Towards the Promotion of Fuel Briquettes Using Municipal Solid Waste and Residual Biomass in Burundi

Abstract

The issue of domestic energy is still a major concern in developing countries. A sound knowledge of fuel characteristics is a major asset for their acceptability and their distribution. Samples of briquettes made partially with Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) were collected in several companies with unknown characterization. This study intended first to characterize them for physical and chemical properties. Subsequently, energy content of the briquettes and the energy price are presented and compared to those of charcoal and peat, which is typically used by the local population as fuel. To classify the different briquettes according to their quality in terms of rate as well as their level in fire resistance, cooking tests and heating curves have been made. The calorific value of the studied briquettes varied from 12.3 to 18.6 MJ/kg compared to 32.5 MJ/kg for charcoal and 14.7 MJ/kg for peat. Consequently, their value as viable substitutes for charcoal or peat is apparent. However, some samples burn very quickly and do not provide prolonged heating while other samples have a slow rate of combustion and release little energy. Finally, the briquettes using MSW have a low price between $0.16 and $0.19/kg compared to the price of $0.53/kg for charcoal and $0.20/kg for peat. The promotion of these briquettes as a valuable substitution fuel is proved and contribute to sustainable development by reusing MSW and avoiding deforestation.

A Review of Biomass Briquette Binders and Quality Parameters

“…For most of the crops, the amount of burnt biomass has continued to rise, especially in Africa, Asia, and South America. In addition to agroforestry residues, there has been a growing interest in the use of urban and industrial wastes for briquetting [19,20]. This could be attributed to the increasing rural-urban migration resulting in increased generation of industrial and municipal solid wastes.…”

Heavy metal resistant Aspergillus species from soil and water environments impacted by solid wastes dumping exhibit mycoremediative traits

“…Of more concern is the metal deposition into soils which eventually get leached and percolate into groundwater bodies and contribute to water pollution. A times, from the soils, crops can also take-up these metals and may eventually get into food chain (Manirakiza et al, 2020).…”

Operations and Patronage of Private Waste Contractors Initiative of Solid Waste Collection in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

“…Paper, textiles, plastics, glass, metal, ceramics, wood, and toxic wastes are examples of inorganic materials [11]. Batteries [15], hospital and pharmaceutical wastes [11], and industrial residues [17] make up the toxic waste. Unlike the other research, [16] categorization is relied on a household perception survey.…”

“…The public health is at risk due to the poor rate of garbage collection and disposal in Ibadan Metropolis [11], the fact that 77% of residents do not sort their waste [17], the lack of pre-treatment [18], the landfill's uncontrollable nature, the absence of waterproofing, and the presence of heavy metals in leachates that above the acceptable limit [19]. Additionally, trash has the potential to be a source of energy, value, and revenue [14].…”