Distribution and transformation behaviors of heavy metals during liquefaction process of sewage sludge in ethanol-water mixed solvents

Liquefaction of sewage sludge(SS)in ethanol-water cosolvents is a promising process for the preparation of bio-oil/biochar products.Effect of the combined use of ethanol and water on the distribution/transformation behaviors of heavy metals(HMs)contained in raw SS is a key issue on the safety and cleanness of above liquefaction process,which is explored in this study.The results show that pure ethanol facilitates the migration of HMs into biochar products.Pure water yields lower percentages of HMs in mobile/bioavailable speciation.Compared with sole solvent treatment,ethanol-water cosolvent causes a random/average effect on the distribution/transformation behaviors of HMs.After liquefaction of SS in pure water,the contamination degree of HMs is mitigated from high level(25.8(contamination factor))in raw SS to considerable grade(13.4)in biochar and the ecological risk is mitigated from moderate risk(164.5(risk index))to low risk(78.8).Liquefaction of SS in pure ethanol makes no difference to the pollution characteristics of HMs.The combined use of ethanol and water presents similar immobilization effects on HMs to pure water treatment.The contamination factor and risk index of HMs in biochars obtained in ethanol-water cosolvent treatment are 13.1-14.6(considerable grade)and 79.3-101.0(low risk),respectively.In order to further control the pollution of HMs,it is preferentially suggested to improve the liquefaction process of SS in ethanol-water mixed solvents by introducing conventional lignocellulosic/algal biomass,also known as co-liquefaction treatment.

Morphology Control of SrCO_3 Crystals using Complexons as Modifiers in the Ethanol-water mixtures

Using SrC12-6H2O and Na2CO3 as the main raw materials and adding different complexons as modifiers with simple co-precipitation method, SrCO3 crystals with distinct morphologies like spherical, bundle-like, overlapping plate-like, hexagonal star-like, dumbbell-like, etc. can be synthesized in the ethanol-water mixtures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and Fourier transform infrared spectrograph （FT-IR）. The interrelated effect mechanism is presented in the end. Results show that the modifier carboxyl groups play a significant role in controlling the SrCO3 crystal morphologies, which can alter the crystal growth unit （Sr^2＋） supply mode and induce the crystal formation with the morphologies matching their spatial configurations.

Fluorescence spectrum characteristic of ethanol-water excimer and mechanism of resonance energy transfer

The steady-state fluorescence spectrum characteristic of ethanol-water excimer has been studied in this paper. By analysing the features of the sharp emission spectrum with fine structures in a shortwave band and the characteristics of the broad and featureless fluorescence peaks in the longwave band, one can conclude that the excimers are formed between the new ethanol-water cluster molecules in the excited state and the ground state through the interaction among different chromophores. The excitation spectra in the two fluorescence bands have been studied, and their emission mechanisms have been ascertained based on the energy transfer theory. Furthermore, the critical distance of the resonance energy transfer has been calculated.

Ethanol-Water Near-Azeotropic Mixture Dehydration by Compound Starch-Based Adsorbent

Ethanol-water near-azeotropic mixture dehydration was investigated by formulated compound starchbased adsorbent(CSA), which consists of corn, sweet potato and foaming agent. The net retention time and separation factor of water over ethanol were measured by inverse gas chromatography(IGC). Results indicated that water has a longer net retention time than ethanol and that low temperature is beneficial to this dehydration process. Orthogonal test was conducted under different vapor feed flow rates, bed temperatures and bed heights, to obtain optimal fixed-bed dehydration condition. Dynamic saturated adsorbance was also studied. It was found that CSA has the same water adsorption capacity(0.15 g/g)as some commercial molecular sieves. Besides, this biosorptive dehydration process was found to be the most energy-efficient compared with other ethanol purification processes.

Kinetic Study of Cementation of Copper on Zinc Metal in Ethanol-Water Mixtures

The cementation reaction of copper on zinc metal in solutions of different concentrations ofcopper sulphate, at 25℃, has been studied and it is found to be a first order reaction. Moreover,the rates of this reaction at 0.15 mol'L-1 copper sulphate solution have been measured in a varietyof ethanol-water media at temperatures from 20℃ to 40℃. The correlation between the masstransfer coefficient and the dielectric constant has been investigated. Also, the thermodynamicparameters of activation have been calculated. The isokinetic relationship reveals the existenceof compensation effect, where the solute-solvent interactions play an important role.

