Recovery of Nitrogen from Low-Cost Plant Feedstocks Used for Bioenergy: A Review of Availability and Process Order

Abstract

The cost of feedstock is often a major barrier to commercialization for lignocellulosic biofuels. Much of the research on biofuel and biobased chemical production has focused on the carbohydrate, lignin, and lipid components of biomass. There are numerous opportunities for the use of lower-cost feedstocks if more attention were devoted to the recovery and utilization of the protein and other N-containing components. This review compiles data from the last two decades on nonedible/ nonpalatable agricultural residues, deoiled seedcakes, bioethanol and biogas residues, and food wastes, with a focus on the amounts and types of N-containing components. Given the challenges of removing N-containing compounds from biofuel intermediates postconversion, a case is made for the extraction and purification of proteins (and other N-containing compounds) from low-cost lignocellulosic biomass before conversion to fuel. The goal of such processes is to avoid difficult fuel upgrading steps while enhancing the opportunities for additional biorefinery products and sustainable nitrogen cycles.

Effects of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on ruminal fermentation, methane emission, and milk production in lactating dairy cows

“…Globally, rapeseed production is projected to be as high as 80.3 million tons in 2022, of which 30.7 and 37.9 million tons in the form of rapeseed oil and meal, respectively ( USDA, 2022 ). The extraction of rapeseed oil by pressing rapeseeds results in the production of raw rapeseed cake (RC), a by-product known for its rich content of protein, fiber, and minerals, which makes it a potential protein source for animal nutrition ( Bayat et al, 2021 ; Gao et al, 2022 ). Goiri et al (2021) showed that feeding diets containing RC to lactating dairy cows increased milk production.…”