal-bacterial biomass production (63-95% reduction);(3) this low-oil, algal-bacterial biomass can be converted into bio-crude oil via HTL with a high yield ($50%) and a net positive energy balance; and (4) the HTL step re-releases nutrients to an aqueous phase product that can be recycled back to step (1). This repeating loop of steps 1-4 facilitates multi-cycle reuse of nutrients and thus provides biomass amplification. ‡ A mathematical model was also developed using STELLAâ to simulate mass balances for long-term E 2 -Energy operations with internal recycling of nutrients and carbon. The model results showed that E 2 -Energy can amplify the biomass and biofuel production from wastewater by up to 10 times, which gives it the potential to replace all US petroleum imports using only current wastewater feedstocks and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or point sources. Thus, E 2 -Energy represents a major paradigm shift-where wastewater treatment systems become optimized biofuel producers with enhanced effluent quality, which provides a viable and advantageous pathway to sustainable, carbon-neutral energy independence.

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Section: Keymentioning

confidence: 99%

A synergistic combination of algal wastewater treatment and hydrothermal biofuel production maximized by nutrient and carbon recycling

Zhou

Schideman

et al. 2013

Energy Environ. Sci.

247

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“…Although most samples exhibited 70% efficiency, some catalyst-treated samples showed higher assimilation efficiency by activated sludge, indicating potential biodegradation [204]. Another study demonstrated the significant cytotoxicity of nitrogen organics extracted from HTL-AP, leading to a 50% reduction in cell density at a 7.5% raw HTL aqueous phase concentration [205]. Heavy metals like Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, and Ni, present in HTL-AP, especially from sludge and manure sources, raise significant environmental and safety concerns.…”

Section: Gasmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrothermal Liquefaction: How the Holistic Approach by Nature Will Help Solve the Environmental Conundrum

Ranjbar,

Malcata

2023

Molecules

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Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) represents a beacon of scientific innovation, which unlocks nature’s alchemical wonders while reshaping the waste-to-energy platform. This transformative technology offers sustainable solutions for converting a variety of waste materials to valuable energy products and chemicals—thus addressing environmental concerns, inefficiencies, and high costs associated with conventional waste-management practices. By operating under high temperature and pressure conditions, HTL efficiently reduces waste volume, mitigates harmful pollutant release, and extracts valuable energy from organic waste materials. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the HTL process and explores its applications. Key process parameters, diverse feedstocks, various reactor designs, and recent advancements in HTL technology are thoroughly discussed. Diverse applications of HTL products are examined, and their economic viability toward integration in the market is assessed. Knowledge gaps and opportunities for further exploration are accordingly identified, with a focus on optimizing and scaling up the HTL process for commercial applications. In conclusion, HTL holds great promise as a sustainable technology for waste management, chemical synthesis, and energy production, thus making a significant contribution to a more sustainable future. Its potential to foster a circular economy and its versatility in producing valuable products underscore its transformative role in shaping a more sustainable world.

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The Characterization of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oils

Huffman¹,

Vogiatzis²,

Bridgwater

1993

Advances in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion

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Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Requirements for Thermochemical Biomass Liquefaction

Cited by 8 publications

References 20 publications

A synergistic combination of algal wastewater treatment and hydrothermal biofuel production maximized by nutrient and carbon recycling

A synergistic combination of algal wastewater treatment and hydrothermal biofuel production maximized by nutrient and carbon recycling

Hydrothermal Liquefaction: How the Holistic Approach by Nature Will Help Solve the Environmental Conundrum

The Characterization of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oils

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