Identification of Best Model for Equilibrium Data of Ethanol-Water Mixture

Four empirical models are tested for fitting the T-y-x equilibrium data of ethanol-water mixture by minimizing the Root Mean Square （RMS） between equilibrium data and theoretical points. The total pressure of the correspondent data is 101.3 kPa. All models parameters are also identified. The study suggests that NRTL model fits the equilibrium data best with RMS = 0.4 %.

Design of Pilot Plant Packed Column for the Dehydration of Water from Ethanol-Water Mixtures

This use of biomass-based adsorbent has been explored for the column study of the adsorptive dehydration of water in ethanol-water mixtures. The column study was carried out using enzyme modified corn starch and the breakthrough curve parameters were used to design the packed bed column. The effect of flow rate on the breakthrough curves revealed that adsorption efficiency decreased with increased inflow rate. The empty bed contact time (τ) of the pilot plant packed column was 35.35 min while the breakthrough time is 40.78 min. 66.7% was the fraction of capacity left unused for the pilot plant from the design.

Lipase and photodecarboxylase coexpression: A potential strategy for alkane-based biodiesel production from natural triglycerides

Alkane-based biodiesel is considered the next generation of biodiesel owing to its potential environmental benefits and the fact that it exhibits much higher specific caloric values than traditional biodiesel.However,the formidable obstacle impeding the commercialization of this cutting-edge fuel alternative lies in the cost associated with its production.In this study,an engineered strain Escherichia coli(E.coli)showcasing harmonized coexpression of a lipase(from Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase,TLL)and a fatty acid photodecarboxylase(from Chlorella variabilis,CvFAP)was first constructed to transform triglycerides into alkanes.The potential of E.coli BL21(DE3)/pRSFDuet-1-TLL-CvFAP for alkane synthesis was evaluated with tripalmitin as a model substrate under various process conditions.Following a comprehensive examination of the reaction parameters,the scope of the biotransformation was expanded to‘real’substrates(vegetable oils).The results showed that bioderived oils can be transformed into alkanes with high yields(0.80-10.20 mmol·L^(-1))under mild conditions(35℃,pH 8.0,and 36 h)and blue light illumination.The selected processes were performed on an increased lab scale(up to 100 ml)with up to 24.77 mmol·L^(-1) tripalmitin,leading to a yield of 18.89 mmol·L^(-1) pentadecane.With the employment of a method for efficiently producing alkanes under mild conditions and a simple procedure to isolate alkanes from the reaction system,the utilization of sustainable biomass as a fundamental feedstock emerges as the primary solution to lower the cost of alkane-based biodiesel.Thus,this study proposes a readily implementable and highly effective approach for alkane-based biodiesel production.

Performance and Emission Characteristics of a CRDI Diesel Engine Fuelled by SiO_(2) Nanoparticle-Waste Fat Biodiesel Blends

This study investigates the use of waste fat biodiesel(WFB)from the leather industry as a substitute for diesel fuel.Specifically,it examines the diesel engine performance of WFB,a blend of WFB and diesel(B50),and different blends of WFB and silicon dioxide(SiO_(2))nanoparticles(B50SiO_(2)40,B50SiO_(2)80,and B50SiO_(2)120μg/g).The results indicate that the B50SiO_(2)120 blend increases brake thermal efficiency by 10.03%compared to pure biodiesel but falls 1.93%short of neat diesel.Furthermore,the B50SiO_(2)120 mixture reduces smoke,hydrocarbon,and carbon monoxide emissions by 31.87%,34.14%,and 43.97%respectively,compared to diesel.However,the B50SiO_(2)120 blend shows a 4.91%increase in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel.

The Effect of Reaction Temperature, Catalyst Concentration and Alcohol Ratio in the Production of Biodiesel from Raw and Purified Castor Oil

In this study, a homogeneous alkaline catalyst was used in the production of biodiesel from raw and refined castor oil feedstock. The effect of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst between the two feedstocks, raw and refined castor oil was compared. The transesterification technique was utilized in this study, aiming to investigate the effect of different parameters, which include the reaction temperature, methanol-to-oil mole ratio, and catalyst concentration at a constant period of 90 minutes. The result revealed the performance of the KOH catalyst on raw castor oil yielded 98.49% FAME, which was higher than the refined castor oil which yielded 97.9% FAME. The optimal conditions obtained from refined castor oil were applied to raw castor oil because of the same properties. The fuel quality of castor oil and produced biodiesel were tested for physicochemical properties.

Biodiesel from Palm Vegetable Oil

Energy obtained from a variety of non-renewable sources is considered unsustainable. Various fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, are among these sources. The combustion of fossil fuels resulted in the generation of greenhouse gases, which increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Global warming and ozone layer degradation are the negative consequences. In a country like India, where consumable oils are still imported, it is sense to look at the possibility of using such unpalatable oils in CI engines that aren’t often utilized as cooking oil. Palm oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the monocarp of the oil palm’s crop. The main goal is to provide a low-cost, high-performance alternative to diesel. The possibility of palm oil as a realistic, modest, and effective hotspot for the generation of biodiesel is investigated in this research. The article is focused on the comparison of palm oil and diesel in terms of characteristics.

The Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Physico-Chemical Properties of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Derived Biodiesel

Global concerns about the environmental impact of combustion emissions from petroleum fuels influence new research to seek for alternative energy sources. The current study investigates the possibility of using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as an alternative biodiesel raw material. Four plant growth regulators (PGR) were used to boost the production of safflower. Thirteen treatments were constituted from the four plant regulators and applied to the safflower crop arranged in completely randomised design, repeated three times. The results show that the effect of plant growth regulators was not more than that of the control. More studies have to be channelled towards the relationship between safflower and plant growth regulators.

产油酵母的研究现状与展望

生物能源是从生物来源的材料制成的可再生能源,主要分为生物质能、生物燃料、生物气体三大类,具有绿色、低碳、清洁、可再生等优点.微生物油作为第三代生物柴油,有可能成为传统化石燃料的绿色替代品,是缓解能源挑战和环境问题的研究热点.本文综述产油酵母油脂合成与调控机制以及代谢工程等研究进展.产油酵母作为微生物油生产的主体,其异柠檬酸脱氢酶的活性依赖一磷酸腺苷(AMP),使得它们在限氮条件下大量积累油脂;酵母积累油脂受到各种条件的影响(比如碳氮源、温度、溶氧、pH值等),相关碳氮源利用与胁迫调控转录因子GAT1、MIG1、ASG1、MYB、GRAS、CBF11、TORC1 bHLH8和PHD等也调控其脂代谢.但产油酵母相对于酿酒酵母来说,其油脂合成机制与遗传背景依旧不清晰,限制了其工业化应用.因此,未来还需要加强微生物油生产技术的研究,从提高菌株鲁棒性、增加经济性代谢副产物产量、提高廉价底物利用能力等方面降低微生物油的生产成本,使其成为传统化石燃料的有效替代品.

Biodiesel production and its development strategy

Biodiesel, an environmentally friendly biofuel with similar flow and combustion properties as petroleum-based diesel and low emission profile, which is commonly prepared from triglyceride （TG） sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste greases, holds good promises as an alternative to diesel fuel. Alternate fuels for diesel engines have become increasingly important due to diminishing petroleum reserves and awareness of the increased environmental consequences of emissions from petroleum-fuelled engines, as the world is confronted with an energy crisis. Currently, the production of methyl or ethyl esters from edible oils is much more expensive than that of diesel fuels due to the relatively high costs of vegetable oils （about four times the cost of diesel in China）. Methyl esters produced from such oils can be expected to compete economically with diesel fuels, and there is a need to explore low cost alternate feedstocks for the production of biodiesel. Rapeseed is little sensitive to crop input levels, allowing reduction of tillage, irrigation, and weed control. Significant yield increases will be attained using new hybrids and better crop management. Rapeseed cultures in seasonal set-aside lands such as Dongting Lake surroundings can significantly decreases the amount of subsides spent for agricultural overproduction in China, which leads to an increase in farmer incomes as well as the creation of new employment. This significantly lowers production costs, reduces environmental impact, and increases final energy gains. Our rapeseed oil is good source for biodiesel with respect to high oil content and proper fatty acid composition.

Evaluation of biodiesel from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge seed kernel oil from 13 areas in China

Oil content from seed kernels of Xanthoceras sorbifolia from 13 areas in China was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine oil characteristics and biodiesel properties. The seeds had a high kernel percentage (53.67%± 7.51), oil content (52.21%± 4.01), and biodiesel yield (99.77%± 0.21). Among the fatty acids in the oil were high percentages of linoleic acid (41.66 ± 2.26)% and oleic acid (28.44%± 2.03). Most of the fuel properties complied well with the ASTM D6751-10, EN 14214-08, and GB/T 20828-2014 standards. The 13 sampling areas were grouped into four clusters based on different kernel percentage, oil content, biodiesel yield, and fatty acid composition. The results showed that the quality of kernel oils from seeds from Ar Horqin Banner was the best, although kernel oils from seeds in all 13 areas were suitable for biodiesel production. This study provides a basis for selecting optimal sites to harvest seeds from X. sorbifolia.

Optimizing electrocoagulation process for the treatment of biodiesel wastewater using response surface methodology

The production of biodiesel through a transesterification method produces a large amount of wastewater that contains high levels of chemical oxygen demand （COD） and oil and grease （O＆G）. Currently, flotation is the conventional primary treatment for O＆G removal prior to biological treatments. In this study, electrocoagulation （EC） was adopted to treat the biodiesel wastewater. The effects of initial pH, applied voltage, and reaction time on the EC process for the removal of COD, O＆G, and suspended solids （SS） were investigated using one factor at a time experiment. Furthermore, the Box-Behnken design, an experimental design for response surface methodology （RSM）, was used to create a set of 15 experimental runs needed for optimizing of the operating conditions. Quadratic regression models with estimated coefficients were developed to describe the pollutant removals. The experimental results show that EC could effectively reduce COD, O＆G, and SS by 55.43%, 98.42%, and 96.59%, respectively, at the optimum conditions of pH 6.06, applied voltage 18.2 V, and reaction time 23.5 min. The experimental observations were in reasonable agreement with the modeled values.

Carbonaceous residues from biomass gasification as catalysts for biodiesel production

Tars and alkali ashes from biomass gasification processes currently constitute one of the major problems in biomass valorisation, generating clogging of filters and issues related with the purity of syngas production. To date, these waste residues find no useful applications and they are generally disposed upon generation in the gasification process. A detailed analysis of these residues pointed out the presence of high quantities of Ca （〉30 wt%）. TG experiments indicated that a treatment under air at moderate temperatures （400-800 ~C） decomposed the majority of carbon species, while XRD indicated the presence of a crystalline CaO phase. CaO enriched valorized materials turned out to be good heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production from vegetable oils, providing moderate to good activities （50%-70% after 12 h） to fatty acid methyl esters in the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol.

Research on KOH/La-Ba-Al_2O_3 catalysts for biodiesel production via transesterification from microalgae oil

Alumina supports modified by lanthanum （La） and barium （Ba） were prepared by peptization. Catalysts with different KOH contents supported on modified alumina were prepared by impregnation method. Various techniques, including N2 adsorption-desorption （Brunauer-Emmet-Teller method, BET）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy （FT-IR）. Catalytic activity for microalgae oil conversion to methyl ester via transesterification was evaluated and analyzed by GC-MS and GC. BET results showed that the support possessed high specific surface area, suitable pore volume and pore size distribution. Activity results indicated that the catalyst with 25 wt% KOH showed the best activity for microalgae oil conversion. XRD and SEM results revealed that Al-O-K compound was the active phase for microalgae oil conversion. The agglomeration and changing of pore structure should be the main reasons for the catalyst deactivation when KOH content was higher than 30 wt%.

Detailed investigation of optimized alkali catalyzed transesterification of Jatropha oil for biodiesel production

The non-edible oils are believed to be one of the major feedstock for the production of biodiesel in future.In the present study,we investigated the production of Jatropha oil methyl esters（JOMEs） via alkali-catalyzed transesterification route.The biophysical characteristics of Jatropha oil were found within the optimal range in accordance with ASTM standards as a substitute diesel fuel.The chemical composition and production yield of as-synthesized biodiesel were confirmed by various analytical techniques such as FT-IR,1H NMR,13 C NMR and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.A high percentage conversion,～96.09%,of fatty acids into esters was achieved under optimized transesterification conditions with 6 ：1 oil to methanol ratio and 0.9 wt% Na OH for 50 min at ～60°C.Moreover,twelve fatty acids methyl esters（FAME） were quantified in the GC/MS analysis and it was interesting to note that the mass fragmentation pattern of saturated,monounsaturated and diunsaturated FAME was comparable with the literature reported values.

Current scenario and potential of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil in Pakistan: An overview

Biodiesel utilization has been rapidly growing worldwide as the prime alternative to petrodiesel due to a global rise in diesel fuel demand along with hazardous emissions during its thermochemical conversion.Although,several debatable issues including feedstock availability and price,fuel and food competition,changes in land use and greenhouse gas emission have been raised by using edible as well as inedible feedstocks for the production of biodiesel.However,non-crop feedstocks could be a promising alternative.In this article,waste cooking oils have been recommended as a suitable option for biodiesel production bearing in mind the current national situation.The important factors such as the quantity of waste cooking oil produced,crude oil and vegetable oil import expenses,high-speed diesel imports,waste management issues and environmental hazards are considered.Moreover,process simulation and operating cost evaluation of an acid catalyzed biodiesel production unit are also conducted.The simulation results show that the production cost of waste cooking oil-based biodiesel is about 0.66 USD·L-1.We believe that the present overview would open new pathways and ideas for the development of biofuels from waste to energy approach in Pakistan.